How to Select an Extracellular Matrix for Wound Repair: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: An extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of proteins and other molecules that provide support and structure to cells and tissues in the body. Since its discovery in 1930, researchers have reproduced the ECM through an array of evolving technologies, developing products that accelerate healing times, minimize scarring, and reduce pain. When selecting which ECM product to use, physicians rely on personal experience while considering wound location, type of tissue lost, exposed structures, chronicity, and even the patient's religious preferences.

Redesigning Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Guidelines in Melanoma Cases.

Background: Accurately staging and prognosticating melanoma classically depends on a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The mainstay predictors of SLNB positivity according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) are Breslow depth and ulceration. Nevertheless, even with these predictors, negative SLNBs, even in deep melanomas, are a common occurrence and may result in unnecessary invasive procedures for patients.

Bacteriophages: An Alternative to Combat Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance has become one of the largest pitfalls of modern medicine, and this has fueled the search for a safe and effective alternative. Of these alternatives, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has emerged as a potential option since it is capable of destroying pathogenic bacteria, without disrupting commensal bacterial populations. Although numerous studies have shown its efficacy in various conditions such as dysentery, sepsis, and meningitis, very little research has focused on its prospective usage to treat dermatological conditions.

Neuroprotective role of nitric oxide inhalation and nitrite in a Neonatal Rat Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury.

Background: There is evidence from various models of hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) that nitric oxide (NO) is protective. We hypothesized that either inhaled NO (iNO) or nitrite would alleviate brain injury in neonatal HII via modulation of mitochondrial function.

Methods: We tested the effects of iNO and nitrite on the Rice-Vannucci model of HII in 7-day-old rats.

The dangers of human papillomavirus (HPV) laser plume and best safety practices.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains to be one of the most common viruses that afflicts the skin and mucosa. Direct contact with cutaneous lesions facilitates a majority of viral transmission. However, the development of laser therapy as treatment for HPV brought to attention the concern of infectious laser plume and the risk it poses to those inhaling it.

Tuning Subunit Vaccines with Novel TLR Triagonist Adjuvants to Generate Protective Immune Responses against .

is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Q fever. is considered a potential bioterrorism agent because of its low infectious dose; resistance to heat, drying, and common disinfectants; and lack of prophylactic therapies. Q-Vax, a formalin-inactivated whole-bacteria vaccine, is currently the only prophylactic measure that is protective against infections but is not U.

Linked Toll-Like Receptor Triagonists Stimulate Distinct, Combination-Dependent Innate Immune Responses.

Traditional vaccination strategies have failed to generate effective vaccines for many infections like tuberculosis and HIV. New approaches are needed for each type of disease. The protective immunity and distinct responses of many successful vaccines come from activating multiple Toll-like receptors (TLRs).