Numerical Modelling of Simultaneous Heat and Moisture Transport in Fire Protective Suits Under Flash Fire Exposure and Evaluation of Second Degree Burn Time

An improved numerical model is developed for coupled heat and moisture transport in fire protective suit exposed to flash fire. This model is combined with Pennes' bio-heat transfer model and subsequently, second-degree burn time is estimated using Henriques' burn integral. Natural convection is considered inside the air gap present between the multilayer clothing ensemble and the skin. Comparisons of temperature and moisture distribution within the multilayer clothing, air gap, and the skin during the exposure are presented considering combined heat and moisture transport and only heat transport. Effect of moisture transport on the protective performance of the fire protective suit is shown. Impact of both horizontal and vertical air gap orientations on second-degree burn time is studied. Effect of temperature-dependent thermo-physical properties, relative humidity, fiber regain, different exposure conditions and fabric combinations for the fire protective suits on burn time is analyzed.

Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Ciprofloxacin and Lidocaine Improve Wound Healing in Deep Second Degree Burns and Reduce in Vitro Ciprofloxacin Cytotoxicity in Fibroblasts

The development of new treatments capable of controlling infections and pain related to burns continues to be a challenge. Antimicrobials are necessary tools, but these can be cytotoxic for regenerating cells.In this study, antibiotic-anesthetic smart systems obtained by ionic complexation of polyelectrolytes with ciprofloxacin and lidocaine were obtained as film and hydrogel. The complexation of ciprofloxacin with natural polyelectrolytes efficiently contributed to increasing biocompatibility in a primary culture of isolated fibroblasts. In addition, the relative levels of the proteins integrin β1 and p-FAK involved in cell migration were increased with no modifications in cell mobility. Their evaluation in a deep second-degree burn model revealed fast reepithelization, with appendage conservation and complete dermis organization. Encouragingly, we found that both the film and the hydrogel showed a significantly superior performance compared to the reference treatment of silver sulfadiazine cream. This work highlights the great potential of this smart system as an attractive dressing for burns, which surpasses currently available treatments.

Platelets differentially modulate CD4+ Treg activation via GPIIa/IIIb-, fibrinogen-, and PAR4-dependent pathways

CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (CD4+ Tregs) are known to dampen inflammation following severe trauma. Platelets were shown to augment their posttraumatic activation in burn injury, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that platelet activation mechanisms via GPIIb/IIIa, fibrinogen, and PAR4 have an immunological effect and modulate CD4+ Treg activation early after trauma. Therefore, C57Bl/6 N mice were injected with tirofiban (GPIIb/IIIa inhibition), ancrod (fibrinogen splitting enzyme), or tcY-NH2 (selective PAR4 antagonist peptide) before inducing a third-degree burn injury of 25% of the total body surface area. Changes in coagulation, and local and systemic CD4+ Treg activity were assessed via rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and phospho-flow cytometry 1 h post intervention. The inhibition of GPIIb/IIIa and fibrinogen locally led to a higher basic activity of CD4+ Tregs compared to non-inhibited animals. In contrast, PAR4 disruption on platelets locally led to an increased posttraumatic activation of CD4+ Tregs. Fibrinogen led to complete elimination of coagulation, whereas GPIIb/IIIa or PAR4 inhibition did not. GPIIb/IIIa receptor and fibrinogen inhibition increase CD4+ Tregs activity independently of trauma. Both are crucial for thrombus formation. We suggest platelets trapped in thrombi are unable to interact with CD4+ Tregs but augment their activity when circulating freely. In contrast, PAR4 seems to reduce CD4+ Treg activation following trauma. In summary, GPIIb/IIIa-, PAR4-, and fibrinogen-dependent pathways in platelets modulate CD4+ Treg baseline activity, independently from their hemostatic functionality. PAR4-dependent pathways modulate the posttraumatic interplay of platelets and CD4+ Tregs.

Nanosilver Dressing in Treating Deep II Degree Burn Wound Infection in Patients with Clinical Studies

Background. Patients’ clinical antibiotic treatment of deep II degree burns usually fails to achieve the ideal effect; in order to avoid the late result in pigmentation, scarring, and even limb dysfunction, it also needs to deal effectively with burn wounds. Aim. The purpose of this study is to evaluate nanosilver dressing in treating deep II degree burn wound infection in patients with clinical studies. Materials and Methods. 106 burn patients were classified into the Sulfadiazine Silver Cream (SSC) group ( n = 53 ) and the Nanosilver Burn Dressing (NSBD) group ( n = 53 ). Both of them received basic wound treatment, and wound healing time and pigmentation fading away time of all patients were recorded. And the wound healing rate of the patients was calculated. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were detected pre- and posttreatment. Results. After basic treatment for all patients, Sulfadiazine Silver Cream was used in the SSC group, and Nanosilver Burn Dressing was used in the NSBD group. It was observed that after treatment, compared with the SSC group, there was significant efficiency; wound healing rate, healing time, and pigmentation fading away time were shortened in the NSBD group, and IL-1β levels were decreased, and the positive rate of bacterial culture was decreased (all P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Nanosilver Burn Dressing in treating deep II degree burns can effectively reduce the wound infection and promote wound healing. The curative effect was distinct, which was worthy of popularization and application.

Interference of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the infected burns in Wistar rats

Burns are the most prevalent type of trauma in the world, and they have a high fatality rate. For cutaneous wound healing, modern and natural therapies, particularly probiotic supplements, have lately been considered. The goal of this study was to see how Lactiplantibacillus plantarum affected wound healing as well as the antibacterial activity of probiotic lactobacilli against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The glass slide method was used to assess anti-adhesion activity, and the HPLC method was used to quantify anti-adhesion chemicals in cell-free supernatant (CFS). MDR P. aeruginosa was administered subcutaneously directly on the burn after induction of second-degree wounds. Three groups of animals were created. Every day, the supernatants were sprayed for therapy, and the wound healing was monitored. Lactobacilli bacteria had good anti-adhesion effects on P. aeruginosa, according to our findings, and HPLC research revealed that their inhibitory effect could be attributable to four main organic acids: lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. When the effect of treatments on fibroblastic cells was examined, it was discovered that the group treated with L. plantarum supernatants had the most fibroblastic cells when compared to the non-treated group. Furthermore, the bacteria increased the number of fibroblastic cells, re-epithelialization in the wound area, and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis layers. Lactobacilli bacteria's antimicrobial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa was determined by prevents infection. These findings revealed that L. plantarum can treat a P. aeruginosa infection in a second-degree burn and can significantly reduce inflammation.

Third-Degree Burn on the Neuropathic Lower Extremity in a Patient With Diabetes While Wearing a Copper–Containing Compression Sock: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Many patients who have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy wear compression socks, which are widely available and may be purchased with a copper component. There is also a well-documented history of patients with neuropathy developing thermal burns from heat sources. Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of complications when they sustain burns. PURPOSE: To describe a patient with diabetes and neuropathy who developed third-degree burns while wearing a copper-containing compression sock. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy wore a copper-containing compression sock while sitting in the sun for several hours. Afterward, he noted severe blistering and was ultimately diagnosed with several areas of second- and third-degree burns. Wound treatment included sharp debridement, dressing management, and tubular compression. All wounds were healing well when the patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case report illustrates the risk of burn injury when wearing compression socks infused with copper in a situation in which the sock could absorb heat, especially in persons with neuropathy. This report and previous studies showing the increased risk of burn injury complications in persons with diabetes underscore the importance of burn prevention education in this population. Future research to examine the thermal conductivity of metal-containing clothing is recommended.

Curative Effect Observation of Applying Silver-Zinc Bacteriostatic Cream to Patients with Second-Degree Burn under Targeted Nursing Intervention and Its Effect on Wound Healing Rate

Second-degree burn is the most common type of burn wound in the clinics, which presents a deeper wound, skin blisters, white or red bottom, and thick and clear fluid inside, is sensitive to tenderness, and turns white by compression [1, 2]. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of applying silver-zinc bacteriostatic cream to patients with second-degree burn under targeted nursing intervention and its effect on wound healing rate. A total of 110 patients with second-degree burn treated in our hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the research object for the retrospective study. Between the experimental group and the control group, no statistical differences in patients’ general information were observed ( P > 0.05 ); 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores of the experimental group were significantly lower ( P < 0.05 ); and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was remarkably lower in the experimental group ( P < 0.05 ). On the basis of targeted nursing intervention, applying silver-zinc bacteriostatic cream obtains an obviously better clinical efficacy than silver sulfadiazine ointment in treating second-degree burn and works better in promoting wound healing, relieving pain sensation, and reducing adverse reactions.

Healing effects of Solanum nigrum fruit extract on second-degree burn wounds and its antibacterial activity against common pathogens of burn infection

Aims: Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) is a species of flowering plant from the Solanaceae family and one of the indigenous plants of Eurasia. Given the biological activities of this plant, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ones, this study assessed its effects on the healing process of second-degree burn wounds in rats. We also evaluated its antibacterial activity against common pathogens of burn wound infection (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumanni). Methods: S. nigrum fruit extract was prepared by percolation and reflux methods. The extract was applied for the treatment of animal models with second-degree burn wounds. Parameters of wound healing and maturation, including collagen deposition, epithelialization, reduction of neutrophil migration, and angiogenesis, were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of S. nigrum fruit extract against common pathogens of burn wound infection was assessed by the agar well diffusion method via measurement of zones of microbial growth inhibition. Results: Histological analysis showed a significant reduction in neutrophil migration by the 20% hydroalcoholic extract vs. control group (normal saline). In addition, we found that the 20% hydroalcoholic extract was more efficient than silver sulfadiazine in augmenting collagen deposition. S. nigrum hydro alcoholic extract also showed an inhibitory effect on S. aureus. Conclusion: S. nigrum 20% hydroalcoholic extract improved some of the wound healing parameters such as collagen deposition and inflammation. It also shows an inhibitory effect on S. aureus. So, it may have therapeutic effects on burns.