Effect of chronic heavy tobacco smoking on ankle fracture healing.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking is linked to an elevated risk of osteomyelitis and delayed healing in long bone fractures. However, the impact of smoking on bone union and soft tissue recovery following ankle fractures remains unclear. This study presents a retrospective comparative analysis evaluating the effects of chronic heavy tobacco smoking on the healing process and outcomes of ankle fractures after surgical interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 220 consecutive cases of chronic heavy smokers (CHS) with closed ankle fractures who were referred to our unit for further treatment. A control group, consisting of 220 age- and sex-matched individuals (non-smokers with closed ankle fractures), was identified for comparative analysis. We collected clinical data, including pre-existing comorbidities, Lauge-Hansen fracture classification, necessity for surgery, and the surgical procedures performed. The primary outcomes investigated were the time required for fracture union and wound healing. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications such as prolonged pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, compartment syndrome, and neurovascular impairment, as well as the incidence of delayed union, non-union, and the need for further intervention. Both cohorts were monitored for a minimum of 24 months. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that the surgical cohort of chronic heavy smokers exhibited a statistically significant delay in fracture union compared to both the conservatively managed smokers and the control group. Further scrutiny of the surgical cohort of chronic smokers indicated a significant correlation between smoking and extended postoperative pain duration, persistent swelling at the fracture site, and both superficial and deep wound infections. Additionally, these patients experienced delays in both fracture union and wound healing when compared to the control group. Similarly, the conservatively managed chronic smokers showed a marginal increase in the incidence of post-injury pain duration, extended swelling at the fracture site, and delayed union compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Patients who are chronic heavy smokers and require surgical intervention for ankle fractures should be made aware of their increased risk for delayed fracture union and poor wound healing. Orthopedic surgeons should proactively encourage these patients to participate in smoking cessation programs.

Fatores que influenciam no processo de não cicatrização de úlceras cutâneas em pacientes com sequelas de hanseníase / Factors that influence the non-healing process of skin ulcers in patients with leprosy sequelae

Introdução: a Hanseníase é uma infecção granulomatosa crônica conhecida mundialmente como Lepra, causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae. Essa patologia afeta especialmente tecidos cutâneos, mucosas, nervos periféricos e as células de Schwann, podendo se manifestar em casos mais graves com comprometimento neural e com repercussão cutânea. Objetivo: realizar levantamento de dados, utilizando entrevistas e registros nos prontuários de pacientes portadores de úlceras cutâneas e diagnosticados com hanseníase em um Hospital Especializado em Dermatologia no interior de São Paulo, com o objetivo de analisar possíveis fatores relacionados ao processo de não cicatrização destas úlceras. Justificativa: considerando a complexidade envolvida na cicatrização das úlceras cutâneas, assim como as dificuldades dos pacientes em compreender esse problema, faz-se necessário entender os fatores que podem influenciar nesse processo e, consequentemente, capacitar pacientes e equipe multiprofissional envolvidos neste tratamento. Materiais e Métodos: estudo de campo, com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando-se um questionário semiestruturado, para conduzir uma entrevista, com pacientes portadores de úlcera cutânea, decorrente da hanseníase, em acompanhamento em um Hospital Especializado em Dermatologia no interior de São Paulo e subsequente coleta de dados no prontuário de cada participante para complementar as informações. Resultado: foram realizadas 30 entrevistas, no período de 25 de outubro de 2023 a 19 de dezembro de 2023. Nestas entrevistas foram convidados 32 pacientes para participarem do estudo, sendo que destes, dois não aceitaram participar. Considerações Finais: observou-se nesse estudo, que todos os participantes apresentam úlceras crônicas e fatores que influenciam negativamente no processo de cicatrização. Observou-se que a falta de informação sobre o diagnóstico, fatores sistêmicos, condições de higiene e o grau de incapacidade. Direcionando de forma mais assertiva as abordagens da equipe na realização da assistência a esses pacientes.

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection known worldwide as leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This pathology especially affects skin tissues, mucous membranes, peripheral nerves, and Schwann cells, and may manifest in more severe cases with neural impairment and cutaneous repercussions. Objective: To carry out a data collection, using interviews and records in the medical records of patients with skin ulcers and diagnosed with leprosy in a Hospital Specialized in Dermatology in the interior of São Paulo, with the objective of analyzing possible factors related to the non-healing process of these ulcers. Justification: Considering the complexity involved in the healing of cutaneous ulcers, as well as the patients' difficulties in understanding this problem, it is necessary to understand the factors that can influence this process and, consequently, train patients and the multidisciplinary team involved in this treatment. Materials and Methods: field study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, using a semi-structured questionnaire, to conduct an interview with patients with cutaneous ulcers resulting from leprosy, in follow-up at a Hospital Specialized in Dermatology in the interior of São Paulo, and subsequent data collection in the medical records of each participant to complement the information. Results: 30 interviews were conducted from October 25, 2023 to December 19, 2023. In these interviews, 32 patients were invited to participate in the study, and of these, two did not agree. Final Considerations: In this study, it was observed that all participants have chronic ulcers and factors that negatively influence the healing process. It was observed that there was a lack of information about the diagnosis, systemic factors, hygienic conditions and the degree of disability. Directing the team's approaches in a more assertive way in providing care to these patients.

Automated chronic wounds medical assessment and tracking framework based on deep learning.

Chronic wounds are a latent health problem worldwide, due to high incidence of diseases such as diabetes and Hansen. Typically, wound evolution is tracked by medical staff through visual inspection, which becomes problematic for patients in rural areas with poor transportation and medical infrastructure. Alternatively, the design of software platforms for medical imaging applications has been increasingly prioritized. This work presents a framework for chronic wound tracking based on deep learning, which works on RGB images captured with smartphones, avoiding bulky and complicated acquisition setups. The framework integrates mainstream algorithms for medical image processing, including wound detection, segmentation, as well as quantitative analysis of area and perimeter. Additionally, a new chronic wounds dataset from leprosy patients is provided to the scientific community. Conducted experiments demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed framework, with up to 84.5% in precision.

A Comparative Study on Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma, Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix, Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor, and Collagen Particles in Nonhealing Leg Ulcers.

Background: Nonhealing leg ulcers are challenging to manage and cause significant patient morbidity. To promote healing, newer techniques focus on delivering/enhancing dermal matrix components. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), and collagen particles in treating nonhealing leg ulcers. Materials and Methods: Open, randomized prospective study was conducted in a single tertiary center over 2 years where after fulfilling the criteria, randomization was done into four groups. Group A: Autologous PRP (double spin, manual method, weekly); Group B: Autologous PRFM (weekly); Group C: rhEGF (daily application); and Group D: Collagen particles (weekly) along with cleansing, debris removal, and wound dressing. Treatment endpoints were complete healing/6 months of treatment, whichever was earlier. Follow-up was done two weekly by clinical assessment, photographs, and measurement of the ulcer area. Epi info 7 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 48 patients completed the study, 12 in each group, with mean age: 42.37 ± 4.56 years and male-to-female ratio 2.6:1. Underlying etiology was varicosities (43.75%), traumatic (25%), diabetes (22.91%), and leprosy (8.34%). At baseline, all groups were comparable in terms of patient and ulcer characteristics. Complete healing was seen in 79.17% at the end of 12 weeks: 91.67% of patients from Groups A and B each, and 66.67% from Groups C and D each. The mean time to complete healing was 6.9 ± 2.5 weeks, the least in Group B (4.73 ± 2.3 weeks). Differences between excellent (≥75%) ulcer healing across all groups were statistically significant at the end of 8 weeks where Group B showed maximum improvement. No major adverse events were seen. Conclusion: PRFM resulted in relatively faster ulcer healing compared with other modalities.

Effectiveness of Secretome from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Gel (10% SM-hUCMSC Gel) for Chronic Wounds (Diabetic and Trophic Ulcer) - Phase 2 Clinical Trial.

Background: Chronic wounds carry financial burdens and increase morbidity and mortality, especially in diabetic ulcers and Hansen's Morbus. More than 50% of chronic ulcers are difficult to heal with regular treatment and require new types of therapy such as the use of secretome of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (SM-hUCMSC). Methods: This experimental study was carried out to see the effectiveness of using SM-hUCMSC in diabetic ulcers and Hansen's Morbus in four medical facilities (multicentre). The level of active secretion has been measured by default in 10% SM-hUCMSC gel, used as a treatment intervention. The primary outcome is wound healing in terms of the length, width, and extent of the wound. The secondary is the side effects of treatment 2 weeks after administration. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 1 and 2 weeks post-treatment. Results: Forty-one chronic ulcers successfully followed the study until the end. In patients with chronic ulcers, the mean ulcer length, width, and area were 1.60 (0,50-13,0), 1.3 (0,5-6,0), and 2.21 (0,25-78) cm square, respectively, before interventions and 1 (0-12), 0,8 (0-6,0), and 1 (0-72) square cm after interventions at the second follow-up. The change between the beginning and end of the intervention was significant (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The use of 10% SM-hUCMSC gel topically has been proven effective in accelerating the process of wound healing, especially chronic ulcers with side effects that are not present in this study.

Cicatrização e prognóstico no longo prazo de fraturas radiculares transversais pós-traumáticas: estudo clínico longitudinal / Healing and long-term prognosis of root fractured permanent teeth: a retrospective longitudinal study

Fraturas radiculares são lesões traumáticas dento-alveiolares (LTDA) complexas que afetam dentina, cemento, polpa e o ligamento periodontal, sendo frequente a ocorrência de lesões concomitantes ao fragmento coronário. São lesões relativamente raras com frequências relatadas variando entre 1,2% e 7% das LTDA na dentição permanente, sendo mais comuns em dentes com completo desenvolvimento radicular. O presente estudo consistiu em um levantamento clínico longitudinal retrospectivo para avaliar dados de 87 pacientes, portadores de 104 dentes permanentes com fraturas radiculares transversais, atendidos na Clínica de Traumatismos Dentários da Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG, durante o período de 1995 a 2022. Com base na análise dos prontuários, avaliou-se o padrão radiográfico de cicatrização na linha de fratura, seguindo os critérios estabelecidos por Andreasen e Hjorting-Hansen (1967), em dois momentos: no período inicial após o trauma e ao final do período de acompanhamento. Uma análise de sobrevivência de risco competitivo foi realizada para estimar as taxas dos eventos de cicatrização no período inicial após o trauma, bem como o efeito das variáveis demográficas, clínicas e relacionadas ao tratamento. Os resultados demonstraram um percentual de 51,9% de cicatrização no curto prazo, diagnosticada em até 5 meses após o trauma. A não cicatrização com interposição de tecido de granulação na linha de fratura foi fortemente influenciada pela presença e tipo de lesão concomitante no fragmento coronário. Dentes com fraturas de esmalte e dentina (sHR 24,38, IC 95% [3,16 - 188,3], p = 0,0022), luxações com deslocamentos (sHR 10,58, IC 95% [1,37 - 81,9], p = 0,0240) e subluxações (HR 9,66, IC 95% [1,14 - 81,7], p = 0,0370) apresentaram as maiores taxas de não cicatrização das fraturas radiculares no curto prazo. A taxa de cicatrização no longo prazo foi de 70,1%, a maioria delas com interposição de osso e tecido conjuntivo. A estatística Kappa demonstrou uma concordância global de 67,1% entre as modalidades de cicatrização no período inicial e no longo prazo, especialmente para os padrões tecido mineralizado e tecido conjuntivo/osso.

Root fractures are complex traumatic dental injuries (TDI) affecting dentin, cementum, pulp and supporting tissues, generally associated to concurrent injuries to the coronal fragment. They are uncommon injuries with reported frequencies varying between 1.2% and 7% of all TDI in permanent teeth, being more frequent in teeth with complete root development. In the present study we retrospectively evaluated data from 87 patients with104 root-fractured permanent teeth treated at the Dental Trauma Clinic from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, during the period from 1995 to 2022. Clinical dan radiographic data was collected from patient's records to establish healing patterns in the fracture line, following the criteria established by Andreasen & Hjorting-Hansen (1967), at two moments: in the initial period after the trauma and at the end of the follow-up period. A competing risk survival analysis was performed to estimate rates of healing events in the early period after trauma as well as the effect of demographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables. The results showed a rate of 51.9% of healing in the short term, diagnosed in a maximum median period of 5 months after trauma. Non-healing with interposition of granulation tissue at the fracture line was strongly influenced by the presence and type of concomitant lesion in the coronal fragment. Teeth with associated enamel -dentin fractures (sHR 24.38, 95% CI [3.16 - 188.3], p = 0.0022), luxations with dislocations (sHR 10.58, 95% CI [1.37 - 81.9], p = 0.0240) and subluxations (HR 9.66, 95% CI [1.14 - 81.7], p = 0.0370) had the highest rates of non-healing of root fractures in the short term. The long-term healing rate was 70.1%, most of them with interposition of bone and connective tissue. Kappa statistics demonstrated an overall agreement of 67.1% between short and long-term healing patterns, in special HT and CT+ Bone modalities.

Neuropathic ulcers in leprosy: clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

Leprosy is a neglected disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, and is related to significant disabilities resulting from the neural damage generated by this mycobacteria. Neuropathic ulcers-lesions that can appear at the plantar and extra-plantar levels-are one such disability, and diagnosis requires an adequate dermatological, neurological and microbiological evaluation. The treatment of these lesions is based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes debridement of the necrotic tissue, controlling infections, reducing pressure areas, optimising blood flow, and nerve decompression. This review aims to describe the clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment of neuropathic ulcers in leprosy. The diagnostic methods and medical management used in leprosy ulcers are based on those used for diabetic foot. This requires radical change as these diseases are immunologically and physiologically very different.

Honey in wound healing: An updated review.

Wound healing is a complex process with many interdependent pathophysiological and immunological mediators to restore the cellular integrity of damaged tissue. Cutaneous wound healing is the repair response to a multitude of pathologies induced by trauma, surgery, and burn leading to the restoration and functionality of the compromised cells. Many different methods have been employed to treat acute and chronic wounds, such as antimicrobial therapy, as most wounds are susceptible to infection from microbes and are difficult to treat. However, many antimicrobial agents have become ineffective in wound treatment due to the emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria, and failures in current wound treatment methods have been widely reported. For this reason, alternative therapies have been sought, one of which is the use of honey as a wound treatment agent. The use of honey has recently gained clinical popularity for possible use in wound treatment and regenerative medicine. With this high demand, a better delivery and application procedure is required, as well as research aiming at its bioactivity. Honey is a safe natural substance, effective in the inhibition of bacterial growth and the treatment of a broad range of wound types, including burns, scratches, diabetic boils (Skin abscesses associated with diabetic), malignancies, leprosy, fistulas, leg ulcers, traumatic boils, cervical and varicose ulcers, amputation, burst abdominal wounds, septic and surgical wounds, cracked nipples, and wounds in the abdominal wall. Honey comprises a wide variety of active compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acid, organic acids, enzymes, and vitamins, that may act to improve the wound healing process. Tissue-engineered scaffolds have recently attracted a great deal of attention, and various scaffold fabrication techniques are being researched. Some incorporate honey to improve their delivery during wound treatment. Hence, the aim of this review is to summarize recent studies on the wound healing properties of honey.

Common late complications of longitudinal forefoot amputations in neuropathic foot treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify the complications arising in consecutive neuropathic patients undergoing partial longitudinal amputations of the foot. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted with data collected from the medical records of patients monitored at the Insensitive Foot Clinic of the Foot and Ankle Group of our institution who underwent partial amputation of foot rays from 2000 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 31 amputated/partially amputated feet. Of these, 18 (58.1%) feet were amputated/partially amputated due to diabetes, seven (22.6%) due to leprosy, two (6.5%) due to alcoholic neuropathy, two (6.5%) secondary to traumatic peripheral nerve injury, and two (6.5%) due to other causes. Fifth ray amputation was the most frequent type (n=12). The cause of amputation was the presence of an infected ulcer in 93.6% of the samples. At a mean follow-up time of 60 months, 13 (41.9%) feet required new amputations-five (38.5%) transtibial, five (38.5%) transmetatarsal, two (15.4%) of the toes, and one (7.7%) at Chopart's joint. Patients with diabetes had a 50.0% reamputation rate. Patients who initially underwent amputation of the fifth ray had a 58.3% reamputation rate. CONCLUSION: Partial longitudinal amputation of the foot in neuropathic patients exhibited a high reoperation rate, especially in patients with diabetes or in patients with initial amputation of the peripheral rays. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Use of Customized Bacteriophages in the Treatment of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds: A Prospective Study.

Nonhealing ulcers are a great challenge to surgeons as they may occasionally culminate in amputation of the affected part. Mostly nonhealing of wounds results due to infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and subsequent biofilm formation. However, customized bacteriophage therapy may take care of both of the above-mentioned hurdles. A total of 48 study subjects of age group 12 to 70 years, having minimum one eligible full-thickness wound and failed to heal in 6-week duration with conventional therapy, were included in this exploratory prospective study. Patients with systemic diseases, that is, burn, malignancy, dermatological disorders, and ulcers with leprosy or tuberculosis, were excluded. However, subjects having diabetes and hypertension were included in the study. The customized monophage for single bacterial infection and cocktail of phages specific to 2 or more infecting bacteria were applied on an alternate day over the wound surface. A total of 5 to 7 applications were made till the wound became free of infecting bacteria. The study period extended from August 2018 to May 2019. The study subjects were followed for 3 months since the start of therapy. A cure rate of 81.2% could be obtained, of which 90.5% (19/21) patients were nondiabetic and 74.1% (20/27) diabetic. The wounds infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae were observed with relatively delayed healing. Post phage therapy, the mean hemoglobin level and percentage of lymphocytes increased significantly. The customized local phage therapy is very promising in nonhealing ulcers.

Commingled crypts: Comparative health among Byzantine monastics in the Levant.

OBJECTIVES: Early Byzantine (A.D. 330-842) monastic rules stipulated that entrants relinquished familial connections, personal belongings and secular relationships to become part of the ascetic collective that continued in death, resulting in bioarchaeological marginalization, as was the case of the monastics excavated from the Chapel of Robebus at Mount Nebo, Jordan (ca. A.D. 491-640). It was hypothesized that compared to contemporary monastic groups, the Mount Nebo monastics experienced poorer health and gravitated to Mount Nebo, owing to its association with the Prophet Moses and proximity to the Dead Sea, Livias baths and Jordan River, all associated with curative benefits, especially for those suffering from leprosy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The commingled remains of 73 adult males from Mount Nebo and the articulated skeletons (n = 27) from the Sanctuary of Agios Lot at Deir 'Ain 'Abata (Jordan) were assessed for paleopathology, then compared with a contemporary commingled group from the Monastery of Saint Euthymius at Khan-el-Ahmar (Judean Desert) (n = 117). RESULTS: No skeletal evidence of leprosy was observed among the groups. Most Mount Nebo individuals did not reach an older age, yet injuries, severe osteoarthritis, lower leg osteoperiostitis and antemortem tooth loss were common. The paleopathological profile was similar at Deir 'Ain 'Abata, but paleopathology was negligible at Khan-el-Ahmar. CONCLUSIONS: The similar paleopathological profiles of the Jordanian monastic groups suggest that the proximity to the Dead Sea may have attracted monastics to both sites, in addition to spirituality, but leprosy was not a factor based on the skeletal evidence.

Effective Healing of Leprosy Chronic Plantar Ulcers by Application of Human Amniotic Membrane Stem Cell Secretome Gel.

BACKGROUND: Chronic plantar ulcers are common problems for leprosy patients with numb feet due to their prolonged healing time. Chronic plantar ulcers affect the quality of life of patients and can lead to more serious complications, such as disability and deformity, if not handled appropriately. Wound-care products in the market, however, give unsatisfactory results. One factor in the delayed healing of chronic plantar ulcers due to leprosy is the lack of growth factors and cytokines in the wound due to reduced blood supply. We speculated that application of human amniotic membrane stem cell (hAMSC) secretome, which contains growth factors and cytokines, could improve wound healing. AIM: To evaluate the effect of topical application of a hAMSC secretome gel on wound healing of chronic plantar ulcers due to leprosy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 11 patients after leprosy treatment with chronic plantar ulcers due to leprosy. hAMSC secretome gel was applied topically to ulcers every 3 days for up to 2 months. Ulcer size and possible side effects or complications from gel application were evaluated weekly. RESULTS: The ulcers of 8 of 11 patients (72.7%) completely healed, the ulcers of 2 patients (18.2%) partially healed, and the ulcers of 1 patient (9.1%) persisted. No ulcers became worse. CONCLUSION: hAMSC secretome was found to be an efficacious and well-tolerated alternative therapy for chronic plantar ulcers due to leprosy.

Social stigma, adherence to medication and motivation for healing: A cross-sectional study of leprosy patients at Jember Public Health Center, Indonesia.

OBJECTIVES: Social stigma surrounding leprosy patients (LPs) in the community is still related to the adherence of these patients to medication and to their internal motivation for healing. Unfortunately, the leprosy case programme has not been optimally established in public health centres (PHCs). The aim of this study was to assess the social stigma towards adherence to medication and motivation for healing among LPs in PHCs in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2017 at PHCs in Jember, Indonesia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and secondary data related to medical treatment was assessed from PHCs' medical records. The data were analysed using a t-test and a Chi-square test, while linear regression was used to evaluate factors that could influence LPs' adherence to medication and their motivation for healing. RESULTS: Among the 35 LPs in this study, 25.7% and 74.3%, respectively, had paucibacillary and multibacillary types of leprosy. The type of leprosy was associated with the length of time patients were infected with the disease, their adherence to medication and their motivation for healing. The factors that influenced adherence to medication and motivation for healing were the time period that the LP remained infected and the type of leprosy. CONCLUSIONS: Infection period and type of leprosy were associated with adherence to medication and motivation for healing in the community. Efforts should be made to find active cases of leprosy at PHCs. Activities at PHCs should include self-care groups to improve LP adherence to medication and their motivation for healing in the community.

Robust, Self-Healing, and Multistimuli-Responsive Supergelator for the Visual Recognition and Separation of Short-Chain Cycloalkanes and Alkanes.

In this study, we show that a novel kind of cholesterol-based gelator NPS containing pyridyl and naphthalimide units can visually discriminate cyclohexane/cyclopentane from hexane/pentane on the basis of distinct optical differences in the gel platform, which is not observed in solution. The effect of congeneric solvents on the gel properties, such as morphology, rheology, and stimuli-responsive properties, is also studied. Intriguingly, NPS can form self-supporting, self-healing, fluorescent, and highly visible transmittance gels in cyclohexane that can selectively and visually respond to picric acid. It is deduced that NPS adopted H-type aggregation mode in cyclohexane, and the gel exhibits a strong green emission, whereas, in hexane, J-type aggregates of NPS molecules are observed with yellow emission. Correlations between the gelation properties and Hansen solubility parameters indicate that the dispersion interactions are the main factor for the selective gelation of NPS toward short-chain alkanes. A comparison of Hansen solvent parameters indicated that a similar energetic weight of the hydrogen-bonding units is the major contribution for the strong and specific interaction between NPS and cyclohexane. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the NPS xerogel can selectively solidify cyclohexane in the single-phase liquid of solvent mixtures, exhibiting fast gelation, high separation efficiency (>92%), and easy recycling of gelator and liquids. To the best of our knowledge, herein, we report the first paradigm that molecular gel formation is developed to visually discriminate and separate organic analogues of solvents with similar polarity.

Lepra: doença, isolamento e segregação no contexto colonial em Moçambique / Leprosy: disease, isolation, and segregation in colonial Mozambique

Resumo A partir de documentação produzida entre a primeira metade do século XIX e a primeira metade do século XX, prioritariamente relatórios médicos, o artigo aponta as concepções vigentes na comunidade médica colonial e entre as populações locais sobre a lepra, suas manifestações e seu enfrentamento. Enfoca as tensões quanto à prática de segregação dos leprosos e suas implicações sanitárias e sociais. Para compreender as raízes dos discursos e estratégias no meio médico português e colonial, recupera-se a trajetória das definições de isolamento, segregação, lepra e suas aplicações, ou ausência de referência, na literatura de missionários, cronistas e médicos em Angola e Moçambique a partir da segunda metade do século XVII.

Abstract Drawing on documents produced between the early nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, mainly medical reports, this paper indicates the prevailing conceptions in the colonial medical community and local populations about leprosy, its manifestations, and how to deal with it. It focuses on the tensions concerning the practice of segregating lepers and its social and sanitation implications. To comprehend the roots of the discourses and strategies in the Portuguese and colonial medical environment, the trajectory of the definitions of isolation, segregation, and leprosy are traced, as are their use in or absence from the writings of missionaries, chroniclers, and doctors in Angola and Mozambique as of the second half of the seventeenth century.

Platelet Rich Plasma: Efficacy in Treating Trophic Ulcers in Leprosy.

INTRODUCTION: Trophic ulcers secondary to leprosy pose a great stigma to the patients and remain a challenge to the treating dermatologists. The discovery of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with its favourable role in wound healing is a boon for the patients. PRP introduces the growth factors directly into the wound and aids in rapid healing. AIM: To study the efficacy and safety of PRP in the healing of trophic ulcers secondary to Hansen's disease in a tertiary care centre in Southern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 patients were enrolled in the study. PRP was prepared by manual double spin method. After wound bed preparation, activated PRP was sprayed over the ulcer and occlusive dressings were applied. Same procedure was repeated every week until complete re-epithelisation or up to six sittings whichever occurred earlier. RESULTS: In our study, 46 patients (92%) showed complete healing. In 4 patients (8%), there was marked reduction in wound size with partial re-epithelization. In 88%, complete healing was seen after the fourth sitting. Mean time for ulcer healing was around 4.38 weeks. CONCLUSION: PRP therapy leads to faster rate of induction of granulation tissue with rapid healing. Healing had no direct statistical correlation with the size, site and duration of ulcer, the leprosy spectrum and associated motor deformities. It is a simple, safe and cost effective in-office procedure, albeit requiring an optimal set-up and expertise.

Healing of Horizontal Intra-alveolar Root Fractures after Endodontic Treatment with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the healing type and assess the outcome of horizontal intra-alveolar root fractures after endodontic treatment with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as filling material. METHODS: The clinical database of the Department of Conservative Dentistry at Yonsei University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea, was searched for patients with histories of intra-alveolar root fractures and endodontic treatments with MTA between October 2005 and September 2014. Radiographic healing at the fracture line was evaluated independently by 2 examiners and was classified into 4 types according to Andreasen and Hjørting-Hansen. RESULTS: Of the 22 root-fractured teeth that received endodontic treatment with MTA, 19 cases participated in the follow-up after a period of at least 3 months. Seventeen of the 19 teeth (89.5%) exhibited healing of the root fractures. For each healing type, 7 teeth (36.8%) showed healing with calcified tissue, 8 teeth (42.1%) showed interposition of connective tissue, 2 teeth (10.5%) showed interposition of connective tissue and bone, and 2 teeth (10.5%) showed interposition of granulation tissue without healing. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, intra-alveolar root fractures showed satisfactory healing outcomes after endodontic treatment with MTA. MTA could be considered to be suitable filling material for the endodontic treatment of horizontal intra-alveolar root fractures.

Effect of the triterpene 3ß, 6ß, 16ß-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene isolated from the leaves of Combretum leprosum Mart. on cutaneous wounds in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Combretum leprosum Mart. is a native species of the Caatinga, an important biome in the Brazilian semi-arid region. This species is commonly used in Brazil as a healing agent, as well as for the treatment of skin diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the healing potential of the ethanolic extract (EECL) and the bioactive triterpene 3ß, 6ß, 16ß-trihydroxylup-20 (29)-ene (CLF-1) isolated from the leaves of C. leprosum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin wounds (1cm(2)) were created in the dorsal zone of mice with a scalpel blade number 15. The treatment consisted in a daily topical application of 100 µl of 150 mM NaCl, EECL and CLF-1 (at 10 µg/100 µl) for 12 days. The lesions were then macro and microscopically evaluated. RESULTS: On postoperative day (POD) 2, the lesions treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed a moderate presence of vessels of the granulation tissue progressing in the dermis. The same effect was not observed in the control group. The treatment with EECL and CLF-1 stimulated angiogenesis, resulting in a rapid deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, the animals treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed smaller lesions on POD 7, primarily due to the contraction in the reticular dermis induced by organization of myofibroblasts, which was not observed in the group treated with NaCl. In addition, the lesions treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed ECM restructuration and presence of epithelium coating, which was not observed in the group treated with NaCl, in which the lesions showed no epithelial lining, suggesting delayed healing. CONCLUSION: CLF-1 isolated from the leaves of C. leprosum may be considered to be an important molecule for the treatment of skin lesions. However, further investigations are necessary to establish its role in chronic lesions and to elucidate the mechanism of action involved in the cutaneous healing process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the pro-healing activity of the ethanolic extract and the triterpene 3ß, 6ß, 16ß-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene isolated from leaves of C. leprosum.

Traditional vs. non-traditional healing for minor and major morbidities in India: uses, cost and quality comparisons.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the uses, cost and quality of care of traditional healing for short-term morbidities and major morbidities in India and to compare them with the non-traditional healing. METHODS: We used data from a nationally representative survey, the India Human Development Survey (2004-2005) and descriptive as well as bivariate analyses for the examination. RESULTS: Use of traditional healing is much less common than use of non-traditional healing in both rural and urban areas and across all socio-economic and demographic characteristics; it is slightly more common in rural than urban areas for short-term morbidities. Use of traditional healing is relatively more frequent for cataract (especially in rural areas), leprosy, asthma, polio, paralysis, epilepsy and mental illnesses; its total cost of care and mean waiting time (in the health facility) are substantially lower than for non-traditional healing. Among patients who use both traditional and non-traditional healing, a relatively higher proportion use traditional healing complemented by non-traditional healing for short-term illnesses, but vice versa for major morbidities. CONCLUSION: This is the first study which has investigated at the national level the uses, complementarities, cost and quality aspects of traditional and non-traditional healing in India. Traditional healing is more affordable and pro-poor. Relatively higher use of traditional healing in patients from poorly educated as well as poor households and suffering from diseases, such as, epilepsy and mental illnesses; and higher demand for traditional healing for the above diseases highlight the need for research/policy reorientation in India.

Caracterização Nutricional de Pacientes com Úlceras Crônicas de Membros Inferiores em Tratamento no Ambulatório de Feridas do Campus Cedeteg da UNICENTRO, Guarapuava-PR / Nutritional Characterization of Patients with Chronic Ulcer of Lower Limb in the Outpatient Treatment of Wounds of the Campus Cedeteg Unicentro, Guarapuava-PR

Pacientes com úlceras crônicas, muitas vezes, apresentam hábitos alimentares inadequados que dificultam a cicatrização, seja pela falta denutrientes ou pelo excesso destes. Sendo assim, objetivou-se caracterizar o estado nutricional e a prevalência de doenças crônicas de pacientescom úlceras nos membros inferiores em tratamento no Ambulatório de Feridas do Campus Cedeteg da Unicentro, Guarapuava - PR. Estudotransversal quantitativo, constituído por 36 pacientes. Os dados foram obtidos em formulários estruturados. Para análise estatística foi utilizadoo programa SPSS versão 15.0 para Windows, considerando-se 5% de significância. As idades variaram de 40 a 76 anos. O tipo de úlcera maispresente na amostra foi a venosa com 72% (n=26), seguido de neuropática por hanseníase com 20% (n=7). A doença crônica mais prevalentefoi hipertensão arterial sistêmica (52,8%), seguido de insuficiência venosa (30,6%), diabetes melittus (19,4%) e obesidade (33,3%). Segundoo Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), 41,6% apresentou eutrofia e de acordo com a circunferência da cintura (CC), 75% da amostra apresentoua medida acima do recomendado. Os valores de ingestão de nutrientes encontraram-se abaixo do recomendado para homens e para mulherespara vitamina A (p=0,0001 e p=0,002), vitamina C (p=0,001 e 0,016), zinco (p=0,080 e p=0,001) e de proteínas somente para as mulheres(p=0,020). Ainda, o grupo dos homens, apresentou uma ingestão adequada de calorias e elevada de proteínas e ferro. Percebeu-se que essespacientes necessitam de estratégias voltadas para a alimentação e controle das comorbidades, a fim de favorecer a cicatrização das úlceras.

Patients with chronic ulcers often have poor dietary habits that hinder the healing process, or by the lack of nutrients or excess thereof.Therefore, the objective was to characterize the nutritional status and the prevalence of chronic diseases of patients with leg ulcers treated atthe Clinic Wound Campus CEDETEG of Unicentro, Guarapuava - PR. Quantitative cross-sectional study consisting of 36 patients. Data wereobtained from structured forms. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 15.0 for Windows, considering 5% significance level.Their ages ranged from 40 to 76 years. The type of ulcer longer present in the venous sample was 72% (n=26), followed by neuropathic leprosywith 20% (n=7). The disease was most prevalent chronic hypertension (52.8%), followed by venous insufficiency (30.6%), diabetes mellitus(19.4%) and obesity (33.3%). According to the body mass index (BMI), 41.6% had normal weight and according to waist circumference (WC),75% showed the measure above recommended. The values of nutrient intake were found below recommended for men and women for vitaminA (p = 0.000 and p=0.002), vitamin C (p=0.00 and 0.016), zinc (p=0.080 and p=0.001) and protein only for women (p=0.020). Still, the groupof men had an adequate intake of calories and high in protein and iron. It was noticed that these patients need strategies for power and controlof comorbidities in order to promote the healing of ulcers.