Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Electrocution is mostly unintentional and occurs in domestic environment or in form of an occupational hazard. Electrical burns sustained in domestic environment or otherwise are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The present report describes the pathological changes in the heart as observed in a case of fatal electrocution.
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Burn wounds remain a challenge due to subsequent wound infection and septicemia, which can be prevented by acceleration of wound healing. The aim of the study was to analyze microcirculation and leukocyte endothelium interaction with particular focus on angiogenesis after full-thickness burn using three different repetitions of low energy shock waves. ⋯ According to our data shock waves positively impact the wound healing process following burn injury. Angiogenesis showed significantly improved activity after shock wave application. In all three treatment groups angiogenesis was higher compared to the control group. Within the ESWA groups, double applications showed better results than single application and three applications showed better results than single or double applications.
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Case Reports
A baby with symmetrical hand injuries and rhabdomyolysis following nonfatal electrocution by an unusual mechanism.
Childhood electrical injuries are rare in the city of Hong Kong. We report the case of a 21-month boy with severe electrical injuries of both hands and explored underlying mechanism for the incident. ⋯ Despite regulations on electrical home safety standards, extension power boards can still pose a dangerous risk for severe morbidity in the household with young children. Prevention strategies often involve commonsense approach in home safety measures such as (1) use proper fuses in electrical boxes, (2) do not overload outlets, (3) use insulated and grounded electrical cords, (4) keep electrical cords away from a child's reach, and (5) cover electrical outlets so children will not stick items in the outlet.
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Comparative Study
Silver percutaneous absorption after exposure to silver nanoparticles: A comparison study of three human skin graft samples used for clinical applications.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly applied to a wide range of materials for biomedical use. These enable a close contact with human skin, thanks to the large release of silver ions that is responsible for a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Silver can permeate the skin; however, there are no data available on silver permeation through skin grafts commonly used in burns recovery. ⋯ Silver permeation profiles revealed a significantly higher permeation through glycerolized skin compared with both fresh and cryopreserved skin: 24-h silver flux penetration was 0.2 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 8.2 h) for fresh skin, 0.3 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 10.9 h) for cryopreserved skin, and 3.8 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 6.3 h) for glycerolized skin. Permeation through glycerolized skin is significantly higher compared to both fresh and cryopreserved skin. This result can generate relevant clinical implications for burns treatment with products containing AgNPs.
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A survey of members of the International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) and the American Burn Association (ABA) indicated that although there was difference in burn resuscitation protocols, they all fulfilled their functions. This study presents the findings of the same survey replicated in Africa, the only continent not included in the original survey. One hundred and eight responses were received. ⋯ Urine output was the principle guide to adequate resuscitation, with only twenty-one using the evolving clinical picture and thirty using invasive monitoring methods. Only fifty-one respondents replied to the question relating to the method of adjusting resuscitation. While colloids are not available in many parts of the African continent on account of cost, one might infer than African burn surgeons make better use of enteral resuscitation.