On the possibility of photodynamic inactivation of tracheobronchial tree pathogenic microbiota using methylene blue (in vitro study)

BackgroundThe treatment of patients after mechanical ventilation of lungs suffering from a multi-species infection of the tracheobronchial tree can be complicated.. The situation is aggravated in patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis, where infection plays a leading pathogenetic role in damage to the tracheal wall. As a result of such a pathological process, cicatricial stenosis of the trachea of purulent-inflammatory infectious genesis or infected tracheal stenosis (ITS) may occur.MethodsIn this work, we studied the possibility of photodynamic inactivation of pathogenic microbiota typical for patients with ITS using methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitizer.Results13 clinical isolates of 8 species of bacteria from 9 patients were susceptible to photodynamic inactivation with MB. 30 μM of MB at a light irradiation dose of 25 J/cm² and incubation with MB for 15 min allows to completely inactivate bacteria found in the tracheobronchial secretions of patients with ITS.ConclusionsMB retains its optico-physical properties in the range of 3–30 μM and provides effective inactivation of isolated Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multi- and pan-resistant to antibiotics.     

The role of orthodontics in management of obstructive sleep apnea

Dental sleep medicine is the field of dental practice that deals with the management of sleep-related breathing disorders, which includes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults and children. Depending on the developmental age of the patient and the cause of the apnea dental treatment options may vary. For adult patients, treatment modalities may include oral appliance therapy (OAT), orthognathic surgery and surgical or miniscrew supported palatal expansion. While for children, treatment may include non-surgical maxillary expansion and orthodontic functional appliances. Many physicians and dentists are unaware of the role dentistry, particularly orthodontics, may play in the interdisciplinary management of these disorders. This review article is an attempt to compile evidence-based relevant information on the role of orthodontists/sleep dentists in the screening, diagnosis, and management of sleep apnea. Oral sleep appliance mechanisms of action, selective efficacy, and the medical physiological outcomes are discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how orthodontists and sleep physicians can work in tandem to maximize the benefits and minimize the side effects while treating patients with OSA.     

淫羊藿（苷）对男性生殖系统的作用和机制

淫羊藿是一种常用的中药材,淫羊藿苷是从淫羊藿中提取的一种黄酮类化合物,也是淫羊藿中最主要的活性物质。研究发现,淫羊藿苷具有促进成骨细胞的生成和活化、调节免疫、抗衰老和抗炎等多种功能。临床上淫羊藿（苷）用于治疗生殖系统、骨关节系统、呼吸系统、神经系统、心血管系统和免疫系统等多种疾病。淫羊藿（苷）对男性生殖系统的作用及机制主要包括具有雄性激素样作用,促进睾内睾酮的合成和分泌。淫羊藿（苷）通过改善精子发生的微环境、增强睾丸抗氧化作用促进精子生成,增加精子密度,改善精子活力,减缓生殖衰退。此外,淫羊藿（苷）可促进阴茎勃起,治疗勃起功能障碍及早泄。     

Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment of mandibular distal occlusion and the progress of therapy: A case report

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated a relationship between dental malocclusion and posture defects. The aims of the study were to present (1) the effect of a physiotherapeutic approach to a patient with a distal occlusion defect with the use of a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles responsible for mandibular protrusion, and (2) a non-invasive and easy-to-use method to monitor the effects of therapy.MethodsFive year old girl with a distal occlusion and with a low basic postural tone was referred to physiotherapy. A therapeutic program i.a. concerning a strengthening of the temporomandibular joint muscles with the use of a flexible tape was proposed. To assess the functional changes of the masticatory apparatus a photoanthropometric method was used. In side-face photos, proportions of 2 linear measurements and values of two angles on the first day of therapy, after 2 and after 4 months of exercises, with the mandible located freely and in the maximum protrusion were compared.ResultsA comparison of indices and angles showed a marked improvement in mandibular mobility already after two and four months of the exercises. Using the elastic resistance tape in addition to general developmental exercises allowed for increasing the mobility in the temporomandibular joint.ConclusionMalocclusion should not be considered separately, without taking into account the body posture. The work of the physiotherapist can benefit the orthodontist, correcting postural defects and consequently affecting malocclusion. A comparison of linear measurements and angles can be used to assess the progress of the therapy.