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Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after CS. This process, lasting up to two years, depends on the number of factors including type of incision, wound size, the person’s age, body weight, health condition, and many others. Abnormal scarring should not be treated only as a cosmetic defect or superficial tissue defects. Functional and anatomical considerations must also be considered. Large varieties of non-invasive treatment modalities have been used to enhance wound healing and scar treatment. The article proposes a comprehensive approach to scar prevention and remodeling. The role of manual techniques, dry needling, cupping therapy, compression therapy, Kinesio taping, and physical agents is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nerve agents are organophosphate chemical warfare agents that exert their toxic effects by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, affecting the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Due to the risk of exposure to dangerous nerve agents and for animal welfare reasons, in silico methods have been used to assess acute toxicity safely. The next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) is a new approach for predicting toxicological parameters that can meet modern requirements for toxicological research. The present study explains the acute toxicity of the examined V-series nerve agents (n = 9) using QSAR models. Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (ver. 4.2.1 and ver. 5.1.2), QSAR Toolbox (ver. 4.6), and ProTox-II browser application were used to predict the median lethal dose. The Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry Specification (SMILES) was the input data source. The results indicate that the most deadly V-agents were VX and VM, followed by structural VX analogues: RVX and CVX. The least toxic turned out to be V-sub x and Substance 100A. In silico methods for predicting various parameters are crucial for filling data gaps ahead of experimental research and preparing for the upcoming use of nerve agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on successful preparation of conducting polymer nanofibers from regiorandom poly(3‐hexylthiophene). It is shown that the electrochemical properties of obtained structures are significantly improved in course of electrochemical doping process performed in the aqueous phase, moreover this process is accompanied with change of optical properties and water contact angle. These effects are not observed for polymer films. Moreover, doping of nanofibers results in pronounced, irreversible changes in the polymer structure – increased crystallinity due to incorporation of doping ions is confirmed by optical and X‐ray crystallographic studies. Ultimately, these changes lead to decreased resistance and improved electrochemical performance of nanofibers mat. As this effect is solely observed for nanofibers of conducting polymer, it can be ascribed to high surface to volume ratio of electrospun fibers mat. Therefore, it is shown for the first time that polythiophene electrochemical doping process effect is dependent on the format of the polymer applied, for nanofibers it can be regarded as attractive method of improving electrochemical properties of polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novichoks represent the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents with paralytic and convulsive effects, produced clandestinely during the Cold War by the Soviet Union. This novel class of organophosphate compounds is characterised by severe toxicity, which, for example, we have already experienced three times (Salisbury, Amesbury, and Navalny's case) as a society. Then the public debate about the true nature of Novichoks began, realising the importance of examining the properties, especially the toxicological aspects of these compounds. The updated Chemical Warfare Agents list registers over 10,000 compounds as candidate structures for Novichoks. Consequently, conducting experimental research for each of them would be a huge challenge. Additionally, due to the enormous risk of contact with hazardous Novichoks, in silico assessments were applied to estimate their toxicity safely. In silico toxicology provides a means of identifying hazards of compounds before synthesis, helping to fill gaps and guide risk minimisation strategies. A new approach to toxicology testing first considers the prediction of toxicological parameters, eliminating unnecessary animal studies. This new generation risk assessment (NGRA) can meet the modern requirements of toxicological research. The present study explains, using QSAR models, the acute toxicity of the Novichoks studied (n = 17). The results indicate that the toxicity of Novichoks varies. The deadliest turned out to be A-232, followed by A-230 and A-234. On the other hand, the "Iranian" Novichok and C01-A038 compounds turned out to be the least toxic. Developing reliable in silico methods to predict various parameters is essential to prepare for the upcoming use of Novichoks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibers mats, prepared from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) containing dispersed dye Nile red (NR) were applied in a proof of concept study as optical sensors for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) dispersed in an aqueous phase. Benefiting from the solubility of the dye, and in some cases, also of the polymer in model solvents belonging to the group of VOCs, an increase of emission was observed for increasing solvent concentration in the sample. The optical signal formation was observed regardless if only the dye or both dye and PVC were soluble in the tested solvent. In both cases, high sensitivity emission increases for increasing VOCs present in the aqueous phase were observed within the range of concentration of model analytes: from 200 ppm of m‐xylene or from 300 ppm of styrene, to up to ca 1500 ppm. The obtained higher detection limit was lower compared to films of PVC containing the dye due to the lower availability of the material to be dissolved by analyte – solvent. The large surface area of nanofibers was useful in the detection, leading to higher signal changes compared to films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, ion‐selective electrodes used in current triggered electrochemical sensing apply a conducting polymer layer covered with an ion‐selective membrane. In this work we propose an ion‐selective membrane containing a dispersed conducting polymer. Thus obtained system allows elimination of the Achilles hell of heterogeneous ion‐selective membranes containing solid particulates dispersed within the ion‐selective polymeric membrane. The herein proposed system, even for high conducting polymer loading equal to 5 % w/w, is characterized with insensitivity towards redox interferences, as well as potentiometric detection limits, selectivity well comparable with that for other ion‐selective electrodes constructions. Under voltammetric conditions, with increasing loading of the conducting polymer in the membrane cathodic peak potentials are shifted towards more negative values, yet the linear dependence of the peak potential on logarithm of concentration of the analyte in the solution is preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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