Search Results (807)

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a major cause of emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations. Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (LALs), such as dalbavancin and oritavancin, offer potential for early discharge and outpatient management, especially in patients at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or with comorbidities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study from March to December 2024 in an Italian tertiary-care hospital. Adult patients treated in the ER with a single dose of dalbavancin (1500 mg) or oritavancin (1200 mg) for SSTIs were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 14 and 30 days post-treatment to assess outcomes. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled (median age 59 years; 53% female). Most had lower limb involvement and elevated inflammatory markers. Three patients (16%) were septic. Fourteen patients (74%) were discharged without hospital admission; hospitalization in the remaining cases was due to comorbidities rather than SSTI severity. No adverse drug reactions were observed. At 14 days, 84% of patients had clinical resolution; only 10% had recurrence by day 30, with no mortality nor readmission reported. Conclusions: LALs appear effective and well-tolerated in the ER setting, supporting early discharge and reducing healthcare burden. Broader use may require structured care pathways and multidisciplinary coordination. Full article

Robotic assembly of electrical connectors enables the automation of high-efficiency production of electronic products. A rigid gripper is adopted as the end-effector by the majority of existing works with a force–torque sensor installed at the wrist, which suffers from very limited perception capability of the manipulated objects. Moreover, the grasping and movement actions, as well as the inconsistency between the robot base and the end-effector frame, tend to result in angular misalignment, usually leading to assembly failure. Bio-inspired by the human finger, we designed a tactile finger in this paper with three characteristics: (1) Compliance: A soft ‘skin’ layer provides passive compliance for plenty of manipulation actions, thus increasing the tolerance for alignment errors. (2) Tactile Perception: Two types of sensing elements are embedded into the soft skin to tactilely sense the involved contact status. (3) Enhanced manipulation force: A rigid fingernail is designed to enhance the manipulation force and enable potential delicate operations. Moreover, a tactile-based alignment algorithm is proposed to search for the optimal orientation angle about the z axis. In the application of U-disk insertion, the three characteristics are validated and a success rate of 100% is achieved, whose generalization capability is also validated through the assembly of three types of electrical connectors. Full article

Aramid fibre has become a critical material for individual soft body armour due to its lightweight nature and exceptional impact resistance. To investigate its energy absorption mechanism, quasi-static and dynamic tensile experiments were conducted on Kevlar^® 29 plain-woven fabric using a universal material testing machine and a Split Hopkinson Tensile Bar (SHTB) apparatus. Tensile mechanical responses were obtained under various strain rates. Fracture morphology was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultra-depth three-dimensional microscopy, followed by an analysis of microstructural damage patterns. Considering the strain rate effect, a viscoelastic constitutive model was developed. The results indicate that the tensile mechanical properties of Kevlar^® 29 plain-woven fabric are strain-rate dependent. Tensile strength, elastic modulus, and toughness increase with strain rate, whereas fracture strain decreases. Under quasi-static loading, the fracture surface exhibits plastic flow, with slight axial splitting and tapered fibre ends, indicating ductile failure. In contrast, dynamic loading leads to pronounced axial splitting with reduced split depth, simultaneous rupture of fibre skin and core layers, and fibrillation phenomena, suggesting brittle fracture characteristics. The modified three-element viscoelastic constitutive model effectively captures the strain-rate effect and accurately describes the tensile behaviour of the plain-woven fabric across different strain rates. These findings provide valuable data support for research on ballistic mechanisms and the performance optimisation of protective materials. Full article

Cacti are of interest for new bio-inspired technologies because of their remarkable adaptations to extreme environments. Recently, they have inspired functional designs from nano fibres to optimised buildings and architectures. We investigate the diversity of cactus skin properties in terms of toughness and resistance to cutting damage. Cacti are well known for their extreme adaptations to harsh environments, with soft, fleshy stems that expand and contract with water uptake and storage. This functioning is made possible by an extendable outer envelope (skin) and a fluted 3-dimensional structure of the stem. We explore the mechanical toughness and underlying structural organisation of the cactus skin in four species of cactus showing different growth forms. The toughness properties of the cactus skin is only one part of a multi-functional structure for surviving in extreme environments. The study suggests that survival involves a relatively “light” investment of tough materials in the outer envelope instead of a rigid “defensive” layer. This is capable of elastic deformation and enables water storage in challenging, arid environments. The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate the diversity of skin toughness and underlying structures in the biological world as providing potential new designs for technical envelopes. Full article

In farmed animals, body color is not only an ecological trait but also an important trait that influences the commercial value of the animals. Melanin plays an important role in the formation of body color in animals, while the tyrosinase (TYR) gene family is a group of key enzymes that regulate melanogenesis. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is one of the most important reptiles in freshwater aquaculture. However, the potential role of the TYR gene family in the body color formation of P. sinensis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and conservation of the TYR gene family in relation to body color variation in P. sinensis. Three core members of this gene family were identified from the P. sinensis genome. Following identification, the genomic features were analyzed. They shared similar physicochemical properties and conserved domains. Chromosome mapping showed that the three genes of P. sinensis were all located on the autosomes, while phylogenetic and collinearity analysis suggested that the protein functions of the three genes in the studied species were highly conserved. Amino acid sequence alignment indicated high conservation among the three TYR gene family proteins (TYR, TYRP1, and DCT) in multiple critical regions, particularly in their hydrophobic N-/C-terminal regions and cysteine/histidine-rich conserved domains. The qRT-PCR revealed that the TYR and DCT genes were highly expressed in the eyes of individuals with different body colors. The expression levels of TYR and TYRP1 genes in the skin were significantly higher in dark-colored individuals than in light-colored ones (p < 0.05). These results will lay the groundwork for functional studies and breeding programs targeting color traits in aquaculture. Full article

Medical phantoms are essential to imaging calibration, clinician training, and the validation of therapeutic procedures. However, most ultrasound phantoms prioritize acoustic realism while neglecting the viscoelastic and anisotropic properties of fibrous soft tissues. This gap limits their effectiveness in modeling realistic biomechanical behavior, especially in wave-based diagnostics and therapeutic ultrasound. Current materials like gelatine and agarose fall short in reproducing the complex interplay between the solid and fluid components found in biological tissues. To address this, we developed a soft, anisotropic composite whose dynamic mechanical properties resemble fibrous biological tissues such as skin and skeletal muscle. This material enables wave propagation and vibration studies in controllably anisotropic media, which are rare and highly valuable. We demonstrate the tunability of damping and stiffness aligned with fiber orientation, providing a versatile platform for modeling soft-tissue dynamics and validating biomechanical simulations. The phantoms achieved Young’s moduli of 7.16–11.04 MPa for skin and 0.494–1.743 MPa for muscles, shear wave speeds of 1.51–5.93 m/s, longitudinal wave speeds of 1086–1127 m/s, and sound absorption coefficients of 0.13–0.76 dB/cm/MHz, with storage, loss, and complex moduli reaching 1.035–6.652 kPa, 0.1831–0.8546 kPa, and 2.138–10.82 kPa. These values reveal anisotropic response patterns analogous to native tissues. This novel natural fibrous composite system affords sustainable, low-cost ultrasound phantoms that support both mechanical fidelity and acoustic realism. Our approach offers a route to next-gen tissue-mimicking phantoms for elastography, wave propagation studies, and dynamic calibration across diverse clinical and research applications. Full article

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are becoming an urgent public health issue worldwide. The globe is facing a growing problem with drug-resistant germs, and current treatments are not quite cutting it. There is a real need for new therapies that can tackle these challenges more effectively. This brings us to an interesting question: Can extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different sources, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), immune cells, or even plants and animals, help in treating SSTIs, especially given the rise in drug resistance? Studies have shown that MSC-derived EVs are particularly noteworthy because they carry components such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that can work together to fight infections, boost the immune response, and aid in healing. These vesicles play a role in how our body interacts with infections, helping to clear bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. We also see that EVs from plants and bacteria can directly fight off germs, while those from animals can support the healing process of skin. Although early studies have shown promise for EV therapies, there are still hurdles to overcome, such as ensuring consistent production and delivery. This review looks at the potential of EVs as powerful agents in managing infections and supporting healing, highlighting an exciting area of research in medicine. Full article

For many years, staphylococci have been detected mainly in infections of the skin and soft tissues, organs, bone inflammations, and generalized infections. Thromboembolic diseases have also become a serious plague of our times, which, as it turns out, are closely related to the toxic effects of staphylococci. Staphylococcus aureus, because of the presence of many different kinds of virulence factors, is capable of manipulating the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses. These include toxins and cofactors that activate host zymogens and exoenzymes, as well as superantigens, which are highly inflammatory and cause leukocyte death. Coagulases and staphylokinases can control the host’s coagulation system. Nucleases and proteases inactivate various immune defense and surveillance proteins, including complement components, peptides and antibacterial proteins, and surface receptors that are important for leukocyte chemotaxis. On the other hand, secreted toxins and exoenzymes are proteins that disrupt the endothelial and epithelial barrier as a result of cell lysis and disintegration of linking proteins, which ultimately increases the risk of thromboembolism. In this review, we discuss various virulence factors and substances that may inhibit their activity. Full article

Soft tissue reconstruction in patients with upper extremity necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) can be challenging; these defects can be large with exposed critical structures. Following appropriate source control and debridement, soft tissue reconstruction is based on size, exposed structures, medical co-morbidities and the physiologic status of the patient. There are multiple options for soft tissue coverage from local wound care to free tissue transfer. Dermal substitutes can help prepare a healthy wound bed that can later accept a skin graft. Local rotational flaps, distant pedicled flaps and free flaps are also options depending on the patient and the defect. Patients can have good functional outcomes after soft tissue reconstruction after upper extremity NSTI. Full article

Background/Objectives: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous lymphoma, often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical features. Early diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Methods: We report the case of a 31-year-old female with a chronic non-healing gluteal wound initially treated as an abscess. The lack of improvement prompted repeated investigations, culminating in the diagnosis of SPTCL with an alpha–beta T-cell phenotype. Results: Management involved combined chemotherapy and surgical wound reconstruction. Six cycles of CHOEP-21 chemotherapy led to complete clinical remission. A soft tissue defect superinfected with multidrug-resistant organisms was successfully reconstructed using Integra Dermal Regeneration Template followed by split-thickness skin grafting. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of SPTCL and the therapeutic potential of dermal matrix application in complex wound management, especially in immuno-compromised patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Advanced destruction of the ankle and subtalar joints due to neuropathy, chronic infection, or inflammatory conditions presents a major surgical challenge, often resulting in limb amputation. This descriptive retrospective study aims to evaluate outcomes of reconstructive surgery in patients, in whom limb preservation was prioritized over amputation despite significant soft tissue and osseous involvement. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2022, 31 reconstructive procedures were performed on 29 patients (16 women and 13 men) with severe hindfoot deformities. Etiologies included Charcot arthropathy (55%), osteomyelitis (25%), combined pathology (10%), and rheumatoid deformity with skin defect (10%). Surgical procedures included tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (39%), astragalectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis (32%), tibiotalar arthrodesis (23%), and multistage procedures (6%). Fixation methods varied based on the extent of deformity and infection. The union was assessed via radiographs and CT imaging, and outcomes were statistically analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Successful arthrodesis was achieved in 74% of cases (23/31). The union rate was significantly influenced by the type and level of fixation (p = 0.0199), with the lowest rate observed in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using external fixation (17%). Complications included surgical site infection or abscess in 42% of cases, requiring reoperation in 35%. Limb amputation was ultimately necessary in five patients (16%). Conclusions: Despite high complication rates, limb-preserving reconstructive surgery remains a viable alternative to amputation in selected high-risk patients with severe hindfoot pathology. Appropriate preoperative planning, tailored surgical strategy, and patient compliance are essential to achieving functional limb salvage and restoring weight-bearing capacity. Full article

Soft or flexible electronics is a rapidly growing and pioneering research field, as it makes devices comfortable to use, especially in biomedical engineering. Both single- and multi-network hydrogels have diverse applications where the most significant one is in the building of soft electronics, including soft circuits, displays, sensors, batteries, and supercapacitors, electronic storage, electric skin, health monitoring devices, soft robots, and automotive. Three-dimensional printing of conductive gels/hydrogels facilitates the construction of soft electronics. This review illustrates the design, mechanism, and application of hydrogel in soft electronics. The current progress, scope of improvement, and future prospects of hydrogel-based soft electronics are also discussed. This review will provide a clear concept of the topic to researchers. Full article

Background: The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus causes skin and soft tissue infections that are associated with biofilm formation, and in immunocompromised patients can progress to surgical site infections, pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, and even death. Most antibiotics actively damage living, dividing cells on the surface of the biofilm, where there is a high concentration of nutrients and oxygen, while in the depths, where these factors are scarce, slowly growing cells remain. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the antibiofilm potential of ethyl acetate roots (EtOAcR) and aerial parts (EtOAcAP) extracts from the perennial Bulgarian plant Geum urbanum L. against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) NBIMCC 8327. Methods: The effects of both extracts on the expression of biofilm-related genes, icaA and icaD, were investigated. The cytotoxicity of EtOAcR and EtOAcAP on A-375 (human melanoma), A-431 (epidermoid skin cancer) and HaCaT (normal keratinocytes) cell lines, and the induction of apoptosis were determined. Finally, the in vivo skin irritation potential of the most active extract was studied. Results: Both tested extracts inhibited biofilm formation at concentrations that did not affect bacterial growth. Interestingly, the expression of icaA and icaD was upregulated, although the biofilm development was inhibited 72.4–90.5% by EtOAcAP and 18.9–20.4% by EtOAcR at sub-MICs. EtOAcAP extract showed a more favorable cytotoxic profile on non-tumorigenic cells and stronger antineoplastic activity (IC₅₀ = 6.7–14.68 µg/mL) as compared to EtOAcR extract (IC₅₀ = 8.73–23.67 µg/mL). Therefore, a skin irritation test was performed with the EtOAcAP extract at ten-times higher concentrations than the minimum inhibitory one, and, resultantly, the primary irritation index was equal to zero (no skin irritation observed). Conclusions: The EtOAcAP extract was proven to be an effective antistaphylococcal agent with favorable skin tolerance. The extract showed strong antineoplastic activity and antibiofilm effect at sub-MICs, which outlines new prospects for its development as a natural product for specific skin applications in medical practice. Full article

Facial aging is a multifactorial and stratified biological process characterized by progressive morphological and biochemical alterations affecting both cutaneous (Layer I) and subcutaneous (Layer II) tissues. These age-related changes manifest clinically as volume depletion, tissue ptosis, and a decline in overall skin quality. In response to these phenomena, thread lifting techniques have evolved significantly—from simple mechanical suspension methods to sophisticated bioactive platforms. Contemporary threads now incorporate biocompatible polymers and hyaluronic acid (HA), aiming not only to reposition soft tissues but also to promote dermal regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive classification and critical assessment of thread lifting materials, focusing on their chemical composition, mechanical performance, degradation kinetics, and biostimulatory potential. Particular emphasis has been given to the surface integration of HA into monofilament threads, especially with the emergence of advanced delivery systems such as NAMICA, which facilitate sustained HA release. Advanced thread materials, especially those fabricated from poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) [P(LA/CL)], demonstrate both tensile support and regenerative efficacy. Emerging HA-covered threads exhibit synergistic bioactivity, stimulating skin remodeling. NAMICA technology represents an advancement in the field, in which HA is encapsulated within biodegradable polymer fibers to enable gradual release and enhanced dermal integration. Nonetheless, well-designed human studies are still needed to substantiate its therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, the paradigm of thread lifting is shifting from purely mechanical interventions toward biologically active systems that promote comprehensive ECM regeneration. The integration of HA into resorbable threads, especially when combined with sustained-release technologies, represents a meaningful innovation in aesthetic dermatology, meriting further preclinical and clinical evaluation. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease affecting both children and adults. Currently lacking a clinical cure, AD presents significant physical and emotional challenges for patients and their families, substantially impacting their quality of life. This underscores significant unmet needs in AD management and highlights the necessity for developing effective therapeutic applications. Recently, several chlorine-containing active substances with promising pharmacological activity have been discovered in soft corals cultivated through coral farming. Among these, brianolide, isolated from the soft coral Briareum stechei, has shown promising potential. This study investigated brianolide’s regulatory effects on the inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis and its underlying mechanisms. Using an in vitro human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) to mimic AD inflammation, brianolide was found to inhibit cytokine and chemokine expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NFκB)-signaling pathways. In an in vivo animal model of 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD, brianolide demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), ear thickness, erythema, and epidermal blood flow. These findings provide new insights into brianolide’s activity against AD-related inflammation, elucidate potential mechanisms, and contribute to understanding the pharmacological potential of natural coral products for AD treatment. Full article