Search Results (21)

Periodontal disease is a prevalent condition in companion animals. It is crucial to prevent the plaque and bacteria on tooth surfaces to avoid gingivitis and the more harmful periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of MLS laser treatment on the bacterial load by analyzing the gingival swabs of a total of 16 owned dogs with no history of dental disease that were selected from a cohort of patients admitted for plaque removal and dental hygiene procedures. Following each dental hygiene session, each dog received a single MLS laser therapy treatment (808–905 nm diode laser, frequency 36 Hz, and fluence 0.16 J/cm²). Swabs were collected from the two upper premolars before and after the laser treatment. These were submitted for mesophilic bacteria counts, and microbiological analysis was conducted on 10 positive cultures to evaluate the changes in the oral bacterial microbiota. MLS laser therapy statistically significantly reduced the mesophilic bacteria count by 1 log, with higher pre-laser treatment counts (n = 0.44; 5.77 ± 0.21 95%CI) in comparison to post-laser treatment counts (n = 0.73; 4.80 ± 0.346 95%CI). The MLS laser therapy was found to reduce the bacterial load in 80% of the subjects (p < 0.05). No significant differences pre- and post-laser treatment were observed in the bacteria species isolated from the microbiological cultures. MLS laser therapy appears to be a useful, non-invasive method for reducing the bacterial load in the treatment and prophylaxis of periodontal disease in dogs. Full article

Autosomal recessive types of both syndromic and non-syndromic inherited myopia are common in Saudi Arabia (SA) because many people marry their relatives. The prevalence of syndromic myopathies in SA, like Stickler syndrome (SS), Knobloch syndrome (KS), and Marfan syndrome (MFS), further complicates the disease spectrum. The causative genes linked to the Knobloch, Marfan, and Pierson syndromes are COL18A1, FBN1, and LAMB2, respectively. Additionally, we found recessive types of non-syndromic high myopia that have a high chance of causing retinal detachment, like those linked to LRPAP1 and LEPREL1. In these cases, regular evaluation and early intervention, including prophylactic laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy, may improve the outcome. Advancements in genetic testing for diagnosis and prevention accelerate detection, facilitate early interventions, and provide genetic counseling. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the advancement of gene therapy offer promising avenues for personalized care. We place a high value on using genetic knowledge to create a national screening program and patient registry aimed at understanding the national burden of myopia, knowing that we have a high rate of consanguinity, which reflects pathogenic homozygous alleles and founder mutations. This initiative will incorporate genetic counseling and leverage innovative technologies, which are crucial for disease management, early identification, and prevention in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system. Full article

Background: Oral microbiota comprises a wide variety of microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nd:YAG laser with a 1064 nm wavelength on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans clinical strains, as well as their biofilm. The study also aimed to determine whether the parameters recommended for photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, typically used for tissue wound healing, have any additional antibacterial or antifungal effects. Material and Methods: Single- and dual-species planktonic cell solution and biofilm cultures of Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata were irradiated using an Nd:YAG laser (LightWalker; Fotona; Slovenia) with a flat-top Genova handpiece. Two test groups were evaluated: Group 1 (G-T1) exposed to low power associated parameters (irradiance 0.5 W/cm²) and Group 2 (G-T2) with higher laser parameters (irradiance 1.75 W/cm²). Group 3 (control) was not exposed to any irradiation. The lasers’ effect was assessed both immediately after irradiation (DLI; Direct Laser Irradiation) and 24 h post-irradiation (24hLI) of the planktonic suspension using a quantitative method (colony-forming units per 1 mL of suspension; CFU/mL), and the results were compared with the control group, in which no laser was applied. The impact of laser irradiation on biofilm biomass was assessed immediately after laser irradiation using the crystal violet method. Results: Nd:YAG laser irradiation with photobiomodulation setting demonstrated an antimicrobial effect with the greatest immediate reduction observed in S. mutans, achieving up to 85.4% reduction at the T2 settings. However, the laser’s effectiveness diminished after 24 h. In single biofilm cultures, the highest reductions were noted for C. albicans and S. mutans at the T2 settings, with C. albicans achieving a 92.6 ± 3.3% reduction and S. mutans reaching a 94.3 ± 5.0% reduction. Overall, the T2 settings resulted in greater microbial reductions compared to T1, particularly in biofilm cultures, although the effectiveness varied depending on the microorganism and culture type. Laser irradiation, assessed immediately after using the crystal violet method, showed the strongest biofilm reduction for Streptococcus mutans in the T2 settings for both single-species and dual-species biofilms, with higher reductions observed in all the microbial samples at the T2 laser parameters (p < 0.05) Conclusion: The Nd:YAG laser using standard parameters typically applied for wound healing and analgesic effects significantly reduced the number of Candida albicans; Candida glabrata; and Streptococcus mutans strains. Full article

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is critical for patellar stability. This study investigates the efficacy of a one-year physical therapy rehabilitation program following MPFL reconstruction using Synthetic Graft (SG) and Quadriceps Tendon Autograft (QTA). Thirty-five patients aged 18–38 underwent MPFL reconstruction (20 SG, 15 QTA). They participated in a structured rehabilitation program to improve their range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain management, and overall quality of life (QoL). The program included physiotherapy and MLS laser, Game Ready Therapy, EMS, TENS, TECAR, and lymphatic drainage. Before and after the program, assessments included knee flexion and extension using goniometry, muscle strength via the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, knee circumference, pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and QoL with the EQ-5D instrument. Significant improvements were observed in knee flexion (37.57° vs. 114.71°, p < 0.001), muscle strength (MRC scale 1–4 points vs. 4–5 points, p < 0.001), and pain reduction (VAS 6.66 vs. 0.46, p < 0.001). The functional coefficient of mobility and QoL scores also markedly increased. Patients with QTA improved some parameters better than those with SG. These findings support the effectiveness of a comprehensive rehabilitation program in enhancing knee functionality, reducing pain, and improving QoL post-MPFL reconstruction. Personalized rehabilitation protocols are recommended to optimize recovery outcomes. Full article

Introduction and objectives: To evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) as the focal therapy for localized prostate cancer (PCa) after a 12-month follow-up. Materials and methods: Patients with low- and intermediate-risk localized PCa were prospectively treated with focal TPLA between July 2021 and December 2022. The inclusion criteria were the following: clinical stage < T2b; PSA < 20 ng/mL; International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade ≤ 2; MRI-fusion biopsy-confirmed lesion classified as PI-RADS v2.1 ≥ 3. Intra-, peri-, and post-operative data were collected. Variables including age, PSA, prostate volume (PVol), Charlson’s Comorbidity Index (CCI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with QoL score, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire—Ejaculatory Dysfunction Short Form (MSHQ-EjD) were collected at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months after TPLA. Post-operative mpMRI was performed at 3 and 12 months. Finally, all patients underwent prostatic re-biopsy under fusion guidance at 12 months. The success of this technique was defined as no recurrence in the target treated lesion at the 12-month follow up. Results: Twenty-four patients underwent focal TPLA. Baseline features were age [median 67 years (IQR 12)], PSA [5.7 ng/mL (3.9)], PVol [49 mL (27)], CCI [0 (0)], IPSS [11 (9)], IPSS-QoL [2 (2)], IIEF-5 [21 (6)], ICIQ-SF [0 (7)], MSHQ-EjD ejaculation domain [14 (4)] and bother score [0 (2)]. Median operative time was 34 min (IQR 12). Median visual analogue scale (VAS) 6 h after TPLA was 0 (IQR 1). The post-operative course was regular for all patients, who were discharged on the second post-operative day and underwent catheter removal on the seventh post-operative day. No patient had incontinence at catheter removal. A significant reduction in PSA (p = 0.01) and an improvement in IPSS (p = 0.009), IPSS-QoL (p = 0.02) and ICIQ-SF scores (p = 0.04) compared to baseline were observed at the 3-month follow-up. Erectile and ejaculatory functions did not show any significant variation during the follow-up. No intra- and peri-operative complications were recorded. Three Clavien–Dindo post-operative complications were recorded (12%): grade 1 (two cases of urinary retention) and grade 2 (one case of urinary tract infection). At the 12-month follow-up, eight patients showed mpMRI images referable to suspicious recurrent disease (PIRADS v2.1 ≥ 3). After re-biopsy, 7/24 patients’ (29%) results were histologically confirmed as PCa, 3 of which were recurrences in the treated lesion (12.5%). The success rate was 87.5%. Conclusions: The focal TPLA oncological and functional results seemed to be encouraging. TPLA is a safe, painless, and effective technique with a good preservation of continence and sexual outcomes. Recurrence rate at 12 months was about 12.5%. Full article

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a newly adopted consensus term to replace the therapeutic application of low-level laser therapy. It has been suggested that PMB influences the microbiome which, in turn, has increasingly been shown to be linked with health and disease. Even though the use of PBM has also grown dramatically in veterinary medicine, there is still a lack of evidence supporting its effect in vivo. Our objective was to investigate the impact of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser source (Multiwavelength Locked Laser System, MLS^®) on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. Twenty adult-client-owned atopic dogs were enrolled in the study. The dogs were treated with MLS^® laser therapy on one half of the abdominal region, whereas the contralateral side was left untreated and served as a control. Skin microbiome samples were collected before and after MLS^® treatments, and then subjected to NGS-based ITS and 16S rRNA analysis. The results showed that while microbiome composition and diversity were not significantly affected, PBM could play a role in modulating the abundance of specific bacterial species, in particular Staphylococcus, that represent a major skin pathogenic strain. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the potential impact of MLS^® laser therapy on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. Full article

Currently, the prevention, assessment, and management of procedural pain in neonates continues to challenge clinicians and researchers. Objective. To investigate the analgesic effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during heel lance compared to breast milk (BM) feeding in healthy term neonates. In this randomized controlled trial, healthy term neonates who underwent heel lance were randomly assigned to an LLLT or a BM group. The LLLT group received laser therapy to the heel lance site for 20 s before heel lance. The BM group received 5 mL expressed BM via a syringe before heel lance. The primary outcomes were behavioral responses. The secondary outcomes were physiological responses and levels of salivary cortisol and α-amylase. A total of 125 neonates were included, of whom 55 in the LLLT group and 59 in the BM group completed the study. There were no significant differences in latency to first cry and cry duration between the two groups. The squeeze time was significantly shorter in the LLLT group than in the BM group (p = 0.047). There were no significant differences in pain scores, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure before and after heel lance between the two groups. There were no significant differences in salivary cortisol and α-amylase levels in the LLLT group before and after heel lance; however, the differences were significant in the BM group. These findings suggest that the analgesic effect of LLLT is similar to that of BM during heel lance in healthy term neonates. LLLT has potential as an analgesic treatment. Full article

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have attracted attention in the field of biomedicine, particularly for their potential as photothermal agents capable of killing tumor cells by photothermic ablation. In this study, the synthesis of novel AuNRs stabilized with thiolated pectin (AuNR@SH-PEC) is reported. To achieve this, thiolated pectin (SH-PEC) was obtained by chemically binding cysteamine motifs to the pectin backbone. The success of the reaction was ascertained using FTIR-ATR. Subsequently, the SH-PEC was used to coat and stabilize the surface of AuNRs (AuNR@SH-PEC). In this context, different concentrations of SH-PEC (0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/mL) were added to 0.50 mL of AuNRs suspended in CTAB, aiming to determine the experimental conditions under which AuNR@SH-PEC maintains stability. The results show that SH-PEC effectively replaced the CTAB adsorbed on the surface of AuNRs, enhancing the stability of AuNRs without affecting their optical properties. Additionally, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy confirmed that SH-PEC is adsorbed into the surface of the AuNRs. Importantly, the dimension size (60 × 15 nm) and the aspect ratio (4:1) remained consistent with those of AuNRs stabilized with CTAB. Then, the photothermal properties of gold nanorods were evaluated by irradiating the aqueous suspension of AuNR@SH-PEC with a CW laser (808 nm, 1 W). These results showed that photothermal conversion efficiency is similar to the photothermal conversion observed for AuNR-CTAB. Lastly, the cell viability assays confirmed that the SH-PEC coating enhanced the biocompatibility of AuNR@SH-PEC. Most important, the viability cell assays subjected to laser irradiation in the presence of AuNR@SH-PEC showed a decrease in the cell viability relative to the non-irradiated cells. These results suggest that AuNRs stabilized with thiolated pectin can potentially be exploited in the implementation of photothermal therapy. Full article

Background 2-year observations of ranibizumab monotherapy and combined therapy with diode laser for severe ROP in extremely prematures. Materials and methods: In a group of 18 prematures (n = 36 eyes; 5 study groups); 25.8 ± 1.5 Hbd, birth weight 796.5 ± 166.1 g. Apgar 4.62 ± 1.88) with A-ROP (n = 22; 61%) and 3 ROP (plus) (n = 14; 39%), ranibizumab monotherapy (n = 4 eyes) in dose 0.12 mg/0.12 mL or with diode laser (n = 32 eyes) were applied. The first intervention was carried out in PMA of 33 (gr. 4 and 5) and 34 in (gr. 1, 2, 3), mean follow-up time 21.44 ± 8.7 months. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Welch’s correction, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi square test of independence were used. A retrospective observational study based on a case series. Results Retinal attachment was achieved in 92.3% of the studied eyes. Bilateral retinal detachment was noted in 1 infant (2 eyes). Myopization (−0.75 to −7.5 D) was observed in 5 infants (45%); mild hyperopia (+0.5 to +4.5 D) was observed in the rest infants (55%). Conclusions Individualization strategies in severe ROP with lower dose 0.12 mg Ranibizumab or combined laser-therapy resulted in effective outcomes. Myopia has not been reported in patients where Ranibizumab was the first drug administered in the ROP treatment strategy. Full article

Intramammary infections, which cause mastitis, can increase treatment and labor costs, decrease milk production, and affect milk quality. Meters that measure quarter somatic cell count (SCC) could be used to make more informed dry cow therapy decisions. The objective of this study was to compare the RT-10 iPhone adapter (RT-10; Dairy Quality Inc., Newmarket, ON, Canada), DeLaval Cell Counter (DSCC; DeLaval, Gurnee, IL, USA), Porta Check Quick Test (PortaCheck, White City, OR, USA), California Mastitis Test (ImmuCell, Portland, ME USA), pH meter (Hanna Instruments, Smithfield, RI, USA), electrical conductivity meter (OHAUS, Parsippany, NJ, USA), and the dual laser infrared temperature thermometer (Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, IL, USA) for measuring SCC in individual Holstein mammary quarters in comparison to a reference standard, the Fourier Transform Spectrometer 600 Combi System (Combi; Bentley Instruments, Chaska, MN, USA). Meters were evaluated using 658 individual cow quarter samples and 100 bulk-tank samples to measure SCC. Individual quarter milk samples from 160 cows from four commercial dairy herds were collected just before dry off and tested within 4 h of collection. To test bulk-tank SCC, 100 bulk-tank milk samples (25 mL) were collected from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Milk Quality Lab. Meter SCC values were regressed on observed Combi SCC. Goodness of fit was then evaluated by partitioning the mean square predicted error (MSPE). For individual quarter SCC, RT-10 had the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.86), lowest MSPE, and highest proportion of MSPE due to random variation (96%). Both the RT-10 and DSCC had the highest sensitivity and specificity for identifying quarter SCC above and below 200,000 cells/mL. For bulk-tank SCC, DSCC had the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.45), lowest MSPE, and highest proportion of MSPE due to random variation (80%). The RT-10 and DSCC could be used to measure individual quarter SCC to determine which cows to treat at dry off potentially reducing antibiotic use. Full article

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NP) possess great potential in photothermal therapy and diagnostics. However, novel NP require a detailed examination for potential toxicity and peculiarities of interaction with cells. Red blood cells (RBC) are important for NP distribution and the development of hybrid RBC-NP delivery systems. This research explored RBC alterations induced by noble (Au and Ag) and nitride-based (TiN and ZrN) laser-synthesized plasmonic NP. Optical tweezers and conventional microscopy modalities indicated the effects arising at non-hemolytic levels, such as RBC poikilocytosis, and alterations in RBC microrheological parameters, elasticity and intercellular interactions. Aggregation and deformability significantly decreased for echinocytes independently of NP type, while for intact RBC, all NP except Ag NP increased the interaction forces but had no effect on RBC deformability. RBC poikilocytosis promoted by NP at concentration 50 $\mathsf{\mu }$g mL${}^{-1}$ was more pronounced for Au and Ag NP, compared to TiN and ZrN NP. Nitride-based NP demonstrated better biocompatibility towards RBC and higher photothermal efficiency than their noble metal counterparts. Full article

Commonly found colonizing the human microbiota, Candida albicans is a microorganism known for its ability to cause infections, mainly in the vulvovaginal region, and is responsible for 85% to 90% of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) cases. The development of drug resistance in C. albicans isolates after long-term therapy with fluconazole is an important complication to solve and new therapeutic strategies are required to target this organism and its pathogenicity. In the present study, phenyllactic acid (PLA) an important broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound was investigated for its antifungal and antivirulence activities against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Previously characterized strains of C. albicans isolates from women with VVC and C. albicans ATCC90028 were used to evaluate the antimicrobial and time dependent killing assay activity of PLA showing a MIC 7.5 mg mL⁻¹ and a complete reduction of viable Candida cells detected by killing kinetics after 4 h of treatment with PLA. Additionally, PLA significantly reduced the biomass and the metabolic activity of C. albicans biofilms and impaired biofilm formation also with changes in ERG11, ALS3, and HWP1 genes expression as detected by qPCR. PLA eradicated pre-formed biofilms as showed also with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations. Furthermore, the compound prolonged the survival rate of Galleria mellonella infected by C. albicans isolates. These results indicate that PLA is a promising candidate as novel and safe antifungal agents for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Full article

Study Design: A stereological and histopathological study in an animal model. Objective: This study explores the effects of the nerve growth factor and photobiomodulation therapy on the damaged nerve tissue and fracture healing. Methods: A total of 24 rabbits were divided into 4 groups: control group (n = 5), nerve growth factor (NGF) group (n = 7), photobiomodulation (PBMT) group (n = 6), and nerve growth factor and photobiomodulation therapy (NGF+PBMT) group (n = 6). The vertical fracture was performed between the mental foramen and the first premolar, and the mental nerve was crushed for 30 seconds with a standard serrated clamp with a force of approximately 50 N in all groups. The control group received an isotonic solution (0.02 mL, 0.09% NaCl) to the operation site locally. The NGF group received 1 μg human NGF-β/0.9% 0.2 mL NaCl solution for 7 days locally. The PBMT group received PBMT treatment (GaAlAs laser, 810 nm, 0.3 W, 18 J/cm²) every 48 hours for 14 sessions following the surgery. The NGF+PBMT group received both NGF and PBMT treatment as described above. After 28 days, the bone tissues and mental nerves from all groups were harvested and histologically and stereologically analyzed. Results: According to the stereological results, the volume of the new vessel and the volume of the new bone were significantly higher in the PBMT group than in other groups (p < 0.001). According to the histopathological examinations, higher myelinated axons were observed in experimental groups than in the control group. Conclusions: As a result, PBMT has beneficial effects on bone regeneration. Based on the light microscopic evaluation, more regenerated axon populations were observed in the NGF group than in the PBMT and PBMT + NGF groups in terms of myelinated axon content. Full article

We reported the development of an effective cancer treatment using a multidisciplinary treatment, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) with indocyanine green (ICG) liposomes and a combination of Lentinula edodes mycelia (LEM) and hydrogen gas inhalation therapy. ICG liposomes were prepared by adding 5 mg of ICG to 50 mL liposomes. Later, 25 mL of ICG liposomes were diluted with 250 mL of 5% glucose solution and administered intravenously to the patient. We selected the multi-laser delivery system (MLDS), a laser irradiator for performing PDT. Further, the patients received a combination of LEM and hydrogen gas inhalation therapy throughout the treatment. We reported two cases of PDT therapy, one with middle intrathoracic esophagus carcinoma and the other with hypopharyngeal cancer. In the first case, the MLDS laser was directly attached to the endoscope and directed to the cancer area with wavelengths of 810 nm. After the treatment, a biopsy demonstrated no tumor recurrence. In the second case, the patient was treated with endovascular PDT using ICG liposomes and MLDS fiber optics. Later, tumor shrinkage was demonstrated after the first round and disappeared after six months. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that the effect of PDT using ICG liposomes with LEM and hydrogen gas may eradicate cancer without burdening patients by enhancing tumor immunity. Full article

Biocompatible polymers with the ability to load and release a cargo at the site of action in a smart response to stimuli have attracted great attention in the field of drug delivery and cancer therapy. In this work, we synthesize a dual-responsive dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (DR-dPGS) drug delivery system by copolymerization of glycidol, ε-caprolactone and an epoxide monomer bearing a disulfide bond (SSG), followed by sulfation of terminal hydroxyl groups of the copolymer. The effect of different catalysts, including Lewis acids and organic bases, on the molecular weight, monomer content and polymer structure was investigated. The degradation of the polymer backbone was proven in presence of reducing agents and candida antarctica Lipase B (CALB) enzyme, which results in the cleavage of the disulfides and ester bonds, respectively. The hydrophobic anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded in the polymer and the kinetic assessment showed an enhanced drug release with glutathione (GSH) or CALB as compared to controls and a synergistic effect of a combination of both stimuli. Cell uptake was studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy with HeLa cells and showed the uptake of the Dox-loaded carriers and the release of the drug into the nucleus. Cytotoxicity tests with three different cancer cell lines showed good tolerability of the polymers of as high concentrations as 1 mg mL⁻¹_, while cancer cell growth was efficiently inhibited by DR-dPGS@Dox. Full article