Development and validation of an algorithm for laser application in wound treatment

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and validate an algorithm for laser wound therapy. Method: Methodological study and literature review. For the development of the algorithm, a review was performed in the Health Sciences databases of the past ten years. The algorithm evaluation was performed by 24 participants, nurses, physiotherapists, and physicians. For data analysis, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the chi-square test for independence was used. The level of significance of the statistical test was established at 5% (p<0.05). Results: The professionals’ responses regarding the facility to read the algorithm indicated: 41.70%, great; 41.70%, good; 16.70%, regular. With regard the algorithm being sufficient for supporting decisions related to wound evaluation and wound cleaning, 87.5% said yes to both questions. Regarding the participants’ opinion that the algorithm contained enough information to support their decision regarding the choice of laser parameters, 91.7% said yes. The questionnaire presented reliability using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test (α = 0.962). Conclusion: The developed and validated algorithm showed reliability for evaluation, wound cleaning, and use of laser therapy in wounds

Reconsideration of histopathology and ultrastructural aspects of the human liver in yellow fever

Yellow fever is a re-emerging infectious disease that currently is at risk of urbanization due to the advance of the Aedes aegypti vector. The disease affects about 200,000 individuals annually, mainly in tropical Africa and South America. It causes severe disease involving especially the liver, with lesions characterized by midzonal steatosis, apoptosis and lytic necrosis of the hepatocytes. Quantitative histological and immunohistochemical analysis of 53 human hepatic samples demonstrated apoptosis, steatosis and lytic necrosis of hepatocytes with midzonal pattern. No substantial alterations and reticular network were observed. The inflammatory infiltrate consisted of mononuclear cells and intensity was minimal or moderate, disproportionate to the intense death of the hepatocytes. Hepatic damage in yellow fever resulted mainly from a massive death of hepatocytes due to apoptosis and to a lesser extent due to lytic necrosis. It is recommended that therapeutic regimens for serious cases should include measures to protect against apoptosis. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved