BDNF Spinal Overexpression after Spinal Cord Injury Partially Protects Soleus Neuromuscular Junction from Disintegration, Increasing VAChT and AChE Transcripts in Soleus but Not Tibialis Anterior Motoneurons.

After spinal cord transection (SCT) the interaction between motoneurons (MNs) and muscle is impaired, due to reorganization of the spinal network after a loss of supraspinal inputs. Rats subjected to SCT, treated with intraspinal injection of a AAV-BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) construct, partially regained the ability to walk. The central effects of this treatment have been identified, but its impact at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has not been characterized. Here, we compared the ability of NMJ pre- and postsynaptic machinery in the ankle extensor (Sol) and flexor (TA) muscles to respond to intraspinal AAV-BDNF after SCT. The gene expression of cholinergic molecules (VAChT, ChAT, AChE, nAChR, mAChR) was investigated in tracer-identified, microdissected MN perikarya, and in muscle fibers with the use of qPCR. In the NMJs, a distribution of VAChT, nAChR and Schwann cells was studied by immunofluorescence, and of synaptic vesicles and membrane active zones by electron microscopy. We showed partial protection of the Sol NMJs from disintegration, and upregulation of the VAChT and AChE transcripts in the Sol, but not the TA MNs after spinal enrichment with BDNF. We propose that the observed discrepancy in response to BDNF treatment is an effect of difference in the TrkB expression setting BDNF responsiveness, and of BDNF demands in Sol and TA muscles.

Regulation of perineuronal net components in the synaptic bouton vicinity on lumbar α-motoneurons in the rat after spinalization and locomotor training: New insights from spatio-temporal changes in gene, protein expression and WFA labeling.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) consist of core proteins and glycosaminoglycan side chains. Tenascins, and hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN), link CSPGs with a hyaluronan backbone to constitute perineuronal nets (PNNs), which ensheath preferentially highly active neurons to maintain architecture and stabilize synapses, but restrict repair plasticity. Spinal cord injury increases CSPG core protein levels in the lesion proximity, limiting permissiveness of the extracellular milieu for fiber regrowth, however regulation of PNNs structure in the vicinity of distant α-motoneurons (MNs) in the course of degeneration and reorganization of their inputs requires research. Here, we examined early and late changes in CSPGs, HAPLN1, tenascin-R, and glial activation along the spinal cord in male rats with complete spinal cord transection (Th10), and their impact on PNNs ensheathing lumbar MNs innervating ankle extensor and flexor muscles, which are in different loading states in paraplegic rats. We show that (1) distance from the lesion site and time after injury (2-5 weeks) differentiate degree of changes in transcription rates (measured with RT-qPCR) of PNNs proteins with increased CSPGs and decreased HAPLN1 transcripts, suggesting long-term PNN destabilization in majority of spinal segments, (2) in lumbar segments PNN composition is not MN-class (extensor vs flexor) specific, both showing early decrease and late upregulation of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) labeling in vicinity of synaptic boutons on MNs, (3) long-term locomotor training tends to reduce WFA(+) PNNs, but not their protein components (immunofluorescence measurements) around MNs. Our results suggest that training-induced regulation may target glycan structures of CSPGs.

Energy Absorbing Properties Analysis of Layers Structure of Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V during Dynamic Impact Loading Tests.

This paper presents the testing methodology of specimens made of layers of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in dynamic impact loading conditions. Tests were carried out using a drop-weight impact tower. The test methodology allowed us to record parameters as displacement or force. Based on recorded data, force and absorbed energy curves during plastic deformation and sheet perforation were created. The characteristics of the fractures were also analyzed. The impact test simulation was carried out in the ABAQUS/Explicit environment. Results for one, two, and three layers of titanium alloy were compared. The increase in force required to initialize the damage and the absorbed energy during plastic deformation can be observed with an increase in the number of layers. The increase in absorbed energy is close to linear. In the simulation process, parameters such as Huber-Mises-Hencky stress value, equivalent plastic strain, temperature increase, and stress triaxiality were analyzed.

The Influence of Incinerated Sewage Sludge as an Aggregate on the Selected Properties of Cement Mortars.

In line with the trend of using waste raw materials in the technology of building materials, experimental studies of cement mortars containing various amounts of fine-grained waste aggregate were carried out. The waste aggregate was based on an incinerated municipal sewage sludge which was mechanically crushed to an appropriate grading. Chemical and physical properties of the waste aggregate are presented. Mortars with varying amounts of waste aggregate as a replacement for natural sand were prepared. Study determines compressive strength and flexural strength up to 56 days. Properties such as capillary action, air content and thermal conductivity were determined. The results of the tests has shown that the incinerated waste sludge can be used as a partial or total replacement for natural aggregate. In mortars with waste aggregate, a favorable relation between flexural and compressive strengths was observed, which translates into increased strength of the interfacial transition zone. A significant increase in water absorption was observed for mortars containing high amounts of waste aggregate, which is directly related to its porous structure. Conducted studied prove that the aggregate obtained from incineration of the municipal sewage sludge can a feasible alternative for natural aggregates in production of masonry and rendering mortars for construction purposes.

Does the Occurrence of Particular Symptoms and Outcomes of Arterial Ischemic Stroke Depend on Sex in Pediatric Patients?-A Pilot Study.

Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in childhood is reported to occur more frequently in boys, which may lead to the assumption that the prevalence of post-stroke deficits is sex related. The present study aimed to evaluate sex-related differences in functional outcomes (hemiparesis, seizures, aphasia, and motor disturbances other than hemiparesis) in pediatric patients with AIS. A total of 89 children (52 boys and 37 girls; mean age at stroke onset: 8.4 ± 5.6 years) were evaluated retrospectively based on data from medical records. The patients were divided into subgroups according to age (i.e., infants and toddlers, children, and adolescents), stroke subtype (i.e., lacunar anterior circulation infarct (LACI), total anterior circulation infarct (TACI), partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI), posterior circulation infarct (POCI)) and stroke location (i.e., anterior stroke, posterior stroke). Significant differences in the prevalence of stroke subtypes between girls and boys were observed (p = 0.034). POCI stroke were found to be more frequent in boys than in girls (OR = 8.57 95%CI 1.05-70.23, p = 0.023). Males predominated in the total group and in all analyzed age subgroups. The proportions of boys within the subgroups according to stroke subtype were extremely high for the POCI and TACI stroke subgroups. On the other hand, girls predominated in the LACI stroke subgroup. Frequency of central type facial nerve palsy and other symptoms of AIS were found to significantly differ between male subgroups according to stroke subtype (p = 0.050 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as between children with anterior stroke and those with posterior stroke (p = 0.059 and p < 0.001, respectively). Post-stroke seizures appeared significantly more commonly in girls with TACI and POCI stroke than in girls with LACI and PACI stroke (p = 0.022). In turn, the prevalence of post-stroke hemiparesis differed between stroke subtypes in boys (p = 0.026). In conclusion, sex may have an impact in predisposing to a certain type of AIS in the patient. Post-stroke seizure may be related to stroke subtype in girls and hemiparesis in boys. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results.

Early pre- and postsynaptic decrease in glutamatergic and cholinergic signaling after spinalization is not modified when stimulating proprioceptive input to the ankle extensor α-motoneurons: Anatomical and neurochemical study.

Alpha-motoneurons (MNs) innervating ankle extensor muscles show reduced peripheral inputs from Ia proprioceptive afferents and cholinergic afferents after chronic spinalization (SCT). That phenomenon is not observed on ankle flexor MNs, indicating a smaller vulnerability of the latter MNs circuit to SCT. Locomotor training of spinal rats which partially restored those inputs to extensor MNs tended to hyper innervate flexor MNs, disclosing a need for selective approaches. In rats with intact spinal cord 7-days of low-threshold proprioceptive stimulation of the tibial nerve enriched glutamatergic Ia and cholinergic innervation of lateral gastrocnemius (LG) MNs, suggesting usefulness of selective stimulation for restoration of inputs to extensor MNs after SCT. Accordingly, to examine its effectiveness after SCT, tibial nerves and soleus muscles were implanted bilaterally, and for MN identification fluorescence tracers to LG and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were injected two weeks prior to spinalization. Stimulation of tibial nerve, controlled by H-reflex recorded in the soleus muscle, started on the third post-SCT day and continued for 7 days. Nine days post-SCT the number and volume of glutamatergic Ia and of cholinergic C-boutons on LG MNs was decreased, but stimulation affected neither of them. Postsynaptically, a threefold decrease of NMDAR NR1 subunit and thirtyfold decrease of M2 muscarinic receptor transcripts caused by SCT were not counteracted by stimulation, whereas a threefold decrease of AMPAR GluR2 subunit tended to deepen after stimulation. We conclude that LG MNs, supported with proprioceptive stimuli after SCT, do not transcribe the perceived cues into compensatory response at the transcriptional level in the early post-SCT period.

Advanced methods to calculation of pressure drop during aeration in composting process.

The objective of our research work was to develop a model that could be used to determine resistance of air flow through a bed of organic material processed in composting operation. The raw material used for testing was organic fraction below 80mm separated from municipal waste. The range of process parameters values treated as independent variables was: for hydraulic load 8.49÷50.96m3·m-2·h-1, thickening coefficient 0.69÷0.94 and airflow direction from the bottom upwards and vice versa. The research work lasting 19÷25days was performed in three independent series varying in the bed height. Material humidity was maintained at a constant level of approx. 45%. Analysis of simulation results allowed for selection of MLP/5-9-1 neural network. High quality of such obtained neural network was confirmed by statistical evaluation indicators represented by a coefficient of correlation between the forecast and real values (0.906) and the range of standardized rests of the forecast results (4.082÷5.453).

Spinalization and locomotor training differentially affect muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 2 abutting on α-motoneurons innervating the ankle extensor and flexor muscles.

Complete thoracic spinal cord transection (SCT) impairs excitatory cholinergic inputs to ankle extensor (soleus; Sol) but not to flexor (tibialis anterior; TA) α-motoneurons (MNs) modifiable by locomotor training applied post-transection. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Sol and TA MNs adapt to changes in cholinergic environment by differential regulation of their muscarinic receptors M2 (M2R). We examined Chrm2 (M2R gene) transcript level, high-affinity 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate-3 H ([3 H]QNB) ligand binding, distribution and density of M2R immunolabeling in lumbar (L) segments in intact and SCT rats, with or without inclusion of 5-week treadmill locomotor training. We show that at the second week after SCT the levels of Chrm2 transcript are reduced in the L3-6 segments, with [3 H]QNB binding decreased selectively in the L5-6 segments, where ankle extensor MNs are predominantly located. At 5 weeks after SCT, [3 H]QNB binding differences between the L3-4 and L5-6 segments are maintained, accompanied by higher density of M2R immunolabeling in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of TA than Sol MNs and by enriched synaptic versus extrasynaptic M2R pools (52% TA vs. 25% Sol MNs). Training normalized M2R in TA MNs, improved locomotion, and reduced frequency of clonic episodes. Our findings indicate higher sensitivity of TA than Sol MNs to cholinergic signaling after SCT, which might shorten flexor twitches duration and contribute to generation of clonic movements. Synaptic enrichment in M2R density may reflect a compensatory mechanism activated in TA and Sol MNs to different extent in response to reduced strength of cholinergic signaling to each MN pool. Open Practices Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge. For more information see: https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

The Effect of Some Natural Essential Oils Against Bovine Mastitis Caused by Prototheca zopfii Isolates In Vitro.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of essential oils obtained from Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum vulgare L., Origanum majerana L., Mentha × piperita L. and Allium ursinum L. against Prototheca zopfii strains that cause inflammation of the udder (mastitis) in cows. The study was conducted on ten strains derived from milk samples. The microdilution method was used to determine the sensitivity of P. zopfii strains to the studied essential oils, and the disk diffusion method was used to determine the sensitivity to antifungal chemotherapeutics. The plates were incubated for 48 h at 37 °C under aerobic conditions. All strains of algae were sensitive to the essential oils marjoram, thyme and oregano and resistant to mint and garlic oils. MIC values ranged from 0.25 to 1 µl/ml. Marjoram oil demonstrated the greatest activity, and oregano oil the weakest. Among the antifungal agents tested, 90% of strains showed sensitivity to nystatin. One of the tested strains (71/IV) was resistant to all investigated antifungal agents. The tested essential oils are known to have anti-algae activity and can be used as natural agents for prophylaxis in animals, particularly in mastitis-affected cows.

The In Vitro Efficacy of Essential Oils and Antifungal Drugs Against Prototheca zopfii.

BACKGROUND: The algae of the genus Prototheca are environmental pathogens whose main reservoir is the habitat of cows. They can cause protothecosis in domestic and wild animals, as well as human beings, with the main etiological agents being Prototheca zopfii in animals and Prototheca wickerhamii in humans. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of selected essential oils and antifungal antibiotics against P. zopfii isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of nine P. zopfii strains isolated from the milk of cows suffering from mastitis. Eight essential oils produced by POLLENA-AROMA, Poland, and nine antifungal agents were tested. The effects of essential oils on P. zopfii were evaluated by microdilution with liquid Sabouraud dextrose broth, and susceptibility to antifungal agents was tested using the disk-diffusion method. RESULTS: All used essential oils inhibited the activity of P. zopfii isolates, with MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 10.5 µl/ml. Cinnamon, clove, and thyme demonstrated the highest activity against the tested P. zopfii strains at concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 µl/ml. Of the antifungal agents, the tested strains were the most sensitive to nystatin (100 %). CONCLUSIONS: The tested essential oils can be used to complement protothecosis therapy in animals and human beings.

The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections.

INTRODUCTION: The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance among clinical strains of pathogenic bacteria has made investigators to search for other active antibacterial agents which could provide a valuable complement to the existing therapies. AIM: To determine the antibacterial activity of clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.) against Staphylococcus clinical strains which were isolated from patients with wound infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive evaluation of Staphylococcus clinical strain resistance to antibiotics was performed. The constituents of clary sage oil were assayed by GC-FID-MS analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested essential oil against staphylococci by the micro-dilution broth method was determined. RESULTS: The clary sage oil was active against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. xylosus with MIC values ranging from 3.75 to 7.00 µl/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the in vitro tests encourage to use formulations containing sage oil as the active natural antimicrobial agent. Because of its antimicrobial properties clary sage oil may be applied to treat wounds and skin infections.

The biological activities of cinnamon, geranium and lavender essential oils.

Acinetobacter sp. represent an important cause of nosocomial infections. Their resistance to some antibiotics, their ability to survive on inanimate surfaces in the hospital environment and their ability to produce biofilms contributes to their virulence. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial properties of cinnamon, lavender and geranium essential oils against bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter isolated from several clinical materials and from the hospital environment. A comprehensive evaluation of the susceptibility of Acinetobacter sp. clinical strains to recommended antibiotics was performed. The constituents of cinnamon, lavender and geranium essential oils were identified by GC-FID-MS analysis, and their Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) against tested clinical strains were determined by the micro-dilution broth method. In addition, the effects of essential oils on the viability of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and glioblastoma cell line (T98G) were evaluated. Cinnamon bark oil was the most active against clinical and environmental strains of Acinetobacter baumannii with MIC values ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 µL/mL. The MIC values for geranium oil were between 7.5 and 9.5 µL/mL, and between 10.5 and 13.0 µL/mL for lavender oil. These essential oils can be best employed in the fight against infections caused by bacteria from Acinetobacter genus as components of formulations for hygiene and disinfection of hospital environment.

[The antibacterial activity of cinnamon oil on the selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria]. / Przeciwbakteryjne dzialanie olejku cynamonowego na wybrane bakterie gram-dodatnie i gram-ujemne.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine the antibacterial activity of cinnamon bark oil against Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates belonging to Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter genera come from different clinical specimens. METHODS: The microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration--MIC for cinnamon bark oil. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics was carried out using disc-diffusion method. RESULTS: Our investigations showed that the tested cinnamon bark oil was inhibiting activity against all isolates. The MIC for Gram-positive bacteria were between 01.25 and 1.5 µl/ml and for Gram-negative between 1.0 and 1.75 µl/ml. The tested bacteria come from Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter genera were susceptible to essential oil obtained from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Ness in low concentrations, despite the fact that the bacteria characterized the high resistance to recommended antibiotics. No correlation was found between the antibiotic resistance of the bacterial strains and their sensitivity to essential oil. CONCLUSIONS: The cinnamon bark oil due to the strong activity can be used as alternative antibacterial agents in cosmetics, toiletries and disinfectants applied in hospital environment.

[The antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil (Origanum heracleoticum L.) against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa]. / Aktywnosc przeciwbakteryjna olejku oreganowego (Origanum heracleoticum L.) wobec szczepów klinicznych Escherichia coli i Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of oregano (Origanum heracleoticum L.) essential oil against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil was investigate against 2 tested and 20 clinical bacterial strains of Escherichia coli and 20 clinical strains o Pseudomonas aeruginosa come from patients with different clinical conditions. METHODS: The agar dilution method was used for microbial growth inhibition at various concentrations ofoil. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics was carried out using disc-diffusion method. RESULTS: The results of experiments showed that the tested oil was active against all of the clinical strains from both genus of bacteria, but strains of Escherichia coli were more sensitive to tested oil. Essential oil from Origanum heracleoticum L. inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains with different patters of resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained outcomes will enable further investigations using oregano essential oil obtained from Origanum heracleoticum L. as alternative antibacterial remedies enhancing healing process in bacterial infections and as an effective means for the prevention of antibiotic-resistant strain development.

[Long-term results of uncemented hip arthroplasty for dysplastic coxarthrosis]. / Odlegle wyniki bezcementowej alloplastyki stawu biodrowego w koksartrozie dysplastycznej.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients (below 50 years of age) with dysplastic coxarthrosis. In the last 20 years, 862 primary uncemented THA, were implanted in our Institution. This surgery was performed in 459 patients. From this group 220 hips in 177 patients (167 women and 10 men), who had dysplastic coxarthrosis, were included in our study. The left hip was operated in 66 and the right one in 68 patients. Bilateral surgery was performed in 43 cases. The means age at the time of hip surgery was 38.3 years (range from 18 to 49 years). The mean follow-up was 9.3 years (range from 2 years to 18.6 years). In 167 (75.8%) patients the operative treatment of DDH was performed during the early childhood (Colonna-Zahradnicek procedures, Dega, Pemberton and Salter pelvic osteotomies). Only 39 (17.7%) patients were treated in the childhood conservatively by means of overhead extension, Frejka pillow or Pavlik harness. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiological. For clinical evaluation the classification system proposed by Merle d'Aubigne and Postel with Chamley modification was used. For radiological evaluation of the steam implantation the classification system proposed by De Lee and Chamley was used and for the cup implantation the system by Gruen and Moreland. The femoral head displacement prior to THA surgery was classified according to Crowe at all. classification. Based on above mentioned criteria in 26 hips (11.8%) the final result was graded as very good, in 61 cases (27.7%) as good, in 94 hips (42.7%) as satisfactory and in the remaining 39 cases (17.8%) the final result was poor. We observed a very strong correlation between clinical and radiological results. According to Crowe and all. classification, in class I we noted 19 (61.3%) very good, 11 (35.5%) good, 1 (3.2%) satisfactory results. In class II in 5 cases (6.6%) the results was very good, 25 (32.9%) good and in 39 (51.3%) satisfactory results. In class III only in 2 cases the final result was graded as very good, and good in 23 hips (25.8%). In class IV there was no very good result, and we observed 19 (21.4%) poor results. In analyzed group in 37 (16.8%) patients the revision hip surgery was necessary because of aseptic prosthesis loosening. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of dysplastic coxarthrosis by means of THA is difficult. The high level of experience is necessary to perform this type of surgery. This type of THA should be performed only in selected orthopaedic centers. Starting the surgery one has to think about complications.

The use of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) in the rehabilitation of patients after total knee arthroplasty.

Background. Total knee alloplasty (TKA) is standard treatment for advanced gonarthrosis. Proper rehabilitation of the operated joint and the patient is essential in order to achieve a satisfactory functional outcome. The aim of our study was to compare rehabilitation methods used for patients recovering from TKA in the Orthopedic Clinic of the Medical University in Lódz, Poland. Material and methods. We studied 186 patients operated for advanced gonarthrosis, ranging in age from 29 to 80 (average 65.8), who had received 197 endoprotheses. From 1986 to 1989 the rehabilitation program included isometric exercises of the muscles in the operated joint, general fitness exercises in bed, and passive exercises of the knee conducted by a physiotherapist. The average stay during this period was 19.7 +/- 2.5 days. In 1989, continuous passive motion (CPM) using an electric rail was introduced to the rehabilitation program. Results. Thanks to the earlier additional flexibility of the operated joint, active exercises and weight bearing on the operated limb could be accelerated. The patients left the Clinic 2 weeks after surgery (13.6 +/- 2.5 days). The change in the rehabilitation program produced a statistically significant increase in the average range of flexion in the operated joint (p = 0.000001) in a significantly shorter time (p = 0.0000). Conclusion. Introducing CPM to the rehabilitation of TKA patients accelerates their progress and reduces hospitalization time, which improves the patients' emotional comfort and enables a faster return to an active life in society.

Basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF)--its biological role in physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Basic-Fibroblast Growth Factor (b-FGF) is a multifunctional polypeptide that promotes growth and differentiation of a broad spectrum of cell types, including dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells and melanocytes. Due to its powerful mitogenic and angiogenic abilities it can influence the tissue remodeling, wound healing, neovascularization and promote tumor growth and metastases. b-FGF is also involved in some inflammatory skin diseases, but its biological role both in physiologic and pathologic conditions is not entirely recognized yet.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its biological activity.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein belonging to the IL-6 family of cytokines. It shows a wide range of biologic activities that include the growth promotion and cell differentiation of different types of target cells, influence on bone metabolism, cachexia, neural development, embryogenesis and inflammation. LIF has potent proinflammatory property, being the inducer of the acute phase protein synthesis and affecting the cell recruitment into the area of damage or inflammation. LIF is also one of the cytokines that are capable to regulate the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, hematopoietic and neuronal cells. Due to its polyfunctional activities, LIF is involved in the pathogenic events and development of many diseases of various origin.

Effect of electromagnetic waves on sensitivity of fungi of the genus Candida to miconazole.

Increasing use of elctromagnetic fields (EF) in the treatment of various diseases may have potential impacts on fungi--possible aetiological factors of concomitant mycoses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EF on miconazole susceptibility among fungi of the genus Candida showing confirmed pathogenicity in humans. Fifteen Candida strains obtained from patients were used and their susceptibility to miconazole was determined by diffusion in agar gel. Antifungal activity of miconazole was assessed as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) which was calculated for Candida strains not exposed to EF (control) and EF-exposed (3 experiments). In the majority of cases the susceptibility of Candida species to miconazole decreased (higher MICs) after the first week of EF exposure, regardless of the EF's parameters. This was followed by an increase in susceptibility (lower MICs) after the second week of exposure to EF of 2 mT intensity and frequency 3 Hz (experiment I) and an EF of 9 mT intensity and 12.5 Hz frequency (experiment II) relative to control. An increase in susceptibility (lower MICs) was observed in the second week of exposure, whatever the parameters of the EF. The application of low intensity, low frequency EF for a period of at least two weeks may be beneficial in the treatment of mycoses caused by pathogenic fungi of Candida genus.