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Anal fistula, characterized by abnormal tracts between the perianal skin and the anal canal, presents challenges in treatment because of its diversity and complexity. This study investigates the use of non-thermal plasma as a postsurgical therapy for anal fistula, aiming to promote healing and tissue regeneration. A specialized plasma reactor was designed to apply non-thermal plasma within the anorectal cavity practically. Non-thermal plasma treatment was administered to 20 patients including 10 undergoing fistulectomies and 10 undergoing fistulotomies. The average duration of non-thermal plasma application in the operating room was shorter for fistulotomies. The pain reported the day after surgery was similar in both groups. Improvements in the number of evacuations starting from the day after surgery, as well as the assessment of stool quality using the Bristol scale, indicated satisfactory intestinal recovery. Fistulotomy patients exhibited faster wound healing times. These findings underscore the efficacy of non-thermal plasma as a postoperative therapy for anal fistula, enhancing healing and recovery outcomes without increasing complication risks.

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(1) Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy in accelerating wound healing in patients who have undergone laparoscopic and open surgeries. (2) Methods: NTP was applied using a needle-type reactor with an irradiance of 0.5 W/cm2 on the surgical wounds of fifty patients after obtaining informed consent. Three NTP treatments, each lasting three minutes, were administered hourly. (3) Results: The pilot study showed that NTP-treated surgical wounds healed completely without any signs of infection, dehiscence, pain, or itching. Notably, patients reported minimal pain after the NTP treatment. Visual assessments conducted twenty-four hours after surgery revealed no redness or fluid discharge. Comparisons with traditionally sutured wounds indicated that NTP-treated wounds healed at a rate equivalent to seven days. (4) Conclusions: The application of NTP in laparoscopic and open wounds proved safe and effective, expediting the wound healing process and eliminating clinical risks post-surgery. Significantly, NTP facilitated a healing rate within twenty-four hours, equivalent to seven days for suture-treated wounds, significantly reducing the hospitalization time to a single day. These findings highlight the potential of NTP to be a transformative approach for promoting postoperative recovery.

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Non-thermal plasmas (NTPs), known as cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs), hold great potential for diverse medical applications, including dentistry. However, traditional linear and rigid dielectric barrier discharge reactors used for NTP generation encounter limitations in accessing oral cavities and root canals. To address this issue, we have developed an innovative NTP reactor featuring an angled end for improved accessibility. The central copper electrode, with a 0.59 mm diameter and adjustable length for desired angulation, is coated with zircon powder (ZrSiO4) to ensure stable NTP generation. This central electrode is housed within a stainless steel tube (3 mm internal diameter, 8 mm external diameter, and 100 mm length) with a 27° angle at one end, making it ergonomically suitable for oral applications. NTP generation involves polarizing the reactor electrodes with 13.56 MHz radio frequency signals, using helium gas as a working medium. We introduce plasma-treated water (PTW) as an adjunctive therapy to enhance biofilm eradication within root canals. A synergistic approach combining NTP and PTW is employed and compared to the gold standard (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl), effectively neutralizing Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, even in scenarios involving biofilms. Moreover, applying NTP in both gaseous and liquid environments successfully achieves bacterial inactivation at varying treatment durations, demonstrating the device's suitability for medical use in treating root canal biofilms. The proposed NTP reactor, characterized by its innovative design, offers a practical and specific approach to plasma treatment in dental applications. It holds promise in combatting bacterial infections in root canals and oral cavities.

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Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease in the oral cavity characterized by recurrent ulcers (RU). Usually, these cause acute pain without definitive treatment. The present study determines the efficacy of non-thermal plasma (NTP) for treating RU. NTP is applied to the patient's RU using a radiofrequency generator connected to a point reactor. The power density applied to the ulcer is 0.50 W/cm2, less than 4 W/cm2, which is the maximum value without biological risk. Each patient received two treatments of three minutes each and spaced 60 min apart at a distance of 5 mm from the RU. From a sample of 30 ulcers in patients treated for RU with an average age of 37 years, they stated that the pain decreased considerably and without the need for ingestion of analgesics and antibiotics. Regeneration took place in an average of three days. The NTP proved to be an excellent therapeutic alternative for the treatment of RU since it has a rapid effect of reducing pain and inflammation, as well as adequate tissue regeneration.

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Objective: An exploratory phase II, multicenter, open-label, clinical trial (NCT03687632) was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in treating persistent corneal epithelial defects (PEDs) with ST266, a proprietary novel multi-cytokine platform biologic solution secreted by cultured Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor (AMP) cells. Methods: Subjects with a PED were treated with ST266 eye drops 4 times daily for 28 days, then followed for 1 week. Safety was assessed by monitoring of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Efficacy was assessed by measuring the area of the PED by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Tolerability of ST266, percentage of eyes with complete healing, reduction in area of the epithelial defect, and maintenance of a reduction in the area of the epithelial defect 7 days after treatment were recorded. Results: Thirteen patients were enrolled into the trial at one of eight sites. The first patient withdrew after 5 days. The remaining 12 patients with PEDs with median duration of 39 days (range = 12 to 393 days) completed treatment. Ten of the 12 eyes had been refractory to treatment with various conventional therapies prior to enrollment. After 28 days of treatment, there was a significant decrease in mean PED area compared with baseline (66.4% ± 35.3%, P = 0.001). At follow-up, 1 week after completion of treatment, on day 35, the PED area was further reduced by 78.8% ± 37.5% (P = 0.01) compared with baseline. During 28 days of treatment, 5 eyes (41.7%) had complete wound closure. There were no AEs of concern thought to be related to the drug, and no SAEs were noted. Conclusions: In this trial, we found ST266 eye drops might promote corneal epithelization, thereby reducing the PED area, including in refractory cases in a wide range of etiologies. ST266 was well-tolerated by most patients.

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OBJECTIVE: an innovative non-thermal plasma (NTP) system constituted by a radiofrequency (RF) power generator directly coupled to a treatment probe is described and characterized. This system is intended to be applied as a medical device for therapeutic treatments. METHODS: electrical characterization of the radiofrequency power generator supplying the treatment probe was performed. Meanwhile, generated NTP was optically analyzed. Obtained data were studied to establish the safety profile of plasma application on heat sensitive matter. RESULTS: the NTP system was validated through bacterial deactivation trials, as well as, of being capable of deactivating carcinogenic cells. Besides promoting and accelerating wound closure in vivo performed in mice, demonstrating faster healing than that done with conventional treatments. CONCLUSION: the NTP system's characterization is an essential stage to determine the adequate application of the generated plasma over organic media. The therapeutic benefits of the NTP system were proved by the development of in vivo experiences involving laboratory mice. SIGNIFICANCE: the generated NTP interacts with surrounding air particles producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which, exhibit bactericidal and antiseptic effects due to their strong biochemical reactivity; functioning like critical mediators in animal physiology and promoting wound healing processes. These properties make the NTP system a feasible technology intended for therapeutic treatments.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, is highly susceptible to developing resistance to multiple antibiotics. The gene encoding aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) from P. aeruginosa was cloned and the resulting protein characterized. AspRS was kinetically evaluated, and the KM values for aspartic acid, ATP, and tRNA were 170, 495, and 0.5 µM, respectively. AspRS was developed into a screening platform using scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology and used to screen 1690 chemical compounds, resulting in the identification of two inhibitory compounds, BT02A02 and BT02C05. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined against nine clinically relevant bacterial strains, including efflux pump mutant and hypersensitive strains of P. aeruginosa. The compounds displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and inhibited growth of the efflux and hypersensitive strains with MICs of 16 µg/mL. Growth of wild-type strains were unaffected, indicating that efflux was likely responsible for this lack of activity. BT02A02 did not inhibit growth of human cell cultures at any concentration. However, BT02C05 did inhibit human cell cultures with a cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of 61.6 µg/mL. The compounds did not compete with either aspartic acid or ATP for binding AspRS, indicating that the mechanism of action of the compound occurs outside the active site of aminoacylation.

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Introducción: en los procedimientos odontológicos se está expuestoa gran cantidad de microorganismos y las intervenciones clínicas provocan un contacto directo o indirecto con éstos, ya sea a través del instrumental, equipo odontológico contaminado con saliva, sangre, exudados, etcétera. Por esta razón debe tomarse en cuenta el tipo de contaminación de las piezas de mano por ser parte del equipo de uso cotidiano para realizar tratamientos odontológicos. Objetivos generales:Determinar la carga bacteriana en las piezas de alta velocidad antes y después de su uso en diferentes clínicas de la Facultad de Odontologíade la UV Región Veracruz. Metodología: Investigación transversal, descriptiva y observacional. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron al azar 30 piezas de mano de los estudiantes de la Universidad Veracruzana Facultad de Odontología Región Veracruz, a las cuales se tomó una muestra con un hisopo de algodón antes y después de su uso en la práctica dental. Se realizaron cultivos con las muestras obtenidas que se observaron durante tres días seguidos bajo microscopio para comprobar la presencia de colonias bacterianas. Resultados: De las30 piezas antes de ser utilizadas se detectó Bacillus grampositivos en24 por ciento de las muestras; en 20 por ciento Bacillus gramnegativos, en 6 por ciento Streptobacillus gram-positivos; en 20 por ciento Staphylococcus grampositivos; en 3 por ciento Cocobacillus gramnegativos y en 22 por ciento Actinomyces gramnegativos. El restante 2 por ciento no reveló unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC). En un segundo muestreo, 33 por ciento desarrolló Bacillus grampositivos, 10 por cientoBacillus gramnegativos, 20 por ciento adquirió Sthapylococcus grampositivos, 3 por ciento Sthapylococcus gramnegativo y 34 por ciento no reveló UFC. Conclusión:En el primer muestreo se detectaron microorganismos en 98% de laspiezas de mano, mientras que en el segundo muestreo 66% se contaminócon microorganismos y en 34% no se observó contaminación.

Introduction: dental activity is exposed to a lot of microorganisms,and clinical interventions have a direct or indirect contact with them.Whether through the instruments, dental equipment contaminatedwith saliva, blood, etc; so you should take into account the type ofcontamination of handpieces for being the most widely used equipmentfor dental treatment. General Objectives: Determine the bacterialload in high-speed parts before and after being used in diff erentclinical uses in Dentistry School at UV, Veracruz. Methodology:Cross-sectional, descriptive and observational research. Materialand methods: 30 pieces of students from the Universidad VeracruzanaSchool of Dentistry, Veracruz region, which a sample was takenwith a swab to pieces before and after use in dental practice wererandomly selected. Cultures with samples obtained observedduring three days in a row microscope to determine the presenceof bacterial colonies were made. Results: Of the 30 pieces beforebeing used 24% of Bacillus Gram-positive samples were found; 20%Bacillus Gram-negative, Gram-positive Streptobacillus 6%; 20%Gram-positive Staphylococcus, 3% developed Coccobacillus Gramnegativeand 22% Gram negative Actinomyces. The remaining 2%no colony forming units development (UFC). In a second sampling;33% developed Bacillus Gram-positive, Gram-negative Bacillus10%, 20% obtained Sthapylococcus Gram-positive, Gram-negativeSthapylococcus 3% and 34% did not develop colony forming unit(CFU). Conclusion: In the first sampling 98% of the pieces were microorganism growth, while in the second 66% and the presence ofmicroorganisms obtained 34% no development.

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A cold plasma produced with helium gas was applied to two second-degree burns produced with boiling oil. These burns were located on a thigh and a shin of a 59-years-old male person. After the first treatment as benefit the patient neither presented itching nor pain and, after the second treatment, the patient presented new tissue. This result opens the possibilities of the application of a cold plasma source to health burns.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The efficacy of a direct application of plasma needle to in vivo wound healing was experimentally studied in mice. This kind of plasma has achieved considerable success in blood coagulation and tissue restoration in mice. In the development of the present study, an argon plasma needle was chosen for coagulation purposes, whereas for healing purposes, a helium plasma needle was used. METHODS: Treatment was applied with a plasma needle produced by argon and helium to a wound induced in laboratory mice. Tissue regeneration was carried out by three argon plasma treatments with 0.5 SLPM flow for 1 min and three treatments of helium with 1.5 SLPM flow. Intervals between each treatment were 5 min and 60 min for argon and helium plasmas, respectively, thus completing a total treatment time of 180 min. Histological sections were performed to corroborate the internal bleeding and tissue regeneration. RESULTS: After three treatments with argon plasma, the blood produced in the wound was coagulated and protein material appeared. By means of treatment with helium plasma, an approach of the wound edges was produced until the conclusion thereof. These results were corroborated histologically. CONCLUSIONS: This type of acceleration during the skin wound healing process can be attributed to the formation of reactive species such as NO, which were increased in the helium plasma needle with respect to the argon plasma needle.

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BACKGROUND: Portfolio is an innovative instrument that promotes reflection, creativity and professionalism among students. AIM: To describe the development and validation process of a questionnaire to evaluate the use of portfolio in undergraduate medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Focus groups with students and teachers were employed to identify aspects related with portfolio in undergraduate teaching. The Delphi technique was used to prioritize relevant aspects and construct the questionnaire. The validated questionnaire, consisting of 43 items and 6 factors, was applied to 97 students (response rote of 99.9%) in 2007 and 100 students (99.2%) in 2008. Each question had to be answered using a Likert scale, from 0 (completely disagree) to 4 (completely agree) The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. RESULTS: The questionnaire showed a high reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.9). The mean total scores obtained in 2007 and 2008 were 106.2 ± 21.2 (61.7% of the maximal obtainable score) and 104.6 ± 34.0 (60.8% of the maximal obtainable score), respectively No significant differences were seen in the analysis by factors. Changes in portfolio during 2008 showed differences in items related with organization, evaluation and regulation. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire is a valid and highly reliable instrument, measuring perceptions about the portfolio by undergraduate medical students. The students perceived an improvement in their creativity and professionalism as one of the strengths of portfolio. The weaknesses identified during the implementation process helped us to focus changes in organization and evaluation to improve the portfolio as a dynamic process.

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Background: Portfolio is an innovative instrument that promotes reflection, creativity and professionalism among students. Aitn: To describe the development and validation process of a questionnaire to evalúate the use of portfolio in undergraduate medical students. Material andMethods: Focus groups with students and teachers were employed to identify aspects related with portfolio in undergraduate teaching. The Delphi technique was used to prioritize relevant aspects and construct the questionnaire. The validated questionnaire, consistingin 43 Ítems and 6factors, was appliedto 97students (response rote of99.9 percent) in2007and 100students (99.2 percent) in 2008. Each question had to be answered using a Likert scale,from 0 (completely disagree) to 4 (completely agree) The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. Results: The questionnaire showed a high reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.9). The mean total scores obtained in 2007 and 2008 were 106.2 ± 21.2 (61.7 percent ofthe maximal obtainable score) and 104.6 ± 34.0 (60.8 percent ofthe maximal obtainable score), respectively No significant differences were seen in the analysis by factors. Changes in portfolio during 2008 showed differences in Ítems related with organization, evaluation and regulation. Conclusions: The questionnaire is a valid and highly reliable instrument, measuringperceptions about the portfolio by undergraduate medical students. The students perceived an improvement in their creativity and professionalism as one ofthe strengths of portfolio. The weaknesses identified during the implementation process helped us to focus changes in organization and evaluation to improve the portfolio as a dynamic process.

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