Gain of Protection Afforded by the Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) UVA1 Filter on Pigmentary and Aging Signs: An Outdoor 4-Week Randomized, Intra-Individual Comparative Study in 52 Brazilian Women.

BACKGROUND: Conventional sunscreens shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays up to 370 nm leaving wavelengths between 370 and 400 nm unfiltered despite their potentially harmful biological and clinical effects. OBJECTIVE: The beneficial effects of methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) UVA1 filter were explored at 1% in a SPF50 sunscreen under outdoors summer conditions against pigmentation and aging signs compared against a reference SPF50 without the MCE filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized comparative intra-individual study was conducted in 52 Brazilian women (phototype I-III). A hemiface application was performed for the SPF50 sunscreen with 1% MCE and SPF50 reference without MCE before 1-h outdoor sunlight exposure, twice daily for 4 weeks. Study endpoint included expert panel grading of pigmentation (3), vascular (1) signs as well as facial skin ageing and assessment of facial skin radiance and skin homogeneity by a naïve panel. RESULTS: Significant differences were reported for all facial signs comparing areas protected with SPF50/MCE and SPF50, respectively: upper lip wrinkles, crow's feet wrinkles, upper lip texture, upper lip pigmentation, vascular abnormalities (all p < 0.0001), texture of the mouth contour (p = 0.001), ptosis of lower face (p = 0.003), lateral facial pigmentation (p = 0.005), and whole face pigmentation (p = 0.01). The evaluations performed by naïve panel showed a significant superiority of the SPF50/MCE product for skin homogeneity (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrates a significant gain of protection with the SPF50 containing 1% MCE in reducing hyperpigmentation, redness and aging signs compared to the same SPF50 sunscreen without MCE, thus supporting the need for an enlarged UVA1 photoprotection.

Determination of relative dose of ionizing radiation in the thyroid gland using a panoramic device with different protocols.

BACKGROUND: The use of panoramic radiography (PR) is a complementary examination to aid in the diagnosis of cases in paediatric dentistry. The lack of specific protocols for these devices, however, can result in high doses of radiation, affecting critical organs such as the thyroid. AIM: To evaluate the discrepancies in ionizing radiation received by the thyroid during PR examinations using anthropomorphic paediatric simulators built from computed tomography images. DESIGN: Two anthropomorphic paediatric phantoms were printed and used, representing children aged 6 and 11 years, with an opening in the thyroid region for the insertion of dosimetric radiographic films. The simulators were subjected to different pre-existing protocols in the PR devices. The radiographic films were processed and analysed using a luxmeter. RESULTS: The radiation dose to the thyroid was higher in the 6-year-old phantom than in the 11-year-old phantom, for given exposure factors. In addition, there was an increase in dose in children's protocols compared with small adult protocols. CONCLUSION: Therefore, companies that develop PR equipment must develop child protocols for separate age groups that will consequently reduce the radiation dose in children, especially in their critical organs.

Effect of texturization on microbial inactivation in UV-C treated orange juice: Predictive modeling and analysis of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris physiological and morphological changes.

UV-C light is an alternative for preserving clear fruit-based drinks, replacing existing thermal treatments that degrade product quality and are ineffective against some microorganisms, including Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, a spoiling agent of concern in the juice sector. Texturizing agents are essential since consumers' preferences for these products strongly depend on the mouthfeel. However, the complexity of the treated texturized system may have an essential influence on UV-C effectiveness. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of texturization on the UV-C inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores (AA) and separate cocktails of Escherichia coli (ECC), yeast (YC), and Salmonella (SC) in orange juice. Binary combinations (0.0 to 0.3 % w/v) of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum (GG) were added to orange juice (OJ). A multiple regression analysis identified suitable CMC and GG combinations with optimal viscosity (~ 20 mPa.s) and maximum suspended particles (%S), leading to two formulations: TOJ1 (0.075 % w/v CMC + 0.15 % w/v GG at five °C) and TOJ2 (0.045 % w/v CMC + 0.165 % w/v GG). A consumer field test confirmed the advantages of sweetness, bitterness, flavor, color, and body/viscosity, establishing it as the best formulation. UV-C assisted by mild heat (UV-C/H) inactivation in OJ and TOJ1 was determined (1651 mJ/cm2, 50 °C, 1.8 L/min). Single treatments (UV-C and H) were also performed to evaluate synergy. The UV-C/H induced damage on AA spores was measured by flow cytometry (FC) labeling with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) for monitoring membrane integrity. The bacterial cocktails were the most sensitive to the UV-C treatments, followed by YC and AA. UV-C achieved moderate inactivation (1.6-4.6 log reductions) in non-texturized OJ, while UV-C/H significantly enhanced microbial sensitivity (3.4-7.5 log reductions). Texturization slightly reduced UV-C effectiveness, achieving 2.9-5.2 log reductions in TOJ1. The Weibull model provided the best fit characterizing UV-C inactivation with evidence of subpopulations of different resistances. In TOJ1 treated by UV-C/H, the flow cytometry study revealed membrane-compromised AA spores with a gradual increase of PI+ cells with treatment time. The scanning electron micrographs showed structural damage, less evident in the texturized system. The results suggest that UV-C can be used to process texturized orange juice and could be a promising alternative for controlling Alicyclobacillus spp. spores and other microbial strains in industrialized orange juice.

Unraveling the intrinsic and photodynamic effects of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine on bioenergetics and oxidative state in rat liver mitochondria.

Previous research has revealed that mitochondria are an important target for photodynamic therapy (PDT), which might be employed as a therapeutic approach for several malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated both intrinsic toxicity and photodynamic effects of the photosensitizer (PS) aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (AlClPc) on mitochondrial functions. Several aspects of mitochondrial bioenergetics, structure, and oxidative state were investigated in the isolated mitochondria obtained from rat liver by differential centrifugation. Additionally, experiments were conducted to demonstrate the intrinsic and photodynamic effects of AlClPc on the viability of HepG2 cells. AlClPc interacted with mitochondria regardless of photostimulation; however, at the maximum utilized concentration (40 µM), photostimulation reduced its interaction with mitochondria. Although AlClPc hindered catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities intrinsically, it had no discernable capacity to generate oxidative stress or impact bioenergetics in mitochondria without photostimulation, as one would anticipate from an ideal PS. When exposed to light, however, AlClPc had a substantially unfavorable influence on mitochondrial function, strengthening its intrinsic inhibitory action on CAT, producing oxidative stress, and jeopardizing mitochondrial bioenergetics. In terms of oxidative stress parameters, AlClPc induced lipid peroxidation and decreased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in mitochondria. Regarding bioenergetics, AlClPc promoted oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling and photodynamic inactivation of complex I, complex II, and the FoF1-ATP synthase complex, lowering mitochondrial ATP production. Lastly, AlClPc exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in the viability of HepG2 cells, regardless of the presence or absence of photostimulation. While the harmful photodynamic effects of AlClPc on mitochondrial bioenergetics hold promise for treating HCC and other malignancies, the inherent toxic impacts on HepG2 cells underscore the need for caution in its application for this purpose.

Clinical and histomorphometric evaluation of the vagina following treatment with CO2 laser, radiofrequency, and promestriene for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors on adjuvant therapy.

PURPOSE: To perform clinical and histomorphometric evaluations of the vagina before and after treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause with CO2 laser, fractional radiofrequency, and promestriene in breast cancer survivors using adjuvant endocrine therapy. METHODS: The study included women experiencing moderate to severe genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Following pre- and post-treatment protocols, participants graded their symptoms on a visual analog scale and underwent a gynecological examination to evaluate the Vaginal Health Index and obtain a vaginal biopsy. Subsequently, they were randomized to laser, radiofrequency, and promestriene groups. The energy groups underwent three consecutive monthly outpatient vulvovaginal treatments, while the control group received promestriene treatment for four months, followed by a post-treatment evaluation. RESULTS: Sixty-two women completed the study protocol (21 laser, 20 radiofrequency, and 21 promestriene). While histological differences (vaginal thickness [p = 0.002] and number of stromal papillae [p = 0.004]) were observed between the pretreatment samples of tamoxifen and anastrozole users, the symptoms did not differ between them. A decrease in symptom intensity (p < 0.05) and an improvement in the Vaginal Health Index (p < 0.001) were observed post-treatment, regardless of the type of adjuvant endocrine therapy used. Most pretreatment vaginal samples did not indicate histological atrophy, and no significant histological differences were observed after treatment. No clinical or histological damage was observed. CONCLUSION: CO2 laser and radiofrequency therapies could be considered alternative treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors receiving adjuvant therapy. These treatments promoted significant improvements comparable to those delivered by promestriene, without histological or clinical tissue damage. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04081805.

UV-C light-activated gallic acid and non-thermal technologies for inactivating Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated in aqueous solution and whole cow milk.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UV-C light-activated gallic acid (GA) alone and combined with ultrasound (US) or ultraviolet-C light (UV-C, 254 nm) on the inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium in aqueous solution for being later applied to whole cow milk. First-order, Weibull, and Beta models were used to describe the inactivation kinetics of S. Typhimurium by GA alone and combined with non-thermal technologies. Results indicated that GA concentration, the UV-C light activation process, and the combination of US and UV-C light significantly affected (p < 0.05) the inactivation of S. Typhimurium in aqueous solution, which was properly described by the first order (R2 > 0.84), Weibull (R2 > 0.96), and Beta (R2 > 0.83) models. The activation process of GA increased its antimicrobial activity in the range of 40.87-101.44 %. Moreover, with the highest concentration of GA and the application of US or UV-C light, >5 log reductions were achieved. Nevertheless, although these combinations were applied to whole cow milk, a low reduction (2.0-log cycles) was obtained, regardless of the GA activation and non-thermal technologies. Therefore, the effect of GA, whether UV-C light activated or not, on S. Typhimurium depends on the food matrix. This highlights that in whole cow milk, this treatment was insufficient to ensure safety, even when combined with non-thermal technologies. INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE: UV-C light and US are non-thermal technologies used as alternatives to thermal treatments. These technologies can be used on their own or in combination; however, in many cases, the necessary microbial reduction is not attained, thus the use of complementary techniques or processes is required. GA is a phenolic compound with low antimicrobial activity; however, UV-C light may activate its antimicrobial activity. In this sense, this study shows the potential application of GA and non-thermal technologies for inactivating S. Typhimurium in an aqueous solution and the first approach of this methodology in whole cow milk as a liquid food product.

SARS-CoV-2 surrogate bacteriophage φ6 cross-contamination between fruits and gloves, survival on discarded gloves and inactivation by photodynamic treatment.

This study assessed the SARS-CoV-2 surrogate bacteriophage φ6 cross-contamination between high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride gloves and fruits (tomato and cucumber) using different inoculum levels (6.0 and 4.0 log PFU/sample). Bacteriophage φ6 survival on contaminated gloves was assessed over 9 days at 25 °C. The effectiveness of photodynamic treatment using curcumin as a photosensitizer to inactivate φ6 on fruits was determined. The fruit type and the glove material influenced the φ6 transfer. Longer contact times resulted in greater φ6 transfer. The highest φ6 transfer occurred from tomato to HDPE glove (0.8% or -1.1 log % transfer) after 30 s of contact at the higher inoculum level. Bacteriophage φ6 was detected on cross-contaminated HDPE gloves for up to 6 days. Bacteriophage φ6 survived better on vinyl gloves cross-contaminated by cucumber vs. tomato (detected up to 6 vs 3 days). Photodynamic inactivation of φ6 was time-dependent and varied with the tested fruit but was not influenced by viral starting concentration. Photodynamic treatment decreased the φ6 titer by 3.0 and 2.2 log PFU/sample in tomato and cucumber, respectively. Transmission electronic microscopy showed that photodynamic treatment changed the structure of the φ6 capsid. These findings may help in the management of SARS-CoV-2 contamination risks in fruit handling. They may also help in the establishment of effective measures to manage cross-contamination risk.

Effect of nutritional stress and photobiomodulation protocol on in vitro viability and proliferation of murine preosteoblast cells.

This study aimed to assess the impact of nutritional conditions and irradiation parameters on the viability and proliferation of murine preosteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were maintained under standard culture conditions (αMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum) or nutritional deficit conditions (αMEM without serum) and irradiated or not (control) with an InGaAlP diode laser at wavelengths of 660 nm (red) or 790 nm (infrared), with doses of 1, 4, or 6 J/cm², in a single dose in continuous mode. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation using the Alamar blue reduction assay. The cell cycle and events related to cell death were evaluated via propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin V/PI assays, respectively, through flow cytometry. The data revealed that in cells cultured with normal nutrition (10% FBS), there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in cell viability or proliferation among the different irradiation protocols. In contrast, in the experiments conducted under nutritional deficiency, the infrared laser at a dose of 6 J/cm² significantly increased (p < 0.05) cell viability and proliferation compared with those of the control group at 72 h. The data were confirmed by cell cycle and cell death events (Annexin V/PI) assays. These results suggest that in vitro PBM yields more consistent biostimulatory effects on pre-osteoblasts subjected to nutritional deficiency, highlighting the need for attention to simulate these conditions in studies with laser therapy in in vitro bone disease models and in in vitro experiments using PBM for bone tissue engineering.

Photobiomodulation in post menopause genitourinary syndrome-Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) defines a set of symptoms associated with an estrogen deficit involving alterations in organs genitourinary and that results in several urinary, genital, and sexual alterations. Brazilian women live about a third of their life after menopause, where hormonal changes occur along with clinical manifestations, characterized by vaginal and vulvar dryness, burning sensation, discomfort, vulvovaginal irritation, lack of lubrication, dyspareunia and urinary incontinence. Fractionated photothermolysis and radiofrequency systems, alone or in combination were tested to improve GSM. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to elaborate a protocol to evaluate the clinical response of patients with symptoms of GSM after the application of photobiomodulation in the vulvar region. METHOD: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study protocol, women over 50 years of age who are in the postmenopausal period (amenorrhea for at least 12 months, with no pathology involved) with one or more symptoms of GSM will be randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 30) will receive four consecutive applications, weekly, using DMC laser diode (λ = 808 nm), 4J per point, 100mW of power, 1,016W/cm2, 8 sites in the vulvar region, The Placebo Group (n = 30) will be handled as treated, but with the laser turned off. The quality of life will be assessed using female sexual functioning index (FSFI-6), urinary incontinence questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), Quality of life will be analyzed using the female sexual functioning index (FSFI-6). The intensity of menopausal symptoms will be evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the vulvo vaginal atrophy will be measured by the Vaginal Health Index (VHI). Also, the vaginal temperature will be measured using a thermal camera, the pressure of the pelvic floor force (vaginal dynamometer) and a 1-hour Pad Test will be performed to quantify the urinary loss. With this procedure, we intend to obtain an overall better life quality and diminished symptoms in women with GSM. All assessments will be performed prior to the first irradiation and after the last one. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05557799.

Ionizing radiation effects on osseointegration: a pre-clinical study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single dose of ionizing radiation (30 Gy) on the osseointegration of implants in the rabbit tibia. Twenty rabbits received two dental Morse-tapered junction implants and one implant in each tibia. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (n=10), non-irradiated (NoIr) and irradiated (Ir), wherein the Ir group received a single dose of 30 Gy radiation 2 weeks after implant installation. Microtomographic analyses (BV/TV) and histomorphometric assessments (BIC and BABT) were performed 4 weeks after implant installation. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Student's t-test (α=0.05) were used for data analysis. The results showed that BV/TV did not differ significantly between the Ir and NoIr groups (P = 0.071). In the histomorphometric analysis, neither BIC nor BABT showed significant differences between the NoIr and Ir groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, ionizing radiation in dental implants does not appear to interfere with osseointegration when installed prior to irradiation.

Fractal analysis and assessment of lacunarity in mandibular osteoradionecrosis: a cross-sectional study with control group.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity of the mandibular bone, comparing patients with and without osteoradionecrosis (ORN). In a cross-sectional study with a control group, 25 patients were included and divided into a case group (with ORN, n = 14) and a control group (without ORN, n = 11). A digital panoramic radiograph taken after the end of radiotherapy (RT) was evaluated for each patient. FD and lacunarity of the mandibular bone were determined using ImageJ software. Descriptive, bivariate, and ROC curve analyses were performed. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated. Significance was established at p < 0.05. The mean FD and lacunarity values were not significantly different between the groups. The area under the curve for FD and lacunarity were 0.579 and 0.661, respectively. The cut-off point for FD was ≤1.1714 and for lacunarity, > 0.3821, correctly classifying the majority of cases and controls. Most participants in the case group (63.6%) had a FD ≤ 1.1714 and the majority of participants in the control group (63.6%) had a FD >1.1714 (p = 0.395). For lacunarity, most individuals in the case group (72.7%) had a value > 0.3821 and most participants in the control group (63.6%) had a value ≤ 0.3821 (p = 0.198). In conclusion, the FD and lacunarity values did not show statistically significant differences between patients with and without ORN. However, the moderate and large magnitude of the effects seem to indicate that the results may be clinically relevant.

Photodynamic inactivation strategies for maximizing antifungal effect against Sporothrix spp. and Candida albicans in an in vitro investigation.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix spp., leading to skin lesions that can, in some cases, progress and result in the death of infected individuals. Candida albicans is another fungus involved in several skin, oral, and vaginal mucosal infections. Fungal diseases are concerning due to increasing incidence and the limited variety of antifungal classes available for treatment. Furthermore, antifungal medications can cause various side effects, exacerbated by their prolonged use during infection treatment. There is a need to explore alternatives to conventional drugs that are effective, fast, and safe in combating sporotrichosis. This study aimed to achieve in vitro elimination of the fungi Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii through Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI), using curcumin as a photosensitizer and in combination with antifungal agents used in the treatment of sporotrichosis. METHODOLOGY: Yeasts of Candida albicans, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix schenckii were subjected to Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) using light at a wavelength of 450 ± 10 nm, irradiance of 35 mW/cm2, delivering a fluence of 31.5 J/cm2, with curcumin as the photosensitizer at doses ranging from 0.75 to 150 µg/mL. After determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of the antifungal drugs itraconazole, ketoconazole, and potassium iodide, sub-MIC doses of these antifungals were combined with sub-MIC doses of curcumin in a new PDI session. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic inactivation is a promising technique in the treatment of sporotrichosis, as well as its combination with antifungals. The combination of curcumin in concentrations ranging from 0.75 g/mL a 7.5 g/mL with sub-MIC concentrations of itraconazole, ketoconazole, and potassium iodide was able to completely inactivate the fungi C. albicans, S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii, indicating that PDI may increase the effectiveness of antifungals. However, further studies are needed to establish protocols for future clinical applications.

Prolonged Photobiomodulation with Deep Red Light Mitigates Incipient Retinal Deterioration in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by progressive damage to the retinal structure and function. Photobiomodulation therapy, using red or near-infrared light, has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention to mitigate retinal damage, but has been tested generally with short-term stimuli. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged photobiomodulation with deep red light on retinal structure and function in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. Transgenic LepRdb/J (db/db) mice were exposed to photobiomodulation therapy via LED devices emitting 654 nm light for 12 h daily over ten weeks and compared to untreated mice. Retinal function was evaluated by flash electroretinography, while structural changes were assessed through histology and immunohistochemistry to detect astro- and microgliosis. At 33 weeks of age, db/db mice were obese and severely diabetic, but exhibited only incipient indicators of retinal deterioration. Electroretinogram b-wave peak latencies were prolonged at intermediate flash intensities, while the outer plexiform layer displayed significantly elevated IBA1 expression. Photobiomodulation therapy prevented these two markers of early retinal deterioration but had no effect on other morphological and functional parameters. Photobiomodulation is well-tolerated and maintains potential as a complementary treatment option for diabetic retinopathy but requires further optimization of therapeutic settings and combinatory treatment approaches.

Radiation dose assessment of pediatric computed tomography of the chest: the need to consider patient size.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiation dose of chest computed tomography (CT) examinations of pediatric patients and the extent to which volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) underestimates radiation dose in comparison to size specific dose estimates (SSDE). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective study of consecutive unenhanced pediatric (age <18 years) chest CTs between October 2015 and October 2016. Radiation dose as well as demographic and clinical data were recorded from 133 chest CTs. Patients were grouped into 4 categories based on mean effective diameter of the chest. SSDE was generated for each patient according to the water equivalent and effective diameter and compared to CTDIvol. Factors associated with higher radiation doses were assessed. RESULTS: CTDIvol underestimated radiation dose by 54.7%, 47.6%, 40.2%, and 31.2% (P < .001) for effective diameter groups 1 to 4, respectively, when compared to SSDE (calculated according to the water equivalent). When calculated according to the effective diameter, CTDIvol underestimated radiation dose by 47.6%, 39.4%, 27%, and 12.3% (P < .001) for effective diameter groups 1 to 4, respectively, when compared to SSDE. CT dose parameters, age, weight, Dw, and mean effective diameter were variables associated with higher radiation doses. CONCLUSION: CTDIvol systematically underestimated radiation dose in comparison to SSDE in pediatric patients submitted to chest CT and should not be used as the primary parameter to monitor CT protocols in these patients. SSDE calculated according to effective diameter also underestimates the radiation dose compared to SSDE calculated based on water equivalent.

Photodynamic inactivation and its effects on the heterogeneity of bacterial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to global public health, requiring innovative approaches for its control. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) with light-activated photosensitizers has emerged as a strategy to combat resistant bacteria, challenging the intrinsic heterogeneity of bacterial populations. This study evaluates the impact of PDI on both heterogeneity and shape of the distribution profile of resistant bacterial populations, specifically on strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to amoxicillin, erythromycin, and gentamicin, for exploring its potential as an adjuvant therapy in the fight against bacterial resistance. Curcumin (10 µM) was used as a photosensitizer and five cycles of PDI were applied on Staphylococcus aureus strains under 450 nm irradiation of 10 J/cm² energy density. The resistance variations amongst bacterial subpopulations were investigated by calculating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) before and after PDI treatment. MIC was significantly reduced by the antibiotics tested post-PDI and a reduction in the heterogeneity of bacterial populations was recorded, suggesting PDI can effectively decrease the resistance diversity of Staphylococcus aureus. The result reinforces the potential of PDI as a valuable adjuvant therapy, offering a promising avenue for mitigating bacterial resistance and promoting more effective treatment strategies against resistant infections.

Local and systemic photobiomodulation using a 650 nm LED on skin temperature and hyperalgesia in cellulite: a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded clinical trial.

Cellulite is a skin condition that significantly affects women, characterized by "holes" or depressions in the skin, affecting approximately 95% of women at some point in their lives. Cellulite often presents inflammatory symptoms such as increased skin temperature and hyperalgesia. Photobiomodulation, whether applied locally or systemically, has demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects in various conditions. This study investigates the effects of local and systemic photobiomodulation on hip culottes temperature increases and hyperalgesia in patients with grades 2 to 4 cellulite. Cellulite assessment was carried out using detailed anamnesis, photographic records, algometry, and infrared thermography. Participants received randomized bilateral treatment with or without systemic irradiation using LED photobiomodulation on the hip culottes for four weeks, three times a week. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation, especially locally applied, together or not with systemic irradiation, on cellulite hyperalgesia and skin temperature among 25 female participants. The group that received only LED treatment showed an increase in pain threshold of 8% and 20% on the right and left sides, respectively, while the group treated with LED + ILIB showed an increase in pain threshold of 32% on both sides. Local photobiomodulation produced a skin temperature decrease of 0.4 °C, while the combination of local and systemic irradiation produced an average skin temperature decrease of 1.2 °C. Our results clearly demonstrate a significantly beneficial effect of LED therapy for cellulite treatment, especially when administered in combination with mILIB, leading to a significant reduction of pain hypersensitivity and skin temperature, indicating a regional subcutaneous improvement of the inflammatory status.

Effect of laser photobiomodulation combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells using artificial intelligence: An in vitro study.

AIM: To evaluate in vitro the effect of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) combined or not with 30-nm hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANp), on the osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) by morphometric analysis using artificial intelligence programs (TensorFlow and ArcGIS). METHODS: UC-MSCs were isolated and cultured until 80% confluence was reached. The cells were then plated according to the following experimental groups: G1 -control (DMEM), G2 -BMP-2, G3 -BMP-7, G4 -PBM (660 nm, 10 mW, 2.5 J/cm2, spot size of 0.08 cm2), G5 -HANp, G6 -HANp + PBM, G7 -BMP-2 + PBM, and G8 -BMP-7 + PBM. The MTT assay was used to analyze cell viability at 24, 48 and 72 h. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining after 7, 14 and 21 days. For morphometric analysis, areas of osteogenic differentiation (pixel2) were delimited by machine learning using the TensorFlow and ArcGIS 10.8 programs. RESULTS: The results of the MTT assay showed high rates of cell viability and proliferation in all groups when compared to control. Morphometric analysis revealed a greater area of osteogenic differentiation in G5 (HANp = 142709,33±36573,39) and G6 (HANp + PBM = 125452,00±24226,95) at all time points evaluated. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that HANp, whether combined with PBM or not, may be a promising alternative to enhance the cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs.

Influence of photobiomodulation and radiofrequency on the healing of pressure lesions in mice.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of photobiomodulation and radiofrequency on the healing of pressure injuries in mice. A total of 70 animals were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups. A pressure injury was induced in the dorsal region of the mice by the application of two magnets. The photobiomodulation treatment was administered at a dosage of 3.6 J per session. In the radiofrequency group, the treatment time was four minutes and the power was 22 watts. The analyses included the lesion area, infrared thermography, and the collection of material for cytokine, histological, and histochemical analyses following euthanasia. In the macroscopic analyses, the 660 nm photobiomodulation group demonstrated superior outcomes in comparison to the control group. With regard to the microscopic analyses, the greatest difference between the groups was observed when TNF-α was evaluated in the photobiomodulation group. It can be observed that the groups irradiated by electrophysical means (i.e., a combination of radiofrequency with PBM 830 nm-660 nm) exhibited a positive influence on the repair process, with the greatest impact observed in the group irradiated by a combination of radiofrequency and 660 nm photobiomodulation.

Influence of photobiomodulation on energy contribution in normoxia and hypoxia conditions in amateur runners: a single-blinded and randomized crossover pilot study.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in hypoxia (HYP) and normoxia (NOR) on time to exhaustion and the energetic contribution of treadmill running in amateur athletes. Eleven male participants, aged between 18 and 29 years, were submitted to an incremental test to determine the iV̇O2max, and subsequently on separated days, to the PBMT application (irradiation = 720 s; wavelength = 850 nm), followed by four efforts to exhaustion, in treadmill running, under different conditions [NOR + placebo (PLA); NOR + PBMT; HYP + PLA; HYP + PBMT], in random order, to access energy contribution and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit alternative (MAODALT). Time to exhaustion and absolute aerobic contribution were lower in HYP than NOR, for both PLA and PBMT conditions (p < 0.05). In the percentage energy contribution of each metabolism during exhaustion effort, aerobic participation was lower, while MAODALT was higher in HYP than NOR, only in the PLA situation; alactic anaerobic participation was higher in HYP than NOR in the PBMT application situation (p = 0.002). The PBMT does not promote additional benefits over time to exhaustion in NOR and HYP conditions, however PBMT during exhaustive efforts in HYP results in an increase in anaerobiosis.

Investigating the safety of photobiomodulation in oral carcinogenesis: insights into cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis via the 4NQO model.

The present investigation aimed to assess the safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the oral carcinogenesis process induced by 4NQO, focusing on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Sixty-six Wistar rats received systemic 4NQO for 12 (n = 33) and 20 weeks (n = 33), divided into Control group, PBM 0.3 J, and PBM 1 J. Applications for PBM occurred three times a week. At weeks 12 and 20, the animals were euthanized. The immunoreactivity for anti-ROS1 and anti-p53 antibodies was also assessed. Statistical analysis was assessed by multiple t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation. At 12 weeks, PBM 1 J group had nodular lesions, distinct from control and PBM 0.3 J groups (p = 0.005). At 20 weeks, nodular lesions were common in control and PBM 0.3 J groups. Histopathological characteristics did not significantly differ between groups at 12 (p = 0.30) and 20 weeks (p = 0.58). Epithelial dysplasia (n = 21) was common at 12 weeks. After 20 weeks, most of the cases revealed squamous cell carcinoma (n = 24). No differences were observed in the immunostaining of p53 and ROS1 among the control and experimental groups and there was no correlation of these proteins with clinicopathological data. During the carcinogenesis process, the PBM did not modify the development of oral lesions and the expression of proliferative and apoptosis proteins.