Artificial intelligence-driven patient monitoring for adverse event detection in clinical trials

Artificial intelligence (AI) keeps an eye on people in clinical studies to find out when bad things happen. This is a big way that AI is changing healthcare. It goes into a lot of detail about how AI has changed this field and stresses how important it is to use complicated formulas, always keep an eye on things, and follow the rules. These days, we have tools like deep learning frameworks, controlled and unsupervised learning models, and others that help us find bad things faster and more accurately. Tracking in real time is possible with early warning systems and constant data analysis. It helps make sure the experiment is done right and puts the safety of the people being tested first. AI-driven tracking systems can only work in an honest and reliable way if they follow the rules set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the EMA. The fact that AI has the ability to change the way medical research is done today, with benefits like making it faster and more accurate, makes its problems even more important. The report comes to the conclusion that more research, better teamwork, and a wider use of AI technologies are needed to make it more reliable to find bad events in clinical studies over time.

Fast dissolving oral thin films: an innovative herbal drug delivery system

Fast-dissolving drug delivery systems were first developed as an alternative to common dosage forms in the late 1970s. The oral thin film is an innovative drug administration approach based on transdermal patch technology. These systems consist of solid dosage forms that dissolve and disintegrate quickly in the mouth without the need for water. Oral thin films (OTFs) and oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are two types of fast-acting pharmaceutical delivery methods. ODTs are "A solid dosage form containing medicinal substances, which disintegrates rapidly, usually within a matter of seconds, when placed upon the tongue." As a result, OTFs hydrate fast before dissolving or disintegrating, allowing the medicine to be absorbed locally and systemically. This method provides a solid platform for extending the patient lives of existing products while also developing new ones without infringing on patients. Fast- dissolving oral thin films are being used for sublingual and gastro retentive administration methods in addition to the buccal technique. This review focusses on the composition of various types of polymers, both natural and synthetic, as well as manufacturing processes, packaging materials, and OTF evaluation tests.

Acute coronary syndrome in very young adults (<35 years of age) - time to awake and act! A prospective analytical study from South India

Background: Acute coronary syndrome in very young adults (<35 yrs) was considered as an uncommon entity, recently shows rising incidence especially in India. Hence we planned this study with the aim, to investigate the incidence, clinical, angiographic profile and outcome of ACS in this population. Methods: This is a prospective analytical study included patient <35 yrs with ACS admitted to cardiology department in a tertiary hospital of South India. Risk factors, clinical, angiographic profile and follow up data were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among the total 2180 patients with ACS, 5.8% (n=127) were very young adults. Youngest one was 11 yrs old with coronary anomaly. Median age was 30yrs (SD� and only 8.6% (n=10) were obese. Smoking, male sex were the major conventional risk factors followed by low HDL (52%). Family history of premature coronary event seen in 12.9%, hyperhomocysteinemia, elevated LPA and high fibrinogen were observed in 15%, 20% and 3.5% respectively. Anterior wall MI with LAD occlusion was the commonest type (66.3%). Angiographically 31.4% (36/116) had recanalised vessels, coronary anomaly was seen in 3 (2.5%) patients and pure ectasia in 4 (3.4%) patients. Only 2 were undergone primary PCI (1.7%), 61% (n=71) received thrombolytic therapy. Median delay for angiogram was 72 hrs (3 days). In-hospital mortality was 3.4% and 4.5% (n=5) during follow up. Conclusions: The incidence of ACS among very young adults is on the rising trend (5.8%). Obstructive CAD in 56.9% patients implies the rapid progression of atherosclerosis. With little contribution of novel risk markers of atherosclerosis, smoking and dyslipidemia accelerate the process of premature vascular aging in Indian subcontinent.

Sleep quality and its correlates among undergraduate students of a medical school in North Karnataka, India

Background: Poor sleep quality is a global health concern and is fast becoming one of the silent epidemics. Sleep quality among medical students is of particular interest as they are considered high risk groups for developing sleep related issues because of their demanding schedules. This study aims to estimate the magnitude of poor sleep and its correlates among undergraduate medical students of a medical school in Belgaum, India. Methods: An institutional based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 undergraduate medical students using a self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The potential determinants of quality of sleep were identified using logistic regression. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant and adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI was used to present the strength of association. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality among medical students was 69.3%. Factors like gender, female students (AOR=2.381, 95%CI=1.359-4.172), being overweight or obese (AOR=2.499, 95%CI=1.297-4.817) were associated with poor sleep quality. Students with good sleep hygiene (AOR=0.415, 95%CI=0.231-0.745) and who did not use technology during bedtime (AOR=0.38, 95%CI=0.168-0.878) were less likely of having poor sleep quality at p<0.05. Conclusions: Prevalence of poor sleep quality among substantial proportion of medical students in the current study is alarming. The already existing personal and professional development programme committee can conduct routine screening to assess sleep quality among students and focus on programmes to improve their sleep hygiene.

A peak into metastatic Leydig cell tumor: a rare case report

Testicle tumors are a rare entity among men population, comprising 1-1.5% of all cancers. The Sex cord Stromal tumors contribute just 4% of all testicular cancers, only 10% of them are malignant. Most common sex cord-stromal tumors are the Leydig cell tumor, comprising of 75 to 80% of the total. Incidence is bimodal involving children and adults between 30 and 60 years. The commonest metastatic sites are regional lymph nodes, lung, liver, and bones. Here, we report a case of late metastatic relapsed Leydig cell tumor in a 38-year-old male. Patients with metastatic Leydig cell tumors have poor prognosis and standard treatment recommendations are unclear.

Pineal parenchymal tumour of intermediate differentiation: a rare case report

Pineal parenchymal tumours are erratic, accounting for <1% of all primary central nervous system tumours. It was first categorised by the WHO in 2000 as a pineal parenchymal tumour with an intermediate prognosis between pineocytoma and pineoblastoma. We reported a case of 38-year-old gentle man presented with chief complaints of headache and vomiting since 1 day. MRI brain showed a relatively well defined lesion epicentered at posterior aspect of third ventricle, extending and blocking Aqueduct of Sylvius leading to upstream dilatation of both lateral and third ventricles with periventricular ooze was observed. Excision of lesion was performed, histopathological diagnosis of pineal parenchymal tumours of intermediate differentiation (PPTID) was made, which was further confirmed on IHC. PPTID are enormously erratic tumour, and restricted data are available concerning their pathologic features and biologic behaviours causing interruption in making proper diagnosis and deciding an optimal treatment approach.

A rare prostatic tumour masquerading clinically as benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatic tumours are usually benign. Malignant tumours are usually adenocarcinoma. Rare benign prostate tumours include inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours, which can be found in various body parts and are frequently identified in the lung or abdominal cavity of children and young adults. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours of the urinary tract present more often in kidneys. Prostatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours are sporadic and rare. Presenting 44 years old male with complaints of gross hematuria for 15 days with recurrent urine retention. Per rectal examination revealed, grade II prostate enlargement was firm in consistency. PSA was mildly raised (4.4 ng/ml). Ultrasound abdomen showed enlarged prostate (volume -40 cc) with irregular margins and heterogeneous echo texture showing increased flow on colour Doppler. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) showed a well-defined irregular heterogeneously echoic mass in the transitional zone, but TRUS biopsy showed no malignancy. After TURP, prostate chip examination showed inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour of the prostate. Di?erentiation of inflammatory myofibroblastic prostate tumours from malignant tumours through imaging and laboratory tests is di?cult. A case of prostatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour observed after transurethral resection of the prostate to treat prostate hyperplasia in a 44-year-old man is presented in this report.

Smartphone addiction: impact on health and well-being

This study explores the increasing prevalence and negative impacts of excessive smartphone use. It emphasizes the detrimental effects on academic performance, mental health, and physical well-being, highlighting the need for intervention strategies. The review aims to summarize evidence demonstrating the significant influence of smartphone addiction on dietary behavior and lifestyle, as well as the complex interplay between mobile phone usage patterns and mental health outcomes. The document suggests that mindfulness practices, self-reflection, and seeking professional help can be effective strategies to combat smartphone addiction. Through a systematic literature search using databases like Google Scholar, NIH, and PubMed, the review gathers information on smartphone addiction's effects on health, academics, and adolescence. The conclusion calls for longitudinal studies to track the long-term impact of smartphone usage on academic performance and overall well-being. It recommends identifying at-risk groups for intervention and promoting responsible smartphone usage to prevent adverse effects. Overall, the document underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to smartphone addiction and implementing measures to foster genuine human interactions, balance technology use, and mitigate the hazards of smartphone addiction among adolescents.

Proportion of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese children of age 6 to 16 years attending a tertiary care centre, Kerala

Background: This study aimed to find out the proportion of overweight and obese children of age 6-16 years having metabolic syndrome and to find out the risk factors for the same. Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in obesity clinic of Department of Paediatric, Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha over a period of 18 months (from jan 2019 to june 2020). Sample size was calculated as 210 children including 20% expected dropout. Children of age 6-16 years with BMI > 85th centile attending the obesity clinics were enrolled for the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After getting consent/assent, relevant points from history, physical examination and investigations were recorded. The data obtained were entered in excel spread sheet and analyzed. Results: In this study, 28.9% were overweight and 71.1% were obese. Proportion of metabolic syndrome [MetS] among subject with overweight and obese were 18% and 29.3% respectively. Metabolic syndrome were more in males, children receiving more calories, have passive smoking and were born as preterm or big baby. Abdominal obesity was present in all children with MetS. Significant associations were found between MetS and inflammatory markers like CRP. Among the metabolic parameters, elevated level of uric acid, SGOT, SGPT and abnormal lipid profile were found to have a positive correlation with MetS. Conclusions: More than 25% of children with BMI > 85th centile is found to have MetS. Being overweight also is high risk for development of metabolic syndrome. High calorie intake, passive smoking, prematurity, birth weight more than 4 kg and abdominal obesity are significant risk factors identified.

Uptake of fIPV3 and implementation challenges as perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru: a mixed-method study

Background: India introduced fractional-dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine (fIPV) into its routine immunization program as part of the polio eradication and endgame strategic plan. The study aimed to assess the uptake of the 3rd dose of fIPV among eligible beneficiaries and explore the implementation challenges perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted between April and May 2023. A cross-sectional design was used for quantitative objectives, while in-depth interviews were conducted with ANMs for qualitative insights. Data were collected through vaccination registers, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. The study population included all eligible beneficiaries for the 3rd dose of fIPV from January to March 2023. Results: Out of 296 eligible beneficiaries, 139 (47%) had received the 3rd dose of fIPV. The challenges faced by ANMs in fIPV3 implementation included difficulties in recording and reporting activities, fear of managing adverse events, lack of confidence in administering intradermal injections, obtaining consent from parents, inadequate training, and concerns about vaccine wastage and increased workload. Conclusions: The uptake of fIPV3 was suboptimal, and ANMs encountered several challenges during implementation. To enhance fIPV3 integration into the vaccination schedule, the health system needs to improve awareness among the community, strengthen health worker capacity, and provide better training and support. Strengthening routine immunization programs can contribute to sustained polio eradication efforts.

A rare cause of epididymo-orchitis

Epididymo-orchitis is an inflammatory lesion of the testis and epididymis with a lymphocytic exudate. Patients with acute epididymo-orchitis typically present with scrotal pain, swelling, tenderness and fever. Here, we present a patient with scrotal pain and hemiscrotal swelling as the main complaints; however further investigations revealed a completely different and rare diagnosis. Zinner抯 syndrome is a very rare developmental anomaly of the Wolffian duct. To date, only about 200 cases have been diagnosed. It is a triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ejaculatory duct obstruction. Some patients remain asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, while others present with symptoms related to seminal vesicle cysts or ejaculatory duct obstruction: voiding or ejaculatory difficulty or pain. Treatment options include transurethral or transrectal aspiration and percutaneous drainage, however both are linked to an increased risk of recurrence. Symptomatic, complicated and recurrent cyst will require excision of the cyst, either laparoscopically or robotically.

Relationship between inter-arm blood pressure differences and predicted future cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients

Background: Hypertension stands as a widely recognized significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In clinical practice, it is advisable to measure blood pressure (BP) in both arms. The increasing attention on inter-arm blood pressure difference (IABPD) stems from its association with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the relationship between inter-arm blood pressure differences and predicted future cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of cardiology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2021. The study included 428 cases of previously or newly diagnosed hypertension, selected through convenient sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Office tools and statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: In this study, 8.2% of patients exhibited noteworthy systolic IAD, and 2.3% demonstrated notable diastolic IAD. Median 10-year cardiovascular risk, assessed by Framingham and ASCVD calculators, was 21% and 11% respectively. A positive correlation was observed between sIAD and 10-year cardiovascular risk (p=0.003) and sIAD and 10-year ASCVD risk (p=0.041). Patients with significant sIAD had a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease compared to those without (p=0.041). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between 10-year Framingham cardiovascular risk and sIAD (p=0.003). Conclusions: A significant difference in systolic blood pressure between arms is linked to a higher 10-year cardiovascular risk and the presence of cardiovascular disease in well-managed hypertensive patients. So, monitoring sIAD could be an additional factor in predicting future cardiovascular events in patients receiving hypertension treatment.

Climate change: its impact on mental health and women and children's well-being

Amid every crisis, women and children are considered the most vulnerable segments of the population. As such factions potentially get affected in every natural calamity. According to WHO, it has been evaluated that climate change will unravel all the achievements made in global public health over the past 50 years, sending 100 million people into poverty and killing 250,000 others annually. Although these figures are daunting, the ability to act robustly and effectively is indeed not out of capacity. Hence, it is pertinent to reforming and re-orienting health systems and bring robust strategies into action to mitigate the challenges posed by climate challenges in the present century. The world cannot afford the continuous agony of millions of masses and witnessing innocent people falling prey to several diseases and conditions that can lead them to face lifelong implications.

Effectiveness of sustained maximal inspiration along with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with malignant pleural effusion with intercostal drainage tube: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is one of the most common causes of an exudative pleural effusion. It is the most common cause of a unilateral massive pleural effusion. Most MPE s are secondary to metastases to the pleura, most often from lung or breast cancer. Medical management includes aspiration of fluid with the insertion of a chest tube, which may be necessary to relieve dyspnea. Hypoventilation does occur in certain areas of the lungs because of pain and muscle guarding after intercostal drainage tube (ICD) tube placements in pleural effusion. Therefore, it is important to emphasize pain management and expansion of affected areas of the lungs and chest wall. SMI is the basic maneuver of incentive spirometry and is mainly given to prevent atelectasis and lung collapse in postoperative patients. TENS is a method of producing an electro-analgesic effect and is effective in providing post-operative pain control. Methods: The study design of the study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 44 participants with a diagnosis of MPE with an intercostal drainage tube were included in this study. The study duration was 5 years with an intervention period of 2 weeks and the outcome measures were pulmonary functions and intercostal pain severity using the NRS Scale. Results: There was a significant improvement in pulmonary functions in the control group and a highly significant improvement in pulmonary functions in the experimental group after 2 weeks of interventions and pain severity (NRS) was significantly reduced in the experimental group only (p<0.001) Conclusions: This study concluded that sustained maximal inspiration (SMI) along with TENS significantly improves pulmonary functions and reduces pain at the site of ICD in patients with MPE.

Whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of calcified outer-layer tissue from cystic echinococcosis

@#Echinococcosis is a common zoonotic disease in livestock; the type with the highest incidence is cystic echinococcosis (CE). In clinical management, patients with CE of the liver in which the cyst wall is calcified have been found to have better prognoses than those without calcification. In this study, we collected calcified and uncalcified cyst wall tissue from patients with hepatic CE and observed significant changes in the expression of 2336 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs), 178 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), 210 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 33 circular RNAs (circRNAs) using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of differentially expressed RNAs (DERNAs: DEmRNAs, DElncRNAs, DEmiRNAs, and DEcircRNAs) were performed to explore these RNAs’ potential biological functions and signaling pathways. Ultimately, the results of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining confirmed the correlation between calcification and apoptosis of the cyst wall. In summary, this study was an initial exploration of the molecular-biological mechanism underlying spontaneous calcification of the hydatid cyst wall, and it provides a theoretical basis for exploring new targets for drug treatment in CE.

Prevalence and determinants of depression among patients attending adult HIV clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Southern Nigeria

Background: Mental health challenges particularly depression is common among people living with HIV/AIDS and has been largely neglected. This is of great concern because depression is associated with high morbidity among its sufferers. An assessment of depression among PLWHAand its predictors will enhance their quality of life and improve their health outcomes. Aim:To determine the prevalence and determinants of depression among patients attending the adult HIV clinic in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the adult HIV outpatient clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo. A total of three hundred and fifty-one eligible respondents were recruited over three months. Their levels of perceived social support, depression, HIV stigma and substance abuse were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9), Internalized AIDS-related Stigma Scale and CAGE questionnaire respectively. Results:The mean age of the respondents was 39.8 ± 10.7 years. Two hundred and sixty six (75.8%) of the respondents were females, while eighty-five (24.2%) were males. The overall prevalence of depression was 10%. Majority of respondents had disclosed their status and were experiencing HIV stigmatization representing 84.6% and 95.4% respectively. Most of the respondents (65.8%) had low 2perceived social support. Depression was found to be statistically associated with unskilled workers (χ= 2213.08, p = 0.008), unmarried respondents (χ= 8.45, p = 0.03), low perceived social support (χ= 7.76, p = 220.02), shorter duration of ART use (χ= 8.41, p = 0.04), adverse life events (χ= 4.05, p = 0.04) and 2increasing levels of HIV stigma (χ= 7.66, p = 0.02) among the study participants. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of depression in PLWHA was high. Therefore, the screening and prompt treatment of depression in HIV positive persons should be inculcated into their management plan. Furthermore, policies should be made to minimize discrimination and stigmatization of PLWHA in the communities and healthcare systems. Finally, the relevant stakeholders should work in unison to improve the social welfare conditions of HIV infected persons.

An estimation of optimum dietary concentration of soy bean meal for carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirhinus mrigala) / Uma estimativa da concentração dietética ideal de farinha de soja para carpas (Catla catla, Labeo rohita e Cirhinus mrigala)

Abstract Soybean meal is an inexpensive plant origin protein which has been used in practical diets as a replacement of animal protein such as fish meal or chicken meal, due to the uneconomical price of animal protein diets. Consequently, a research study was conducted on some commercial species of Indian major carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822) to estimate optimum dietary protein requirement of soy bean meal in diet in an intensive polyculture. Three different diets (SBM I, SBM II and SBM III) were formulated by 80%, 50% and 20% replacement of fish meal with soybean meal from a 45% fish meal diet (control).Highest monthly mean weight gain was obtained by SBM II (with 35% CP and about 50% substitution of fish meal), while SBM III (45% Crude Protein and about 20% substitution of fish meal) was stood second. All tested diets respond enormously by producing high yield as compare to control diet, though SBM II generated highest yield among all. On the bases of the following research, it was revealed that the SBM can surrogate even50% fish meal without any augmentation of other amino acids in the diet of Indian major carps.

Resumo O farelo de soja é uma proteína de origem vegetal de baixo custo que tem sido usada em dietas práticas como um substituto da proteína animal, como farinha de peixe ou farinha de frango, devido ao preço não econômico das dietas com proteína animal. Consequentemente, um estudo/pesquisa foi realizado com algumas espécies comerciais de carpas principais indianas, ou seja, Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) e Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822), para estimar a necessidade ideal de proteína dietética de farelo de soja na dieta em uma policultura intensiva. Três dietas diferentes (SBM I, SBM II e SBM III) foram formuladas por 80%, 50% e 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe por farelo de soja de uma dieta de 45% de farinha de peixe (controle). O maior ganho de peso médio mensal foi obtido por SBM II (com 35% PB e cerca de 50% de substituição de farinha de peixe), enquanto SBM III (45% de proteína bruta e cerca de 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe) ficou em segundo lugar. Todas as dietas testadas respondem enormemente produzindo alto rendimento em comparação com a dieta controle, embora SBM II tenha gerado o maior rendimento entre todas. Com base na pesquisa a seguir, foi revelado que o SBM pode substituir até 50% da farinha de peixe sem qualquer aumento de outros aminoácidos na dieta das carpas principais indianas.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma / Inativação de fungos isolados em sementes de Erythrina velutina Willd. por meio do plasma atmosférico

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.