The efficacy of buprenorphine on moderate traumatic brain injury in the rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death, disability, and mental health disorders. A wide range of bioactive lipids, cytokines, and chemokines drives the inflammatory response. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of buprenorphine on moderate Trauma Brain Injury (mTBI) in rats. METHODS: In this study, 21 Wistar male rats weighing 230 ± 10 g were included. We trained cases by Morris water navigation task and mTBI induced by the pendulum. Then, buprenorphine treatment with 0.05 mg per kilogram of body weight continued from day 8 to 21. Finally, by Micro-Computed Tomography, behavioral evaluation by the Morris aqueous riddle test and biochemical factors of inflammation were assessed. RESULTS: Severe subdural inflammation was more in the treatment group than in the control group. The behavior of Rats showed that in the buprenorphine group, the mean duration of finding the platform increased compared to the control and Sham groups. However, the groups had no significant differences (P > 0.05). Biochemically, buprenorphine increased prolactin and decreased cortisol compared to the control and trauma groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that buprenorphine causes fewer changes in behavioral functions in rats' models of mTBI and, because of their positive effect changes on inflammation biomarkers, biochemical behavioral tests, and CT scan images, could be ideal analgesic agents for pre-clinical responses after TBI.

Evaluation of the role of inflammatory blood markers in predicting the pathological response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the role of inflammatory blood markers in predicting the pathological response rate after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (neo-CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed the data of patients with LARC who underwent neo-CRT and surgical removal of the rectal mass between 2020 and 2022 in a tertiary medical center. Patients were examined weekly during chemoradiation and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were calculated from weekly laboratory data. Wilcoxon signed-ranks and logistic regression analysis were utilized to determine whether any laboratory parameters during different time point assessments or their relative changes could predict the tumor response based on a permanent pathology review. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were recruited for the study. Eighteen patients (53%) achieved good pathologic response. Statistical analysis by Wilcoxon signed-ranks method indicated significant rises in NLR, PLR, MLR, and SII on weekly assessments during chemoradiation. Having an NLR over 3.21 during chemoradiation was correlated with the response on a Pearson chi-squared test (p = 0.04). Also, a significant correlation was found between the PLR ratio over 1.8 and the response (p = 0.02). NLR ratio over 1.82 marginally missed a significant correlation with the response (p = 0.13). On multivariate analysis, a PLR ratio over 1.8 showed a trend for response (odds ratio = 10.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-123; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: In this study, PLR ratio as an inflammatory marker showed a trend in the prediction of response in permanent pathology to neo-CRT.

Critical Point Drying of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors Improves Their Electric Transport Characteristics.

A critical point drying (CPD) technique is reported with supercritical CO2 as a cleaning step for graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) microfabricated on oxidized Si wafers, which results in an increase of the field-effect mobility and a decrease of the impurity doping. It is shown that the polymeric residues remaining on graphene after the transfer process and device microfabrication are significantly reduced after the CPD treatment. Moreover, the CPD effectively removes ambient adsorbates such as water therewith reducing the undesirable p-type doping of the GFETs. It is proposed that CPD of electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic devices based on 2D materials as a promising technique to recover their intrinsic properties after the microfabrication in a cleanroom and after storage at ambient conditions.

Comparison of the effects of human fetal umbilical cord-derived hyaluronic acid and fibroblast-derived exosomes on wound healing in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Exosomes and hyaluronic acid influence tissue regeneration and may be used as an alternative to more conventional wound treatment methods. This study compared how well hyaluronic acid from the human umbilical cord and exosomes from fibroblast cells heal burn wounds in a preclinical model. METHODS: Ninety-six male Westar rats were used and allocated into four groups: The treatment group received 10% hyaluronic acid (HA); the treatment group received 300 l of exosome solution (EX); the treatment group received phenytoin (PC); the negative control group received no treatment (NC). The wound healing process was evaluated after 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. Histopathological analysis was done on the skin biopsy taken from the wounds. Re-epithelialization, inflammatory cells (PMNs), lymphocytes (LYMs), granulation tissue, collagen maturation (fibrosis), and eschar formation parameters were assessed for histopathological evaluation. On a scale from 0 to 4, each parameter received a score. RESULTS: Compared to the PC and NC groups, the median score for re-epithelialization was greater in the HA and EX groups (P < 0.05). At three days, PMN abundance distinguished the PC and NC groups from the HA and EX groups (P < 0.01). Compared to the PC and NC groups, the HA and EX groups had a lower median LYM score (P < 0.01). We found no statistical difference between the four groups for granulation tissue and fibrosis (P > 0.05). The EX group had a lower average score for eschar formation than the PC, NC, and HA groups (P < 0.01). The HA and EX groups demonstrated faster healing in the clinical and microscopic examinations than the NC and PC groups. CONCLUSION: The results showed that hyaluronic acid and exosomes improved wound healing. Also, the study demonstrated that hyaluronic acid has better effects in the re-epithelization. The exosome was more effective than HA in eschar formation. Both compounds were more influential in the PMNs and LYMs parameters than other groups. The combination of both compounds should be assessed further to achieve better therapeutic effects on wound healing.

Effects of exosomes derived from fibroblast cells on skin wound healing in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The role of exosomes in areas, such as skin wound healing, have been of consideratble interest recently. However, the effects of exosomes derived mainly from fibroblast cells on wound healing have yet to be documented well. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of exosomes derived from fibroblast cells on wound healing in Wistar rats. METHODS: Human fetal skin was isolated afterward centrifuge, and trypsin 0.1% was added to the cells after removing DPBS from the Falcon tube, and the trypsin was removed. The cells were moved to culture flasks. Then, the secondary culture of Human Fetal Skin Fibroblast was done. The pellets containing exosomes were suspended in PBS, and to achieve purified exosomes, the suspended Exosome were passed through a 0.22 µm filter. The exosome solution was kept at - 20 ºC. In the in vivo phase, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I, low-dose exosome (LDE) solution (150 µl/day), group II high-dose exosome (HDE) solution (300 µl/day), group III commercially available ointment (positive control (PC)) was topically applied on wounds and group VI without treatment (negative control (NC)). A skin biopsy was taken for histopathological analysis. Wound area, depth of ulcer, degree of granulation, and inflammation were assessed. For histopathological assessment, re-epithelialization, inflammatory cells, granulation tissue, crust formation, and collagen maturation (fibrosis) parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were included. The HDE group's showed accelerated healing compared to the NC and PC groups at 9 and 12 days. Inflammation and granulation were higher in the HDE, LDE, and PC groups than in the NC group (p < 0.05). The onset of re-epithelialization and collagen deposition was higher in the LDE, HDE, and PC groups, then on nine and 12-day, gradually maturing and extending through the ulcer (p < 0.05). On day 12, in almost all parameters, the LDE and HDE groups showed improved results compared to NC cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the utilization of fibroblast-Exo significantly promoted cutaneous wound healing in a rat full-thickness skin ulcer model. This is a potential innovation for cell-free therapy from fibroblast-Exo as a closed structure similar to human cells.

The Effect of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Laminectomy and Discectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial study. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) on intraoperative blood loss (IBL) in patients that have degenerative lumbar canal stenosis and undergo posterior lumbar laminectomy and discectomy. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The volume of IBL is directly proportional to potential surgical complications. Recent reports have shown that the topical use of antifibrinolytic drugs, such as TXA, during surgery might decrease IBL and improve patient outcomes. METHODS: A total of 104 patients with lumbar canal stenosis were enrolled in this randomized, double blinded clinical trial. Participants were randomized and divided into two groups: TXA (54 cases) and control (50 cases). In the TXA group, a TXA solution was used for washing and soaking, whereas, in the control group, irrigation of wound was with normal saline. IBL, pre- and postoperative coagulative studies, operation time, conventional hemostatic agent usage, systemic complications, and length of hospitalization were consecutively recorded. All participants were followed for an additional two months to gather data on their recovery status and time to return to work (RTW). RESULTS: At baseline, there was no difference in clinical or lab findings, between the groups. IBL and use of hemostatic agents were significantly decreased in TXA group, as compared to the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.011, respectively). Systemic complications, length of hospitalization, and RTW were not significantly different between groups (p=0.47, p=0.38, and p=0.08, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that topical use of TXA during surgery may decrease IBL and minimize the use of hemostatic materials during posterior midline-approach laminectomy and discectomy, without increasing the potential for complications seen with intravenous TXA usage.

Evaluation of Associated Genes with Traumatic Pain: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The knowledge about the molecular pathway of traumatic pain relief is less documented. This systematic review study aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways associated with various traumatic pains. METHODS: The online databases such as EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinical Trials, Google Scholar, Wiley, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus were searched. Two review authors searched and screened all records' titles and abstracts, and the third expert reviewer author resolved their disagreement. The study's design, various trauma injuries, types of genes, and molecular pathways were recorded. The genes and molecular pathways data were obtained via GeneCards®: The Human Gene Database (https://www.genecards.org). RESULTS: Studies on a variety of trauma injuries regarding nerve and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) (12 records), Hypertrophic scar with Severe Pain (one record), severe post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain (MSP) (one record), and orthopedic trauma (one record) were included. The main molecular pathways such as the immune system, apoptosis, and death receptor signaling, T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, oxidative stress, interleukin(s) mediated signaling pathway, biological oxidations, metabolic pathways (especially amino acid metabolism and amino group), focal adhesion, the proliferation of vascular, epithelial, and connective tissue cells, angiogenesis and neural development were identified. CONCLUSION: The immune system, apoptosis, and metabolic pathways are crucial for understanding the roles of genes in traumatic pain. It is recommended that these identified pathways and related genes be considered therapeutical targets for pain management in patients with trauma injuries. In addition, different forms of trauma injuries require different pathways and related genes to be considered.

Electric-Field-Induced Reversible Phase Transitions in a Spontaneously Ion-Intercalated 2D Metal Oxide.

Electric field driven reversible phase transitions in two-dimensional (2D) materials are appealing for their potential in switching applications. Here, we introduce potassium intercalated MnO2 as an exemplary case. We demonstrate the synthesis of large-area single-crystal layered MnO2 via chemical vapor deposition as thin as 5 nm. These crystals are spontaneously intercalated by potassium ions during the synthesis. We showed that the charge transport in 2D K-MnO2 is dominated by motion of hydrated potassium ions in the interlayer space. Under a few volts bias, separation of potassium and the structural water leads to formation of different phases at the opposite terminals, and at larger biases K-MnO2 crystals exhibit reversible layered-to-spinel phase transition. These phase transitions are accompanied by electrical and optical changes in the material. We used the electric field driven ionic motion in K-MnO2 based devices to demonstrate the memristive capabilities of two terminal devices.

The effects of natural compounds on wound healing in Iranian traditional medicine: A comprehensive review.

Wounds are physical and anatomical disruption in healthy skin and represent an important healthcare concern around the world. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic cascade of cellular and molecular interactions which include four main phases: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. Therefore, some pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities can play a key role in the process of wound healing. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) has a rich background of practice and a wealth of ancient medicine scientists from the Old Persian days until today. This paper presents and characterizes pure data from original references of ITM about wound remedies and verifies their function by reviewing articles from three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus), which could be an interesting and comprehensive resource for future researchers interested in traditional medicine (TM) generally and in ITM in particular. Selected natural compounds from the references were divided into 5 groups, including herbs, herbal products, animal products, minerals, and animals. In total, 23 natural compounds with regard to the current state of knowledge and ITM were introduced and verified. The present review will provide better insights into ITM and its extensive experience in topics such as wound healing.

High elasticity and strength of ultra-thin metallic transition metal dichalcogenides.

Mechanical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are relevant to their prospective applications in flexible electronics. So far, the focus has been on the semiconducting TMDCs, mostly MoX2 and WX2 (X = S, Se) due to their potential in optoelectronics. A comprehensive understanding of the elastic properties of metallic TMDCs is needed to complement the semiconducting TMDCs in flexible optoelectronics. Thus, mechanical testing of metallic TMDCs is pertinent to the realization of the applications. Here, we report on the atomic force microscopy-based nano-indentation measurements on ultra-thin 2H-TaS2 crystals to elucidate the stretching and breaking of the metallic TMDCs. We explored the elastic properties of 2H-TaS2 at different thicknesses ranging from 3.5 nm to 12.6 nm and find that the Young's modulus is independent of the thickness at a value of 85.9 ± 10.6 GPa, which is lower than the semiconducting TMDCs reported so far. We determined the breaking strength as 5.07 ± 0.10 GPa which is 6% of the Young's modulus. This value is comparable to that of other TMDCs. We used ab initio calculations to provide an insight into the high elasticity measured in 2H-TaS2. We also performed measurements on a small number of 1T-TaTe2, 3R-NbS2 and 1T-NbTe2 samples and extended our ab initio calculations to these materials to gain a deeper understanding on the elastic and breaking properties of metallic TMDCs. This work illustrates that the studied metallic TMDCs are suitable candidates to be used as additives in composites as functional and structural elements and for flexible conductive electronic devices.

Challenges, consequences, and lessons for way-outs to emergencies at hospitals: a systematic review study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding adversely affects patients' health, accessibility, and quality of healthcare systems for communities. Several studies have addressed this issue. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review study concerning challenges, lessons and way outs of clinical emergencies at hospitals. METHODS: Original research articles on crowding of emergencies at hospitals published from 1st January 2007, and 1st August 2018 were utilized. Relevant studies from the PubMed and EMBASE databases were assessed using suitable keywords. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts and the methodological validity of the records using data extraction format before their inclusion in the final review. Discussions with the senior faculty member were used to resolve any disagreements among the reviewers during the assessment phase. RESULTS: Out of the total 117 articles in the final record, we excluded 11 of them because of poor quality. Thus, this systematic review synthesized the reports of 106 original articles. Overall 14, 55 and 29 of the reviewed refer to causes, effects, and solutions of ED crowding, respectively. The review also included four articles on both causes and effects and another four on causes and solutions. Multiple individual patients and healthcare system related challenges, experiences and responses to crowding and its consequences are comprehensively synthesized. CONCLUSION: ED overcrowding is a multi-facet issue which affects by patient-related factors and emergency service delivery. Crowding of the EDs adversely affected individual patients, healthcare delivery systems and communities. The identified issues concern organizational managers, leadership, and operational level actions to reduce crowding and improve emergency healthcare outcomes efficiently.

Outcomes of Crowding in Emergency Departments; a Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency Department (ED) crowding is a global public health phenomenon affecting access and quality of care. In this study, we seek to conduct a systematic review concerning the challenges and outcomes of ED crowding. METHODS: This systematic review utilized original research articles published from 1st January 2007, to 1st January 2019. Relevant articles from the PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Google scholar databases were extracted using predesigned keywords. Following the PRISMA guidelines, two reviewers independently evaluated the quality of the studies using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for cohort studies and qualitative studies, and Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for studies. RESULTS: Out of the total of 73 articles in the final record, we excluded 15 of them because of poor quality. This systematic review synthesized the reports of 58 original articles. The outcomes of multiple individual patients and healthcare-related challenges are comprehensively assessed. CONCLUSIONS: ED crowding affects individual patients, healthcare systems and communities at large. The negative influences of crowding on healthcare service delivery result in delayed service delivery, poor quality care, and inefficiency; all negatively affecting the emergency patients' healthcare outcomes, in turn.

Real time optical observation and control of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenide synthesis.

Understanding the mechanisms involved in chemical vapour deposition (CVD) synthesis of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) requires precise control of numerous growth parameters. All the proposed mechanisms and their relationship with the growth conditions are inferred from characterising intermediate formations obtained by stopping the growth blindly. To fully understand the reaction routes that lead to the monolayer formation, real time observation and control of the growth are needed. Here, we demonstrate how a custom-made CVD chamber that allows real time optical monitoring can be employed to study the reaction routes that are critical to the production of the desired layered thin crystals in salt assisted TMDC synthesis. Our real time observations reveal the reaction between the salt and the metallic precursor to form intermediate compounds which lead to the layered crystal formation. We identified that both the vapour-solid-solid and vapour-liquid-solid growth routes are in an interplay. Furthermore, we demonstrate the role H2 plays in the salt-assisted WSe2 synthesis. Finally, we observed the synthesis of the MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures optically, and elucidated the conditions required for both lateral and vertical heterostructure syntheses.

Enophthalmos and Orbital Volume Changes in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures: Is There a Correlation Between Them?

PURPOSE: The orbital cavity can be affected in zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between orbital volume changes and enophthalmos in patients with ZMC fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study of consecutive adult patients with recent isolated unilateral ZMC fractures who were otherwise healthy was performed from 2016 through 2017. Multislice computed tomographic (CT) scans were taken of all patients and enophthalmos was measured clinically using a Hertel exophthalmometer. In the axial plane, enophthalmos was measured on CT scan using Mimics software. Three-dimensional reconstruction and volume measurement of the orbital cavity also were performed using Mimics software. The correlation between clinical and radiographic amounts of enophthalmos was measured by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The association among radiographic enophthalmos, clinical enophthalmos, and volume changes of the orbital cavity was assessed by linear regression. The P value was set at .01. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients (77 men, 19 women; mean age, 28.48 ± 8.29 yr) were assessed. Mean volumes of control and fractured bony orbits measured on CT scan were 29.02 ± 1.71 and 32.05 ± 2.22 cm3, respectively (P < .001). There was a strong positive correlation between clinically and radiographically measured amounts of enophthalmos (correlation coefficient = 0.97; P < .001). Based on the linear regression model, for each 1-cm3 orbital volume change, clinical and radiographic enophthalmos amounts changed by 0.68 and 0.71 mm, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: ZMC fractures commonly increase orbital volume and the degree of change is strongly correlated with enophthalmos.

Early Reconstructions of Complex Lower Extremity Battlefield Soft Tissue Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Severe lower extremity trauma as a devastating combat related injury is on the rise and this presents reconstructive surgeons with significant challenges to reach optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. This study assessed early reconstructions of complex lower extremity battlefield soft tissue wounds. METHODS: This was a prospective case series study of battled field injured patients which was done in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Tehran, Iran between 2013-2015. In this survey, 73 patients were operated for reconstruction of lower extremity soft tissue defects due to battlefield injuries. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (65 men, 8 womens) ranging from 21-48 years old (mean: 35 years) were enrolled. Our study showed that early debridement and bone stabilization and later coverage of complex battlefields soft tissue wounds with suitable flaps and grafts of lower extremity were effective method for difficult wounds managements with less amputation and infections. CONCLUSION: Serial debridement and bone stabilization before early soft tissue reconstruction according to reconstructive ladder were shown to be essential steps.

Effects of Topical Tamoxifen on Wound Healing of Burned Skin in Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effects of the topical application of tamoxifen on wound healing of burned skin in Wistar rats by evaluating 3 healing characteristics: fibrotic tissue thickness (FTT), scar surface area (SSA), and angiogenesis in the healed scar tissue. METHODS: Eighteen male Wistar rats were used in this study. A third-degree burn wound was made on the shaved animals' back, measuring 2×2×2 cm. In the first group, a 2% tamoxifen ointment was applied to the wound twice daily for 8 weeks. The second group received a placebo ointment during the same period. The third group did not receive any treatment and served as the control group. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range=[Q1, Q3]) FTT was 1.35 (1.15, 1.62) mm, 1.00 (0.95, 1.02) mm, and 1.25 (0.8, 1.5) mm in the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.069). However, the FTT in the tamoxifen group was less than in the placebo and control groups. The median angiogenesis was 3.5 (3.00, 6.25), 8.00 (6.75, 9.25), and 7.00 (5.50, 8.25) vessels per high-power field for the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.067). However, the median angiogenesis was higher in the tamoxifen group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mean SSA between the tamoxifen group and the control group (P=0.990). CONCLUSIONS: Local application of tamoxifen increased angiogenesis and decreased the FTT, with no change in the SSA in burned skin areas. These effects are expected to expedite the wound healing process, reducing contracture and preventing hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

Salient Points in Reconstruction of Nasal Skin after Tumor Ablation with Local Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: A variety of nasal skin reconstruction methods are available to meet the esthetic patient's needs. In this article, we review some of modifications of these procedures and share our experience in reconstruction of different parts of the nasal skin following skin tumor ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2014, 171 patients underwent nasal skin reconstruction after excising cancerous lesions of the involved nasal skin. The patient's history, pre- and post-operation photographs, and the surgery data were collected and assessed. Demographic data related to the type of cancer, defect size and location, type of reconstruction were collected. RESULTS: A variety of local flaps were used based on location and defect features. Nearly all flaps healed primarily without postsurgical significant complications. CONCLUSION: According to the results and the outcomes of the operations, we concluded that a certain flaps are more effective than others in nasal skin reconstruction. Local flap reconstruction of the nose has good esthetic result with low complication rate.

Warfare-related secondary anterior cranioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cranial bone defects secondary to global war cranial defects pose a unique reconstructive challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of alloplastic reconstructions of cranial bone with titanium mesh and fat graft after warfare-related cranial trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients at the plastic and reconstructive surgery ward of our hospital underwent anterior cranioplasty with titanium mesh with or without fat grafts from lower abdominal wall. Inclusion criteria were anterior cranial bone defect due to warfare injuries, the mean age of these patients was 31 years (range, 23-48 years). Ninety-five percent were male, and 5% were female. Average follow-up was 12 months. Fat grafts were used to help obliterate endocranial dead spaces. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (71%) had more than 0.5 cm dead space under cranial defects, and we used fat graft under the titanium mesh. The majority groups of patients (80%) were injured as a result of previous explosive device blasts with or without neurosurgical procedures in the past. The average patient age was 31 years, and 95% of patients were male. The mean anterior cranial defect size was 6 cm × 8 cm, and there were no wound infection or flap necrosis after operations. CONCLUSION: We recommend this procedure (titanium mesh with or without fat graft) for warfare injured cranial defects in secondary anterior cranial reconstructions. Fat grafts eliminates dead space and reduce secondary complications.

Validation of an Iranian Trauma Data Collection Form.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the direction of traumatic injury is important as the information can help avoid death after trauma. A trauma registry usually entails detailed information about the demographics, cause, intensity of the injury, and the final diagnosis and outcome of the trauma-affected patient. Researchers should be able to evaluate all aspects of trauma injury and the patient's status. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a trauma data collection form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The development of the trauma registry form began in February 2013. The variables were finalized by a team consisting of general and trauma surgeons, specialists in emergency medicine, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, and public health professionals who have special interest in trauma research. The scale was sent to 10 specialists for validation. RESULTS: After assessing the scale validity twice, it was accepted with an integrator agreement of 0.89. The test-retest reliability was assessed in a convenience sample of 20 physicians (Kendall t = 0.97; P < 0.001). Such a high reliability may reflect redundancy of some items. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to establish a secure multicenter trauma registry in Iran for data collection, storage, and assessment of traumatic injury and these registries must be easy to install and use.

The effect of CoolClot hemostatic agent on skin wound healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hemostatic agents can play a key role in controlling severe hemorrhage after trauma. Previously, some criteria have been defined for improving the quality of these products; one of them is that the hemostat causes no further tissue injury. CoolClot is a recently introduced hemostatic agent that its effects on wound healing have not yet been examined, which this study aims to address. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned randomly to two groups (n = 17): a study group where CoolClot hemostatic agent was applied on their wounds, and a control group whose wounds were washed only with sterile saline. The rats underwent dorsal full-thickness skin excisional wounds (20 mm diameter). On day 12 after wounding, seven rats were chosen in a random manner from each of the groups of study and control, and their skin biopsies from the wound sites were sent for histologic examination. Skin samples of the remaining rats in each group were taken on the 21st d after wound creation. Wound healing was also monitored photographically. In addition, wound surface temperature after wounding, and the application of CoolClot was recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups of study and control regarding the examined histopathologic parameters. The maximum increase in wound surface temperature was 1.56°C. CONCLUSIONS: One-time topical usage of CoolClot has no significant negative effect on the wound healing process. In addition, no significant increase in wound surface temperature will occur after the application of this agent.