Healing Effect Research Articles

Effects of High Temperature and Water Re-Curing on the Flexural Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Steel–Basalt Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has become increasingly important in recent decades due to its superior mechanical properties, especially flexural strength and toughness, compared to normal concrete. FRC has also received significant attention because of its superior fire resistance performance compared to non-fiber concrete. In recent years, studies on the mechanical performance, fire design, and post-fire repair of thermally damaged fibrous and non-fibrous concrete have gained importance. In particular, there are very few studies in the literature on the mechanical performance and flexural behavior of steel and basalt hybrid fiber concretes after high temperature and water re-curing. This study aims to determine the mechanical properties and toughness of concrete containing steel fiber (SF) and basalt fiber (BF) after ambient and high temperature (400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C). Additionally, this study aimed to examine the changes in fire-damaged FRCs as a result of water re-curing. In this context, high temperature and water re-curing were carried out on non-fibrous concrete (control) and four different fiber compositions: in the first mixture, only steel fibers were used, and in the other two mixtures, basalt fibers were substituted at 25% and 50% rates instead of steel fibers. Furthermore, in the fifth mixture, basalt fibers were replaced by polypropylene fibers (PPFs) to make a comparison with the steel and basalt hybrid fiber-reinforced mixture. This study examined the effects of different fiber compositions on the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and compressive and flexural strength of the specimens at ambient temperature and after exposure to elevated temperatures and water re-curing. Additionally, the load–deflection curves and toughness of the mixtures were determined. The study results showed that different fiber compositions varied in their healing effect at different stages. The hybrid use of SF and BF can improve the flexural strength before elevated temperature and particularly after 600 °C. However, it caused a decrease in the recovery rates, especially after re-curing with water in terms of toughness. Water re-curing provided remarkable improvement in terms of mechanical and toughness properties. This improvement was more evident in steel–polypropylene fiber-reinforced concretes.

Efficiency of medical leech on experimentally induced incisional wound healing in rats.

This study was conducted in response to the increasing interest in understanding the effects of both modern and traditional complementary medicine on incisional wound healing. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the wound healing effects of medicinal leech therapy and leech saliva in an experimentally created incisional skin wound model. Fifteen rats underwent full-thickness incisions on their dorsal regions and were randomly assigned to five equal groups, as the Leech Saliva (LS) group, where wounds were treated topically with leech saliva once daily; Leech Therapy-1 (LT-1) group, where leech therapy was administered once at the beginning of the experiment; Leech Therapy-2 (LT-2) group, where leech therapy was applied twice, on days 0 and 3; Positive Control (PC) group, where wounds were treated daily with Phyto cream containing Triticum vulgare; and Negative Control (NC) group, where no treatment was given. Wound healing was assessed daily, and the experiment continued until complete healing was observed. At the conclusion, the wound size, appearance, and histological features were analyzed to compare healing progress across the groups. Medicinal leech therapy was observed to have a positive wound healing effect in the rat model.

Photothermal-enhanced silver nanocluster bioactive glass hydrogels for synergistic antimicrobial and promote wound healing.

Antibacterial hydrogels are promising for combating infections and promoting wound healing. Nevertheless, excessive antibiotics induce resistance, and high metal ion levels cause cytotoxicity, complicating healing. Here, we introduce a hydrogel incorporating polydopamine-coated bioactive glass (BGs@PDA) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with photothermal therapy (PTT) and silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) for synergistic antibacterial treatment. This design enables rapid bacterial eradication and controlled release. Near-infrared-assisted heating provides noninvasive, targeted hyperthermia, killing bacteria quickly. Post-PTT addition of low-dose AgNCs reduces toxicity while enhancing antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility. BGs@PDA-loaded rGO prevents sedimentation, improves photothermal conversion and conductivity, and stabilizes the hydrogel structure. Constructed from chitosan and hydroxyethyl cellulose, the hydrogel is cross-linked by PDA and rGO, enhancing mechanical strength, adhesion, self-healing, free radical scavenging, and continuous wound exudate absorption. PDA encapsulation facilitates BGs degradation, improving the wound microenvironment. In vivo studies confirm accelerated healing and potent synergistic antibacterial effects, indicating its potential as a low-dose, antibiotic-free alternative for clinical wound infection management.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of the crude extract and solvent fractions of Rumex nervosus Vahl (Polygonaceae) leaves in mice.

In Ethiopian traditional medicine, Rumex nervosus Vahl leaves are used to treat wounds. However, despite traditional claims and supportive in vitro findings, no scientific study has been conducted to evaluate the in vivo wound healing activity of R. nervosus Vahl leaves. To evaluate the wound healing activity of crude extract of the leaves of R. nervosus Vahl and its solvent fractions in mice. R. nervosus Vahl leaves were extracted with 80% methanol, and then the crude extract was fractionated using ethyl acetate, chloroform, and water. Ointments at 5% and 10% strengths were formulated from the crude extract and its fractions. The healing activity of the crude extract was evaluated using linear incision, circular excision, and burn wound models in mice. Additionally, the activity of solvent fractions was assessed using circular excision wounds in mice. Treatment of wounds with ointments containing 5% and 10% crude extract showed significantly increased wound contraction rate, shorter epithelialization period, and higher skin-breaking strength (P < 0.05) compared with the negative control. Both 5% and 10% formulations of the aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions significantly increased wound contraction and decreased the period of epithelialization in the excision wound model (p < 0.05), however, the chloroform fraction showed no significant wound healing effect compared with the negative control. The 80% methanol crude extract as well as the aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of R. nervosus Vahl leaves possess wound healing activity as evidenced by improved wound contraction rate and tensile strength and decreased epithelialization period.

Nursing Care For Patients With Post Debridement Diabetic Ulcers With Moist Wound Healing Innovation Interventions At General Ahmad Yani Hospital, Metro City

Background &amp; Objective: Diabetes is one of the problems caused by chronic metabolic disorders characterized by high sugar levels accompanied by metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins as a result of insufficient insulin function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of moist wound healing on post debridement diabetic ulcers. Descriptive research with a case study approach in multiple cases. Method: Data collection methods used surgical nursing care assessment sheets and Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tools (BWAT) wound assessment sheets. The study used 2 patients with the same criteria Result: The results of nursing care obtained in patient 1 are tissue integrity disorders, instability of blood glucose levels, and knowledge deficits. Patient 2 had problems with tissue integrity disorders, physical mobility disorders, and knowledge deficits. After nursing care was carried out, it was found that in patient 1 there was a decrease in wound score from 40 to 37 after moist wound healing treatment. Instability of blood sugar levels has not been resolved, patients get insulin therapy. The knowledge deficit was resolved on the second day. In patient 2, there was a decrease in wound score from 37 to 35 after moist wound healing treatment. Physical mobility disorders have not been resolved and the knowledge deficit was resolved on the second day. Conclusion: Suggestions for patients and families can use the booklet media made by researchers as a guide for wound care, wound observation, diabetic diets, and drug compliance.

Bioactivities of Nostoc sp. polysaccharides: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cytoprotective, and anticoagulant effects.

Polysaccharides from various cyanobacterial species have attracted attention for their potential health benefits. In this study, polysaccharide extracts from a freshwater Nostoc sp. were explored for their potential in immunomodulation relevant to skincare, and particularly wound care. Nostoc sp. polysaccharides (NSPs) were tested in various cellular and molecular assays using RAW264.7 macrophages and skin cell lines (HDF, HaCaT). Polysaccharides from the Nostoc sp. outer layer (OL) and inner fluid (IF) significantly enhanced cell proliferation and migration of HDF. HaCaT scratch-wound healing improved with certain polysaccharide extracts. Inner fluid fractions IF-2B and IF-3B polysaccharides demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cells, while IF-1B reduced TNF-α and IL-8 expression in HaCaT cells. TNF-α, though not promoting cell proliferation, positively impacted phagocytosis and NO production. NSPs exhibited weak anticoagulation properties, and fraction IF-1B with monomer composition (Ara/3.0: Glc/23.7: Man/20.3: GlcA/28.0) accelerated wound healing; importantly, OL-1B along with all of the IF cold and hot-extracted fractions were non-cytotoxic, suggesting significant potential for developing skin therapeutics, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, based on active compounds from Nostoc sp.. The study underscores the underexplored potential of Nostoc sp. extracts in skincare and highlights the potential benefits of these bioactive components for therapeutic applications.

Efficacy of an Autologous Dermal Fibroblast Injection in Reducing the Retear Rate After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Interest in biological augmentation for improving bone-tendon interface (BTI) healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is growing. Dermal fibroblasts, known for collagen synthesis similar to tenocytes, have shown effectiveness in BTI healing in chronic rotator cuff tear (RCT) models in rabbits. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous dermal fibroblasts (ADFs) for BTI healing after ARCR in patients with full-thickness RCTs >2 cm. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 86 patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized into 2 groups: an additional ADF injection between the bone and tendon during ARCR (ADF group) or ARCR alone (control group). A skin biopsy from the buttock was performed to obtain ADFs, which were cultured for approximately 4 weeks before surgery. ARCR was standardized to the double-row suture bridge technique to reduce the heterogeneity in different repair methods. The primary variable for evaluating ADF efficacy was the retear rate using magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary variables included range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Constant score, and the Simple Shoulder Test score at baseline and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Overall, 13 patients dropped out because of a subscapularis tendon tear, loss to follow-up, or the withdrawal of consent (7 in the ADF group and 6 in the control group). The retear rate was significantly lower in the ADF group (5.6% [2/36]) than in the control group (24.3% [9/37]) (P = .025). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant, and Simple Shoulder Test scores showed significant improvement after surgery in both groups (all P values <.001). Functional scores and range of motion did not significantly differ between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 months (all P values >.05). ADF application into the BTI during ARCR significantly decreased the retear rate in patients with full-thickness RCTs >2 cm. Therefore, an ADF injection could be a promising biological supplement to enhance BTI healing in these patients. However, clinical outcomes showed no significant difference between the 2 groups at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

Efficacy of Tocopherol vs. Chlorhexidine in the Management of Oral Biopsy Site: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background/Objectives: Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) is widely regarded as the gold standard for oral mucosa antiseptic treatments but has been associated with delayed healing, scar formation, microbiome alterations, and fibroblast toxicity. Tocopherol, with its ability to accelerate tissue healing and minimal side effects, has emerged as a potential alternative. This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of topical tocopherol acetate and 0.2% chlorhexidine in managing postoperative pain and wound healing following oral cavity biopsies. Methods: Seventy-seven patients undergoing oral biopsies were divided into two groups: the test group (tocopherol acetate) and the control group (0.2% chlorhexidine). Pain was assessed using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scores on days 1 and 6 postoperatively, and wound healing was evaluated through measurements of the biopsy site’s height and width from standardized photographs analyzed with ImageJ. Painkiller use was also documented. The study followed CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines, with ethical approval from the Padua Ethics Committee and registration on ISRCTN. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in VAS scores, wound dimensions, or painkiller use (p &gt; 0.05). However, significant pain reduction within each group was observed (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: Tocopherol acetate showed comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine, suggesting it could be a viable alternative for postoperative care in oral surgery.

Phytochemical investigation, role in wound healing process and cytotoxicity of Sphagneticola trilobata: In vitro, in vivo and in silico approach.

Sphagneticola trilobata was traditionally used to alleviate wounds using topical plant preparations. The precise mechanism of the plant responsible for its wound healing effect are still unclear. Although the plant was reported to be cytotoxic, there is a lack of reported data regarding its cytotoxic impact on skin cancer. To in-depth investigate wound healing and cytotoxic effects of the plant extracts and its fractions by using different assays. In vitro scratch assay and in vivo full-thickness wound model were performed to evaluate the plant's wound healing activity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were employed to assess key skin parameters levels. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using in vitro Western Standard Time assay against skin carcinoma cells. Sphagneticola trilobata improved the wound closure percentage in both in vitro scratch assay and in vivo model by modulating inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in tumor necrosis factor and mitogen activated protein kinase levels, and enhancing proliferation via elevating collagen, smooth muscle actin, and forkhead protein. The total extract's efficacy surpassed the effectiveness of reference ointment. The non-polar fraction outperformed the polar one in accelerating wound closure and improving the tested skin parameters levels. Trilobolide-6-O-isobutyrate displayed the best docking scores for the selected target receptors. Moreover, the non-polar fraction demonstrated the most powerful cytotoxic effect against skin cancer cells. A specific compound mixture (kaurenoic acid/grandiflorenic acid, 1 and 2) within this fraction exhibited stronger cytotoxicity. Sphagneticola trilobata can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent in relieving wounds and combating skin cancer cell lines.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing effects of pterostilbene in human gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

We aimed to investigate the wound-healing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of pterostilbene (PTS) on human gingival fibroblasts (GF). Different concentrations of PTS were applied to GFs and cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. GFs were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the study groups were determined as LPS, LPS + 1μM PTS, LPS + 10μM PTS, and control. The most effective PTS concentrations were applied in a wound-healing model, with cell counts in the wound area assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72h. The effect of PTS on the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and collagen type I (COL I) was assessed at 24 and 48h by ELISA. The data was statistically analyzed. Our results showed that PTS had a dose-dependently negative effect on wound healing and cell proliferation at 10μM concentration, but not at low concentration (1μM). PTS exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α levels, while also enhancing antioxidant activity, as evidenced by increased GSH-Px levels in the LPS + 1μM PTS group (P < 0.05). According to our results, PTS could be a potential and promising substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on LPS-stimulated GF. Therefore our results have merit in terms of providing pioneering data for future studies.

Wound Healing Ointment Formulation from Essential Oil of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Untreated wound may lead to the infection. In some countries, plants are used to cure wound traditionally. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has various bioactive compounds, including citronellol, limonene and geraniol that perform some pharmacological activities. In this study, the essential oil of lemongrass was designed into ointment formulation since lemongrass has been reported to have a wound healing effect in mice. The wound healing ointment made from different concentration of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (F1: EOCC 5%, F2: EOCC 10% and F3: EOCC 15%) using a water-removable base and the characteristic as well as the stability (texture, color, smell, homogeneity, and pH) after been stored for 14 days was also evaluated. The result showed that all formulation (F1, F2, and F3) of wound healing formulation revealed good texture, consistency, odor, color, homogeneity and compatible to the skin until 14 days of storage. However, F3 (EOCC 15%) has a strong lemongrass smell compare to the other formulations.

Sprayable Hydrogel for pH-Responsive Nanozyme-Derived Bacteria-Infected Wound Healing.

Long-term inflammation and persistent bacterial infection are primary contributors to unhealed chronic wounds. The use of conventional antibiotics often leads to bacteria drug resistance, diminishing wound healing effectiveness. Nanozymes have become a promising alternative to antimicrobial materials due to their low cost, easy synthesis, and good stability. Herein, we develop a novel sprayable hydrogel based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), incorporating Au nanoparticle-carbon nitride (AuNPs-C3N4) nanozyme, glucose, and Mn2+ for bacteria-infected wound healing. The hydrogel forms rapidly in situ upon spraying and gradually degrades on the wound area, releasing the AuNPs-C3N4 nanozyme, which exhibits robust glucose oxidase-like (GOx-like) activity, initiating a comprehensive catalytic cascade through a Mn2+-mediated Fenton-like reaction that generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Computational results indicate that interactions between AuNPs and g-C3N4 maximize their synergistic effects in a heterojunction, improving O2 adsorption and facilitating electron-O2 interactions to optimize catalytic activity. Further experiments demonstrate that the hydrogel can rapidly cover wounds in situ, while CMCS promotes collagen production and fibroblast proliferation, offering a viable strategy for the healing of bacteria-infected wounds.

β-Sitosterol modulates osteogenic and adipogenic balance in BMSCs to suppress osteoporosis via regulating mTOR-IMP1-Adipoq axis.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent global health concern, impacting millions of individuals, especially the elderly. The etiology of senile OP is associated with the imbalance of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The imbalance of BMSCs differentiation fate will leading to bone loss and lipids accumulation. β-sitosterol, a naturally occurring phytosterol which is abundant in plants and has a similar structure to cholesterol, demonstrates diverse bioactivities, including lipid-lowering effect and osteogenesis-inducing effects. These effects indicate that β-sitosterol might have anti-OP effects. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying β-sitosterol's anti-osteoporotic efficacy via modulating BMSCs differentiation fate remains obscure. This study endeavors to elucidate whether β-sitosterol has the potential to augment the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs while mitigating their adipogenic differentiation, thereby exerting an anti-OP effect; and to reveal its molecular mechanisms of action. In this study, a dosage form HP-β-cyclodextrin-coated β-sitosterol was developed for intragastric administration in mice to enhancing its bioavailability. Subsequently by using an integrative approach encompassing bioinformatics, computer molecular simulations, high-throughput sequencing, and in vitro/vivo as well as in-tube experiments, we investigated the anti-osteoporotic and bone healing effects of β-sitosterol and delineated its underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that β-sitosterol exhibits anti-osteoporotic and bone healing effects both in vitro and in vivo by modulating the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated through the direct inhibition of mTOR's kinase activity independent of mediating autophagy, leading to the suppression of the mTOR-IMP1-Adipoq axis in BMSCs. These results unveil β-sitosterol as a promising therapeutic agent for OP, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms. This research contributes potential candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the realm of OP.

Rationally designed universal passivator for high-performance single-junction and tandem perovskite solar cells

Interfacial trap-assisted nonradiative recombination hampers the development of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we report a rationally designed universal passivator to realize highly efficient and stable single junction and tandem PSCs. Multiple defects are simultaneously passivated by the synergistic effect of anion and cation. Moreover, the defect healing effect is precisely modulated by carefully controlling the number of hydrogen atoms on cations and steric hindrance. Due to minimized interfacial energy loss, L-valine benzyl ester p-toluenesulfonate (VBETS) modified inverted PSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.28% using vacuum flash processing technology. Moreover, by suppressing carrier recombination, the large-area modules with an aperture area of 32.144 cm2 and perovskite/Si tandem solar cells coupled with VBETS passivation deliver a PCE of 21.00% and 30.98%, respectively. This work highlights the critical role of the number of hydrogen atoms and steric hindrance in designing molecular modulators to advance the PCE and stability of PSCs.

Contribution of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease that can cause chronic lesions and leave life-long scars, leading to social stigmatization and psychological disorders. Using growth factors and immunomodulatory agents that could accelerate wound healing and reduce the scar is highly demanded. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an essential role in wound healing. It stimulates the proliferation of keratocytes and fibroblasts, and promotes re-epithelialization. Here, the effect of EGF in combination with Glucantime and nano-liposomal Amphotericin B (SinaAmpholeish) on the healing process of CL in BALB/c mice was investigated. Seventy-two mice were infected with Leishmania major parasites and randomly divided into eight treatment groups after the appearance of the lesion. The treatment was continued for five weeks, and lesion sizes were measured weekly. Parasite load was determined in the skin biopsies using qPCR. We found that subcutaneous injection of EGF at 4.5 μg/kg, combined with each of the two antileishmanial drugs, significantly reduced the wound size and parasite load; however, EGF at 1.5 μg/kg failed to be effective. Besides, the wound size and parasite loads were significantly lower in the SinaAmfoleish groups compared to the Glucantime groups. Among the treatment groups, EGF 4.5 μg/kg combined with SinaAmpholeish exhibited the most significant reduction in wound size and parasitic load. Our results suggest that EGF can potentiate the wound healing effect of antileishmanial drugs. Further studies are warranted to explore the beneficial effects of combining EGF with antileishmanial drugs in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in order to accelerate wound healing and reduce the scar.

Panzerina lanata accelerates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus eradication by promoting migration and activation of neutrophils.

Panzerina lanata (Lanata) is generally used to treat pustule infection in Inner Mongolia folk medicine and is called "the holy medicine for pustule." However, the pharmacological mechanism of Lanata in treating pustule infection is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Lanata on skin infection and explore the underlying mechanisms. A skin wound methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection mouse model was established to evaluate the healing effect of Lanata on infected wounds. In vitro assays were also conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of Lanata. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to dynamically detect the number of neutrophils in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and MRSA-infected wound. Protein expression in the infected wound skin was detected by a protein chip. Using an air pouch MRSA infection mouse model, the number of neutrophils, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in neutrophils, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation were dynamically detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) inhibitors were used to explore the mechanism of Lanata in regulating neutrophils. In vitro assays showed that Lanata had no direct antibacterial activity. In skin wound MRSA-infected mouse, Lanata promoted the rapid migration of neutrophils from the bone marrow via peripheral blood to the wound site to eradicate MRSA in the acute stage of infection and accelerate wound healing. Skin protein chip analysis showed that Lanata upregulated CXCR2 and PSGL-1 protein levels in skin wounds. Furthermore, analysis using the air pouch MRSA infection mouse model found that Lanata not only promoted the rapid migration of neutrophils from peripheral blood to the air pouch but also enhanced the activation of neutrophils, including the increase of ROS and the release of NETs, and upregulated the expression of CXCR2, PSGL-1, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in neutrophils. Inhibition of CXCR2 and MPO significantly attenuated the effect of Lanata on promoting migration and activation of neutrophils. Panzerina lanata resists MRSA infection by promoting migration and activation of neutrophils to rapidly eradicate MRSA.

Effects of long-term prophylaxis with bromhexine hydrochloride and treatment with high colchicine doses of COVID-19

In a series of publications, we attempt to demonstrate the prophylactic role of bromhexine hydrochloride (BHH) and the curative role of high colchicine doses against COVID-19. Effects of long-term prophylaxis with BHH are present with two cases of elderly women with severe comorbidity. After long-term prophylactic use of BHH from 3 to 6 months, one did not fall sick from COVID-19 and the other passes it almost asymptomatically, even though all their family members fell ill. The dramatic healing effect of colchicine was demonstrated in a family in which both spouses became ill with COVID-19 almost simultaneously. They are treated in different hospitals, and where colchicine is administered in high doses, the patient recovered. The other patient developed complications and died on standard treatment without high doses of colchicine. An outpatient accidentally overdosed with colchicine (12.5mg). The therapy was stopped immediately. Clinically, on the third day, there are absolutely no symptoms. These cases re-affirm the prophylactic effect of BRH and the curative effect of high-dose colchicine.

The role of Latin America medicinal plants in wound healing

Wound healing represents a global public health problem when it is not treated correctly, which can cause complications for the patient, such as functional loss of an organ, amputation, and even death. At a biological level, wound healing involves a complex mechanism in which the immune system and cellular biochemical cascades intervene in a coordinated manner, whose development occurs in stages such as inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Therefore, therapies have been developed to accelerate wound healing and have proven effective. However, factors such as diabetes mellitus limit the healing process because it causes alterations in microvascular dysfunction, as well as in the inflammatory response and greater oxidative stress. This is reflected in an abnormal healing process; therefore, the search for healing compounds has become an area of interest. In this regard, medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat wounds in different cultures in the world. Hence, this review documents the main plant species used in Latin America due to its great biodiversity and numerous species that are potentially important for the development of new active healing compounds. In this review, 62 plant families with wound healing studies were found, highlighting Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae family. Additionally, 32 natural compounds with diverse structural nature were found, whose effects have been evaluated in in vivo and in vitro models, which are essential for studying the pathogenesis of the tissue repair mechanism, detecting new biomarkers, and evaluate new treatments. Currently, several models are used to study the wound healing process, including in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models. On the other hand, there is no appropriate model to determine the wound healing effect, and, in many cases, they are combined to provide sufficient scientific evidence. Therefore, this review demonstrates that Latin America is a potential region for research into sources of healing molecules. Nevertheless, other species are still being studied whose scientific findings allow generating viable alternatives for the solution of health problems associated with wound healing.

Navigating Moral Injury and the Search for Recognition: Dutch Peacekeeper Veterans Return to Lebanon

Moral injury (MI) not only impacts individuals but also damages relations between individuals and their communities. While conventional interventions focus on individual healing, veterans organize return trips to former deployment areas to mend these damaged relations. Drawing on fieldwork with Dutch UNIFIL veterans in Lebanon and life story interviews, the study examines how these trips address the relational dimensions of MI and trauma more generally. It employs a theoretical framework synthesizing MI and recognition theories, including an interplay between MI and transformative versus affirmative recognition. The analysis reveals relational breaches at political, societal, and interpersonal levels, both in the Netherlands and Lebanon, which profoundly impact veterans' lives, and motivate them to undertake return trips to Lebanon to mend these breaches. The return trips exhibit a complex dynamic of affirmative and transformative recognition, as well as reification, with both potential for healing and counterproductive effects.

In Vivo Assessment of Healing Potential of Ointments Containing Bee Products, Vegetal Extracts, and Polymers on Skin Lesions.

Background/Objectives: The present experiment aimed to formulate four ointments that included mixtures of plant extracts (Hippophae rhamnoides, Calendula officinalis, Arctium lappa, and Achillea millefolium), apitherapy products (honey, propolis, and apilarnil) and natural polymers (collagen, chitosan, and the lyophilisate of egg white) in an ointment base. Methods: In order to investigate the therapeutic properties of the ointments, experimental in vivo injury models (linear incision, circular excision, and thermal burns) were performed on laboratory animals, namely Wistar rats. The treatment was applied topically, once a day, for 21 days. Clinical and macroscopic evaluation, determination of lesion shrinkage rate, re-epithelialization period, and histopathological examination were performed. Results: The results demonstrate that the tested ointments have a significant effect in healing skin lesions. On the ninth day of treatment, the wound contraction rate was 98.17 ± 0.15% for the mixed ointment group, compared to the negative control group's rate of 14.85 ± 2.95%. At day 21, dermal collagenization and restoration of histological structure occurred for all treated groups. Conclusions: The tested ointments exerted in vivo wound healing and re-epithelialization effects on incision, excision, and thermal burn injuries.