Scar Width Research Articles

Antioxidant Efficacy of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Promotes Wound Healing in Mice.

Developing an efficient and cost-effective wound-healing substance to treat wounds and regenerate skin is desperately needed in the current world. Antioxidant substances are gaining interest in wound healing, and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles have drawn considerable attention in biomedical applications due to their efficient, cost-effective, and non-toxic nature. The present study evaluated in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities of silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica (AAgNPs) and Catharanthus roseus (CAgNPs) leaf extracts in BALB/c mice. We found rapid wound healing, higher collagen deposition, and increased DNA and protein content in AAgNPs- and CAgNPs (1% w/w)-treated wounds than in control and vehicle control wounds. Skin antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased after 11 days CAgNPs and AAgNPs treatment. Furthermore, the topical application of CAgNPs and AAgNPs tends to suppress lipid peroxidation in wounded skin samples. Histopathological images evidenced decreased scar width, epithelium restoration, fine collagen deposition, and fewer inflammatory cells in CAgNPs and AAgNPs applied wounds. In vitro, the free radical scavenging activity of CAgNPs and AAgNPs was demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Our findings suggest that silver nanoparticles prepared from C. roseus and A. indica leaf extracts increased antioxidant status and improved the wound-healing process in mice. Therefore, these silver nanoparticles could be potential natural antioxidants to treat wounds.

Impact of purse-string uterine suture on scar healing after a cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial

Uterine closure technique can affect scar healing, potentially resulting in unfavorable gynecologic and life-threatening obstetrical outcomes. Double-layer continuous unlocked suture has been demonstrated to promote optimal residual myometrial thickness. Recently, the purse-string uterine suture technique has emerged as a viable method to enhance the healing of scars. However, the current lack of randomized trials assessing the relevance of this technique warrants further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of purse-string uterine sutures on scar healing after cesarean delivery when compared with double-layer continuous unlocked suture. This was a randomized controlled trial; 126 patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing primary cesarean delivery were enrolled in 2 groups. The primary outcome was the mean residual myometrial thickness measured by saline infusion sonography 6 months after surgery by 2 sonographers blinded to uterine closure techniques. Operative time, calculated blood loss, total number of needed threads, and perioperative scar width were used for the perioperative analysis. Healing ratio and cesarean scar defect measurements were used for the 6-month analysis. There was no significant difference in terms of residual myometrial thickness (9.38±2.3 vs 8.4±3.9 mm; P=.187), blood loss (540 [146-982] vs 495 [241-903] mL; P=.815), or operative time (6.2 [5.2-7] vs 6 [5.3-7] minutes; P=.977). Achievement of purse-string uterine suture required significantly fewer threads (1 [1-1] vs 2 [1-2]; P<.001) and fewer hemostatic complementary sutures (1 [1-1] vs 1 [1-2]; P=.013). Scar width was significantly lower with purse-string uterine sutures (50 [40.5-50.5] vs 70 [60-70.5] mm; P<.0001). Purse-string uterine sutures allowed a higher healing ratio (1 [0.9-1] vs 0.84 [0.59-1]; P=.003) and significantly fewer cesarean scar defects (12% vs 35%; P=.018) compared with double-layer continuous unlocked suture. Despite resulting in no difference in residual myometrial thickness, purse-string uterine closure seems to be associated with better uterine scar healing on the basis of a higher healing ratio, and a lower rate of cesarean scar defects compared with double-layer continuous unlocked suture.

The role of Botulinum toxin type A for prevention and treatment of cleft lip palate (CLP) post-operative scar: a systematic review

Background. Cleft lip palate (CLP) defects are the common orofacial defects found in newborns. The main treatment is lip and palate surgery, often resulting in a hypertrophic scar that significantly affects the patient's aesthetic appearance. Several studies showed the role of Botulinum toxin type A injections for prevention and treatment of CLP post-operative scarThis systematic review aims to review the role of Botulinum toxin type A for prevention and treatment of cleft lip palate surgery scar. Method. Online databases were searched for relevant studies from Google Scholar, PubMed and ProQuest. Data sources were searched using MeSH terms "botulinum toxin," "cleft lip palate," and "surgery scar" for all publications up to October 2022. All English papers regarding the role of Botulinum toxin type A in preventing and treating CLP post-operative scar were included. Papers not available in full text or English and not an experimental study were excluded. Result. Six studies are included in this systematic review consisting of three randomized controlled trials and three clinical studies. The experimental group received Botulinum toxin type A injections, while the control group received an injection of normal saline or other topical treatment. All of the included studies showed positive results regarding the role of Botulinum toxin type A marked with reduced scar width, good Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), patient satisfaction and no complications or side effects were found. Conclusion. The Botulinum toxin type A showed promising results for the prevention and treatment of CLP post-operative scar.

Correlation of microstructure and bio-tribocorrosion behavior of equal channel angular pressed pure titanium

The effect of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) strain (i.e., 1st to 4th pass) on the grain size and eventual mechanical and bio-tribocorrosion properties of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) has been investigated. Ultra-fine grains (UFG) of 0.8 µm size (from 12 µm) and yield strength enhancement to 785 MPa (from 381 MPa) have been observed for the ECAP 4th pass sample as compared to the annealed condition of cp-Ti. In addition, the maximum hardness increased by 101 HV to 293 HV in the 4th pass samples due to grain refinement caused by the ECAP process. Further, the tribocorrosion behaviour as a function of cp-Ti sample conditions in the simulated body fluid (SBF) has been evaluated. The ultra-fine-grained 4th pass sample shows a lower coefficient of friction (CoF) of ∼0.35 (from ∼0.5) and wear loss due to its enhanced strength than the annealed sample. Moreover, the ECAP 4th pass sample, because of its UFG, exhibits a more negative potential shift (∼0.82 V) as compared to annealed sample (∼0.88 V). However, this shift is marginal due to its low wear scar width and depth, which eventually induced less galvanic coupling effect in it. Abrasion and adhesion are the primary wear mechanisms for all the sample conditions.

Investigation of microstructure of fretting wear behavior in 6061-T6 aluminum alloy

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the microstructure of fretting wear behavior in 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The fretting wear of blind riveted lap joints of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy plates, which are widely used in aircraft construction, was investigated. Fretting damages were investigated between the contact surface of the plates and between the plate and the rivet contact surface.Design/methodology/approachExperiments were carried out using a computer controlled Instron testing machine with 200 kN static and 100 kN dynamic load capacity. Max package computer program was used for the control of the experiments. Fretting scars, width of wear scars, microstructure was investigated by metallographic techniques and scanning electron microscopy.FindingsIt was found that fretting damages were occurred between the plates contacting surface and between the plate and rivet contact surface. As load and cycles increased, fretting scars increased. Fretting wear initially begins with metal-to-metal contact. Then, the formed metallic wear particles are hardened by oxidation. These hard particles spread between surfaces, causing three-body fretting wear. Fretting wear surface width increases with increasing load and number of cycles.Originality/valueThe useful life of many tribological joints is limited by wear or deterioration of the fretting components due to fretting by oscillating relative displacements of the friction surfaces. Such displacements are caused by vibrations, reciprocating motion, periodic bending or twisting of the mating component, etc. Fretting also tangibly reduces the surface layer quality and produces increased surface roughness, micropits, subsurface microphone.

Effect of SiC content on microstructural evolution and tribology properties of laser-clad TiC-reinforced Ti-Al-Si composite coatings

This work prepared (Ti-Al-Si)-X (x = 1, 2, 3, 4) coatings on TC4 alloy matrix composites by laser cladding to improve their surface mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the effect of the content of SiC added to the Ti-Al-Si system on the properties and microstructures of the original coatings was explored. The results showed that the reinforced composite coatings contained matrix phases (TiAl, Ti3Al, TiAl3) and reinforcing phases (Ti5Si3 and TiC). As SiC content increased, the matrix phases formed in the coatings showed different results on the Ti-Al-Si ternary phase diagram due to the introduction of C, a stabilizer of ɑ-Ti alloy. Meanwhile, TEM results indicated the existence of Ti5Si3 phase and Ti3Al secondary phase in the Ti-Al-Si-3 layer. Compared with the TC4 matrix, the reinforced composite coatings had higher microhardness with average values of 780.9 HV0.3, 853.9 HV0.3, 985.0 HV0.3 and 943.5 HV0.3 for the four coatings, respectively. The wear resistance of the reinforced composite coatings increased first and then decreased with increasing SiC content, which was the result of the matrix phase transformation. The Ti-Al-Si-3 coating had the highest microhardness (1092HV0.3) and wear resistance (the friction coefficient, the wear scar width and wear weight loss were 0.37, ∼0.83 mm and 1.8 mg, respectively). The above analysis and results demonstrated that the Ti-Al-Si-3 layer had superior mechanical properties compared with those of other reinforced coatings.

Comparative Study of Carpal Tunnel Release by Limited Incision and Traditional Open Technique in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Aim: Current study aimed to compare the limited palmar incision for carpal tunnel release (CTR) with a traditional open technique. Outcomes were analysed between the groups on the basis of reduction in size of scar, allowing more conservative surgical approach. Method: A total of 50 patients with Carpal Tunnel Release were included and divided equally into two groups: control group for patients with traditional open technique and study group for patients with carpal tunnel release undergoing limited incision. In control group carpal tunnel release was done by traditional open technique while in study group carpal tunnel release was done by limited incision. Results: Mean operation time was 20.32±1.314 mm for control group, whereas in study group, it was much lower i.e. 12.68±2.3. Significant symptomatic relief was noted in both groups. Lesser post op pain was noted in the study group. A significant improvement was noted in hand grip, key pinch, tip pinch and palmers Pinch when compared from Pre-op and Post-op in control group (p&lt;0.001) and study group (p&lt;0.001). Under control group, the mean return to daily activity was 4.32±0.8 days while for study group; it was almost half i.e. 2.08±0.76 days. Under control group, mean return to work was 7.16±1.37 days whereas for study group, it was 4.88±1.48. Shorter postoperative scars were observed in mini-transverse wrist incision technique. Mean scar length was 18.6±0.86 mmm for control group while it was little lower 14.68±0.99 for study group. The mean scar width was 1.8±0.408 mm for control group while 1.22±0.52 for study group. No wound healing related complications were noted in any patient. Conclusion: It was concludes the carpal tunnel release by limited incision and traditional open technique in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome provides good symptomatic relief, in lesser operative time. However, patients noted less post-operative pain, early return to daily activity, early return to work with lesser scar load ...

The effectiveness of cell-derived exosome therapy for diabetic wound: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The prevalence of diabetes among the elderly population is significant and rising annually. One of the most severe and frequent complications of diabetes mellitus is the diabetic wound, which has long-term negative effects on patients' finances, mental health, and functional abilities. Exosomes, a cell-free therapy, have emerged as a promising novel treatment for diabetic wounds, but their mechanism is still not entirely understood. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of exosomes in the management of diabetic wounds. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science for pertinent studies that described the therapeutic benefits of exosomes on diabetic wound models that were released before October 17, 2022. The outcome indicators consisted of wound healing rate, neovascular density, re-epithelialization rate, collagen deposition, scar width, and inflammatory factors. RevMan 5.4 software was used to conduct all statistical analyses. A total of 21 studies with 323 animals were identified in this meta-analysis. Pooled analyses demonstrated that exosome therapy was shown to be superior to control therapy in terms of wound healing rate (SMD = 5.42; 95 %CI = 4.40-6.44; P<0.00001), neovascular density (SMD = 5.48; 95 %CI = 4.31-6.64; P<0.00001), re-epithelialization rate (SMD = 5.06; 95 %CI = 3.75-6.37; P<0.00001), collagen deposition (SMD = 4.78; 95 %CI = 3.58-5.98; P<0.00001), scar width (SMD = -8.10; 95 %CI = -10.31 to -5.89; P<0.00001). Additionally, the expression of inflammatory factors was significantly downregulated in the exosome treatment group. According to this meta-analysis of the current trials, exosome therapy can enhance the quality of diabetic wounds, especially when used in conjunction with novel dressings. To demonstrate the most efficient exosomes and therapeutic parameters for the treatment of diabetic wounds, future studies should conduct sizable, randomized, double-blind trials with high-quality, long-term follow-ups.

Magnetic resonance assessment of left atrial scar formation following a novel very high-power short-duration workflow for atrial fibrillation ablation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation protocols using energy delivery with very high power and short duration (vHPSD) have been introduced to improve lesion formation. This study reports procedural data of vHPSD ablation in AF patients and analyses characteristics of ablation-induced left atrial (LA) scar formation from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sixty consecutive patients undergoing index pulmonary vein isolation following our institutional Q4U-AF workflow were prospectively enrolled. Ablation was conducted using a contact force sensing catheter allowing for vHPSD ablation using a temperature-controlled ablation mode. Thirty patients underwent cardiac late gadolinium enhancement MRI of the LA 3 months after ablation to assess LA scar. Mean procedural duration was 66.5 ± 14.8 min. Mean ablation time was 4.7 ± 0.9 min with a mean number of 69.9 ± 14.2 applications. First-pass isolation was achieved in 51 patients (85%) for the right pulmonary veins (RPVs), in 37 patients (61.7%) for the left pulmonary veins (LPVs), and in 34 patients (56.7%) for both pulmonary veins (PVs). Magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months post-ablation demonstrated a mean scar width of 14.4 ± 2.6 mm around RPVs and 11.9 ± 1.9 mm at LPVs (P > 0.05). Complete PV encirclement was observed in 76.7% for RPVs, in 76.7% for LPVs, and in 66.7% for both PV pairs. During a mean follow-up of 4.7 ± 1.4 months, arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 3.3% of the patients. Pulmonary vein isolation following a novel vHPSD workflow resulted in short procedure duration and high acute and mid-term efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated durable and transmural PV lesions with homogeneous and contiguous scar formation.

Antifriction and anti-wear performances of bionic lubricating fluid containing gelatin nanoparticles for artificial joint materials

The antifriction and antiwear effects of gelatin nanoparticles (GLN-NP) on artificial joint materials in bionic joint lubricant were investigated to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new bionic joint lubricant. GLN-NP was prepared by cross-linking collagen acid (type A) gelatin with glutaraldehyde by acetone method, and the particle size and stability of GLN-NP were characterized. The biomimetic joint lubricants with different concentrations were prepared by mixing 5, 15, and 30 mg/mL GLN-NP with 15 and 30 mg/mL hyaluronic acid (HA), respectively. The friction reduction and antiwear effects of the biomimetic joint lubricants on zirconia ceramics were investigated on a tribometer. The cytotoxicity of each component of bionic joint lubricant on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated by MTT assay. The particle size of GLN-NP was about 139 nm, and the particle size distribution index was 0.17, showing a single peak, indicating that the particle size of GLN-NP was uniform. In complete culture medium, pH7.4 PBS, and deionized water at simulated body temperature, the particle size of GLN-NP did not change more than 10 nm with time, indicating that GLN-NP had good dispersion stability and did not aggregate. Compared with 15 mg/mL HA, 30 mg/mL HA, and normal saline, the friction coefficient, wear scar depth, width, and wear volume were significantly reduced by adding different concentrations of GLN-NP ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference between different concentrations of GLN-NP ( P>0.05). Biocompatibility test showed that the cell survival rate of GLN-NP, HA, and HA+GLN-NP solution decreased slightly with the increase of concentration, but the cell survival rate was more than 90%, and there was no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). The bionic joint fluid containing GLN-NP has good antifriction and antiwear effect. Among them, GLN-NP saline solution without HA has the best antifriction and antiwear effect.

Preparation and characterization of Ni-P-Al2O3-PTFE nanocomposite coatings by unidirectional jet electrodeposition

In order to improve the wear resistance and toughness of the surface of mechanical parts, Ni-P-Al2O3-PTFE nanocomposite coatings were prepared by jet electrodeposition, and a new method of unidirectional deposition was proposed. Meanwhile, the effect of current density on the surface quality and mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings obtained by unidirectional jet electrodeposition was studied. The phase structure, surface morphology and related performance of the composite coating were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), white light interferometer, friction and wear tester and nano indentation tester. The experimental results have proved that the unidirectional deposition process can significantly enhance the deposition quality. In the process of increasing the current density from 10 A/dm2 to 20 A/dm2, the comprehensive property of composite coating shows a trend of first improving and then reducing. Under the condition of adjusting the current density to the midpoint value, the nanocomposite coating demonstrates good surface morphology, the surface roughness, average wear scar width and friction coefficient are the lowest, the elastic recovery ratio (he/hmax) and the ratio of microhardness to Young's modulus (H3/E2) reach the peak value of 0.17 and 0.045 respectively, which indicates that the composite coating has excellent wear resistance and toughness.

Preparation and Investigation of Ni–Co–P Alloy Coatings Using Jet Electrodeposition with Varying Pulse Parameters

Ni–Co–P alloy coatings were successfully fabricated by jet electrodeposition with varying pulse frequencies and duty cycles in order to prolong the longevity of steel C1045 substrates. The results showed that the microstructures and properties of samples were significantly affected by pulse frequencies and duty cycles. All the samples with varying pulse frequencies and duty cycles exhibited a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. Additionally, the average grain size of the samples reached 20.6 nm. The microhardness of the coatings was observed to first increase, and then decrease, with a rise in pulse frequencies and duty cycles. The microhardness reached 656.2 HV0.1, and the wear scar width of the coatings reached 414.4 µm at 4 kHz pulse frequency and 80% duty cycle. Additionally, the corrosion current densities (Icorr) of samples reached a minimum value of 0.74 µA·cm−2, the corrosion rates (Rcorr) reached a minimum value of 8.9 µm·year−1, and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) reached a maximum value of 8.36 × 104 Ω·cm−2, which indicated the optimal seawater corrosion resistance of the deposited coatings.

Classification and surgical treatment methods for partial traumatic upper lip deformity.

Establish a classification method for partial traumatic upper lip deformity and verify the classified repair method is superior to the traditional non-classified method. Lip deformities caused by partial tissue defects of less than one-third of total lip length were classified into three types and conducted corresponding surgery based on philtrum ridge and orbicularis oris muscle involvement as well as the extent of roll line discontinuity. In this review, 42 cases were non-classified historical controls before the classification was devised, and 67 cases were classified. Data were collected 12months after surgery. The pre- and post-operative data of all patients were compared. In classified patients, the scar width decreased significantly, from 3.1± 0.6 mm to 1.2± 0.2 mm; the height difference of the groove line was significantly reduced from 3.3± 0.9 mm to 0.9± 0.1 mm; the ratio of the vermilion area of the affected to healthy side decreased significantly from 1.37 ± 0.31 to 1.05 ± 0.17; the ratio of the lip peak height of the affected to healthy side in type III decreased significantly from 1.91 ± 0.32 to 1.07 ± 0.12; patient satisfaction rate was about 98.5 percent. Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement of lip aesthetics with a high patient satisfaction rate in the classified group than the non-classified group.

Using Zhang's supertension-relieving suture technique with slowly-absorbable barbed sutures in the management of pathological scars: a multicenter retrospective study.

An ideal tension-relieving suture should be efficient for >3months to retrieve normal tensile strength. Most preexisting suturing techniques provided tension elimination followed by relapse and scar proliferation due to absorption and cut-through of the sutures. This study introduces a simple but effective suture technique developed by a senior author (ZYX) to solve this problem. A total of 120 patients with pathological scar (PS) had intervention treatment with the proposed suturing strategy at three centers from January 2018 to January 2021. A slowly absorbable 2-0 barbed suture was used for subcutaneous tension relieving with a set-back from the wound edge and a horizontal interval between proposed inserting points of 1cm. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), scar width, perfusion and eversion of the wound edge were evaluated at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. The time needed to place the tension-relieving suture was recorded and relapse was monitored for 18months postoperatively. In total, 76 trunks, 32 extremities and 12 cervical PS were included, with an average subcutaneous tension-relieving suture time of 5min. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) score decreased from 84.70 ± 7.06 preoperatively to 28.83 ± 3.09, 26.14 ± 1.92 and 24.71 ± 2.00 at 3, 6 and 12months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.0001). The scar widths were 0.17 ± 0.08, 0.25 ± 0.09 and 0.33 ± 0.10cm, respectively, with perfusion significantly decreased from 213.64 ± 14.97 to 112.23 ± 8.18 at 6months (p < 0.0001). The wound edge flattened out during the first 3months in most cases with only two scar relapses. Zhang's suture technique provides a rapid and long-lasting tension-relieving effect with ideal scar appearances and lower relapse rates in the surgical management of PS.

Clinical Observation of Sequential Laser Therapy Combined with Tension Reducer for Postoperative Tension Incision Scar Growth.

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of laser and secure wound-closure system (Tension reducer) in the treatment of postoperative scarring after tension incision. A retrospectively observational study was conducted. Twenty-six patients who underwent surgical treatment in our department between June 2017 and December 2021 were selected, and those treated with laser and tension reducer were treated as a combined treatment group, and those treated with laser were treated as a conventional treatment group. Fifteen patients in the conventional group were treated with the pulsed dye laser and CO2 fractional laser at 1-2 month intervals. Eleven people in the combined treatment group were treated with the laser in addition to a tension reducer for 3-6 months. The scar width, scar thickness, scar hardness, pruritus score, modified Vancouver scar scale and complication rates between the two treatment modalities were compared between the two groups at 6 months postoperatively. The scar thickness, scar hardness and modified Vancouver scar scale of 1.25 (0.14, 1.90) mm, 31.80 (21.00, 37.20) HA, (6.00 ± 2.17) in patients in the combined treatment group were less than those of patients in the conventional treatment group of 5.50 (4.00, 11.50) mm, 42.60 (32.50, 47.00) HA, (8.25±1.91), (Z=2.883, 2.718, t=2.904, p<0.05). The scar width and pruritus score in the combined treatment group, were 8.00 (5.00, 18.00) mm and 0 (0, 1) respectively, while the scar score and pruritus score in the conventional treatment group, were 5.50 (4.00, 11.50) mm respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The complication rate was 55% in the combined treatment group and no adverse reactions occurred in the control group. Sequential laser combined with tension reducer treatment can effectively inhibit the proliferation of postoperative tension incision scar.

P-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate diabetic wound healing via miR-145-5p/ CDKN1A-mediated functional improvements of high glucose-induced senescent fibroblasts.

Persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetes causes functional abnormalities of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), partially leading to delayed skin wound healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing multiple pro-healing microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing. The present study aimed to observe the effects of EVs derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSC-EVs) on diabetic wound healing and high glucose (HG)-induced senescent fibroblasts and to explore the underlying mechanisms. P-MSC-EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and locally injected into the full-thickness skin wounds of diabetic mice, to observe the beneficial effects on wound healing in vivo by measuring wound closure rates and histological analysis. Next, a series of assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of low (2.28 x 1010 particles/ml) and high (4.56 x 1010 particles/ml) concentrations of P-MSC-EVs on the senescence, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HG-induced senescent HDFs in vitro. Then, miRNA microarrays and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were carried out to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs in HDFs after EVs treatment. Specific RNA inhibitors, miRNA mimics, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to evaluate the role of a candidate miRNA and its target genes in P-MSC-EV-induced improvements in the function of HG-induced senescent HDFs. Local injection of P-MSC-EVs into diabetic wounds accelerated wound closure and reduced scar widths, with better-organized collagen deposition and decreased p16INK4a expression. In vitro, P-MSC-EVs enhanced the antisenescence, proliferation, migration, and antiapoptotic abilities of HG-induced senescent fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-145-5p was found to be highly enriched in P-MSC-EVs. MiR-145-5p inhibitors effectively attenuated the P-MSC-EV-induced functional improvements of senescent fibroblasts. MiR-145-5p mimics simulated the effects of P-MSC-EVs on functional improvements of fibroblasts by suppressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and activating the extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, local application of miR-145-5p agomir mimicked the effects of P-MSC-EVs on wound healing. These results suggest that P-MSC-EVs accelerate diabetic wound healing by improving the function of senescent fibroblasts through the transfer of miR-145-5p, which targets cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A to activate the Erk/Akt signaling pathway. P-MSC-EVs are promising therapeutic candidates for diabetic wound treatment.

Tribological Performance for Steel–Steel Contact Interfaces Using Hybrid MWCNTs/Al2O3 Nanoparticles as Oil-Based Additives in Engines

Numerous problems occur during engine operation, such as start-up, lack of lubrication, and overheating, resulting in engine components’ wear, power loss, and fuel consumption. Nanomaterials dispersed in engine oil can play an important role in improving the tribological properties of oil lubricants. This study investigated the influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) as nano-additives for lubricants. Different engine oil samples were loaded with 0.5–2.0 wt% Al2O3 NPs and 0.5–1.0 wt% MWCNTs and compared with unmodified oil. The tribological performance of the nano lubricants was investigated using the four-ball test method. In addition, the wear scar in the engine was evaluated using 3D micrographs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the sliding surfaces with hybrid MWCNTs/Al2O3 NPs showed better friction performance and wear resistance. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar width were improved by 47.9% and 51.5%, respectively, compared with unmodified oil.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of tomato accessions for breeding for organic farming systems in Brazil

ABSTRACT Genetic variability is crucial for the choice of genitors in any plant breeding programme. Open-pollinated tomato varieties (OPV) present particular and little explored characteristics that can be used in breeding for organic production. This study aimed to characterise the morphological and molecular variability of seventeen OPVs grown under organic management, using morphological descriptors and SSR-type molecular markers. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, in a randomised complete block design, with four replications. Morphological characterisation was performed of 35 descriptors of the fruit and plants and by physical-chemical analyses of the fruit. Furthermore, the molecular variability of the OPVs was analysed using 20 SSR molecular markers. In the characterisation of fruit quality, 85.03% of the variability was composed of the chromatic descriptors b* (44.43%) and L* (7.21%), together with the width of pedicel scar (16.78%), number locules (8.59%), and fruit length (8.02%). The average similarity of genotypes obtained from the polymorphic SSR fragments was 0.59. The evaluated genotypes presented genetic variability to facilitate crosses focused on tomato breeding programmes for organic agriculture. Crosses including the yellow-orange-coloured genotypes, BGT_3 and BGT _1, could be explored for market niches such as for the gourmet type.

Effect of Surface Roughness and Particle Size on Lubrication Mechanisms of SiO2 Nanoparticles

In this study, a series of tribological tests were conducted on a pin-on-disc tester to study the lubrication mechanism of SiO2 nanoparticles under different surface roughness considering various loads and velocities. For a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of SiO2 nanoparticles, base fluid was also employed as a contrast. Results show that the reductions of friction coefficients and wear scar widths increase with the decrease of surface roughness, due to the increase in rolling effect and self-repairing mechanism of SiO2 nanoparticles. The lubrication mechanism of SiO2 nanoparticles is the rolling effect when the height-diameter ratio (λ) is less than 6, and the self-repairing mechanism at λ of 6 and 10, whereas, there is no obvious difference by adding nanoparticles when λ is 20. When the height-diameter ratio is less than 6, surface wears show an increasing trend as the load increases due to the high hardness of nanoparticles, while it is the opposite at λ of 10 and 20 because of the self-repairing mechanism.

Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection on Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Scars can cause pain, long-term physical dysfunction, and psychological harm. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is one treatment choice for scars, but further evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy. This systematic review included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of BoNT-A on scars. The mean and standard deviation for the Vancouver Scar Scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, visual analog scale for appearance evaluation, visual analog scale for scar pain evaluation, and scar width were extracted for subgroup analysis. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were included. The BoNT-A group had a lower Vancouver Scar Scale score than the saline group (standardized mean difference, -0.73; 95 percent CI, -1.12 to -0.35; p = 0.0002) but a higher score than the steroid group (standardized mean difference, 0.85; 95 percent CI, 0.27 to 1.43; p = 0.004). The BoNT-A group exhibited a higher Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale grade than the saline group (standardized mean difference, 1.42; 95 percent CI, 0.83 to 2.00; p < 0.00001). The visual analog scale for appearance evaluation revealed higher scores in the BoNT-A group than in the saline group (standardized mean difference, 1.14; 95 percent CI, 0.69 to 1.60; p < 0.00001). As for pain evaluation, the BoNT-A group had a lower visual analog scale score than the steroid group (standardized mean difference, -2.57; 95 percent CI, -4.40 to -0.74; p = 0.006). Furthermore, scar width was significantly shorter in the BoNT-A group than in the control group (standardized mean difference, -1.11; 95 percent CI, -1.38 to -0.83; p < 0.00001). BoNT-A is more effective in treating scars than saline, although steroids may exhibit higher potency. Therefore, it can be considered an alternative in patients not amenable to steroid treatment. Therapeutic, II.