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Topical Donepezil for Cholinergic Modulation in Chronic Wound Repair.

Chronic wounds result from combined defects in vascular perfusion, inflammatory resolution, and epithelial repair. The skin's non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS), formed by keratinocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells that synthesise and respond to acetylcholine (ACh), helps coordinate these processes through muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) increases local ACh concentrations and may engage two key pathways supported by preclinical data: M3 muscarinic receptor (M3 mAChR)-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation, and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR)-mediated suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Donepezil is a reversible, selective AChE inhibitor with physicochemical properties compatible with dermal administration. Low-dose or microneedle dermal delivery has produced dermal exposure with limited systemic uptake in animal and ex vivo skin studies. In preclinical diabetic wound models, nicotinic receptor activation accelerated healing, reduced inflammatory signalling, and improved control of bacterial burden. We hypothesise that topical donepezil formulated for localised dermal delivery could restore cholinergic signalling within the wound microenvironment by increasing local ACh concentrations. This approach may complement metabolic therapies that support arginine-NO coupling and redox balance. Controlled pilot studies should assess local cutaneous pharmacodynamics, perfusion responses, and wound-closure outcomes.

Donepezil

Chronic anemia, wound healing, and red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate.

Relationships between various types of chronic anemia, wound healing, and red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) were examined in rabbits. Wound tensile strength and energy absorption were not affected by chronic iron-deficiency anemia, the chronic hemolytic anemia caused by intravenous water infusion nor by chronic hemolytic anemia caused by intravenous water infusion nor by chronic phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Red cell 2,3 DPG levels were increased in the anemia of iron deficiency and were normal in the rabbits with chronic phenylhydrazine-induced anemia at the time of wound excision but were low following phynylhydrazine injection. The results show that chronic anemia per se does not affect the tensile strength and energy adsorption of wound healing. The findings suggest that the wound healing process may differ in certain types of anemia.

Anemia

Application of Perioperative Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging to Achieve High-Quality Debridement: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of real-time fluorescence imaging (RTFI)-assisted debridement in managing chronic wounds compared with standard surgical debridement. APPROACH: This study was a patient-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted from February 17, 2021, to July 30, 2021, on patients with chronic wounds. Patients were randomized to an RTFI group (M group) or conventional group (C group). The primary outcomes were as follows: percentage of residual bacterial area (preoperative and postoperative), number of debridements, high-quality debridement ratio, operation duration, and wound healing duration. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in both groups. No significant difference in the percentage of preoperative residual bacterial area or high-quality debridement ratio was seen. The M group underwent debridement an average of 2.6 times and had a significantly longer duration of operation (33.5 &#xb1; 12.7 min) than the C group (29.9 &#xb1; 10.4 min; p = 0.031). The postoperative residual bacterial area was significantly lower in the M than in the C group (6.83% &#xb1; 1.39% vs. 30.0% &#xb1; 12.37%, respectively; p < 0.001). The M group required significantly fewer wound healing days (49.2 &#xb1; 25.3 vs. 63.0 &#xb1; 27.9, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes also demonstrated statistically significant differences in total hospitalized days (17.5 &#xb1; 9.3 vs. 21.5 &#xb1; 12.5, p < 0.01), days of antibiotic use (15.5 &#xb1; 8.7 vs. 18.7 &#xb1; 6.7, p < 0.01), and reinfection rates (4 of 100 vs. 22 of 100, p < 0.001). INNOVATION: RTFI can detect signals from normal skin components and bacterial metabolites. Therefore, interpretation of RTFI results should be correlated with the clinical condition. RTFI is associated with high-quality debridement. This technique can also be applied in targeted biopsy and in training young staff to mature debridement procedures. CONCLUSION: RTFI in debridement is associated with favorable clinical outcomes and may have a positive influence on chronic wound healing.

Humans

Spatiotemporal single-cell roadmap of human skin wound healing.

Wound healing is vital for human health, yet the details of cellular dynamics and coordination in human wound repair remain largely unexplored. To address this, we conducted single-cell multi-omics analyses on human skin wound tissues through inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases of wound repair from the same individuals, monitoring the cellular and molecular dynamics of human skin wound healing at an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This singular roadmap reveals the cellular architecture of the wound margin and identifies FOSL1 as a critical driver of re-epithelialization. It shows that pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibroblasts sequentially support keratinocyte migration like a relay race across different healing stages. Comparison with single-cell data from venous and diabetic foot ulcers uncovers a link between failed keratinocyte migration and impaired inflammatory response in chronic wounds. Additionally, comparing human and mouse acute wound transcriptomes underscores the indispensable value of this roadmap in bridging basic research with clinical innovations.

Humans

Skin cell suspension autograft as an evidence-based innovation in burn and wound treatment: A systematic review of global evidence across two decades.

BACKGROUND: Skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) is a point-of-care approach to wound management facilitating epithelialization while reducing burden associated with conventional autografting. Despite growing clinical use of SCSA across diverse wound etiologies, the global clinical evidence describing its use has not yet been comprehensively synthesized. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies between January 2000 and December 2024 reporting clinical use of SCSA for wound closure. Data on patient demographics, wound characteristics, and treatment methods were extracted. Clinical, safety, and health economic outcomes were extracted for comparative studies evaluating SCSA against control treatments. RESULTS: Ninety-nine studies across 13 countries were included. Across the overall dataset, SCSA was used alone or in combination with autografting for burns, surgical wounds, traumatic injuries, inflammatory conditions, and chronic wounds. Among comparative studies (n=27), SCSA consistently reduced donor skin, and healing outcomes favored SCSA in 61%, while 39% reported equivalent outcomes. Pain and esthetic outcomes more frequently favored SCSA, while safety outcomes were generally similar, with some studies favoring comparators. Health-economic outcomes suggested potential reductions in length of stay and resource utilization, although findings were variable across studies. CONCLUSION: The available global evidence supports SCSA as a versatile modality for supporting epidermal coverage across wound types and clinical contexts. However, the findings should be interpreted in the context of the limitations of this review, which include heterogenous study designs, variable outcome reporting, predominance of non-randomized data, and the absence of a formal quantitative analysis. Nevertheless, the demonstrated clinical and economic benefits in comparative studies reinforce the role of SCSA as an evidence-based innovation for burn and wound treatment.

Humans

Electrospun Nanofiber Dressings for Diabetic Wounds: From Single-Layer to Intelligent Composite Systems.

Diabetic chronic wounds have become a major challenge for clinical treatment due to their complex pathological microenvironment, including persistent inflammatory response, angiogenesis disorder, excessive oxidative stress, and susceptible infection. Traditional dressings as a passive barrier have difficulty meeting the above multiple treatment needs. Electrospinning technology, with its ability to mimic the fibrous network structure of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), offers a high specific surface area, controllable porosity, and excellent drug-loading capacity, making it an ideal platform for developing a new generation of multifunctional wound dressings. This article provides a systematic review of the research progress on electrospun nanofiber dressings in the treatment of diabetic wounds, focusing on the design evolution from basic single-layer structures to advanced complex structures and elucidating the mechanisms of action and quantifiable effects of each structural type in addressing specific pathological challenges. We also compared the current status of clinical translation for electrospun dressings with that of other advanced wound care platforms and proposed a standardized preclinical evaluation framework. A large number of research data show that these advanced designs can effectively improve the quality of healing. Finally, this paper points out the challenges faced by this field, such as scalable fabrication, in vivo reliability of smart systems, and long-term biosafety, and provides theoretical basis and technical reference for the design of efficient and intelligent electrostatic spinning diabetic wound dressings.

Nanofibers

Impact of NR4A3 on wound healing in chronic venous ulcers and its association with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of NR4A3 in chronic venous ulcer (VU) wound healing and to explore its potential regulatory mechanism involving the PI3K/Akt pathway. METHODS: Differential expression and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the GSE174661 dataset. DEGs were filtered by |log2FC| > 1 and adjusted P < 0.05, with KEGG significance set at P < 0.05. NR4A3 was identified as the core gene. NR4A3 knockdown and overexpression were established in HaCaT cells to evaluate proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokines. TNF-&#x3b1; was used to mimic the inflammatory microenvironment. Western blotting assessed phosphorylation of GSK3&#x3b2;, mTOR, PI3K, and Akt. PI3K/Akt agonist 740Y-P and inhibitor LY294002 were used in rescue experiments. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis revealed that NR4A3 expression was markedly downregulated in chronic venous ulcer (VU) tissues relative to normal skin and ordinary acute wound tissues. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. TNF-&#x3b1; stimulation significantly upregulated NR4A3 expression and increased phosphorylation of GSK3&#x3b2; and mTOR in HaCaT cells. In cultured HaCaT keratinocytes, NR4A3 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and invasion, enhanced cell migration, and elevated the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, CXCL5), accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. Conversely, NR4A3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion, restrained migration, and dampened inflammatory responses, while increasing PI3K/Akt phosphorylation. Treatment with the PI3K/Akt agonist 740Y-P partially rescued the impaired proliferation, aberrant migration, and excessive inflammation caused by NR4A3 silencing, whereas PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 aggravated pathway suppression. These findings suggest that NR4A3-associated changes in keratinocyte functions and inflammatory reactions are functionally linked to PI3K/Akt pathway activity, and inflammatory stimulation activates GSK3&#x3b2;/mTOR signaling accompanied by compensatory NR4A3 upregulation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that NR4A3 is associated with keratinocyte behavior and inflammatory responses via the PI3K/Akt pathway, potentially affecting chronic VU progression and healing. Reduced NR4A3 may impair wound repair through inflammation and abnormal cell migration, while TNF-&#x3b1; induces compensatory NR4A3 elevation.

NR4A3

Accelerating diabetic wound healing by ROS-scavenging lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulation.

Current treatment options for diabetic wounds face challenges due to low efficacy, as well as potential side effects and the necessity for repetitive treatments. To address these issues, we report a formulation utilizing trisulfide-derived lipid nanoparticle (TS LNP)-mRNA therapy to accelerate diabetic wound healing by repairing and reprogramming the microenvironment of the wounds. A library of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive TS LNPs was designed and developed to encapsulate interleukin-4 (IL4) mRNA. TS2-IL4 LNP-mRNA effectively scavenges excess ROS at the wound site and induces the expression of IL4 in macrophages, promoting the polarization from the proinflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype at the wound site. In a diabetic wound model of db/db mice, treatment with this formulation significantly accelerates wound healing by enhancing the formation of an intact epidermis, angiogenesis, and myofibroblasts. Overall, this TS LNP-mRNA platform not only provides a safe, effective, and convenient therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing but also holds great potential for clinical translation in both acute and chronic wound care.

Wound Healing

Seed-derived mucilage polysaccharides as biomaterials for in vivo tissue regeneration: A systematic review.

Chronic wounds, bone defects, and cartilage injuries represent persistent clinical challenges requiring biomaterial platforms that actively regulate inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Conventional synthetic dressings often provide limited biological activity in these contexts. Seed-derived mucilages - polysaccharide-rich hydrocolloids obtained from chia (Salvia hispanica), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), psyllium (Plantago ovata), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), quince (Cydonia oblonga) etc. - have emerged as biocompatible, biodegradable, and chemically versatile platforms for tissue engineering. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesized in vivo evidence on seed-derived mucilage-based biomaterials across wound healing, bone repair, cartilage regeneration, and related applications. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for original in vivo experimental studies published in English between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies reported at least one measurable regenerative outcome. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and methodological quality was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Forty-three studies were included. Hydrogels were the dominant biomaterial format, followed by films, scaffolds, sponges, nanoparticle systems, and bilayer or Janus composites. Included systems generally improved wound closure, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory regulation. However, most studies used small animals with short follow-up periods, and many incorporated nanoparticles or bioactive agents, limiting attribution of efficacy to the mucilage matrix alone. Risk of bias was predominantly unclear due to insufficient reporting of randomization and blinding. Blank mucilage controls, standardized characterization, long-term biosafety data, and clinically relevant models are essential prerequisites for translational progress.

Humans

Enhanced barrier precautions to prevent transmission of Staphylococcus aureus and Carbapenem-resistant organisms in nursing home chronic ventilator units.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the feasibility and effect of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) on the transmission of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) among residents in nursing home chronic ventilator units (NH-CVU). DESIGN: Pre-post interventional study. SETTING: Two community-based nursing homes with CVUs in Maryland. A total of 56 residents were enrolled in the baseline period and 64 residents were enrolled in the intervention period. METHODS: During a 3-month baseline and intervention period, residents were swabbed monthly to estimate SA and CRO acquisition. During a 2-month training period, EBP was implemented for residents with chronic wounds, medical devices, or history of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization. During the subsequent 3-month intervention period, healthcare personnel (HCP) wore gowns and gloves for high-contact care activities when residents were on EBP. Whole genome sequencing assessed resident-to-resident transmission. RESULTS: At baseline, NH-CVU1 used gowns and gloves for all direct contact, while NH-CVU2 used EBP only for residents with a history of MDRO colonization. After training, the proportion of NH-CVU2 residents on EBP increased from 65% in the baseline period to 87% in the intervention period. Glove use was high (93-98%) in both NH-CVUs. Gown use increased from 39% to 77% in NH-CVU1 and from 26% to 72% in NH-CVU2. Resident-to-resident transmission of SA or CRO decreased by 25% in NH-CVU1 (p = 0.60) and by 67% in NH-CVU2 (p = 0.05). CRO transmission decreased by 33% in NH-CVU1 (p = 0.54) and by 83% in NH-CVU2 (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: EBP is feasible and potentially decreases overall and CRO transmission in nursing home CVUs.

Humans

Fixation of skin grafts in the horse using stainless steel staples.

Three horses with a chronic wound on the distal part of a leg were treated successfully by grafting. Small split skin grafts were fixed onto pieces of adhesive tape. The tape pieces were spread over and fixed to the granulation surface with stainless steel staples. A tight pressure bandage including strongly compressed cellular rubber was then applied over the wound. The combination of staple fixation and strong pressure proved effective in immobilising the skin graft. It was stressed that a firm covering of granulation tissue was a prerequisite for success and therefore the technique should not be used for fresh wounds.

Animals

Bacteriological and clinical studies of sulbenicillin.

A new semi-synthetic penicillin, sulbenicillin, was evaluated with regard to clinical effect on infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria, serum concentrations obtained after intravenous administration and antibacterial spectrum, in comparison with the closely related antibiotic carbenicillin. The antibacterial spectra of sulbenicillin and carbenicillin were similar but the MIC values were lower for sulbenicillin against most of the bacterial strains tested. The serum concentrations obtained after administration of 5 g sulbenicillin were significantly higher than those obtained after 5 g carbenicillin although no significant differences in serum half-lives were observed. The clinical effect of sulbenicillin--alone or alternating with carbenicillin--on pseudomonas infections with varying localisation was found to be good in 11 and fair in 3 of 16 treated patients. Two treatment failures were cases of chronic wound infection. In addition to the pseudomonas infections, 9 of the patients also had concurrent infections with other bacteria, e.g. pencillinase-producing staphylococci and Klebsiella, and in all these cases bacterial growth was eliminated during therapy. No serious side effects were observed during sulbenicillin treatment but some of the patients developed massive growth of fungi in the urine, which disappeared after the treatment was stopped.

Aged

Difficult wounds: radiation wounds.

In an era of modern radiotherapy, problems associated with the indiscriminate treatment of benign disease have largely disappeared. Skin sparing effects of super voltage radiation equipment make the problems previously seen with orthovoltage equipment less frequent. Vigilance on the part of the workers in the field, in general, protects from the disasters that befell Thomas Edison's laboratory assistant. Despite these modern advances, the reconstructive surgeon often faces problems of managing acute local radiation injury from accident following planned therapeutic radiation or the ulcerations and breakdowns seen months or years after radiation therapy. The single most serious hazard to surgery in radiated tissue is the lodgment of bacteria in this tissue rendered avascular by the radiation and secondary necrosis from the infection itself. The principles of management are no different from those used for other chronic granulating wounds: local wound care, appropriate topical antibacterial therapy, systemic antibiotics during the perioperative period and, most importantly, adequate soft tissue coverage.

Acute Disease

Midface toddler excoriation syndrome (MiTES) can be caused by autosomal recessive biallelic mutations in a gene for congenital insensitivity to pain, PRDM12.

BACKGROUND: Midface toddler excoriation syndrome (MiTES) is a condition recently reported in three unrelated children. Habitual scratching from the first year of life inflicted deep, chronic, scarring wounds around the nose and eyes. One child had a mild neurological deficit but there was no other evidence of insensitivity to pain. Bilateral distribution and localization to the midface distinguish MiTES from other causes of self-inflicted skin damage such as trigeminal trophic syndrome. An earlier study of five siblings from a consanguineous Irish family, with lesions corresponding to MiTES plus other sensory deficits, showed homozygous mutations in a gene for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type VIII (HSAN8), PRDM12. OBJECTIVES: To study further cases of MiTES, including analysis of PRDM12. METHODS: We describe five further children, from four families, with facial lesions typical of MiTES, in whom mutation analysis of PRDM12 was carried out. RESULTS: Homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic expansions of the PRDM12 polyalanine tract were found in four of five affected individuals, in three families. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of autosomal recessive mutations in PRDM12 in four of five patients with MiTES extends the phenotypic spectrum of PRDM12 mutations, which usually cause HSAN8, characterized by mutilating self-inflicted wounds of the extremities, lips and tongue. By contrast, MiTES shows severe midfacial lesions with little if any evidence of generalized pain insensitivity. The condition is probably genetically heterogeneous, and other congenital insensitivity to pain and HSAN genes such as SCN11A may be implicated. This new understanding of the nature of MiTES, which can masquerade as factitious disease, will facilitate appropriate management.

Alleles

Chronic tenosynovial hand infection from Mycobacterium terrae.

A 23-year-old healthy man suffered a puncture wound from the fin of a catfish. Chronic tenosynovitis subsequently developed. Synovectomy was performed and cultures yielded Mycobacterium terrae. This organism, usually considered nonpathogenic, has only rarely been associated with human disease. This case further supports the role of this organism as a potential human pathogen and further suggests that M terrae should be considered in aquatic-associated hand tenosynovitis.

Adult

Hyperbaric oxygenation: prosthodontic responsibilities.

This article discussed the use of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and nonhealing wounds. The fabrication of custom-fitted oxygen applicators is presented, and specific recommendations are made for their use. The prosthodontist serves as a valuable member of the hyperbaric treatment team. His professional knowledge and technical expertise allow him to construct treatment applicators which are professionally sound and provide comfort for the patient.

Administration, Topical