Analysis of the Cicatricial Acceleration Method (MAC®) in Skin Repair in Wistar Rattus norvegicus with Induced Chemical Burns

Introduction: The cicatricial acceleration method (MAC®) promotes photobiological effects of an anti-inflammatory and healing nature. Its therapeutic radiation is emitted, producing photobiostimulant effects that result in rapid tissue repair and better tissue quality. The treatment of burns has always been a challenge, which involves both performing surgery and controlling and guiding scar regeneration, avoiding possible morbidities. Objective: To evaluate the effects of applying the MAC methodology with an AlGa (aluminum, gallium arsenide) laser on the time and quality of tissue repair in the skin of rats after induced chemical burns. Method: 22 adult male rats were subjected to a second-degree chemical burn on the back using 50% trichloroacetic acid. After the burns, the animals were randomly separated into 2 groups: control and experimental. The control group (G1) received placebo laser therapy and the laser group (G2) underwent laser irradiation with an energy density of 100 J/cm2. Histological analysis and macroscopic evaluation were carried out by means of the paper template method. Results: Group G1 showed (53%) of the necrosis area and group G2 showed (11%) necrosis area. Conclusion: The cicatricial acceleration method (MAC®) favored the repair of wounds caused by a 2nd-degree chemical burn, optimizing time and improving quality.

Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with A Strategy Based on Phototherapy (M.A.C.® Scar Acceleration Method)

Candidiasis, also known as candidiasis vulvovaginitis, is an infection caused by different types of Candida fungi, the most frequent being Candida albicans. The present study reports an effective strategy, which opens new avenues for the treatment of this public health problem. The MAC® Methodology, conventional laser light-emitting (LLLT)/LED) methods are based on the biphasic response demonstrated many times in LLLT research and as with other forms of drugs, a “drug” (irradiation parameters) and a “dose” (irradiation times) and the “Arndt-Schulz Law” is often cited as a suitable model to describe the dose-dependent effects of LLLT. This method uses photopharmaceuticals, cell markers and the use of correct parameters for each case to induce the acceleration of tissue repair. The present study shows a case of a 32-year-old patient diagnosed with recurrent candidiasis 4 years ago. Eighteen sessions were performed (every other day) using a photoactivated component (Methylene blue 1% + Clotrimazole 1%) and LED phototherapy (red, blue and violet) with emission times of 60 - 260 seconds for each applicator, according to the dose recommendations of the scar acceleration method (MAC®). At the sixth treatment session there was a noticeable decrease in the itching sensation reported by the patient. In session 11 she reported feeling a great improvement, indicating that she no longer felt itching in any area after 18 sessions. The present case demonstrates new methodologies to treat common problems in the population that have a positive impact on the quality of life. This methodology has a promising future because it is non-invasive and requires a great biological transformation for inflammatory, fungal and viral control.

Photodynamic Therapy with Phthalomethyl D: Perspectives against SARS-CoV-2

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the generation of cytotoxic agents through the dynamic interaction between a photosensitizer excited by light at a specific wavelength. When associated with phthalocyanines, they are efficient in incorporating target cells and exhibiting high rates of triplet generation. This study aimed to characterize PDT associated with the phototherapeutic agent Phthalomethyl D, developed by the authors, in the process of repair, healing and immune improvement for possible application against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Sixty-nine mice were used, divided into 2 groups: GI, treated with ILIB laser, without a phototherapeutic agent, and subjected to surgery for viral induction;GII, same as GI plus association of Phthalomethyl D. They were divided into subgroups and reevaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days, and then divided into 3 subgroups of 6 animals each, subjected to treatment at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 5 and 7 days. Results: Both groups had a high rate of partial incision closure and acute inflammatory control. Microscopically, there was a greater amount of amorphous fundamental substance, fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and giant cells and reduction in the number of keratinocytes, in the amount of keratin, and epidermal thickness in GII than in GI. Conclusions: PDT with Phthalomethyl D stimulates the processes of healing/repair and immunomodulation during viral infection, initially favoring the inflammatory response and, after 21 days, contributing to the anti-inflammatory response profile, making this approach possible in the treatment of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2.

A Study of Laser Effectiveness in Injured Tissues Regeneration

This study aimed to understand the use of low level laser in the regeneration of injured tissues. Also to design our own opinion on the subject, as chemists. Laser is nothing more than a light with very special characteristics that grant it therapeutic properties. We can observe the existence of three different types of laser, being one of them the therapeutic laser, which is used in substitution for medications or along with them. Another type of laser is the surgical one and, in addition to these, there is a diagnostic type. A great advantage is that, instead of taking the medicine, the patient’s own body can be activated by the laser to produce certain substances that can often replace the drugs. This is a literature review emphasizing the use of low level laser. Thus, the reflections from this study can contribute to the amplification of the production of knowledge that aims at the resignification of the use of laser in therapy. Greater attention was given to two types of laser radiation: He-Ne and As-Ga, both presenting a high therapeutic potential in superficial and deep injures. However, the He-Ne laser excels in superficial lesions, whereas the As-Ga laser does so in deep injures, such as articular, muscular, etc.

Early Hepatic Encephalopathy after a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Procedure: Case Report

Patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis may present systemic alterations and dysfunction of multiple organs. Ascites, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy are common complications arising from cirrhosis. The aim of this paper is to report a case of a patient with liver cirrhosis and the complications of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Male, elderly, and ex-alcoholic, diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, ascites, and esophageal varices. He underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt due to portal hypertension and returned to the hospital after 24 hours with agitation and mental confusion. He had a bowel movement stop, neurological worsening, loss of renal function, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatic encephalopathy, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia. He underwent a new procedure to occlude the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, showing improvement of the mental status and ascites. However, continued with decompensation and hydro-electrolytic disorders. He evolved with worsening of the ventilatory pattern, and neurological and renal function, with a fatal outcome. Esophageal varices due to portal hypertension can be corrected with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. However, complications such as hypernatremia, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatic encephalopathy may occur. Therefore, there is a need for reintervention to shunt or reduce its caliber. Thus, for patients with advanced age and decompensated cirrhosis, the potential risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully evaluated due to the risk of complications and death.

Opportunistic Infections in Late Kidney Transplantation with Death Outcome: Case Report

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus are the main opportunistic microorganisms that affect transplanted individuals. Immunosuppressive drugs administered to prevent organ rejection leave the immune system vulnerable to these infections. The present report is about a kidney transplanted patient using immunosuppressants who was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus and pneumocystosis requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Female patient, 57 years old, a kidney transplanted three years ago, with comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She was admitted to the hospital in January 2020 with a history of diarrhea, cough, malaise and weight loss of seven kg in a month. She made continuous use of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus® and mycophenolate sodium (MFS). After five days of hospitalization, she was transferred to the ICU due to refractory diarrhea, worsening renal function and respiratory pattern, requiring mechanical ventilation. Chest tomography showed changes that led to the diagnostic hypothesis of CMV pneumonia or Pneumocystis jirovecii. Treatment with Ganciclovir® and Bactrim® was started. The bronchial lavage polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the infectious condition for CMV and Pneumocystis jirovecii. Despite the drug therapy instituted, there was no improvement in the infectious condition. The patient started to present a general and progressive worsening of the clinical picture with loss of renal graft function, respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability and severe distributive shock, evolving to death. In the present report, it was observed that after late kidney transplantation the fragility of the immune system caused by the use of immunosuppressants contributed to the development of a severe infection with CMV and Pneumocystis jirovecii. Adjusting the doses of immunosuppressants to individual needs can be an important measure for maintaining the proper immune system and consequently avoiding late opportunistic infections and death outcomes.

Correlation of Depression with the Functional Profile of Elderly People Living in Homes for the Aged

Introduction: Due to the growth of the elderly population, there is a notable lack of preparation among family members and society to face the challenges of this new reality, resulting in an increasing demand for homes for the aged (HA). It is necessary to understand how the impairment of physical health, mental health and the level of depression can affect the functional capacity of the institutionalized elderly who live in homes for the aged. Objective: To describe the correlation between depression and functionality of elderly people who live in homes for the aged. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with 70 elderly people of both sexes, aged 60 years or older, who live in HA in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Result: It was verified that the female gender was predominant in the HA consulted. The majority of elderly live in HA voluntarily 48.6% and that 41.43% did not complete elementary school. The majority of the elderly 81.43% had the ability to perform basic activities of daily living and the elderly 52.86% had normal psychological pictures. The worsening of the depressive picture is associated with the worse functioning of elderly who live in HA (p < 0.02). Conclusion: Depression is a factor that is associated with the functional capacity of the institutionalized elderly. The worse the functional level of the institutionalized elderly, the greater the chances of presenting a depressive state.

Use of the Scar Acceleration Method/Método de Aceleração Cicatricial—MAC®—in the Treatment of Capsular Contracture: Case Report

Capsular contracture is a frequent complication in the postoperative period of breast implantation. It usually accompanies the appearance of a firm breast that can progress to pain, distortion, and asymmetry of the breasts, requiring surgical revision. The present study is a case report. A 58-year-old woman with a medical diagnosis of capsular contracture of the right breast evidenced by ultrasound. She was referred to the physiotherapy clinic in October 2019 with an initial complaint of pain on palpation, swelling, and stiffness in her right breast. The patient was evaluated and the MACò method was used to treat capsular contracture. For this, 12 sessions of photodynamic therapy were carried out. The treatment included the use of LED by doping: red (300 s), violet (60 s) and blue (120 s), with the use of 1% methylene blue in target areas, three times a week. The patient had the beginning of symptoms’ remission in the fourth visit and total remission in the 12th visit. It was concluded that the use of photodynamic therapy using the MACò method showed improvement in signs and symptoms—the sensation of prosthesis stiffness in the lower and medial region, local temperature, and pain in the right breast. The patient was followed up after treatment and currently, she has no complaints. There was also no need for surgical intervention. In the present case report, the MACò method proved to be effective. Further research is suggested with a cohort of patients with capsular contracture, with randomization and evaluation of a larger number of patients with the referred method.

The Effect of Plasma Jet on Bacterial Species and Correlation with Physiotherapy

Introduction: As representatives of prokaryotic beings, bacteria were selected in nature for their very high capacity to adapt to the environment. The human body comprises a vast population of bacteria needed for health maintenance;skin lesions represent a major public health problem involving the nutritional, hospital and illness of the patient. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the plasma jet on bacterial species and to correlate it with clinical physiotherapy. Method: This is an in vitro experimental study carried out at FSG University Center. Performed through cultures of bacteria Sthaphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae under the effect of plasma jet. Results: As observed all strains were resistant to penicillin, creating no inhibition halo in any of them. In the plates of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, in the area where the Plasma Jet was applied there was no microbial growth. In Klebsiella pneumoniae strains microbial growth was achieved in 90 and 120 seconds. Finally, Pseudomonas aeruginosa plates in the 90 seconds were microbial growth compared to the 120 and 180 seconds. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the time of application of the plasma jet has an important role in the antimicrobial action, when compared to Physiotherapy, a new method of treatment for skin lesions may be an option, with the aim of reducing infections and accelerating the process of tissue healing.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Associated with Metastatic Lung Cancer: Case Report

Lymphomas are neoplastic transformations that affect lymphoid cells. Diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a high degree of cell proliferation, accounting for 30% of all lymphomas. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the recommended treatment is chemotherapy. Among the main complications resulting from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer and chemotherapy used in their treatment, we can mention sepsis, acute kidney injury and febrile neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia can occur by suppressing the production of neutrophils. Sepsis, a widespread infection, is the main cause of acute kidney injury, which can also be caused by hydroelectrolytic complications or by nephrotoxicity. This is a report of a smoking patient with metastatic lung cancer who sought care due to progressive dysphagia, cough with chest pain, fever, and lower airways critical obstruction due to mediastinal lymphadenopathy, being diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The patient evolved to death because of a significant worsening of the ventilatory pattern of multifactorial cause, mainly due to sepsis, acute kidney injury, and febrile neutropenia. The patient had mostly classic characteristics of her comorbidities, however, the overlapping of interrelated comorbidities led to the outcome of death. What is unusual about the present case report is that the patient’s characteristics, such as age, sex, and ethnicity, are opposite to those described as risk factors for diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Scar Acceleration Method—MAC® in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds in Lymphedema: Case Report

Wounds are a serious public health problem in our country. Access to effective, low-cost treatment is still far from the reality for many patients leading to a chronic and serious condition. They interfere in the quality of life of these individuals who isolate themselves socially constrained by the appearance of their wounds. The report shows the case of a patient with type II diabetes mellitus, with chronic wounds in lymphedema in the lower limbs who was treated with the Scar Acceleration Methodology associated with Complex Decongestive Therapy, leading to an improvement in her social participation and quality of life.

Profile of Patients with Stroke and Disorders of the Vocal Tract

Background: The present work aims to characterize the profile of patients with stroke treat at a hospital located in the Region of the Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil, considering the findings of the clinical vocal tract, kind of stroke, age and gender of such patients. Methodology: To obtain data, the clinical profile of 133 patients with a clinical or tomography diagnosis of stroke was analyzed, and the results were presented in percentage. For quantitative data average and analysis the tests were done with associations that held χ2 test, and for significance it was considered p Results: From the total of patients, 63 were women, accounting for 47.4% and the other 52.6% were males. Clinically, they were characterized with the highest percentage for ischemic stroke (89.4%) compared to the hemorrhagic type (10.6%). Most of them were referred for computed tomography (86.5%) and remained hospitalized for an average of 6.496 ± 7.372 days. Similar percentages were obtained in the analysis of the population in question, when considering if they had (54.1%) or not (49.6%) any damage in their speech, language skills or swallowing. There were different types of disabilities in patients with stroke. Men with an average age of 69.8 ± 13.9 presents mostly ischemic stroke, and the majority of patients with stroke had hemiplegia and abnormalities of the vocal tract, dysphasia, and aphasia. While older patients had an ischemic stroke and were presented with left hemiplegia, the younger ones suffered from hemorrhagic strokes that caused a disability characterized as right hemiplegic. Conclusion: Our results show important conclusions regarding the clinical evolution of the vocal tract of patients who suffered strokes during the period of the analysis, being useful for better comprehension of how the vocal tract from these patients evolved according to the kind of stroke, sex and age also allowing a contraposition with other future statistics periods available in literature. It can also be pointed out the difficulties in diagnosing the stroke and the concern with the immediate care, but not with its continuance or with its multidisciplinary approach, giving an evident life risk through dysphasia and the increase of permanent damage when there isn’t an appropriate work done with the patients.

Study of Effects of Photodynamic Therapy(PDT),in Scar-Induced Skin Wounds in Rats Wistar:The New Clinical Perspective for Ulcers

Photodynamic therapy today is becoming an important role in the healing of lacerated tissues, since it has therapeutic resources capable of accelerating this process. One treatment option is the clinical phototherapy, and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is being widely used. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PDT on the healing of skin wounds in rats. We used a sample of 39 male rats Wistar divided into three groups, a control, a PDT-treated green and red with the last PDT. After 24 hours before the surgical incisions, PDT was used in both groups for 6 minutes and was evaluated in histological level, the inflammatory reaction and the repair process. The results showed that the granulation tissue was more developed in the irradiated group than in the control group and the amount of chronic inflammatory cells (monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells) predominated with green phototherapy. The epithelialization in the wound margins and scarring with better quality occurred with red PDT (640 nm), which the higher deposition was of collagen. However, phototherapy not collimated of 640 nm (red) resulted in better anti-inflammatory effects. Given these answers with phototherapy not collimated green (525 nm) and red (640 nm), we conclude that the use of these wavelengths is possible with benefits, mainly with red LED.