Search Results (132)

Collagen is a key structural protein of the skin, essential for maintaining its mechanical strength, elasticity, and hydration. Oral collagen supplementation, particularly in the form of collagen peptides, has recently gained significant interest as a nutritional strategy to support skin health and overall wellbeing. However, the evidence regarding its effectiveness in supporting skin health and improving hair, nail, and wound-healing outcomes remains heterogeneous. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the current human evidence on oral collagen supplementation and its potential role in supporting skin health, hair and nail quality, and wound healing. A targeted literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science to identify clinical trials and relevant studies assessing the effects of collagen supplementation on skin aging parameters, including elasticity, wrinkles, hydration, and barrier function, as well as hair loss, nail disorders, and wound healing. Collagen-derived peptide supplementation has been associated with improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle appearance, and dermal extracellular matrix organization, while also supporting hair thickness and strength, modestly enhancing nail growth, and promoting wound healing. Benefits are most consistent with low-molecular-weight hydroxyproline-rich peptides, with peptide characteristics appearing more important than collagen source. Evidence is limited by short study durations, heterogeneous designs, multi-ingredient formulations, and industry funding, which reduce confidence in the magnitude and consistency of the reported effects. Nevertheless, high-quality, long-term, independently funded trials with standardized outcomes are still required to confirm these findings. Full article

The study analyzes a major deep-seated landslide affecting National Road 16 at KP 178+000 in the Rif region of northern Morocco, a corridor repeatedly impacted by geotechnical instability. Using historical information, detailed geological mapping, multiple field campaigns, and extensive subsurface investigations (core drilling, inclinometers), the authors characterize the site as a complex setting of metamorphosed, fractured, and altered peridotites overlain by Quaternary sediments dipping negatively toward the Mediterranean. The landslide is interpreted as deep-seated planar translational landslide and has been exacerbated by human activity, specifically the placement of excavated material on the downslope side during road upgrade works in late 2019. Inclinometer data show active movement extending to at least 20 m depth, confirming the deep-seated nature of the instability. Three remediation strategies were implemented: shifting the road alignment with terracing, combining road realignment with soil nailing and slope reprofiling, and installing large bored piles tied back with anchors, following recommendations from an external expert. The authors emphasize that robust geological investigations and properly regulated construction practices are essential to reduce landslide risk for infrastructure built in mountainous coastal regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) depends on the release of dentin-derived bioactive molecules, which is commonly promoted by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-based dentin conditioning. However, whether adjunctive ozone delivery protocols can modify the measurable release of dentin-derived transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of two adjunctive ozone application protocols used with chelation on dentin-derived TGF-β1 and IGF-1 release, without directly assessing the in situ activation or functional bioactivity of TGF-β1. Methods: Sixty-four freshly extracted human mandibular premolars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 16). The experimental protocols were as follows: 17% EDTA alone (Group A), 17% EDTA followed by ozonated distilled water and ozone gas (Group B), ozonated 17% EDTA followed by ozone gas (Group C), and a negative control group. Root segments were standardized. In the experimental groups, all external surfaces were coated with nail varnish, leaving only the intracanal dentin surface exposed. In the negative control group, all surfaces were sealed. After ultrasonic activation, the specimens were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C. PBS samples were collected on day 1 to evaluate early measurable growth factor release and on day 7 to assess short-term changes in detectable growth factor levels. TGF-β1 and IGF-1 levels were measured by ELISA and normalized to internal dentin surface area derived from micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Results: No detectable growth factor values were observed in the negative control group. For TGF-β1, no significant intergroup difference was observed on day 1, whereas a significant difference was found on day 7 (p = 0.022). On day 7, the ozonated EDTA followed by ozone gas group showed approximately threefold higher surface-area-normalized TGF-β1 values than the EDTA followed by ozonated distilled water and ozone gas group (p = 0.018). TGF-β1 values increased from day 1 to day 7 in Groups A and C, whereas no significant temporal change was observed in Group B. IGF-1 values showed no significant intergroup or intragroup differences. Conclusions: Adjunctive ozone application showed a protocol-dependent effect on dentin-derived growth factor values, mainly for TGF-β1, while IGF-1 remained unaffected. The highest TGF-β1 values were observed when ozonated EDTA was followed by ozone gas. However, these in vitro findings indicate measurable growth factor release and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of TGF-β1 activation or clinical regenerative efficacy. Full article

The present study investigated the effect of a 3D-printed nanocomposite scaffold on bone healing in vivo. The scaffolds used were made from the bioresorbable thermoplastic polycaprolactone polymer, blended with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes functionalized with chitosan, and manufactured with a rectilinear infill pattern and interconnected pores of 500 μm in size. The study included three groups of 10 Wistar rats, in which a 2 mm bone defect was created in the middle of the right femur. In the scaffold/peptide group, the gap was filled with the scaffold loaded with a peptide corresponding to human pleiotrophin amino acids 48-56 (PTN_48-56), and the fracture was stabilized with a 12 mm K-wire as an intramedullary nail. In the scaffold group, the scaffold did not contain the peptide, and in the control group, the bone defect was stabilized without the use of a scaffold. Radiological examination revealed that bone healing was achieved on average in 6.6 weeks in the scaffold/peptide group, 7.2 weeks in the scaffold group, and 8.1 weeks in the control group. Histopathological examination performed 2 weeks postoperatively showed that angiogenesis in the scaffold/peptide group was 1.5 times higher than in the scaffold group and 2.5 times higher than in the control group. In conclusion, our osteo-inductive 3D-printed scaffold covered with PTN_48-56 is a promising option for accelerating bone defect healing. Full article

Nail cosmetics, such as nail polish or nail conditioners, are considered as safe; however, their use may be accompanied with risks, e.g., related to contact of allergens with the periungual skin or to the transfer of a small amount of cosmetic to other areas of the skin. Therefore, the identification of potentially dangerous ingredients of nail cosmetics is of importance. In this work non-volatile organic compounds present in nail conditioners were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Unexpectedly, in two samples the esters of phthalic acid with neopentyl glycol and mixed esters of phthalic acid with neopentyl glycol/propylene glycol were detected. Their structures were deduced on the basis of characteristic fragmentation pathways. It is reasonable to suppose that these compounds were formed by the reaction between the ingredients of the analyzed samples. The second group of the detected non-volatile organic compounds were quaternary ammonium salts, which are quite common in cosmetic products. These compounds were most probably transferred to the conditioners from the material from the inside of barrels in which the nail conditioners were stored. Although the presence of detected non-volatile organic compounds in nail conditioners is not particularly dangerous to human health, it is worth knowing that they can occur in the analyzed type of cosmetic products. Full article

Background: Biotin (vitamin B7) is widely marketed and used as an over-the-counter supplement for hair, skin, and nails, despite uncertainty about its clinical benefit for alopecia and hair growth. While overt biotin deficiency can be associated with hair changes, clinically meaningful deficiency is uncommon in individuals consuming a balanced diet, and published findings on biotin status in hair loss populations are inconsistent. Methods: This is a systematic review following PRISMA. A search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE (PROSPERO: CRD420251274919) for human studies evaluating biotin (alone or in combination) and including hair outcomes. The synthesis was qualitative due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Results: Ten studies were included. Across controlled and quasi-experimental interventions, biotin monotherapy did not show consistent benefit on objective hair growth outcomes; when improvements were reported, they typically occurred in combined regimens and were difficult to attribute specifically to biotin. Studies showed mixed findings on “low” biotin levels in hair loss populations, whereas controlled studies in telogen effluvium found no significant differences in serum biotin versus controls. No serious adverse events attributable to biotin were identified; however, high-dose biotin may interfere with immunoassays, potentially leading to clinically relevant false laboratory results. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support routine biotin supplementation for alopecia in the absence of documented deficiency, although it may be considered in scenarios with risk or confirmation of deficiency/malabsorption. Full article

Bowen disease (BD), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ, represents a histologically defined but biologically heterogeneous group of intraepithelial neoplasms arising across different epithelial compartments. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a well-established causal role in anogenital squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, whereas its contribution to extragenital BD, including nail apparatus and general cutaneous lesions, has remained controversial. We performed a narrative review of the literature to synthesize current evidence on HPV prevalence, genotype distribution, and pathogenetic relevance in BD across three anatomical sites: nail apparatus, general cutaneous skin, and anogenital region. Available data reveal a clear site-dependent gradient of HPV involvement. Anogenital BD is overwhelmingly driven by high-risk α-HPV genotypes and shares molecular hallmarks of HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. Nail apparatus BD shows a consistently high prevalence of transforming α-HPV types, suggesting a biologically distinct subset of extragenital disease. In contrast, general cutaneous BD demonstrates highly variable HPV detection, predominantly involving β- and occasionally γ-HPV types, with evidence supporting a permissive or incidental rather than causal role. These findings indicate that BD should not be regarded as a unified viral neoplasm but as a convergent histologic phenotype arising from distinct pathogenetic pathways. Anatomical context is therefore essential for interpreting HPV detection and its diagnostic and clinical implications. Full article

Healthy and asymptomatic cats may serve as reservoirs of fungal pathogens, facilitating transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination, and they may represent an underrecognized source of subclinical fungal infection in humans, particularly among cat owners and veterinarians. We evaluated the prevalence of fungal species in healthy cats and their owners, assessed potential cat–human transmission, identified feline lifestyle factors associated with Microsporum canis carriage, and evaluated antifungal susceptibility of the most prevalent isolated fungi. We collected 59 cat facial hair and 59 owner nail samples for fungal isolation and identification. Five fungal species were identified, M. canis, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, and A. terreus, which were found in both cats and humans. Aspergillus spp. were the most frequently detected fungi in both groups. Significant associations between cats and owners were observed for M. canis (p = 0.010) and A. niger (p = 0.050). Long-haired cats showed a significantly higher prevalence of carrying M. canis (p = 0.024), while other lifestyle factors were not associated with fungal carriage. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of the tested fungi were broadly similar between feline and human isolates; however, resistance to itraconazole and amphotericin B was detected among Aspergillus spp. Healthy cats and their owners frequently share fungal species, especially M. canis, which suggests possible household zoonotic transmission. Long-haired cats are at higher risk of M. canis carriage. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing global trend in nail beautification may lead to analyses of nails with semi-permanent polish for the identification of degraded human remains. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cosmetic nail treatment on forensic STR DNA profiling and phenotyping of eye, hair, and skin colour characteristics using a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) assay. Methods: Forty-two nail samples obtained from 21 volunteers, classified in “new”, occasional and regular semi-permanent polish users, were submitted to DNA analysis. Results: The use of semi-permanent nail polish, particularly when applied repeatedly, resulted in a significant reduction in DNA recovery, but it did not affect STR typing for personal identification. Mixed STR profiles were observed in 28.6% of the samples, indicating that the nail washing procedure employed before DNA extraction did not completely remove the foreign DNA; however, this could be useful depending on the forensic context. FDP analysis was successfully applied on nails with semi-permanent polish that showed a good quantity of DNA and single-source profiles. Conclusions: The results highlight the evidentiary value of fingernails even if treated with semi-permanent nail polish that should still be regarded as a source of DNA for personal identification and further investigation in the forensic context. Full article

This first part of a two-part review examines how Computed Tomography(CT)-based, additively manufactured (AM) porous implants are used to reconstruct large segmental defects of the femur and tibia. We focus on lightweight patient-specific lattice implants, architected cages, and modular porous constructs that incorporate engineered porosity into the load-bearing structure and are deployed with plate-, nail-, or external-fixator-based stabilization. We show how defects are described and classified by size, morphology, and anatomical subsegment; how these descriptors influence fixation choice and the resulting mechanical environment; and where along the femur and tibia porous implants have been applied in clinical and preclinical settings. Across the literature, outcomes appear to depend most strongly on defect morphology and local biology, while fixation feasibility and construct behavior vary by subregional anatomy. Most reported constructs use Ti6Al4V porous architectures intended to share load with fixation, reduce stress shielding, and provide a regenerative space for graft and tissue ingrowth. Finite element analyses (FEA) and bench-top studies consistently indicate that lattice architecture, relative density (RD), and fixation concept jointly control stiffness, micromotion, and fatigue-sensitive regions, whereas early animal and human reports describe promising incorporation and functional recovery in selected cases. However, defect descriptors, fixation reporting, boundary conditions, and outcome metrics remain diverse, and explicit quantitative validation of simulations against mechanical or in vivo measurements is uncommon. Most published work relies on simulation and bench testing, with limited reporting of biological endpoints, leaving a validation gap that prevents direct translation. We emphasize the need for standardized defect and fixation descriptors, harmonized mechanical and modeling protocols, and defect-centered datasets that integrate anatomy, mechanics, and longitudinal outcomes. Across the 27 included studies (may be counted in more than one group), simulation and mechanical testing are reported in 19/27 (70%) and 15/27 (56%), respectively, while in vivo studies (preclinical or clinical) account for 9/27 (33%), highlighting a validation gap that limits translation. Part 2 (under review); of these two series review paper; Patient-Specific Lattice Implants for Segmental Femoral and Tibial Reconstruction (Part 2): CT-Based Personalization, Design Workflows, and Validation-A Review; extends this work by detailing CT-to-implant workflows, lattice design strategies, and methodological validation. Full article

Background: Postmortem DNA identification of highly decomposed human remains is often limited by the availability and quality of conventional biological samples. Keratinized tissues, such as fingernails, represent a potentially valuable alternative due to their anatomical resistance to environmental degradation, however, their use as primary biological material for DNA profiling remains underreported in forensic practice. Case presentation: We report a case involving the recovery of a highly decomposed body of a missing woman, in which DNA samples were collected from a fingernail and a tooth. DNA extraction was performed using the PrepFiler Forensic DNA Extraction Kit for the fingernail sample and PrepFiler BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit for the tooth sample. No usable DNA profile was obtained from the tooth sample; however, the fingernail sample yielded a complete and high-quality STR profile with successful amplification across all 24 loci (GlobalFiler PCR Amplification Kit). Reference buccal swabs from the presumed biological parents were collected for subsequent kinship analysis. Discussion: Kinship analysis based on allele frequencies in the Croatian population resulted in a combined paternity index (CPI) corresponding to a probability of paternity of 99.99999812%, providing strong genetic support for the proposed identity of the deceased. Notably, this is the first documented forensic case in Croatia in which nail material served as the primary—and ultimately successful—biological sample for postmortem identification. Conclusions: This case highlights the evidentiary value of fingernails as a robust, accessible, and forensically valid DNA source in postmortem identification, particularly in cases of advanced decomposition where conventional biological materials are unavailable or degraded. Further studies involving larger sample sets and diverse postmortem conditions are needed to support the broader implementation of nail material in routine forensic identification workflows, particularly within the Croatian medico-legal context. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming medical diagnostics, but human nail, an easily accessible and rich biological substrate, is still not fully exploited in the digital health field. Nail pathologies are easily diagnosed, non-invasive disease biomarkers, including systemic diseases such as anemia, diabetes, psoriasis, melanoma, and fungal diseases. This review presents the first big synthesis of image analysis for nail lesions incorporating AI/ML for diagnostic purposes. Where dermatological reviews to date have been more wide-ranging in scope, our review will focus specifically on diagnosis and screening related to nails. The various technological modalities involved (smartphone imaging, dermoscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography) will be presented, together with the different processing techniques for images (color corrections, segmentation, cropping of regions of interest), and models that range from classical methods to deep learning, with annotated descriptions of each. There will also be additional descriptions of AI applications related to some diseases, together with analytical discussions regarding real-world impediments to clinical application, including scarcity of data, variations in skin type, annotation errors, and other laws of clinical adoption. Some emerging solutions will also be emphasized: explainable AI (XAI), federated learning, and platform diagnostics allied with smartphones. Bridging the gap between clinical dermatology, artificial intelligence and mobile health, this review consolidates our existing knowledge and charts a path through yet others to scalable, equitable, and trustworthy nail based medically diagnostic techniques. Our findings advocate for interdisciplinary innovation to bring AI-enabled nail analysis from lab prototypes to routine healthcare and global screening initiatives. Full article

Magnetic localization technology plays a significant role in medical device navigation and human–computer interaction. However, existing localization methods based on local optimization suffer from poor initial solutions and slow convergence. To address the aforementioned challenges, this paper presents a hybrid localization approach, referred to as the Improved Artificial Lemming Algorithm (IALA) Integrated with Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) Optimization. Building upon the Artificial Lemming Algorithm (ALA), the proposed method incorporates an adaptive Gaussian–Lévy hybrid mutation strategy designed to enhance search performance through improved exploration–exploitation dynamics, as quantitatively demonstrated by the diversity-based analysis where IALA maintains higher exploration percentages on multimodal functions while achieving superior optimization results on high-dimensional problems. By introducing a competitive foraging mechanism inspired by the aggressive behavior of the Tasmanian Devil Optimization (TDO) algorithm, it enhances population diversity and search initiative. Furthermore, a time-varying tracking and escape strategy is adopted to improve dynamic optimization performance in complex solution spaces. The proposed method leverages IALA to generate high-quality initial solutions, significantly accelerating the convergence speed and stability of the LM algorithm, thereby improving the overall performance of the permanent magnet localization system. The experimental results show that, using a horizontal test platform of 60 mm × 60 mm with 41 uniformly distributed test points, and acquiring data at vertical heights ranging from 15 mm to 65 mm in 5 mm increments for two distinct orientations of the permanent magnet, the IALA-LM algorithm achieves an average localization success rate of 96.9% over 902 trials, with a mean position error of 1.1 mm and a mean orientation error of 0.17°. Compared with the standard LM algorithm, the proposed IALA-LM algorithm reduces the position error by approximately 66.7% (from 3.3 mm to 1.1 mm) and the orientation error by approximately 94.3% (from 3.0° to 0.17°). Consequently, the proposed method enables high-precision, high-stability, and high-efficiency localization of permanent magnets. It can provide reliable spatial pose estimation support for demanding applications such as miniature implantable or ingestible medical devices (e.g., capsule endoscopy, intramedullary nail fixation, and tumor localization), human–computer interaction, and industrial inspection. Full article

Onychomycosis is a therapeutically challenging fungal infection. Systemic antifungals are limited by adverse effects and drug interactions, while topical therapies may fail to achieve therapeutic nail bed concentrations. Nitric oxide (NO), a small, diffusible free radical with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, offers a novel approach to overcoming these barriers. We assessed the penetration and subsequent efficacy of a nitric oxide–releasing gel (NORG) in the treatment of onychomycosis. Ex vivo human nail models assessed NORG’s transungual penetration and antifungal activity via colorimetric, immunohistochemical, and microbiological assays. NORG eradicated Trichophyton mentagrophytes completely (0 CFU/g), outperforming terbinafine (3.58 ± 0.2 log₁₀ CFU/g). In an ex vivo infection model, NORG achieved fungal clearance within 14 days, continuing to Day 30 treatment end, with no regrowth during 21 days of incubation post-treatment. Clinical data from patients with onychomycosis who received topical NORG therapy show that NORG penetrated the nail plate and nail bed, as evidenced by s-nitrosothiol accumulation and progressive discoloration. The NORG formulation demonstrates in vitro efficacy; controlled trials are warranted to fully assess clinical efficacy and safety of this NORG formulation in humans, and establish optimal treatment protocols. Full article

Superficial fungal infections are common conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, primarily caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and less frequently, molds. Humid climates, prolonged summer seasons, immunodeficiencies, diabetes and socioeconomic factors such as poor hygiene and overcrowding promote them. Children are particularly susceptible due to their immature immune systems and other contributing factors. The infections are classified based on the site involved and include, among others, scalp infections, athlete’s foot, or nail infections (onychomycosis). Scalp mycoses are primarily caused by dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum, which may originate from human or animal sources. Onychomycosis is rare in young children, with Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes being the most frequently isolated pathogens. The increasing incidence in pediatric populations is linked to atopy, immune disorders, and immunosuppressive therapies. Treatment involves topical and systemic medications, depending on the location and severity of the infection. Maintaining proper hygiene, addressing risk factors, and monitoring therapy are essential to prevent recurrence. Focusing on children, this review explores current epidemiological trends, diagnostic practices, and treatment options related to superficial fungal infections. Full article