Healing Approaches Research Articles

Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: Present Status and Future Directions

Wound healing and skin regeneration involve intricate interactions between various cellular, molecular, and biochemical factors. This narrative review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the present status of therapeutic strategies for wound healing and skin regeneration. The literature review was performed using the Google Scholar search engine with the help of relevant keywords. Selected publications were used to synthesize different sections of the narrative review. The quest for innovative therapeutic approaches to accelerate wound healing and enhance skin regeneration has led to remarkable advancements in recent years. The landscape of therapeutic approaches for wound healing and skin regeneration is evolving rapidly, driven by groundbreaking discoveries and interdisciplinary collaborations. From advanced wound dressings and growth factor therapies to stem cell-based interventions and gene editing techniques, the arsenal of tools at our disposal continues to expand. As researchers continue to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying wound repair and regeneration, the potential for transformative therapies to revolutionize patient care remains immense. Through a combination of innovative technologies, personalized approaches, ethical considerations, and global accessibility, the future of wound healing holds promise for improving the lives of countless individuals worldwide. Despite significant advancements, several knowledge gaps persist in the field of wound healing and skin regeneration. Further elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms governing wound repair, inflammation resolution, and scar formation is warranted. Exploring the crosstalk between wound healing and the microbiome and the influence of ageing and systemic diseases will unravel new therapeutic targets and strategies. As researchers delve deeper into understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying wound repair, the development of novel therapies and their clinical translation become increasingly promising. With a multidisciplinary approach and ongoing advancements in technology, biology, and medicine, the future holds great potential for transforming the field of wound healing and skin regeneration.

Enhancement of cardiac angiogenesis in a myocardial infarction rat model using selenium alone and in combination with PTXF: the role of Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway

Ischemic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI) are a global health problem and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Angiogenesis is an important approach for myocardial healing following ischemia. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential cardiac angiogenic effects of selenium (Se), alone and in combination with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, pentoxifylline (PTXF), via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. MI was induced in rats using two subcutaneous doses of isoprenaline (ISP) at a 24-h interval (150 mg/kg). One week later, rats were orally given Se (150 µg/kg/day), PTXF (50 mg/kg/day), or Se/PTXF combination. ISP-induced myocardial damage was evident by increased HW/TL ratios, ST segment elevation, and increased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, and troponin-I. ISP increased the cardiac levels of the lipid peroxidation marker MDA; the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and caspase-3. In contrast, the cardiac levels of the antioxidant markers GSH and SOD and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 were reduced. Furthermore, ISP markedly increased the cardiac levels of p-Akt and HIF-1α proteins and the cardiac gene expression of ANGPT-1, VEGF, and FGF-2. Treatment with Se both alone and in combination with PTXF ameliorated the ISP-induced myocardial damage and further increased cardiac angiogenesis via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. Se/PTXF combined therapy was more beneficial than individual treatments. Our study revealed for the first time the cardiac angiogenic effects of Se both alone and in combination with PTXF in myocardial infarction, suggesting that both may be promising candidates for clinical studies.Graphical

Application of Tahsin and Tahfidz Models to Delinquent Students

Student delinquency has become a worrying phenomenon. Till now, there has been no study that has looked at students' delinquency from the Psycho-Spiritual Healing approach using the Koran perspective with the tahsin and tahfidz models. This paper aimed to complement the shortcomings of previous studies that ignore the contribution of the Koran in solving students' delinquency problems. The application of the tahsin and tahfidz models was carried out in three stages. The first was to get students accustomed to reading and memorizing Koran. The second was disciplining students, and the third was evaluating student achievement.

Leadership In Developing A Culture Of Quality (Case Study In Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Lamongan)

Quality human resources are becoming crucial in an era of globalization. Quality human resources are produced by quality educational institutions and led by the head of the madrasah, which consistently improves the quality of madrasas. Therefore, to improve the quality of the madrasah, it is necessary to build a culture of quality. Leadership plays an important role in shaping a solid madrasa culture of quality. Based on the above considerations, the study aims to (1) describe the leadership style of the Madrasa in developing a quality madrasa culture, (2) describe the leadership steps of the head of the madrasas in the development of a quality madrasah culture, (3) describe a cultural reality of the quality of Madrasa, (4) explain the efforts of the leader of the Madrasa in removing resistance to the quality culture development. This type of research is field research with a qualitative approach using case studies and data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observations of participants, and documentation. Analysis of research results shows that (1) the main madrasa style in developing a quality culture has five leadership styles: charismatic, democratic, participatory, deliberative, and aggressive. It's adapted to the situation and conditions. (2) Leadership steps in developing a culture of quality madrasa: (a) the head of the Madrasa articulates the vision and mission of impact on improving the quality culture of Madrasa. (b) The head of the Madrasa has the values of leadership that are believed to be translated into the life of the organization of the madrasas. (c) the symbol is a description of the organizational values that rained and preserved and reflect the uniqueness of the Madrasas; (d) the process of development of a quality culture passes through four stages, namely the preparation phase, the acceptance phases, the implementation phases and the commitment phases. (3) The cultural reality of the quality of MAN Lamongan is related to the values of the institution and the leadership of the head of the Madrasa in promoting relations with the staff. (4) The individual teacher's resistance exists in developing a culture of madrasa-quality. The head of the Madrasa's efforts in dealing with the resistance of the people of Madrasa used a preventive and healing approach.

Endochondral Repair of Jawbone Defects Using Periosteal Cell Spheroids

Recapitulation of the natural healing process is receiving increasing recognition as a strategy to induce robust tissue regeneration. Endochondral ossification has been recognized as an essential reparative approach in natural jawbone defect healing. However, such an approach has been overlooked in the recent development of cell-based therapeutics for jawbone repair. Therefore, this study aimed to explore a bioinspired stem cell–based strategy for jawbone repair by mimicking the mesenchymal condensation of progenitor cells during the early endochondral ossification process. For this purpose, passage 3 of jawbone periosteum-derived cells (jb-PDCs) was cultured in our previously reported nonadherent microwells (200 µm in diameter, 148 µm in depth, and 100 µm space in between) and self-assembled into spheroids with a diameter of 96.4 ± 5.8 µm after 48 h. Compared to monolayer culture, the jb-PDC spheroids showed a significant reduction of stemness marker expression evidenced by flow cytometry. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 in both gene and protein levels was observed in the jb-PDC spheroids after 48 h of chondrogenic induction. RNA sequencing and Western blotting analysis further suggested that the enhanced SOX9-mediated chondrogenic differentiation in jb-PDC spheroids was attributed to the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Impressively, inhibition of p38 kinase activity significantly attenuated chondrogenic differentiation jb-PDC spheroids, evidenced by a significant decline of SOX9 in both gene and protein levels. Strikingly, the jb-PDC spheroids implanted in 6- to 8-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice with critical-size jawbone defects (1.8 mm in diameter) showed an evident contribution to cartilaginous callus formation after 1 wk, evidenced by histological analysis. Furthermore, micro–computed tomography analysis showed that the jb-PDC spheroids significantly accelerated bone healing after 2 wk in the absence of exogenous growth factors. In sum, the presented findings represent the successful development of cell-based therapeutics to reengineer the endochondral bone repair process and illustrate the potential application to improve bone repair and regeneration in the craniofacial skeleton.

Submerged vs Nonsubmerged Reconstructive Approach for Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis: Reanalysis of Two Prospective Clinical Studies.

To complete a reanalysis study of two similarly designed prospective controlled studies exploring prognostic factors associated with the surgical outcomes of reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis. Individual patient data of both studies were gathered. The initial study employed a submerged healing approach via primary wound closure with implant suprastructure removal and complete coverage of grafted sites. The second study employed a nonsubmerged healing protocol in which healing abutments were kept in place and the implants were not fully submerged. Both studies measured all prognostic factors at similar time points throughout 1 year and included clinical defect fill (DF) and radiographic defect fill (RDF), reduction of pocket depth (PDR), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Multilevel regression was used for statistical assessment of outcomes relative to the impact of site, local, surgical, and patient-related variables. Overall, 59 implants (30 submerged and 29 nonsubmerged) were treated. Statistically significant higher DF (on average 0.9 mm higher), RDF (1.7 mm), and PDR (1.3 mm) were observed when a submerged reconstructive approach was performed, whereas BoP reduction was similar. After controlling for treatment (submerged/ nonsubmerged), there were no other significant associations with patient-related (age, sex, smoking, prior periodontitis etc), or implant-related (previous prosthesis type, arch, keratinized tissue width [KTW], etc) factors. Within the study's limitations, we conclude that a submerged reconstructive approach for surgical management of peri-implantitis leads to significantly enhanced clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared to a nonsubmerged approach.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Lymphedema in Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Prophylactic lymphatic bypass or LYMPHA (LYmphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach) is increasingly offered to prevent lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, which develops in up to 47% of patients. Previous studies focused on intraoperative and postoperative lymphedema risk factors, which are often unknown preoperatively when the decision to perform LYMPHA is made. This study aims to identify preoperative lymphedema risk factors in the high-risk inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) population. Retrospective review of our institution's IBC program database was conducted. The primary outcome was self-reported lymphedema development. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative lymphedema risk factors, while controlling for number of lymph nodes removed during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), number of positive lymph nodes, residual disease on pathology, and need for adjuvant chemotherapy. Of 356 patients with IBC, 134 (mean age: 51 years, range: 22-89 years) had complete data. All 134 patients underwent surgery and radiation. Forty-seven percent of all 356 patients (167/356) developed lymphedema. Obesity (body mass index > 30) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7, confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-6.4, p = 0.02) and non-white race (OR: 4.5, CI: 1.2-23, p = 0.04) were preoperative lymphedema risk factors. Patients with IBC are high risk for developing lymphedema due to the need for ALND, radiation, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study also identified non-white race and obesity as risk factors. Larger prospective studies should evaluate potential racial disparities in lymphedema development. Due to the high prevalence of lymphedema, LYMPHA should be considered for all patients with IBC.

Rethinking Psychiatry: Solutions for a Sociogenic Crisis

Abstract This essay draws on Frantz Fanon's insights about the sociogenesis of psychiatric disorders, and on the insights of feminist standpoint theory, to sketch a map toward sociogenic mental health. We argue that psychiatry should move away from iatrogenesis (the harms of our current individual-level and pathologizing approach) toward sociogenesis of mental health through robust collaboration with social movements of oppressed people, and their collective healing approaches, ranging from harm reduction centers to community gardens. The essay ends with the outlines of a reinvented, community collaborative psychiatry that supports sociogenesis.

Polycaprolactone/Cellulose Acetate Loaded Psidium guajava Essential Oil Electrospun Nanofibrous Mat Dressing for Healing Wounds

Natural products and essential oils of medicinal plants are extensively employed in wound healing, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Essential oils obtained from Psidium guajava were utilised as an antibacterial agent against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and to control drug-resistant strains. In this study, electrospinning for applications in antimicrobial activity and drug delivery systems was used to develop biocomposite nanofibers of Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Cellulose Acetate (CA) and Psidium guajava essential oil (PGEO). Images from the FESEM revealed that the mean fire diameters were 120 nm for the PCL/CA and 223 nm for PCL/CA/PGEO biocomposite nanofibers. The diameters of the nanofibers were increased following the addition of PGEO into PCL/CA nanofibers. Furthermore, FTIR studies revealed the -OH peak in pure electrospun PCL/CA and PCL/CA/PGEO, lacking pure PGEO nanofibrous mats. These findings reflect that Psidium guajava essential oil/PCL/CA electrospun nanofibers are promising candidates for presenting bioactive compounds in wound management or other approaches for wound healing and bacterial infections.

Dietary nitrate accelerates the healing of infected skin wounds in mice by increasing microvascular density

As skin injuries resulting from acute trauma, burns, and chronic diseases present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, the promotion of skin wound healing remains an unmet therapeutic area. Dietary nitrate serves as a crucial pathway for the production of nitric oxide, which plays various physiological roles in the body, including vasodilation, increased blood flow, and antioxidant activity. However, the impact of dietary nitrate on skin wound healing remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the role of dietary nitrate in infected skin wound healing using a mouse model. We created a full-thickness wound infection model in mice and examine the effects of dietary nitrate (0.5 mmol/kg/d and 1 mmol/kg/d) on wound healing. The results demonstrated that dietary nitrate significantly increased serum nitrate and nitrite levels, leading to accelerated wound healing by increasing microvascular density, promoting collagen deposition and re-epithelialization. Moreover, nitrate supplementation exhibited a certain degree of reduction in inflammatory factors within the body. Our study also found that 1 mmol/kg/d nitrate has a more effective therapeutic effect and can increase blood perfusion and expedite the formation of new blood vessels, thereby promoting skin wound healing. These results indicate that dietary nitrate presents a novel therapeutic approach for infected skin wound healing.

Topical Iron Chelator Therapy: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Systemic iron chelation therapy has long been used for iron overload, providing a role in returning iron levels to proper homeostatic concentrations. Recently, topical iron chelation therapy has emerged as a potential strategy for treating skin damage. This narrative review explores the current status and future prospects of topical iron chelation therapy for treating ultraviolet (UV) and non-UV skin damage, as well as its potential application in wound healing. The review was conducted through a literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases, spanning publications from 1990 to 2023. The selection of articles was focused on primary research studies, either experimental or clinical, that explored the implications and formulations of topical iron chelators used alone or in conjunction with another therapeutic agent. The search strategy employed a combination of terms, including "topical iron chelation", "topical deferoxamine", "UV", "wound healing", "skin inflammation", "radiation-induced fibrosis", and "skin cancer". Relevant studies, including methods, intervention strategies, measured outcomes, and findings, are summarized. The review also considered the potential challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice. Results indicate that topical iron chelators, such as deferoxamine, are effective in mitigating UV-induced skin damage, reducing tumorigenesis, and decreasing oxidative damage. In addition, the use of these agents in radiation-induced fibrosis has been shown to significantly increase skin elasticity and reduce dermal fibrosis. Several studies also highlight the use of topical iron chelators in difficult-to-treat chronic wounds, such as diabetic neuropathic ulcers and sickle cell ulcers. In conclusion, topical iron chelation therapy represents a novel and promising approach for skin protection and wound healing. Its potential makes it a promising area of future research.

Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare

Poland has a unique history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the 17th century when Polish missionary Michael (Michał) Boym was a pioneer in the field. In the 20th century, his successor, Professor Zbigniew Garnuszewski, reintroduced acupuncture to medical practice in Poland. However, other methods of TCM and its holistic approach to patient care have not found their place in modern medicine in Poland. At present, the legal status of TCM in Poland remains unregulated, with TCM included in the broad spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. Few reports are available on the use of TCM methods among the Polish population. Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with evidence-based CAM interventions and considers all aspects of a patient’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, social, and environmental factors. An integrative healthcare model that incorporates TCM modalities and lifestyle recommendations as well as a whole person approach may provide a more sustainable solution for the constantly underfinanced Polish healthcare system, which faces challenges of multimorbidity in an aging society and limited access to care. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and ongoing climate crisis have underscored the need to strengthen the resilience of the Polish healthcare system and search for new solutions. A model of care that blends the best of biomedicine and TCM healing approaches may be a better option for both patients and the healthcare system in Poland.Please cite this article as: Rybicka M, Zhao J, Piotrowicz K, Ptasnik S, Mitka K, Kocot-Kępska M, Hui KK. Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 509–517.

Interface Homogenization Approach for Mechanical Healing Driven by Pressure Solution

Interface Homogenization Approach for Mechanical Healing Driven by Pressure Solution

Hydrogel-based Treatment Strategies to Accelerate Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a chronic clinical manifestation of diabetes that exacerbates the condition of a patient and has a considerable socioeconomic impact. A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) impacts around 25% of patients with diabetes mellitus at a certain point in their lives, and the underlying cause of the condition appears to be linked to neuropathic, ischaemic, and/or neuroischaemic pathologies. For the effective treatment of DFU, a variety of conventional treatments are used. However, in recent years, a range of innovative materials have been studied to bolster standard treatment tactics and promote the desired biological response by transcending the impediments of current wound healing approaches. Inorganic/organic hydrogel hybrids for tissue regeneration are among the most promising materials. This review article outlines the current treatment options for DFU, applications of hydrogel with an emphasis on wound healing, polymeric materials used to fabricate hydrogel, and the role of emerging technologies.

숏폼 콘텐츠의 위해성과 목회상담적 치유방안 연구

숏폼 콘텐츠의 위해성과 목회상담적 치유방안 연구

Decolonization Projects

Decolonization Projects

Antimicrobial Wound Dressings: A Concise Review for Clinicians.

Wound management represents a substantial clinical challenge due to the growing incidence of chronic skin wounds resulting from venous insufficiency, diabetes, and obesity, along with acute injuries and surgical wounds. The risk of infection, a key impediment to healing and a driver of increased morbidity and mortality, is a primary concern in wound care. Recently, antimicrobial dressings have emerged as a promising approach for bioburden control and wound healing. The selection of a suitable antimicrobial dressing depends on various parameters, including cost, wound type, local microbial burden and the location and condition of the wound. This review covers the different types of antimicrobial dressings, their modes of action, advantages, and drawbacks, thereby providing clinicians with the knowledge to optimize wound management.

The “Western” Folk Healer as a Symbolic Healer: A Case Study from a Magic Ritual in Northern Greece

ABSTRACT The article, based on the author’s doctoral research on the life and work of contemporary folk healers with shamanistic knowledge in North East Scotland, explores one key issue when it comes to healing traditions: What kind of healing do these individuals offer? In 1986, anthropologist James Dow, expanding on Daniel Moerman’s idea that all spiritual healers are in fact symbolic healers, suggested that these folk specialists use human communication, ritual, and culture-specific symbols as tools to heal others. Drawing from the author’s ethnographic fieldwork alongside one such spiritual healer, the article examines the healer’s symbolic healing approaches through the example of a spontaneous magic ritual he conducted in autumn 2015 in Greece. The article’s goal is to ethnographically demonstrate how the healer’s practices fit into Dow’s “symbolic healing” scheme as an integral component for the efficiency of his healing practices.

Contactless Resolution of Inflammatory Signals in Tailored Macrophage-Based Cell Therapeutics.

In recent years, nanotechnology-based microRNA (miR) therapeutic platforms have shown great promise for immunotherapy and tissue regeneration, despite the unmet challenge of achieving efficient and safe delivery of miRs. The transport of miRs offers precision and regulatory value for a myriad of biological processes and pathways, including the control of macrophage (Mφ) functions and, consequently, the inflammatory cascades Mφ are involved in. Thus, enforcement of Mφ can boost the regenerative process and provide new solutions for diverse chronic pathologies. In this study, we sought to develop a magnetically guided transporter to deliver an miR-155 antagonist to M1-primed Mφ. Furthermore, we determined its modulatory effect in reprogramming Mφ from inflammatory to pro-regenerative phenotypes, with the aim of tissue healing and regenerative medicine approaches. This strategy combines contactless and high-precision control of Mφ, anticipating new functional miR carriers for targeted strategies controlled by extracorporeal action. The magnetoplexes SPION@PEI-miR were efficiently delivered into Mφ without compromising cell viability and successfully induced miR-mediated gene silencing by enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory markers (IL4 and IL10) and the production of M2φ-related markers (CD206 and IL4). Given its multimodal features, SPION@PEI-miR represents a simple, safe, and nonviral theranostic platform that enables imaging, tracking, and miR delivery with modulatory effects on immune cells.

Risk assessment, prevention and early detection of breast cancer related lymphedema: Objective measurements and patient reported outcomes.

128 Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) affects the quality of life, but there is no consensus regarding early detection and monitoring. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important in assessing cancer survivor outcomes. LYMPHA (Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach) and S-LYMPHA (Simplified LYMPHA) have reduced BCRL rates. This study aims to identify the most reliable PRO in a South Florida multi-ethnic population and to study correlations between PROs and objective measurements in the first 6 months after axillary surgery. Methods: Patients aged 18 and above undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or axillary radiation were included. L-Dex (Spectroscopy) and three validated questionnaires (LyQLI, Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory; LyQOL, Lymphedema Quality of Life and FACT-B4+ Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lymphedema) were recorded at baseline and 6 months post-surgery to assess the association between patient-reported symptoms and BCRL. Lymphedema was defined as L-Dex score outside the normal range, or a 10 unit increase above baseline. Additional variables such as demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities were considered. Results: Out of 40 recruited patients, 39 were analysed (excluding one deceased patient). One patient was male. Amongst the females,18 were pre-menopausal and 20 were post-menopausal. Hispanic ethnicity was reported by 23 (58.9%) patients compared to 16 (41%) non-Hispanic. White race, African American and other races were reported in 31, 4, and 4 patients respectively. 1, 22, and 16 patients had Cancer stages 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Neo-adjuvant therapy (endocrine or chemotherapy) was administered to 31 patients; 13 and 26 patients had lumpectomy and mastectomy respectively. 18 patients had breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into three groups for analysis: 1) ALND with no axillary radiation (n=33,85%); 2) Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) with axillary radiation (n=3,8%); 3) ALND with axillary radiation (n=3,8%). In the first group, LYMPHA or S-LYMPHA were associated with lower rates of lymphedema (19% vs, 50%) (p=0.116). No patients in the second or third groups had lymphedema. There were 4 out of 20 (20%) patients with lymphedema with scores above the median for FACT B4+ (p= 0.41) and a lower score (higher quality of life) correlated with lower L-Dex value (p=0.76). The higher score in the physical domain of LyQLI showed higher L-Dex vaue (p=0.826). There was a significant inter-domain correlation in LyQLI and LyQOL (p<0.05 to <0.001). Conclusions: These preliminary results validate the use of PROs alongside objective measurements to assess BCRL. In addition, LYMPHA and S-LYMPHA significantly reduce lymphedema rates. Larger numbers will be necessary to reach statistical significance and to identify the best PRO.