Search Results (114)

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels have emerged as versatile materials due to their exceptional biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties, showing great promise for flexible sensors, smart wound dressings, and tissue engineering applications. However, rational design remains challenging due to complex structure–property relationships involving multiple formulation parameters. This study presents an interpretable machine learning framework for predicting PVA hydrogel tensile strain properties with emphasis on mechanistic understanding, based on a comprehensive dataset of 350 data points collected from a systematic literature review. XGBoost demonstrated superior performance after Optuna-based optimization, achieving R² values of 0.964 for training and 0.801 for testing. SHAP analysis provided unprecedented mechanistic insights, revealing that PVA molecular weight dominates mechanical performance (SHAP importance: 84.94) through chain entanglement and crystallization mechanisms, followed by degree of hydrolysis (72.46) and cross-linking parameters. The interpretability analysis identified optimal parameter ranges and critical feature interactions, elucidating complex non-linear relationships and reinforcement mechanisms. By addressing the “black box” limitation of machine learning, this approach enables rational design strategies and mechanistic understanding for next-generation multifunctional hydrogels. Full article

The effective healing of chronic wounds requires balancing antimicrobial activity with tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed a novel, eco-friendly synthesis method using Artemisia argyi extract to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), addressing toxicity concerns associated with conventional chemical synthesis methods. Through optimization of multiple synthesis parameters, monodisperse spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 6.76 ± 0.27 nm were successfully obtained. Plant-derived compounds from Artemisia argyi extract acted as efficient mediators for both reduction and stabilization, yielding nanoparticles with high crystallinity. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 8 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and 32 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, while maintaining high biocompatibility with L929 fibroblasts at concentrations ≤ 8 μg/mL. When integrated into polylactic acid/collagen type I (PLA/Col1) nanofibrous matrices, the optimized 0.03% AgNPs/PLA/Col1 dressing significantly accelerated wound healing in a diabetic rat model, achieving 94.62 ± 2.64% wound closure by day 14 compared to 65.81 ± 1.80% observed in untreated controls. Histological analyses revealed a dual-functional mechanism wherein controlled silver ion release provided sustained antibacterial protection, while concurrently promoting tissue regeneration characterized by enhanced collagen deposition, reduced inflammation, and increased neovascularization. This innovative approach effectively addresses critical challenges in diabetic wound care by providing simultaneous antimicrobial and regenerative functions within a single biomaterial platform. Full article

External fields modify the confinement potential and electronic structure in a multiple quantum well system, affecting the light–matter interaction. Here, we present a theoretical study of the modulation of the nonlinear optical response simultaneously employing an intense non-resonant laser field and an electric field. Considering four occupied subbands, we focus on a GaAs/AlGaAs symmetric multiple quantum well system with five wells and six barriers. By solving the Schrödinger equation through the finite element method under the effective mass approximation, we determine the electronic structure and the nonlinear optical response using the density matrix formalism. The laser field dresses the confinement potential while the electric field breaks the inversion symmetry. The combined effect of both fields modifies the intersubband transition energies and the overlap of the wave functions. The results obtained demonstrate an active tunability of the nonlinear optical response, opening up the possibility of designing optoelectronic devices with tunable optical properties. Full article

Firework-related injuries remain a serious public health issue in Germany, especially during New Year’s Eve. While many injuries are minor, the misuse of illegal or homemade fireworks can cause severe trauma resembling military combat injuries and can heavily burden emergency services. Notably, injury rates declined during the COVID-19 firework bans, underscoring the impact of preventive measures. We report two cases of young males with severe injuries from illicit fireworks. The first is a case of a 16-year-old that detonated an illegal Polish firework ball bomb, sustaining 9% total body surface area (TBSA) burns (second- to third-degree), hand fractures, compartment syndrome of the hand, and soft-tissue trauma. He underwent multiple surgeries, including fasciotomy, osteosynthesis, and skin grafting. The other case presented is a 19-year-old man who was injured by a homemade device made of bundled firecrackers, suffering deep facial and bilateral hand burns. He required prolonged ventilation, surgical debridement, and treatment with Kerecis^® fish skin and Epicite^® dressings. Both required intensive ICU care, interdisciplinary management, and lengthy rehabilitation. Total hospital costs amounted to €58,459.52 and €94,230.23, respectively, as calculated according to the standardized German DRG. These cases illustrate the devastating impact of illegal fireworks. The devastating consequences of explosive trauma are often difficult to treat and may lead to long-term functional and psychological impairments. Prevention through public education, stricter regulations, and preparedness is essential. Pandemic-era injury reductions support sustained policy efforts. Full article

Entangled multiphoton is an ideal resource for quantum information technology. Here, narrow-bandwidth hyper-entangled quadphoton is theoretically demonstrated by quantizing degenerate Zeeman sub states through spontaneous eight-wave mixing (EWM) in a hot ⁸⁵Rb. Polarization-based energy-time entanglement (output) under multiple polarized dressings is presented in detail with uncorrelated photons and Raman scattering suppressed. High-dimensional entanglement is contrived by passive non-Hermitian characteristic, and EWM-based quadphoton is genuine quadphoton with quadripartite entanglement. High quadphoton production rate is achieved from co-action of four strong input fields, and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) slow light effect. Atomic passive non-Hermitian characteristic provides the system with acute coherent tunability around exceptional points (EPs). The results unveil multiple coherent channels (~8) inducing oscillations with multiple periods (~19) in quantum correlations, and high-dimensional (~8) four-body entangled quantum network (capacity ~65536). Coexistent hyper and high-dimensional entanglements facilitate high quantum information capacity. The system can be converted among three working states under regulating passive non-Hermitian characteristic via triple polarized dressing. The research provides a promising approach for applying hyper-entangled multiphoton to tunable quantum networks with high information capacity, whose multi-partite entanglement and multiple-degree-of-freedom properties help optimize the accuracy of quantum sensors. Full article

Background: Advancements in surgical wound management have led to improved healing and reduced complications. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is a technique that applies sub-atmospheric pressure to closed surgical wounds, enhancing blood flow, minimizing edema, and promoting tissue repair. Initially developed for chronic wounds, its use has expanded across multiple surgical specialties, including orthopaedic trauma surgery, to reduce complications such as dehiscence, infection, and prolonged healing. While traditional wound care relies on standard closure methods with simple dressings, iNPWT offers additional mechanical support and may lower the risk of deep surgical site infections (SSIs). This review examines the current evidence on iNPWT’s role in preventing SSIs following surgery for lower extremity fractures to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Methods: A systematic search through PubMed and MEDLINE utilizing our inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded seven randomized controlled trials and randomized prospective cohort studies that were subsequently analyzed to determine iNPWT effectiveness. Results: Of the seven studies, five showed a decreased SSI rate compared to standard wound dressing, with the other two exhibiting an increased infection rate. Conclusions: This review critically examines existing literature on iNPWT, analyzing level I and II studies on deep SSI rates in traumatic fractures. The evidence remains inconclusive on whether iNPWT offers a significant advantage over standard wound dressings, highlighting the need for further research to clarify its efficacy and clinical application. Full article

Chronic wound healing is a significant challenge in diabetes. Puerarin is an active compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Pueraria lobata. Puerarin has been used in the treatment of diabetes and derives benefits from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pro-angiogenesis properties, but its efficacy is hampered by poor water solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we designed a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–borax–puerarin (BP) hydrogel system that self-assembled via boronic ester bonds. The BP hydrogel exhibited exceptional physical characteristics, including adaptability, injectability, plasticity, self-healing capabilities, and robust compressive strength, as well as good biocompatibility. In the chronic wound diabetic rats model, the BP hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, as well as Masson and picrosirius red (PSR) staining. RNA–sequencing and multiple immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analyses revealed that the BP hydrogel exerts a therapeutic effect by modulating macrophage polarization, promoting angiogenesis, and regulating collagen remodeling. Our findings suggest that the BP hydrogel represents a promising wound dressing and holds great potential for clinical applications in acute and chronic wound management. Full article

Background: Wound healing is a complex and intricate biological process that involves multiple systems within the body and initiates a series of highly coordinated responses to repair damage and restore integrity and functionality. We previously identified that breathing hydrogen can significantly inhibit early inflammation, activate autologous stem cells, and promote the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the broader functions and downstream targets of hydrogen-induced ECM accumulation and tissue remodeling are unknown in the wound-healing process. Methods: Consequently, this thesis developed a hydrogen sustained-release dressing based on a micro storage material and reveals the mechanism of hydrogen in treating wound healing. Upon encapsulating the hydrogen storage materials, magnesium (Mg), and ammonia borane (AB), we found that SiO₂@Mg exhibits superior sustained-release performance, while SiO₂@AB demonstrates a higher hydrogen storage capacity. We used a C57/BL6 mouse full-thickness skin defect wound model to analyze and compare different hydrogen dressings. Results: It was identified that hydrogen dressings can significantly improve the healing rate of wounds by promoting epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen accumulation in wound tissue, and that the effect of slow-release dressings is better than of non-slow-release dressings. We also found that hydrogen dressing can promote transcriptome-level expression related to cell proliferation and differentiation and ECM accumulation, mainly through the Wnt1/β-catenin pathway and TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. Conclusions: Overall, these results provide a novel insight into the field of hydrogen treatment and wound healing. Full article

Background: Osteoarticular deformities or contractures in institutionalized elderly individuals, described as acquired deforming hypertonia (ADH), have a multifactorial origin. The reported prevalence of ADH in French Caucasian patients in long-term care units (LTCUs) is 25.6%. To date, ADH in the Caribbean population has never been studied. We aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of ADH in such a population. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of a French Caribbean population in Martinique in which patients aged 75 years or older were institutionalized in LTCUs during the study period. Data extraction from the medical files of eligible LTCU patients was conducted to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and impact of ADH on patients’ daily care. The assessments were performed collaboratively between the patients’ geriatric team and a PM&R physician. Results: In total, 81 patients were included, with an ADH prevalence of 77.8%. Reported ADH was bilateral (86%) or multiple (66% of patients had ≥5 ADH) and was responsible for major alterations in terms of hygiene, dressing, pain, and skin damage. ADH patients had a high level of dependence (GMP = 924), and this level of dependence was significantly associated with the presence of at least one ADH (p < 0.001) regardless of prior disease. Conclusions: The incidence of ADH in our Caribbean population seems twice as high as that in Caucasian patients, underlining the necessity for this nosological framework to be better recognized, particularly in an insular context. Local campaigns for the prevention and recognition of ADH must be considered, and targeted multidisciplinary protocols need to be established for adapted care in all institutions receiving elderly people. Full article

Background: Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a common skin condition characterized by painful lesions on the soles of the feet. These lesions can significantly impact skin appearance, quality of life, and, in severe cases, mobility. Traditional treatment methods, such as chemical cauterization or pharmaceutical therapies, are often painful and require multiple visits to achieve complete wart removal and skin regeneration. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of the needling technique as an alternative treatment. This method involves repeatedly puncturing the lesion under local anesthesia or posterior tibial nerve block to trigger an immune response and promote wart clearance. Methods: A total of 26 patients underwent the needling procedure, which included puncturing the wart under local anesthesia, followed by wound dressing and topical application of iodopovidone to facilitate scab formation. Follow-up visits were scheduled until full wart resolution was observed. Analgesics were provided for moderate pain management when necessary. Results: After 30 days, a success rate of 57.7% was achieved. Patients reported mild pain, which subsided within a few days, and expressed high levels of satisfaction with the treatment outcome. Conclusions: The needling technique emerges as an effective alternative to chemical treatments, offering a notable wart clearance rate. Its use under local anesthesia enhances patient comfort and reduces treatment-associated anxiety compared to conventional therapies. Full article

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant challenge in postoperative care, leading to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Traditional antimicrobial dressings, such as those containing silver or iodine, have limitations, including cytotoxicity and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. Dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC)-impregnated dressings offer a novel approach, employing a physical mechanism to bind and remove bacteria without the use of chemical agents, thereby reducing the risk of resistance. This review summarizes current evidence on the efficacy of DACC dressings in preventing SSIs and promoting wound healing. Findings from multiple studies indicate that DACC dressings reduce bacterial burden and SSI rates across various surgical procedures, including cesarean sections and vascular surgeries. Additionally, DACC dressings demonstrate potential in managing hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by reducing bacterial load and biofilm formation. Furthermore, they present advantages in antimicrobial stewardship and cost-effectiveness by minimizing the need for antibiotics and decreasing overall healthcare expenses. However, the current literature is limited by small sample sizes, methodological weaknesses, heterogeneity in study designs, and a lack of long-term data. Future research should focus on high-quality randomized controlled trials across diverse surgical populations, comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses, and long-term outcomes to establish the full clinical impact of DACC dressings. With further validation, DACC-impregnated dressings could become a critical tool in sustainable postoperative wound care. Full article

Hydrogels are a viable option for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to incorporate various healing agents while maintaining their biological efficacy. This study focused on the preparation and characterization of novel hybrid hydrogels enriched with the natural algae compound Ulvan for potential use in wound dressings. The characterization of the hydrogel membranes involved multiple methods to assess their structural, mechanical, and chemical properties, such as pH measurements, swelling, moisture content and uptake, gel fraction, hydrolytic degradation, protein adsorption and denaturation tests, rheological measurements, SEM, biocompatibility testing, and scratch wound assay. The hydrogel obtained with a higher concentration of Ulvan (1 mg/mL) exhibited superior mechanical properties, a swelling index of 264%, a water content of 55%, and a lower degradation percentage. In terms of rheological properties, the inclusion of ULV in the hydrogel composition enhanced gel strength, and the Alginate + PVA + 1.0ULV sample demonstrated the greatest resistance to deformation. All hydrogels exhibited good biocompatibility, with cell viability above 70% and no obvious morphological modifications. The addition of Ulvan potentiates the regenerative effect of hydrogel membranes. Subsequent studies will focus on encapsulating bioactive compounds, investigating their release behavior, and evaluating their active biological effects. Full article

The skin, known as the largest organ of the body, is essential for maintaining physiological balance and acts as a barrier against the external environment. When skin becomes damaged and wounds appear on the skin’s surface, a complex healing process, involving multiple types of cells and microenvironments, take place. Selecting a suitable dressing for a wound is crucial for accelerating healing, reducing treatment costs, and improving the patient’s overall health. Starting from natural resources such as perch skin (P. fluviatilis), this article aims to develop biocompatible materials for regenerative medicine from collagen in the form of gels/gelatines. The extracted gels were physical/chemical and structurally analyzed. In order to obtain collagen scaffolds for wound healing, the extracted collagen gels from perch skin were further freeze-dried. The ability of these scaffolds is essential for controlling moisture levels during wound healing; therefore, it was necessary to investigate the samples’ ability to absorb water. The assessed collagen-based scaffolds were microbiologically tested, and their biocompatibility was investigated by incubating human adult dermal fibroblasts. The outcomes reveal an innovative path for the production of biomaterials used in wound healing, starting from collagen derived from marine sources. Full article

In this study, hydrogel films of biocomposite comprising bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk (S) were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, and cost-effective method via biosynthesis by Acetobacter xylinum in a culture medium of coconut skim milk/mature coconut water supplemented with the powders of thin-shell silk cocoon (SC). Coconut skim milk/mature coconut water and SC are the main byproducts of coconut oil and silk textile industries, respectively. The S/BC films contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, and minerals and possess a number of properties beneficial to wound healing and tissue engineering, including nontoxicity, biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical properties, flexibility, and high water absorption capacity. It was demonstrated that silk could fill into a porous structure and cover fibers of the BC matrix with very good integration. In addition, components (fat, protein, etc.) in coconut skim milk could be well incorporated into the hydrogel, resulting in a more elastic structure and higher tensile strength of films. The tensile strength and the elongation at break of BC film from coconut skim milk (BCM) were 212.4 MPa and 2.54%, respectively, which were significantly higher than BC film from mature coconut water (BCW). A more elastic structure and relatively higher tensile strength of S/BCM compared with S/BCW were observed. The films of S/BCM and S/BCW showed very high water uptake ability in the range of 400–500%. The presence of silk in the films also significantly enhanced the adhesion, proliferation, and cell-to-cell interaction of Vero and HaCat cells. According to multiple improved properties, S/BC hydrogel films are high-potential candidates for application as biomaterials for wound dressing and tissue engineering. Full article