The latest medical research on Burns

Deep partial-thickness burns have a significant impact on both the physical and mental health of patients. Our previous study demonstrated human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) could enhance the healing of severe burns in small animal burn models, such as rats. Furthermore, our team has developed a deep partial-thickness burn model in Bama miniature pigs, which can be utilized for assessing drug efficacy in preclinical trials for wound healing. Therefore, this study further determine the optimal dosage of hUCMSCs in future clinical practice by comparing the efficacy of low-to-high doses of hUCMSCs on deep partial-thickness burn wounds in Bama miniature pigs.

The male Bama miniature pigs (N = 8, weight: 23-28 kg and length: 71-75 cm) were used to establish deep partial-thickness burn models, which used a continuous pressure of 1 kg and contact times of 35 s by the invented electronic burn instrument at 100℃ to prepare 10 round burn wounds with diameter of 5 cm according to our previous report. And then, 0 × 10^7, 1 × 10^7, 2 × 10^7, 5 × 10^7 and 1 × 10^8 doses of hUCMSCs were respectively injected into burn wounds of their corresponding groups. After treatment for 7, 14 and 21 days, the burned wound tissues were obtained for histological evaluation, including HE staining for histopathological changes, immunohistochemistry for neutrophil (MPO+) infiltration and microvessel (CD31+) quantity, as well as Masson staining for collagen deposition. The levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and angiogenesis factors angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as collagen type-I/type-III of the wound tissues were quantified by ELISA.

All of doses hUCMSCs can significantly increase wound healing rate and shorten healing time of the deep partial-thickness burn pigs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, all of doses hUCMSCs can significantly promote epithelialization and decreased inflammatory reaction of wound, including infiltration of inflammatory cells and levels inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, the amounts of microvessel were increased in all of doses hUCMSCs group than those in the burn group. Furthermore, the collagen structure was disordered and partially necrotized, and ratios of collagen type-I and type-III were significantly decreased in burn group (4:1 in normal skin tissue), and those of all hUCMSCs groups were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner. In a word, 1 × 10^8 dose of hUCMSCs could regenerate the deep partial-thickness burn wounds most efficaciously compared to other dosages groups and the burn group.

This regenerative cell therapy study using hUCMSCs demonstrates the best efficacy toward a high dose, that is dose of 1 × 10^8 of hUCMSCs was used as a reference therapeutic dose for treating 20 cm2 deep partial-thickness burns wound in future clinical practice.

Family members of critically ill patients spend significant periods of time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital environment. We aimed to identify what services, resources, and conveniences are important to adult ICU visitors.

We conducted a cross-sectional study including visitors in four adult ICUs in the province of Ontario, Canada. In the survey, we asked visitors to rate the importance of 58 items relating to the environment of patient rooms, the waiting room, and hospital facilities. For each item, we gave respondents five categorical response options, from "not at all important" to "extremely important." We used descriptive statistics to analyze the survey results.

We analyzed 224 surveys completed by ICU visitors (60% female, ages 14-87 yr). Respondents were predominantly children (41%) or the spouse/partner (23%) of adult ICU patients. Nearly half (51%) lived more than 30 km from the hospital, and 30% spent at least one night in the ICU waiting room, with a median of 2 nights (range, 1-20) spent in hospital. Within the hospital environment, the top four items rated as "extremely important" or "very important" were directional signage (82%), convenient parking (80%), discounted parking (80%), and healthy and affordable food (78%). Regarding ICU waiting rooms, 24/7 visitation (92%), convenient restrooms (87%), a water dispenser (83%), and Wi-Fi (80%) were priorities. Features of ICU patient rooms identified as most important included seating for visitors (92%), access to natural light (78%), and access to fresh air (74%).

Intensive care unit visitors prioritized pragmatic environmental elements. Many of these modifications are simple and inexpensive but may significantly improve visitors' comfort and experience.

This study aims to explore the role of peer and parental influences on adolescent driving behaviors, particularly concerning distracted and alcohol-impaired driving, in light of the significant number of road accidents and fatalities involving young drivers.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the IMPACT program. Adolescents aged 14 to 19 in the Richmond area were recruited from local high schools through convenience sampling. Parental consent was obtained via media release forms provided by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), with students having the option to opt out of participation. Self-report surveys were administered during IMPACT program events and captured via REDCap. The surveys included demographic information, driving history, driving behaviors, alcohol attitudes, drinking and driving behaviors, and a driving knowledge section.

The mean age of participants was 15.230 years (SD = 1.545). Gender distribution was as follows: Female 53.1% and male 42.1%. Racial distribution included White/Caucasian (48.9%), Black/African American (22.4%), and multiple races (8.8%). Peer influence on drinking and driving was significant (P = .038). Driving under the influence was associated with both parental and peer influence (P < .050). A positive correlation was found between peer digital distraction and car crashes (coefficient = 0.038, P = .038). Additionally, parental alcohol-impaired driving was linked to decreased positive attitudes among adolescents toward driving under the influence (coefficient = -0.024, P = .000). Though parent distracted driving positively influenced adolescent driving behavior, this effect was not statistically significant (coefficient = 0.008, P = .320).

The findings indicate a significant reduction in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving and an increase in seat belt use among adolescents. There is heightened awareness regarding the dangers of texting and driving. A multifaceted approach was effective in improving attitudes and practices related to driving safety.