Search Results (544)

Wireless power transfer (WPT), characterized by its excellent insulation properties and ease of maintenance, has recently emerged as a promising solution to the power supply challenges faced by online monitoring equipment on high-voltage transmission towers in complex environments. Existing research primarily relies on regular, closely wound solenoids to power these monitoring devices; however, this approach often makes it difficult to optimize the magnetic field distribution to maximize mutual inductance, thereby limiting transmission efficiency and power and hindering lightweight design. To address these issues, this paper proposes an optimized design scheme for variable-pitch (non-uniform) domino WPT coils based on insulator string structures. First, a parameter calculation model utilizing segmented current analysis is constructed to accurately determine the inductance of non-uniform solenoids, with simulations confirming an error rate below 5%. Subsequently, by integrating domino multi-coil theory into an elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), dual-objective optimization is performed. Targeting maximum transmission efficiency and output power under spatial and insulation constraints, a set of Pareto optimal solutions is derived. Ultimately, a 113.7 W insulator domino coil WPT system prototype is constructed to validate the design’s stability. The proposed system achieves a maximum efficiency of 85.73%, with a single-stage load delivering up to 97.48 W. Full article

Chronic wound management remains a significant clinical challenge, requiring adaptive therapeutic approaches to achieve wound closure that nonetheless frequently prove fruitless. Balancing the initial pro-inflammatory response with debris removal and tissue rebuilding remains elusive in most cases, leading to pain, drastic quality-of-life deterioration, and, eventually, amputation. Meanwhile, patient adherence is an overarching theme. Furthermore, non-surgical alternatives that effectively promote tissue rebuilding are essential for patients seeking to avoid further invasive procedures. We report a patient with a recalcitrant ulcer managed using human amniotic membrane dressing (hAM-pe) and a bovine collagen matrix (BCM) in spatially distinct areas as an intra-patient control. Methodology included clinical monitoring and ad hoc molecular and histological analyses to assess inflammatory markers and tissue architecture. Following 59 days of observation, the superior evolution of the hAM-pe-treated zone led to the clinical decision to extend hAM-pe treatment over the adjacent BCM area, resulting in total wound closure. The hAM-pe-treated site demonstrated accelerated closure and clinical resolution of inflammation without the presence of a granulomatous response. Molecular analysis revealed downregulated pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, CXCL-10) and upregulated markers associated with angiogenesis (VEGF, CD34) and tissue repair (Arginase-1). In this case, the non-surgical hAM-pe treatment was associated with a favorable healing trajectory, characterized by superior inflammation resolution and enhanced tissue organization (collagen type I/III maturation). While these descriptive findings suggest the potential advantages of amniotic membrane dressings in promoting advanced tissue repair, they remain limited to this individual observation. Further research in larger cohorts is required to validate these mechanisms. Full article

Although compression therapy is widely used to improve wound healing, selecting the appropriate pressure remains a challenge in clinical practice. This work proposes an intelligent patch integrated into a bandage that allows for the simultaneous monitoring of the applied pressure and wound condition using Near-Field Communication (NFC). The proposed patch integrates a force-sensitive resistive sensor to measure pressure and a capacitive sensor to detect wound exudate through capacitance variations. Capacitance is obtained by analyzing the delay in the stepwise response of the sensor, while resistance is measured from the voltage drop across a resistive divider, which is read by a microcontroller’s analog-to-digital converter. The system is powered wirelessly through NFC energy harvesting, triggered by a mobile device that acts as a reader. The NFC module can be moved away after measurement to improve patient comfort or remain integrated into the dressing for periodic monitoring. Experimental results demonstrate pressure measurements up to 140 mmHg and exudate detection up to 200 $\mathsf{\mu }$L, confirming the feasibility of battery-free NFC smart bandages for therapeutic monitoring based on wound compression. Full article

Electrospun composites are desirable materials for drug delivery applications. Regarding microbial infections as a case study, the antibacterial effect is enhanced by physical attributes of electrospun meshes, namely, a high surface area-to-volume ratio and porosity, 3D topography, and customized surface functions. Beyond mimicking nanostructured fibers, the delivery of antibiotics from such composites enhances antibacterial efficacy, sustained release kinetics, and reduced wound infection while minimizing side effects. Concern over antibiotic resistance and the insufficient availability of pharmaceutical agents for effective infection treatment is increasing worldwide. A significant number of publications have reported the fabrication of electrospun composites to mitigate bacterial pathogenesis. However, from a structural and morphological perspective, the implications of electrospinning approaches for antibiotic delivery have not been reviewed. This proposal presents a comparative study of the different assemblies induced by electrospinning, enabling the development of platforms for administering antibacterial agents. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the considerations involved in electrospinning-based manufacturing of drug delivery systems and antibiotic loading, ensuring a thorough design process that accounts for composite processability, monitoring methods for kinetic behavior analysis and modeling, and biological considerations for pre-clinical in vitro characterization. Full article

In sensing technologies, a hydrogel sensor with a specific response to stimuli allows for real-time monitoring of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical signals in wearable and implantable devices. This review discusses the latest advances in hydrogel-based sensors published between 2023 and spring 2026 and the design strategies prevalent in these articles, including the use of polymers, nanomaterial reinforcement, incorporation of ionic solvents, and physical or chemical crosslinking. The influence of supramolecular hydrogels on the quality of sensor parameters, including the impact on mechanical resistance, ionic conductivity, adaptation, and self-healing, is examined. In biomedical engineering, hydrogels, thanks to their biomimetic and programmable properties, enable control of wound repair and soft tissue interfaces. The review concludes by outlining the challenges, opportunities, and advances in the chemistry and mechanics of hydrogels, which may ultimately facilitate the development of multifunctional monitoring systems in healthcare. The abundance of information requires systematic, frequent reviews to accelerate the application of innovative solutions in practice. Carbon nanostructures are a key component that ensures the sensor’s electrical conductivity. 3D printing technology has enabled the creation of individually customizable health monitoring devices. The work also highlights the use of nanodots in sensor production. Full article

Facing the challenges in field monitoring of the mechanical response of geogrids in asphalt pavements, this study integrated two types of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, unarmored and armored, into geogrids using the pillar-stitching technique on industrial warp-knitting production lines. The integrated FBG-geogrid systems were comprehensively evaluated in both wound and flattened configurations, enabling the selection of a sensor type suitable for industrial production. After precise strain calibration, a full-scale field damage test was performed during the construction of the Qu-Gang Expressway in Hebei Province, China. The results demonstrate that the helical steel armor layer significantly enhances the mechanical durability of the FBG sensor. Specifically, the armored sensor maintained stable optical transmission over its entire 60-m length, with an average performance retention rate of 98.86% in the flattened state. Moreover, a strong linear correlation was established between the wavelength shift of the armored FBG sensor and the tensile strain of the geogrids. In contrast, the unarmored FBG sensor underwent irreversible shear deformation during production and contained at least two breakpoints. Additionally, a protection scheme employing fiberglass-reinforced silicone rubber on the hot side and standard silicone rubber on the cold side effectively shielded the sensors from high-temperature and compaction loads during asphalt paving. Consequently, the proposed FBG-geogrid integration method and the corresponding field protection strategy provide technical support for the real-time monitoring of geogrid performance in asphalt pavements and have significant engineering value. Full article

Macrophages are among the earliest responders to tissue injury and remain associated with the wound throughout the healing process. Calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling regulates many immune cell behaviors, yet its role in macrophage responses to injury in vivo remains poorly defined. Here, we used transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Danionella cerebrum lines that specifically express the genetically encoded Ca²⁺ indicator, GCaMP, in macrophages. Live confocal imaging was used to monitor macrophage Ca²⁺ dynamics during the early wound response. We found that injury triggers macrophage recruitment to the wound site, where cells exhibit robust and repetitive intracellular Ca²⁺ transients that persist for several hours. Pharmacological perturbation revealed that endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ stores contribute to sustaining these transients, while additional Ca²⁺ sources likely participate in macrophage Ca²⁺ signaling in vivo. Functionally, these Ca²⁺ transients do not appear to be required for chemotaxis, phagocytosis, or TNFα activation during the early stages of wound healing. Together, these findings uncover a previously uncharacterized macrophage Ca²⁺ signaling behavior and highlight the complexity of Ca²⁺ regulation during tissue injury responses in vivo. Full article

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as major determinants of health, with physiologic and behavioral effects that rival traditional biomedical risk factors. Populations commonly treated in podiatric practice, including older adults, patients with diabetes, rural residents, and veterans, are disproportionately affected by social isolation, yet its impact on foot and ankle outcomes remains underrecognized. Emerging evidence demonstrates that loneliness alters immune regulation, inflammatory signaling, pain perception, adherence behaviors, and healthcare utilization, all of which directly influence wound healing, postoperative recovery, and limb preservation. This paper introduces the Podiatric Connection Model (PCM), a clinically actionable framework designed to integrate social connection into podiatric care. The PCM provides a structured approach for identifying social risk factors, strengthening therapeutic relationships, engaging caregivers, tailoring follow-up intensity, and monitoring evolving psychosocial needs throughout the course of treatment. By reframing loneliness as a modifiable comorbidity rather than a background social issue, the PCM offers a practical strategy for improving adherence, reducing complications, and strengthening healing trajectories in high-risk foot and ankle populations. Full article

Background: Smart offloading technologies enable the real-time, objective monitoring of adherence in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Although remote tracking may reinforce adherence and improve wound healing, effectiveness depends on sustained device use, particularly as devices are often removed during rest periods. Real-time, behavior-contingent feedback informed by sensor data, including AI-supported messaging capable of detecting nonadherence, may enhance reinforcement. However, the feasibility and behavioral impact of such strategies remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a prospective feasibility case series nested within a larger DFU cohort of 210 participants, enrolling eight adults with active DFUs. Participants used a sensor-integrated offloading device paired with a smartwatch (SmartBoot) and a mobile application (CORA) that delivered notifications to their smartphones. Notifications were either schedule-based or context-aware, using real-time SmartBoot data to generate personalized messages. The primary outcome was a sensor-detected transition from nonadherent to adherent offloading within 60 min. Results: A total of 130 notifications were delivered, with 125 included in the behavioral response analysis. Context-aware notifications demonstrated higher transition rates than schedule-based notifications. Adaptive Reinforcement yielded the highest response rate (77.4%, 24/31), followed by Clinical Course Correction (71.4%, 20/28), whereas Safety and Technical Assurance (40.7%, 11/27) and Motivational Coaching (30.8%, 12/39) showed lower response rates. Conclusions: Real-time, context-aware feedback is feasible and associated with improved short-term adherence, supporting evaluation in larger trials. Full article

Background: Impaired angiogenesis and persistent inflammation are hallmarks of chronic diabetic wounds. Extracellular vesicles derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSC-EVs) represent a promising cell-free therapy for tissue repair; however, their clinical translation is hindered by suboptimal yields and attenuated bioactivity associated with conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture. This study investigated whether a biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) fibrin/gelatin hydrogel system could optimize the therapeutic potency of DPSC-EVs for diabetic wound healing. Methods: DPSCs were encapsulated within 3D fibrin/gelatin scaffolds, followed by comprehensive characterization of cell viability and morphology. 3D-EVs and 2D-EVs were isolated via ultracentrifugation and validated by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The pro-angiogenic capacity of 3D-EVs was evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under high-glucose (HG) stress. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects were assessed by monitoring macrophage polarization in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The therapeutic efficacy was further validated in vivo using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model with full-thickness cutaneous wounds. Results: The 3D fibrin/gelatin hydrogel provided a supportive microenvironment that significantly augmented the secretory productivity of DPSCs. Compared to 2D-EVs, 3D-EVs exhibited superior functional resilience in restoring HUVEC migration and tube formation under HG-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, 3D-EVs effectively orchestrated the macrophage transition from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby modulating the immune microenvironment. In vivo, topical administration of 3D-EVs markedly accelerated wound closure, promoted re-epithelialization, and enhanced microvascular density and collagen maturation in diabetic mice. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the 3D fibrin/gelatin culture system effectively primes the therapeutic profile of DPSC-EVs. These engineered vesicles accelerate diabetic wound healing by synergistically promoting angiogenesis and resolving chronic inflammation, offering a robust and potent cell-free strategy for the management of chronic diabetic ulcers. Full article

The resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis is a rare species endemic to Greece and Bulgaria, renowned for its exceptional desiccation tolerance and rich phytochemical composition. This study investigated the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and wound-healing-associated effects of H. rhodopensis ethanolic extract (HEE) in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) under oxidative and cytotoxic stress conditions. Antioxidant capacity was initially evaluated using a plasmid DNA protection assay, in which HEE attenuated oxidative DNA damage induced by a Fenton reaction system and preserved the native supercoiled structure of pUC19 plasmid DNA. Cytotoxicity screening using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and real-time proliferation monitoring (HoloMonitor^® M4) identified 20 μg/mL as a non-toxic pre-treatment concentration (EC₁₀). Under hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress, HEE pre-treatment maintained cell viability and significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating a protective effect. In vitro wound-healing assays demonstrated enhanced scratch closure in keratinocyte monolayers. RT-qPCR analysis revealed modulation of antioxidant-related genes (CAT, SOD1, HMOX1, NQO1, GPX, GSR), while mRNA sequencing suggested selective stress-adaptive responses, involving extracellular matrix (ECM)-, metabolic-, and tissue-repair/aging-associated pathways. Overall, HEE exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in keratinocytes and is associated with transcriptional changes linked to cellular stress responses and wound closure. These findings support its potential relevance for dermatological, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications, while further studies are required to establish the underlying molecular mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autologous cell suspension (ACS)-based therapy is a promising strategy to enhance wound healing, yet limitations in current methodologies hinder clinical efficacy. We have previously developed VeritaCell, a rapid isolation method that yields highly viable skin cell populations, including epidermal stem cells, and demonstrated their wound healing-enhancing biological properties in vitro (such as acceleration of keratinocyte proliferation and suppression of scarring-associated molecular responses). In the present study, we have assessed the efficacy of VeritaCell-derived ACS cell populations in enhancing both the rate and quality of healing using an in vivo rat excisional wound model. Methods: Full-thickness wounds were treated with ACS at donor-to-wound area ratios of 1:1, 1:10, and 1:20. Wound progression was monitored by standardised image-based quantification of percentage wound closure and healing quality was evaluated by histological assessment of tissue architecture. Results: ACS-treated wounds demonstrated improved early healing dynamics, with enhanced wound closure evident by Day 6 across all ACS treatment groups. Histological assessment revealed improved neo-epithelial organisation and reduced scarring-associated epidermal thickening in the 1:10 and 1:20 groups, with the 1:10 group exhibiting tissue architecture most closely resembling unwounded skin. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings provide preclinical validation that ACS isolates generated using the VeritaCell methodology exhibit functional activity in vivo and support improved tissue-level repair at clinically relevant donor-to-wound coverage ratios. Our observations offer insights into the strong potential of our ACS approach in providing a practical and cost-effective medical solution that will facilitate more aesthetically favourable healing outcomes. Full article

Chronic wounds remain a major clinical and economic burden due to persistent inflammation, impaired perfusion, microbial biofilms, and dysregulated immune responses that collectively stall epithelialization. Polymicrobial bacterial–fungal biofilms, including Candida species, further delay healing by sustaining inflammation and promoting treatment-resistant infection. Recent advances have accelerated the development of bioengineered skin substitutes, collagen matrices, and placental-derived grafts that modulate macrophage polarization, reactive oxygen species signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling to restore tissue architecture and promote neovascularization. Their effectiveness, however, depends on integration within structured care pathways that emphasize debridement, moisture balance, and infection control. Artificial intelligence, three-dimensional bioprinting, flexible microelectronic sensors for real-time wound monitoring, and bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine, are expanding the therapeutic landscape. Together, these innovations support a shift toward predictive, personalized, and regenerative wound-care strategies. This review aims to provide a mechanistic and clinically contextualized overview of advanced grafting biomaterials, highlighting current applications, limitations, and future directions in chronic wound care. Full article

A 70 MPa Type IV hydrogen composite pressure vessel (CPV) was instrumented with embedded Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors to realize in situ strain monitoring during hydraulic fatigue cycles. FBG arrays were co-wound with carbon fibers during the filament winding process, forming an integrated multi-point sensing network within the composite layers. Hydraulic fatigue tests were conducted under pressure cycling between 2 MPa and 87.5 MPa, reaching 48,000 cycles. The embedded FBG sensors were able to stably record cyclic strain evolution with peak amplitudes of approximately 6000 με in the hoop layer and 3500 με in the helical layer under hydraulic cycling. The hoop layers exhibited gradually decreasing strain amplitudes from the inner to outer regions, while the helical layer maintained stable signal performance. Analysis of fiber survival times indicated that the FBGs embedded in helical layers remained functional throughout the entire test, confirming the long-term monitoring capability under high-pressure oil environments. This study demonstrates a practical embedded-sensing approach compatible with the filament-winding process, providing experimental support for fatigue-life evaluation and in-service safety monitoring of high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels. Full article

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus predisposes patients to neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and diabetic foot ulcers, which may become infected and progress to osteomyelitis, increasing the risk of amputation. The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms complicates management. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which combines a photosensitizer with light-emitting diode irradiation to generate reactive oxygen species, has emerged as a potential adjunctive antimicrobial strategy without inducing resistance. Objective: To describe clinical outcomes observed in patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis treated with adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT), with emphasis on wound evolution, limb preservation, and healing time. Methods: This prospective case series included patients with osteomyelitis secondary to infected diabetic foot ulcers treated at a university hospital. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Serial photographic documentation was used to monitor wound progression and tissue response during therapy. Results: Sixteen patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis were included. Complete healing was achieved in 13 patients (81.25%), while 2 patients (12.5%) remained under treatment with partial healing and 1 (6.25%) underwent major amputation. Among healed patients, healing time ranged from 19 to 546 days, with a median of 118 days. The number of photodynamic therapy sessions ranged from 2 to 12, depending on the clinical course of each case. Healing time varied among patients, and the hallux was the most frequent site of osteomyelitis. During follow-up, only one patient underwent major amputation, whereas the remaining patients either achieved complete healing or were still under treatment at the time of analysis. Healing time was comparable between insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although numerically shorter in the latter. Longer healing periods were associated with more treatment sessions. Conclusions: In this prospective uncontrolled case series, adjunctive PDT was associated with favorable clinical evolution in a subset of patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis. However, because of the small sample size and the absence of a control group, these findings should be considered preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Full article