Healing Efficacy Research Articles

Doxycycline-integrated silk fibroin hydrogel: preparation, characterizations, and antimicrobial assessment for biomedical applications

BackgroundTooth extraction, a common dental procedure, is often accompanied by pain, trismus, and swelling due to alveolitis caused by oral bacteria. Doxycycline is prescribed to alleviate infection and improve socket healing, but its immediate absorption in the bloodstream makes the treatment less effective at oral sites. This emphasizes the importance of a drug delivery system to gradually slow its release at the oral wound site and increase its bioavailability to make the treatment effective over time.MethodsSilk fibroin (SF) - doxycycline hyclate (DH) hydrogel was developed and subsequently characterized for gelation kinetics, swelling, stress-strain analysis, morphology using scanning electron microscopy, interaction between SF and DH using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, drug release profile, antibacterial efficacy, and biocompatibility studies.ResultsThe results indicated that the SF-DH hydrogel maintained its structural integrity, tolerated stress and strain, and featured interconnected pores, confirming DH integration within the SF matrix. The SF-DH hydrogel formed within 8 h with the pore size range of 20–150 μm and 90.72 kPa Young’s modulus. The drug release profile showed the increased release of DH up to 2 h, followed by sustained release till 8 h. The zone of inhibition was smaller with SF-DH hydrogels compared with DH for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells showed 90% viability with SF-DH hydrogel.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that SF-DH hydrogel showed sufficient mechanical strength, pore size, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. Further in vivo and clinical tests are required to prove its efficacy in effective socket healing.

MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs promote skin wound healing and spatial transcriptome analysis

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important paracrine mediators derived from various cells and biological fluids, including plasma, that are capable of inducing regenerative effects by transferring bioactive molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs). This study investigated the effect of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) isolated from umbilical cord blood and human umbilical cord plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (UCB-EVs) on wound healing and scar formation reduction. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was used to study the effects of MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs on the heterogeneity of major cell types and wound healing pathways in mouse skin tissue. MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and identified using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot. The effects of MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs on human dermal fibroblast-adult cell (HDF-a) migration and proliferation were evaluated using cell scratch assays, cell migration assays, and cell proliferation assays. In vivo, MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs were injected around full-cut wounds to evaluate their efficacy of wound healing by measuring wound closure rates and scar width and performing histological analysis. ST was performed on skin tissue samples from mice in each group after wound healing to analyze the heterogeneity of major cell types compared with the control group and investigate potential mechanisms affecting wound healing and scar formation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs promoted the proliferation and migration of HDF-a cells. Local injection of MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs into the periphery of a mouse skin wound accelerated re-epithelialization, promoted wound healing, and reduced scar width. ST analysis of skin tissue from each group after wound healing revealed that MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs reduced the relative expression of marker genes in myofibroblasts, regulated wound healing, and decreased scar formation by reducing the expression of the TGF-β signaling pathway and increasing the expression of the Wnt signaling pathway. The results suggest that MSC-EVs and UCB-EVs play a significant role in the activity of cord blood plasma-derived mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood plasma. They can be considered promising new agents for promoting skin wound healing.

A comparative study of human amniotic membrane, tilapia skin collagen, and Centella asiatica derived gel to treat burn wound in rat model.

In the quest for an ideal wound healing material, human amniotic membrane (AM), tilapia skin collagen (TSC), and Centella asiatica (CA) have been studied separately for their healing potential. In this study, we formulated AM, TSC, and CA gel and studied their competency and wound healing efficacy in vivo. Gel was formulated using AM, TSC, CA, Carbopol 934, acrylic acid, glycerine, and triethanolamine and physicochemical properties e.g.,pH, water absorption, swelling variation, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were determined. Biological properties were determined by skin irritation study, brine shrimp lethality, andantibacterial activity. Wound healing potential was determined by applying gel to second-degree burnsin vivoby observing wound contracture, epithelialization period, and histological features. The gel was non-lethal to brine shrimp and had anti-bacterial activity and showed no edema or erythema after 7days of topical application. After 21days of treatment, the AM + TSC + CA group significantly (P < 0.001) accelerated wound contraction (95.75 ± 0.44%)whereasthenegative control had the lowest healing rate (40.32 ± 2.11%). Wound contraction rates of AM + TSC and TSC + CA groups were (68.12 ± 1.46%) and (82.52 ± 1.74%) respectively.Epithelialization period for AM + TSC + CA was only 22.7days whereas AM, TSC, CA, AM + TSC, AM + CA, TSC + CA, positive control, and negative control needed 29.3, 30.7, 31.3, 27.3, 26, 26.6, 25.3 and 36.6days respectively. Histological analysis showed better healing potential for AM + TSC + CA regarding epidermal regeneration, blood vessel formation, and collagen deposition. The gel was biocompatible and in vivostudies with Wistar rats exhibited better wound healing capabilities than individual components of the gel alone.

The future of lactoferrin: A closer look at LipoDuo technology

Background Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional glycoprotein known for its roles in immune modulation, iron metabolism, and antimicrobial activity, has limited therapeutic efficacy due to poor bioavailability. Liposomal encapsulation of lactoferrin (LLf) offers a potential solution by improving its stability, absorption, and sustained release, making it a promising candidate for various clinical applications. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of LLf and plain Lf in cellular uptake, proliferation, and wound healing using HEK-293T and Caco-2 cell lines. Methods Cell uptake, proliferation, and wound healing assays were conducted using HEK-293T and Caco-2 cells to evaluate the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of LLf compared to plain Lf. The cellular uptake was assessed over a 24-h period using an indirect ELISA method. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay, while wound healing was evaluated using a scratch assay to observe cell migration over 48 h. Results LLf demonstrated significantly higher cellular uptake in both HEK-293T and Caco-2 cells, with peak internalization at 4 h, compared to plain Lf. In proliferation studies, LLf showed a dose-dependent increase in cell growth, achieving a 71% proliferation rate at 75 µg/mL, while plain Lf reached only 53%. LLf also accelerated wound healing, with nearly complete closure by 48 h, compared to 51.3% closure with plain Lf. Conclusion The results indicate that liposomal encapsulation significantly enhances lactoferrin’s bioavailability, proliferation-inducing capacity, and wound healing efficacy. LLf’s superior performance in these key areas suggests its potential for broader therapeutic applications, particularly in wound care, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Future clinical studies are warranted to validate the therapeutic benefits of LLf in vivo.

Negative-pressure wound therapy compared with advanced moist wound therapy: A comparative study on healing efficacy in diabetic foot ulcers.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy with advanced moist wound therapy in managing diabetic foot ulcers. A total of 450 participants with diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to receive either negative-pressure wound therapy (n= 204) or advanced moist wound therapy (n= 246) over 18months. The primary outcome was complete ulcer closure, with secondary outcomes including time to closure, wound size reduction, infection rates, recurrence, and amputation rates. Wound dimensions were measured using digital planimetry, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to assess time to closure. Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between treatment modalities. In the negative-pressure wound therapy group (n= 204), complete ulcer closure was achieved in 177 patients (87%), which was significantly greater than the advanced moist wound therapy group (n= 246) with 72 patients (29%) (P<.001). Although the mean time to wound closure was marginally extended in the negative-pressure wound therapy group (73±45days vs 64±49days; P=.045), this cohort demonstrated substantially more significant wound area reduction (48%±15 vs 25%±30; P<.001). Secondary outcome analysis revealed that negative-pressure wound therapy was associated with markedly reduced adverse events: wound infection (40 patients [20%] vs 95 patients [39%]; P<.001), ulcer recurrence (40 patients [20%] vs 113 patients [46%]; P<.001), and amputation rates (30 patients [15%] vs 132 patients [54%]; P<.001). Longitudinal assessment through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly greater wound closure probability and reduced complication risk in the negative-pressure wound therapy group throughout the follow-up period (log-rank P<.001). Negative-pressure wound therapy is significantly more effective than advanced moist wound therapy in treating diabetic foot ulcers, demonstrating superior outcomes in wound closure, infection control, and amputation prevention. This study highlights negative-pressure wound therapy as the preferred treatment option for complex diabetic foot ulcers, warranting further research into its long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness.

First Report on Microbial-Derived Polydeoxyribonucleotide: A Sustainable and Enhanced Alternative to Salmon-Based Polydeoxyribonucleotide.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has emerged as a potent bioactive compound with proven efficacy in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and anti-inflammatory applications and is predominantly derived from salmonid gonads. However, this study presents a groundbreaking advancement by successfully extracting and characterizing PDRN from microbial sources, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus, marking the first report to utilize microbial-, biome-, or Lactobacillus-derived PDRN (L-PDRN). The findings demonstrate the enhanced biological properties of L-PDRN over traditional salmon-derived PDRN across several assays. L-PDRN exhibited superior antioxidant activity, with significantly higher SOD-like and DPPH radical scavenging activities compared to PDRN, particularly at higher concentrations. In wound-healing assays, L-PDRN demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting cell migration and wound closure, even under inflammatory conditions induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Additionally, L-PDRN demonstrated the potential for enhanced immunostimulatory effects under non-inflammatory conditions while maintaining anti-inflammatory properties under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Electrophoretic analysis revealed that L-PDRN consists of smaller DNA fragments (under 100 bp) compared to salmon-derived PDRN (200-800 bp), suggesting greater bioavailability and skin absorption. Mechanistic studies confirmed that L-PDRN activates the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway through the A2A receptor, similar to PDRN, while also engaging alternative pathways for p38 and ERK phosphorylation, highlighting its signaling versatility. This study underscores the potential of L-PDRN as a multifunctional and sustainable alternative to salmon-derived PDRN, offering enhanced bioactivity, scalability, and environmental benefits. The novel approach of utilizing microbial-derived PDRN opens new avenues for therapeutic applications in oxidative stress management, tissue regeneration, and immune modulation, paving the way for a paradigm shift in PDRN sourcing and functionality.

Self-Healing Oxidized Dextran/Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Dressing with Hemostatic Activity Speeds Up Wound Healing in Burn Injuries.

This study introduced a hydrogel dressing, termed SODex-gel, which was constructed by establishing Schiff base and hydrogen bonds with the precursors of oxidized dextran (ODex) and succinic dihydrazide (SD)-modified sodium alginate (SD-mod-SA). Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies, the adhesive properties, self-healing capabilities, hemostatic potential, and wound healing efficacy of the SODex-gel dressing were meticulously evaluated. The 1H NMR, FTIR, and TGA analyses confirmed the fabrication of the SODex-gel dressing and its constituent elements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showcased the uniform pore structures in the SODex-gel dressing. In vitro assessments demonstrated that the SODex-gel dressing was noncytotoxic and exhibits strong adhesion, enabling it to attach to various surfaces. Noteworthy findings from studies of mouse liver incisions and tail amputation models proved the hemostatic ability of the SODex-gel dressing. Moreover, their remarkable wound-healing capabilities were prominently demonstrated through the treatment of a mouse model afflicted with burn skin injuries. Evidence of neovascularization effects was corroborated by the upregulation of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the treated skin samples. Collectively, the experimental data unequivocally established that the SODex-gel dressing is a promising therapeutic approach to accelerate wound recovery, thereby exhibiting substantial potential for clinical applications in treating burn injuries.

Advancements in bioengineered and autologous skin grafting techniques for skin reconstruction: a comprehensive review.

The reconstruction of complex skin defects challenges clinical practice, with autologous skin grafts (ASGs) as the traditional choice due to their high graft take rate and patient compatibility. However, ASGs have limitations such as donor site morbidity, limited tissue availability, and the necessity for multiple surgeries in severe cases. Bioengineered skin grafts (BSGs) aim to address these drawbacks through advanced tissue engineering and biomaterial science. This study conducts a systematic review to describe the benefits and shortcomings of BSGs and ASGs across wound healing efficacy, tissue integration, immunogenicity, and functional outcomes focusing on wound re-epithelialization, graft survival, and overall aesthetic outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest ASGs show superior early results, while BSGs demonstrate comparable long-term outcomes with reduced donor site morbidity. This comparative analysis enhances understanding of bioengineered alternatives in skin reconstruction, potentially redefining best practices based on efficacy, safety, and patient-centric outcomes, highlighting the need for further innovation in bioengineered solutions.

Eumelanin pigment release from photo-crosslinkable methacrylated gelatin-based cryogels: Exploring the physicochemical properties and antioxidant efficacy in wound healing

Eumelanin pigment release from photo-crosslinkable methacrylated gelatin-based cryogels: Exploring the physicochemical properties and antioxidant efficacy in wound healing

The effect of platelet-derived growth factor-aa (PDGFA) conjugated with low-molecular-weight protamine (LMWP) on hair loss improvement effect

Platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGFA) is known to play an important role in hair loss and hair growth by involving in the anagen phase of the hair follicle growth cycle. In this study, we synthesized skin-permeable recombinant low-molecular-weight protamine (LMWP)-conjugated PDGFA (LMWP-PDGFA) by linking LMWP to the N terminus of PDGFA. We evaluated the hair loss improvement effect, wound healing efficacy, and skin permeability of LMWP-PDGFA. LMWP-PDGFA showed higher cell proliferation, cell permeability, 5α-reductase inhibition activity and IGF-1 activity than PDGFA in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC). We also found that LMWP-PDGFA increased cell migration and collagen synthesis better than PDGFA. These results indicate that LMWP-PDGFA can be a good candidate as a hair treatment agent with superior cell permeability than PDGFA. Additionally, it is expected that the efficacy of the protein can be maximized by combining LMWP with other functional proteins.

Computational profiling and pharmacokinetic modelling of Febuxostat: Evaluating its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic wounds, a significant complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), face delayed healing due to impaired inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis. This study explores Febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor for its therapeutic potential in wound healing. Combining computational approaches and in-vitro assays, the study evaluates its effects on key wound healing pathways, cell viability, migration. The potential of Febuxostat in diabetic wound healing was studied using in-silico tools for Molecular docking and ADMET profiling, alongside Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Toxicity was assessed with OSIRIS Explorer, and biological activity was predicted using the PASS tool. In-vitro MTT and scratch assays on L929 cells further validated cytotoxicity and wound healing efficacy. Docking analysis revealed strong binding affinities to key wound healing targets, including VEGF (-9.11kcal/mol) and NFKβ (-8.62kcal/mol). Pharmacokinetic studies highlighted favorable skin permeability, supporting topical applications. Toxicity predictions indicated a safe profile. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stable protein-ligand complexes, particularly with VEGF. Cytotoxicity studies on L929 cells revealed an IC50 of 6.08μM and the scratch assay demonstrated significant wound healing activity, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting cell migration and closure. Febuxostat shows remarkable potential in enhancing diabetic wound healing by promoting cell migration, targeting wound-healing proteins, as demonstrated through in-silico and in-vitro studies. This drug is poised to effectively treat diabetic wounds, accelerating healing and reducing complications. Rigorous pre-clinical and clinical evaluations are essential to validate its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential.

Zinc oxide and gum tragacanth based composite hydrogel heals partial thickness burn wound by attenuating pro-inflammatory genes and enhancing regenerating growth factors.

In this study we have developed, characterized and examined the healing and regenerative potential of gum tragacanth based zinc oxide composite hydrogel (ZnO-GT). ZnO-GT composite is a pliable and soft formulation offering efficient, faster and improved burn wound healing/managements. In this procedure, we generated partial thickness burn wounds in murine model and then applied the wound with ZnO-GT formulation. ZnO-GT showed promising burn wound healing potential in vivo as only 0.48 % of burn residual area was observed in ZnO-GT treatment group compared to11.41 % in positive control group (silver sulfadiazine treatment) and 41.62 % in control group (saline treatment) at the end of 14th day. Two weeks of comparative histopathological study and analysis revealed dermal regeneration along with formation of skin appendages in hydrogel treated groups (p < 0.05). ZnO-GT accelerates inflammatory stage progression and reduces inflammatory responses of wound healing. Further it increases production of fibroblast growth factor and angiogenesis promoting factors such as NOX 4, VEGFR 2, HIF-1α and ANG1 which leads to the formation and differentiation of skin appendages as demonstrated by Western blotting studies. Altogether, ZnO-GT showed good biocompatibility along with substantial wound healing efficacy and regenerative property making it potent therapeutic agent for healing of burn skin wounds.

Enhanced MRSA-infected wound healing using tannic acid cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan/polyglutamic acid hydrogel for carbazole Delivery.

The rampant use of commercial antibiotics not only increases drug resistance but also causes a significant threat to human health. This study assessed the wound healing efficacy of hydrogels crafted from carboxymethyl chitosan (Cmc), polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), tannic acid (TA), and carbazole (Car), with the aim of expediting the wound healing process. Hydrogels were formulated using Cmc/γ-PGA, Cmc/γ-PGA/TA, and Cmc/γ-PGA/TA/Car, followed by a thorough evaluation of their physicochemical attributes. Additionally, assessments encompassed cytotoxicity, antibacterial efficacy, wound contraction rates, histopathological parameters, immunofluorescent staining of CD31, CD86, and COL1A, along with the determination of serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. The physicochemical analyses validated the successful synthesis of the hydrogels, which exhibited both safety and potent antibacterial properties. Topical application of Cmc/γ-PGA/TA/Car hydrogels notably accelerated wound contraction, as evidenced by heightened expression of CD31 and COL1A, alongside reduced serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6. In essence, the Cmc/γ-PGA/TA/Car hydrogel demonstrated a dual effect of mitigating inflammation and modulating the proliferative phase, that shows their abilities for application in the wound healing process.

Gel Formulation from Pineapple Leaf Waste with Propylene Glycol Variations for Burn Wound Healing

Despite their potential medicinal properties, pineapple leaves (Ananas comosus L. Merr) are an underutilized agricultural waste. These leaves contain flavonoids, which are known for their ability to aid in wound healing, particularly for burns as a gel. Propylene glycol plays an important role in the formulation of gels due to its ability to enhance the penetration and absorption of active compounds, such as flavonoids from the pineapple leaves. It also helps in maintaining the gel's consistency, ensuring it remains stable and effective for topical applications. in this study, varying concentrations of propylene glycol (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) were tested for their efficacy in burn wound healing in Rats. Gel production was prepared by the extraction of pineapple leaf waste and mixed with propylene glycol in varying concentrations (10 -40%) and gel additives. The gel was then applied to burn wound healing in rats. The study involved five groups: four treatment groups receiving gel with propylene glycol concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, and a control group without using gel. Results indicated that the pineapple leaf gel significantly accelerated burn wound healing compared to the control group. Among the formulations, gels with 20% and 30% propylene glycol concentrations demonstrated the most effective and rapid healing properties. These findings highlight the potential of pineapple leaf extract as an economical and sustainable option for topical burn treatment, encouraging further exploration and optimization of its formulation for clinical applications

Compounds of Marine Origin with Possible Applications as Healing Agents.

It is well established that marine organisms consist of a great variety of active compounds that appear exclusively in the marine environment while having the ability to be vastly reproduced, irrespective of the existing conditions. As a result, marine organisms can be used in many scientific fields, including the ones of pharmaceutics, nutrition, and cosmetic science. As for the latter, marine ingredients have been successfully included in cosmetic formulations for many decades, providing numerous benefits for the skin. In the present review, the contribution of marine compounds in wound healing is thoroughly discussed, focusing on their role both as active ingredients in suitable formulations, designed to contribute to different stages of skin regeneration and restoration and also, indirectly, as a tool for facilitating wound closure as part of a wound dressing. Additionally, the advantages of these marine ingredients are presented, as well as ways of incorporating them effectively in formulations, so as to enhance their performance. Numerous studies have been referenced, showcasing their efficacy in wound healing. Finally, important data in regard to their stability, limitations, and challenges to their use, safety issues, and the existing legislative framework are extensively reviewed.

Green synthesis of propolis mediated silver nanoparticles with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and their burn wound healing efficacy in animal model

Developing an efficient and cost-effective wound-healing substance to treat wounds and regenerate skin is desperately needed in the current world. The present study evaluatedin vivowound healing andin vitroantioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory activities of propolis mediated silver nanoparticles. Extract of Bee propolis from northeast Punjab, Pakistan, has been prepared via maceration and subjected to chemical identification. The results revealed that it is rich in phenolic contents (88 ± 0.004 mg GAE ml-1, 34 ± 0.1875 mg QE ml-1) hence, employed as a reducer and capping agent to afford silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green approach. The prepared nanoparticles have been characterized by UV-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD). The propolis mediated AgNPs possess cubic face center with spherical shape and measured 50-60 nm in size. Moreover, propolis mediated silver nanoparticles have been studied for various biological activities. The results showed excellent antioxidant (0.4696 μg ml-1), anti-inflammatory (0.3996 μg ml-1) and antibacterial activities againstStaphylococcus aureus(MIC 0.462 μg ml-1) andProteus mirabilis(MIC 0.659 μg ml-1) bacterium. An ointment was prepared by mixing AgNPs with polymeric gels for burn wound treatment in rabbits. We found rapid wound healing and higher collagen deposition in AgNPs treated wounds than in control group. Our data suggest that AgNPs from propolis ameliorate excision wounds, and hence, these AgNPs could be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of burns.

Students perceptions &amp; motivation for ‘Basic Pranic Healing workshop’ and its impact on the well-being of medical students

Pranic Healing (PH) is an ancient energy healing method focusing on the body's energy fields. The study explores its potential positive impact on the well-being of medical students. Existing research supports the transformative effects of PH on molecular structures and overall well-being. Spiritual well-being has been linked to mental health, and the study aims to evaluate the connection between Basic Pranic Healing workshops and students' mental health in a stressful medical school environment.This retrospective observational pilot study recruited 50 medical students through purposive sampling. Participants from Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College, Delhi, India, completed pre and post-workshop questionnaires, assessing knowledge, attitude, interest, motivation, and impact on well-being. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and relevant tests.45 interested students participated, with a mean age of 20.78±2.09, 68.8% female. Significant improvements were observed in pre and post-workshop scores for knowledge (p = 0.00), interest (p = 0.00), and confidence (p = 0.00). Beliefs shifted positively with a final favorable perception . Participants reported a positive impact on various life domains with 56% practicing learned techniques weekly. Efficacy in healing (73.4%) and self-healing (84.4%) was notable The Basic Pranic Healing workshop effectively enhanced participants' knowledge, interest, confidence, beliefs, and overall perceptions. Positive impacts on various life domains and high success rates in healing demonstrate the practical relevance of Pranic Healing in promoting well-being. Findings support the integration of holistic healing practices in healthcare training and personal development programs.

Iodoform in Surgical Practice: A Comprehensive Review of Its Historical Evolution, Clinical Applications, and Safety Profiles.

Iodoform, a halogenated organic compound, has been a cornerstone in surgical practice due to its potent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. This comprehensive review examines the historical evolution, mechanism of action, clinical applications, and safety profile of iodoform across various surgical disciplines. Historically significant formulations like Whitehead's varnish and bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP) demonstrated remarkable efficacy in wound healing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. BIPP, extensively used for cavity packing, combines bismuth subnitrate for its antibacterial and astringent effects with paraffin to minimize tissue trauma. The antimicrobial action of iodoform is attributed to the release of iodine upon activation by free radicals, leading to the denaturation of bacterial proteins and cytotoxic effects on inflammatory cells, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Clinically, iodoform has diverse applications in ear, nose, and throat surgery, neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and general dental practice. It is utilized for dressing wounds, packing surgical cavities, and managing conditions such as nasal fractures, epistaxis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and dry sockets. The radiopacity of BIPP, due to its bismuth content, aids in radiographic identification but necessitates clear communication with radiologists to prevent misinterpretation. Despite its benefits, iodoform use is associated with potential complications. Bismuth and iodoform toxicities, though rare, can lead to neurotoxicity and systemic symptoms, requiring prompt recognition and intervention. Allergic reactions, particularly in patients with prior exposure, and dermatological side effects like dermatitis herpetiformis flare-ups have been documented. Mechanical complications and considerations during pregnancy, owing to the potential transfer of iodine to the fetus, highlight the need for cautious application. This review underscores the enduring significance of iodoform in surgical settings while emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding its potential risks. Careful clinical judgment and ongoing research are imperative to optimize its therapeutic benefits and enhance patient safety.

Production of Polymeric Nanofiber Membranes Containing Plant Extract and Investigation of Their Potential for Use on Wound Healing

In cases of injury to the skin tissue, such as severe burns, these layers can be extensively damaged. A variety of dressings have been developed to address different types of wounds, with functional polymeric dressings being among the most popular. These advanced dressings are designed to accelerate the wound-healing process. The incorporation of plant-derived extracts and biological molecules into wound dressing materials is a common practice. This study aimed to develop an electrospun nanofiber wound dressing by incorporating active ingredients extracted from the plant Echium italicum (Italian viper's bugloss), known for its efficacy in burn wound healing, into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The nanofiber membrane wound dressings produced by electrospinning were subjected to various analyses. Morphological and structural characterization revealed that the membranes exhibited significant morphological decomposition and weight loss after 90 days of in vitro degradation under physiological conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity testing, conducted using the MEM extraction method, demonstrated that the membranes were not cytotoxic. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it was concluded that the developed nanofiber membranes hold promise as potential wound dressings for the treatment of severe burn wounds.

Enhancing self‐healing in bio‐mineralized concrete with steel slag aggregates and Bacillus subtilis

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of incorporating steel slag aggregates (SSAs) into bio‐mineralized concrete to enhance its SH properties. Bacillus subtilis vegetative cells are integrated to improve the concrete's healing efficacy. The effects of microbes were evaluated through damage healing measurements and the restoration of compressive strength (COS) over different durations. Characterization techniques, including x‐ray fluorescence, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), were used to analyze the SH process in concrete using carbonated SSA as carrier media. The results demonstrated that SSA serves as an effective carrier for microbial proliferation, significantly improving damage‐healing performance. The immobilization of microbes (107 cells/mL) via SSA showed the highest fracture healing efficiency of 1.023 mm. The inclusion of microbes (107 cells/mL) in SSA aggregate concrete resulted in notable COS restoration after pre‐damage by 32.29%, 31.53%, and 18.97% at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively. FE‐SEM, XRD, and EDS spot analysis identified calcite as SH precipitates, crucial for enhancing self‐healed concrete performance. The cost of microbial concrete is 115.25% higher than traditional concrete due to the additional expense of calcium lactate and microbial culture, but its SH properties can prevent early damage, extend the life of structures, reduce repair costs, and mitigate carbon emissions.