scholarly journals Treatment of Fungal-Infected Diabetic Wounds with Low Temperature Plasma

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Kyu Young Choi ◽  
Md. Tipu Sultan ◽  
Olatunji Ajiteru ◽  
Heesun Hong ◽  
Young Jin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Plasma Jet ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Wounds

Diabetes mellitus renders patients susceptible to chronic wounds and various infections. Regarding the latter, fungal infections are of particular concern since, although they are the source of significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, they are generally resistant to conventional treatment and a definite treatment strategy has not yet been established. Herein, we report the treatment of skin wounds in a diabetic rat model, infected by Candida albicans, with low temperature helium plasma generated in a hand-held atmospheric jet device. A fungal infection was induced on two dorsal skin wounds of the diabetic rats, and one wound was treated with the plasma jet whereas the other served as a control. Histological analysis revealed accelerated skin wound healing and decreased evidence of fungal infection in the plasma-treated group, as compared to the control group. Regeneration of the epidermis and dermis, collagen deposition, and neovascularization were all observed as a result of plasma treatment, but without wound contraction, scar formation or any evidence of thermal damage to the tissue. These findings demonstrate that the He plasma jet is remarkably effective in diabetic skin wounds infected by Candida albicans, thereby providing a promising medical treatment option for diabetes mellitus patients with skin wound and fungal infections.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTATION ON SKIN WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC RATS

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Fuganti CAMPOS ◽  
Eliane TAGLIARI ◽  
Thais Andrade Costa CASAGRANDE ◽  
Lúcia de NORONHA ◽  
Antônio Carlos L. CAMPOS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Collagen Deposition ◽  
Skin Wound Healing

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic wounds in patients with Diabetes Mellitus often become incurable due to prolonged and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. The use of probiotics modifies the intestinal microbiota and modulates inflammatory reactions. Aim: To evaluate the influence of perioperative supplementation with probiotics in the cutaneous healing process in diabetic rats. Methods: Forty-six rats were divided into four groups (C3, P3, C10, P10) according to the treatment (P=probiotic or C=control, both orally administered) and day of euthanasia, 3rd or 10th postoperative days. All rats were induced to Diabetes Mellitus 72 h before starting the experiment with alloxan. Supplementation was initiated five days before the incision and maintained until euthanasia. Scalpel incision was guided by a 2x2 cm mold and the wounds were left to heal per second-intention. The wounds were digitally measured. Collagen densitometry was done with Picrosirius Red staining. Histological parameters were analyzed by staining by H&E. Results: The contraction of the wound was faster in the P10 group which resulted in a smaller scar area (p=0.011). There was an increase in type I collagen deposition from the 3rd to the 10th postoperative day in the probiotic groups (p=0.016), which did not occur in the control group (p=0.487). The histological analysis showed a better degree of healing in the P10 group (p=0.005), with fewer polymorphonuclear (p<0.001) and more neovessels (p=0.001). Conclusions: Perioperative supplementation of probiotics stimulates skin wound healing in diabetic rats, possibly due to attenuation of the inflammatory response and increased neovascularization and type I collagen deposition.

scholarly journals Extracellular Nucleic Acids Present in the Candida albicans Biofilm Trigger the Release of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Smolarz ◽  
Marcin Zawrotniak ◽  
Dorota Satala ◽  
Maria Rapala-Kozik
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Human Neutrophils ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
First Line ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Biofilm Structure

Neutrophils, the first line of the host’s defense, use a variety of antimicrobial mechanisms to fight invading pathogens. One of the most crucial is the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the process called NETosis. The unique structure of NETs effectively inhibits the spread of pathogens and ensures their exposure to a high concentration of NET-embedded antimicrobial compounds. NETosis strategy is often used by the host to defend against fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. In immunocompromised patients, this microorganism is responsible for developing systemic fungal infections (candidiasis). This is correlated with the use of a vast array of virulence factors, leading to the acquisition of specific resistance to host defense factors and available drug therapies. One of the most important features favoring the development of drug resistance is a C. albicans ability to form biofilms that protect fungal cells mainly through the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM). Among the main ECM-building macromolecules extracellular nucleic acids have been identified and their role is probably associated with the stbilization of the biofilm structure. The complex interactions of immune cells with the thick ECM layer, comprising the first line of contact between these cells and the biofilm structure, are still poorly understood. Therefore, the current studies aimed to assess the release of extracellular nucleic acids by C. albicans strains at different stages of biofilm formation, and to determine the role of these molecules in triggering the NETosis. We showed for the first time that fungal nucleic acids, purified directly from mature C. albicans biofilm structure or obtained from the whole fungal cells, have the potential to induce NET release in vitro. In this study, we considered the involvement of TLR8 and TLR9 in NETosis activation. We showed that DNA and RNA molecules initiated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activation of the NADPH oxidase complex, essential for ROS-dependent NETosis. Furthermore, analysis of the cell migration showed that the nucleic acids located in the extracellular space surrounding the biofilm may be also effective chemotactic factors, driving the dynamic migration of human neutrophils to the site of ongoing fungal infection.

scholarly journals Efficacy of nano silver dressings over conventional dressings in chronic wounds

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 3995
Author(s):  
K. Suhas ◽  
P. Manvi Naga Manvi
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Nano Particles ◽  
Wound Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Nano Silver

Background: Chronic wounds give rise to serious health problems, accompanied by a decrease in quality of life. Silver has been an effective agent with documented efficacy against wide spectrum of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Recently, many silver-based preparations are available for effective management of wounds. Among them silver nano particles, exhibit significantly novel and distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties. Due to their nano scale size, they have been elicited much interest in wound management. This study aims to compare the efficacy of nano silver dressing in chronic wounds with that of conventional dressings.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Alluri Sita Rama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences from August 2017 to August 2018. A total of 100 patients with chronic wounds were included in the study and were equally divided into-Study group and Control group randomly. Swab cultures were sent in all the patients. The study group received nano silver dressings while the controls received daily dressings with normal saline soaked gauges, betadine and hydrogen peroxide. Data regarding the time required for healing, number of days required for healing and percentage of healing are noted.Results: Nano silver dressings in the treatment of chronic wounds are found to be safe, effective, promoter of wound healing, promotes epithelization, accelerates healing, eliminates anaerobes and breaks microbial synergy more effectively than conventional dressing. Hence Nano silver spray prove to be more effective in the management of chronic wounds. In study group, 50% of patients stay for 3-4 weeks whereas in control group, 70% of patients stay for 5-6 weeks. 91-99% reduction in size of ulcer is seen in 43 out of 50 patients in study group whereas in control group only 8 out of 50 shows 91-99% reduction in size.Conclusions: Nano silver dressings is a cost effective option in ulcer management. It decreases the period of hospitalization and reduces the burden on the health care system.

scholarly journals Ascorbic acid for the healing of skin wounds in rats

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1195-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
CC. Lima ◽  
APC. Pereira ◽  
JRF. Silva ◽  
LS. Oliveira ◽  
MCC. Resck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Collagen Fibre ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Healing Time ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Wounds ◽  
Skin Repair

BACKGROUND: Healing is a complex process that involves cellular and biochemical events. Several medicines have been used in order to shorten healing time and avoid aesthetic damage. OBJECTIVE: to verify the topical effect of ascorbic acid for the healing of rats' skin wounds through the number of macrophages, new vessels and fibroblast verifications in the experimental period; and analyse the thickness and the collagen fibre organization in the injured tissue. METHODS: Male Rattus norvegicus weighing 270 ± 30 g were used. After thionembutal anesthesia, 15 mm transversal incisions were made in the animals' cervical backs. They were divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned with water and soap daily; Treated Group (TG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned daily and treated with ascorbic acid cream (10%). Samples of skin were collected on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red for morphologic analysis. The images were obtained and analysed by a Digital Analyser System. RESULTS: The ascorbic acid acted on every stage of the healing process. It reduced the number of macrophages, increased the proliferation of fibroblasts and new vessels, and stimulated the synthesis of thicker and more organized collagen fibres in the wounds when compared to CG. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid was shown to have anti-inflammatory and healing effects, guaranteeing a suiTable environment and conditions for faster skin repair.

scholarly journals Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Waves on Microcirculation and Angiogenesis in the in vivo Wound Model of the Diver Box

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Heiko Sorg ◽  
Inga Zwetzich ◽  
Daniel Johannes Tilkorn ◽  
Jonas Kolbenschlag ◽  
Jörg Hauser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shock Waves ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Wounds ◽  
Closure Rate ◽  
Skin Wound Healing ◽  
Wound Model ◽  
Extracorporeal Shock Waves

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Extracorporeal shock waves (ESWs) have been shown to have a positive effect on skin wound healing; however, little is known on the regeneration of the microcirculation and angiogenesis as well as the different application modes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 40 BALB/c mice were provided with dorsal skin fold chambers and were divided into 3 therapy groups (<i>n</i> = 30) and one control group (<i>n</i> = 10). The 3 therapy groups were treated with shock waves at different pulse rates (500–1,000 pulses/min) and application frequencies (day 0 and day 6 or day 0 only). Photographic documentation and intravital microscopy were carried out on day 1, 2, 4, and 6 after wounding. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Using the newly developed Diver Box, shock waves could be applied in vivo without mechanical tissue damage. Shock wave therapy to skin wounds demonstrated to induce faster wound closure rates in the beginning than controls in groups with higher pulse rates and frequencies of the shock waves. Furthermore, the regeneration of microcirculation and perfusion in the healing skin was significantly improved after the application of, in particular, higher pulse rates as given by increased numbers of perfused capillaries and functional vessel density. The study of inflammation showed, especially in high-pulse ESW groups, higher leukocyte counts, and rolling leukocytes over time until day 6 as a response to the induction of inflammatory reaction after ESW application. Angiogenesis showed a marked increase in positive areas as given by sprouts, coils, and recruitments in all ESW groups, especially between days 4 and 6. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The major findings of this trial demonstrate that ESW therapy to skin wounds is effective and safe. This is demonstrated by the initially faster wound closure rate, but later the same wound closure rate in the treatment groups than in controls. Furthermore, during the regeneration of microcirculation and perfusion in the healing skin, a significant improvement was observed after the application of, in particular, higher ESW pulse rates, suggesting an ESW-related increase in nutrient and oxygen supply in the wound tissue.

scholarly journals Potential antibiofilm activity of farnesol-loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles against Candida albicans

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bükay Yenice Gürsu
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Plga Nanoparticles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity

Abstract Candida species are ubiquitous fungal pathogens and are the most common causes of mucosal and invasive fungal infections in humans. Especially Candida albicans commonly resides as a commensal in the mucosal tissues of approximately half of the human population. When the balance of the normal flora is disrupted or the immune defenses are compromised, Candida species can become pathogenic, often causing recurrent disease in susceptible individuals. The treatments available for Candida infection are commonly drug-based and can involve topical and systemic antifungal agents. However, the use of standard antifungal therapies can be limited because of toxicity, low efficacy rates, and drug resistance. Candida species ability to produce drug-resistant biofilm is an important factor in human infections, because microorganisms within biofilm benefit from various advantages over their planktonic counterparts including protection from antimicrobials and chemicals. These limitations emphasize the need to develop new and more effective antifungal agents. Natural products are attractive alternatives for this purpose due to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Farnesol is produced by many microorganisms and found in some essential oils. It has also a great attention as a quorum-sensing molecule and virulence factor. It has also antimicrobial potential due to its inhibitory effects on various bacteria and fungi. However, as it is a hydrophobic component, its solubility and biofilm inhibiting properties are limited. To overcome these shortcomings, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been successfully used. For this purpose, especially using biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles has gained increasing attention owing to their biocompatibility and minimal toxicity. Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is the most widely used polymer in this area. In this study, farnesol is loaded to PLGA nanoparticles (F-PLGA NPs) by emulsion evaporation method and characterized by DLS, TEM, and FT-IR analyses. Our TEM findings indicate that the sizes of F-PLGA NPs are approximately 140 nm. The effects of F-PLGA NPs on planktonic cells and biofilm formation of C. albicans were compared with effects of farnesol alone. Farnesol inhibits the growth at a range of 53% at a concentration of 2.5 μL compared to the control group. This rate is 45% for F-PLGA NPs at the same concentration. However, although farnesol amount in F-PLGA is approximately 22.5% of the total volume, the observed effect is significant. In TEM examinations, planktonic Candida cells treated with farnesol showed relatively regular ultrastructural morphology. Few membrane and wall damage and electron density in the cytoplasm were determined. In F-PLGA NP-treated cells, increased irregular cell morphology, membrane and wall damages, and large vacuoles are observed. Our SEM and XTT data suggest that F-PLGA NPs can reduce the biofilm formation at lower concentrations than farnesol alone 57%, and our results showed that F-PLGA NPs are effective and biocompatible alternatives for inhibiting growth and biofilm formation of C. albicans, but detailed studies are needed.

scholarly journals Incidence of fungal keratitis in Libya: An epidemiological study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Ahmed Atia ◽  
Abdulsalam Ashour ◽  
Hanan Alfaigh
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Keratitis ◽  
Ocular Infections ◽  
Ocular Morbidity ◽  
Media Data

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of eye fungal infection among patients attending the eye hospital in Tripoli city, Libya. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one patients with ocular fungal infections were subjected to clinical and microbiological investigations. They were selected from patients attending the Tripoli Eye Hospital. The specimens of the external ocular infections were collected using sterile swab and inoculated to different culture media. Data were presented as count and percentages. Results: The current findings showed that Aspergillus was the most common causative agent, being responsible for 91.54% of the all cases, followed by Candida albicans (8.46%). Conclusion: Occurrence of fungal keratitis gradually increased in the years after 2009, especially after 2013. Knowledge of the pathological course and clinical features of fungal keratitis will undoubtedly bead in early diagnosis and treatment, with reduction in ocular morbidity.

scholarly journals Influence of a plasma jet on the viability of Candida albicans

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ladislav Moravský ◽  
Matej Klas ◽  
Eva Machová ◽  
Katarina Pisklová ◽  
Štefan Matejčík
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Argon Plasma ◽  
Plasma Jet ◽  
Low Temperature Plasma ◽  
Temperature Plasma ◽  
Argon Plasma Jet

AbstractA rapid growth of interest in low temperature plasma in medicine in recent years has given a rise to a number of different applications. We report a low cost kHz driven argon plasma jet with flow rate less than 0.15 L min

scholarly journals Fungal infections in patients with chronic liver disease: mortality and associated risk factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 3882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Rasool ◽  
Ahmad N. Babar ◽  
Umair Shafquat ◽  
Salman Azhar ◽  
Rizwan R. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Chronic Liver Disease ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Chronic Liver ◽  
Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽  
Control Group

Background: Patients with chronic liver disease are immunocompromised and prone to different opportunistic infections. Fungal infections in patients admitted with liver cirrhosis are not rare and they may increase mortality and morbidity of these patients. Aims of the study is to determine the mortality and its risk factors associated with fungal infections in patients with chronic liver disease.Methods: In this retrospective study, patients admitted with chronic liver disease during the last four years on this hospital were studied for diagnosed fungal infections. A matched control group of cirrhosis patients with a ratio of 1:2 admitted without fungal infections was also studied and mortality was compared between the two groups.Results: Seventy admitted patients of liver cirrhosis with microbial and histopathological evidence of fungal infection were found while 140 patients of the control group had no evidence of fungal infection. Hepatitis C virus infection was the major cause of cirrhosis (65%) and most of the patients were in child class C(63%). Urinary tract infection, esophageal candidiasis, and mucormycosis were major fungal infections. Mortality was much higher in the fungal infections group (34.3%) as compared to the non-infectious group (16%). On multivariate analysis, high WBCs count, hypo-albuminemia and high creatinine levels were the worst factors affecting mortality.Conclusions: Fungal infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Advanced cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, and leucocytosis are independent predictors of fatal outcome in these patients.

scholarly journals Detection of (1,3)-β-D-Glucan in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Histoplasma Meningitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thein Myint ◽  
Felicia C. Chow ◽  
Karen C. Bloch ◽  
Luke Raymond-Guillen ◽  
Thomas E. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fungal Meningitis

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) histoplasmosis is often difficult. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (1,3)-β-d-glucan (BDG) is available as a biological marker for the diagnosis of fungal meningitis, there are limited data on its use for the diagnosis of Histoplasma meningitis. We evaluated CSF BDG detection, using the Fungitell assay, in patients with CNS histoplasmosis and controls. A total of 47 cases and 153 controls were identified. The control group included 13 patients with a CNS fungal infection other than histoplasmosis. Forty-nine percent of patients with CNS histoplasmosis and 43.8% of controls were immunocompromised. The median CSF BDG level was 85 pg/ml for cases, compared to <31 pg/ml for all controls (P < 0.05) and 82 pg/ml for controls with other causes of fungal meningitis (P = 0.27). The sensitivity for detection of BDG in CSF was 53.2%, whereas the specificity was 86.9% versus all controls and 46% versus other CNS fungal infections. CSF BDG levels of ≥80 pg/ml are neither sensitive nor specific to support a diagnosis of Histoplasma meningitis.

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