Pub Date : 2025-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107465
{"title":"Burns list of reviewers, 2024","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107465","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107465"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107464
Leopoldo C. Cancio
{"title":"Editorial: New directions for Burns in 2025","authors":"Leopoldo C. Cancio","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107464","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107464"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-16DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107463
Christie S. Richardson, Erica S. Hatch, Zev M. Nakamura, Booker T. King, Felicia N. Williams, Sarah L. Laughon
Acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic event; they are characterized by, among other symptoms, hypervigilance, dissociation, nightmares, and flashbacks. Prazosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing nightmares related to ASD and PTSD. Burn patients are particularly susceptible to acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms, especially nightmares. The goal of this study is to examine the benefits of prazosin in treating nightmares, one of the common symptoms of ASD and PTSD, among a cohort of adult burn patients during their hospitalization. We performed a retrospective analysis of 45 hospitalized burn patients who met eligibility criteria admitted between August 2014 and January 2024 who received prazosin to treat trauma-related nightmares. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize response of nightmares to prazosin and adverse effects from prazosin. Twenty-three (51.1 %) patients had full remission of nightmares, 16 (35.6 %) had some improvement in nightmares, and 6 (13.3 %) patients had no improvement in nightmares. Prazosin was well tolerated and there were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate. This study suggests that prazosin may be beneficial for the treatment of nightmares associated with burn trauma in the hospital setting.
{"title":"Prazosin for the treatment of nightmares in hospitalized adult burn patients","authors":"Christie S. Richardson, Erica S. Hatch, Zev M. Nakamura, Booker T. King, Felicia N. Williams, Sarah L. Laughon","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic event; they are characterized by, among other symptoms, hypervigilance, dissociation, nightmares, and flashbacks. Prazosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing nightmares related to ASD and PTSD. Burn patients are particularly susceptible to acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms, especially nightmares. The goal of this study is to examine the benefits of prazosin in treating nightmares, one of the common symptoms of ASD and PTSD, among a cohort of adult burn patients during their hospitalization. We performed a retrospective analysis of 45 hospitalized burn patients who met eligibility criteria admitted between August 2014 and January 2024 who received prazosin to treat trauma-related nightmares. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize response of nightmares to prazosin and adverse effects from prazosin. Twenty-three (51.1 %) patients had full remission of nightmares, 16 (35.6 %) had some improvement in nightmares, and 6 (13.3 %) patients had no improvement in nightmares. Prazosin was well tolerated and there were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate. This study suggests that prazosin may be beneficial for the treatment of nightmares associated with burn trauma in the hospital setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107463"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-16DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107449
Kimberly De Mey , Ignace De Decker , Rodney Gush , Henk Hoeksema , Jozef Verbelen , Petra De Coninck , Phillip Blondeel , Stan Monstrey , Karel E.Y. Claes
Background
Accurate assessment of burn depth is imperative for the efficacious management of burns. Although clinical assessment is commonly used, its accuracy ranges only between 50 % and 70 %. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is considered as a gold standard - with an accuracy exceeding 95 %, - for the objective measurement of Healing Potential (HP), HP being the output of the LDI device, as colour-coded on LDI blood flow images. Despite its proven efficacy, widespread adoption is impeded by practical challenges. Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) emerges as a possible alternative. This study investigated the performance and accuracy of LSCI in comparison with LDI for predicting the HP of burns; LDI was assumed to provide ‘ground truth’ for the assessment of HP.
Methods
Hospitalized burn patients underwent LDI and LSCI scans between day 2 and day 5 postburn. Analysis involved selecting corresponding regions of interest (ROI) in target wounds prioritized by LDI and LSCI perspectives.
Results
In 19 patients, 112 ROI within LDI-priority ranges were collected from 50 target wounds. 130 ROI within LSCI-priority ranges were collected from 52 target wounds. Positive predictive values (PPV) were low, at only 50.8 % and 68.2 % for HP14–21 and HP21, respectively, and 86.9 % for HP14.
Conclusion
Objective assessment by LSCI for burns is not recommended, as it fails to detect deep dermal blood flow, leading to an overestimation of burn severity and potential inadequacies in therapy.
{"title":"Validity of laser speckle contrast imaging for predicting wound healing potential in burns: A critical examination","authors":"Kimberly De Mey , Ignace De Decker , Rodney Gush , Henk Hoeksema , Jozef Verbelen , Petra De Coninck , Phillip Blondeel , Stan Monstrey , Karel E.Y. Claes","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurate assessment of burn depth is imperative for the efficacious management of burns. Although clinical assessment is commonly used, its accuracy ranges only between 50 % and 70 %. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is considered as a gold standard - with an accuracy exceeding 95 %, - for the objective measurement of Healing Potential (HP), HP being the output of the LDI device, as colour-coded on LDI blood flow images. Despite its proven efficacy, widespread adoption is impeded by practical challenges. Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) emerges as a possible alternative. This study investigated the performance and accuracy of LSCI in comparison with LDI for predicting the HP of burns; LDI was assumed to provide ‘ground truth’ for the assessment of HP.</div></div><div><h3><em>Methods</em></h3><div>Hospitalized burn patients underwent LDI and LSCI scans between day 2 and day 5 postburn. Analysis involved selecting corresponding regions of interest (ROI) in target wounds prioritized by LDI and LSCI perspectives.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In 19 patients, 112 ROI within LDI-priority ranges were collected from 50 target wounds. 130 ROI within LSCI-priority ranges were collected from 52 target wounds. Positive predictive values (PPV) were low, at only 50.8 % and 68.2 % for HP14–21 and HP21, respectively, and 86.9 % for HP14.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Objective assessment by LSCI for burns is not recommended, as it fails to detect deep dermal blood flow, leading to an overestimation of burn severity and potential inadequacies in therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107449"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-15DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107461
Leila Harhaus , Hans Ziegenthaler , Hubert Neubauer , Felix J. Klimitz , Mareike Strupat , Sabine Ripper , Ulrich Kneser , Annette Stolle
Background
Burn injuries have a lasting impact on physical and psychological health. This study evaluated outcomes for two burn-specific rehabilitation programs based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model.
Methods
In a prospective multicenter trial, 103 patients with work-related burn injuries underwent multidisciplinary rehabilitation in either a newly established ICF-based program (Center A) or a well-established program (Center B). A comprehensive outcome assessment was performed at the beginning (T1) and the end of inpatient rehabilitation (T2), and at three (T3) and 12 months (T4) after discharge to evaluate the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation programs. The study included an analysis of longitudinal changes within each center to assess patient outcomes over time and a comparison between the two centers at each time point to evaluate potential differences in rehabilitation effectiveness. Primary outcomes were the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), with secondary outcomes including grip strength, active range of motion (AROM), and burn scar assessment among others.
Results
Results showed significant improvements in physical health (SF-36 PCS) from T1 to T4 (p < 0.001), while mental health (SF-36 MCS) showed no significant change (p = 0.20). Grip strength and AROM improved significantly over time in both centers. Non-inferiority between centers was confirmed for all outcomes except MCS at T2 and T3.
Conclusion
This study highlights the positive impact of ICF-based rehabilitation on physical recovery, with ongoing mental health needs underscoring the importance of long-term psychological support for burn survivors.
{"title":"A prospective multicenter non-inferiority trial to evaluate a new burn rehabilitation program based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)","authors":"Leila Harhaus , Hans Ziegenthaler , Hubert Neubauer , Felix J. Klimitz , Mareike Strupat , Sabine Ripper , Ulrich Kneser , Annette Stolle","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Burn injuries have a lasting impact on physical and psychological health. This study evaluated outcomes for two burn-specific rehabilitation programs based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a prospective multicenter trial, 103 patients with work-related burn injuries underwent multidisciplinary rehabilitation in either a newly established ICF-based program (Center A) or a well-established program (Center B). A comprehensive outcome assessment was performed at the beginning (T1) and the end of inpatient rehabilitation (T2), and at three (T3) and 12 months (T4) after discharge to evaluate the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation programs. The study included an analysis of longitudinal changes within each center to assess patient outcomes over time and a comparison between the two centers at each time point to evaluate potential differences in rehabilitation effectiveness. Primary outcomes were the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), with secondary outcomes including grip strength, active range of motion (AROM), and burn scar assessment among others.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results showed significant improvements in physical health (SF-36 PCS) from T1 to T4 (<em>p</em> < 0.001), while mental health (SF-36 MCS) showed no significant change (<em>p</em> = 0.20). Grip strength and AROM improved significantly over time in both centers. Non-inferiority between centers was confirmed for all outcomes except MCS at T2 and T3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the positive impact of ICF-based rehabilitation on physical recovery, with ongoing mental health needs underscoring the importance of long-term psychological support for burn survivors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107461"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143673662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-15DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107462
Rui Li , Zilong Cao , Jianmin Yang , Weiwei Li , Guihuai Wang , Cheng Gan , Qiang Yue , Liqiang Liu
Background
An expander capsule is a fibrous membrane that forms around a tissue expander. However, its outcome is still unclear. Here we investigated the biomechanical and histological outcomes of cervical capsules that were left in vivo after expanders were removed.
Methods
The deep and superficial capsules of 29 human cervical expanders were collected to serve as an experimental group. All 29 patients sustained facial and neck burn scars and underwent scar excision and expanded skin flap transfer. These capsules were divided into four groups based on the in vivo persistence time of the capsules following expander removal. The control group featured skin from five normal subjects. We investigated the biomechanics and histology of each group of capsules.
Results
Capsule thickness, Young's modulus, collagen content, type I/III collagen ratio and α-SMA expression level were significantly related to the layer and the persistence time of the capsule in vivo (p<0.05). Capsules persisted for more than 24 months following expander removal, the Young's modulus of the capsules remained greater than that of normal skin, limiting neck mobility. Moreover, some patients experience cord-like capsular contracture and a cervical pulling sensation, which may be attributable to the fusion of the deep expander capsules and platysma muscle.
Conclusions
Following the removal of neck expanders, the capsules can persist in vivo for a long time, affecting cervical contours and mobility.
{"title":"Biomechanical and histological outcomes of a cervical expander capsule","authors":"Rui Li , Zilong Cao , Jianmin Yang , Weiwei Li , Guihuai Wang , Cheng Gan , Qiang Yue , Liqiang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>An expander capsule is a fibrous membrane that forms around a tissue expander. However, its outcome is still unclear. Here we investigated the biomechanical and histological outcomes of cervical capsules that were left <em>in vivo</em> after expanders were removed.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The deep and superficial capsules of 29 human cervical expanders were collected to serve as an experimental group. All 29 patients sustained facial and neck burn scars and underwent scar excision and expanded skin flap transfer. These capsules were divided into four groups based on the <em>in vivo</em> persistence time of the capsules following expander removal. The control group featured skin from five normal subjects. We investigated the biomechanics and histology of each group of capsules.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Capsule thickness, Young's modulus, collagen content, type I/III collagen ratio and α-SMA expression level were significantly related to the layer and the persistence time of the capsule <em>in vivo</em> (p<0.05). Capsules persisted for more than 24 months following expander removal, the Young's modulus of the capsules remained greater than that of normal skin, limiting neck mobility. Moreover, some patients experience cord-like capsular contracture and a cervical pulling sensation, which may be attributable to the fusion of the deep expander capsules and platysma muscle.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Following the removal of neck expanders, the capsules can persist <em>in vivo</em> for a long time, affecting cervical contours and mobility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107462"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143636788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-15DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107460
Martynas Tamulevicius, Florian Bucher, Nadjib Dastagir, Doha Obed, Peter M. Vogt, Khaled Dastagir
Introduction
Alcohol abuse is a common comorbidity among burn patients. Elevated blood alcohol levels lead to increased inflammation, delayed wound healing, and prolonged recovery. However, knowledge about outcomes in hand burn patients is limited. Our study aims to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and its impact on outcomes of patients suffering hand burns.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients admitted with hand burns from 2007 to 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on blood alcohol content (BAC): low (<100 mg/dL) and high (≥100 mg/dL). Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes.
Results
Ninety-five patients (85.3 % male; mean age 43.8 ± 15.9 years) were included. Most hand burns were bilateral (58.9 %), and 7.4 % were isolated. No significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or ICU admission rates were observed between BAC groups. Full-thickness burns were significantly more frequent in the high BAC group (15.7 % vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.035). The high BAC group had a longer hospital stay (22.3 ± 23.1 vs. 13.6 ± 16.2 days, P = 0.038), higher rates of inpatient rehabilitation (50.0 % vs. 24.3 %, P = 0.023) and poorer functional outcomes (Quick DASH, 19.0 ± 4.0 vs. 17.1 ± 4.5, P = 0.033).
Conclusions
Elevated BAC in hand burn patients is associated with longer hospital stays, more severe burn depth, and worse functional outcomes. Implementing targeted interventions, such as alcohol withdrawal management and enhanced therapy protocols, could improve patient outcomes in this high-risk group.
{"title":"Adding fuel to the fire: The impact of alcohol consumption on outcomes after hand burns – A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Martynas Tamulevicius, Florian Bucher, Nadjib Dastagir, Doha Obed, Peter M. Vogt, Khaled Dastagir","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Alcohol abuse is a common comorbidity among burn patients. Elevated blood alcohol levels lead to increased inflammation, delayed wound healing, and prolonged recovery. However, knowledge about outcomes in hand burn patients is limited. Our study aims to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and its impact on outcomes of patients suffering hand burns.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis of patients admitted with hand burns from 2007 to 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on blood alcohol content (BAC): low (<100 mg/dL) and high (≥100 mg/dL). Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ninety-five patients (85.3 % male; mean age 43.8 ± 15.9 years) were included. Most hand burns were bilateral (58.9 %), and 7.4 % were isolated. No significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or ICU admission rates were observed between BAC groups. Full-thickness burns were significantly more frequent in the high BAC group (15.7 % vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.035). The high BAC group had a longer hospital stay (22.3 ± 23.1 vs. 13.6 ± 16.2 days, P = 0.038), higher rates of inpatient rehabilitation (50.0 % vs. 24.3 %, P = 0.023) and poorer functional outcomes (Quick DASH, 19.0 ± 4.0 vs. 17.1 ± 4.5, P = 0.033).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Elevated BAC in hand burn patients is associated with longer hospital stays, more severe burn depth, and worse functional outcomes. Implementing targeted interventions, such as alcohol withdrawal management and enhanced therapy protocols, could improve patient outcomes in this high-risk group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 5","pages":"Article 107460"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-13DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2025.107458
Ann Bretaah Codjoe , Lawrencia Safoa Asare , Prudence Tettey , Caroline Ochieng , Prince Amegbor , Godfred Boateng , Benjamin Sackey , Michael Addade , Forgive Awo Norvivor , Reginald Quansah
Background
In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stove and fuel stacking are frequent practices. However, the impact of stacking on health, particularly cooking-related burns (CRBs), is unknown. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of CRBs and to identify associated household factors. Emphasis was placed on cooking behaviors and practices (i.e., fuel choice and stacking) that influence CRBs.
Methods
This study is a baseline for the Briquette for Cooking Fuel Project (B4CcokingF), a cluster randomized controlled trial in riparian communities in southern Ghana. The baseline data collection started in June 2019 and ended in October 2022. To start with, trained field workers, led by a community representative, visited eligible households (HHs) in each community and conducted interviews with a structured questionnaire. 420 primary cooks age between 25 and 68 years were interviewed on cooking behaviour and practices as well as cooking-related burns and injuries using a slightly modified, well-established, and validated World Health Organization (WHO)-harmonized questionnaire to monitor household energy use and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
Results
CRBs were prevalent in 31.8 % of adult primary cooks. The majority of moderate and severe CRBs—roughly 61 % and 27 %, respectively—occurred in the kitchen by contact with a hot stove. Belonging to a middle wealth index status was protective against CRBs in adults but having more than 10 people in a HH was a significant risk factor of adult CRBs. A unit increase in the number of rooms in a HH was associated with a 43 % increase in the risk of CRBs in adults. Approximately 16 % of children suffer from CRBs, and 64 % sustain severe burns, with the majority of these incidents occurring in the kitchen at home. A HH having a family size of 6–10 was positively associated with CRBs, but using an LPG cookstove was protective in children. Mixed stacking defined as stacking LPG with polluting fuel (PR=2.10, 95 %, confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 3.94) was associated with CRBs in children but not adults.
Conclusion
Factors associated with adult CRBs include middle wealth index status, the number of rooms in a household, and having more than 10 people in a household. Having a family size of 6–10 and the use of LPG by the HH were associated with child CRB risk. Mixed stacking is associated with CRBs in children, but the findings among adult cooks were inconclusive. The children population is disproportionately affected; therefore, it is essential to develop and execute customized preventative initiatives that cater to their specific vulnerabilities. The paramount objective of Ghana's initiatives to enhance access to liquefied petroleum gas should be the assurance of safe usage.
{"title":"Kitchen cooking burns: A real danger for adults and children in Ghana","authors":"Ann Bretaah Codjoe , Lawrencia Safoa Asare , Prudence Tettey , Caroline Ochieng , Prince Amegbor , Godfred Boateng , Benjamin Sackey , Michael Addade , Forgive Awo Norvivor , Reginald Quansah","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stove and fuel stacking are frequent practices. However, the impact of stacking on health, particularly cooking-related burns (CRBs), is unknown. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of CRBs and to identify associated household factors. Emphasis was placed on cooking behaviors and practices (i.e., fuel choice and stacking) that influence CRBs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study is a baseline for the Briquette for Cooking Fuel Project (B4CcokingF), a cluster randomized controlled trial in riparian communities in southern Ghana. The baseline data collection started in June 2019 and ended in October 2022. To start with, trained field workers, led by a community representative, visited eligible households (HHs) in each community and conducted interviews with a structured questionnaire. 420 primary cooks age between 25 and 68 years were interviewed on cooking behaviour and practices as well as cooking-related burns and injuries using a slightly modified, well-established, and validated World Health Organization (WHO)-harmonized questionnaire to monitor household energy use and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CRBs were prevalent in 31.8 % of adult primary cooks. The majority of moderate and severe CRBs—roughly 61 % and 27 %, respectively—occurred in the kitchen by contact with a hot stove. Belonging to a middle wealth index status was protective against CRBs in adults but having more than 10 people in a HH was a significant risk factor of adult CRBs. A unit increase in the number of rooms in a HH was associated with a 43 % increase in the risk of CRBs in adults. Approximately 16 % of children suffer from CRBs, and 64 % sustain severe burns, with the majority of these incidents occurring in the kitchen at home. A HH having a family size of 6–10 was positively associated with CRBs, but using an LPG cookstove was protective in children. Mixed stacking defined as stacking LPG with polluting fuel (PR=2.10, 95 %, confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 3.94) was associated with CRBs in children but not adults.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Factors associated with adult CRBs include middle wealth index status, the number of rooms in a household, and having more than 10 people in a household. Having a family size of 6–10 and the use of LPG by the HH were associated with child CRB risk. Mixed stacking is associated with CRBs in children, but the findings among adult cooks were inconclusive. The children population is disproportionately affected; therefore, it is essential to develop and execute customized preventative initiatives that cater to their specific vulnerabilities. The paramount objective of Ghana's initiatives to enhance access to liquefied petroleum gas should be the assurance of safe usage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 4","pages":"Article 107458"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143685655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
DNA damage accumulation delays burn wound healing. Our previous research demonstrated the function of Box A of HMGB1 in DNA protection, generating youth-DNA gaps. Overexpression of youth-DNA gaps enhances DNA durability and decreases endogenous DNA damage. Box A-expressing plasmid transfection is a new DNA-editing technology that prevents DNA damage. Thus, we hypothesized that Box A is a curative agent that improves burn wound healing.
Methods
In this study, we used a Box A plasmid coated with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ca-P) to treat burn wounds in rats. Second-degree burns were created on the backs of the rats. Three groups were used in this study: control (saline), saline + Ca-P (control), and Box A plasmid (n = 15 rats/group). The wounds were photographed 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after wound induction and the burned areas were measured using Image J software. Burned skin tissue sections were analyzed for youth-DNA gap levels, subjected to histological and immunochemical analyses, and then scored according to the expression level of the DNA damage markers γH2AX and 8-OhdG.
Results
We observed improved wound healing in Box A plasmid-treated wounds from days 14 to 28 after injury (P < 0.001). A significant improvement in the total pathological score and DNA gaps in the Box A plasmid-treated group was observed at 14–28 days, with a peak on day 14 (P < 0.01) compared with that of the normal saline and calcium phosphate nanoparticle treated group. The expression of γH2AX and 8-OhdG was also decreased in the Box A group compared to controls on days 14–28, with the largest differences in expression levels observed on days 14 and 21.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that by producing youth-DNA gaps, Box A plasmid may be a potential therapeutic target in burn wound treatment.
{"title":"Box A of HMGB1 improves second-degree burn wound healing in rats","authors":"Jiraroch Meevassana , Suvinai Jiraboonsri , Aurada Jitworawisut , Nicharee Khayanying , Paphawee Sirimaharaj , Supitcha Kamolratanakul , Nakarin Kitkumthorn , Apichai Angspatt , Apiwat Mutirangura","doi":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.burns.2025.107456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>DNA damage accumulation delays burn wound healing. Our previous research demonstrated the function of Box A of HMGB1 in DNA protection, generating youth-DNA gaps. Overexpression of youth-DNA gaps enhances DNA durability and decreases endogenous DNA damage. Box A-expressing plasmid transfection is a new DNA-editing technology that prevents DNA damage. Thus, we hypothesized that Box A is a curative agent that improves burn wound healing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, we used a Box A plasmid coated with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ca-P) to treat burn wounds in rats. Second-degree burns were created on the backs of the rats. Three groups were used in this study: control (saline), saline + Ca-P (control), and Box A plasmid (n = 15 rats/group). The wounds were photographed 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after wound induction and the burned areas were measured using Image J software. Burned skin tissue sections were analyzed for youth-DNA gap levels, subjected to histological and immunochemical analyses, and then scored according to the expression level of the DNA damage markers γH2AX and 8-OhdG.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed improved wound healing in Box A plasmid-treated wounds from days 14 to 28 after injury (P < 0.001). A significant improvement in the total pathological score and DNA gaps in the Box A plasmid-treated group was observed at 14–28 days, with a peak on day 14 (P < 0.01) compared with that of the normal saline and calcium phosphate nanoparticle treated group. The expression of γH2AX and 8-OhdG was also decreased in the Box A group compared to controls on days 14–28, with the largest differences in expression levels observed on days 14 and 21.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our results demonstrated that by producing youth-DNA gaps, Box A plasmid may be a potential therapeutic target in burn wound treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50717,"journal":{"name":"Burns","volume":"51 5","pages":"Article 107456"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}