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.

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.

Feasibility of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation to remove difficult stones in patients with nondilated distal bile ducts

BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend not performing papillary large balloon dilation in patients with nondilated distal bile ducts.AIM To assess the feasibility of balloon dilation to remove difficult stones in patients with nondilated distal bile ducts.METHODS Data from 1289 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)procedures were obtained from two prospective studies.While 258 cases had difficult stones(>1 cm,multiple>8,impacted,or having a thin distal duct),191 underwent biliary dilation up to 15 mm after endoscopic sphincterotomy.Cholangiographies of these cases were retrospectively reviewed in order to classify the distal bile duct and both the stone size and number.Primary outcomes were clearance rate at first ERCP and complications.RESULTS Of the 191 patients(122 women and 69 men;mean age:60 years)who underwent biliary dilation for difficult stones,113(59%)had a nondilated or tapered distal duct.Patients with a dilated distal duct were older than those with nondilated distal ducts(mean 68 and 52 years of age,respectively;P<0.05),had more stones(median 4 and 2 stones per patient,respectively;P<0.05),and had less need for additional mechanical lithotripsy(6.4%vs 25%,respectively;P<0.05).Clearance rate at first ERCP was comparable between patients with a dilated(73/78;94%)and nondilated distal ducts(103/113;91%).Procedures were faster in patients with a dilated distal duct(mean 17 vs 24 min,respectively;P<0.005).Complications were similar in both groups(6.4%vs 7.1%,respectively).CONCLUSION Large balloon dilation for difficult stones is feasible in patients with a nondilated or even tapered distal duct.

Anticardiolipin antibodies do not mediate macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes

The relationship of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), markers of the antiphospholipid syndrome, with vascular complications of diabetes mellitus is polemic. This cross-sectional study assessed the frequency of IgG, IgM, and IgA ACA in type 2 diabetics with and without history of vascular events for the last 5 years, and in healthy controls. ACA were detected by enzyme immunoassay. A total of 73 type 2 diabetics (33 with history of vascular events) and 54 healthy controls were tested. Most diabetics were female (p = 0.003), and older than controls (p 0.09). ACA positivity rates were also similar when diabetics with and without history of vasculopathy were compared (p > 0.47). After adjusting for gender, age, hypertension, and smoking status, a weak but statistically insignificant association between IgM ACA and diabetics with vasculopathy was found (adjusted OR 2.7;95% CI 0.2 - 34.2;p = 0.441). Overall, levels of IgG (r = 0.25;p = 0.005) and IgM (r = 0.23;p = 0.010) ACA were associated with increasing age. In short, the frequency of a positive ACA test in type 2 diabetics (with or without previous macrovasculopathy) was not significant as compared to healthy controls. There was no association of ACA with vascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sepsis after Administering an Intramuscular Iron Injection in the Arm of an Elder Patient with Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

Background: Skin reactions and musculoskeletal injuries caused by intramuscular injection are an increased risk for skin and soft tissue infections and may culminate in sepsis. Objective: To describe the history of an elderly patient who developed a lesion in her right arm after home administration of intramuscular iron injection in this arm and its outcome. Methods: This is a case report of a patient who participated in a study in an intensive care unit. Results: This study describes a 65-year-old patient with multiple comorbidities who was admitted to the hospital complaining of pain for two months and difficulty in moving her right shoulder associated with skin and soft tissue infections in her right arm after intramuscular iron administration by a relative for the treatment of multifactorial anemia and refractory melena. The patient worsened her general condition and was transferred to the intensive care unit. Despite the therapy instituted, the patient developed sepsis of cutaneous origin, multiple organ dysfunction, and death. Conclusions: The administration of intramuscular medication requires the participation of qualified professionals, such as nurses, mainly within the scope of the Brazilian public health system which commonly comprises patients in a context of vulnerability.

Glutamine prevents oxidative stress in a model of mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion

AIM: To evaluate preventative effects of glutamine in an animal model of gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Glutamine prevents oxidative stress in a model of portal hypertension

To evaluate the protective effects of glutamine in a model of portal hypertension (PH) induced by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). METHODSMale Wistar rats were housed in a controlled environment and were allowed access to food and water ad libitum. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: (1) control group (SO) - rats underwent exploratory laparotomy; (2) control + glutamine group (SO + G) - rats were subjected to laparotomy and were treated intraperitoneally with glutamine; (3) portal hypertension group (PPVL) - rats were subjected to PPVL; and (4) PPVL + glutamine group (PPVL + G) - rats were treated intraperitoneally with glutamine for seven days. Local injuries were determined by evaluating intestinal segments for oxidative stress using lipid peroxidation and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after PPVL. RESULTSLipid peroxidation of the membrane was increased in the animals subjected to PH (P < 0.01). However, the group that received glutamine for seven days after the PPVL procedure showed levels of lipid peroxidation similar to those of the control groups (P > 0.05). The activity of the antioxidant enzyme GTx was decreased in the gut of animals subjected to PH compared with that in the control group of animals not subjected to PH (P < 0.01). However, the group that received glutamine for seven days after the PPVL showed similar GTx activity to both the control groups not subjected to PH (P > 0.05). At least 10 random, non-overlapping images of each histological slide with 200 × magnification (44 pixel = 1 μm) were captured. The sum means of all areas, of each group were calculated. The mean areas of eNOS staining for both of the control groups were similar. The PPVL group showed the largest area of staining for eNOS. The PPVL + G group had the second highest amount of staining, but the mean value was much lower than that of the PPVL group (P < 0.01). For iNOS, the control (SO) and control + G (SO + G) groups showed similar areas of staining. The PPVL group contained the largest area of iNOS staining, followed by the PPVL + G group; however, this area was significantly smaller than that of the group that underwent PH without glutamine (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONTreatment with glutamine prevents gut mucosal injury after PH in rats.

Antitumor effects of electrochemical treatment

Electrochemical treatment is an alternative modality for tumor treatment based on the application of a low intensity direct electric current to the tumor tissue through two or more platinum electrodes placed within the tumor zone or in the surrounding areas. This treatment is noted for its great effectiveness, minimal invasiveness and local effect. Several studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the anfitumoral effect of this therapy. In all these studies a variety of biochemical and physiological responses of tumors to the applied treatment have been obtained. By this reason, researchers have suggested various mechanisms to explain how direct electric current destroys tumor ceils. Although, it is generally accepted this treatment induces electrolysis, electroosmosis and electroporation in tumoral tissues. However, action mechanism of this alternative modality on the tumor tissue is not well understood. Although the principle of Electrochemical treatment is simple, a standardized method is not yet available. The mechanism by which Electrochemical treatment affects tumor growth and survival may represent more complex process. The present work analyzes the latest and most important research done on the electrochemical treatment of tumors. We conclude with our point of view about the destruction mechanism features of this alternative therapy. Also, we suggest some mechanisms and strategies from the thermodynamic point of view for this therapy. In the area of Electrochemical treatment of cancer this tool has been exploited very little and much work remains to be done. Electrochemical treatment constitutes a good therapeutic option for patients that have failed the conventional oncology methods.

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.

Use of Polypropylene Non-woven as Sorbent of Oil Small

In this work, the mechanical tensile and elongation properties and the non-woven polypropylene flammability were evaluated, with variations of gratings, compared to non-woven fabrics prepared with thermo film and TNT （fabric non-fabric）, for applications such as geotextile sorption of oil spills. The results showed high values of tensile strength for non-woven fabric prepared for application as geotextile, improving the mechanical properties of rupture.

Assessment of alveolar defect volume in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients using a free software program

The purpose of this study was to assess the alveolar defect volume in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) subjects using computed tomography (CT) and a free software program to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater measurements, and to compare the cleft volume between age and affected side. The sample of this retrospective study consisted of 20 UCLP individuals, 12 boys and 8 girls, mean age 10.3 ± 2.4 years at the beginning of orthodontic treatment. All subjects required alveolar bone grafting. CT scans of the cleft area were obtained prior to secondary bone grafting, and were analyzed using Image J. software program. The cleft volume was calculated based on axial cross-sectional CT images by two raters (orthodontist and radiologist) and by the same rater (orthodontist) at two different moments. Linear mixed model, Bland-Altman, Pearson’s and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used. The mean cleft volume was 7.53 ± 1.55 mm3. The intra- and inter-rater measurements were reproducible (ICC = 0.976 and 0.963, respectively) with no significant difference between them. There were no statistically significant differences in the cleft volume related to age or cleft location. The assessment of cleft volume in UCLP using CT images and a free software program was a reproducible method. There was no significant relation between alveolar defect volume and age or cleft location.

Evaluation of Operating Conditions of a Sleeve Filter for Coal Emission Control

The emission of fine particulates from the burning of coal can pose a number of problems for human health and the environment.The bag filter is an equipment capable of preventing these particles from reaching the atmosphere.The present work evaluated and proposed improvements based on information received from a process of a company producing vegetable bran and oils,which acts with high emission of particulates.The filter sleeves used were fiberglass fabric with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane.Physical,mechanical and granulometric laboratory analyzes were performed,as well as scanning electron microscopy and dispersive energy spectroscopy for the characterization of the tissue and particulate matter.Based on the results,a new specification of stainless steel cage was proposed for the filter in order to improve the efficiency of retention,as well as to increase the useful life of the filter elements.

Digital Models: Comparison of Scanning Angulations and Superimposition

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate linear measurements in digital models, scanned at different angulations, in order to compare four methods of superimposing digital models. Methods: Dental models obtained from the database of the School of Health and Life Sciences of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) were scanned three-dimensionally at different angulations (0°, 5°, 10° and 15° in relation to the occlusal plane) and divided in four groups. The sample size was calculated and 43 dental models were used in this study. Linear measurements were obtained to assess the central and lateral portions of the 3D models, so that any possible distortion would be detected. Additionally, the digital models were superimposed using four approaches based on anatomical references: Methods 1 (three central landmarks), 2 (three lateral landmarks), 3 (surface + single landmark) and 4 (surface + three landmarks). Intraclass correlation coefficient was applied to evaluate the intra-observer reliability. Kruskal-Wallis was calculated to compare the groups according to the angulation during scanning, and Kappa to evaluate the agreement between superimposition methods. Results: No differences were found in models scanned at different angulations. Better superimposition correlation was observed between methods 3 and 4 those used techniques based on palatal surface associated to anatomical landmarks to superimpose. Conclusions: Linear measurements and superimpositions were not affected by the different angulations of the models during the scanning process. The most reliable superimposition methods were the ones using surface and landmarks.

Using of Synthetic Images on Accuracy Assessment of Change Detection

Land cover change detection is the major goal in multitemporal remote sensing studies. It is well known that remotely-sensed images of the same area acquired on different dates tend to be affected by radiometric differences and registration problems. These influences are considered as noise in the process and may induce the user to both： signalling false changes and masking real surface changes. The difference image produced by subtracting two co-registered images is a standard initial step in change detection algorithms. This image naturally appears to be noisier than the original ones and has at least two populations： （1） the noise-like and （2） the real changes. The problem that arises is how to discriminate them. There are several approaches to perform change detection reported in the literature and some studies have employed synthetic images. By using synthetic images, the accuracy assessment of specific algorithm can be done more accurately. The question at this point is： what is the acceptable noise level to be added on the synthetic images to simulate a real problem？ This paper attempts to answer this question by suggesting values of SNR （signal-to-noise ratio） obtained from experiments performed on TM-Landsat-5 and CCD-CBERS-2B images.

Factors That Influence the Choice of Dialysis Modality in the Elderly

This study aimed to identify the influencing factors on choice of dialysis modality in patients aged 60 years or more and the barriers and/or facilitators in the decision-making process. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients undergoing renal replacement therapy for at least three months. Of the 55 patients included, 35 (64%) were under medical care before starting dialysis. The majority of patients, 55% (30), reported being consulted regarding the type of dialysis they would like. The most chosen therapy was hemodialysis with physician indication being the most influencing factor on the choice of dialysis modality. Visual and mobility problems were those principally reported by the elderly participants. This study suggests the need for greater pre-dialysis participation by the multidisciplinary team and emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in the decision-making process.

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 - 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.

Scientific Initiation： Meanings and Peculiarities of Public Policy in Brazil

This paper aims to analyze the Scientific Initiation （SI） as public policy of higher education in Brazil, from meanings and peculiarities of this device in the undergraduate academic＇s formation, created jointly with the National Research Council in 1951 currently National Council for Scientific and Technological Development （CNPq）. This corporation emerged from the recognition of the strategic importance of science and necessity of institutionalization of encouragement and fostering research. This is a theoretical bibliographical study and documentary that evidences the contributions and limits of SI while political science training should be part of academic activities to provide the development and support of investigative spirit. The concept of SI was established in universities as an activity to be developed in order to encourage the student to become familiar with scientific practices. The study concluded that SI is based on institutionalized norms within higher education to foster the development of science, and it is considered as an important strategy of expansion of graduate studies in Brazil.

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.