Optimization of the Erythrosine-mediated photodynamic therapy against Escherichia coli using response surface methodology.

Background: The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) depends on the combination of light and a photosensitizer for inactivation of microorganisms. However, finding the ideal conditions for the factors involved in this technique is time and cost-consuming. The rotational composite central design (RCCD) is a tool that can be allied with PDT to achieve precise results within a shorter working time.

Comparative Study Using 100-300 Versus 300-500 μm Microspheres for Symptomatic Patients Due to Enlarged-BPH Prostates.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare safety and efficacy outcomes following prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 100-300 versus 300-500 μm tris-acryl gelatin microspheres.

Materials And Methods: Patients were prospectively treated between August 2011 and June 2013 to receive PAE with 100-300 μm (group A) or 300-500 μm (group B) tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months and were assessed for changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) index, prostate volume determined by magnetic resonance imaging, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), as well as any treatment-related adverse events.

Predictors of all-cause mortality in chronic Chagas' heart disease in the current era of heart failure therapy.

Background And Aims: We sought to identify predictors of all-cause mortality for Chagas' disease patients with chronic systolic heart failure because they are virtually lacking in the current era of heart failure therapy.

Methods And Results: This study focus on 127 patients with the diagnosis of chronic systolic heart failure secondary to Chagas' cardiomyopathy. Mean follow up was 25+/-19 months.

Predictors of all-cause mortality for patients with chronic Chagas' heart disease receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

Background: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) have sporadically been used in the treatment of either Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) or Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) in Chagas' disease patients. This study aimed at determining predictors of all-cause mortality for Chagas' disease patients receiving ICD therapy.

Methods And Results: Ninety consecutive patients were entered the study.