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Background: In health sciences practice, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and learning-to-learn are crucial transversal skills. Effective teaching necessitates the understanding of undergraduates' views. This study explored undergraduate experiences in human biology, medicine, and nursing degrees in learning transversal skills. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed method design with qualitative data collection and a subsequent online survey study. Three focus groups were conducted with third- and fourth-year undergraduates, and data were analyzed with thematic analysis. The online survey targeted undergraduate students from all academic years to address inconclusive details. Analysis entailed descriptive statistics, and associations differences in responses by degrees were analyzed using chi-square tests or Fisher's Exact Test. Results: Thirteen undergraduates participated in focus groups and 159 in the online survey. Three thematic areas emerged: the training received and its perceived relevance, the evaluation, and the learning methods. Undergraduates expressed that transversal skills were necessary for self-personal growth and professional development; however 50.7% reported not receiving specific training. Human biology and medicine undergraduates reported less training in critical thinking compared to nursing (29.03% and 32.7% vs. 76%, p < 0.001) and in interpersonal and relational skills (16.1% and 16.3% vs. 57%, p < 0.001). Subjectivity is an issue compared to traditional testing, with 39.6% of undergraduates reporting knowing the assessment methods of transversal skills and 56% trusting the preparation of teaching staff. >80% of undegraduate students wanted more participatory methodologies —from classroom methodology to problem-based assessments and simulation, while plenary lectures and gamification were less preferred. Conclusion: Health sciences undergraduates advocated for effectively integrating transversal skills in their programs. Nursing undergraduates showed higher satisfaction and expressed having experienced more transversal skills learning than human biology and medicine undergraduates. Undergraduates required educators to receive more support and training in adopting methodologies that facilitate transversal skill acquisition through changes in the assessment methods and substantive transformation of the program curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of minimally invasive dermabrasion for deep second-degree facial burn wounds during the early postburn phase. Methods: A total of 35 patients with deep second-degree facial burns underwent minimally invasive debridement using a hydrosurgery system within 2–4 days post-injury. Subsequently, the wounds were covered with human biological dressings. The wound infection rate, healing time, and overall healing quality following debridement were monitored. Result: In this cohort of 35 patients, no infections were reported after debridement. The average healing time for these wounds was significantly shorter than that of those treated with standard surgical excision. Clinical observations indicated that minimally invasive dermabrasion was associated with a lower infection rate and reduced healing time. After 6 months, scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale showed that the average score for wounds treated with minimally invasive techniques was lower than those treated with standard surgical excisional technique. Conclusions: This research indicates that minimally invasive debridement during the early postburn stage can effectively reduce wound infection rates, shorten healing times, and minimize the occurrence of scar hyperplasia and contracture deformities. Therefore, minimally invasive dermabrasion is valuable in treating deep second-degree facial burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We conducted this meta-analysis to explore the risk factors and incidence of deep surgical site infections (DSSIs) after orthopaedic trauma surgery. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across various databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, for studies examining risk factors associated with DSSIs after bone trauma procedures. The search concluded on September 1, 2024. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15.0. Results: Among 2,722 publications screened, 16 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the analysis, involving a total of 22,318 patients, of whom 894 experienced DSSIs. The meta-analysis revealed a combined incidence of deep infections after orthopedic trauma surgery at [ES = 6.7%, 95% CI (5.1%–8.2%)]. Risk factors identified included male gender [OR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.39, 2.86), p < 0.0001], current smoking status [OR = 2.60, 95% CI (1.85, 3.65), p < 0.0001], open injuries [OR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.72, 5.85), p < 0.0001], a BMI greater than 26.0 kg/m2 [OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.24, 3.07), p = 0.004], wound class ≥ 2 [OR = 2.40, 95% CI (1.56, 3.70), p < 0.0001], and a surgery duration of 60 min or more [OR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.63, 3.55), p < 0.0001]. These factors significantly contribute to the risk of developing DSSIs post-surgery. However, age did not exhibit a significant difference. Conclusion: This study identifies key risk factors for DSSI following orthopedic trauma surgery, addressing a gap in the existing literature and offering some insights for clinical decision-making. To mitigate the risk of DSSI, clinical practice should encourage patients to lose weight and quit smoking prior to surgery, optimize surgical procedures, and improve wound management strategies. Future research should aim to standardize follow-up durations and further refine the classification of risk factors, in order to validate and expand on the conclusions of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic skin wound is a complex problem due to the disruption of normal repairing program and lack of effective remedy. Lucilia sericata larvae (maggot) is a folk method to treat chronic skin wound, while its therapeutic effects on that caused by diabetic remains unknown. Objective: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of maggot extract (M.E.) on diabetic skin wound and its molecular mechanism by establishing the skin wound model of diabetic Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Diabetic model was established by injecting intraperitoneally streptozotocin in SD rats under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions. The rat fasting blood glucose values were ≧16.7 mmol/L 72 hours after intraperitoneal streptozotocin (60mg/kg body weight) injection. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 10/group): normal group: normal SD rats without any treatment, diabetic blank group: the diabetic rats without any treatment, Vaseline group: the diabetic rats dressed with Vaseline, recombinant human epidermal-growth-factor (rhEGF) group: the diabetic rats dressed with a mixture of Vaseline and 200 μg/g rhEGF, M.E. group: the diabetic rats dressed with a mixture of Vaseline and 150 μg/ml maggot extract. The round open wounds (1.0 cm in diameter) down to the muscle fascia were made on both sides of rat dorsa by removing the skin layer (epidermis and dermis) and were daily photographed for calculating their healing rates. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were performed on skin wound sections to analyze re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Immunohistochemical (IHC), immunofluorescent (IF) stainings and Western blotting were conducted to analyze the statuses of STAT3 signaling. Results: The average wound healing rates on the 14th day were 91.7% in the normal, 79.6% in M.E., 71% in rhEGF, 55.1% in vaseline and 43.3% in the diabetes blank group. Morphological staining showed more active granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization and neovascularization in M.E.-group than those in the blank and the vaseline-treated groups. Decreased p-STAT3 nuclear tranlocation and down-regulated Bcl-2, CyclinD1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were evidenced in the diabetic rats, which could be improved by rhEGF and especially M.E. Conclusion: Maggot extract would be an alternative and/or adjuvant candidate for the better management of diabetic skin wounds because of its activity in enhancing STAT3 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Skin wound healing is a physiological process restoring the structural and functional integrity of injured skin. During this process, wound management preventing bacterial infection and complications is important for the regeneration of skin layers and adnexa, as well as the protective function of the skin. Therefore, the development of an effective ointment to promote wound healing without complications is beneficial. Materials and Methods: This study developed Raepenol™ cream, comprising a base cream and natural compounds including paeonol, D-panthenol and extract of Centella asiatica, and assessed its therapeutic effect in wound healing. A rat model of skin wound healing and a mouse model of imiquimod-induced pruritus were employed. The effect of Raepenol™ cream was evaluated by wound size and histological analysis, including the integrity of skin structures and inflammatory response. Results: Raepenol™ cream treatment effectively restored the structural integrity of the skin in rats, including wound closure, regeneration of skin adnexa, and reconstitution of collagen, comparable to commercial ointment. Additionally, Raepenol™ cream significantly suppressed pruritus by inhibiting mast cell infiltration or retention in the inflammatory site of mouse ears. Conclusion: Raepenol™ cream effectively promoted wound healing and relieved pruritus in animal models. These results suggest that it could be a promising option for wound care and pruritus relief, offering potential advantages over current ointments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong scientific writing skills are the foundation of a successful research career and require training and practice. Although these skills are critical for completing a PhD, most students receive little formal writing instruction prior to joining a graduate program. In 2015, the University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) addressed this issue by developing the scientific writing course Grant Writing Basics (GWB). Here we describe the structure of this course and its effectiveness. GWB is an interactive, workshop-based course that uses a National Institutes of Health (NIH) F30 predoctoral fellowship proposal as a platform for building writing expertise. GWB incorporates established pedagogical principles of adult learning, including flipped classrooms, peer teaching, and reiterative evaluation. Time spent in class centers on active student analysis of previously submitted fellowship applications, discussion of writing resources, active writing, facilitated small group discussion of critiques of student writing samples, revision, and a discussion with a panel of experienced study section members and a student who completed a fellowship submission. Outcomes of GWB include a substantial increase in the number of applications submitted and fellowships awarded. Rigorous evaluation provides evidence that learning objectives were met and that students gained confidence in both their scientific writing skills and their ability to give constructive feedback. Our findings show that investment in formal training in written scientific communication provides a foundation for good writing habits, and the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this vital aspect of a scientific research career. Furthermore, they highlight that evaluation is valuable in guiding course evolution. Strategies embedded in GWB can be adapted for use in any graduate program to advance scientific writing skills among its trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mechanisms specifying cancer cell states and response to therapy are incompletely understood. Here we show epigenetic reprogramming shapes the cellular landscape of schwannomas, the most common tumors of the peripheral nervous system. We find schwannomas are comprised of 2 molecular groups that are distinguished by activation of neural crest or nerve injury pathways that specify tumor cell states and the architecture of the tumor immune microenvironment. Moreover, we find radiotherapy is sufficient for interconversion of neural crest schwannomas to immune-enriched schwannomas through epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming. To define mechanisms underlying schwannoma groups, we develop a technique for simultaneous interrogation of chromatin accessibility and gene expression coupled with genetic and therapeutic perturbations in single-nuclei. Our results elucidate a framework for understanding epigenetic drivers of tumor evolution and establish a paradigm of epigenetic and metabolic reprograming of cancer cells that shapes the immune microenvironment in response to radiotherapy. Schwannomas are regularly treated with radiotherapy, but the molecular effects on these tumours and their microenvironment remain unclear. Here, the authors show that radiotherapy can induce epigenetic reprogramming and immune infiltration in schwannomas, and develop the snARC-seq approach to analyse the epigenomic evolution at the single-cell level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shikonin, a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial effects and expedites wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities of shikonin in a Sprague–Dawley rat model and cell models using fibroblast and endothelial cells. Methods: The impact of shikonin on the activity of endothelial cells and fibroblasts was examined by cell counting kit 8 and wound‐healing assays. A diabetic rat model was constructed, followed by wound creation for treatment with shikonin. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes, and Masson's trichrome method to detect collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD31 was conducted to detect proliferation and vascular density. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were carried out to assess pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory factor concentrations. Western blot and immunofluorescence were implemented to analyze oxidative stress‐related protein expression. Results: Shikonin induced the activity of both fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Shikonin treatment contributed to facilitated wound healing and higher healing rates in rats. It also resulted in faster lesion debulking in tissues, reduced inflammatory infiltration, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis. Detection of markers at the wounds showed that shikonin accelerated cell proliferation, enhanced tissue remodeling, and inhibited oxidative stress. Conclusion: Shikonin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, resulting in faster wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The frequency of humanitarian surgical mission trips has grown over recent decades. Unfortunately, research on patient outcomes from these trips has not increased proportionately. We aim to analyze the safety and efficacy of surgeries in a low‐ and middle‐income country missions‐based surgery center in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and identify factors that influence surgical outcomes. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Guatemalan surgery center is called the Moore Center. Methods: Pediatric patients underwent otolaryngology surgery between 2017 and 2019. All patients required follow up. We analyzed the effect of patient, surgical, and geographic factors on follow up and complications with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 1094 otolaryngologic surgeries were performed between 2017 to 2019, which comprised 37.4% adenotonsillectomies, 26.8% cleft lip (CL)/cleft palate (CP) repairs, 13.6% otologic, and 20% "other" surgeries. Patients traveled on average 88 km to the center (±164 km). Eighty‐nine percent attended their first follow up and 55% attended their second. The 11% who missed their first follow up lived farther from the center (p <.001) and had a higher ASA classification (p <.001) than the 89% who did attend. Sixty‐nine (6.3%) patients had 1 or more complications. CL/CP surgery was associated with more complications than other procedures (p <.001). Of 416 tonsillectomies, 4 patients (1%) had a bleeding episode with 2 requiring reoperation. Conclusion: This surgical center models effective surgical care in low‐resource areas. Complications and follow‐up length vary by diagnosis. Areas to improve include retaining complex patients for follow up and reducing complications for CL/CP repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletic trainers (ATs) have self-reported inadequate documentation of patient encounters and a desire for more educational resources to inform their documentation practices. However, continuing education opportunities regarding clinical documentation are limited and not easily accessible by all ATs. To develop and validate a comprehensive educational resource on clinical documentation using an established personalized learning pathway (PLP) framework. Multiphase development process consisting of consensus development, subject matter expert content validation, and pilot implementation. Asynchronous, web-based educational resource. Three subject matter experts thoroughly reviewed the educational resource for face and content validity. Ten ATs and 23 professional athletic training students participated in pilot implementation. Through a consensus process, the research team developed a comprehensive educational resource regarding clinical documentation in athletic training. The clinical documentation PLP includes 7 overarching topic areas that are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of clinical documentation. A variety of learning formats were used to help engage learners, and content was curated and delivered by members of the research team, 14 practicing ATs, and 2 content area experts. Subject matter experts considered the content of the Clinical Documentation PLP and the delivery mechanism of the learning resource to be excellent; minor feedback to enhance the overall face and content validity was implemented as suggested by the subject matter experts. All 10 ATs and 23 professional athletic training students completed the PLP in its entirety. Minor feedback to enhance the overall user experience was implemented as suggested by the pilot participants. The Clinical Documentation PLP was developed based on central principles of adult learning theory and cognitive load theory to provide comprehensive knowledge and best-practice recommendations regarding clinical documentation to ATs. The PLP is relatable, cost-free, continuously available, and conveniently accessible from any location or device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds are among the most common skin diseases. They are formed after tissue injury and result in severe damage to the epidermis. The application of plants for wound healing is not only a cheap and accessible way of treatment, but also provides a reliable natural resource of medicinal substances with fewer side effects. Biologically active substances such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds demonstrate a wide spectrum of action: wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. This review article examines the chemical composition of three plants - Calendula officinalis, Marrubium vulgare, Vitis vinifera and the signal transduction in skin wound healing. Studies have shown that they have a strong antioxidant effect, hemostatic activity, powerful vasoconstrictor effect, pro-angiogenic and cell-protective effects. Because of the mentioned benefits of these plants, more scientific research and well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish their wider use in wound treating medicaments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: EmergenCSim is a novel researcher-developed serious game (SG) with an embedded scoring and feedback tool that reproduces an obstetric operating room environment. The learner must perform general anesthesia for emergent cesarean delivery for umbilical cord prolapse. The game was developed as an alternative teaching tool because of diminishing real-world exposure of anesthesiology trainees to this clinical scenario. Traditional debriefing (facilitator-guided reflection) is considered to be integral to experiential learning but requires the participation of an instructor. The optimal debriefing methods for SGs have not been well studied. Electronic feedback is commonly provided at the conclusion of SGs, so we aimed to compare the effectiveness of learning when an in-person debrief is added to electronic feedback compared with using electronic feedback alone. Objective: We hypothesized that an in-person debriefing in addition to the SG-embedded electronic feedback will provide superior learning than electronic feedback alone. Methods: Novice first-year anesthesiology residents (CA-1; n=51) (1) watched a recorded lecture on general anesthesia for emergent cesarean delivery, (2) took a 26-item multiple-choice question pretest, and (3) played EmergenCSim (maximum score of 196.5). They were randomized to either the control group that experienced the electronic feedback alone (group EF, n=26) or the intervention group that experienced the SG-embedded electronic feedback and an in-person debriefing (group IPD+EF, n=25). All participants played the SG a second time, with instructions to try to increase their score, and then they took a 26-item multiple-choice question posttest. Pre- and posttests (maximum score of 26 points each) were validated parallel forms. Results: For groups EF and IPD+EF, respectively, mean pretest scores were 18.6 (SD 2.5) and 19.4 (SD 2.3), and mean posttest scores were 22.6 (SD 2.2) and 22.1 (SD 1.6; F 1,49=1.8, P =.19). SG scores for groups EF and IPD+EF, respectively, were—mean first play SG scores of 135 (SE 4.4) and 141 (SE 4.5), and mean second play SG scores of 163.1 (SE 2.9) and 173.3 (SE 2.9; F 1,49=137.7, P <.001). Conclusions: Adding an in-person debriefing experience led to greater improvement in SG scores, emphasizing the learning benefits of this practice. Improved SG performance in both groups suggests that SGs have a role as independent, less resource-intensive educational tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensus-based recommendations are needed to better guide paediatric otolaryngologists in providing standardised care to children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Here we present a unique case of vallecular cyst found during SDB workup in a patient in their middle childhood (6–12 years old). While the patient underwent successful cyst resection, he was noted to have a suspected recurrence 6months later. Immediately prior to revision excision, repeat awake flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy revealed complete resolution of the suspected recurrence. This case underscores the significance of performing a complete upper airway examination, including endoscopic examination, to identify structural and anatomical lesions in older children with SDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydrocephalus (HC) is common in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). This can be managed with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure prior to VS resection or with VS resection, keeping CSF diversion in reserve unless required postoperatively. No clear consensus exists as to which approach is superior. This study identifies factors predictive of the development of HC, and analyses outcomes for those managed with primary CSF resection versus tumour resection. Methods: Single-centre retrospective cohort study of 204 consecutive adult patients with a unilateral VS from May 2009 to June 2021. Data was collected on patient and tumour demographics, management, and outcome. Results: 204 patients, with a mean age at presentation of 59.5 (21–83), with 50% female, and a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (1.8–13.9) were included. 119 were managed conservatively, 36 with stereotactic radiosurgery only, and 49 with surgery. 30 (15%) patients had radiological HC, of which 23 (77%) were obstructive, and 7 (23%) were communicating. Maximum intracranial tumour diameter and Koos grade were higher in patients with HC. Of the patients with HC the majority (20, 67%) were managed initially with CSF diversion, with 12 patients undergoing subsequent tumour resection, and three patients avoiding primary resection. Nine (30%) were managed with primary surgical resection, of whom three required subsequent CSF diversion. Complication rates and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) were comparable or lower in the CSF diversion group (8%, MRS ≤2 = 83%), versus the primary resection group (67%, MRS ≤2 = 67%), and the primary surgical resection without HC group (25%, MRS ≤2 = 86%). Conclusions: CSF diversion prior to tumour resection is a safe and acceptable strategy compared to primary VS resection, with improved outcomes and reduced surgical complications. Randomized studies and national databases are needed to determine the long-term outcomes of patients treated with CSF diversion versus primary resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the outbreak and pandemic of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), a huge number of people died of it. Apart from lung injuries, multiple organs have been confirmed to be impaired. In COVID‐19 time, primary wound healing processes always prolong, however, its possible underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, to overcome this clinical problem, clarifying its underlying mechanisms clearly is necessary and urgently needed. In this review, we summarized that COVID‐19 can prolong primary wound healing by inducing excessive inflammation and oxidative stress, disturbing immune system and haematological system, as well as influencing the functions and viability of epidermal stem cells (ESCs). Otherwise, we summarized that the strict control measures of blocking up COVID‐19 pandemic can also have side effects on primary wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin wounds are characterized by injury to the skin due to trauma, tearing, cuts, or contusions. As such injuries are common to all human groups, they may at times represent a serious socioeconomic burden. Currently, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in skin wound repair. As a cell-free therapy, MSC-derived EVs have shown significant application potential in the field of wound repair as a more stable and safer option than conventional cell therapy. Treatment based on MSC-derived EVs can significantly promote the repair of damaged substructures, including the regeneration of vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. In addition, MSC-derived EVs can inhibit scar formation by affecting angiogenesis-related and antifibrotic pathways in promoting macrophage polarization, wound angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell migration, and by inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix production. Additionally, these structures can serve as a scaffold for components used in wound repair, and they can be developed into bioengineered EVs to support trauma repair. Through the formulation of standardized culture, isolation, purification, and drug delivery strategies, exploration of the detailed mechanism of EVs will allow them to be used as clinical treatments for wound repair. In conclusion, MSC-derived EVs-based therapies have important application prospects in wound repair. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of their current status, application potential, and associated drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, gold nanoparticles were loaded into poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin nanofibrous matrices to fabricate a potential wound dressing. The mats were produced by electrospinning of PCL/gelatin solution supplemented with synthesized gold nanoparticles (200, 400 and 800 ppm). Prepared scaffolds were investigated regarding their chemical properties, morphology, mechanical properties, surface wettability, water‐uptake capacity, water vapor permeability, porosity, blood compatibility, microbial penetration test and cellular response. In addition to in vivo study, a full‐thickness excisional wound in a rat model was used to evaluate the healing effect of prepared scaffolds. Results showed appropriate mechanical properties and porosity of prepared scaffolds. With L929 cells, the PCL/gelatin scaffold containing 400 ppm gold nanoparticles demonstrated the greatest cell growth. In vivo results validated the favorable wound‐healing benefits of the scaffold incorporating gold nanoparticles, which triggered wound healing compared to sterile gauze. Our results showed the capability of nanofibrous matrices containing gold nanoparticles for successful wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult mammals are generally believed to have limited ability to regenerate complex tissues and instead, repair wounds by forming scars. In humans and across mammalian species, the tympanic membrane (TM) rapidly repairs perforations without intervention. Using mouse models, we demonstrate that the TM repairs itself through a process that bears many hallmarks of epimorphic regeneration rather than typical wound healing. Following injury, the TM forms a wound epidermis characterized by EGFR ligand expression and signaling. After the expansion of the wound epidermis that emerges from known stem cell regions of the TM, a multi-lineage blastema-like cellular mass is recruited. After two weeks, the tissue architecture of the TM is largely restored, but with disorganized collagen. In the months that follow, the organized and patterned collagen framework of the TM is restored resulting in scar-free repair. Finally, we demonstrate that deletion of Egfr in the epidermis results in failure to expand the wound epidermis, recruit the blastema-like cells, and regenerate normal TM structure. This work establishes the TM as a model of mammalian complex tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Selcuk Dental Journal is the property of Selcuk Dental Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered cell death type which is different from apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis as well as necrosis in the following aspects: morphology, biochemistry, gene and regulatory mechanisms. Ferroptosis is regulated by multiples of mechanisms such as system Xc− mechanism, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mechanism, iron metabolism and lipid metabolism. Currently, ferroptosis has been revealed to be significant in wound healing such as diabetic wound, irradiated wound and ultraviolet (UV)‐driven wound. Hence, how to intervene in the pathogenesis as well as the development of wounds and promote the wound healing by the regulation of ferroptosis have become a research hotspot. This review systematically summarises the latest scientific advances of ferroptosis and wound healing fields, with hoping to propose a new insight and advance in the wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The final and most crucial step in obtaining clean water is disinfection. More innovative methods of water disinfection have recently been sought. Water disinfection is a promising application for nanoparticles as disinfectants. As a contribution to the literature, biofilm and metal-containing nanoparticles as antiadhesion inhibitors were used in conjunction with ultrasound in this study. The microbroth dilution test was used to reveal the microbiological antibacterial activities of different concentrations of AgNO3 and CuCl2 containing nanoparticles against the Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 strain, which is an indicator bacterium in water systems. Antibiofilm activities were then investigated using biofilm attachment and biofilm inhibition tests. The inhibitory effect of nanoparticle ultrasonic waves on biofilm contamination was determined using a novel approach. Human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cell line) were used in cell culture studies after water disinfection, and their cytotoxic effects were demonstrated using the MTT assay. The findings suggest that the nanoparticles utilized might be a viable choice for water disinfection applications. Furthermore, employing ultrasound at low doses with nanoparticles resulted in greater results. One feasible option is to employ nanoparticles to cleanse water without producing cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is known to be associated with anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy. However, it is unknown whether well-controlled diabetes is also associated with AL. Methods: We conducted a two-center retrospective cohort database study of patients who underwent oncological esophagectomy (2011–2019). Patients were divided into four groups: normoglycemia, pre-diabetes, well-controlled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] < 7.0%), and poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%). The occurrence of AL and length of stay were compared between groups using multivariable analyses. The relationship between categorical HbA1c levels and AL was also investigated in patients stratified by diabetes medication before admission. Results: Among 1901 patients, 1114 (58.6%) had normoglycemia, 480 (25.2%) had pre-diabetes, 180 (9.5%) had well-controlled diabetes, and 127 (6.7%) had poorly controlled diabetes. AL occurred in 279 (14.7%) patients. Compared with normoglycemia, AL was significantly associated with both well-controlled diabetes (odds ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–2.74) and poorly controlled diabetes (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.23–3.09), but not with pre-diabetes. Preoperative HbA1c levels showed a J-shaped association with AL in patients without diabetes medication, but no association in patients with diabetes medication. Compared with normoglycemia, only poorly controlled diabetes was significantly associated with longer hospital stay after surgery, especially in patients with operative morbidity (unstandardized coefficient 14.9 days, 95% CI 5.6–24.1). Conclusions: Diabetes was associated with AL after esophagectomy even in well-controlled patients, but pre-diabetes was not associated with AL. Operative morbidity, including AL, in poorly controlled diabetes resulted in prolonged hospital stays compared with normoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a textile device for patients with large area burn wounds consisting of an assembly made up of a knitted backing layer, a hydrogel, with an antibiotic content, as a second layer and a membrane with controlled porosity located directly at the interface with the wound. The knit is the material support with a supporting clothing role, but also as a solution tank. The hydrogel has a keratin structure obtained from human hair with advanced swelling capacity and porosity. The study proposes the use of silver sulfadiazine (SSD), an antibiotic used in the topical therapy of burn wounds. The work optimizes the degree of swelling, evaluates the porosity of the hydrogel and designs the support garment for wound therapy. The optimal parameters to obtain the maximal swelling degree are: duration of hydrolytic reaction 180 min, volume of hydrogen peroxide 3.7 mL and duration of oxidation 90-125 min. Based on these optimal parameters one can obtain swelling degrees higher than 1000%. The device proposed is reusable and supports the SSD diffusion to wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bozok Veterinary Sciences is the property of Bozok Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a life‐threatening condition affecting a third of diabetic patients. Many adjuvant therapies aimed at improving the healing rate (HR) and accelerating healing time are currently under investigation. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a physical‐based therapy able to increase cells activity and migration into wound bed as well as inhibiting bacterial activity. The aim of this paper was to collect and analyse findings on the effects of ES used in combination with standard wound care (SWC) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulceration compared with SWC alone. A systematic review was performed to synthesise data from quantitative studies from eight databases. Article quality was assessed using the Crowe critical appraisal tool. Seven articles out of 560 publications met the inclusion criteria. A meta‐analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of the studies and the results were narratively synthetised. Findings showed that HR appears to be higher among diabetic ulcers treated with ES; however, the reliability of these findings is affected by the small sample sizes of the studies. Furthermore, four studies are considered as moderate or high risk of bias. The evidence to suggest the systematic usage of ES in the treatment of DFUs is still insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles are membranous particles, ranging from 30 nm to 10 µm in diameter, which are released by nearly all cell types to aid in intercellular communication. These complex vesicles carry a multitude of signaling moieties from their cell of origin, such as proteins, lipids, cell surface receptors, enzymes, cytokines, metabolites, and nucleic acids. A growing body of evidence suggests that in addition to delivering cargos into target cells to facilitate intercellular communication, extracellular vesicles may also play roles in such processes as cell differentiation and proliferation, angiogenesis, stress response, and immune signaling. As these vesicles have natural biocompatibility, stability in circulation, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity, and serve as efficient carriers of molecular cargos, these nanoparticles are ideal therapeutic candidates for regenerative medicine. Exploring and identifying the homeostatic functions of extracellular vesicles may facilitate the development of new regenerative therapies. In this review, we summarize the wound healing process, difficulties in stem cell therapies for regenerative medicine, and the applications of mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived extracellular vesicles in improving and accelerating the wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University / Erciyes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Forum Zakażeń is the property of Evereth Publishing Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Over the last decade there has been a trend toward observation for small nongrowing vestibular schwannoma (VS). Even without tumor growth, patients commonly experience ipsilateral hearing decline, and hearing rehabilitation remains challenging. This study analyzes hearing and speech performance outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI) in observed VS. Study Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Methods: Chart review was used to include patients with observed VS who had undergone ipsilateral CI, pre- and postimplantation audiometry, and speech performance. Tumor size pre- and postimplantation was measured with volumetric analysis. Results: Seven patients with ipsilateral VS and CI were identified. Preimplantation tumor volume was 0.11 to 1.02 cm3. Five subjects were implanted with a straight electrode and two with a perimodiolar electrode. The average preimplant pure tone average was 91.3 dB (range, 80-117 dB) and 61.2 dB (range, 12-118 dB) for the implanted and nonimplanted ears, respectively. In all subjects with at least 1 year of listening experience (n = 6), consonant-nucleus-consonant word scores improved at 6 months and 1 year in the CI-alone and bimodal listening conditions. AzBio scores in quiet also improved at 6 months and 1 year. Of subjects with serial pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, volumetric analysis demonstrated no tumor growth. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that CI is a successful option for subjects with small nongrowing VS. All subjects had improved performance postimplantation. VS may continue to be observed with serial magnetic resonance imaging given increasing conditionality among CI manufacturers and ability to assess cerebellopontine angle extension despite implant artifact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Vet Indones. The Indonesian Veterinary Journal / Jurnal Acta Veterinaria Indonesiana is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Preventing recurrent pressure ulcers is an important challenge in healthcare. One of the reasons for the high rate of recurrent pressure ulcers is the lack of assessment methods for their early detection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the thermographic characteristics of the healed area and to consider the predictive validity of thermographic images for recurrent pressure ulcers within a 2‐week period. This observational study was conducted at a long‐term care facility in Japan between July 2017 and February 2019 among patients whose pressure ulcers had healed. Thermographic images of the healed area were recorded once a week until recurrence or until the end of the study. We enrolled 30 participants, among whom 8 developed recurrent pressure ulcers. The generalised estimation equation revealed that the thermographic finding of increased temperature at the healed area compared to that of the surrounding skin was significantly associated with recurrent pressure ulcers (odds ratio: 101.13, 95% confidence interval: 3.60–2840.77, p =.007); the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio for recurrent pressure ulcers within 2 weeks were 0.80, 0.94, 0.62, 0.97, 12.9 and 0.2, respectively. Our thermographic findings revealed that the temperature of the healed area was higher than that of the surrounding skin; this could be a useful predictor of pressure ulcer recurrence within 2 weeks, even in the absence of macroscopic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]