Mild Burns Research Articles

Mild burn amplifies the locomotive depression in demyelinated mice without muscle pathophysiological changes.

Patients with mild burns take most accounts, however, the impact of mild burns is less known. Nerve destruction leads to muscle atrophy. We posit that even mild burn injury could worsen demyelinated nerves related to muscle pathophysiological impairment. Young adult C57BL/6 (male, n = 60) mice were randomly fed with either a 0.2% cuprizone diet or a regular rodent diet for 4 weeks. At week 5, all mice were then grouped into mild scald burn with 10% TBSA and sham injury groups. Mice received animal behavior tests and in situ muscle isometric force measurement before euthanasia for tissue collection. Total horizontal ambulation and vertical activity were significantly reduced in mice with mild burn injury (p<0.05). Mice with the cuprizone diet had significantly less time to fall than those with the regular diet on day 7 after burn (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in gastrocnemius tissue weight among the groups, nor muscle isometric tensions (all p>0.05). The cuprizone diet increased the maximal phosphorylating respiration in mice muscle mitochondria (p<0.05). The muscle protein expressions of caspase 3, Fbx-32, and Murf1 significantly increased in mice with the cuprizone diet 3 days after burn (p<0.05). The signal expression of S100B significantly increased in mice with the cuprizone diet, and its expression was even greater on day 7 after burn injury. (p<0.05). The cuprizone diet-induced locomotion and cognitive disorders were amplified by the mild burn injury in mice, which is associated with muscle intracellular signal alterations. However, mild burn injury does not cause mouse muscle weight loss and function impairment. The potential risk of pre-existed neural impairment could be aware when patients encounter even small or mild burns.

Elevated Cardiac Troponin I Level Associated to Cardiac Dysfunction in Burned Patients.

Severely burned patients often develop cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the role of cardiac troponin I (cTI) and its association to patients with burns. Patients deidentified data were collected from a national database in May 2023. Adult patients with burns who had cTnI lab counted were enrolled in this study. Patients were grouped by the cTnI mean level within 72 h including patients with elevated cTnI levels at >0.3 ng/mL (n = 2188 patients) and patients with nonelevated cTnI level (<0.04 ng/mL) (n = 3200). The cohorts were further stratified by less than 20% TBSA mild burn population and >20% TBSA severe burn population to replicate the severity of burns. The 30-day incidences of acute myocardial infarction (MI), sepsis, and mortality were investigated after the cohorts were propensity-matching balanced. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI for MI were (9.829/7.081-13.645), sepsis (1.527/1.269-1.959), and mortality (2.586/2.110-3.170), respectively (P < .05). The groups that were further stratified into mild burn and severe burn had the following results: The mild burn ORs and 95% CI for MI was (6.237/3.986-9.785), sepsis (1.603/1.132-2.270), and mortality was (2.298/1.629-3.242). The severe burn cohort had ORs and 95% CI for MI (3.145/1.469-6.732), sepsis (0.993/0.555-1.777), and mortality (2.934/1.924-4.475). In conclusion, the patients with earlier elevated cTnI levels had worse outcomes of MI and mortality in both severe and mild burns.

124 Numerical Cut Points for Mild, Moderate and Severe Pain in Adult Burn Survivors

Abstract Introduction The optimal numerical cut points for mild, moderate, and severe burn pain have been established. Investigators at a single center determined that average burn pain can be categorized as mild (0-2), moderate (3-5), and severe (6-10). To address concerns about small sample size and limited diversity, we aimed to identify the most suitable average pain intensity rating scores for mild, moderate, and severe pain in a large, diverse cohort of adult burn survivors using a Patient Reported Outcome Measures Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) short form. Methods Average 11-point pain intensity Visual Analog Scale (VAS) or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores (0-10) and a customized PROMIS-PI 4-question short form were administered to adults with burn injury treated at 5 centers in the US at hospital discharge (baseline) and 6, 12, 24-months and 5-years post-injury. To identify pain intensity scores that best represent mild, moderate, and severe pain, F value statistics associated with multiple ANOVA comparisons for mean pain interference scores by various pain intensity cut points were computed. Based on previous research, 6 possible cut points (CP) were compared: CP 3,6; 3,7; 4,6; 4,7; 2,5; and 3,5. The optimal cut points were considered those with the highest ANOVA F statistic. Results Data from 1,190 participants (68% male, 80% white, 22% Hispanic, mean age 46 years) and 5 study centers with VAS/NRS pain intensity and PROMIS-PI scores at one or more study timepoints were analyzed. The optimal classification for mild, moderate, and severe pain was CP 2,5 at all timepoints (see table). Conclusions This study confirms that for a diverse cohort of burn-injured adults from multiple centers within the United States, burn intensity ratings of mild (0-2), moderate (3-5), and severe (6-10) is appropriate for up to 5 years post-injury. These findings support previous research findings and continue to advance our understanding of burn pain and pain intensity reporting while providing clinicians and researchers with an objective measure that can be used for screening, treatment, quality improvement, and research. Applicability of Research to Practice Use of this numerical classification for burn pain in the adult burn survivor can be used with greater confidence in diverse populations.

Physicochemical Parameters and Their Toxicity Level for Recreational Activity and Plaque Psoriasis Healing Effects of Hot Spring Water of Kharapani, Pokhara, Nepal

The current study involved the determination of water quality parameters, inclusively the dissolved mineral levels, to assess the therapeutic and toxicity states of the hot spring water of Kharapani, Pokhara, Nepal. People have widely used the hot spring for taking baths and soaking in to heal from allergic and fungal ailments, musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, and different diseases. The high values of alkalinity (700 ppm), total suspended solids with the size of at least 2 μm (TSS) (50 ppm), total dissolved solids (TDS) (650 ppm), turbidity (13 NTU), soluble carbonate (150 ppm), soluble chloride (250 ppm), surface tension (72.98 Dynes cm-1) and total hardness (880 ppm) showed the spring water was unsuitable for drinking, swimming and soaking in. The mineral levels at nitrate (undetectable), iron (II) (&lt;0.3 ppm, undetectable), iron (II) (&lt;0.3 ppm, undetectable), aluminum (III) (&lt;0.3, undetectable) corresponded to safe utility levels, and the high sulphate content at 400 ppm showed that the spring was a sulphate rich hot spring with the properties of healing the fungal ailments and respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders. The hot spring water soakers reported healing and relief from itchy skin allergic rashes, and persisting skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and joint pain, while the adverse effects such as skin blister, ooze and crust, dry and inflamed skin, dandruff, etc. were also found common among the prolonged soakers of the hot spring. The study showed an excellent healing effect of hot spring baths against psoriasis but associated with mild skin burn and dandruff. The study showed the necessity of technical moderation and maintenance of the minerals and water quality parameters at the acceptable range for swimming purposes.

Hepatic Portal Venous Gas (HPVG) after Ingestion of Chlorine Bleach: A Transient Phenomenon.

We present a case involving a 32-year-old man who ingested chlorine bleach with self-defeating intent. The ingestion of bleach can lead to a wide range of consequences, from mild mucosal burns to severe complications, rarely resulting in death. This case highlights the association between chlorine bleach ingestion and the development of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG), a radiological finding traditionally thought to carry poor prognoses. The HPVG in this case resolved spontaneously within 24 h with conservative management, indicating its transient nature. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for HPVG after the ingestion of toxic substances .remain only partially understood. One hypothesis suggests that extensive damage to the gastrointestinal wall caused by caustic agent may allow enteric gas to enter the portal system. While HPVG after toxic ingestion is often transient, its consequences and potential risks should be carefully considered. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is suggested in cases with neurological symptoms. In conclusion, HPVG is not a specific disease but rather a manifestation of various underlying factors, and its development in the context of chlorine bleach ingestion represents an additional insight to its understanding. It can be associated with severe medical conditions, but it is also found in less severe cases that can be managed conservatively.

Clinical Outcome of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Chemically Injured Eyes

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation (AMT) in chemically injured eyes for ocular surface reconstruction. Methods: A prospective study of 30 consecutive chemically injured eyes was performed from December 2022 to May 2023 in National Institute of Ophthalmology &amp; Hospital (NIO&amp;H), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Twenty-seven patients (30 eyes having corrosive chemical injuries) were included in the study according to the inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria. AMT was performed within 21 days of injury by single surgeon with modified surgical procedure. Post operative evaluation was done by Snellen chart, slit lamp biomicroscope and Schirmer-II test. Results: After 3 months of AMT, there was no pain or inflammation. Improvement of vision found in 20 (66.67%) of 30 eyes, 4 (13.33%) eyes of rest 10 eyes showed inaccurate Projection of Rays (PR) vision and rest 6 (20.0%) eyes of rest 10 eyes found deteriorated vision. Epithelialization occurred in all eyes. Twenty-four (80.0%) eyes had limbal stem cell deficiency and they experienced superficial corneal vascularization. Symblepharon was seen in 18 (60.0%) eyes, 6 (20.0%) of these 18 eyes developed marked conjunctival shortening with ankyloblepharon. None of the eyes showed perforation. Conclusions: AMT increases patient comfort and reduces inflammation. In mild burns, AMT alone restores corneal and conjunctival surfaces. In moderate to severe burns, it reduces conjunctival scarring sequelae, but does not prevent the sequelae of limbal stem cell deficiency that requires further limbal stem cell transplantation. In the acute stage, AMT has a protective role against the progressive melting and perforation. J.Natl.Inst.Ophthalmol.2023;6(1): 21-26

Clinical characteristics and analysis of risk factors for heart injuries in 55 patients with lightning injury on plateau in Tibet Autonomous Region

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with lightning injury on plateau in Tibet Autonomous Region, and to analyze the risk factors for heart injuries in these patients. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. From January 2008 to July 2023, 55 patients with lightning injury who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the General Hospital of PLA Tibet Military Area Command. The gender, age, ethnicity, time of injury, location of injury (average altitude), activity at the time of injury, the occurrence of thermal burns on the body surface, the occurrence of complication, the occurrence of combined injury, underlying disease or physiological process before injury, length of hospital stay, treatment outcome, and effective rate of treatment were recorded. The patients were divided into juvenile group (11 cases), young group (28 cases), middle-aged group (14 cases), and elderly group (2 cases) according to age bracket, then the gender and ethnicity distribution of patients in the 4 groups were compared. According to the occurrence of heart injuries at admission, the patients were divided into heart injury group (44 cases) and non-heart injury group (11 cases), then the gender, age, ethnicity, average altitude of location of injury, length of hospital stay, the occurrence of complication, the occurrence of combined injury, site of thermal burns on the body surface, and area of thermal burns on the body surface in patients were compared between the two groups. Data were statistically analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability test. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to screen the independent risk factors for heart injury in patients with lightning injury. Results: Among the 55 patients aged 10-68 years, 39 were male and 16 were female, including 47 Tibetans and 8 Hans. There were no statistically significant differences in gender or ethnicity distribution of patients among the 4 groups with different age brackets (P>0.05). Lightning injuries occurred from May to September, which mostly occurred in June and July. The incidence of lightning injury was higher in Chengguan District of Lhasa City (average altitude of 3 650 m) and Baqing County of Naqu City (average altitude of 4 500 m), being 20.0% (11/55) and 16.4% (9/55), respectively. A total of 96.4% (53/55) of the patients were engaged in outdoor activities when injured, such as grazing, digging Cordyceps, and harvesting highland barley. Among the 55 patients, 46 (83.6%) cases had thermal burns on the body surface, with burn area mainly being not more than 10% total body surface area and burn depth mainly being deep partial-thickness. Fifty-two (94.5%) patients had complications, with heart injury being the most common complication (44 cases, 80.0%). Twenty-two (40.0%) patients had 11 combined injuries, and traumatic brain injury was the most common combined injury. Seventeen (30.9%) patients had 11 underlying diseases or physiological processes before injury. The length of hospital stay of patients was 9 (5, 17) d. Among the 55 patients, 14 cases were cured and discharged, 40 cases were improved, and 1 case died, with effective rate of treatment of 98.2%. Compared with those in non-heart injury group, the proportion of complication occurrence (χ2=12.28), the proportion of trunk burns (χ2=5.15), and the average altitude of location of injury (Z=-2.38) of patients in heart injury group were increased significantly (P<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the other indicators (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the average altitude at the location of injury was the independent risk factor for heart injury in patients with lightning injury (with odds ratio of 3.28, 95% confidence interval of 1.35-7.99, P<0.05). Conclusions: Lightning injuries on plateau in Tibet Autonomous Region mainly occur from May to September, with an average altitude of 4 500 m at the location of injury. Patients with lightning injury are injured when participating outdoor activities, and the affected patients are mainly mainly young male Tibetans. Most of the injuries are mild burns. Lightning injuries are complex and have many complications, with heart injury being the most common one. The average altitude at the location of injury is the independent risk factor for heart injury in patients with lightning injury.

ACUTE KERATOUVEITIS WITH CORNEAL GRAFT MELTING AS A LATE COMPLICATION OF MILD CHEMICAL BURN POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 INFECTION: A CASE REPORT.

In this case report, we describe the course and treatment of a patient with chemical alkali burns of both eyes. This study reports the outcomes of an ocular alkali burn patient who became infected with COVID-19 and where severe keratouveitis with corneal graft melting and hypopyon occurred, ultimately resulting in evisceration of the eye. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman, after an alkali burn of both eyes. Complete re-epithelialization of both corneas occurred within three weeks. Due to this observation, we assumed a satisfactory healing prognosis. However, corneal lysis occurred in the left eye over time. Thecondition was managed, but subsequently severe keratouveitis with hypopyon and corneal lysis occurred in the left eye, apparently in connection with the COVID-19 infection, which ultimately led to the evisceration of the affected eye. In the case report, we describe the management of a mild chemical alkali burn of the right eye and a complicated moderate burn of the left eye with an alkaline chemical. Both eyes were completely healed within three weeks. However, the findings on the left eye became complicated, which ultimately led to the evisceration of the affected eye. The disease of COVID-19 could have contributed to the deterioration of the findings on the cornea, or it could have just been a coincidence of two diseases, with the keratouveitis having a serious course due to the previous difficult course of healing and many complications after the chemical burn.

Prompt Management of Airbag Burn Injuries Leads to Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Pilot Study.

Dual airbags are required to be installed and available for use in all motor vehicles since 1997. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 50,457 lives were saved by airbags from 1987 to 2017; however, airbag deployment can cause injuries, including thermal and chemical burns, hyperpigmentation, and dysaesthesia. There is little information available in the literature regarding differences in outcomes between promptly visiting a plastic surgeon and waiting for treatment, especially as an injury may not be immediately apparent or patients may not know that airbag burn injuries may be delayed in presenting. This is a retrospective cohort pilot study conducted among 14 patients who presented to a plastic surgeon between January 1, 2019and June 30, 2022owing toinjuries from airbag deployment. An early visit was considered ≤30 days, and a late visit was >30 days. Other variables collected included age, sex, Fitzpatrick skin type, smoking status, comorbidities, type of injury, injury site, pain status, hyper/hypopigmentation, dysaesthesia, epithelialization, and improvements in pain, pigmentation, and dysaesthesia from treatment. The mean age was 36.0 years (standard deviation (SD) 17.9). The majority were female (85.7%), non-smokers (87.5%), and not diabetic (75.0%). Only six patients (42.9%) visited their doctor within one month of injury. Most patients experienced dysaesthesia (85.7%) and pain (71.4%). Thirteen of the 14 patients had hyperpigmentation or hyperemia, and one had hypopigmentation. Full or slight epithelialization was seen in 35.7%, and nine of the 14 patients had no epithelialization. Ongoing issues were a factor for 64.3% of these patients; 42.9% had ongoing issues with hyperpigmentation. A full recovery was seen in 28.6% of the patients. The patients who saw the plastic surgeon by day 30 or less (early) from the time of injury had a 66.7% improvement in pigmentation and 33.3% resolution in pain. Of those who went to the surgeon beyond 30 days (late), 25% had improvement in pigmentation and 37.5% had resolution of pain. Improvement in dysaesthesia occurred in both groups, but those who saw the plastic surgeon early had 33.3% resolution, while 37.5% of those who went late improved. Of those who went late to the surgeon, only 12.5% had epithelialization, while 66.7% of those who went within 30 days showed signs of (full or slight) epithelialization. Patients involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) should be informed of the delayed fashion in which airbag burns can develop. An ostensibly mild burn may portend long-term consequences, especially if such injuries are not addressed in a prompt manner. Our study demonstrates how airbag burn injuries and their sequelae are best addressed with early care.

Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A multicenter retrospective observational comparative study.

Several studies report the useful therapeutic results of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy (CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a new hyperthermia technique that induces immunogenic death or apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory experiments and increases tumor response rate and survival in pancreatic cancer patients, offering beneficial therapeutic effects against this severe type of cancer. To assess survival, tumor response and toxicity of mEHT alone or combined with CHT compared with CHT for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. This was a retrospective data collection on patients affected by locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (stage III and IV) performed in 9 Italian centers, members of International Clinical Hyperthermia Society-Italian Network. This study included 217 patients, 128 (59%) of them were treated with CHT (no-mEHT) and 89 (41%) patients received mEHT alone or in association with CHT. mEHT treatments were performed applying a power of 60-150 watts for 40-90 min, simultaneously or within 72 h of administration of CHT. Median patients' age was 67 years (range 31-92 years). mEHT group had a median overall survival greater than non-mEHT group (20 mo, range 1.6-24, vs 9 mo, range 0.4-56.25, P < 0.001). mEHT group showed a higher number of partial responses (45% vs 24%, P = 0.0018) and a lower number of progressions (4% vs 31%, P < 0.001) than the no-mEHT group, at the three months follow-up. Adverse events were observed as mild skin burns in 2.6% of mEHT sessions. mEHT seems safe and has beneficial effects on survival and tumor response of stage III-IV pancreatic tumor treatment. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm or not these results.

85 The Severity of Burns and Associated Psychiatric Risk Factors in Self-Immolation

Abstract Introduction Self-Immolation is the act of setting oneself on fire to inflict death or self-injury. It is most commonly seen in developing nations and is associated with high mortality. In developed countries, self-immolation is uncommon and occurs mostly in middle-aged males with a history of mental illness, substance abuse, and unemployment. In the United States, it is an extreme act of suicide or self-injurious behavior with a mortality rate of 11.4% and exhibits a significant burden on healthcare systems. In this study authors aimed to characterize and explore psychiatric risk factors for self-immolation; broader understanding helps to optimize patient care and reduce the future recurrence of self-immolation act. Methods This was a retrospective review of all inpatient admissions from July 2015 to August 2022 with a history of self-immolation were included in the study. Data collection included demographics, total body surface area burned (TBSA), Suicide attempt or Self injurious behavior, urine drug screen, length of stay and psychiatric history. Twelve patients without incomplete data were excluded. Patients were divided into mild (&amp;lt; 20%), moderate (20-40%), and severe ( &amp;gt;40%) burns based on percent of TBSA. Data analysis was conducted using Chi-Squared, and Fisher's Exact tests in SPSS v28. Results We identified 103 patients who attempted self-immolation. Mean TBSA was 27 ± 33 with 66 (64%) experiencing mild, 11 (10%) with moderate, and 27 (26%) with severe burns. Mortality in this population was 21%. The majority were male (70.9%), Caucasian (63.1%), and single (79.6%) with a mean age of 38 ± 14 years old. Urine drug screen was positive in 44% upon admission, and 63% reported chronic drug use. Methamphetamine (37%), and alcohol (30%) were in the highest prevalence upon admission. Additionally, 83% of patients had underlying psychiatric illnesses including major depressive disorder (36%) and Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (27%). The presence of suicidal intent (n=68) was a predicted risk factor for severe burns (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions Our study found that patients undergoing self-immolation were more likely to have suicidal intent and that suicidal intent strongly predicted burn severity. Although no specific psychiatric disorder predicted burn severity, the overwhelming majority of self-immolation patients suffered from underlying psychiatric illnesses. Applicability of Research to Practice There is limited data on the triggers and risk factors for self-immolation. Due to the large prevalence of drug use and underlying psychiatric disorders, providers should obtain an early psychiatric assessment for self-immolation patients to minimize recurrence and optimize inpatient care. Similarly, home safety education for patients with suicidal intent and their families may help reduce the frequency and severity of self-immolation in the outpatient setting.

Practical Approach to Minor Burns

Most mild burns may be treated well in an outpatient environment and recover with little intervention. An precise categorization of burns is essential to ensuring effective treatment. Any non-superficial burn should be treated with a topical antibiotic to avoid infection. Although partial and full-thickness burns frequently require dressings, superficial burns typically do not. Especially in an emergency situation, a simple gauze patch offers enough burn protection. Increasing burn depth and contracture, monitoring for symptoms of infection, and providing appropriate analgesia are all parts of follow-up treatment. All suspected partial or full-thickness burn infections require prompt treatment, which may include hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics. Burn infections can increase the depth and breadth of a burn, turning a superficial partial-thickness burn into a deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burn in addition to producing sepsis.

Does Fitzpatrick Score Predict Flap Loss? Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction Outcomes of Varying Skin Color.

This is a retrospective study conducted on patients who underwent any type of autologous flap breast reconstruction performed by the two senior authors at an academic center between January 2010 and December 2021. The sole primary outcome variable was flap loss. Patient skin tone was assessed using the Fitzpatrick scale on clinical photographs of patients. A total of 1115 pateints underwent autologous flap breast reconstruction, of which only 56 met both exclusion and inclusion criteria with 58 individual breasts being included in the final study population. The most common race of subjects was White (n = 33; 56.9%) while the most common Fitzpatrick score skin tone was type II (n = 22; 37.9%). The Cochran-Armitage test of trend showed a statistically significant linear trend, P = 0.006, with darker Fitzpatrick score skin tones associated with a higher proportion of flap loss in patients who had vascular compromise. A logistic regression showed that none of the predictor variables were significant. Patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin tones were associated with flap loss after vascular compromise. To prevent flap loss in patients who have darker Fitzpatrick score skin tones, more aggressive flap monitoring should be taken into consideration in the immediate postoperative setting.

Implications of interleukin-17 in psoriatic lesions as Koebner phenomenon caused by recurrent occupational burns.

The Koebner phenomenon (KP) is the emergence of new lesions in an uninvolved skin area caused by different types of stimulations, including mechanical stress, chemical stress, trauma, or injury. KP affects patients with certain skin diseases and is frequently observed in patients with psoriasis. We report the case of a 43-year-old obese male welder who developed psoriatic lesions only in areas of repeated burns due to his occupation. He was repeatedly exposed to mild burns in his anterior neck and the periorbital region as he was welding without shield protection. Subsequently, erythema appeared in the same region. Skin appearance and skin biopsy suggested psoriasis vulgaris (PV), and immunohistochemical analysis of anti-interleukin (IL)-17, a crucial element in the development of PV, showed the positivestained cells. The anti-IL-17 staining was prominent around the thickened epidermis as psoriatic lesions. IL-17 produced by T helper 17 cells stimulates keratinized cells and promotes chemokine secretion involved in neutrophil migration. Our case showed that patients, even without a history of PV, may have a risk of developing KP and PV via the enhanced production of IL- 17 locally in the repeated burn area. No recurrence of skin symptoms was observed when the patient used a fully defensive shield during welding.

Hypericum Genus as a Natural Source for Biologically Active Compounds.

Hypericum L. genus plants are distributed worldwide, with numerous species identified throughout all continents, except Antarctica. These plant species are currently used in various systems of traditional medicine to treat mild depression, wounds and burns, diarrhea, pain, fevers, and their secondary metabolites previously shown, and the in vitro and/or in vivo cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as the acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities. We conducted a systematic bibliographic search according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines to answer the question: “What is known about plants of Hypericum genus as a source of natural products with potential clinical biological activity?” We documented 414 different natural products with confirmed in vitro/in vivo biological activities, and 58 different Hypericum plant species as sources for these natural products. Phloroglucinols, acylphloroglucinols, xanthones, and benzophenones were the main chemical classes identified. The selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells, cell protection, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer’s, and adipogenesis-inhibition biological activities are described. Acylphloroglucinols were the most frequent compounds with anticancer and cell-protection mechanisms. To date, no work has been published with a full descriptive list directly relating secondary metabolites to their species of origin, plant parts used, extraction methodologies, mechanisms of action, and biological activities.

Assessing the driving forces of Guinea savanna transition using geospatial technology and machine learning in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Savannization and de-savannization are two land cover transition processes that are yet to be understood at a local scale in sub-Saharan Africa. We studied the patterns across different ecological, anthropogenic and climatic factors to infer the trends of savannization and de-savannization in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Geospatial technology and two machine learning methods were used to determine the pattern, dynamics, and importance of savannization and de-savannization with a set of thirteen eco-climatic variables. The savannized areas with total land cover masses of 934.27 km2 in 1986–2003 decreased to 901.01 km2 in 2003–2019, and vice versa for de-savannized areas. The thirteen eco-climatic variables contributed to savannization and de-savannization within the two transition intervals in varying degrees. Relevant stakeholders should employ mild burn severity to manage savannization at locations close to host communities, rivers, and roads within elevations above 450 m and low rainfall in the dry season below 6 mm.

An automated high-throughput platform for experimental study of burn injuries - in vitro and ex vivo

The use of in-vitro and ex-vivo models for the study of burn wound injuries is encouraged to reduce the animal burden in experimental burn research. However, few existing platforms enable the production of reproducible, locally confined thermal injuries at short durations in a high-throughput manner for both in-vitro and ex-vivo models. To address this gap, we established an automated high-throughput burn platform (HTBP) that provided accurate control over burn temperature, exposure time, and pressure application. This platform was built by fabricating an aluminum heat block with 96 pins and positioning a high-resolution actuator below the block. By activating the actuator, 96-well cell culture plates and skin samples were pressed against the heat block’s pins. We demonstrated the applicability of the HTBP for studying in-vitro burn injuries by investigating the effects of burn temperature and contact duration on cell viability and migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. We showed that higher temperatures and a longer contact duration decreased cellular viability and increased the area of the burn. Moreover, we found that even a short exposure time of 200 msec caused a severe burn wound at 75 °C in a cell monolayer. In addition, we used the HTBP to generate burn injuries at different burn durations in ex-vivo porcine skin and showed that dermis discoloration was present in histologic sections after exposure to 100 °C for a short duration of 500 msec. Our work demonstrates that the HTBP can constitute an important tool for both in-vitro and ex-vivo research of mild and severe burn injuries in a tightly controlled setting and high-throughput manner.

Monolateral Epithelial Hyperplasia Caused by Boiling Oil Misdiagnosed as Unilateral Keratoconus

PURPOSE: To describe a case of monolateral decreased visual acuity due to corneal epithelial hyperplasia that occurred after a thermal burn. A surgical approach can restore visual acuity and the corneal surface regularity. METHODS: The patient was concerned about a decrease in visual acuity. The slit-lamp examination and general medical history were not significant. The diagnosis was achieved by performing an anterior segment tomography, which showed an increased epithelial thickness with a reduced stromal thickness. No pathological anterior or posterior elevation areas were detected. Corneal biomechanics evaluation confirmed the absence of keratoconus. After further interrogation, the patient recalled she had a domestic mild thermal burn with boiling oil. RESULTS: The patient underwent a corneal epithelial debridement and achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: The authors highlight the importance of performing anterior segment tomography and of studying the epithelial thickness after corneal burns, even in clear corneas. [ Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports. 2022;2(3):e55–e59.]

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract and Fraction of Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume. Fruit

Daemonorops draco is a type of draco (Willd.) Blume fruit is well-known as an antiseptic, increases blood circulation, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, wound medicine, diarrhea, fractures, gonorrhea, mild burns, and other traditional medicines. Daemonorops draco is a type of draco (Willd.) Blume belongs to the Arecaceae family and contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids / triterpenoids, and glycosides, among other chemical components. Chemical compounds such as flavonoid compounds, saponins, and tannins have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Simplicia features, phytochemical screening, and antibacterial activity testing of ethanol extract and fruit fractions of Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume are all part of this study. Organoleptic, macroscopic, and microscopic tests were performed on the simplicia, as well as water content measurement on ethanol extracts. Maceration with ethanol as the solvent was followed by fractionation with n-hexane and ethylacetate as solvents. The phytochemical screening was done on Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume simplicia powder, extract, and fruit fraction. The antibacterial activity of each fraction was determined by examining the zone of inhibition against different test species, including Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 25923). (ATCC 6539). The water content of the simplicia was 4.65 percent, and the ethanol extract was 5.98 percent, according to the results of the characterisation. Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and steroids/triterpenoids were found in the phytochemical screening test of the ethanol extract. At a concentration of 25 mg/ml, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest antibacterial activity with an effective inhibitory diameter of 15.3 mm, Escherichia coli had the highest antibacterial activity with an effective inhibitory diameter of 14.2 mm, and Salmonella typhi had the highest antibacterial activity with an effective inhibitory diameter of 14.5 mm.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ, РАЗРАБОТКА СОСТАВА И ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ПРОТИВО-ВОСПАЛИТЕЛЬНОЙ АКТИВНОСТИ ГЕЛЕЙ С СО2-ЭКСТРАКТОМ ABIES SIBIRICA

Abstract. Extraction using liquefied gases, in particular carbon dioxide, has a number of well-known advantages and prospects. It is noteworthy that the CO2-extract of Siberian fir thus obtained differs from traditional extracts in terms of technological and biological properties. The gel obtained on the basis of this extract for external use has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. Purposeful and theoretically grounded selection of gel bases led to such gelling agents as methylcellulose, carbopol-940 and polyeth-ylene oxide-1500. Subsequent biological tests showed that 1% gel with CO2-extract of fir based on carbo-pol-940 can be used in dermatology as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent (abrasions, bruises and mild burns). The use of liquefied gases as an extractant significantly reduces the time spent on extrac-tion, makes it possible to obtain dehydrated, completely natural extracts, eliminates the effect of high tem-peratures at the concentration stage and improves the quality of the final products. It is also important that in the process of extraction in carbon dioxide, most of the known microbial cells cease their vital activity. In the technological process, neither preservatives nor stabilizers are added to the extracts, therefore they are of low toxicity and can be successfully used in children's and geriatric practice. Extracts have a wide therapeutic spectrum, do not lead to negative consequences and are not addictive with long-term use.