Antibacterial efficacy and mechanisms of action of low power atmospheric pressure cold plasma: membrane permeability, biofilm penetration and antimicrobial sensitization.

AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and mechanisms of inactivation of two clinically relevant ESKAPE bacteria namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by atmospheric pressure cold plasma. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma was generated between two brass grids by applying a radiofrequency electric field to a flow of helium. Intracellular generation of reactive species, alterations in cell membrane, and inactivation of bacteria in planktonic or biofilm growth were studied. Results were compared with commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Plasma exposure generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in bacteria, disrupted membrane integrity and reduced bacterial load. The efficacy in bacterial inactivation was comparable to antibiotics but exhibited a quicker killing rate. The antibacterial effect of plasma synergistically increased in association with antibiotics and did not diminish over repeated exposures, suggesting no development in bacterial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Through generation of reactive species, cold plasma altered cell membrane and effectively inactivated clinically important bacteria, both in suspension and in biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: As cold plasma damages different targets in bacterial cells, it emerges as an effective strategy used alone or in combination with antimicrobial drugs to control microbial infections and prevent the selection of resistant bacterial strains.

Effect of a total smoking ban in a maximum security psychiatric hospital.

An archival study was performed in a maximum security forensic hospital to evaluate the effects of a total ban on smoking and all tobacco products. One hundred and forty patients were characterized as nonsmokers or light, moderate or heavy smokers. Patient records for the four weeks prior to the ban were compared with their records for the four weeks subsequent to the ban. Numbers of sick calls, total disruptive behaviors and verbal aggression declined markedly and significantly following the ban in those patients previously classified as moderate or heavy smokers. Weight increased significantly, but almost equally regardless of previous smoking status. Patients, and eventually staff, tolerated the smoking ban without significant negative effects. Patients relied very little on treatment modalities to alleviate nicotine withdrawal. Pre-ban apprehension by staff and patients dissipated with time after the smoking ban started.

[Total hip-joint prosthesis. Critical long-term review of the new McKee Arden CAD stem prosthesis as compared with the usual McKee Arden prosthesis]. / Artroprotesi totali d'anca. Revisione critica a distanza delle nuove protesi C.A.D. McKee Arden rispetto alle McKee Arden.

The article makes a comparison between the results of total arthroprosthesis operation of the hip with traditional Mckee Arden prosthesis (50 cases operated in the two-year period 1976-77) and those with the new McKee Arden model with C.A.D. stem (52 cases operated in the two-year period 1977-78). All operations were performed at the "G. Pini" Orthopaedic Institute by the same team and with the same surgical technique. The results are based mainly on three parameters (according to McKee): pain, amplitude of movement, and need to use supports. THe Authors conclude by stressing the efficiency of the new model of prosthesis and noting a decrease in intra and post-operative complications.

[Recurring anterior dislocation of the shoulder]. / Lussazione recidivante anteriore di spalla.

The paper makes a pathogenetic study of habitual dislocation of the shoulder, an analysis of the surgical techniques most widely used, and a review of the case histories collected at the G. Pini Orthopaedic Hospital for patients operated by the Bankart-Delitala method. After a short introduction on the general features of the lesion, and on normal human anatomy, the paper sets out the pathological anatomy, aetiopathogenesis and the radiological and clinical picture. Lastly consideration is given to the most widely known and diffused procedures for treatment, divided into: --Operations on the anterior capsule and the glenoidal pad. --Arthroereisis operations. --Tendinous transposition operations. --Tendinous suspension operations. The case histories cover nineteen subjects treated by the Bankart-Delitala method and rechecked at a distance ranging from a year to six years after the date of the operation. Statistical data are presented on age, sex, side affected and final functional data. These results comprise fifteen perfect cases with total recovery of activity and absence of pain. Three cases reported occasional pain, and one a slight sensation of hindrance of movements. No fresh dislocation. The Authors conclude by stressing the complete efficacy of the Bankart-Delitala method, as regards both functional recovery and the capacity for preventing further dislocations.