Skin Wound Research Articles

Lumbosacral rotation flap: a simple method for covering sacral pressure injuries.

Pressure injuries (PIs) are among the most common skin and soft tissue wounds occurring in patients who are bedbound and/or immobile. PI management hinges on their prevention; however, reoccurrence poses a challenge to their management and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Here, the authors describe a lumbosacral rotation flap (LSRF) for the coverage of sacral PIs. A single-centre, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was carried out. All patients undergoing LSRF for sacral PIs were included. Patients with active systemic sepsis, immune compromise, hepatic or renal dysfunction were excluded. All patients underwent preoperative optimisation and wound cultures to direct antibiotic therapy after surgery. A total of nine patients underwent the procedure (seven male and two female). Mean age was 47.6 years with a mean ulcer size of 92.9 cm2. Bone biopsy indicated the presence of osteomyelitis in three patients. Of the LSRFs, two flaps showed minimal local complications in the form of marginal flap necrosis which was managed conservatively. All flaps healed well with no cases of flap loss or the need for secondary procedures. The results of this analysis showed that LSRF can be considered a first line of treatment of sacral PIs. They can be used to cover large defects. Due to their large base and flap size, readvancement in cases of recurrence is also possible.

Performance and safety of transparent postoperative dressings with silicone adhesive in daily practice on fragile skin.

Currently there is limited real-world research on the adhesion qualities, pain and clinical performance of specific silicone adhesives products, and their role in maintaining skin integrity and preventing medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI). This paper presents a clinical evaluation of performance and safety parameters of two silicone adhesive dressings on lacerations or surgical wounds and the surrounding skin in daily practice on fragile skin. An observational, prospective, multicentre, uncontrolled post-market clinical observational study with Leukomed T skin sensitive and Leukomed T plus skin sensitive (both BSN medical GmbH, Essity Group) was undertaken at three sites across Germany between June 2021 to November 2022. Inclusion parameters were acute wounds (surgical or laceration) in patients with at least one fragile skin condition. Endpoints included: the percentage of adhered dressing area seven days after application of the dressings; and evaluation of any signs of skin damage and erythema following dressing removal. Furthermore, self-reported patient pain, comfort during dressing wear, and the health professionals' ease of dressing handling with gloves were assessed. A total of 42 patients with fragile skin and surgical wounds (35 patients) or lacerations (7 patients) were recruited. Mean age was 78 years. There were no signs of erythema following dressing removal and no MARSI (skin stripping, blister, skin tears, maceration, irritant contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis) occurred at removal after seven days of wear time. Data demonstrated a reliable wound coverage with sufficient adhesion without negatively affecting the periwound skin and wound improvement was observed in 94% of patients. The vast majority of patients reported minimal pain at removal, reduced wound pain and high satisfaction with wearing comfort. Health professionals found the dressings easy to apply and remove, even with gloved hands. The results of this real-world evidence showed effective and well-tolerated use of transparent dressings with silicone adhesive in patients with fragile skin. The dressings may reduce the risk of skin damage including MARSI, while providing patients a high wearing comfort and allowing an almost pain-free dressing change.

Antibacterial and wound healing stimulant nanofibrous dressing consisting of soluplus and soy protein isolate loaded with mupirocin

Severe cutaneous injuries may not heal spontaneously and may necessitate the use of supplementary therapeutic methods. Electrospun nanofibers possess high porosity and specific surface area, which provide the necessary microenvironment for wound healing. Here in, the nanofibers of Soluplus-soy protein isolate (Sol-SPI) containing mupirocin (Mp) were fabricated via electrospinning for wound treatment. The fabricated nanofibers exhibited water absorption capacities of about 300.83 ± 29.72% and water vapor permeability values of about 821.8 ± 49.12 g/m2 day. The Sol/SPI/Mp nanofibers showed an in vitro degradability of 33.73 ± 3.55% after 5 days. The ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation of the Sol/SPI/Mp nanofibers were measured as 3.61 ± 0.29 MPa, 39.15 ± 5.08 MPa, and 59.11 ± 1.94%, respectively. Additionally, 85.90 ± 6.02% of Mp loaded in the nanofibers was released in 5 days in vitro, and by applying the Mp-loaded nanofibers, 93.06 ± 5.40% and 90.40 ± 5.66% of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria were killed, respectively. Human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) demonstrated notable biocompatibility with the prepared nanofibers. Furthermore, compare to other groups, Sol-SPI-Mp nanofibers caused the fastest re-epithelialization and wound healing in a rat model. The findings of this study present a novel nanofiber-based wound dressing that accelerates the healing of severe skin wounds with the risk of infection.

Cellulose Acetate-Based Wound Dressings Loaded with Bioactive Agents: Potential Scaffolds for Wound Dressing and Skin Regeneration.

Wound healing and skin regeneration are major challenges in chronic wounds. Among the types of wound dressing products currently available in the market, each wound dressing material is designed for a specific wound type. Some of these products suffer from various shortcomings, such as poor antibacterial efficacy and mechanical performance, inability to provide a moist environment, poor permeability to oxygen and capability to induce cell migration and proliferation during the wound healing process. Hydrogels and nanofibers are widely reported wound dressings that have demonstrated promising capability to overcome these shortcomings. Cellulose acetate is a semisynthetic polymer that has attracted great attention in the fabrication of hydrogels and nanofibers. Loading bioactive agents such as antibiotics, essential oils, metallic nanoparticles, plant extracts, and honey into cellulose acetate-based nanofibers and hydrogels enhanced their biological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing. This review reports cellulose acetate-based hydrogels and nanofibers loaded with bioactive agents for wound dressing and skin regeneration.

Photo-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels designed for simultaneous delivery of mesenchymal stem cells and tannic acid: Advancing towards scarless wound healing

The quest for scarless wound healing is imperative in healthcare, aiming to diminish the challenges of conventional wound treatment. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a key component of the skin's extracellular matrix, plays a pivotal role in wound healing and skin rejuvenation. Leveraging the advantages of HA hydrogels, this research focuses first on tuning the physicochemical and mechanical properties of photo-crosslinkable methacrylated HA (MAHA) by varying the methacrylation degree, polymer concentration, photo-crosslinker concentration, and UV exposure time. The optimized hydrogel, featuring suitable porosity, swelling ratio, degradability, and mechanical properties, was then used for the combined delivery of tannic acid (TA), known for its hemostatic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, and Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) cultured on the MAHA-TA hydrogel to enhance skin regeneration. The composite MAHA-TA-MSC hydrogel demonstrated favorable pores and biocompatibility, evidenced by cell viability, and promoted cell proliferation. When applied to dorsal wounds in rats, this composite hydrogel accelerated wound healing and reduced scarring. Additionally, molecular and histopathological analyses revealed increased expression of IL-10, the TGF-β3/TGF-β1 ratio, and the Collagen III/Collagen I ratio. These findings suggest that the MAHA-TA-MSC hydrogel is a promising candidate for scarless acute wound healing.

Plasma synthesis and characteristics of nanocomposite coatings based on PVA and chitosan with incorporated nanoparticles for the healing of skin wounds

This study investigated the impact of new composites based on PVA and chitosan on wound healing in mice. Metal or metal oxide nanoparticles were synthesized without reagents by creating an impulse discharge between metal electrodes in a polymer dispersion. Polymer composites and coatings were then prepared using these nanoparticles. The composites were analyzed using various techniques, including UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmittance electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The maximum concentration of nanoparticles in the composite was 3.5%. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was approximately 50-60 nm. The inclusion of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles accelerated the healing process by approximately 25%.

Wireless power supply near-infrared light drug-loaded microneedle system for the treatment of linear skin wounds

Wireless power supply near-infrared light drug-loaded microneedle system for the treatment of linear skin wounds

Spatially controllable fluid hydrogel with in-situ electrospinning PCL/chitosan fiber for treating irregular wounds

Skin injuries sustained during exercise are often irregular in shape and frequently accompanied by infections. Bacteria residing in the crevices of these wounds can lead to persistent infections. Routine wound monitoring, which requires removing the wound dressing to assess recovery, is inconvenient and increases the risk of infection. To address this, we prepared a polyvinyl alcohol/polyhydroxylated fullerenes ((PVA/PHF) hydrogel with good fluidity and photothermal antibacterial properties, which can penetrate into the crevices of irregular wounds. After the hydrogel was applied to the wound, the hydrogel was locally defined by the polycaprolactone/Chitosan (PCL/CS) membrane of in-situ electrospinning, which effectively killed bacteria, and the healing efficiency was increased by 240 % in the wound healing experiment. The PVA/PHF hydrogel exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, making it suitable for real-time monitoring of human body motion as a strain sensor. This capability provides doctors with an accurate basis for wound assessment. At the same time, the hydrogel can achieve self-healing within 1.5 s and withstand up to 2200 % tensile strain, which can be used for large-scale motion monitoring of the human body. This flowable hydrogel, capable of penetrating wound crevices, offers a dual function of both treatment and monitoring.

H2S scavenger as a broad-spectrum strategy to deplete bacteria-derived H2S for antibacterial sensitization

Bacteria-derived H2S plays multifunctional protective roles against antibiotics insult, and the H2S biogenesis pathway is emerging as a viable target for the antibacterial adjuvant design. However, the development of a pan-inhibitor against H2S-synthesizing enzymes is challenging and underdeveloped. Herein, we propose an alternative strategy to downregulate the H2S levels in H2S-producing bacteria, which depletes the bacteria-derived H2S chemically by H2S scavengers without acting on the synthesizing enzymes. After the screening of chemically diversified scaffolds and a structural optimization campaign, a potent and specific H2S scavenger is successfully identified, which displays efficient H2S depletion in several H2S-producing bacteria, potentiates both bactericidal agents and photodynamic therapy, enhances the bacterial clearance of macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, disrupts the formation of bacterial biofilm and increases the sensitivity of bacterial persister cells to antibiotics. Most importantly, such an H2S scavenger exhibits sensitizing effects with gentamicin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa -infected pneumonia and skin wound female mouse models. In aggregate, our results not only provide an effective strategy to deplete bacteria-derived H2S and establish the H2S biogenesis pathway as a viable target for persisters and drug-resistant bacteria, but also deliver a promising antibacterial adjuvant for potential clinical translation.

Barks of Dacryodes Kukachkana presents antiinflammatory effect in rat cutaneous wounds

Background: Dacryodes kukachkana (Burseraceae) is found in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, being the genera widely used in folk medicine for several inflammatory conditions. Objective: In this study, it was investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the Hydroethanolic Extract of D. kukachkana (HEDk) barks in the rat model of excisional skin wounds. Methods: The wounds were induced on the dorsal region of Wistar rats and treated daily by topical application of HEDk (500 mg/100 μL), compared to the control Saline (0.9% NaCl). Clinical parameters (edema, hyperemia, exudate, hypernociception), histopathological (leukocyte infiltrate, fibroblasts, blood vessels) and oxidative stress markers were evaluated from the 2nd to the 6th day post-ulceration. Results: HEDk reduced the following parameters at the 2nd day: inflammatory exudate (0 [0-0] vs. saline: 2 [1 – 3]); wound area (36%), healing index (48.56% ± 1.886 vs. saline: 27.99% ± 2.460) and malondialdehyde (27%). HEDk also reduced leukocyte infiltrate (49 – 34%) from the 4th to the 6th days post-ulceration. HEDk increased the parameters: nociceptive threshold (31 – 73%) from the 2nd to the 4th days; blood vessels (1.9x) and reduced glutathione (32%) at the 4th day; and the number of fibroblasts (91 – 44%) at the 2nd and 6th days. Conclusion: HEDk accelerates the healing process in the rat model of excisional cutaneous wounds via attenuation of inflammatory parameters and stimulation of fibroplasia and angiogenesis.

Optimization of an Affordable and Efficient Skin Allograft Composite with Excellent Biomechanical and Biological Properties Suitable for the Regeneration of Deep Skin Wounds: A Preclinical Study.

Deep skin wounds require grafting with a skin substitute for treatment. Despite many attempts in the development of an affordable and efficient skin substitute, the repair of deep skin wounds still remains challenging. In the current study, we present a 3D sponge composite made from human placenta (a disposable organ) and sodium alginate with exceptional properties for skin tissue engineering applications. Toward this goal, different proportions of alginate (Alg) and decellularized placenta scaffold (DPS) were composited and freeze-dried to generate a 3D sponge with the desired biomechanical and biological features. Comprehensive in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo characterizations were performed to assess the morphology, physical structure, mechanical behaviors, angiogenic potential, and wound healing properties of the composites. Through these analyses, the scaffold with optimal proportions of Alg (50%) and DPS (50%) was found to have superior properties. The optimized scaffold (Alg50/DPS50) was applied to the full-thickness wounds created in rats. Our data revealed that the addition of DPS to the Alg solution caused a significant improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold. Remarkably, the fabricated composite scaffold exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue. When implanted into the full-thickness wounds, the Alg50/DPS50 composite scaffold promoted angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and granulation tissue formation, as compared to the group without a scaffold. Overall, our findings underscore the potential value of this hybrid scaffold for enhancing skin wound healing and suggest an Alg50/DPS50 composite for clinical investigations.

The Quantitative InVivo Assessment of Diabetic andNon-Diabetic Skin Wound Healing Using Phasor-FLIM Approach.

A quantitative assessment of wound status in a murine model was developed using phasor plot presentation of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) data. The quantitative assessment is based on calculating Bhattacharyya distance between g coordinates of FLIM data phasor plot density distributions of wound and healthy skin. The approach was validated for both diabetic and non-diabetic mice wounds, including during low-dose photodynamic therapy (LDPDT). Analysis revealed a shift in the FLIM data phasor plot g coordinates, suggesting altered metabolic processes involved in wound healing. Bhattacharyya distances in the LDPDT groups were closer to zero compared to the control group, which was not treated by LDPDT. Bhattacharyya distances in the non-diabetic LDPDT groups were closer to zero compared to the diabetic LDPDT groups that is consistent with the literature regarding the positive role of LDPDT in accelerating wound healing and the role of diabetes mellitus in impairing wound healing.

Comparative analysis of human and mouse transcriptomes during skin wound healing

Skin wound healing is a complex process which involves multiple molecular events and the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We presented a comparative transcriptomic analysis of skin wound healing in humans and mice to identify shared molecular mechanisms across species. We analyzed transcriptomes from three distinct stages of the healing process and constructed protein-protein interaction networks to elucidate commonalities in the healing process. A substantial number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in human transcriptomes, particularly upregulated genes before and after wound injury, and enriched in processes related to extracellular matrix organization and leukocyte migration. Similarly, the mouse transcriptome revealed thousands of DEGs, with shared biological processes and enriched KEGG pathways, highlighting a conserved molecular signature in skin wound healing. A total of 21 common DEGs were found across human comparisons, and 591 in mouse comparisons, with four genes (KRT2, MARCKSL1, MMP1, and TNC) consistently differentially expressed in both species, suggesting critical roles in mammalian skin wound healing. The expression trends of these genes were consistent, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets. The molecular network analysis identified five subnetworks associated with collagen synthesis, immunity, cell-cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix, with hub genes such as COL4A1, TLR7, TJP3, MMP13, and HIF1A exhibited significant expression changes before and after wound injury in humans and mice. In conclusion, our study provided a detailed molecular network for understanding the healing process in humans and mice, revealing conserved mechanisms that could help the development of targeted therapies across species.

Alpha-Pinene-encapsulated lipid nanoparticles diminished inflammatory responses in THP-1 cells and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin injury and splenomegaly in mice

IntroductionPsoriasis, a persistent skin condition caused by the disorder of the immune system, impacts approximately 1.25 million individuals globally. Nevertheless, the presence of adverse effects in conventional clinical drugs necessitates further exploration of novel medications or combination therapies to mitigate these reactions and enhance their effectiveness.MethodsHence, our intention here in this paper is to utilize the lipid nanoparticle delivery system for overcoming the volatility and hydrophobic properties of α-pinene, a naturally occurring compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and further explore its potential pharmacological applications both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe production of α-pinene lipid nanoparticles (APLNs) was achieved through the utilization of high pressure homogenization methods. APLNs was successfully fabricated with enhanced stability and water solubility. Meanwhile, the application of APLNs could drastically reduce the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation-related factors in THP-1 cells. Administration of APLNs to a mouse model of auricular swelling could effectively reduce redness and swelling in the auricles of mice as well. Furthermore, APLNs were also found to alleviate skin damage in mice with Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model, as well as decrease the levels of psoriasis-related protein nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and other inflammation-related cytokines. More importantly, utilization of APLNs successfully mitigated the systemic inflammatory reactions in mice, resulting in the reduction of spleen-to-body ratio (wt%) and of inflammatory cytokines’ expression in the serum.DiscussionOverall, our results suggest that with the help of lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, APLNs possess a better pharmacological effect in anti-inflammation and could potentially serve as an anti-psoriasis drug.

The Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Wound Healing and Pain Management in Skin Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Wound Healing and Pain Management in Skin Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role in Enhancing Botulinum Toxin Formulations and Clinical Efficacy

This literature review provides a novel exploration of zinc’s multifaceted roles in dermatology, with a particular focus on its potential integration into botulinum toxin formulations—an area that remains relatively underexplored in clinical practice. Zinc is widely recognized for its critical functions in skin health, including morphogenesis, regeneration, and protection, and its use in aesthetic medicine offers a unique opportunity for innovation. Specifically, incorporating zinc into botulinum toxin formulations could enhance the efficacy and stability of these treatments. Although zinc has historically been used in topical dermatological products and systemic health interventions, its potential in cosmetic preparations, such as anti-aging therapies or non-invasive aesthetic treatments, remains under-researched. Emerging patents suggest promising formulations combining zinc with botulinum toxin that may improve product stability and extend therapeutic effects. While current studies on oral zinc supplementation present mixed results concerning its ability to prolong botulinum toxin effects, this underscores the need for more rigorous investigation in the realm of aesthetic medicine. Zinc’s well-established role in stabilizing dermatological products, such as sunscreens, and its applications in wound healing and skin regeneration, further highlights its potential for broader therapeutic uses beyond cosmetic applications. This review identifies a critical gap in the literature and calls for future research to optimize zinc concentrations and delivery methods specifically for aesthetic medical procedures, offering new insights into improving dermatological treatments beyond the scope of traditional cosmetic preparations.

Psychosocial Impact of Suspected Xylazine-Associated Skin Wounds Among People Using Fentanyl, Philadelphia, 2022 to 2023.

The United States opioid crisis has been worsened by the emergence of fentanyl adulterated or associated with the veterinary sedative xylazine. Designated by the White House as an "emerging threat to the US" in 2023, xylazine use is associated with severe skin wounds. This research explored beliefs, concerns, and treatment behaviors for skin wounds among 93 participants recruited outside of a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania harm reduction agency who reported past-6-month history of a skin wound via a cross-sectional survey administered August-September 2022 (group 1; n = 33). Following a December 2022 Philadelphia Department of Public Health Report that indicated xylazine was becoming more prevalent in the Philadelphian drug supply, additional data was collected with new participants from February-March 2023 (group 2; n = 60) using the same survey. Participants were ≥18 years old, reported past-year fentanyl use, and spoke English. Our 17-item tool measured skin wound-related beliefs, concerns, treatment behaviors, and treatment sources. An open-response item explored why participants self-treat skin wounds. Participants averaged 41 years old (SD = 9), slightly more than half were men (n = 54, 58%), 31% (n = 29) were non-White, and most (n = 66, 71%) were unhoused. Overall, 79% of participants self-treated skin wounds. Participants endorsed worry about limb loss (n = 77; 83%), wound shame (n = 76; 82%), and appearance changes (n = 80; 86%). Sixty participants (65%) reported waiting to see wound severity before seeking care. Forty-one participants (44%) delayed wound care because of withdrawal fears. People with probable xylazine-associated skin wounds have psychosocial concerns about and self-treat these wounds. Findings may be a harbinger of skin wound harm in other regions of the United States and internationally where xylazine is increasing.

MOF-Enhanced Phototherapeutic Wound Dressings Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria.

Phototherapy is a low-risk alternative to traditional antibiotics against drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, optimizing phototherapy agents, refining treatment conditions, and addressing misuse of agents, remain a formidable challenge. This study introduces a novel concept leveraging the unique customizability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to house size-matched dye molecules in "single rooms". The mesoporous iron(III) carboxylate nanoMOF, MIL-100(Fe), and the hydrophobic heptamethine cyanine photothermal dye (Cy7), IR775, are selected as model systems. Their combination is predicted to minimize dye-dye interactions, leading to exceptional photostability and efficient light-to-heat conversion. Furthermore, MIL-100(Fe) preserves the antimicrobial nature of hydrophobic IR775, enabling it to disrupt bacterial cell envelopes. Through electrospinning, MIL-100(Fe)@IR775 nanoparticles are shaped into a gelatin-based film dressing for the treatment of skin wounds infected by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Activation of the dressing requires only a portable near-infrared light-emitting diode (NIR LED) and induces both low-dose photodynamic therapy (LPDT) and mild-temperature photothermal therapy (MPTT). Combined with the antimicrobial properties of IR775 and ferroptosis-like lipid peroxidation induced by MIL-100(Fe), the photoactive dressing eradicates MRSA and the healing is as quick as the uninfected wounds. This safe, cost-effective, and multifunctional therapeutic wound dressing offers a promising solution to overcome the current bottleneck in phototherapy.

Evaluation effect of alginate hydrogel containing losartan on wound healing and gene expression.

Skin tissue engineering has become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional treatments for skin injuries. Hydrogels, owing to their advantages have become the ideal option for wound dressing, and they are extensively employed in a mixture of different drugs to accelerate wound healing. Sodium alginate is a readily available natural polymer with advantages such as bio-compatibility and a non-toxicological nature that is commonly used in hydrogel form for medical applications such as wound repair and drug delivery in skin regenerative medicine. Losartan is a medicine called angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that can prevent fibrosis by inhibiting AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). In this research, for the first time, three-dimensional scaffolds based on cross-linked alginate hydrogel with CaCl2 containing different concentrations of losartan for slow drug release and exudate absorption were prepared and characterized as wound dressing. Alginate hydrogel was mixed with 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01mg/mL of losartan, and their properties such as morphology, chemical structure, water uptake properties, biodegradability, stability assay, rheology, blood compatibility, and cellular response were evaluated. In addition, the therapeutic efficiency of the developed hydrogels was then assessed in an in vitro wound healing model and with a gene expression. The results revealed that the hydrogel produced was very porous (porosity of 47.37 ± 3.76µm) with interconnected pores and biodegradable (weight loss percentage of 60.93 ± 4.51% over 14days). All hydrogel formulations have stability under various conditions. The use of CaCl2 as a cross-linker led to an increase in the viscosity of alginate hydrogels. An in vitro cell growth study revealed that no cytotoxicity was observed at the suggested dosage of the hydrogel. Increases in Losartan dosage, however, caused hemolysis. In vivo study in adult male rats with a full-thickness model showed greater than 80% improvement of the primary wound region after 2weeks of treatment with alginate hydrogel containing 0.1mg/mL Losartan. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis showed a decrease in expression level of TGF-β1 and VEGF in treatment groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that the alginate hydrogel containing Losartan can be effective in wound repair by decreasing the size of the scar and tissue remodeling, as evidenced by future in vivo studies.

Epidemiological analysis of 2106 geriatric trauma patients in a level I trauma center in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.

As the global population ages, geriatric trauma gains attention. Limited studies on geriatric trauma in developing countries necessitate comprehensive investigation. This study aims to delineate the epidemiological characteristics of geriatric trauma, providing insights for prevention and enhanced elderly trauma care. Clinical data of 2106 geriatric trauma patients (age ≥ 60) treated from November 1, 2020, to October 31, 2023, at the trauma center of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive statistics covered temporal and monthly distribution, trauma sites, causes, and length of stay. Inclusive were 2106 geriatric patients (941 males, 1165 females; male-to-female ratio 1:1.24). Trauma incidence was higher in summer and autumn (May-October) than winter (November-December). Peak incidents occurred between 14:00-16:00, with concentrations at 12:00-16:00 and 20:00-22:00. Falls (59.35%), road traffic accidents (16.62%), other traumas (14.10%), cutting/stabbing (4.56%), violence (3.42%), mechanical injuries (1.61%), winter sports injuries (0.14%), burns (0.14%), and animal bites (0.06%) were major causes. Extremity and skin injuries prevailed, with significant site distribution differences (P < .001). Average length of stay at the trauma center was 78.35 ± 48.32 minutes. The gender distribution, timing, causes, and sites of trauma in the elderly differ significantly from other age groups. Unlike the higher occurrence of trauma in young men compared to women, among the elderly, it is more prevalent in women than men, mainly attributed to falls. It is crucial to implement specific measures to prevent trauma in the elderly, and the advancement of information technology in the trauma care system could additionally improve the quality of care.