Characterization of Amnion-Derived Membrane for Clinical Wound Applications.

Human amniotic membrane (hAM), the innermost placental layer, has unique properties that allow for a multitude of clinical applications. It is a common misconception that birth-derived tissue products, such as dual-layered dehydrated amnion-amnion graft (dHAAM), are similar regardless of the manufacturing steps. A commercial dHAAM product, Axolotl Biologix DualGraft™, was assessed for biological and mechanical characteristics.

Practical Tips on Epidermolysis Bullosa for Caregivers: Part 2.

The heritable condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare but potentially devastating and life-threatening condition that is characterized primarily by cutaneous fragility, manifested when the dermis and epidermis fail to adhere properly. EB has no cure, and because of its rarity, few healthcare professionals have experience in treating it. Most families with an EB child are forced to rely on family caregiving which can be disruptive to family routines but, more importantly, place enormous time and emotional and financial burdens on the family.

Epidermolysis Bullosa: Practical Clinical Tips From the Field.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic condition characterized by fragile skin caused by impaired adhesion between the dermis and epidermis. EB is present at or near birth. There is no cure and treatments are supportive.

The Preparation and Clinical Efficacy of Amnion-Derived Membranes: A Review.

Biological tissues from various anatomical sources have been utilized for tissue transplantation and have developed into an important source of extracellular scaffolding material for regenerative medicine applications. Tissue scaffolds ideally integrate with host tissue and provide a homeostatic environment for cellular infiltration, growth, differentiation, and tissue resolution. The human amniotic membrane is considered an important source of scaffolding material due to its 3D structural architecture and function and as a source of growth factors and cytokines.

The Role of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in Wound Healing: A Review.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a 3-dimensional structure and an essential component in all human tissues. It is comprised of varying proteins, including collagens, elastin, and smaller quantities of structural proteins. Studies have demonstrated the ECM aids in cellular adherence, tissue anchoring, cellular signaling, and recruitment of cells.

Improved Wound Closure Rates and Mechanical Properties Resembling Native Skin in Murine Diabetic Wounds Treated with a Tropoelastin and Collagen Wound Healing Device.

Chronic wounds in patients suffering from type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) where wounds remain open with a complicated pathophysiology, healing, and recovery process is a public health concern. Normal wound healing plays a critical role in wound closure, restoration of mechanical properties, and the biochemical characteristics of the remodeled tissue. Biological scaffolds provide a tissue substitute to help facilitate wound healing by mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the dermis.

Evaluation of Myoelectric Control Learning Using Multi-Session Game-Based Training.

While training is critical for ensuring initial success as well as continued adoption of a myoelectric powered prosthesis, relatively little is known about the amount of training that is necessary. In previous studies, participants have completed only a small number of sessions, leaving doubt about whether the findings necessarily generalize to a longer-term clinical training program. Furthermore, a heavy emphasis has been placed on a functional prosthesis use when assessing the effectiveness of myoelectric training.

Quantifying the mechanical and histological properties of thrombus analog made from human blood for the creation of synthetic thrombus for thrombectomy device testing.

Background: Untreated ischemic stroke can lead to severe morbidity and death, and as such, there are numerous endovascular blood-clot removal (thrombectomy) devices approved for human use. Human thrombi types are highly variable and are typically classified in qualitative terms - 'soft/red,' 'hard/white,' or 'aged/calcified.' Quantifying human thrombus properties can accelerate the development of thrombus analogs for the study of thrombectomy outcomes, which are often inconsistent among treated patients.

A Bench-Top Wound Assay to Demonstrate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Depleted Uranium on Dermal Fibroblast Migration.

Cellular migration assays are useful tools to investigate physiologic events on the bench top. Furthermore, this migration assay can be utilized to investigate wound healing therapeutics (those that encourage or accelerate wound closure) as well as deleterious agents (ones that mitigate or slow wound closure). The current study used an scratch assay to measure the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and depleted uranium (DU) in the form of uranyl acetate on cellular migration of human neonatal dermal fibroblasts in an simulation of wound healing.

Raising Awareness Among Healthcare Providers about Epidermolysis Bullosa and Advancing Toward a Cure.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an orphan disease that affects about half a million people worldwide, but may not be familiar to all clinicians. The authors' goal was to present a short description of this condition and current research in the form of a narrative review. The authors reviewed the literature on epidermolysis bullosa in order to describe the condition and current genetic research.

Strengthening the skin with topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 using a novel DNA plasmid.

Fragile skin, susceptible to decubitus ulcers and incidental trauma, is a problem particularly for the elderly and for those with spinal cord injury. Here, we present a simple approach to strengthen the skin by the topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) DNA. In initial feasibility studies with the novel minimalized, antibiotic-free DNA expression vector, NTC8385-VA1, the reporter genes luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein were delivered.

A randomized, double-blind comparison shows the addition of oxygenated glycerol triesters to topical mentholated cream for the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain demonstrates incremental benefit over time.

Background: Topical analgesics are important products in the armamentarium for pain relief.

Methods And Findings: This study compared a topical analgesic product containing menthol to the same product with the addition of oxygenated glycerol triesters (OGTs) (also called essential oxygen oil) in 66 healthy adult subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain. Patients were randomized in a single-center, double-blind study to receive mentholated cream (MC) only or MC containing OGTs.

Evaluation of a novel topical essential oxygen oil for the treatment of pain in acute tendinopathy and sprains.

Topical analgesics may play an increasingly important role in managing acute and chronic pain as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioid drugs come under heightened scrutiny. This article reviews studies about essential oxygen oil, a topical over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic new to the American market but available for many years in Europe. Prospective studies evaluating the oil's safety and efficacy in acute and chronic pain patients, a dermatological study in which healthy subjects served as their own controls, and a post-marketing surveillance study were considered.

Preliminary observations of a novel topical oil with analgesic properties for treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes.

Objective: Essential oxygen oil (OxyRub from CreoMed Inc., Naples, FL, U.S.

Soy compared to casein meal replacement shakes with energy-restricted diets for obese women: randomized controlled trial.

Recent studies suggest that obese individuals lose weight more rapidly and lose more total weight with soy protein than with animal protein as a major diet component. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the weight-loss efficacy and changes in body composition, waist circumference, blood pressure, and levels of plasma glucose, insulin, serum lipids, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine from consumption of either 3 soy shakes or 3 casein shakes daily as part of a 16-week, energy-restricted diet for obese women. Forty-three women with body mass index values of 30 to 40 kg/m(2) were randomized to intensive dietary interventions using either casein (n = 21) or soy (n = 22) shakes.

Soy foods have low glycemic and insulin response indices in normal weight subjects.

Background: Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) may provide a variety of health benefits. The objective of the present study was to measure the GI and insulin index (II) of select soy foods.

Methods: The study was conducted in two parts with low-carbohydrate products being tested separately.