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1.
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen ; 144(4)2024 Mar 19.
Artigo em Inglês, Norueguês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38506017

RESUMO

In some forms of epilepsy, the seizures occur almost exclusively during sleep. This is particularly the case with hypermotor frontal lobe seizures. Clinically it can be difficult to distinguish such seizures from parasomnias and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. This clinical review article aims to highlight the importance of making the correct diagnosis, as these conditions require completely different treatment.


Assuntos
Epilepsia do Lobo Frontal , Parassonias , Humanos , Epilepsia do Lobo Frontal/diagnóstico , Epilepsia do Lobo Frontal/tratamento farmacológico , Eletroencefalografia , Parassonias/diagnóstico , Convulsões/diagnóstico , Convulsões/etiologia , Sono
2.
Epilepsia Open ; 9(2): 704-716, 2024 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38318727

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the long-term efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) compared with epilepsy patients without intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Long-term outcomes from a Norwegian VNS quality registry are reported in 105 patients with DEEs (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [LGS] n = 62; Dravet n = 16; Rett n = 9; other syndromes n = 18) were compared with 212 epilepsy patients without ID, with median follow-up of 88 and 72 months, respectively. Total seizure reduction was evaluated at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months. Effect on different seizure types was evaluated at baseline and last observation carried forward (LOCF). RESULTS: Median monthly seizure frequency at LOCF was reduced by 42.2% (p < 0.001) in patients with DEE and by 55.8% (p < 0.001) in patients without ID. In DEE patients, ≥50% seizure reduction at 6 and 24 months were 17.1% and 37.1%, respectively, and 33.5% and 48.6% for patients without ID. Seizure reduction ≥75% at 60 months occurred in 14.3% of DEE patients and 23.1% of patients without ID. Highest median reduction was for atonic seizures, most notably 64.6% for LGS patients. A better effect was seen at 2 years among DEE patients with unchanged medication compared with those with changed medication (54.5% vs. 35.6% responders, p = 0.078). More DEE patients were reported to have greater improvement in ictal or postictal severity (43.8% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.006) and alertness (62.9% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001) than patients without ID. For both groups, use of the magnet reduced seizure severity. Hoarseness was the most common adverse effect in both groups. In addition, DEE patients were frequently reported to have sleep disturbance, general discomfort, or abdominal problems. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data indicate that VNS is very effective for atonic seizures. Patients without ID had best overall seizure reduction, however, patients with DEE had higher retention rates probably due to other positive effects. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: DEE refers to a group of patients with severe epilepsy and intellectual disability. Many of these patients have restricted lifestyles with frequent seizures. VNS is a treatment option for patients who do not respond well to medicines, either because of insufficient effect or serious adverse effects. Our study shows that VNS is well tolerated in this patient group and leads to a reduction in all seizure types, most notably for seizures leading to fall. Many patients experience other positive effects like shorter and milder seizures, as well as improvement in alertness.


Assuntos
Epilepsia , Deficiência Intelectual , Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut , Estimulação do Nervo Vago , Humanos , Estimulação do Nervo Vago/efeitos adversos , Deficiência Intelectual/terapia , Deficiência Intelectual/etiologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Epilepsia/terapia , Convulsões/etiologia , Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut/terapia
3.
Microorganisms ; 12(1)jan.2024. ilus
Artigo em Inglês | CONASS, Sec. Est. Saúde SP, SESSP-IDPCPROD, Sec. Est. Saúde SP | ID: biblio-1527045

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Despite the excellent properties of silicone endotracheal prostheses, their main limitation is the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm on their surfaces. It can cause local inflammation, interfering with the local healing process and leading to further complications in the clinical scenario. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on multispecies biofilms grown on the silicone protheses' surfaces. In addition to silicone characterization before and after CAP exposure, CAP cytotoxicity on immortalized human bronchial epithelium cell line (BEAS-2B) was evaluated. The aging time test reported that CAP could temporarily change the silicone surface wetting characteristics from hydrophilic (80.5°) to highly hydrophilic (<5°). ATR-FTIR showed no significant alterations in the silicone surficial chemical composition after CAP exposure for 5 min. A significant log reduction in viable cells in monospecies biofilms (log CFU/mL) of C. albicans, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa (0.636, 0.738, and 1.445, respectively) was detected after CAP exposure. Multispecies biofilms exposed to CAP showed significant viability reduction for C. albicans and S. aureus (1.385 and 0.831, respectively). The protocol was not cytotoxic to BEAS-2B. CAP can be a simple and effective method to delay multispecies biofilm formation inside the endotracheal prosthesis.

4.
Microorganisms ; 12(1)2024 Jan 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38257957

RESUMO

Despite the excellent properties of silicone endotracheal prostheses, their main limitation is the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm on their surfaces. It can cause local inflammation, interfering with the local healing process and leading to further complications in the clinical scenario. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on multispecies biofilms grown on the silicone protheses' surfaces. In addition to silicone characterization before and after CAP exposure, CAP cytotoxicity on immortalized human bronchial epithelium cell line (BEAS-2B) was evaluated. The aging time test reported that CAP could temporarily change the silicone surface wetting characteristics from hydrophilic (80.5°) to highly hydrophilic (<5°). ATR-FTIR showed no significant alterations in the silicone surficial chemical composition after CAP exposure for 5 min. A significant log reduction in viable cells in monospecies biofilms (log CFU/mL) of C. albicans, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa (0.636, 0.738, and 1.445, respectively) was detected after CAP exposure. Multispecies biofilms exposed to CAP showed significant viability reduction for C. albicans and S. aureus (1.385 and 0.831, respectively). The protocol was not cytotoxic to BEAS-2B. CAP can be a simple and effective method to delay multispecies biofilm formation inside the endotracheal prosthesis.

5.
Molecules ; 28(23)2023 Dec 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38067648

RESUMO

(1) Background: Previous studies reported the promising inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on Candida albicans. However, the exact mechanisms of CAP's action on the fungal cell are still poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the CAP effect on C. albicans cell wall, by evaluating the alterations on its structure and biochemical composition; (2) Methods: C. albicans cells treated with Helium-CAP were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in order to detect morphological, topographic and biochemical changes in the fungal cell wall. Cells treated with caspofungin were also analyzed for comparative purposes; (3) Results: Expressive morphological and topographic changes, such as increased roughness and shape modification, were observed in the cells after CAP exposure. The alterations detected were similar to those observed after the treatment with caspofungin. The main biochemical changes occurred in polysaccharides content, and an overall decrease in glucans and an increase in chitin synthesis were detected; (4) Conclusions: Helium-CAP caused morphological and topographic alterations in C. albicans cells and affected the cell wall polysaccharide content.


Assuntos
Candida albicans , Gases em Plasma , Caspofungina/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/análise , Equinocandinas/farmacologia , Hélio , Lipopeptídeos/farmacologia , Gases em Plasma/farmacologia , Parede Celular/química
6.
Polymers (Basel) ; 15(16)2023 Aug 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37631400

RESUMO

Although atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) have been widely employed for materials modification, they have some drawbacks, such as the small treatment area (couple of cm2). To overcome this limitation, a funnel-like APPJ with a wide exit has been proposed. In this work, a gas-permeable cotton cloth covered the nozzle of the device to improve the gas flow dynamics and increase its range of operation. The funnel jet was flushed with Ar, and the plasma was ignited in a wide range of gas flow rates and the gap distances between the exit nozzle and the sample holder. The device characterization included electric measurements and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). To evaluate the size of the treatment and the degree of surface modification, large samples of high-density polyethylene (PE) were exposed to plasma for 5 min. Afterward, the samples were analyzed via water contact angle WCA measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that surface modification occurs simultaneously on the top and bottom faces of the samples. However, the treatment incorporated different functional groups on each side.

7.
Biomedicines ; 11(5)2023 May 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37239072

RESUMO

The failure of endodontic treatment is frequently associated with the presence of remaining microorganisms, mainly due to the difficulty of eliminating the biofilm and the limitation of conventional irrigation solutions. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTPP) has been suggested for many applications in the medical field and can be applied directly to biological surfaces or indirectly through activated liquids. This literature review aims to evaluate the potential of NTPP application in Endodontics. A search in the databases Lilacs, Pubmed, and Ebsco was performed. Seventeen manuscripts published between 2007 and 2022 that followed our established inclusion criteria were found. The selected manuscripts evaluated the use of NTPP regarding its antimicrobial activity, in the direct exposure and indirect method, i.e., plasma-activated liquid. Of these, 15 used direct exposure. Different parameters, such as working gas and distance from the apparatus to the substrate, were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. NTPP showed a disinfection property against important endodontic microorganisms, mainly Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial potential was dependent on plasma exposure time, with the highest antimicrobial effects over eight minutes of exposure. Interestingly, the association of NTPP and conventional antimicrobial solutions, in general, was shown to be more effective than both treatments separately. This association showed antimicrobial results with a short plasma exposure time, what could be interesting in clinical practice. However, considering the lack of standardization of the direct exposure parameters and few studies about plasma-activated liquids, more studies in the area for endodontic purposes are still required.

8.
Polymers (Basel) ; 15(2)2023 Jan 16.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36679342

RESUMO

A conical-shaped atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CS-APPJ) was developed to overcome a standard limitation of APPJs, which is their small treatment area. The CS-APPJs increase the treatment area but use the same gas flow. In the present work, polypropylene samples were treated by CS-APPJ and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the contact angle, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was observed that the treatment co-occurs on the face directly in contact with the plasma and on the opposite face (OF) of the samples, i.e., no contact. However, the treatment changed the chemical composition on each side; the OF is rougher than the direct contact face (DCF), probably due to the oxygen groups in excess at the DCF and nitrogen in quantity at the OF. Although simultaneous treatment of both sides of the sample occurs for most atmospheric plasma treatments, this phenomenon is not explored in the literature.

9.
Polymers (Basel) ; 14(21)2022 Oct 26.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36365518

RESUMO

The plasma jet transfer technique relies on a conductive wire at floating potential, which, upon entering in contact with a primary discharge, is capable of igniting a small plasma plume at the distal end of a long flexible plastic tube. In this work, two different long tube configurations were employed for the surface modification of polypropylene (PP) samples using argon as the working gas. One of the jet configurations has a thin copper (Cu) wire, which was installed inside the long tube. In the other configuration, the floating electrode is a metallic mesh placed between two plastic tubes in a coaxial arrangement. In the first case, the tip of the Cu wire is in direct contact with the working gas at the plasma outlet, whereas, in the second, the inner plastic tube provides an additional dielectric barrier that prevents the conductor from being in contact with the gas. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements on treated PP samples revealed that different surface modification radial profiles are formed when the distance (d) between the plasma outlet and target is changed. Moreover, it was found that the highest WCA reduction does not always occur at the point where the plasma impinges the surface of the material, especially when the d value is small. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, it was confirmed that the WCA values are directly linked to the oxygen-functional groups formed on the PP surfaces after the plasma treatment. An analysis of the WCA measurements along the surface, as well as their temporal evolution, together with the XPS data, suggest that, when the treatment is performed at small d values, the plasma jet removes some functional groups at the point where the plasma hits the surface, thus leading to peculiar WCA profiles.

10.
Epilepsia ; 63(2): 414-425, 2022 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34935136

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) over time, and to determine which patient groups derive the most benefit. METHODS: Long-term outcomes are reported in 436 epilepsy patients from a VNS quality registry (52.8% adults, 47.2% children), with a median follow-up of 75 months. Patients were stratified according to evolution of response into constant responders, fluctuating responders, and nonresponders. The effect was evaluated at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of response. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of ≥50% seizure reduction was 60%; however, 15% of patients showed a fluctuating course. Of those becoming responders, 89.5% (230/257) did so within 2 years. A steady increase in effect was observed among constant responders, with 48.7% (19/39) of those becoming seizure-free and 29.3% (39/133) with ≥75% seizure reduction achieving these effects within 2-5 years. Some effect (25%-<50%) at 6 months was a positive predictor of becoming a responder (odds ratio [OR] = 10.18, p < .0001) and having ≥75% reduction at 2 years (OR = 3.34, p = .03). Patients without intellectual disability had ORs of 3.34 and 3.11 of having ≥75% reduction at 2 and 5 years, respectively, and an OR of 6.22 of being seizure-free at last observation. Patients with unchanged antiseizure medication over the observation period showed better responder rates at 2 (63.0% vs. 43.1%, p = .002) and 5 years (63.4% vs. 46.3%, p = .031) than patients whose antiseizure medication was modified. Responder rates were higher for posttraumatic (70.6%, p = .048) and poststroke epilepsies (75.0%, p = .05) than other etiologies (46.5%). SIGNIFICANCE: Our data indicate that the effect of VNS increases over time and that there are important clinical decision points at 6 and 24 months for evaluating and adjusting the treatment. There should be better selection of candidates, as certain patient groups and epilepsy etiologies respond more favorably.


Assuntos
Epilepsia Resistente a Medicamentos , Epilepsia , Estimulação do Nervo Vago , Adulto , Criança , Epilepsia Resistente a Medicamentos/terapia , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Convulsões , Resultado do Tratamento , Nervo Vago/fisiologia , Estimulação do Nervo Vago/efeitos adversos
11.
Epilepsy Res ; 177: 106776, 2021 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34597958

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) is a new non-invasive technique developed as treatment option for drug resistant epilepsy. A few studies have been carried out showing that the efficacy and tolerability of ta-VNS is comparable with traditional implanted VNS but the feasibility of the therapy has been poorly described. This study aimed to explore potential clinical benefits of ta-VNS and to evaluate adaptation, compliance, as well as the usability of the device from a service design perspective. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, clinical, investigator-initiated trial was conducted using the NEMOS® ta-VNS device. After eight weeks baseline, all subjects started ta-VNS with individually adjusted currents for four hours per day for six-months (first endpoint) followed by optional 12 months follow-up (second endpoint). The primary outcome was six months retention rate of ta-VNS therapy. Secondary outcomes included the user retention rate at 12 months follow-up, compliance, changes in scores of psychometric measures. For the study of feasibility, a service design questionnaire on medical devices used in the home was developed. RESULTS: In total 37 subjects had been included in the study after 45 months where the study was prematurely terminated due to recruitment problems and due to a high drop-out rate. Twenty-two subjects (59 %) completed the first six months of the study and in total six subjects (16 %) completed the following 12 months follow-up. The reasons for discontinuation were a mixture of medical and practical issues of which the majority were related to a combination of both. Those, who managed to continue to use ta-VNS throughout the study, gave generally higher scores for the device usability and compatibility with lifestyle. The study turned out to be inadequately powered to reach any conclusion in terms of the clinical benefits of ta-VNS but present an example of difficulties that are encountered in conducting high-quality studies with digital devices. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of ta-VNS therapy showed to be relatively modest which is most likely due to practical usability issues and lifestyle fits. The results of this study stress the importance of generating data based on patients experiences at an early stage during the development phase and when designing clinical trials on medical devices that depend on patient's active participation and motivation.


Assuntos
Epilepsia Resistente a Medicamentos , Estimulação do Nervo Vago , Epilepsia Resistente a Medicamentos/terapia , Estudos de Viabilidade , Humanos , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Nervo Vago , Estimulação do Nervo Vago/métodos
12.
Molecules ; 26(19)2021 Sep 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34641359

RESUMO

The increasing incidence of antifungal resistance represents a great challenge in the medical area and, for this reason, new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of fungal infections are urgently required. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been proposed as a promising alternative technique for the treatment of superficial candidiasis, with inhibitory effect both in vitro and in vivo. However, little is known on the association of CAP with conventional antifungals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the association between CAP and conventional polyene antifungals on Candida albicans biofilms. C. albicans SC 5314 and a clinical isolate were used to grow 24 or 48 h biofilms, under standardized conditions. After that, the biofilms were exposed to nystatin, amphotericin B and CAP, separately or in combination. Different concentrations of the antifungals and sequences of treatment were evaluated to establish the most effective protocol. Biofilms viability after the treatments was compared to negative control. Data were compared by One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey (5%). The results demonstrate that 5 min exposure to CAP showed more effective antifungal effect on biofilms when compared to nystatin and amphotericin B. Additionally, it was detected that CAP showed similar (but smaller in magnitude) effects when applied in association with nystatin and amphotericin B at 40 µg/mL and 60 µg/mL. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of CAP alone was more effective against C. albicans biofilms than in combination with conventional polyene antifungal agents.


Assuntos
Anfotericina B/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Nistatina/farmacologia , Gases em Plasma/farmacologia , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Candida albicans/crescimento & desenvolvimento
13.
Molecules ; 26(18)2021 Sep 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34577061

RESUMO

Due to the limitations of traditional periodontal therapies, and reported cold atmospheric plasma anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial activities, plasma could be an adjuvant therapy to periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis was grown in blood agar. Standardized suspensions were plated on blood agar and plasma-treated for planktonic growth. For biofilm, dual-species Streptococcus gordonii + P. gingivalis biofilm grew for 48 h and then was plasma-treated. XTT assay and CFU counting were performed. Cytotoxicity was accessed immediately or after 24 h. Plasma was applied for 1, 3, 5 or 7 min. In vivo: Thirty C57BI/6 mice were subject to experimental periodontitis for 11 days. Immediately after ligature removal, animals were plasma-treated for 5 min once-Group P1 (n = 10); twice (Day 11 and 13)-Group P2 (n = 10); or not treated-Group S (n = 10). Mice were euthanized on day 15. Histological and microtomography analyses were performed. Significance level was 5%. Halo diameter increased proportionally to time of exposure contrary to CFU/mL counting. Mean/SD of fibroblasts viability did not vary among the groups. Plasma was able to inhibit P. gingivalis in planktonic culture and biofilm in a cell-safe manner. Moreover, plasma treatment in vivo, for 5 min, tends to improve periodontal tissue recovery, proportionally to the number of plasma applications.


Assuntos
Periodontite/tratamento farmacológico , Gases em Plasma/uso terapêutico , Animais , Linhagem Celular , Quimioterapia Adjuvante/métodos , Chlorocebus aethiops , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Gases em Plasma/toxicidade , Porphyromonas gingivalis/efeitos dos fármacos , Streptococcus gordonii/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Vero
14.
Folia Med (Plovdiv) ; 62(2): 295-301, 2020 Jun 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32666760

RESUMO

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Proteins containing advanced glycation end products are highly immunogenic and anti-advanced glycation end products antibodies (anti-AGEs antibodies) are found in the sera of diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for measuring levels of anti-advanced glycation end products antibodies in sera of 93 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension (mean age 61.4±11.3 years, diabetes duration 9.88±3.12 years; hypertension duration 9.28±4.98). These values were compared to serum anti-AGEs antibodies in 42 age and sex matched controls. Diabetics were divided in two groups according to presence or absence of microangiopathy, group 1 (n=67) and group 2 (n=26), respectively. RESULTS: Serum levels of anti-AGEs antibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension were statistically significantly higher than those in the control group (1.39±0.39 vs. 1.05±0.32), (p<0.05). Group 1 showed significantly higher levels of anti-AGEs antibodies than those of healthy controls (1.53±0.14 vs. 1.05±0.32), (p<0.01). Anti-AGEs antibodies levels were higher in patients with microvascular complications than these in patients without complications. Anti-AGEs antibodies correlate with diastolic blood pressure (r=0.26, p=0.05) and body mass index (r=0.37, p=0.03). We found significantly higher percentage of positive patients for anti-AGEs antibodies (mean+2SD) in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Determining the levels of serum anti-AGEs antibodies can help physicians make early diagnosis and prognosis of the severity of late diabetic complications in hypertensive patients.


Assuntos
Autoanticorpos/imunologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/imunologia , Angiopatias Diabéticas/imunologia , Elastina/imunologia , Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada/imunologia , Hipertensão/imunologia , Idoso , Albuminúria/etiologia , Albuminúria/imunologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicações , Angiopatias Diabéticas/etiologia , Neuropatias Diabéticas/etiologia , Neuropatias Diabéticas/imunologia , Retinopatia Diabética/etiologia , Retinopatia Diabética/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Hipertensão/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade
15.
Polymers (Basel) ; 12(5)2020 May 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32370019

RESUMO

In the last decade atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) have been routinely employed for surface processing of polymers due to their capability of generating very reactive chemistry at near-ambient temperature conditions. Usually, the plasma jet modification effect spans over a limited area (typically a few cm²), therefore, for industrial applications, where treatment of large and irregular surfaces is needed, jet and/or sample manipulations are required. More specifically, for treating hollow objects, like pipes and containers, the plasma jet must be introduced inside of them. In this case, a normal jet incidence to treated surface is difficult if not impossible to maintain. In this paper, a plasma jet produced at the end of a long flexible plastic tube was used to treat polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples with different incidence angles and using different process parameters. Decreasing the angle formed between the plasma plume and the substrate leads to increase in the modified area as detected by surface wettability analysis. The same trend was confirmed by the distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS), expanding on starch-iodine-agar plates, where a greater area was covered when the APPJ was tilted. Additionally, UV-VUV irradiation profiles obtained from the plasma jet spreading on the surface confirms such behavior.

16.
Mycopathologia ; 184(5): 585-595, 2019 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31471824

RESUMO

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) jet on Trichophyton rubrum growth, germination and adherence to nail. The effects of plasma jet on T. rubrum conidia germination and on mycelial growth were evaluated by in vitro assays. An ex vivo nail infection model was used to evaluate the effects on conidia adherence and infection. Biochemical analyses of nail fragments exposed or not to CAPP were performed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Plasma jet exposure for 10 and 15 min completely inhibited mycelial growth after only one exposure. Fifteen minutes of exposure could reduce conidia germination in suspension. Fungal suspensions exposed to plasma jet for 10 and 15 min were not able to infect nail specimens. These results were corroborated by ATR-FTIR analyses of nail fragments. In conclusion, single exposure to CAPP for 15 min was able to inhibit fungal growth, adherence and infection capacity. The results suggest that cold atmospheric plasma jet can be a promising alternative for the treatment of onychomycoses caused by T. rubrum.


Assuntos
Pressão Atmosférica , Adesão Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Gases em Plasma , Tinha/prevenção & controle , Trichophyton/efeitos dos fármacos , Voluntários Saudáveis , Humanos , Modelos Teóricos , Micélio/efeitos dos fármacos , Micélio/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Unhas/microbiologia , Trichophyton/crescimento & desenvolvimento
17.
PLoS One ; 13(6): e0199832, 2018.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29949638

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to establish an effective and safe protocol for in vivo oral candidiasis treatment with atmospheric plasma jets. A novel amplitude-modulated cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (AM-CAPPJ) device, operating with Helium, was tested. In vitro assays with Candida albicans biofilms and Vero cells were performed in order to determine the effective parameters with low cytotoxicity. After the determination of such parameters, the protocol was evaluated in experimentally induced oral candidiasis in mice. AM-CAPPJ could significantly reduce the viability of C. albicans biofilms after 5 minutes of plasma exposure when compared to the non-exposed group (p = 0.0033). After this period of exposure, high viability of Vero cells was maintained (86.33 ± 10.45%). Also, no late effects on these cells were observed after 24 and 48 hours (83.24±15.23% and 88.96±18.65%, respectively). Histological analyses revealed significantly lower occurrence of inflammatory alterations in the AM-CAPPJ group when compared to non-treated and nystatin-treated groups (p < 0.0001). Although no significant differences among the values of CFU/tongue were observed among the non-treated group and the groups treated with AM-CAPPJ or nystatin (p = 0.3201), histological analyses revealed marked reduction in candidal tissue invasion. In conclusion, these results point out to a clinical applicability of this protocol, due to the simultaneous anti-inflammatory and inhibitory effects of AM-CAPPJ with low cytotoxicity.


Assuntos
Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Candidíase Bucal/tratamento farmacológico , Hélio/uso terapêutico , Gases em Plasma/uso terapêutico , Animais , Antifúngicos/administração & dosagem , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Pressão Atmosférica , Candida albicans/fisiologia , Candidíase Bucal/microbiologia , Chlorocebus aethiops , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos/instrumentação , Desenho de Equipamento , Hélio/administração & dosagem , Hélio/farmacologia , Camundongos , Gases em Plasma/administração & dosagem , Gases em Plasma/farmacologia , Células Vero
18.
Neurodiagn J ; 56(1): 32-6, 2016 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27180505

RESUMO

Rhythmic midtemporal discharge (RMTD) is a rare, benign EEG pattern that may have epileptic morphology. Recognizing variations of RMTD is important in order to avoid over- or misinterpretation of EEG findings, which may lead to inappropriate treatment and negative consequences for the patient in question. We present a case report of RTMDs during light sleep where initial erroneous description necessitated repeat EEGs and additional diagnostic exams and led to the postponement of obtaining a drivers licence for this young patient.


Assuntos
Epilepsia do Lobo Temporal/fisiopatologia , Sono , Lobo Temporal/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Condução de Veículo , Traumatismos Craniocerebrais/complicações , Eletroencefalografia , Futebol Americano/lesões , Lateralidade Funcional , Humanos , Masculino , Exame Neurológico
19.
Biophys J ; 100(2): 440-9, 2011 Jan 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21244840

RESUMO

The initial output of a time-resolved macromolecular crystallography experiment is a time-dependent series of difference electron density maps that displays the time-dependent changes in underlying structure as a reaction progresses. The goal is to interpret such data in terms of a small number of crystallographically refinable, time-independent structures, each associated with a reaction intermediate; to establish the pathways and rate coefficients by which these intermediates interconvert; and thereby to elucidate a chemical kinetic mechanism. One strategy toward achieving this goal is to use cluster analysis, a statistical method that groups objects based on their similarity. If the difference electron density at a particular voxel in the time-dependent difference electron density (TDED) maps is sensitive to the presence of one and only one intermediate, then its temporal evolution will exactly parallel the concentration profile of that intermediate with time. The rationale is therefore to cluster voxels with respect to the shapes of their TDEDs, so that each group or cluster of voxels corresponds to one structural intermediate. Clusters of voxels whose TDEDs reflect the presence of two or more specific intermediates can also be identified. From such groupings one can then infer the number of intermediates, obtain their time-independent difference density characteristics, and refine the structure of each intermediate. We review the principles of cluster analysis and clustering algorithms in a crystallographic context, and describe the application of the method to simulated and experimental time-resolved crystallographic data for the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein.


Assuntos
Proteínas de Bactérias/química , Análise por Conglomerados , Cristalografia/métodos , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Fotorreceptores Microbianos/química , Algoritmos , Simulação por Computador , Cinética , Substâncias Macromoleculares/química , Conformação Proteica , Fatores de Tempo
20.
Epilepsy Behav ; 16(2): 321-4, 2009 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19699154

RESUMO

The long-term effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on seizure frequency were studied in 30 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Median observation time was 52 months (17-123). The effect parameters investigated were total number of seizures and different seizure types. The median reduction in number of seizures was 60.6%. The effects of VNS varied considerably between seizure types. Best effects were observed with atonic seizures (80.8% median reduction, number of responders: 8/12), followed closely by tonic seizures (73.3% median reduction, number of responders: 8/13). Least effects were with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (median reduction 57.4%, number of responders: 11/20). Additional positive effects included milder or shorter ictal or postictal phase in 16 patients. Improved alertness was reported in 76.7%. Adverse effects, of which drooling and voice alteration were most frequent, were reported in 20 patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in the median number of antiepileptic drugs used. The discontinuation rate was 16.7%.


Assuntos
Epilepsia/terapia , Estimulação do Nervo Vago/métodos , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapêutico , Biofísica , Eletroencefalografia/métodos , Epilepsia/classificação , Epilepsia/patologia , Epilepsia/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Gravação em Vídeo/métodos
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