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Frequency of clinical cases of dogs with massive skin losses is very high in urban areas of Pakistan following road accidents, sharp objects exposure and attack by other dog. These cases need intensive veterinary assistance for safe and speedy healing of wounds. Recently, skin of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) is internationally gaining hype in medical field as biological dressing to boost dermatological reconstruction process. Nile tilapia skin is a recent research trend and a very limited research data is available on this topic for both human and animal subjects. This study was conducted at Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan considering the wound healing promoter properties of Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for dogs with massive skin losses. Aim of this study was to evaluate Nile tilapia fish skin as wound healing promoter biological dressing following sutured and non-sutured application techniques. For this study 10 clinical cases of dogs were randomly selected as per set criteria and divided into groups A and B comprising 5 dogs each. Consent document was signed by each dog owner for volunteer participation in this study. Nile tilapia skin was collected from fresh subjects and treated with 10% povidone-iodine for 10-15 minutes to prepare biological dressing. In group A, biological dressing was sutured on wound (non-absorbable silk suture material) on the area with dermal loss. In group B, biological dressing was applied in a wrap manner on area of dermal loss without application of sutures. Wound healing was evaluated grossly and histologically on days 0, 7 and 14. Statistical analysis of comparison between groups A and B revealed that application of Nile tilapia skin derived biological dressing in wrap fashion results in fast and complication-free wound healing as compared to sutured tilapia biological dressing in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orderly regulation of immune inflammation and promotion of the regeneration of skin vessels and fibers are key to the treatment of diabetic skin injury (DSI). Although various traditional polypeptide biological dressings continue to be developed, their efficacy is not satisfactory. In recent years, plant-to-mammal regulation has provided an effective approach for chronic wound management, but the development of effective plant-based treatments remains challenging. The development of exosomes from Chinese herbs is promising for wound healing. In this study, plant exosomes derived from lemons (Citrus limon) were extracted, and their biological efficacy was verified. Lemon exosomes regulated the polarization reprogramming of macrophages, promoted the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts, and thus promoted the healing of diabetic wounds. To solve the problems of continuous drug delivery and penetration depth, Lemon Exosomes were loaded into a hydrogel constructed of Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) and Dialdehyde Starch (DAS) that closely fits to the skin, absorbs water, swells, and is moist and breathable, effectively promoting the sustained and slow release of exosomes and resulting in excellent performance for diabetic wound healing. Our GelMA-DAS-Lemon Exosomes hydrogel (GelMA/DAS/Exo hydrogel) patch represents a potentially valuable option for repairing diabetic wounds in clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aligned electrospinning membranes (Align) have demonstrated the potential to enhance wound healing by establishing a regenerative microenvironment surrounding the wound; However, the precise mechanism underlying its facilitation of healing remains unclear. To elucidate aligned electrospun fiber membrane's role in accelerating wound healing and improving its quality, we conducted a comprehensive analysis. Firstly, in vivo experiments confirmed that Align promotes wound healing. Through combined bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified that MMP12+ macrophages exhibit high expression of MMP12 during the early stage of wound remodeling, thereby inhibiting fibroblast migration and reducing scar formation after wound closure. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo experiments further validated the role of MMP12 in promoting wound healing and suppressing fibroblast migration. Our findings reveal that Align effectively enhances skin wound healing by upregulating MMP12 expression while inhibiting fibroblast migration. These insights provide valuable knowledge on how Align promotes efficient scar-free wound healing and serve as a theoretical foundation for developing more effective biological dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of minimally invasive dermabrasion for deep second-degree facial burn wounds during the early postburn phase. Methods: A total of 35 patients with deep second-degree facial burns underwent minimally invasive debridement using a hydrosurgery system within 2–4 days post-injury. Subsequently, the wounds were covered with human biological dressings. The wound infection rate, healing time, and overall healing quality following debridement were monitored. Result: In this cohort of 35 patients, no infections were reported after debridement. The average healing time for these wounds was significantly shorter than that of those treated with standard surgical excision. Clinical observations indicated that minimally invasive dermabrasion was associated with a lower infection rate and reduced healing time. After 6 months, scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale showed that the average score for wounds treated with minimally invasive techniques was lower than those treated with standard surgical excisional technique. Conclusions: This research indicates that minimally invasive debridement during the early postburn stage can effectively reduce wound infection rates, shorten healing times, and minimize the occurrence of scar hyperplasia and contracture deformities. Therefore, minimally invasive dermabrasion is valuable in treating deep second-degree facial burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a frequent toxicity during radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). We report the first use of KeraStat® Cream (KC), a topical, keratin-based wound dressing, in patients with HNC receiving RT. Methods: This pilot study randomized HNC patients treated with definitive or postoperative RT (≥60 Gy) to KC or standard of care (SOC), applied at least twice daily during and for 1-month after RT. Outcomes of interest included adherence to the assigned regimen (at least 10 applications per week of treatment), clinician- and patient-reported RD, and skin-related quality of life. Results: 24 patients were randomized and completed the study. Most patients had stage III-IV disease and oropharynx cancer. Median RT dose was 68 Gy; the bilateral neck was treated in 19 patients, and 18 patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Complete adherence was observed in 7/12 (SOC) vs. 10/12 (KC, p = 0.65).  Adherence by patient-week was 61/68 versus 64/67, respectively (p = 0.20). No differences in RD were observed between groups. Conclusion: A randomized trial of KC versus SOC in HNC patients treated with RT is feasible with good adherence to study agent. An adequately powered randomized study is warranted to test the efficacy of KC in reducing RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of 3D biomodelling and surgical guides for the treatment of small subungual glomus tumors. A custom-made surgical guide was created using 3D technologies and MRI imaging to enhance preoperative planning and surgical precision. The use of 3D technologies, such as biomodelling and 3D printing, allowed for the accurate excision of the tumor with minimal disruption to the nail apparatus, reducing the risk of recurrence and post-surgical complications. The article also highlights the potential of 3D technologies in improving early detection, surgical management, and preoperative diagnosis of subungual glomus tumors. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] Skin, as the primary interface with the external environment, is susceptible to damage, posing a formidable challenge for complete restoration in adult skin injuries. Wound healing remains a clinical challenge, necessitating advanced biomaterials to support cell proliferation, modulate inflammation, and combat infections. Among several options, hydrogel can be a capable contender for biological dressings. Here, we developed and evaluated a novel hydrogel composed of sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), enriched with decellularized extracellular matrix of amniotic membrane (dAM), using calcium chloride (CaCl 2) as a crosslinker. An incorporation of dAM imparted biomimetic qualities, as evidenced by SEM, showing a fibrous extracellular matrix-like structure. Rheological studies demonstrated the optimal viscosity of SA-CMC-dAM for cell proliferation and adhesion, overcoming limitations of SA and CMC alone. The hydrogel exhibited the highest moisture absorption (12.27±0.59 %) and enhanced hydrophilicity, as confirmed by the contact angle assay, ensuring suitability for wound applications. Biological assessments revealed superior fibroblast migration in scratch assays and significant anti-biofilm activity (∼70 % reduction in E. coli biofilms) alongside antimicrobial efficacy, supported by FDA/PI assays. The zebrafish embryo studies validated its biocompatibility (20 μg/ml) and demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects, with a marked reduction in neutrophil recruitment (∼25 %) in tail transection models compared to controls. These findings suggest that the SA-CMC-dAM hydrogel synergises structural, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for wound healing applications. The biomimetic and multifunctional design provides a strong basis for further translational studies in mammalian systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a lyophilised amniotic membrane (LAM) as a patch for the treatment of retinal breaks and to describe the structural changes at the implantation site., Design: Prospective, interventional case series study. Patients with diabetic retinopathy and combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment., Methods: Patients were organised into 3 groups according to the number of rhegmatogenous lesions: those in group A had a single break, those in group B had two breaks, and those in group C had three or more breaks. The location of the break was also evaluated as either superior or inferior. Structural outcomes were assessed using SD-OCT during a 3-month follow-up period., Results: Of a total of 23 eyes of 23 patients, 22 (95.6%) achieved retinal repair without associated complications. Patients with 2 or fewer rhegmatogenous lesions located in the superior sector had a better anatomical result as they achieved 100% surgical success. The structural changes observed by SD-OCT over the follow-up period showed adequate adaptation of the lyophilised patch and complete closure of the rhegmatogenous lesion with no alterations in the adjacent tissue., Conclusions: The LAM patch seems to be safe and effective, as it promotes therapeutic closure of rhegmatogenous lesions without damaging the retinal architecture adjacent to the implantation site., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)