Developmental prospects of carrageenan-based wound dressing films: Unveiling techno-functional properties and freeze-drying technology for the development of absorbent films - A review.

This review explores the intricate wound healing process, emphasizing the critical role of dressing material selection, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels. The aim is to tailor biodegradable dressings for comprehensive healing, focusing on maximizing moisture retention, a vital element for adequate recovery. Researchers are designing advanced wound dressings that enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties, minimizing healing time and ensuring cost-effective care. The study delves into wound dressing materials, highlighting carrageenan biocomposites superior attributes and potential in advancing wound care. Carrageenan's versatility in various biomedical applications demonstrates its potential for tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery. Ongoing research explores synergistic effects by combining carrageenan with other novel materials, aiming for complete biocompatibility. As innovative solutions emerge, carrageenan-based wound-healing medical devices are poised for global accessibility, addressing challenges associated with the complex wound-healing process. The exceptional physico-mechanical properties of carrageenan make it well-suited for highly exudating wounds, offering a promising avenue to revolutionize wound care through freeze-drying techniques. This thorough approach to evaluating the wound healing effectiveness of carrageenan-based films, particularly emphasizing the development potential of lyophilized films, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving wound healing treatments.

Inflammatory markers and their association with preeclampsia among pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The goal of this review was to investigate the levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) Interlukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and ferritin in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Using PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases, a literature search was carried out and case-control studies showing associations between inflammatory markers and preeclampsia in pregnancy published between 2010 and 2023 were included. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Newcastle Ottawa quality assessment scale. A random effect meta-analysis was performed and pooled difference in means with 95 % CI were reported. All statistical analyses were performed using R software. Out of 660 articles, 25 articles were included in the systematic review. The differences in means for TGF-ß1, CRP, ferritin and TNF-α levels between the preeclamptic women and normotensive women were 2.37 pg/mL [95 % CI: -1.66,6.39], 5.62 mg/L [95 % CI: -4.11,15.36], 32.93 ng/mL [95 % CI: -7.66,58.19] and 13.67 pg/mL [95 % CI: 4.20,23.14] respectively which showed moderate increase. The pooled differences in means for hs-CRP and IL-6 levels between the preeclamptic and normotensive women were 3.20 mg/L [95 % CI: 0.27,6.12] and 17.64 pg/mL [95 % CI: -8.36,43.64] respectively which showed significant increase. Sub-group analysis showed significant differences for CRP, ferritin and TNF-α levels across ethnicities. Meta-analysis demonstrates an increase in the maternal circulating levels of inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP, IL-6 and showed moderate increase in TGF-ß1, CRP, ferritin, TNF-α markers among women affected by preeclampsia compared to those with normotensive pregnancies.

Pathophysiology and management of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: a review.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is considered the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting approximately 30% of the global population. While gastrointestinal bleeding and menstruation in women are the primary causes of IDA, insufficient dietary iron intake and reduced iron absorption contribute to the condition. The aim of IDA treatment is to restore iron stores and normalise haemoglobin levels in affected patients. Iron plays a critical role in various cellular mechanisms, including oxygen delivery, electron transport, and enzymatic activity. During pregnancy, the mother's blood volume increases, and the growing foetus requires a significant increase in iron. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as maternal illness, low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Iron supplementation is commonly used to treat IDA; however, not all patients benefit from this therapy due to factors such as low compliance and ineffectiveness. In the past, IV iron therapy was underutilised due to its unfavourable and occasionally unsafe side effects. Nevertheless, the development of new type II and III iron complexes has improved compliance, tolerability, efficacy, and safety profiles. This article aims to provide an updated overview of the diagnosis and management of IDA during pregnancy. It will discuss the advantages and limitations of oral versus intravenous iron and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and overall management of IDA in pregnancy.

Evaluation of the Functional Outcome of Both Bone Forearm Fractures in the Pediatric Population With the Titanium Elastic Nailing System in a Tertiary Care Center.

Background Forearm fractures are one of the most common injuries in the pediatric population. Diaphyseal fractures of the forearm, in particular, are among the most common injuries treated in the pediatric population. The incidence of both bone forearm fractures has increased in the past decade. Methodology This is a hospital-based retrospective study conducted from June 2020 to December 2022 at R. L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre in the orthopedics department after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria are met, participants with both bone forearm fractures were treated with the Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS). Data were entered and analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2011, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results Thirty patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 8.80 years. The majority were boys constituting 67% and girls constituting 33%. A road traffic accident was the mechanism of injury in the majority of patients (40%). The distal one-third forearm was the most common site fractured (63%). The mean flexion (active) at the elbow improved from 110°at at four weeks to 142° at 24 weeks. A restriction of about 23° in elbow extension at four weeks normalized to 0° at 24 weeks. The range of palmar flexion improved from 44° at four weeks to 68° at 24 weeks. The range of wrist dorsiflexion improved significantly over time from 46° at four weeks to 86° at 24 weeks. Complications such as delayed union and skin irritation were noted in two participants (6%). Conclusions Both bone forearm fractures treated with TENS have shown good results in terms of bony union and functional outcomes with the least complications.