Analysis of laser therapy effects in Sporothrix schenckii inactivation in vivo

Abstract Introduction Sporotrichosis is a common disease in tropical regions, caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, affecting mainly rural workers and in direct contact with animals. Although treatment by indiscriminate use of oral antifungal drugs gives rise resistant isolates, leading to therapeutic failures and no remission of the disease. To evaluate the effectiveness of red low-power laser photobiomodulation in inactivation of S. schenckii infection induced in rodents. Methods Subcutaneously inoculation (2x103 S. schenckii/ml, 0.2 ml suspension) in the left footpad, in 27 mice divided into: control (n = 6, inoculated, without irradiation): early stage (not inoculated) = 1th biopsy; intermediate (9 weeks of evolution) = 2nd biopsy; final (21 weeks of evolution) = 3th biopsy. Treated (n = 21, inoculated and irradiated): early (13 weeks of evolution, 4 weeks after first irradiation) = 4th biopsy, intermediate (17 weeks of evolution, 8 weeks after first irradiation) = 5th biopsy, final (21 weeks of evolution, 12 weeks after first irradiation) = 6th biopsy. Serial irradiation with biopsies occurred every 30 days during each month, for three months. At the end of testing, the mice were euthanized, and histological analyzes of biopsies were performed. Results Each laser treatment session showed an inactivation of S. schenckii in treated animals compared to controls, with a regression of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, chronic inflammation, neutrophils, granulomas, giant mononuclear cells and steroid corpuscles. Conclusion The laser photobiomodulation was effective on S. schenckii inactivation, appearing to be an interesting therapeutic option in infections caused by this organism.

In vitro reduction of pathogenic sporothrix schenckii fungus by photodynamic therapy / Terapia fotodinâmica na redução in vitro do fungo patogênico sporothrix schenckii

Sporotrichosis is a disease that affects the lymph vessels, skin and some internal organs. Most cases are presented as asubacute chronic mycosis caused by the Sporothrix schenckii fungus; fairly common in tropical regions. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii yeast cells to the effects of photodynamic inactivation.For this, the viable cells were separated into four groups: irradiated with photosensitizer group (L+F+); irradiated withoutphotosensitizer group (L+F-), without irradiation and with photosensitizer group (L-F+); and without irradiation andwithout photosensitizer group (L-F-). The methylene blue photosensitizer concentration used was 0.1 mg/mL, and theAluminum Gallium Arsenide laser dose was 26.3 J/cm2. Then, counting of colony forming units (CFUs) was performedin each group. The main result was that the irradiated group with photosensitizer (L+F+) was the one that showed nogrowth of CFUs. Thus, it was concluded that Sporothrix schenckii can be inactivated by use of photodynamic therapy

A esporotricose é uma doença que afeta os vasos linfáticos, pele e alguns órgãos internos. A maioria dos casos seapresenta como uma micose subaguda à crônica, provocada por fungos do complexo Sporothrix schenckii, bastantecomuns em regiões tropicais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a suscetibilidade aos efeitos da inativação fotodinâmicaem células leveduriformes de fungos do complexo Sporothrix schenckii. Para tal, as células viáveis foram separadas emquatro grupos, sendo estes: grupo irradiado com fotossensibilizador (L+F+); grupo irradiado sem fotossensilizador (L+F-),grupo não irradiado com fotossensibilizador (L-F+); e grupo não irradiado sem fotossensibilizador (L-F-). A concentraçãodo fotossensibilizador azul de metileno utilizada foi de 0,1 mg/mL, e a dosagem do laser de Arseneto de Gálio Alumíniofoi de 26,3 J/cm2. Em seguida, foi realizada a contagem das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs) em cada grupo.Como principal resultado, verificou-se que o grupo irradiado com fotossensibilizador (L+F+) foi o único que nãoapresentou crescimento de UFCs. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que fungos do complexo Sporothrix schenckii podem serinativados com o uso da terapia fotodinâmica

Uso do Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) para determinação dos sintomas físicos e psicoemocionais em funcionários de uma indústria metalúrgica do Vale do Paraíba/SP / Use of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SQR-20) for determination of physical and psycho-emotional symptoms in employees of a metallurgical industry located at Vale do Paraíba – Sao Paulo state - Brazil

Resumo Introdução Sintomas como insônia, fadiga, irritabilidade, esquecimento, dificuldade de concentração e queixas somáticas podem sinalizar a existência dos transtornos mentais comuns (TMC). Rastrear e prevenir a integridade da saúde mental dos trabalhadores se faz necessário atualmente. Assim, objetivou-se investigar a associação dos TMC e as variáveis idade, trabalho em turnos e função desempenhada em funcionários de uma indústria metalúrgica do Vale do Paraíba, interior de São Paulo. Método Utilizou-se a versão brasileira do Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Foram avaliados 77 funcionários (idades entre 20 e 50 anos, média de 35±6 anos). Resultados O segundo turno obteve maior frequência de afetados, com 72%, e na faixa etária entre 33 e 34 anos, com 22%. Entre as variáveis associadas ao humor depressivo-ansioso, verificou-se que a maioria sentia-se nervosa, tensa ou preocupada. Para os sintomas somáticos, a maior parte relatou dores de cabeça frequentes. Quanto ao decréscimo de energia vital, cansar-se com facilidade foi o componente mais influente. Avaliando os pensamentos depressivos, a maioria perdeu o interesse pelas coisas. Evidenciou-se que os ajudantes (31%) e os empilhadeiristas (40%) eram os mais afetados. Conclusão No presente estudo, o SRQ-20 foi eficaz em avaliar os TMC para rastreamento da saúde mental em âmbito ocupacional.

Abstract Introduction Symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and somatic complaints may signal the existence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD). Therefore, tracking these disorders with the aim of preserving the integrity of workers' mental health is currently required. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of CMDs with the variables age, shiftwork, and role in employees of a metallurgical industry located at the region of Vale do Paraiba, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Method The Brazilian version of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used as analytical tool. Results Seventy-seven workers aged 20-50 years were evaluated. The results show that the second work shift presented a higher frequency of affected workers (72%), with 22% of them aged 33-34 years. With respect to the variables associated with depressive-anxious mood, most workers reported feeling nervous, tense or worried. For somatic symptoms, most workers reported frequent headaches. Regarding vital energy decrease, feeling tired easily was detected as the most influential component. For assessment of depressive thoughts, most workers reported frequent loss of interest. The results also show that general assistants (31%) and forklift operators (40%) are the most affected workers. Conclusion The SRQ-20 was effective in assessing CMDs to track occupational mental health.