Thermosensitive black phosphorus hydrogel loaded with silver sulfadiazine promotes skin wound healing.

Wounds can lead to skin and soft tissue damage and their improper management may lead to the growth of pathogenic bacteria at the site of injury. Identifying better ways to promote wound healing is a major unmet need and biomedical materials with the ability to promote wound healing are urgently needed. Here, we report a thermosensitive black phosphorus hydrogel composed of black phosphorus nano-loaded drug silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel for wound healing. The hydrogel has temperature-sensitive properties and enables the continuous release of SSD under near-infrared irradiation to achieve synergistic photothermal and antibacterial treatment. Additionally, it exerts antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus. In a rat skin injury model, it promotes collagen deposition, boosts neovascularization, and suppresses inflammatory markers. In summary, the excellent thermosensitivity, biocompatibility, and wound-healing-promoting qualities of the reported thermosensitive hydrogel make it suitable as an ideal wound dressing in the clinic.

Case Report in Equine: Highlighting the Benefits of Medisca CopaSil in Burn Scar Management.

In this case report, we highlight the benefits of Medisca CopaSil application for scar healing in a horse having sustained second-degree burn injuries covering most of its back. The application of CopaSil started three months after sustaining the burn injury when silver sulfadiazine topical cream treatment showed no significant improvement. CopaSil is formulated with ingredients that may help in reducing inflammation and accelerate healing by modulating the immune response. After using CopaSil for six months, the horse's back was healed, and the hair began to regrow. The complete healing was achieved within six months, and full recovery was reported and confirmed by the horse's owner and pharmacist. This case report highlights the outcomes and benefits of CopaSil in improving the appearance of scars.

The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for the healing of second-degree burn wounds on lower limbs of glucocorticoid-dependent patients.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of 630 ~ 650-nm red light on treating second-degree burns on lower limbs of glucocorticoid-dependent patients. Sixty-two glucocorticoid-dependent patients with the second-degree burns on lower limbs were divided into the control group (n = 25) and the observation group (n = 37) according to the treatment sequence and the patients' willingness. The patients in both groups were conventionally treated with 1% sulfadiazine silver cream dressing, with the only difference that the observation group received an additional 630-650-nm red light irradiation for 20 min before dressing. Each group was observed for 21 days, and observation ended if the wound healing was terminated. The wound healing rates, wound secretions, marginal response, and pain/itching levels were monitored and assessed. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed higher wound healing rate, fewer wound secretions, and more relief in marginal response. Clinical observation showed that 630-650-nm red light could effectively reduce wound purulent drainage/discharge, relieve the marginal response as well as pain, and promote wound healing.

Baicalin, silver titanate, Bletilla striata polysaccharide and carboxymethyl chitosan in a porous sponge dressing for burn wound healing.

OBJECTIVE: This study tests the efficacy of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), baicalin (BA) and silver titanate (ST) in a wound dressings to fight infection, promote healing and provide superior biocompatibility. METHODS: The antibacterial activity of BA and ST was evaluated in vitro using the inhibition zone method. BA/ST/BSP/CMC porous sponge dressings were prepared and characterized. The biocompatibility of BA/ST/BSP/CMC was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay. The therapeutic effect of BA/ST/BSP/CMC was further investigated using the dorsal skin burn model in Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: The wound dressing had good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through BA and ST, while the combination of BSP and CMC played an important role in promoting wound healing. The BA/ST/BSP/CMC porous sponge dressings were prepared using a freeze-drying method with the concentrations of BA and ST at 20 and 0.83 mg/mL, respectively, and the optimal ratio of 5% BSP to 4% CMC was 1:3. The average porosity, water absorption and air permeability of BA/ST/BSP/CMC porous sponge dressings were measured to be 90.43%, 746.1% and 66.60%, respectively. After treatment for 3 and 7 days, the healing rates of the BA/ST/BSP/CMC group and BA/BSP/CMC group were significantly higher than those of the normal saline (NS) group and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) group (P < 0.05). Interleukin-1ß expression in the BA/ST/BSP/CMC group at 1 and 3 days was significantly lower than that in the other three groups (P < 0.05). After being treated for 3 days, vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the BA/BSP/CMC group and BA/ST/BSP/CMC group was significantly higher than that in the NS group and SSD group (P < 0.05). Inspection of histological sections showed that the BA/ST/BSP/CMC group and BA/BSP/CMC group began to develop scabbing and peeling of damaged skin after 3 days of treatment, indicating accelerated healing relative to the NS group and SSD group. CONCLUSION: The optimized concentration of BA/ST/BSP/CMC dressing was as follows: 6 mg BSP, 14.4 mg CMC, 0.5 mg ST and 12 mg BA. The BA/ST/BSP/CMC dressing, containing antibacterial constituents, was non-cytotoxic and effective in accelerating the healing of burn wounds, making it a promising candidate for wound healing. Please cite this article as: Gong YR, Zhang C, Xiang X, Wang ZB, Wang YQ, Su YH, Zhang HQ. Baicalin, silver titanate, Bletilla striata polysaccharide and carboxymethyl chitosan in a porous sponge dressing for burn wound healing. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 487-495.

Antibacterial and antioxidant double-layered nanofibrous mat promotes wound healing in diabetic rats.

Diabetic wounds are problematic to heal owing to microbial infections as well as decreased proliferation and high concentrations of reactive oxygen species. In this study, a double-layered nanofibrous mat containing grape seed extract (GSE) and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) was fabricated. A synthetic biodegradable polymer, e.g., polycaprolactone (PCL), and a natural material (i.e., collagen) were employed as wound dressing substances. The results showed that GSE possesses antioxidant activity which can be helpful in reducing free radicals. The platform exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The double-layered nanofibrous mat containing GSE and SSD not only was not toxic but also amplified the cell proliferation compared to a pure mat, showing the effect of plant extract. After induction of a round wound, the animals were divided into three groups, namely (1) normal group (receiving + GSE/-GSE nanofiber), (2) diabetic group (receiving + GSE/-GSE nanofiber), and (3) control group (receiving gauze). In vivo evaluation demonstrated no significant differences in the healing process of normal rats. Surprisingly, fully repaired skin was observed on day 14 in the double-layered nanofibrous mat containing GSE in the normal and diabetic groups whereas the wound of diabetic rats treated with pure mat was not completely healed. The macroscopic and microscopic results after 14 days showed the following order in wound repair: Normal/ + GES > Diabetic/ + GSE > Normal/-GES > Diabetic/-GSE > control (with gauze) (p < 0.05). Accordingly, the double-layered nanofibrous mat containing GSE and SSD used in the present study could be considered as a suitable wound dressing in order to shorten healing time and prevent infection during the wound healing process.

Blue Light Improves Antimicrobial Efficiency of Silver Sulfadiazine Via Catalase Inactivation.

Background: Blue light exhibits the ability to deactivate catalase present in pathogens, significantly improving the antimicrobial performance of compounds such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, H2O2 is not used within clinical settings due to its short half-life, limiting its potential applications. In this study, we explore the usage of Food and Drug Administration-approved and clinically used silver sulfadiazine (SSD) as a potential alternative to H2O2, acting as a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing agent capable of synergizing with blue light exposure. Materials and methods: For in vitro studies, bacterial strains were exposed to a continuous wave 405 nm light-emitting diode (LED) followed by treatment with SSD for varying incubation times. For in vivo studies, bacteria-infected murine abrasion wounds were treated with daily treatments of 405 nm LED light and 1% SSD cream for up to 4 days. The surviving bacterial population was quantified through agar plating and colony-forming unit quantification. Results: Through a checkerboard assay, blue light and SSD demonstrated synergistic interactions. Against both gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens, blue light significantly improved the antimicrobial response of SSD within both phosphate-buffered saline and nutrient-rich conditions. Examination into the mechanisms reveals that the neutralization of catalase significantly improves the ROS-producing capabilities of SSD at the exterior of the bacterial cell, producing greater amounts of toxic ROS capable of exerting antimicrobial activity against the pathogen. Additional experiments reveal that the incorporation of light improves the antimicrobial performance of SSD within methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 1 (PAO-1)-infected murine abrasion wounds. Conclusions: As an established, clinically used antibiotic, SSD can act as a suitable alternative to H2O2 in synergizing with catalase-deactivating blue light, allowing for better translation of this technology to more clinical settings and further implementation of this treatment to more complex animal models.

The Therapeutic Application of Tamarix aphylla Extract Loaded Nanoemulsion Cream for Acid-Burn Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration.

Background and Objectives: Nanomedicine is a constantly growing field for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases as well as for regenerative therapy. Nanotechnology-based drug-delivery systems improve pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of plants based biologically active molecules. Based on traditional claims, leaves of the Tamarix aphylla (TA) were investigated for their potential healing activity on burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this study, TA-based nanoemulsion was prepared. The nanoemulsion was characterized for size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and stability. The nanoemulsion containing plant extract was converted into cream and evaluated for its efficacy against acid-burn wounds inflicted in the dorsum of rabbits. The animals were classified into four main groups: Group A as a normal control group, Group B as a positive control (treated with cream base + silver sulfadiazine), Group C as a standard drug (silver sulfadiazine), and Group D as a tested (treated with nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract). The prepared system could deliver TA to the target site and was able to produce pharmacological effects. On days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, wound contraction rate was used to determine healing efficacy. The wound samples were collected from the skin for histological examination. Results: Based on statistical analysis using wound-healing time, Group D showed a shorter period (21.60 ± 0.5098) (p < 0.01) than the average healing time of Group C (27.40 ± 0.6002) (p < 0.05) and Group B (33.40 ± 0.8126) (p < 0.05). The histopathological assessment showed that burn healing was better in Group D compared with Group C and Group B. The nanoemulsion cream had a non-sticky texture, low viscosity, excellent skin sensations, and a porous structure. By forming a protective layer on the skin and improving moisture, it enhanced the condition of burnt skin. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract has great potential in healing acid-burn wounds

Natural rubber dressing loaded with silver sulfadiazine for the treatment of burn wounds infected with Candida spp.

Millions of people are burned worldwide every year and 265,000 of the cases are fatal. The development of burn treatment cannot consist only of the administration of a single drug. Due to the infection risk, antibiotics are used in conjunction with gels and damp bandages. In this work, an inexpensive curative based on silver sulfadiazine (SS) and natural rubber latex (NRL) was developed to treat burn wounds. It was produced by the casting method. The infrared spectrum presented no interaction between drug and biopolymer. At the same time, electronic micrographs showed that the SS crystals are inserted on the polymeric dressing surface. Mechanical properties after the drug incorporation were considered suitable for dermal application. About 32.4% of loaded SS was released in 192 h by the dressings that also inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis at 75.0 and 37.5 µg·mL-1, respectively. The curative proved to be biocompatible when applied to fibroblast cells, in addition to enhancing cellular proliferation and, in the hemocompatibility test, no hemolytic effects were observed. The good results in mechanical, antifungal and biological assays, combined with the average bandage cost of $0.10, represent an exciting alternative for treating burn wounds.

Wound healing activity of Allium cepaL. bulbs in a second-degree burn wound model in Holtzman rats / Actividad cicatrizante de los bulbos de Allium cepa L. en un modelo de quemadura de segundo grado en ratas Holtzman

Background: The bulb of Allium cepa Linnaeus (onion) is used in traditional medicine as an antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic, among others. The lack of information or little knowledge about the effects of Allium cepa L. on skin lesions, specifically burn wounds, arouses interest in studying its effects on these skin disorders. Objective: This study assessed the wound healing activity of Allium cepa L. on second-degree burns induced in Holtzman rats. Method: Thirty-two albino rats were randomly distributed into four groups of 8 rats each, including the Healthy group, the Control group, the Experimental group (Alliumcepa L.), and the Standard group (1% silver sulfadiazine). Burn wounds were induced, and topical treatments were performed daily for 21 days. The reduction of the burned body area (mm2) was determined during the experimental time. Albino rats were sacrificed with an excess of surgical anesthesia to obtain tissue samples for histopathological analysis. Results: Standard and experimental groups significantly reduced burned body area (p<0.01) compared to the control group. Histopathological studies showed hyperemic chorion in the Control group, fibroblasts, and collagen in the Standard group, and dermis composed of a reticular stratum of fibroblasts, collagen, and few blood vessels in the Experimental group. Conclusion: Allium cepa L. revealed wound-healing activity on burns induced in Holtzman rats and reduced the damage produced by burns

Antecedentes: El bulbo de Alliumcepa L. (cebolla) se utiliza en medicina tradicional como antidiabético, antioxidante, antihipertensivo, antiinflamatorio, anti hiperlipidémico entre otros. La falta de información o muy poco conocimiento acerca de los efectos de Allium. cepa L. en lesiones cutáneas, específicamente en las heridas por quemaduras, despierta el interés por estudiar sus efectos en estas afectaciones cutáneas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de Allium. cepa L. en quemaduras de segundo grado inducidas en ratas Holtzman. Método: Se utilizaron treinta y dos ratas albinas distribuidas al azar en cuatro grupos de ocho ratas cada uno, incluyendo el Grupo sano, el Grupo Control, el Grupo Experimental (Allium cepa L.) y el Grupo Estándar (Sulfadiazina de plata al 1%). Se indujo la herida por quemadura, y los tratamientos tópicos se realizaron diariamente durante 21 días. La reducción del área corporal quemada (mm2) se determinó durante el tiempo de experimentación, luego los animales fueron sacrificados con exceso de anestesia quirúrgica para obtener las muestras de tejidos para el estudio histopatológico. Resultados: Los grupos estándar y experimental mostraron reducción significativa en el área corporal quemada (p<0,01) comparadas al grupo control. El estudio histopatológico evidenció corion hiperémico en el grupo control; fibroblastos y colágeno en el grupo estándar y dermis integrada por un estrato reticular de fibroblastos, colágeno y pocos vasos sanguíneos en el grupo experimental. Conclusión: Alliumcepa L. reveló actividad cicatrizante en quemaduras inducidas en ratas Holtzman, y disminuyó el daño producido por las quemaduras

USE OF TOPICAL TREATMENTS AND EFFECTS OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON WOUND HEALING IN COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO).

Skin lesions are frequently diagnosed in fish medicine. Although systemic fish treatments exist, little is known about the efficacy of topical drugs on fish skin lesions. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of medical-grade honey and silver sulfadiazine on skin lesions using common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the wound healing process was evaluated. Punch biopsies were generated on six fish per treatment group under anesthesia. Treatment groups received one of the following topical medications after wounding: Dr. Nordyke's Wound Honey, MicroLyte Ag Vet, or SilvaSorb Gel. Nontreated positive control groups were similarly wounded but did not receive topical treatment. Fish were housed at 10°C to 13°C or 18°C to 21°C for 29 days. Macroscopic evaluation and image collection of wounds were performed on days 0, 4, 8, 12, 21, and 29 after wounding to compare changes in wound areas and inflammation over time. On day 29, tissue samples were collected for histologic analysis. From day 12 after wounding onward, wounds in positive controls maintained at 18°C to 21°C were significantly smaller (days 12, 21, and 29: P < 0.0001) compared with positive controls kept at 10°C to 13°C. There was an overall improvement in macroscopic appearance in honey-treated groups compared with positive controls on day 12 after wounding at 18°C to 21°C (P = 0.001), whereas with the use of Microlyte and Silvasorb, wounds had increased inflammation grades (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively) with enlarged wound areas (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively) in comparison with positive controls on day 12 after wounding at 18°C to 21°C. This study suggests that topical use of medical-grade honey produces positive effects on wound healing in the carp model and higher water temperatures enhance the effects, whereas the use of silver sulfadiazine and lower water temperatures delays or worsens the wound healing process.

Effects of Carnosine, Ankaferd, and Silver Sulfadiazine on an Experimental Burn Model: Roles of Irisin and HSP70.

In this study, the effects of carnosine, ankaferd, and 1% silver sulfadiazine applied topically on second-degree burns were investigated and the roles of irisin and Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in this healing process were evaluated. Ninety male albino rats were used and divided into five groups. The groups were classified as control, burn, burn + carnosine (CAR), burn + ankaferd (ABS), and burn + silver sulfadiazine (SS). It was found that level of irisin increased in the first week and decreased in the second week in the burn and CAR groups. In the ABS and SS groups, the level of irisin was determined that started to increase in the first week and continued to increase in the second week. The level of HSP70 was found to increased in the first week in burn and CAR groups and decreased in the second week, but started to increase in the second week in ABS and SS groups. Both levels of irisin and HSP70 were observed to decreased in all treatment groups in the third week. In this study, it was shown that ankaferd and silver sülfadiazine treatments cause an increase in the irisin levels in the early period and a gradually increase in HSP70 levels in the later period in burns. The inflammatory response was observed to be limited in the early period in the ankaferd and sulfadiazin groups. It was concluded that these findings were effective in early wound healing in burns.

Fabrication, Physical Characterizations, and In Vitro, In Vivo Evaluation of Ginger Extract-Loaded Gelatin/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Films Against Burn Wound Healing in Animal Model.

Crude ginger has been used to treat wounds since ancient times till nowadays. The present study aimed at designing and characterizing topical hydrogel films loaded with ginger extract for wound healing in animal model. The hydrogel films were prepared using PVA and gelatin. The prepared films were evaluated for FTIR analysis, surface morphology, pH, swelling behavior, in vitro release, and % drug content. The wound-healing activity of the extract-loaded hydrogel films was compared with commercially available Silver Sulfadiazine® cream. The drug was compatible with the selected polymers and indicated the suitability of the selected polymers for preparation of topical hydrogel films. The SEM images clearly indicated porous structure of the prepared hydrogel films. Slight changes were observed in pH, ranging from 4.98 ± 0.079 in the beginning of the study to 4.9 ± 0.58 in the end. The swelling percentage after 8 h was 257.7%. The films released 78.7 ± 1.7% of the drug in 250 min. The percent drug content was 97.78 ± 5% which did not change significantly during the storage period. The hydrogel films showed similar wound-healing activity as compared to the commercial product (p > 0.05; ANOVA), while greater wound-healing activity as compared to the control group (p < 0.05; ANOVA) evidenced by intensive collagen formation in histopathological analysis.

Management of otitis externa with an led-illuminated gel: a randomized controlled clinical trial in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Canine otitis externa is a painful condition which can be challenging to treat due to difficulties in the administration of otic medication. This can be due to lack of owner compliance in the application of ear drops or due to the resentment that some dogs demonstrate when attempts are made to administer topical medication into a sensitive ear canal. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a topical LED-illuminated gel (LIG) in canine otitis externa in comparison to standard of care therapy. Dogs with spontaneous otitis externa were randomly allocated in three groups: groups QW received LIG once weekly; BW received LIG twice weekly; group C received enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine twice daily. LIG consists of a topical application of a gel containing chromophores that, when illuminated by a LED lamp, re-emit fluorescent light which can stimulate physiological responses, promoting healing and controlling bacteria. The evaluation protocol (T0 to T5) considered clinical assessment (OTIS-3-index-scoring-system; pruritus-severity-scale; pain-severity-score; aural temperature), cytological scoring system, quali-quantitative bacteriologic assessment. RESULTS: All groups (QW, n = 21; BW, n = 23; C, n = 20) showed improvement during the study (QW: P < 0.02 for cytological and pain scores, P < 0.003 for bacteriologic assessment, P < 10- 4 for pruritus, total OTIS-3 and temperature assessments; BW: P < 10- 4 for all clinical, cytological and bacteriologic assessments; C: P < 0.02 for all clinical and cytological assessments, P < 10- 4 for bacteriologic assessment). The highest clinical score reduction occurred in Group BW (P < 0.014 in T3; P < 0.001 in T4 and P < 10- 4 in T5). BW reached the clinically relevant effect level at T3 (- 3.26 ± 1.21 levels), QW reached it at T4 (- 3.24 ± 0.99), C did not reach it. No differences between groups were seen in the reduction of CFU/mL (T0-T5). CONCLUSIONS: All treatment groups showed a positive clinical effect. LIG administered twice-a-week was the most favourable protocol of the study. LIG may be considered beneficial in the management of canine otitis externa; it seems to be effective in controlling the clinical condition, including the signs of inflammation and local pain, the bacterial growth, and it may help increasing treatment compliance.

O uso de alta frequência como recurso para cicatrização de queimaduras: Um estudo de caso / The use of high frequency as a resource for burn healing: A case study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da alta frequência na cicatrização de feridas por queimadura durante internação hospitalar. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo de caso, realizado com uma voluntária do sexo feminino, 19 anos, em um hospital de pronto-socorro. Foram aplicados a alta frequência e curativos convencionais, com a amostra única sendo dividida em área de intervenção e área controle. Foram avaliados dados clínicos e sociodemográficos, registros fotográficos pré e pós as intervenções, dimensão da área da ferida por meio de planimetria digitalizada, aspecto da cicatriz através da Escala Vancouver e a qualidade de vida por meio do questionário Burn Specific Health Scale. RESULTADOS: A área da ferida teve redução de 54% na área de intervenção e 26% na área controle. Aspectos como vascularização e flexibilidade também apresentaram discreta melhora. O questionário de qualidade de vida reduziu dois pontos, relacionados à melhora da sensibilidade da pele e aos cuidados com a queimadura. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de alta frequência combinada com uso de curativos durante a internação hospitalar mostrou resultados favoráveis em comparação a apenas o uso de curativos na cicatrização de feridas. Contudo, mais estudos são necessários.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the high frequency in the healing of burn wounds during hospitalization. METHODS: This is a case study, conducted with a 19-year-old female volunteer, in an emergency room. The high frequency and conventional dressings were applied, with the single sample being divided into the intervention area and the control area. Clinical and sociodemographic data, photographic records before and after the interventions, dimension of the wound area through digitalized planimetry, the aspect of the scar through the Vancouver Scale and quality of life through the Burn Specific Health Scale questionnaire were evaluated. RESULTS: The wound area decreased 54% in the intervention area and 26% in the control area. Aspects such as vascularity and flexibility also showed a slight improvement. The quality of life questionnaire reduced two points, related to the improvement of skin sensitivity and care for burns. CONCLUSION: The use of the high frequency combined with the use of dressings during hospitalization showed favorable results compared to only the use of dressings in wound healing. However, more studies are needed.

Combining species sensitivity distribution (SSD) model and thermodynamic index (exergy) for system-level ecological risk assessment of contaminates in aquatic ecosystems.

After reviewing the species- and community-level ecological risk assessments (ERAs) of chemicals in the aquatic environment, the present study attempted to propose a third stage of ERA, i.e., the ecosystem-level ERA. Based on the species sensitivity distribution model (SSD) and thermodynamic theory, the exergy and biomass indicators of communities from various trophic levels (TLs) were introduced to improve ecological connotation of SSDs. The species were classified into three TLs based on algae (TL1), invertebrates (TL2), and vertebrates (TL3), and the weight of each TL was determined based on relative biomass and ß value, which indicated a holistic contribution of each species or community to the ecosystem. Then, a system-level ERA protocol was successfully established, and the community- and system-level ecological risks of 10 typical toxic micro-organic pollutants in the western area of Lake Chaohu and its inflowing rivers were evaluated. System-level ERA curves (ExSSD) were mainly affected by the community-level SSD at TL2 for most chemicals in the present study. The uncertain boundary of ExSSD was mostly related to TLs with a wider uncertain boundary, but had little relation to the weight of each TL. The results of system-level ERAs revealed that dibutyl phthalate had the highest eco-risk, whereas γ-hexachlorocyclohexane presented the lowest eco-risk. Results of the system-level ERA were not fully consistent with the those of community-level ERA owing to the lack of a sufficient dataset, SSD model type, and ecosystem structure, as indicated by the weight of each TL. The successful application of ExSSD in Lake Chaohu signifies the start of the third stage of ERA at the system-level, and it also provides a scientific basis for ecosystem-level ERA, aquatic ecosystem protection, and future water safety management. However, there were some limitations, including sufficient data dependence, neglect of ecological interactions, and neglect of environmental parameters such as natural organic matter. We propose to employ toxicogenomics to enrich the toxicity database, to simulate the interaction using the ecological dynamic model, and to introduce the chemical fate model into the system-level ERA.

Sauromatum guttatum extract promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration in a burn mouse model via up-regulation of growth factors.

Contexts: Sauromatum guttatum (Wall.) Schott (Araceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. Objectives: This study evaluates the healing and tissue regeneration potential of S. guttatum extract in burn wounds. Materials and methods: S. guttatum extract was analysed using various chemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the extract was tested against burn associated bacteria and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also calculated. Wound healing and tissue regeneration potential was assessed using a thermally induced burn BALBc mouse model. S. guttatum extract (2% w/w) prepared in petroleum jelly, vehicle and positive control [silver sulfadiazine (SD)] groups was applied three times a day. The treatment was continued for 15 d and wound closure was measured and photographed on day 5, 10 and 15. The burnt tissues excised from wounds were subjected to histological and comparative gene expression analysis. Results: The results of the chemical tests indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids, while TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of various compounds. The extract showed excellent activity against the tested pathogens. The lowest MIC (125 µg/mL) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. A considerable decrease in wound area (72%) was observed in extract-treated group. Histological examination of extract-treated group showed good signs of wound healing with complete re-epithelialization and better tissue regeneration. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of wound healing related PDGF, EGF and FGF genes. Conclusions: S. guttatum extract may be used to isolate bioactive constituents for the treatment of burn wounds.

Comparison of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and silver sulfadiazine use in burn wounds: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of topical silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) usage in experimental partial-thickness burns in rats. METHODS: Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-290 (range: 270+-19) g were used in the present study. A round brass probe that was specifically designed (3×3 cm diameter) was used to induce the burns in rats. After the presence of partial-thickness burns was confirmed, the rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (ABS group) Ankaferd Blood Stopper® pad, Group 2 (SSD group) silver sulfadiazine (Silverdin®), and Group 3 (Control group) 1% isotonic saline solution-impregnated pad. The healing period was followed up clinically and histopathologically. The day on which 50% and 80% of re-epithelization at first were detected for each rat was also recorded. RESULTS: The mean times of 50% and 80% of re-epithelization at first were 10.8 days, 13.8 days, and 16.8 days in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.001), and 16.4 days, 19.7 days, and 25.2 days, respectively (p<0.001). The mean inflammatory scores were also found to be better in the ABS group than in other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ABS has better results for the healing of the burn wound than SSD in experimental partial-thickness burns in rats.

Antibacterial activity of Pakistani Beri honey compared with silver sulfadiazine on infected wounds: a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antibacterial activity of Pakistani Beri honey in patients with infected wounds in comparison with silver sulfadiazine. METHOD: Inpatients with infected wounds at a tertiary care hospital were divided in to three equal-sized treatment groups. In Group A, patients were treated with non-Gamma irradiated Beri honey. In Group B, Gamma irradiated Beri honey was used, and in Group C silver sulfadiazine was used. Treatment was for a period of four weeks. Pus swabs were taken at day zero and weeks one and four of treatment. Bacteria were identified using the analytical profile index system API 20E, 20NE and API Staph and antimicrobial susceptibility was done as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2010 guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with wounds (n=90) took part in the trial. Out of 90 wounds, 47% were post-traumatic and 37% were postoperative. Overall, average length, width and depth of Group A patients' wounds were significantly reduced (p<0.0001). Out of 144 pus swabs; 99 and 45 were Gram-negative rods and Gram-positive cocci, respectively. Among these Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=25) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=38) were the major pathogens. Interestingly, bacterial load gradually decreased from baseline to week four due to non-Gamma irradiated Beri honey. Moreover, both the Gram-negative rods and Gram-positive cocci displayed 100% resistance to commonly used antibiotics; the most effective drugs were carbapenem and vancomycin. CONCLUSION: Pakistani Beri honey could be used as an alternative therapeutic option for the management of infected wounds.

Healing effects of Pergularia tomentosa L., a native medicinal plant in Bushehr province, Iran on burn, in animal model.

Burn injury is one of the most destructive events in the world. The Pergularia tomentosa L. is a medicinal plant that traditionally, applies for treatment of burning, in Bushehr province, Iran. Various bioactive compounds such as steroid glycosides, tannins, various vitamins, saponins, cardenolides and anthraquinones were identified into extract of the plant, which can be effective in burn wound healing. Twenty-one rats weighting every one 200±5 grams were divided equally into three groups. The second-degree burning induced on all groups. One of groups did not receive any treatment (The control group) and was treated locally with saline and eucerin. The Second group received the P. tomentosa L. as a topical ointment, and the third group received locally, a thin layer of silver sulfadiazine ointment 3% after washing the wound with saline. Afterward treatment period, the microscopic slides from histological sections were prepared. At that point, amounts of the fibroblast cells, blood vessels, wound area, necrotic tissues, and diameter of epidermis rate of wound healing were determined. Also the exterior status of wound in different days was considered. Results obtained from current study have revealed that the extract of P. tomentosa L. can significantly, cause qualitative and quantitative acceleration in healing of second degree burn wounds, due to their bioactive and vasoactive properties. In conclusion the P. tomentosa L. can is used as an overborne medicine with lower cost and side effect than the similar chemical medicines. Although, the further studies are needed on these plants, due to their some toxic effects.

Management of acute radiation dermatitis: A review of the literature and proposal for treatment algorithm.

Radiation dermatitis is a common sequela of radiation therapy; up to 95% of patients will develop moderate-to-severe skin reactions. No criterion standard currently exists for the treatment of acute radiation-induced skin toxicity. It is therefore imperative to develop a greater understanding of management options available to allow clinicians to make informed decisions when managing radiation oncology patients. This literature review discusses the topical agents that have been studied for the treatment of acute radiation dermatitis, reviews their mechanisms of action, and presents a treatment algorithm for clinicians managing patients experiencing radiation dermatitis.