Articles tagged with Scars
Mayo Clinic researchers discovered chronic mild kidney injury in the kidneys of healthy adults, increasing with age. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the need for new tests to detect mild kidney disease more accurately.
Researchers found that a specific subpopulation of heart muscle cells near the injury site contribute to regenerating heart muscle. The study also showed that these new cells integrate into the wound, replacing the injury clot, and form normal electrical coupling with the surrounding muscle.
Curcumin reduces bile duct blockage, liver cell damage, and scarring in mice with chronic liver inflammation. The spice interferes with chemical signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that women with radial scars should undergo surgical excision to rule out an underlying malignancy. The study found that up to 40% of radial scars are associated with cancer, and that mammographic and sonographic appearances are not reliable indicators of malign...
A new FDA-approved stent graft keeps blood vessels open longer in dialysis patients, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and cost savings. The study found that patients with the stent were more than twice as likely to have open vessels after six months.
A new study finds that fibrocytes, a type of immune cell, are present at higher frequencies in patients with Graves' disease, leading to scarring and inflammation in the orbit. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting scarring or fibrosis.
Researchers have found that transplanting human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells into mouse models can restore transparency to cloudy and thin corneas. The stem cells can survive in the stroma for over three months without rejection and become functional corneal cells.
A new system for delivering a scar-degrading enzyme has been developed, allowing for sustained delivery and improved degradation of dense scar tissue. This enables recovery from serious central nervous system injuries by facilitating nerve growth and regeneration.
A team of researchers has identified a novel therapeutic target for central nervous system injuries, including spinal cord injuries. They found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) bind to the surface of neurons, and blocking this binding may lead to improved regeneration.
The study emphasizes the importance of including plastic surgeons in disaster-relief efforts, particularly in medical cases involving physical scarring and nerve damage. Plastic surgeons bring expertise in soft tissue trauma, facial trauma, burn management, and other areas that can be made worse by lack of quick attention.
The ISAR-TEST-4 study found that biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents are non-inferior to permanent polymer-based DES in preventing cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and revascularisation. The results indicate a comparable one-year clinical efficacy of the biodegradable polymer rapamycin-eluting stent.
A study found that obese individuals and those with pre-diabetes have high levels of SPARC, a protein linked to fat tissue scarring. This scarring can prevent proper fat storage, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
French researchers have developed a strategy to promote neuronal regeneration after injury using gene therapy. By blocking the formation of cicatricial tissue, astrocytes can be controlled to promote neuronal survival and trigger axonal growth.
A new study found that Serum surfactant protein A is the strongest predictor of survival in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This discovery could help doctors determine disease severity and make informed treatment decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A clinical trial has shown that losartan, a blood-pressure medicine, can shrink liver scarring and allow the organ to repair itself in some patients with early-stage liver failure. The drug works by blocking a signalling pathway that causes scar tissue to accumulate, allowing the damaged area of the liver to be repaired.
Kristen Billiar, a WPI biomedical engineering professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to work on nanoscale scaffolds for tissue engineering at the National University of Ireland Galway. He aims to develop novel techniques to probe relationships between scaffold structure and mechanical functioning.
Researchers found that avotermin improved scar appearance by an average of five points at six months and eight points by month 12 in two studies. The treatment also showed a significant improvement in the structure of healed skin, with 60% of scars demonstrating less abnormal collagen fibre orientation.
A study by Pitt researchers found that injecting human corneal stem cells into mice with scarred and hazy eyes restored transparency. The cells were able to remodel scar-like tissue back to normal, suggesting a potential treatment for corneal blindness and vision impairment.
Researchers have found that a delayed-enhancement MRI method holds promise for predicting treatment outcomes and measuring disease progression in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study revealed that those with extensive scar tissue damage were at greater risk of AF recurrence after treatment.
Researchers have developed new medical adhesives using marine mussel glue and inkjet technology that are non-toxic, biodegradable and precise, promising improved wound repair and reduced scarring in surgeries. The adhesives could replace traditional sutures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
A study found that measuring lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness can predict uterine scar defects and anticipate high-risk patients for subsequent uterine rupture. Women with full LUS thickness under 2.3mm and single-layer muscular closure are at increased risk.
Researchers discovered a protein that accelerates scar tissue formation after a heart attack, leading to impaired heart function. The finding offers potential for the development of new treatments to prevent this damage.
Researchers have identified a key molecule involved in controlling excessive scar tissue formation after a heart attack. Stopping the scarring improved heart function in mice, offering hope for people with poor heart function due to heart attacks.
Surgeons at the University of Chicago Medical Center have successfully performed the world's first pediatric robotic bladder reconstruction, using the DaVinci system. The innovative technique resulted in good outcomes and minimal complications, with the patient regaining full control over her bladder after six weeks.
Researchers found that Western women prefer men with facial scars for short-term relationships, but equally value both scarred and un-scarred faces for long-term relationships. Men perceive women with and without facial scars as equally attractive for both types of relationship.
Researchers found that a healing process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) actually worsens symptoms. In healthy individuals, the body forms new blood vessels to promote wound healing, but in IPF patients, this process backfires, causing more shortness of breath.
A FSU researcher has made a significant discovery about the life-threatening mechanism of liver fibrosis, attracting a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The protein involved in scar formation could lead to treatment methods that slow down the disease process.
Researchers at University of Utah Health developed an MRI-based method to detect and measure scarring on the left atrium's wall in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that higher percentages of LA wall injury are linked to a lower recurrence rate of arrhythmia.
Fibrotic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer involve scarring, affecting organ function. Research by the University of Western Ontario identified glycogen synthase kinase 3 as a brake that can be impaired, leading to scarring.
A new back lift procedure has been introduced by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, removing unsightly back fat rolls and bulges while hiding the scar under the bra line. The study found minimal complications and positive feedback from patients who underwent the procedure.
A 21-year-old amateur bodybuilder suffered from anabolic steroid-induced acne conglobata, leading to deep ulcerations and abscesses. Discontinuing steroid use improved skin lesions, but extensive scarring is expected to remain lifelong.
A study of 266 teens with acne found that they would trade significant time and money for freedom from the condition. Teens were willing to pay up to $275 to never have acne, while parents were willing to pay $250 for their child's acne-free life.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have received $10.5 million in funding to study a protein that may control regeneration in spinal cord injuries. The discovery aims to understand how scar tissue inhibits nerve growth and develop effective treatments for the estimated 12,000 annual spinal cord injuries in Canada and the US.
Researchers found a strong link between severe overweight and prolonged inflammation of the heart tissue, leading to heart failure. Inflammation also plays a key role in metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered a novel way to prevent cardiac fibrosis by targeting the Epac molecule. By increasing Epac expression, they were able to block the ability of agents to promote fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts.
Researchers at UVA Health System are conducting studies on the use of fat grafting to improve wound healing and minimize scarring in severely injured soldiers. The goal is to enhance recovery outcomes and reduce long-term functional deficits.
A study of 703 burn patients found that younger age, neck or arm burns, and surgical procedures increased the risk of abnormal scarring. Females and those with multiple surgeries had a higher risk of pathologic scarring.
A study of workers exposed to Libby vermiculite found high prevalence of scarring and thickening of the chest wall membrane 25 years after exposure. Even low levels of exposure were associated with significant health risks.
Researchers found that bioabsorbable everolimus-eluting stents were safe and effective in patients with single coronary artery lesions, with no late stent thromboses recorded. The study showed excellent procedural success rates and minimal formation of scar tissue within the stent.
Researchers found that the biodegradable film reduced severe scarring by 30% compared to controls. The film was effective in reducing adhesions in patients with high-risk procedures, such as cardiopulmonary bypass and delayed incisions.
Research from the University of Bristol shows that osteopontin is a key gene in scarring, and suppressing its activity can speed up wound healing and reduce scarring. The study's findings have major implications for treating wounds, organ tissue damage, and fibrosis.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that increased numbers of neutrophil cells in the lungs of IPF patients are associated with a 30% increased risk of mortality. This finding may lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for those affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers at UC-San Diego have developed a modified protein that can block excessive scar tissue growth in the liver, stopping its progression and even reversing some cell damage. The peptide has shown promising results in animal studies, opening new possibilities for treating conditions like cirrhosis of the liver.
Fibroblasts, key cells in wound healing, transform into powerful contractile cells through a mechanical process. This new understanding could help prevent fibrosis and improve tissue engineering by controlling the rigidity of cell cultures.
A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.
A French surgical team successfully performed a cholecystectomy through the vagina in a 30-year-old woman, eliminating the need for external incisions. The patient recovered promptly with no postoperative pain or scars.
Researchers examine hypertrophic scar formation, current treatments, and promising research areas to advance the field. Current treatments for hypertrophic scarring are estimated to cost at least $4 billion annually in the US.
A new University of Delaware research project aims to engineer functional vocal cord tissue to replace scarred, rigid tissue. The team is developing novel biomaterials that mimic the molecular composition and mechanical responsiveness of natural extracellular matrices, with the goal of improving pliability and preventing scarring.
Researchers at Rice University have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called serum amyloid P, or SAP, which prevents the formation of life-threatening scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The discovery has promising results in lab animal tests and could eventually save thousands of lives with human clinical trials.
Researchers at UCSD found fibrosis and remodeling in pediatric EE patients similar to airway remodeling in asthma. These changes increase blood vessel adhesion molecules, leading to inflammation in the esophagus.
The new radiofrequency device-based approach significantly shortens the Cox-Maze procedure from over 90 minutes to just 30 minutes. The ablation technology disrupts abnormal electrical activity, normalizing heart rhythm and eliminating atrial fibrillation in over 90% of patients.
A new study found that IPF patients who can cover less than 680 feet during the six-minute walk test are four times more likely to die. The test's accuracy was found to be superior to other measures, such as forced vital capacity percent (FVC%).
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) will award $13 million to create four centers to develop new treatments for various types of wounds, including burns, diabetic ulcers, and bedsores. This initiative aims to deepen understanding of wound healing and apply knowledge to enhance treatment.
A West Indian manatee has been sighted in various northeastern US waters, including the Hudson River and Cape Cod. Researchers used a manatee photo-identification database to rule out Chessie, a known manatee with distinctive markings, as the current traveler.
Researchers found that Botox injections can minimize scarring by temporarily weakening surrounding muscles during the healing phase. The treatment showed significant improvement in wound-healing results, with median scores of 8.9 for botulinum toxin versus 7.1 for saline.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a method to bypass spinal cord injuries by regenerating severed nerve fibers and reconnecting them with the spinal cord. The treatment, using an enzyme called chondroitinase, resulted in improved mobility in rats with impaired motor functions.
Researchers found that botulinum toxin injections in early healing phase improve scar appearance and prevent muscle movement wrinkling the wound site. The treatment shows promise for minimizing scarring and optimizing healing outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Simmons Center have developed a warm autopsy program for studying pulmonary fibrosis, allowing them to compare tissue samples from biopsies and organs retrieved soon after death. This approach may help understand IPF mechanisms and lead to new treatments.
A small study of bronchial thermoplasty found significant improvement in airway responsiveness and symptom-free days among 16 asthma patients. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle mass, was well-tolerated with transient side effects.
A new compound, bis(phosphocholine)-hexane, has been designed to inhibit the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that contributes significantly to heart attack damage. By blocking CRP's tissue-damaging effects, this potential drug may reduce mortality and scar size in patients who have experienced a heart attack.