Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Following a burn, the wound may become colonized and septic complications may ensue. Many organisms, commonly isolated from burn wounds produce biofilms, which are defined as a collection of organisms on a surface surrounded by a matrix. Biofilms are associated with development of antibiotic resistant organisms and are refractory to the immune system. The presence of biofilm in the burn wound has not been documented. ⋯ The finding of biofilm in the burn wound has significance in our understanding of burn wound sepsis and supports the evidence for early excision and closure of the burn wound. Due to the recalcitrant nature of biofilm associated sepsis and the difficulty in disrupting biofilm it has implications for the future development of wound care dressings.
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This study aims to demonstrate the epidemiologic characteristics of outpatient burn injuries in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was performed over a 1-year period in a referral burn centre in Tehran and included all outpatient burns. The required data were recorded by two trained physicians. ⋯ Significant association was present between the aetiology and depth of burn (P<0.001). The mean affected total body surface area (TBSA) was 3.16+/-2.92% and there was significant association between burnt TBSA and the mechanism of injury (P<0.001). In conclusion, it seems that women aged 21-30 years and children younger than 10 years are at greater risk of these injuries and therefore should be the target for preventive strategies.
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The ABLS course sponsored by the ABA has not yet been made available in Japan, although it is strongly desired. During the 3 years between 2006 and 2008, authorized ABLS provider courses were given once a year in Japan as part of preparations to reach an agreement between the ABA and the JSBI for the continuation of ABLS provider courses in Japan. These courses were provided as one of the programs available at the annual meeting of the JSBI. ⋯ Regarding the organization of future ABLS courses in Japan, the active involvement of the JSBI is inevitable. Several areas of the ABLS course content may need to be revised to accommodate differences in standard medical treatment between the United States and Japan. A joint effort between the ABA and the JSBI regarding appropriate curriculum changes to accommodate societal differences as well as modifications to some sections would increase the applicability of the course in Japan.
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A burn is a severe injury, and the resulting pain can be very significant. Currently, opioids are the primary method of pain management, but these drugs have side effects; thus, it is of prime focus to research the mechanisms of pain formation and analgesic drugs. ⋯ TMP alleviates nociceptive transmission of burn-injury pain mediated by the P2X3 receptor.
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The field of wound healing and tissue repair has advanced rapidly in the last decade, with this there is an increasing emphasis on the importance of the functional and cosmetic outcomes following injury. Integra artificial skin is the most widely used synthetic skin substitute and is reported to have better outcomes in relation to the appearance and elasticity when compared to split thickness skin grafting (SSG). A review of the literature reveals very few trials that are based on an objective evaluation of Integra treated scars as compared to SSGs. This research aimed to provide objective data on the long-term outcome of Integra. ⋯ With advances in medicine we are increasingly able to modulate wound healing and the resultant scars. In order to assess new and often costly treatments the need for objective scar measurement tools have become apparent. Integra has been advocated to improve scarring from injury. However, there have been few studies to evaluate the long-term outcome of Integra as compared to traditional methods such as SSG. In the past scar evaluation has been based on subjective scores by patients and clinicians. Now the mechanical properties of the skin can be evaluated using simple bioengineering methods such as the Cutometer Suction Device. Using this device our study has objectively demonstrated that the elastic properties of areas treated with Integra is comparable to normal skin.