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.

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.

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.

Effect of Microfocused Ultrasound on Facial Rejuvenation: Clinical and Histological Evaluation

Introduction: Micro focused ultrasound (MFU) is formed by mechanical waves emitted in a focused manner, concentrating thermal energy on a certain point or region, promoting a clinical improvement in wrinkles. Objective: evaluate the effects of micro focused ultrasound on facial rejuvenation. Methodology: This is an experimental study. The sample consisted of 30 volunteers, who were evaluated before treatment, 45 and 90 days after its beginning. A single application of the MFU was performed across the facial region. The parameters used were: 10 MHz cartridge with depth of 1.5 mm, 7 MHz with depth of 3 mm, and 4 MHz with focal depth of 4.5 mm;doses ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 J, according to the sensitivity of the volunteers treated, and the application time was of approximately 90 minutes. Clinical photographic analysis and facial symmetry analysis using Dolphin Imaging software were performed, and validated questionnaires. Two volunteers were submitted to blepharoplasty surgery, and one to rhytidoplasty surgery 45 days after the application of the MFU. Samples of the treated skin were taken after the surgical procedures and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The volunteers answered a questionnaire to assess adverse reactions and satisfaction. Results: We observed a visible clinical improvement on the images by photography, and an improvement of facial symmetry in the measurements of the paralateronasal projection (p = 0.007), left lateral mandibular (p = 0.01), and right lateral mandibular (p = 0.008). The histological analysis showed an increase in the amount of fibroblasts (p = 0.02), blood vessels (p = 0.0062) and inflammatory cells (p = 0.0036), in addition to the production of type 1 collagen. In the immunohistochemical analysis, we observed the presence of the macrophage marker IHQ: CD68, indicating phagocytosis of adipose tissue and the presence of fibrosis. In the analysis of adverse reactions, only transient hyperemia was observed with the presence of pain during application. Additionally, the volunteers expressed high level of satisfaction (93%) with the treatment Conclusion: The MFU promoted the production of collagen, reorganization of the dermis and, clinically, a reduction of sagging and wrinkles, with increased facial symmetry.

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.

Use of the Scar Acceleration Method - Mac^®in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Proposal for Treatment in Public Health in Sus, Brazil

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the genital mucosa, which involves the vulva and vagina caused by yeast. It is considered a recurrent pathology and a public health problem that causes discomfort by the triggers and that, when left untreated, can lead to health problems. The present study is a report of two cases treated with the MAC® - Scar Acceleration Method - (MAC®) methodology at the Physiotherapy School Clinic of Teaching Center of Campos Gerais (CESCAGE) as a pilot for the proposal to implement the protocol at the Municipal Center for Women’s Health—CMM in the municipality of Ponta Grossa—PR, Brazil. The patients were referred by Basic Health Units in the city with complaints of pruritus, vaginal discharge and local burning with the diagnosis of candidiasis evidenced by culture and antibiogram. Patients were treated with photodynamic therapy using the MAC® method for 14 consecutive days with 660 nm red laser phototherapy, 100 mW of power, 9 joules of energy, photosensitizing the drug Turmeric Long in one of the participants and propolis in the other, using 1% methylene blue dye. Both patients and researchers did not have access to which drug was being used for each participant. Photodynamic therapy potentiated the effects of drugs considering that patients showed gradual improvement with the applied application, which was proven in the analysis of sample secretions performed before and after treatment. The MAC® method had a positive effect in the protocol used and is strengthened as a possibility for treatments aimed at women’s health with regard to vulvovaginal diseases. It is suggested and intended to carry out further research with a greater number of patients using the referred method.

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.