Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
Methodological study that aimed to adapt the Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP) into Brazilian Portuguese language and to assess the validity, the reliability and the dimensionality of the adapted version in a sample of Brazilian burn victims. ⋯ The Brazilian version of the SWAP was valid and reliable for use with Brazilian burn victims.
-
There have been concerns that fire-derived acid gases could aggravate thermal burns for individuals wearing synthetic flame retardant garments. A comparative risk assessment was performed on three commercial flame retardant materials with regard to relative hazards associated with acidic combustion gases to skin during a full engulfment flash fire event. The tests were performed in accordance with ASTM F1930 and ISO 13506: Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection against Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. ⋯ Discoloration was inversely proportional to the amount of acid collected on the traps. A risk assessment was performed on the potential adverse impact of acid gases on both the skin and open wounds. The results indicated that the deposition and dissolution of the acid gases in surficial fluid media (perspiration and blood plasma) resulted in an increase in acidity, but not sufficient to induce irritation/skin corrosion or to cause necrosis in open third degree burns.
-
Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been used as an adjunct to traditional hospital epidemiology in numerous outbreak investigations, including in burn centers. However, its most effective real-world application remains unclear, with few longitudinal descriptions of use. ⋯ PFGE contributed little to infection prevention interventions, and outbreaks resolved with increased focus on basic practices. Longitudinal studies including greater numbers of outbreaks in different settings are needed to clarify the utility of molecular typing in routine investigations.