Laser therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis : best evidence based practice or not?
- Dembskey, Nadia, Abrahamse, Heidi
- Authors: Dembskey, Nadia , Abrahamse, Heidi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Onychomycosis , Resistance , Laser
- Language: English
- Type: Articles
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241789 , uj:24924 , Citation: Dembskey N, Abrahamse H (2016) Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Best Evidence Based Practice or Not?. Clin Res Foot Ankle 4: 211. doi:10.4172/2329-910X.1000211 , ISSN: 2329-910X
- Description: Abstract: Onychomycosis is a very common condition that accounts for 50% of all nail pathologies. Currently 2–5% of the world population suffers from this disorder. It is primarily caused by dermatophytes, but the infection can also be caused by yeasts and non-dermatophyte moulds. Onychomycosis is a therapeutic challenge and recently there has been an increase in resistance to oral and topical antifungal agents, leading to 20–25% relapse and/or reinfection rate. During the past 5 years, the emergence of laser therapy has been the topic of discussion as a newer, safer modality of treatment. Nail clippings and scrapings are the most common methods of sampling for suspected onychomycosis. The simplest method for detecting fungi is by way of 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations, but lately show insufficient sensitivity in onychomycosis – as much as 40–68%. Fungi can also be grown in culture form; however a 70% sensitivity detection failure rate is seen. Recently, histological fungal detection – in the form of Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS) stain – has shown high sensitivity at 92% in the detection of fungal elements. The exact mechanism of action of laser is unknown but it is believed that heat disintegrates fungal structures. One of the most appealing characteristics of laser therapy is its ability to deliver energy to the target tissue and avoid systemic side effects at the same time. In 2009 the United Kingdom (UK) Podiatry magazine Podiatry Now published a letter suggesting laser treatment was “possibly the most radical development in the treatment of onychomycosis our profession has ever seen”, although concerns were raised over the unproven efficacy and investment costs involved. Papers have been published investigating the efficacy of lasers for the treatment of onychomycosis. Even though laser therapy provides an alternative option with rapid procedure duration, conflicting evidence is shown in a variety of papers and studies with longer follow-up periods suggest onychomycosis relapse in those treated with laser, which warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dembskey, Nadia , Abrahamse, Heidi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Onychomycosis , Resistance , Laser
- Language: English
- Type: Articles
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241789 , uj:24924 , Citation: Dembskey N, Abrahamse H (2016) Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Best Evidence Based Practice or Not?. Clin Res Foot Ankle 4: 211. doi:10.4172/2329-910X.1000211 , ISSN: 2329-910X
- Description: Abstract: Onychomycosis is a very common condition that accounts for 50% of all nail pathologies. Currently 2–5% of the world population suffers from this disorder. It is primarily caused by dermatophytes, but the infection can also be caused by yeasts and non-dermatophyte moulds. Onychomycosis is a therapeutic challenge and recently there has been an increase in resistance to oral and topical antifungal agents, leading to 20–25% relapse and/or reinfection rate. During the past 5 years, the emergence of laser therapy has been the topic of discussion as a newer, safer modality of treatment. Nail clippings and scrapings are the most common methods of sampling for suspected onychomycosis. The simplest method for detecting fungi is by way of 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations, but lately show insufficient sensitivity in onychomycosis – as much as 40–68%. Fungi can also be grown in culture form; however a 70% sensitivity detection failure rate is seen. Recently, histological fungal detection – in the form of Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS) stain – has shown high sensitivity at 92% in the detection of fungal elements. The exact mechanism of action of laser is unknown but it is believed that heat disintegrates fungal structures. One of the most appealing characteristics of laser therapy is its ability to deliver energy to the target tissue and avoid systemic side effects at the same time. In 2009 the United Kingdom (UK) Podiatry magazine Podiatry Now published a letter suggesting laser treatment was “possibly the most radical development in the treatment of onychomycosis our profession has ever seen”, although concerns were raised over the unproven efficacy and investment costs involved. Papers have been published investigating the efficacy of lasers for the treatment of onychomycosis. Even though laser therapy provides an alternative option with rapid procedure duration, conflicting evidence is shown in a variety of papers and studies with longer follow-up periods suggest onychomycosis relapse in those treated with laser, which warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
Resistance of lung cancer cells grown as multicellular tumour spheroids to Zinc sulfophthalocyanine photosensitization
- Manoto, Sello Lebohang, Houreld, Nicolette Nadene, Abrahamse, Heidi
- Authors: Manoto, Sello Lebohang , Houreld, Nicolette Nadene , Abrahamse, Heidi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Apoptosis , Resistance , Cytotoxicity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/91933 , uj:20164 , Citation: Manoto, S.L., Houreld, N.N. & Abrahamse, H. 2016. Resistance of lung cancer cells grown as multicellular tumour spheroids to Zinc sulfophthalocyanine photosensitization.
- Description: Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is phototherapeutic modality used in the treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. The photochemical interaction of light, photosensitizer (PS) and molecular oxygen produces singlet oxygen which induces cell death. Zinc sulfophthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix) has been shown to be effective in A549 monolayers, multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) (250 μm) and not on MCTSs with a size of 500 μm. A549 cells used in this study were grown as MCTSs to a size of 500 μm in order to determine their susceptibility to PDT. ZnPcSmix distribution in MCTSs and nuclear morphology was determined using a fluorescent microscope. Changes in cellular responses were evaluated using cell morphology, viability, proliferation, cytotoxicity, cell death analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Untreated MCTSs, showed no changes in cellular morphology, proliferation, cytotoxicity and nuclear morphology. Photoactivated ZnPcSmix also showed no changes in cellular morphology and nuclear morphology. However, photoactivated ZnPcSmix resulted in a significant dose dependant decrease in viability and proliferation as well as an increase in cell membrane damage in MCTSs over time. ZnPcSmix photosensitization induces apoptotic cell death in MCTSs with a size of 500 μm and more resistantance when compared to monolayer cells and MCTSs
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manoto, Sello Lebohang , Houreld, Nicolette Nadene , Abrahamse, Heidi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Apoptosis , Resistance , Cytotoxicity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/91933 , uj:20164 , Citation: Manoto, S.L., Houreld, N.N. & Abrahamse, H. 2016. Resistance of lung cancer cells grown as multicellular tumour spheroids to Zinc sulfophthalocyanine photosensitization.
- Description: Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is phototherapeutic modality used in the treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. The photochemical interaction of light, photosensitizer (PS) and molecular oxygen produces singlet oxygen which induces cell death. Zinc sulfophthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix) has been shown to be effective in A549 monolayers, multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) (250 μm) and not on MCTSs with a size of 500 μm. A549 cells used in this study were grown as MCTSs to a size of 500 μm in order to determine their susceptibility to PDT. ZnPcSmix distribution in MCTSs and nuclear morphology was determined using a fluorescent microscope. Changes in cellular responses were evaluated using cell morphology, viability, proliferation, cytotoxicity, cell death analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Untreated MCTSs, showed no changes in cellular morphology, proliferation, cytotoxicity and nuclear morphology. Photoactivated ZnPcSmix also showed no changes in cellular morphology and nuclear morphology. However, photoactivated ZnPcSmix resulted in a significant dose dependant decrease in viability and proliferation as well as an increase in cell membrane damage in MCTSs over time. ZnPcSmix photosensitization induces apoptotic cell death in MCTSs with a size of 500 μm and more resistantance when compared to monolayer cells and MCTSs
- Full Text:
Strategic competence and agency : individuals overcoming barriers to change in South African higher education
- Idahosa, Grace Ese-osa, Vincent, Louise
- Authors: Idahosa, Grace Ese-osa , Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agency , Resistance , Transformation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293200 , uj:31876 , Citation: Idahosa, G.E. & Vincent, L. 2019. Strategic competence and agency : individuals overcoming barriers to change in South African higher education.
- Description: Abstract: Social relations, institutional arrangements and cultures bequeathed by South Africa’s system of apartheid continue be felt in the present despite the country’s formal transition to democracy almost 25 years ago. Race, class and gender inequities continue to structure South African society in ways that have proven intransigent to change, leading to growing frustration and widespread public dissatisfaction expressed in multiple arenas including worker strikes, service delivery and university student protests. While it is clear that social structures inherited from the past are difficult to change, it is also the case that change does happen. In this paper, we discuss the findings of a hermeneutic phenomenological study with 10 academics at one historically white university in South Africa, who have been agents of change within their particular context...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Idahosa, Grace Ese-osa , Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agency , Resistance , Transformation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293200 , uj:31876 , Citation: Idahosa, G.E. & Vincent, L. 2019. Strategic competence and agency : individuals overcoming barriers to change in South African higher education.
- Description: Abstract: Social relations, institutional arrangements and cultures bequeathed by South Africa’s system of apartheid continue be felt in the present despite the country’s formal transition to democracy almost 25 years ago. Race, class and gender inequities continue to structure South African society in ways that have proven intransigent to change, leading to growing frustration and widespread public dissatisfaction expressed in multiple arenas including worker strikes, service delivery and university student protests. While it is clear that social structures inherited from the past are difficult to change, it is also the case that change does happen. In this paper, we discuss the findings of a hermeneutic phenomenological study with 10 academics at one historically white university in South Africa, who have been agents of change within their particular context...
- Full Text:
Arts, apartheid struggles and cultural movements
- Authors: Tomaselli, K. G.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Apartheid , Resistance , Arts
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407089 , uj:34252 , Citation: Tomaselli, K.G. 2019: Arts, apartheid struggles and cultural movements.
- Description: Abstract: This study i) briefly sketches some anti-apartheid arts initiatives of the 1980s; ii) examines the anti-apartheid academic common sense that assumed that ‘real struggle’ could occur only within the labour movement; while iii) both are discussed in relation to early Afrikaner conservative cultural theory. The role of social theory within these sites of resistance is discussed. The article offers a lived methodology by including evocative observations from some social actors who participated in, and contributed to anti-apartheid art, drama and writing. The objective is to draw out debates on struggle rather than to offer a discussion of arts initiatives themselves. These are examined in terms of Albie Sachs’ pleas for discussion beyond the weaponisation of art, one that restores the humanity robbed by apartheid.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tomaselli, K. G.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Apartheid , Resistance , Arts
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407089 , uj:34252 , Citation: Tomaselli, K.G. 2019: Arts, apartheid struggles and cultural movements.
- Description: Abstract: This study i) briefly sketches some anti-apartheid arts initiatives of the 1980s; ii) examines the anti-apartheid academic common sense that assumed that ‘real struggle’ could occur only within the labour movement; while iii) both are discussed in relation to early Afrikaner conservative cultural theory. The role of social theory within these sites of resistance is discussed. The article offers a lived methodology by including evocative observations from some social actors who participated in, and contributed to anti-apartheid art, drama and writing. The objective is to draw out debates on struggle rather than to offer a discussion of arts initiatives themselves. These are examined in terms of Albie Sachs’ pleas for discussion beyond the weaponisation of art, one that restores the humanity robbed by apartheid.
- Full Text:
Negative visibility and ‘the defences of the weak’ : the interplay of a managerial culture and prisoner resistance
- Authors: Symkovych, Anton
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Prisoners , Power , Resistance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/412117 , uj:34664 , Citation: Symkovych, A. 2020. Negative visibility and ‘the defences of the weak’ : the interplay of a managerial culture and prisoner resistance.
- Description: Abstract: While being structurally subordinate, prisoners are neither powerless, nor mute. Drawing on semi-ethnographic research in a Ukrainian medium-security prison for men, in this article, I advance the concept of ‘negative visibility’, i.e. an administration’s fear of external attention and intervention, and make a case for the interplay of prisoner resistance with a managerial culture. Using Soviet penal and managerial legacies as an example, I argue that structure can be both constraining and enabling even within the milieu of the gross power imbalance of which prison is an archetype, thereby attesting to the coherence of agency and structure and the contingency of power. Furthermore, by highlighting that prisoners may undermine officer power for all sorts of reasons, including opportunistic and selfish, this study cautions against romanticising the ‘defences of the weak’ and a priori politicisation of prisoner resistance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Symkovych, Anton
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Prisoners , Power , Resistance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/412117 , uj:34664 , Citation: Symkovych, A. 2020. Negative visibility and ‘the defences of the weak’ : the interplay of a managerial culture and prisoner resistance.
- Description: Abstract: While being structurally subordinate, prisoners are neither powerless, nor mute. Drawing on semi-ethnographic research in a Ukrainian medium-security prison for men, in this article, I advance the concept of ‘negative visibility’, i.e. an administration’s fear of external attention and intervention, and make a case for the interplay of prisoner resistance with a managerial culture. Using Soviet penal and managerial legacies as an example, I argue that structure can be both constraining and enabling even within the milieu of the gross power imbalance of which prison is an archetype, thereby attesting to the coherence of agency and structure and the contingency of power. Furthermore, by highlighting that prisoners may undermine officer power for all sorts of reasons, including opportunistic and selfish, this study cautions against romanticising the ‘defences of the weak’ and a priori politicisation of prisoner resistance.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »