Explore the vast range of titles available.

Introduction. Digital ulcers (DU) are among the most frequent debilitating manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc), causing pain, disability, and impaired quality of life. In refractory cases, surgical procedures, including amputations, may be required. Integra® dermal regeneration template is a bilayer acellular dermal substitute composed of a porous collagen–glycosaminoglycan matrix and a temporary silicone layer. Although originally developed for burns and complex wounds, it has been increasingly used in reconstructive surgery. We report the first case of combined use of Integra and autologous fat grafting (AFG) for the treatment of refractory DUs in a patient with SSc.   Case Report. A 45-year-old woman with diffuse cutaneous SSc (anti-Scl70 positive, mRSS 22), severe skin involvement, Raynaud’s phenomenon with digital resorption, esophageal and pulmonary disease, presented with refractory DUs despite maximal vasodilatory therapy (Iloprost, Selexipag, Bosentan) and immunosuppressants (MTX, RTX, MMF). She had previously undergone partial digital amputations and one AFG. In March 2025, due to progression of disease with multiple hard-to-heal DUs (Figure 1), a combined surgical approach was planned, consisting of debridement, Integra application to three digits of the right hand (I, II, IV), and bilateral AFG. The procedure, performed under local anesthesia, consisted of two phases: 1. Integra application: after surgical debridement, the matrix was hydrated, positioned, and sutured to wound margins with absorbable stitches (Figure 2). 2. AFG: adipose tissue was harvested by liposuction, purified by centrifugation, and injected into the hands at subcutaneous and perilesional levels. The fat, rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), was distributed to dorsal and palmar aspects of all fingers and interdigital spaces. The postoperative course was uneventful. The silicone layer was removed after 10 days, revealing correct matrix integration and well-formed granulation tissue. At the 2 months follow-up, near-complete re-epithelialization in the II and IV digits was achieved while progressive healing of the I digit was noted (Figure 3). Moreover, a reduction of pain (mean numeric rating scale 7.3±1.9 at baseline versus 2.9±1.4 at follow-up) along with significant improvement in hand function was reported by the patient. Conclusions. Integra showed efficacy in providing structural support for skin regeneration even in SSc, where vascular impairment often compromises healing. It appeared beneficial in reducing contamination, promoting fibroblast migration, neovascularization, and neodermis formation. This case suggests that Integra may represent a promising therapeutic option for refractory DUs in SSc, particularly when combined with AFG, which provides regenerative, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory effects through MSC contained in adipose tissue.

The study involved numerical FEA (finite element analysis) of dental implants. Based on this, fatigue tests were conducted according to the PN-EN 14801 standard required for the certification of dental products. Thanks to the research methodology developed by the authors, it was possible to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of external and internal factors such as material, geometry, loading, and assembly of the dental system on the achieved value of fatigue strength limit in the examined object. For this purpose, FEM studies were based on identifying potential sites of fatigue crack initiation in reference to the results of the test conducted on a real model. The actions described in the study helped in the final evaluation of the dental system design process named by the manufacturer as INTEGRA OPTIMA 3.35. The objective of the research was to identify potential sites for fatigue crack initiation in a selected dental system built on the INTEGRA OPTIMA 3.35 set. The material used in the research was titanium grade 4. A map of reduced von Mises stresses was used to search for potential fatigue crack areas. The research [loading] was conducted on two mutually perpendicular planes positioned in such a way that the edge intersecting the planes coincided with the axis of the system. The research indicated that the connecting screw showed the least sensitivity (stress change) to the change in the loading plane, while the value of preload has a significant impact on the achieved fatigue strength of the system. In contrast, the endosteal implant (root) and the prosthetic connector showed the greatest sensitivity to the change in the loading plane. The method of mounting [securing] the endosteal implant using a holder, despite meeting the standards, may contribute to generating excessive stress concentration in the threaded part. Observation of the prosthetic connector in the Optima 3.35 system, cyclically loaded with a force of F ≈ 300 N in the area of the upper hexagonal peg, revealed a fatigue fracture. The observed change in stress peak in the dental connector for two different force application surfaces shows that the positioning of the dental system (setting of the socket in relation to the force action plane) is significantly decisive in estimating the limited fatigue strength.

The NAC (NAM-ATAF1/2-CUC) transcription factor family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor families, playing an important role in plant growth and development and abiotic stress response. As a short-rotation woody plant, Salix integra (S. integra) has high lead (Pb) phytoremediation potential. To understand the role of NAC in S. integra Pb tolerance, 53 SiNAC transcripts were identified using third-generation and next-generation transcriptomic data from S. integra exposed to Pb stress, and a phylogenetic analysis revealed 11 subfamilies. A sequence alignment showed that multiple subfamilies represented by TIP and ATAF had a gene that produced more than one transcript under Pb stress, and different transcripts had different responses to Pb. By analyzing the expression profiles of SiNACs at 9 Pb stress time points, 41 of 53 SiNACs were found to be significantly responsive to Pb. Short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis revealed that 41 SiNACs had two significant Pb positive response patterns (early and late), both containing 10 SiNACs. The SiNACs with the most significant Pb response were mainly from the ATAF and NAP subfamilies. Therefore, 4 and 3 SiNACs from the ATAF and NAP subfamilies, respectively, were selected as candidate Pb-responsive SiNACs for further structural and functional analysis. The RT-qPCR results of 7 transcripts also confirmed the different Pb response patterns of the ATAF and NAP subfamilies. SiNAC004 and SiNAC120, which were randomly selected from two subfamilies, were confirmed to be nuclear localization proteins by subcellular localization experiments. Functional prediction analysis of the associated transcripts of seven candidate SiNACs showed that the target pathways of ATAF subfamily SiNACs were “sulfur metabolism” and “glutathione metabolism”, and the target pathways of NAP subfamily SiNACs were “ribosome” and “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”. This study not only identified two NAC subfamilies with different Pb response patterns but also identified Pb-responsive SiNACs that could provide a basis for subsequent gene function verification.

In this study, whole chloroplast genomes of five Salix species (S. argyracea, S. dasyclados, S. eriocephala, S. integra 'Hakuro Nishiki', and S. suchowensis) were sequenced. These chloroplast genomes were 155 ,605, 155, 763, 155, 552, 155, 538, and 155 ,550 bp in length, harboring 131 genes (77 unigenes), 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 86 mRNA genes, respectively. The genes ycf1, psaI, ycf2-2, rpoC2, rpl22, atpF, and ndhF were under positive selection among the 21 Salix species. psaI, ycf2-2, atpF, and ycf1-2 were under positive selection between the tree willow and shrub willow, and rpoC2, rpl22, and ycf1-2 were positively selected among the shrub genomes. The gene rps7 was most variable among the genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of 21 Salix species and Chosenia arbutifolia provide evidence that the cp genome data partially support the relationship with traditional taxonomic concepts in the Flora of China. This chloroplast genome elucidates Salix taxonomy and provides evidence for evolutionary research.

Aims This study seeks to elucidate the mechanisms by which Bacillus megaterium B6 (strain B6) enhances lead (Pb) transport from roots to branches in Salix integra by approximately one time. Methods Variations in rhizosphere/endosphere microbes, along with changes in metabolites profiles in rhizosphere soil and roots, were assessed using amplicon sequencing and LC–MS, respectively, after inoculation with strain B6 in a controlled pot experiment. Results Inoculation with strain B6 significantly enhanced species richness and diversities of microbes in both the rhizosphere and endosphere after inoculation with strain B6. The relative abundance of Bacillus , particularly within endosphere microbes, increased markedly. Beneficial microbes, essential for soil remediation, became the dominant species, especially within endosphere communities. Differential metabolites, for example up-regulated amino acids, chelated Pb, reducing its toxicity. These metabolites significantly enriched in \"ABC transporters\" pathway, promoting Pb transport directly in the root. In the soil, these metabolites either increased Pb bioavailability directly or indirectly by regulating soil properties. Additionally, differential metabolites were significantly correlated with dominant microbes, especially in root, and they played a crucial role in enhancing Pb transport than in Pb bioavailability. Conclusion After colonization, strain B6 recruited beneficial microbes for soil remediation, altered metabolites expression in plant roots and rhizosphere soil, and consequently enhanced Pb transfer, either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, endosphere microbes played a more significant role in facilitating Pb transport. These findings provide new insights into microbe-assisted phytoremediation in heavy metal-contaminated soil.

Background and aims Salix integra has a high tolerance to lead (Pb) stress, and has been applied in the phytostabilization of Pb-Zn mine tailings in East China. Mechanisms for Pb sequestration and detoxification were poorly understood in Salix plants. The present study aimed to elucidate where Pb was localized and how Pb was combined in roots of S. integra for a better understanding of Pb tolerance strategies. Methods Histochemical methods combined with synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to explore the distribution and chemical forms of Pb at cellular and subcellular levels in S. integra . Results The accumulation of Pb displayed a fast linear uptake in roots and stems in the short-term period, whereas a slower Freundlich-like uptake in leaves. Micro-XRF and histochemical staining revealed that the absorbed Pb in roots was mostly restricted in the cortex, and partly translocated in the stele. At the subcellular level, most Pb in roots was localized in the cell walls and trophoplast fraction, and the free -OH and pectin C—O/C—O—S groups may be involved in the cell wall sequestration. It was also found that the majority of Pb in roots existed as phosphate and oxalate. Conclusions S. integra has a high uptake potential of accumulating Pb in their roots. The absorbed Pb was primarily localized in the cell walls and combined with -OH or pectin groups, and precipitation as phosphate or oxalate may be responsible for the detoxification in root cells.

The MaI Implants® method offers a modern treatment option for specific patients who lack sufficient bone for traditional screw-based implants. The aim of the article is to use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to examine the behavior of a subperiosteal implant under actual conditions within the oral cavity and to assess the impact of various mechanical factors on the durability of the MaI Implants®. A strength analysis was conducted using Finite Element Analysis for two models. The first was a single subperiosteal implant, while the second was a model of an arch consisting of two single subperiosteal implants connected by a bar. Based on the obtained results, it can be observed that the increase in load from 100 N to 800 N leads to an increase in displacements throughout the implant. Changing the angle from 90 to 30 degrees resulted in a 576% increase in the average displacement value across all multi-units. Stresses in the multi-units range from 23.7 MPa to 268.5 MPa. The lack of proper stabilization of the implant has the greatest impact on the results of displacements. Such displacements are significant for the later positioning of the implant compared to the initial conditions.

Objective Artificial dermal substitutes (DSs) are fundamental in physiological wound healing to ensure consistent and enduring wound closure and provide a suitable scaffold to repair tissue. We compared the clinical and histological features of two DSs, Pelnac and Integra, in the treatment of traumatic and iatrogenic skin defects. Methods This prospective observational study involved 71 randomly selected patients from our hospital. Wound healing was analyzed using the Wound Surface Area Assessment, the Vancouver Scar Scale, and a visual analog scale. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. Results At 2 weeks, greater regeneration with respect to proliferation of the epidermis and renewal of the dermis was observed with Pelnac than with Integra. At 4 weeks, the dermis had regenerated with both DSs. Both templates induced renewed collagen and revascularization. Differences in the Vancouver Scar Scale score were statistically significant at 4 weeks and 1 year. Pelnac produced a significant increase in contraction at 2 weeks with increasing effectiveness at 4 weeks. Integra produced a higher percentage reduction in the wound surface area and a shorter healing time than Pelnac for wounds >1.5 cm deep. Conclusion Our observational data indicate that both DSs are effective and applicable in different clinical contexts.

This study explored the biological properties of three wild growing Russula species (R. integra, R. rosea, R. nigricans) from Serbia. Compositional features and antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities were analyzed. The studied mushroom species were identified as being rich sources of carbohydrates and of low caloric value. Mannitol was the most abundant free sugar and quinic and malic acids the major organic acids detected. The four tocopherol isoforms were found, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the predominant fat constituents. Regarding phenolic compounds, P-hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic acids were identified in the prepared methanolic and ethanolic extracts, which displayed antioxidant activity through the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation and oxidative hemolysis; the highest activity was attributed to the R. nigricans ethanolic extract. This is the first report on the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of the studied species, with the most promising activity observed towards Streptococcus spp. (0.20–0.78 mg/mL as the minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC). The most promising cytotoxic effect was caused by the R. integra methanolic extract on non-small cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H460). Therefore, due to the observed in vitro bioactive properties, the studied mushrooms arise as a source of functional ingredients with potential to be used in novel nutraceutical and drug formulations, which can be used in the treatment of various diseases and health conditions.

Willow species have been suggested for use in the remediation of contaminated soils due to their high biomass production, fast growth, and high accumulation of heavy metals. The tolerance and accumulation of metals may vary among willow species and varieties, and the assessment of this variability is vital for selecting willow species/varieties for phytoremediation applications. Here, we examined the variations in lead (Pb) tolerance and accumulation of three cultivated varieties of Salix integra (Weishanhu, Yizhibi and Dahongtou), a shrub willow native to northeastern China, using hydroponic culture in a greenhouse. In general, the tolerance and accumulation of Pb varied among the three willow varieties depending on the Pb concentration. All three varieties had a high tolerance index (TI) and EC50 value (the effective concentration of Pb in the nutrient solution that caused a 50% inhibition on biomass production), but a low translocation factor (TF), indicating that Pb sequestration is mainly restricted in the roots of S. integra. Among the three varieties, Dahogntou was more sensitive to the increased Pb concentration than the other two varieties, with the lowest EC50 and TI for root and above-ground tissues. In this respect, Weishanhu and Yizhibi were more suitable for phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated soils. However, our findings also indicated the importance of considering the toxicity symptoms when selecting willow varieties for the use of phytoremediation, since we also found that the three varieties revealed various toxicity symptoms of leaf wilting, chlorosis and inhibition of shoot and root growth under the higher Pb concentrations. Such symptoms could be considered as a supplementary index in screening tests.