Photodynamic inactivation by hypericin-P123 on azole-resistant isolates of the Trichophyton rubrum complex as planktonic cells and biofilm.

INTRODUCTION: The Trichophyton rubrum complex comprises the majority of dermatophyte fungi (DM) responsible for chronic cases of onychomycosis, which is treated with oral or topical antifungals. However, owing to antifungal resistance, alternative therapies, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), are needed. This study investigated the frequency of the T. rubrum species complex in onychomycosis cases in the northwestern region of Paraná state, Brazil, and evaluated the efficacy of (PDT) using P123-encapsulated hypericin (Hyp-P123) on clinical isolates of T. rubrum in the planktonic cell and biofilm forms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The frequency of the T. rubrum complex in onychomycosis cases from 2017 to 2021 was evaluated through a data survey of records from the Laboratory of Medical Mycology (LEPAC) of the State University of Maringa (UEM). To determine the effect of PDT-Hyp-P123 on planktonic cells of T. rubrum isolates, 1 × 105 conidia/mL were treated with ten different concentrations of Hyp-P123 and then irradiated with 37.8 J/cm2. Antibiofilm activity of PDT-Hyp-P123 was tested against T. rubrum biofilm in the adhesion phase (3 h), evaluated 72 h after irradiation (37.8 J/cm2), and the mature biofilm (72 h), evaluated immediately after irradiation. In this context, three different parameters were evaluated: cell viability, metabolic activity and total biomass. RESULTS: The T. rubrum species complex was the most frequently isolated DM in onychomycosis cases (approximately 80 %). A significant reduction in fungal growth was observed for 75 % of the clinical isolates tested with a concentration from 0.19 µmol/L Hyp-P123, and 56.25 % had complete inhibition of fungal growth (fungicidal action); while all isolates were azole-resistant. The biofilm of T. rubrum isolates (TR0022 and TR0870) was inactivated in both the adhesion phase and the mature biofilm. CONCLUSION: PDT-Hyp-P123 had antifungal and antibiofilm activity on T. rubrum, which is an important dermatophyte responsible for onychomycosis cases.

[Workplaces occupied by physiotherapists: less demand for primary care]. / Postos de trabalho ocupados por fisioterapeutas: uma menor demanda para a atenção básica.

In view of the expanded view of health proposed by the Unified Health System (SUS), the approach given to the illness process required a prism focused on the biopsychosocial view and no longer on the biomedical model, which led to a reorganization in the training of health professionals. Thus, the National Curriculum Guidelines were established guiding the pedagogical projects of the courses towards the biopsychosocial model, so that the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health contributes to this scenario through its multidimensional and non-reductionist approach. However, physiotherapy has historically been strongly influenced by the biomedical model, distancing it from primary care (PC). This is an exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study, with secondary data source obtained through the National Register of Health Establishments in Brazil, whose objective was to verify, within a 10-year interval, at which level of health care most physiotherapists and their representation in PC are concentrated. The findings indicated that PC represents the minority scenario of jobs occupied by physical therapists, reflecting the hegemony of the biomedical model and reinforcing the rehabilitation character historically given to the profession.

Tendo em vista o olhar ampliado de saúde proposto pelo SUS, a abordagem dada ao processo do adoecimento exigiu um prisma voltado à visão biopsicossocial, e não mais ao modelo biomédico, o que levou a um reordenamento na formação dos profissionais de saúde. Assim, as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais foram instituídas norteando os projetos pedagógicos dos cursos rumo ao modelo biopsicossocial, de forma que a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde contribui para esse cenário por meio de sua abordagem multidimensional e não reducionista. Entretanto, historicamente, a fisioterapia tem forte influência do modelo biomédico, distanciando-a da atenção básica (AB). Este é um estudo exploratório, descritivo e quantitativo, com fonte de dados secundários obtidos por meio do Cadastro Nacional dos Estabelecimentos de Saúde do Brasil, e cujo objetivo foi verificar, dentro de um intervalo de dez anos, em qual nível de assistência à saúde está concentrada a maior parte dos fisioterapeutas e sua representatividade na AB. Os achados indicaram que a AB representa o cenário minoritário dos postos de trabalho ocupados pelos fisioterapeutas, refletindo a hegemonia do modelo biomédico e reforçando o caráter reabilitador dado historicamente à profissão.

Postos de trabalho ocupados por fisioterapeutas: uma menor demanda para a atenção básica / Workplaces occupied by physiotherapists: less demand for primary care

Resumo Tendo em vista o olhar ampliado de saúde proposto pelo SUS, a abordagem dada ao processo do adoecimento exigiu um prisma voltado à visão biopsicossocial, e não mais ao modelo biomédico, o que levou a um reordenamento na formação dos profissionais de saúde. Assim, as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais foram instituídas norteando os projetos pedagógicos dos cursos rumo ao modelo biopsicossocial, de forma que a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde contribui para esse cenário por meio de sua abordagem multidimensional e não reducionista. Entretanto, historicamente, a fisioterapia tem forte influência do modelo biomédico, distanciando-a da atenção básica (AB). Este é um estudo exploratório, descritivo e quantitativo, com fonte de dados secundários obtidos por meio do Cadastro Nacional dos Estabelecimentos de Saúde do Brasil, e cujo objetivo foi verificar, dentro de um intervalo de dez anos, em qual nível de assistência à saúde está concentrada a maior parte dos fisioterapeutas e sua representatividade na AB. Os achados indicaram que a AB representa o cenário minoritário dos postos de trabalho ocupados pelos fisioterapeutas, refletindo a hegemonia do modelo biomédico e reforçando o caráter reabilitador dado historicamente à profissão.

Abstract In view of the expanded view of health proposed by the Unified Health System (SUS), the approach given to the illness process required a prism focused on the biopsychosocial view and no longer on the biomedical model, which led to a reorganization in the training of health professionals. Thus, the National Curriculum Guidelines were established guiding the pedagogical projects of the courses towards the biopsychosocial model, so that the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health contributes to this scenario through its multidimensional and non-reductionist approach. However, physiotherapy has historically been strongly influenced by the biomedical model, distancing it from primary care (PC). This is an exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study, with secondary data source obtained through the National Register of Health Establishments in Brazil, whose objective was to verify, within a 10-year interval, at which level of health care most physiotherapists and their representation in PC are concentrated. The findings indicated that PC represents the minority scenario of jobs occupied by physical therapists, reflecting the hegemony of the biomedical model and reinforcing the rehabilitation character historically given to the profession.

The zoonosis sporotrichosis can be successfully treated by photodynamic therapy: A scoping review.

Sporotrichosis is a worldwide zoonosis, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in human and feline cases reported in Brazil. Despite this, the antifungal treatment for sporotrichosis is still limited, and thus, research into new therapeutic modalities must be encouraged. Recently, photodynamic therapy has been introduced as a treatment for sporotrichosis. This work presents an overview of both in vitro and in vivo studies that have used photodynamic therapy in the context of photoinactivation of Sporothrix species. Until now, as far as the authors are aware, this is the first scope review specifically on photodynamic therapy for the treatment of sporotrichosis. A systematic electronic search was conducted in two databases: Web of Science and PubMed. Seven original articles published from 2010 to July 2021 were selected, six of which met the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria and were considered in this scoping review. Concerning the photoinactivation of Sporothrix spp. the results have been promising as studies, in both animals and humans, have reported significant clinical and mycological effects. The most used photosensitizers were methylene blue and its derivatives, and aminolevulinic acid and its methyl derivative, methyl aminolevulinic acid. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy has great potential in treatment of sporotrichosis, as its fungicidal effect both in vitro and in vivo has clearly been demonstrated. Photodynamic therapy could be used in conjunction with classic antifungal agents to optimize treatment outcomes.

Nanoflakes of chloride zinc-iron-aluminum-based layered double hydroxides obtained from industrial waste: a green approach to mass-scale production.

A greener technology aiming at a smarter industrial waste treatment is proposed to produce chloride iron-zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Waste Pickling Acid (WPA) and sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) from secondary sources were meticulously mixed under mild experimental conditions using a sodium hydroxide solution as a pH-regulator. A set of characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TGA, FTIR, AAS and adsorption-desorption of N2) indicated the formation of highly-dispersed nanoflake crystallites with textural characteristics and thermal stability similar to syntheses with high-quality chemicals. An interesting discussion on chemical composition and M2+/M3+ molar ratio is presented. Although the co-precipitation synthesis was conducted without control of environmental CO2, complete intercalation of the chloride anion was achieved, making these particles more favorable for further anion exchange applications. The experimental variables temperature of reaction and WPA/NaAlO2 volume ratio showed the strongest influence on the LDHs crystallinity and porosity. LDHs architected with iron and zinc have the potential to be applied in systems for removing sulfur gases for cleaner energy production, e.g. in the refining process of biogas to produce biomethane.

The ICF in the pedagogical projects of Physiotherapy courses in Midwest Brazil / A CIF nos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos de Fisioterapia do Centro-Oeste brasileiro

Abstract Introduction: The course pedagogical projects (CPPs) of physical therapy programs in Brazil are based on National Curriculum Guidelines for Physiotherapy (NCGP) and the principles of the National Health System (SUS). The CPPs that guide professional training tend to use a biopsychosocial approach and propose familiarizing undergraduate students with the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health (ICF); as such, they should include the use of this instrument. Objective: Assess CPPs by exploratory document analysis and determine whether they propose teaching and using the ICF in student training. Method: Qualitative-quantitative study with document analysis of CPPs for physical therapy courses in Midwest Brazil, from which information related to the ICF was extracted. Results: The biopsychosocial model and NGCP were identified in the 10 CPPs analyzed and the ICF was found in the curriculum outline of 6 of these, indicating the incorporation of this framework in student training. However, the ICF was only identified in the course objectives and literature references of 4 and 2 CPPs, respectively, suggesting possible shortcomings in its application in these documents. Conclusion: The inclusion of the ICF in some CPPs indicates a positive change and favors understanding of functioning, but does not preclude the need for a broader approach to teaching this classification framework in the remaining CPPs in order to provide student training within a biopsychosocial context.

Resumo Introdução: Os projetos políticos pedagógicos dos cursos de Fisioterapia (PPCs) no Brasil são concebidos à luz das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Fisioterapia (DCNF) e aos princípios do SUS. Assim, os PPCs que norteiam a formação profissional tendem a incluir uma proposta de familiarização dos graduandos com a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) com uma abordagem biopsicossocial, portanto os PPCs deveriam contemplar o uso da CIF. Objetivo: Verificar, por meio da análise exploratória dos PPCs, se existem propostas de ensino e uso da CIF na formação dos alunos. Método: Estudo quali-quantitativo, realizado por meio da análise documental exploratória dos PPCs dos cursos de Fisioterapia do Centro Oeste Brasileiro, dos quais foram extraídas informações de interesse relacionadas à CIF. Resultados: O modelo biopsicossocial e o delineamento das DCNF foram identificados nos 10 PPCs analisados e a CIF foi encontrada na matriz curricular de 6 PPCs, o que aponta positivamente para incorporação da CIF no processo formativo do aluno. Entretanto, somente em 4 PPCs foi possível identificá-la nos objetivos do curso e nas referências bibliográficas de disciplinas obrigatórias, a CIF foi encontrada em apenas 2 PPCs, o que pode indicar nesses documentos, uma possível fragilidade da abordagem da CIF. Conclusão: A presença da CIF em alguns PPCs indica mudanças e favorece o entendimento da funcionalidade, o que não anula a necessidade de uma maior abordagem quanto ao ensino da CIF nos demais PPCs, visando a formação do aluno dentro de um contexto biopsicossocial.