Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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National guidance in the UK advises that psychosocial screening is completed for all inpatients admitted to burns services for over 24 h. Acceptable methods of psychosocial screening have been nationally agreed. However, little is known about how different services conduct psychosocial screening. ⋯ Results highlight the value and cost-effectiveness of a tiered approach to psychosocial screening and in guiding subsequent intervention. Future study is needed in relation to inpatient psychosocial screening and its validity and reliability. Investigating the predictive value of screening methods in identifying those with longer-term psychological difficulties would also be important clinically.
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Both artesunate and fractional CO2 laser have been proved effective in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, yet little data are available for the efficacy of artesunate combined with fractional CO2 laser. In order to assess the pre-clinical significance and the underlying mechanism of this combined treatment profile, we attempted to observe the effectiveness of this therapy in rabbit models through determining the expression of BMP-7 and Fas. ⋯ Artesunate combined with fractional CO2 laser is effective in hypertrophic scarring in this rabbit model. Our findings can serve as a potential alternative strategy to treatment of hypertrophic scar in clinical practice.
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Burn outcome data in infants is lacking from sub-Saharan Africa. We, therefore, sought to assess the characteristics and predictors of in-hospital burn mortality in a resource-limited setting. ⋯ We show that factors that increase infant burn mortality risk include percent total body surface area burn, flame burn mechanism, and lack of operative intervention. Increasing burn operative capability, particularly for infants and other children, is imperative.
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The aim of this study was to explore expression levels and clinical values of miR-21 and miR-210 in patients with sepsis after burns. ⋯ In serum of patients with sepsis after burns, miR-21 expression reduces remarkably and miR-210 expression rises. The miR-21 and miR-210 are related to the degree of inflammatory responses in septic patients, and their combined detection has a certain value for diagnosing the disease and predicting its prognosis.
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Observational Study
Relieving pain and distress symptoms in the outpatient burn clinic: The contribution of a medical clown.
High levels of pain and emotional distress characterize the experience of patients, at burn outpatient clinic and reflect on their accompanying persons and the medical personal. ⋯ Presence of a medical clown induced a positive atmosphere in the clinic. It is possible that the effect of humor through stress reduction mechanism lessened agony. Furthermore, the distraction the clown evoked played a role in the decrease of pain and emotional distress. We recommend implementing psychosocial oriented interventions such as those performed by a medical clown to improve the emotional atmosphere in the ambulatory clinic of patients, accompanying persons and healthcare personnel.