Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Biobrane is a biosynthetic wound dressing, first used by Woodruff in 1979, which has many of the ideal properties of a dressing as outlined by Pruitt and Levine [Pruitt Jr BA, Levine NS. Characteristics and uses of biologic dressings and skin substitutes. ⋯ When used appropriately, it has been shown to reduce pain levels, healing time, inpatient stay and nursing requirements when compared to traditional dressings. We present the results of a national study concerning the use of Biobrane in the United Kingdom, highlight variations in practice, discuss the pertinent issues, make suitable recommendations and highlight the versatility of Biobrane as a wound dressing.
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To describe the effectiveness of a community-based program targeting prevention of self-immolation. Suicide by burning is rare in developed countries (0.1-1.8% of all suicides), but more frequent in developing countries (up to 41% of all suicides). Self-immolation constitutes from 0.4% to 40% of admissions to burn centers worldwide. During 2001, an average of 11 Iranians committed suicide daily, 4 of these being self-immolations (36%). Self-immolation caused from 4% to 28% of all admissions to Iranian burn centers. Approximately 80% of hospitalized self-immolation patients die. All descriptive self-immolation studies in Iran emphasize the need for implementing prevention programs. ⋯ A community prevention program targeting self-immolation can be effective. Local data and the showing of videos depicting victim stories from self-immolation attempts provided a stimulus for community action.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Suprathel, a new skin substitute, in the management of donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts: results of a clinical study.
A prospective, randomized, two center clinical study was conducted to evaluate the impact on wound healing of Suprathel in donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts. Suprathel represents an absorbable, synthetic wound dressing with properties of natural epithelium. ⋯ Suprathel represents a solid, reliable epidermal skin substitute with impact on wound healing, patient comfort and ease of care. The material effectiveness contributes to the reduction of overall treatment costs.
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Multicenter Study
Reproducibility of repeated measurements with the Kikuhime pressure sensor under pressure garments in burn scar treatment.
This study investigated the reproducibility of repeated measurements with the Kikuhime pressure sensor under two different types of pressure garments used in the treatment and prevention of scars after burns. Also efficiency of garments was assessed in clinical circumstances by assessing pressure loss and residual pressure after 1 month. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility and repeated measurements with 1-month time lapse were examined on 55 sites in 26 subjects by means of intra-class correlation coefficients and standard error of measurements. ⋯ Concerning different locations, there was a significant difference in pressure loss after 1 month between gloves and sleeves with the largest pressure loss for sleeves. Considering these results we concluded that the Kikuhime pressure sensor provides valid and reliable information and can be used in comparative clinical trials to evaluate pressure garments used in burn scar treatment. Secondly, elastic tricot garments in our study tended to have higher clinical pressures but both types of garments had similar pressure loss over time.
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Multicenter Study
Survey of primary school educators regarding burn-risk behaviors and fire-safety education.
To assess primary school educator knowledge and opinions regarding fire-setting behaviors and burn-injury prevention education. ⋯ Nearly all primary school educators surveyed agreed that burn injuries and attempting to curb fire-play are important societal issues. There was wide agreement that including a description of the medical and social consequences of burns in a preventive curriculum would enhance its efficacy. The younger students are, the more time teachers require to adequately convey fire safety instruction.