Treatment of experimentally induced partial-thickness burns in rats with different silver-impregnated dressings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic aspects of experimentally induced partial-thickness burns in rats treated with different silver-based dressings. METHODS: Wistar rats were used, divided into six treatments: saline (NaCl 0.9%); silver sulfadiazine 1%; Silvercel; Mepilex Ag; Aquacel Ag and Acticoat. The animals were monitored daily and euthanized at 7, 14 and 30 days after injury induction (DAI). RESULTS: At 7 DAI, necrosis/crust was greater in control, silver sulfadiazine and Mepilex Ag treatments, granulation tissue was induced by Aquacel Ag, polymorphonuclear infiltrate (PMN) infiltration was intensified by Mepilex Ag; mononuclear infiltrate (MN) infiltration and angiogenesis were increased by Silvercel. At 14 DAI, hemorrhage was decreased by Silvercel and Mepilex Ag, PMN infiltration increased by Acticoat. At 30 DAI, angiogenesis was greater in the Acticoat treatment and fibroblasts were increased by Acticoat and Mepilex Ag. Collagen was induced at 14 DAI by silver sulfadiazine and Aquacel Ag and, at 30 DAI, by silver sulfadiazine and Silvercel treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Silvercel and Acticoat presented better results than the other products. However, all the dressings were better than the control at some point during the process, and may contribute to the healing of partial thickness burns. Silvercel and Aquacel Ag treatments induced better cosmetic outcomes regarding wound closure and scarring.

Hydrogel-based dressings in the treatment of partial thickness experimentally induced burn wounds in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare four commercially available hydrogel formulations in the healing of partial thickness burns experimentally induced in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were used, and after the burn wound induction they were divided into the following treatment groups: G1) NaCl 0.9%; G2) 1% silver sulfadiazine; G3) Debrigel™; G4) Safgel™; G5) Dersani™; G6) Solosite™. The animals were followed during seven, 14 and 30 days after the injury induction. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed. RESULTS: The treatment with Dersani™ induced better results during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process (p<0.05). The animals treated with Safgel™ presented better scaring in the remodeling phase (p<0.05), and the treatment with Dersani™ and Solosite™ induced greater wound closure (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hydrogel-based dressings presented beneficial outcomes in the healing of burn wounds experimentally induced in rats due to their ability in maintain the humidity of the wound, in removing the exudate, in promoting cell migration and collagen production during the different phases of the healing process.

Treatment of experimentally induced partial-thickness burns in rats with different silver-impregnated dressings

Purpose: To evaluate the morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic aspects of experimentally induced partial-thickness burns in rats treated with different silver-based dressings. Methods: Wistar rats were used, divided into six treatments: saline (NaCl 0.9%); silver sulfadiazine 1%; Silvercel; Mepilex Ag; Aquacel Ag and Acticoat. The animals were monitored daily and euthanized at 7, 14 and 30 days after injury induction (DAI). Results: At 7 DAI, necrosis/crust was greater in control, silver sulfadiazine and Mepilex Ag treatments, granulation tissue was induced by Aquacel Ag, polymorphonuclear infiltrate (PMN) infiltration was intensified by Mepilex Ag; mononuclear infiltrate (MN) infiltration and angiogenesis were increased by Silvercel. At 14 DAI, hemorrhage was decreased by Silvercel and Mepilex Ag, PMN infiltration increased by Acticoat. At 30 DAI, angiogenesis was greater in the Acticoat treatment and fibroblasts were increased by Acticoat and Mepilex Ag. Collagen was induced at 14 DAI by silver sulfadiazine and Aquacel Ag and, at 30 DAI, by silver sulfadiazine and Silvercel treatments. Conclusions: Silvercel and Acticoat presented better results than the other products. However, all the dressings were better than the control at some point during the process, and may contribute to the healing of partial thickness burns. Silvercel and Aquacel Ag treatments induced better cosmetic outcomes regarding wound closure and scarring.

Carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel formulations enhance the healing process in experimental partial-thickness (second-degree) burn wound healing.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to elaborate a hydrogel constituted by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), hyaluronic acid (HA) and silver (Ag) and to evaluate its healing effect on partial-thickness burn wounds experimentally induced in rats. METHODS: CMC was obtained by chitosan reacting with monochloroacetic acid. The carboxymethylation was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the morphologicalcharacteristics of chitosan and CMC. After the experimental burn wound induction, the animals (n = 126) were treated with different CMC formulations, had their occlusive dressings changed daily and were followed through 7, 14 and 30 days. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic aspects and collagen quantification were evaluated. RESULTS: Significative wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, inflammatory infiltration and collagen fibers deposit throughout different phases of the healing process were observed in the CMC hydrogels treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, in the initial phase of the healing process, the most adequate product was the CMC/HA/Ag association, while in the other phases the CMC/HA association was the best one to promote the healing of burn wounds.

Inhibition of bacterial biofilms by carboxymethyl chitosan combined with silver, zinc and copper salts.

Investigation of the antimicrobial action of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) is among the alternative approaches in the control of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to screen the toxicity using the brine shrimp lethality assay and to investigate the inhibitory activity of carboxymethyl in isolation or in combination with silver nitrate, copper sulfate and zinc sulfate on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 25312, and Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 17759. The CMCh was obtained by reacting chitosan with monochloroacetic acid under alkaline conditions, and the occurrence of carboxymethylation was evidenced by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The CMCh was combined with metallic salts (AgNO3, CuSO4·5H2O and ZnSO4) to perform the bioassays to screen the toxicity, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and the impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations against biofilm formation. Although CMCh did not show inhibitory activity against bacterial growth, it had an interesting level of inhibition of bacterial biofilm. The results suggest that sub-inhibitory concentrations of compounds were effective against biofilm formation.

The epidemiology of snakebite accidents in the cities of southeast Goiás from 2007 TO 2011 / Epidemiologia de acidentes ofídicos no sudeste goiano entre 2007 a 2011

Knowing the epidemiology of snakebite poisoning is essential for planning prevention and treatment strategies for such accidents. However, epidemiological data concerning snakebite accidents remain limited, especially in certain regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to understand the epidemiology of snakebites in four cities of Southeast Goiás from 2007 to 2011. In total, 182 snakebites were reported during this time period, resulting in an incident rate ranging between 32 and 74/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 1.64%. The accidents were most common in men and occurred primarily in the countryside. The genera Bothrops and Crotalus (in this order) were responsible for the most bites, and the lower limbs were the most commonly affected bodily regions. The incidence and mortality rates of snakebites in these cities were high compared with regional and national statistics. Public health agencies require the data obtained in this study to subsidize a strategic plan aimed at preventing these accidents and providing appropriate treatments.

O conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia dos envenenamentos ofídicos é essencial para o planejamento de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento a esses acidentes. Porém, os dados epidemiológicos dos acidentes ofídicos ainda são precários, sobretudo em algumas regiões brasileiras. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou conhecer a epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos em quatro municípios do sudeste goiano, durante 2007 a 2011, período em que foram notificados 182 acidentes ofídicos, com incidência entre 32 a 74/100.00 habitantes e letalidade de 1,64%. Os acidentes predominaram em adultos, do sexo masculino, sendo o principal local de ocorrência a zona rural. Os gêneros Bothrops e Crotalus foram, respectivamente, responsáveis pela maior frequência dos casos, sendo os membros inferiores as regiões anatômicas mais atingidas. A incidência e letalidade dos acidentes ofídicos nos municípios estudados foram altas, contrastando com o cenário regional e nacional. Os dados obtidos são essenciais para os órgãos públicos de saúde para subsidiar o tanto o planejamento de ações que visem a prevenção destes acidentes quanto o tratamento adequado.

Dengue em Urutaí, GO: conhecimentos, percepções da população e condições sanitárias de suas residências / Dengue in Urutaí, Goiás, Brazil: knowledge, perceptions of population and health conditions in their homes

INTRODUÇÃO: A dengue tem sido considerado um sério problema de saúde pública. Embora muitas pesquisas estejam ocorrendo, há pouca informação sobre as percepções e conhecimentos da população sobre a doença em contextos locais e regionais. OBJETIVO: Nesse contexto, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar as percepções, conhecimentos e comportamentos/práticas revelados por moradores do município de Urutaí (GO) e identificar possíveis características sanitárias e ambientais presentes nas residências que podem favorecer a disseminação do inseto vetor e, consequentemente, da doença. MÉTODOS: A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação de um questionário e de visitas nas residências dos entrevistados. RESULTADOS e DISCUSSÃO: Foram entrevistados 206 moradores e visitadas 200 residências. A maioria dos entrevistados afirmou ser favorável a campanhas de prevenção do dengue, que reconhece o dengue como uma enfermidade grave, considera-se bem informado sobre a doença e foi capaz de identificar o vetor do dengue, porém nem todos sabem que o agente etiológico da doença é um vírus. Além disso, muitos moradores afirmaram que contribuem com a prevenção da dengue. Contudo, foi verificado durante as visitas em suas residências que eles têm o hábito de jogar lixo na rua e em terrenos baldios, acumulam lixo nas residências, e estocam recipientes em posição propícia para o armazenamento de água. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da identificação de conhecimentos e percepções favoráveis quanto ao controle/prevenção do dengue, observaram-se atitudes e condições propícias à proliferação do mosquito vetor e, consequentemente, da doença.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue has been considered a serious public health problem. Although much research is taking place, there is little information on the people´s perceptions and knowledge about the disease at local and regional contexts. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions, knowledge and behaviors/practices revealed by residents of Urutaí, Goiás, Brazil, and identify potential environmental and health effects present in homes that may favor the spread of the insect vector and, consequently, the disease. METHODS: Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire and visits to the homes of respondents. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We interviewed 206 residents and visited 200 homes. The majority of respondents claimed to be in favor of campaigns to prevent dengue fever, and recognizes dengue as a serious illness, is well informed about the disease and was able to identify the vector of dengue, but not everyone knows that the etiological agent of disease is a virus. In addition, many residents said that contribute to the prevention of dengue. However, it was verified during visits to the homes of residents that they have the habit of littering and waste lands, accumulate waste in homes, in addition to stockpile containers in a position favorable for water storage. CONCLUSION: Despite the identification of knowledge and favorable perceptions regarding the control/prevention of dengue, attitudes and observed conditions conducive to the proliferation of the mosquito vector and therefore the disease.