Search Results (2,643)

Since March 2021, a series of volcanic eruptions on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has repeatedly triggered wildfires in moss-dominated heathlands—an unprecedented phenomenon in this environment. These fires have consumed extensive organic material, posing emerging health risks and long-term ecological impacts. Using high-resolution multispectral satellite data from the Copernicus program, we present the first quantitative assessment of the spatial and temporal dynamics of volcanic wildfire activity. Our analysis reveals a cumulative burned area extending 11.4 km² beyond the lava flows, primarily across low-relief terrain. Time series of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) capture both localized fire scars and diffuse, landscape-scale burn patterns, followed by slow and spatially heterogeneous recovery. Complementary ground surveys conducted in August 2024 document diverse post-fire successional pathways, with vegetation regrowth and species composition strongly governed by microtopography and substrate texture. Together, these results demonstrate that volcanic wildfires represent a novel and consequential secondary disturbance in Icelandic volcanic systems, highlighting the complex and protracted recovery dynamics of moss heath ecosystems following fire-induced perturbation. Full article

Skin scarring, including hypertrophic scars and keloids, often results from dysregulated collagen deposition during wound healing. Tropocollagen (TC), the soluble triple-helical precursor of collagen fibers, serves as the fundamental structural unit of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and plays a pivotal role in tissue repair. This review summarizes current knowledge on collagen and TC in wound healing, scar management, and regenerative dermatology. TC self-assembles into fibrils, providing structural support, while interacting with fibroblasts and growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to regulate ECM remodeling, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Various collagen preparations, including hydrolyzed collagen, gelatin, and native fibrillar forms, differ in molecular structure, bioavailability, and therapeutic applications. Emerging strategies, including collagen- and TC-based hydrogels, nanomaterial composites, and smart wound dressings, enhance stability, targeted delivery, and clinical efficacy. Despite promising preclinical and early clinical data, standardized preparations and robust randomized trials are needed to validate TC’s therapeutic potential and optimize its application in scar prevention and wound repair. Full article

Medical image segmentation has been a central research focus in deep learning, but methods based on convolutions have limitations in modeling the long-range validity of images. To overcome this issue, hybrid CNN-Transformer architectures have been explored, with SwinUNet being a classic approach. However, SwinUNet still faces challenges such as insufficient modeling of relative position information, limited feature fusion capabilities in skip connections, and the loss of translational invariance caused by Patch Merging. To overcome these limitations, the architecture RE-XswinUnet is presented as a novel solution for medical image segmentation. In our design, relative position biases are replaced with rotary position embedding to enhance the model’s ability to extract detailed information. During the decoding stage, XskipNet is designed to improve cross-scale feature fusion and learning capabilities. Additionally, an SCAR Block downsampling module is incorporated to preserve translational invariance more effectively. The experimental results demonstrate that RE-XswinUnet achieves improvements of 2.65% and 0.95% in Dice coefficients on the Synapse multi-organ and ACDC datasets, respectively, validating its superiority in medical image segmentation tasks. Full article

Background: Myocardial scar and fibrosis predict adverse cardiac outcomes. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for detection. However, it requires gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), which may be unsuitable for some patients. Cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences are universally acquired in routine CMR. They may enable contrast-free scar detection via radiomics analysis. Aim: To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of cine CMR radiomics for myocardial scar or fibrosis detection. The reference standard is visual or threshold-based LGE. Methods: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251121699). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to 8 August 2025. Eligible studies compared cine CMR radiomics with LGE-based assessment in patients with suspected or known scar/fibrosis. Quality was assessed using QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score (RQS). Results: Five retrospective studies (n = 1484) were included. Two focused on myocardial infarction, two on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and one on ischaemic versus dilated cardiomyopathy. Diagnostic performance was good to excellent (AUC 0.74–0.96). Methodological heterogeneity was substantial in reference standards, segmentation, preprocessing, feature selection, and modelling. Only one study used external validation. QUADAS-2 showed high bias risk in patient selection and index test domains. RQS scores were low (30–42%), indicating limited reproducibility and validation. Conclusions: Cine CMR radiomics shows promise as a non-contrast alternative for detecting myocardial scar and fibrosis. However, methodological standardisation, multicentre validation, and prospective studies are needed before clinical adoption. Full article

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cardiovascular event and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Beyond the initial ischemic injury, the inflammatory and immune responses play pivotal roles in both tissue damage and subsequent healing. While the anti-inflammatory strategies targeting neutrophil-driven injury have demonstrated potential in limiting early cardiac damage, growing evidence highlights the critical role of innate immune cells beyond the acute phase. Neutrophils, traditionally associated with tissue injury, also contribute to the resolution of inflammation and initiate key repair processes. Monocytes and macrophages follow a dynamic trajectory, transitioning from pro-inflammatory to reparative states, and play essential roles in debris clearance, angiogenesis, and scar formation. In the early inflammatory phase of acute MI, immune cells such as neutrophils and monocytes are rapidly recruited and activated. While they initially amplify inflammation through the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, their subsequent transition toward anti-inflammatory and reparative phenotypes helps limit tissue damage by clearing necrotic debris from the infarcted area and contributes to the resolution of inflammation. Accumulating evidence reveals a complex crosstalk between neutrophils and macrophages post-MI, with resident macrophages being involved in neutrophil recruitment, and neutrophil-derived signals participating in monocyte recruitment and macrophage polarization, thereby coordinating the spatial and temporal phases of cardiac repair. Understanding how neutrophil-derived mediators influence macrophage responses and whether macrophage-secreted factors reciprocally modulate neutrophil behavior opens promising pathways for developing targeted therapies to limit adverse remodeling following MI. Therefore, this review aims to (i) provide an overview of the roles of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction, (ii) explore the mechanisms of communication, particularly via neutrophil-derived secreted factors, that influence monocyte/macrophage function and impact post-MI inflammation, repair, and remodeling, and (iii) highlight the potential therapies interfering with inflammation and neutrophil/macrophage cross-talk. Full article

State-of-the-art historical global burned area (BA) products largely rely on MODIS data, offering long temporal coverage but limited spatial resolution. As a result, small fires and complex landscapes remain underrepresented in global fire history reconstructions. By contrast, Landsat provides the only continuous satellite record extending back to the 1980s, with substantially finer resolution. However, its use at a global scale has long been hindered by infrequent revisit times, cloud contamination, massive data volumes, and processing demands. We compared MODIS FireCCI51 with the only existing Landsat-based global product, GABAM, in a mountainous region characterized by frequent, small-scale fires. GABAM detected a higher number of burn scars, including small events, with higher Producer’s Accuracy (0.68 vs. 0.08) and similar User’s Accuracy (0.85 vs. 0.83). These results emphasize the value of Landsat for reconstructing past fire regimes in complex landscapes. Crucially, recent advances in cloud computing, data cubes, and processing pipelines now remove many of the former barriers to exploiting the Landsat archive globally. A more systematic integration of Landsat data into MODIS-based routines may help produce more complete and accurate databases of historical fire activity, ultimately enabling improved understanding of long-term global fire dynamics. Full article

Fractional laser photothermolysis, long established in dermatology, enables controlled microthermal injury that stimulates repair without scarring, but its potential in oral tissue regeneration has not been systematically explored. In this study, we conducted the first controlled experimental evaluation of a 1550 nm erbium fiber laser for oral mucosa regeneration. Thirty-two rabbits underwent fractional photothermolysis at energy levels of 70, 100 and 130 kJ, with gingival biopsies collected at 1, 14, 28 and 42 days for histological and immunohistochemical assessment of epithelial repair, stromal remodeling, inflammation and angiogenesis. All energy modes produced microcoagulation columns followed by progressive epithelial thickening, fibroblast proliferation and neoangiogenesis. The 70 kJ mode occasionally led to residual fibrosis, whereas higher energies (100–130 kJ) promoted effective connective tissue remodeling and de novo tissue formation without scarring. Complete epithelial recovery occurred within two weeks, indicating a safe and optimal interval for repeated exposure. Overall, the results demonstrate that 1550 nm fractional photothermolysis is a safe and effective method to induce regenerative responses in oral tissues, establishing a foundation for its translational application in periodontal and peri-implant regeneration. Full article

Tendon injuries affect millions of people globally and are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, frequently resulting in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. While conservative and surgical treatments are available, limitations such as low healing capacity, scar formation, and reduced biomechanics necessitate alternative approaches. Tissue engineering offers a promising solution by combining cells, scaffolds, and bioactive molecules to regenerate tendon tissue. This review presents key concepts and emerging trends, highlighting the cellular components, scaffold materials, and manufacturing processes. Tenocytes and mesenchymal stem cells are fundamental for tissue regeneration, as they synthesize extracellular matrix components and regulate inflammatory responses. Various natural and synthetic polymers have been fabricated into scaffolds that mimic the structure and biomechanics of natural tendons. Composite and hybrid scaffolds are utilized to improve the biocompatibility of natural materials with the mechanical stability of synthetic materials. Advanced technologies, such as electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3D bioprinting, enable the creation of scaffolds with defined architecture and functional gradients, improving cell alignment, differentiation, and tendon–bone integration. Although promising preclinical data exists, major challenges remain in translating these strategies clinically, particularly vascularization, immune rejection, and mechanical stability. Continued interdisciplinary attempts in biomaterials science, cellular biology, and engineering are crucial to advancing clinically viable tendon tissue engineering. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hysterectomy is the most common gynecologic surgical procedure. While extensive research has been conducted on the advantages of laparoscopy, the gynecology literature lacks sufficient studies on scar-related outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cosmetic outcomes. In this regard, this study aimed to compare cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction between laparotomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy cases performed at our tertiary university hospital center. Methods: Patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic reasons were included in the study. The study group consisted of patients who had surgery via the laparoscopic technique, while the control group comprised patients who had laparotomy through a transverse abdominal incision (Pfannenstiel). Postoperative scar areas, scar thickness, color, height, and pain scores were evaluated after the 12th postoperative month. A digital caliper was used to calculate the scar area. Scar satisfaction and general body perceptions were assessed using questionnaires. Results: The mean scar area was significantly lower in the study group (p = 0.003). The physician’s scar assessments revealed no significant differences between the Manchester Scar Scale, POSAS Observer Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, and SCAR Scale. The mean POSAS Patient Scale score, which assesses patients’ opinions of postoperative scars, was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. In contrast, the Body Image Questionnaire score was higher (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in mean Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Body-Cathexis Scale scores. Conclusions: The patients in the study group were more satisfied with their scars but less satisfied with their body image. Contrary to general expectations, the patients were found to be less satisfied with the visible scar outcomes on the abdominal wall resulting from multi-port surgical procedures. Studies are needed to inform patients about scars before operations, select ports for use during operations, and evaluate the effect of the port-site surgical repair technique on cosmetic outcomes. Full article

Additively manufactured maraging steel components often require surface engineering to achieve superior wear resistance for demanding industrial applications. This study investigates 18Ni300 maraging steel manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), comparing non-aged and pre-aged (480 °C × 6 h) specimens to systematically analyze the effects of nitriding duration (0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 60 h) on nitride layer microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance. Results show that the non-aged specimen, with its supersaturated solid solution matrix, exhibits slower nitride layer growth; a thin, dense nitride layer formed after 24 h of nitriding minimizes the wear depth (−9.043 μm) for optimal friction reduction. In the pre-aged specimen, matrix refinement, through intermetallic compound precipitation, enables a 211 μm nitride layer to form after 48 h of nitriding, elevating surface hardness to 650 HV, and creating a gradient structure (“high-hardness surface + strengthened matrix”), which yields the narrowest and shallowest wear scars and superior wear resistance. The experiments demonstrate that nitriding processes must align with matrix states; 24 h nitriding suits non-aged steel, while 48 h is optimal for aged steel, providing critical guidance for optimizing surface strengthening in additively manufactured 18Ni300 steel. Full article

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a common inflammatory disease affecting skin, mucous membranes, hairs, and nails, with an unpredictable course involving remissions and relapses. LP is a Type-I-Inflammation disease involving IFN-γ and IL-17 as key inflammatory mediators. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar search engines for studies on the esophageal manifestation of lichen planus over an unlimited time frame. Articles were searched with combinations of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Given the limited number of publications, no exclusion criteria were applied. Results: Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is an underreported manifestation of LP that primarily affects middle-aged women. Its prevalence among LP patients remains to be defined. Though potentially clinically silent, ELP can significantly impact patient wellbeing and serve as a precursor to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. While dysphagia is the primary symptom, the condition may also remain subclinical. The endoscopic hallmarks of ELP are mucosal denudation and tearing, trachealization, and hyperkeratosis. Chronic disease progression may lead to scarring esophageal stenosis. Histologically, ELP shows mucosal detachment, T-lymphocytic infiltrations, epithelial cell apoptosis (Civatte bodies), dyskeratosis, and hyperkeratosis. Fibrinogen deposits along the basement membrane zone distinguish ELP from various immunological esophageal diseases. There is currently no standardized therapy available. Topical steroids lead to symptomatic and histologic improvements in two-thirds of patients. Severe or refractory cases require immunosuppressive therapy, whereas JAK-inhibitors represent a promising emerging option. Endoscopic dilation helps symptomatic stenosis. Considering ELP’s precancerous potential, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications, such as stenosis or invasive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: ELP is an underdiagnosed and underreported manifestation of LP. While it may remain clinically silent, it can nevertheless significantly affect patients’ wellbeing and life expectancy. This narrative review aims to initiate multidisciplinary cooperation among gastroenterologists, dermatologists, oral health professionals, and histopathologists to support clinical diagnosis and management. Full article

Wound healing is a delicately regulated pathophysiological process based on molecular, cellular, and tissue interactions. Mast cells (MCs) are involved in the reparative process in all phases of wound healing, which indicates their general significance in reparative processes. The structural and functional changes in the MCs during the healing process correspond to the phase of the wound process and determine its course. In the inflammatory phase, rapid whole-granular degranulation of MCs with the secretion of biologically active proinflammatory substances that have a stimulating effect on inflammatory cells prevailed. In the proliferation phase, the maximum number of MCs per unit area of wound tissue and the maximum degranulation index were noted. In the phase of granulated tissue remodeling, the amount and functional activity of MCs sharply decrease, which contributes to the completion of the healing process with the formation of a fully fledged normotrophic scar. The gradual degranulation of MCs was characteristic of the proliferation and remodeling phases. The treatment of purulent wounds with a drug from the polyhexamethylene guanidine group with the antiseptic polyhexanide 0.1% contributed to a temporary shift in the phases of the wound process while maintaining its general patterns, while the activation of the process occurred at an earlier time than in the control group of animals without local treatment. The results obtained showed that the use of a drug from the polyhexamethylene guanidine group with the antiseptic polyhexanide 0.1% for the treatment of purulent wounds quickly stops the inflammatory response and creates conditions for the development of the reparative abilities of granulation tissue cells, and primarily, mast cells. Full article

Background and Objectives: Uterine ectopic pregnancy includes uterine extraendometrial forms such as cervical, intramural, and interstitial pregnancies, whose incidence is increasing with prior uterine surgery and assisted reproduction. Unlike cesarean scar pregnancy, which is known to occasionally progress to term, the potential for these other types to continue beyond the first trimester remains poorly defined. This review evaluates reported cases carried to viability, focusing on maternal and neonatal outcomes and identifying prognostic factors influencing progression. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251070864). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to June 2025 identified English-language case reports of uterine ectopic pregnancies (cervical, intramural, or interstitial) resulting in live birth. Data on maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, pregnancy course, delivery outcomes, and neonatal parameters were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Results: Uterine ectopic pregnancies were frequently misdiagnosed, with definitive diagnosis established only at delivery in 85% of cases. The majority of patients presented with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, and maternal morbidity was considerable: two-thirds required hysterectomy, and blood transfusions were often necessary due to severe hemorrhage. Fourteen live births were reported (nine interstitial, four cervical, and one intramural). Neonatal survival was primarily dependent on gestational age at delivery, while successful continuation of pregnancy appeared favored by implantation in more distensible myometrial regions and the presence of residual endometrial tissue. Conclusions: An increased amount of endometrium and greater myometrial distensibility at the implantation site enhance the likelihood of uterine ectopic pregnancies progressing to viability. These factors should guide early diagnosis, patient counseling, and individualized management, considering gestational age, implantation type, and future fertility goals. Full article

Background: Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is widely used in infants with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections and renal scarring. However, this practice entails prolonged low-dose antibiotic exposure during a critical period of microbiome establishment, potentially influencing long-term microbial and immune development. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to September 2025 for studies evaluating gut or urinary microbiome changes in children receiving CAP for VUR. Eligible studies included human participants under 18 years with microbiome outcomes assessed by sequencing or culture-based methods. Results: Twenty-one records were identified, and four studies met inclusion criteria—three observational microbiome studies and one randomized controlled trial. CAP preserved overall microbial alpha diversity but induced compositional changes, notably enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae and reduction in Bifidobacteriaceae. The included RCT confirmed reduced UTI recurrence but increased antimicrobial resistance and non–E. coli infections. Conclusions: CAP in early life maintains microbial diversity but alters microbiota composition and resistance profiles. Identifying these shifts may support individualized prophylaxis strategies and microbiome-preserving interventions to balance infection prevention with ecological safety in infancy. Full article

Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are commonly used for wound closure due to their short synthesis time, aesthetic outcomes, and minimal discomfort. However, reported adverse effects include the release of cytotoxic metabolites, inflammation, and foreign body reactions. This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of three cyanoacrylate-based adhesives for skin incision closure in Rattus norvegicus. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the type of monomer: G1 (n-2-ethyl-cyanoacrylate), G2 (n-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate), and G3 (n-2-octyl-cyanoacrylate). Each animal received two 2 cm paramedian incisions, which were closed using either a topical over dermal (OD) or a topical transdermal (TD) application, resulting in two subgroups per group. Wounds were evaluated on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, and 21 to compare the different monomers and application techniques. Assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate revealed differences in polynuclear cells between the TD and OD on days 3 and 7, while TD demonstrated improved results in mononuclear cells at all time points. Sustained inflammatory processes and foreign body reactions were observed. Quantification of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) indicated that TD maintained stability throughout the assessment periods, though it exhibited higher values than OD from days 7 to 21. These higher values were associated with a foreign body reaction and increased oxidative stress. Regarding tissue formation, OD produced more aligned wound edges, supporting the production of types I and III collagen and improving scar resolution compared to TD. Our findings indicate that the patch application technique has a greater impact on healing than the size of the cyanoacrylate monomer. Full article