ABSTRACT
Microbiologically based diseases continue to pose serious global health problems. Effective alternative treatments that are not susceptible to resistance are sorely needed, and the killing of photosensitized bacteria through photodynamic therapy (PDT) may ultimately emerge as such an option. In preclinical research and early in vivo studies, PDT has demonstrated the ability to kill an assortment of microorganisms. Antimicrobial PDT has the potential to accelerate wound healing and prevent clinical infection, particularly in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Larger trials are needed to confirm its early promise and suggest its ultimate role in caring for chronic wounds.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Leg Ulcer/drug therapy , Leg Ulcer/microbiology , Photochemotherapy , Wound Infection/drug therapy , Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic , Foot Ulcer/drug therapy , Foot Ulcer/microbiology , Humans , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Wound Healing/drug effects , Wound Infection/microbiologyABSTRACT
There is evidence from previous cross-sectional studies that high volumes of certain sports, including running, swimming and cycling, may have a negative impact on bone mineral density. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prospectively the effects of high athletic training in individuals who engage in high volumes of all three of these activities (triathletes). Bone mineral density for the total body, arms and legs was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 21 competitive triathletes (9 men, 12 women) at the beginning of the training season and 24 weeks later. Age, body mass index, calcium intake and training volume were also recorded to examine potential mediators of bone mineral density change. Men had greater bone mineral density at all sites than women. No significant changes were observed over the 24 weeks for either total body or leg bone mineral density. Bone mineral density in both arms increased by approximately 2% in men (P < 0.03), but no change was observed for women. Change in bone mineral density at all sites was unrelated to age, body mass index, calcium intake and training volume. The results suggest that adverse changes in bone mineral density do not occur over the course of 6 months of training in competitive triathletes.