Healing Environment Research Articles

Effect of Postoperative Neck-Shaft and Anteversion Angles on Biomechanical Outcomes in Proximal Femoral Osteotomy: An In Silico Study.

Effective surgical planning is crucial for maximizing patient outcomes following complex orthopedic procedures such as proximal femoral osteotomy. In silico simulations can be used to assess how surgical variations in proximal femur geometry, such as femur neck-shaft and anteversion angles, affect postoperative system mechanics. This study investigated the sensitivity of femur mechanics to postoperative neck-shaft angles, anteversion angles, and osteotomy contact areas using patient-specific finite element analysis informed by neuromusculoskeletal models. A sequential neuromusculoskeletal modeling and finite element analysis pipeline was used to simulate postoperative mechanics in three pediatric patients with varying demographic and anatomic features. Nine surgical configurations derived from permutations of the clinical envelope of neck-shaft angles and anteversion angles were simulated for the stance phase of gait. The outcome mechanics assessed were peak von Mises stresses on the bone-implant contact surfaces as well as interfragmentary movement and strain on the osteotomy location. Peak von Mises stress and interfragmentary movement and strain were on average 38% more sensitive to surgical variation in neck-shaft angle compared to anteversion angle. A significant negative correlation was detected between contact area and interfragmentary movement (r = -0.90, p < 0.0001) and strain (r = -0.45, p = 0.017). Overall findings suggest neck-shaft angle significantly influences postoperative femur mechanics and highlight the importance of maximizing contact area to limit interfragmentary motion and foster an optimal mechanical environment for bone healing and callus formation following proximal femoral osteotomy. Between-patient variation in sensitivity to proximal femoral geometry reinforced the importance of patient-specific surgical planning.

Sustainable healing environments: guidelines for designing therapeutic gardens for integrated hospital care

Sustainable healing environments: guidelines for designing therapeutic gardens for integrated hospital care

Screening of an antimicrobial peptide-TWPAL and its application in hydrogels for wound healing.

Open wounds are one of the concerns of modern medicine. Early on, before the wound has closed, bacteria can easily enter, leading to bacterial infections. Excipients with antimicrobial effects can greatly facilitate the wound healing process. In this work, we screened and synthesized the antimicrobial peptide Thr-Trp-Pro-Gla-Leu (TWPAL), which has good bacteriostatic effect as well as drug resistance. And by loading it into a hyaluronic acid/gelatin hydrogel, we developed an antimicrobial hydrogel (TWPAL-gel), and by analyzing the results of animal experiments, it was found that this treatment has obvious efficacy in the treatment of animal wound infections, which provides a strong experimental basis for the clinical treatment and an important reference value for the further research on the treatment of diseases. Therefore, a new antimicrobial peptide TWPAL and a hydrogel based on this peptide were developed in this study to provide a comfortable and sterile recovery environment for wound healing, which can be an ideal choice for the treatment of open wounds.

Humanized care in nursing students: review of concepts and background

Dehumanization is the deprivation of the qualities that distinguish people as human beings. It can be understood as the consequence of a rational, scientific model that moves away from human sensitivity. The meaning and essence of humanized care comes from the word “humanity” defined as sensitivity, compassion, kindness towards others. The person in charge of managing this care is the nursing staff, since their main focus in their activities is care in the care and provision of health services. A bibliographic study was carried out with the aim of reviewing the state of the art of humanized care in relation to the sociodemographic data of nursing students. To define the social and ethical responsibilities of nursing and explain the implications of humane care, a model is proposed that includes ten factors of care. These factors include the practice of kindness and equanimity, support for deep beliefs, the cultivation of spiritual practices, the development of authentic caring relationships, and the expression of feelings. In addition, emphasis is placed on the creative use of knowledge, the creation of healing environments, the attention to basic needs with deliberate awareness, and the willingness to address spiritual and existential dimensions. These principles underpin care as a way of inhabiting the world and developing projects that promote transcendence and interpersonal relationships in a cosmic context

Identification of the Application of Vegetation Elements in the Biophilic and Comfort Concept in the Lobby, Dining Room &amp; Public Space of Greenhost Hotel, Prawirotaman, Yogyakarta

The abstract says, In modern cities, the built environment becomes oppressive; Urban spaces are almost unlivable in fact in cities more and more blighted due to design fads and industrialist buildings. Biophilic Design can reduce stress, increase creativity, clarity of thought and improve our well-being, and speed healing. The priorities of Biophilic Architecture are Natural Patterns in Space, Natural Analogy Patterns, and Natural Space Patterns. Yogyakarta has a large number of visitors attending the tourism sector in the Patrioman area, visitors often look for places such as accommodation, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment centers of socialize and relax to create significant business opportunities. Research objectives, some of the results of research that have been carried out with the Biophilic concept are taken, the aim of the research is as an alternative solution to create a healing environment by optimizing architectural design concepts to respond to the health, cognitive, psychosocial and psychological health of hotel users. The impression of this building is extensive on spatial vegetation by arranging the placement of mass, treating the space and mass of space with hiqh quality towards the natural environment, and using materials both inside and out as well as an appearance with a natural appearance to create positive response. This research hopes to be implemented in Greenhost Yogyakarta with a biophilic standardization of spaces in Greenhost Yogyakarta is mostly the application of the Biophilic design model which has been recommended by the fourteen Biophilic design models.

Spatial inequities: Child-friendly spaces and ethnic sensitivity in Balukhali Rohingya 1 Refugee Camp, Cox&amp;rsquo;s Bazar, Bangladesh

Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) are crucial architectural interventions designed to provide psychosocial support to children during refugee crises. The unprecedented influx of refugees globally in recent decades has underscored the urgent need to address children's vulnerability to psychosocial issues. Despite the widespread use of prototypical CFS models by various NGOs and humanitarian organizations to address the crises, there is a significant gap in the spatial analysis of these responses under precarious refugee camp conditions. This study focuses on CFS in the Balukhali Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, the world's largest refugee camp. Children here face crises such as abuse, life-threatening situations, gender violence, and child trafficking, mirroring their experiences in Myanmar. Utilizing the Octonary Framework, a comprehensive tool for evaluating architectural spaces, this research conducts a qualitative spatial analysis of CFS. The findings reveal that CFS primarily emphasize a superficial cosmetic ‘representation of childhood’, neglecting the need for ethnically sensitive spatial cultures that can address the specific needs of the displaced community. This oversight results in spaces that fail to provide the therapeutic and healing environment necessary. The research findings contribute to developing sustainable CFS practices, aiming to create a more spatially just environment for vulnerable children in future refugee crises.

NIR-Light Activable 3D Printed Platform Nanoarchitectured with Electrospun Plasmonic Filaments for On Demand Treatment of Infected Wounds.

Bacterial infections can lead to severe complications that adversely affect wound healing. Thus, the development of effective wound dressings has become a major focus in the biomedical field, as current solutions remain insufficient for treating complex, particularly chronic wounds. Designing an optimal environment for healing and tissue regeneration is essential. This study aims to optimize a multi-functional 3D printed hydrogel for infected wounds. A dexamethasone (DMX)-loaded electrospun mat, incorporated with gold nanorods (AuNRs), is structured into short filaments (SFs). The SFs are 3D printed into gelatine methacrylate (GelMA) and sodium alginate (SA) scaffold. The photo-responsive AuNRs within SFs significantly enhanced DXM release when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light. The material exhibits excellent photothermal properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity under NIR irradiation, effectively eliminating Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro. In vivo, material combined with NIR light treatment facilitate infectes wound healing, killing S. aureus bacteria, reduced inflammation, and induced vascularization. The final materials' shape can be adjusted to the skin defect, release the anti-inflammatory DXM on-demand, provide antimicrobial protection, and accelerate the healing of chronic wounds.

Antioxidant and antibacterial coconut mesocarp polyphenol hydrogel dressing based on PVA/quaternary chitosan/sodium alginate with β-glycerophosphate.

This study developed PQSp wound dressing hydrogels (S0-S6) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), quaternary chitosan (QCS), and sodium alginate (SA) as the matrix, with the addition of coconut mesocarp polyphenol (P-CTP, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1.0 %) and β-glycerophosphate disodium (GP, 1.0 %) through a freeze-thaw method. Compared to hydrogels without P-CTP and GP (S0), the tensile strength of S1-S6 increased from 0.08 MPa to 0.45 MPa, elongation at break improved from 200 % to 320 %, and the swelling ratio decreased from 186 % to 82 % due to the effects of P-CTP and GP, while maintaining water content above 80 %, ensuring a moist environment for wound healing. Their thermal stability was also improved. SEM, FTIR, and XPS results confirmed enhanced crosslinking within the multi-network of the hydrogels, attributed to the increased hydrogen bonding from GP and P-CTP, independent of chemical crosslinking. However, antioxidant and antibacterial activities were dose-dependent only on P-CTP, with S3 and S6 showing the best effects. CAM and chicken embryo assays confirmed the hydrogels' non-toxicity and biocompatibility. These findings suggest that PQSp hydrogels, with their excellent mechanical properties, bioactivity, and safety, hold great potential for advanced wound dressing applications and provide a reference for expanding the application range of P-CTP.

THE ROLE OF YOGA IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT: AN EXAMINATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease that imposes a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Chronic conditions like diabetes significantly reduce quality of life, restrict daily activities, and contribute to premature mortality. When poorly managed, diabetes can result in dysfunction across multiple body systems. To address its complex symptoms, many patients seek complementary and alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments. The aim of complementary and alternative therapies is to create a healing environment, enhance self-awareness, and activate the body's self-healing capacity. Diabetic patients frequently use complementary and alternative therapies to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Common complementary and alternative therapies practices in diabetes management include yoga, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, and herbal therapies. These methods are primarily employed to promote overall well-being, stabilize blood glucose, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. This article was compiled to be both informative and useful for future research on the effects of yoga in diabetes management.

Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicle Hydrogel Modulating Inflammatory Microenvironment for Wound Management.

Chronic wounds, frequently arising from conditions like diabetes, trauma, or chronic inflammation, represent a significant medical challenge due to persistent inflammation, heightened infection risk, and limited treatment solutions. This study presents a novel bioengineered approach to promote tissue repair and improve the healing environment. We developed a bioactive hydrogel patch, encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) into extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, and synthesized ZIF@EV, then embedded it in the sodium alginate matrix. This hydrogel structure enables the controlled release of therapeutic agents directly into the wound site, where it stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and promotes new blood vessel formation. These processes are key components of effective tissue regeneration. Crucially, the EV-infused patch influences the immune response by polarizing macrophages towards an M2 phenotype, shifting the wound environment from inflammation toward regenerative healing. When applied in a murine model of chronic wounds, the EV hydrogel patch demonstrated notable improvements in healing speed, quality, and tissue integration compared to traditional approaches such as growth factor therapies and foam dressings. These promising findings suggest that this bioactive hydrogel patch could serve as a versatile, practical solution for chronic wound management, providing an adaptable platform that addresses both the biological and logistical needs of wound care in clinical settings.

Quality of Life of Hospitalized Patients with Hematological Diseases

Hematological diseases have a wide age range of disease onset, repeated hospitalizations, long periods of treatments and hospitalization, special hospitalization conditions, isolation that lead to restrictions to their social life and impaired quality of life. The hospital is the place where patients, families, nurses and doctors come together for a common purpose, the restoration of the patient’s health. Ensuring a quality of life in the hospital environment requires the participation of all the healthcare team and building a “healing environment”. Nursing priorities for improving the quality of life in the hospital include ensuring comfort, psychosocial support, providing palliative and patient centered care and patient centered environment. A patient centered environment responds holistically to the needs of its users, including accessibility, safety, privacy and dignity, comfort and wellbeing, personal choice and control. The inclusion of arts, music, exercise and festivities improve quality of life during hospitalization. Family members also are welcomed to stay and care for the patients during long periods of hospitalization. Patients hospitalized for hematological diseases are a unique population with complex needs. So, research, innovation, and initiatives are needed to incorporate new methods to improve their quality of life during hospitalization.

Chitosan-Alginate Hydrogel Enriched with Hypericum perforatum Callus Extract for Improved Wound Healing and Scar Inhibition.

Hypericum perforatum callus contains pluripotent stem cells, and its extract (HPCE) is a natural compound that includes various biologically active components, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and naphthodiantrons like hypericin and hyperforin. These components give HPCE significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable option for wound healing. Unlike traditional wound dressings that may leave a residue or necessitate invasive procedures like phototherapy, HPCE is a promising alternative. This study presents a hydrogel wound dressing made from a chitosan/alginate scaffold loaded with HPCE (CA/HPCE). This system displayed remarkable mechanical properties coupled with a high swelling capacity. Moreover, it demonstrated potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, promoting a favorable environment for wound healing. In vitro studies confirmed that our wound dressings effectively inhibited Escherichia coli (E. coli) and drug-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MR-CoNS). Additionally, CA/HPCE had the potential to significantly augment fibroblast migration. Moreover, in vivo investigations confirmed that this system accelerated re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen deposition while reducing inflammation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) indicated the absence of hypertrophic scar formation postdressing. These findings suggest that CA/HPCE is a highly effective and innovative solution for advanced wound care.

A novel skin-like patch based on 3D hydrogel nanocomposite of Polydopamine/TiO2 nanoparticles and Ag quantum dots accelerates diabetic wound healing compared to stem cell therapy.

Despite the advances in the development of therapeutic wearable wound-healing patches, lack self-healing properties and strong adhesion to diabetic skin, hindering their effectiveness. We propose a unique, wearable patch made from a 3D organo-hydrogel nanocomposite containing polydopamine, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and silver quantum dots (PDA-TiO2@Ag). The designed patch exhibits ultra-stretchable, exceptional-self-healing, self-adhesive, ensuring conformal contact with the skin even during movement. Our patch demonstrated potent antibacterial activity and significantly accelerated wound healing with a high wound closure rate of 99.2% after 7 days. Remarkably, it enhanced diabetic skin wound healing compared to that achieved by adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy in a study involving 30 adult male albino rats. Microscopic analysis highlights the promising hierarchical architecture structure of the patch for wound healing applications, suggesting its potential to create a favorable environment for healing and provide long-lasting benefits. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed faster healing and enhanced cellular response in the patch-treated group compared to both stem cell and control groups. Notably, the patch promoted complete re-epithelization and a significant increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on day 7, indicating improved angiogenesis. This self-healing, multifunctional patch offers a promising alternative to stem cell therapy for accelerating diabetic wound healing, showcasing its potential for clinical translation. The combination of durability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties makes the patch a promising candidate for advanced wound management and offering faster, more complete restoration than other approaches.

Wound Treatment with Moist Dressing Technique Using Nacl 0.9% And Garamysin On The Number Of Bacterial Colonies

This study investigates the effects of moist dressing techniques using 0.9% NaCl and Garamycin on bacterial colony counts in diabetic gangrene wounds. Diabetic ulcers represent a significant challenge in wound management, as improper treatment can lead to severe complications, including infection and amputation. A controlled experimental approach was employed, utilizing diabetic rats induced with alloxan to establish hyperglycemia. The treatment group received moist dressings with 0.9% NaCl and Garamycin over seven days, while bacterial colony counts were assessed before and after treatment. Results indicated a significant reduction in bacterial colonies from an average of 291.625 to 69.75 post-treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combined treatment in preventing bacterial growth. This reduction underscores the importance of maintaining a moist environment for wound healing and the role of antibacterial agents in managing diabetic wounds. The findings contribute valuable insights into optimal wound care practices, emphasizing the need for appropriate dressing selection to enhance healing outcomes and minimize infection risks.

Design and Characterization of Stimuli Responsive Nanohydrogel as Wound Dressing Material Impregnated with Zinc Oxide and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Recent advances in wound care have been propelled by the integration of stimuli responsive materials and innovative technologies, enabling the development of responsive and adaptive solutions. This paper presents a Stimuli responsive Nanohydrogel as wound dressing material that leverages the unique properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles to enhance wound healing and provide real-time monitoring capabilities. Material is designed using a hydrogel matrix, which is embedded with tracking key wound parameters, such as pH, temperature, moisture levels, and glucose concentration. Zinc oxide(ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles provides the material with enhanced antimicrobial properties, promoting a sterile healing environment and reducing the risk of infections. Additionally, these nanoparticles support tissue regeneration and possess anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to accelerated wound healing. Stimuli-responsive nanohydrogel works as a control unit, allowing for dynamic adjustments in drug release and moisture retention to match the wound's specific needs. This responsive feedback mechanism minimizes the need for frequent dressing changes, thereby reducing patient discomfort and healthcare costs. The stimuli responsive dressing material offers a promising solution for improved clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.

Optimising outcomes with 'Wound Balance' and dressings containing superabsorbent polyacrylate polymers.

The ever-increasing burden of hard-to-heal wounds requires emphasis placed on early intervention to help heal wounds and improve patient quality of life. A patient's healing potential can be optimised by applying the 'Wound Balance' holistic framework for wound assessment, care planning and quality of life considerations. This holistic management can be facilitated with appropriate dressings, such as dressings containing superabsorbent polyacrylate polymers (SAPs), including RespoSorb® Silicone Border (Hartmann). SAP-containing dressings can absorb exudate and bind and lock away wound inhibitors, such as proteases and micro-organisms, reversing the factors associated with hard-to-heal wounds to enable a healing environment similar to an acute wound. Three case studies demonstrate the positive benefits of using RespoSorb Silicone Border in clinical practice. The dressings proved easy to use and comfortable, with atraumatic changes and long wear times, providing a costeffective option for patients with both acute and hard-to-heal wounds.

Designing a Psychiatric Center in Ngaoundéré : When Architecture Becomes Therapeutic

Architecture plays a crucial role in shaping spaces that influence human behavior and well-being. In the context of mental health, therapeutic architecture has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance patient care and recovery. This article focuses on the design of a psychiatric center in Ngaoundere, where the principles of therapeutic architecture are applied to create a healing environment. By incorporating thoughtful spatial layouts, natural light, and soothing materials, the center aims to support the mental well-being of its patients. The project highlights how architectural design can specifically address the needs of psychiatric care in Ngaoundere, offering a new approach to healthcare in the region.

Propolis in Dental Implantology: A Systematic Review of Its Effects and Benefits.

Dental implants are widely recognized for their effectiveness in restoring missing teeth, yet their success is often compromised by infections or inadequate osseointegration. Propolis, a natural resinous substance with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, has emerged as a promising adjunct in dental implantology. This systematic review critically evaluates the current evidence on the incorporation of propolis into dental implants, focusing on its impact on antimicrobial efficacy, bone healing, and overall implant stability. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42024577122. The PRISMA diagram visually represented the search strategy, screening, and inclusion process. Two reviewers conducted a comprehensive literature search across five databases: PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review synthesized findings from 13 studies; in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, highlighting that propolis significantly enhances antibacterial and antifungal activities against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, thereby reducing the risk of peri-implant infections. Additionally, propolis promotes osseointegration by stimulating osteoblast activity and reducing inflammatory cytokine expression, leading to improved bone formation and implant stability. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of propolis further contribute to a favorable healing environment, enhancing the long-term success of dental implants. The systematic review underscores the potential of propolis as a safe, biocompatible, and effective material for improving dental implant outcomes. However, it also identifies the need for more extensive clinical trials to fully establish standardized protocols for propolis application in implantology. This review provides an overview of propolis's potential role in dental implants and suggests promising avenues for future research to optimize its benefits in clinical practice.

CD1530, selective RARγ agonist, facilitates Achilles tendon healing by modulating the healing environment including less chondrification in a mouse model.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) in Achilles tendon often arises due to endochondral ossification during the healing process following trauma. Retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ) plays a critical role in this phenomenon. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects of CD1530, an RARγ selective agonist, along with the contributing cells, in Achilles tendon healing, utilizing a cell lineage tracing system. Local injection of CD1530 facilitated histological tendon healing by inhibiting chondrification in a mouse Achilles rupture model. Resident Scleraxis (Scx)+ cells in Achilles tendon were not found to be actively involved in HO or tendon healing following injury. Instead, these processes were primarily driven by tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPC)-like cells. Furthermore, an in vitro assay revealed that CD1530 attenuated inflammation in injured Achilles tendon-derived tendon fibroblasts (iATF) and inhibited the chondrogenesis of iATF. This dual effect suggests the potential of CD1530 in effectively modulating the healing environment during tendon healing. Together, the present study demonstrated that the local administration of CD1530 accelerated tendon healing by modulating the healing environment, including reducing chondrification via targeting TSPC-like cells in a mouse Achilles tendon rupture model. These results suggest that CD1530 may have the potential to be a novel tendon therapy that offers benefits via the inhibition of chondrogenesis.

Development and characterization of PVA-zein/α-tocopherol nonwoven mats for functional wound dressing applications

Wound healing poses significant clinical challenges due to issues like bacterial infections, oxidative stress, and the need for sustained therapeutic delivery. This study aimed to develop and characterize biocompatible nonwoven fibrous mats composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and zein encapsulating α-tocopherol for wound dressing applications. α-Tocopherol was nano-encapsulated in zein proteins using an antisolvent co-precipitation method, followed by its dispersion in PVA solutions. The resulting composition was then processed using a novel, scalable, and inexpensive solution blow spinning (SBS) process that offers higher throughputs to generate non-woven mats. The resulting fibers in the non-woven mats, ranging in diameter from 350 nm to 796 nm, demonstrate uniform morphology, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy validated the successful incorporation of α-tocopherol without altering the chemical structure of the PVA-zein matrix. Rheological assessments revealed Newtonian behavior and a decrease in viscosity with higher tocopherol content, enhancing the processability of the mats. Mechanical testing showed that increasing tocopherol content improved tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. The mats exhibited a biphasic release profile with an initial burst and sustained α-tocopherol release over 24 h, fitting the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and hence indicating a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed high cell viability (>90 %) and enhanced cell spreading, underscoring their biocompatibility. These findings suggest that PVA-zein/tocopherol fiber mats are promising candidates for functional wound dressing materials, offering sustained antioxidant activity and a favorable wound healing environment. Future work will focus on optimizing fiber composition for antimicrobial properties and conducting in vivo studies to validate their clinical efficacy.