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Wound Dressings (wound + dressing)
Terms modified by Wound Dressings Selected AbstractsEvaluation of a Non-Woven Fabric Coated with a Chitosan Bi-Layer Composite for Wound DressingMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Bai-Shuan Liu Abstract This study presents a novel design of an easily stripped bi-layer composite that consists of an upper layer of a soybean protein non-woven fabric coated with a lower layer, a genipin-crosslinked chitosan film, as a wound dressing material. This study examines the in vitro properties of the genipin-crosslinked chitosan film and the bi-layer composite. Furthermore, in vivo experiments are conducted to study wounds treated with the composite in a rat model. Experimental results show that the degree of crosslinking and the in vitro degradation rate of the genipin-crosslinked chitosan films can be controlled by varying the genipin contents. In addition, the genipin contents should exceed 0.025 wt.-% of the chitosan-based material if complete crosslinking reactions between genipin and chitosan molecules are required. Water contact angle analysis shows that the genipin-crosslinked chitosan film is not highly hydrophilic; therefore, the genipin-crosslinked chitosan layer is not entangled with the soybean protein non-woven fabric, which forms an easily stripped interface layer between them. Furthermore, this new wound dressing material provides adequate moisture, thereby minimizing the risk of wound dehydration, and exhibits good mechanical properties. The in vivo histological assessment results reveal that epithelialization and reconstruction of the wound are achieved by covering the wound with the composite, and the composite is easily stripped from the wound surface without damaging newly regenerated tissue. [source] Development of Gelatin Hydrogel Pads as Antibacterial Wound DressingsMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 10 2009Vichayarat Rattanaruengsrikul Abstract Gelatin hydrogel pads have been prepared from a 10,wt.-% gelatin solution that contained 2.5,wt.-% AgNO3 in 70% v/v acetic acid by a solvent-casting technique. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution was aged under mechanical stirring for various time intervals to allow for the formation of silver nanoparticles (nAgs). The formation of nAgs was monitored by a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The morphology and size of the nAgs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To improve the water resistance of the hydrogels, various contents of glutaraldehyde (GTA) were added to the AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution to cross-link the obtained gelatin hydrogels. These hydrogels were tested for their water retention and weight loss behavior, release characteristics of the as-loaded silver, and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichiacoli and Gram-positive Staphylococcusaureus. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution that had been aged for 5 d showed the greatest number of nAgs formed. The size of these particles, based on TEM results, was 10,11,nm. With an increase in the GTA content used to cross-link the hydrogels, the water retention, the weight loss, and the cumulative amount of silver released were found to decrease. Finally, all of the nAg-loaded gelatin hydrogels could inhibit the growth of the tested pathogens, which confirmed their applicability as antibacterial wound dressings. [source] Periodontal dressing (Vocopac®) influences outcomes in a two-step treatment procedureJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 4 2005B. W. Sigusch Abstract Objectives: It is not clear if periodontal dressing influences the long-term results in a non-surgical treatment procedure. Material and Methods: The periodontal parameters (pre-baseline) of 36 patients with aggressive periodontitis were obtained before the patients were treated initially (1st step) by a dental hygienist, who completely removed the supra- and subgingival concrements. Baseline parameters were raised 3 weeks after the 1st step, before the 2nd therapy step was conducted. It consisted of a non-surgical procedure, which comprised a closed full-mouth manual root curettage (root planing), immediate systemic application of metronidazole, and the placement of a periodontal dressing (Vocopac®, Voco). The patients were randomized to two test groups having their periodontal packs removed after 3,4 days (group 1, n=12) and 7,8 days (group 2, n=12), respectively and a control group (n=12) without periodontal dressing. Clinical parameters were raised again after 6 and 24 months. Results: Six and 24 months later, changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were observed in all three groups compared with baseline, but the difference was significant in group 2 only. In addition, group 2 showed a greater reduction in mean PPD and also a significantly greater gain of attachment in comparison with the controls. Conclusion: Wound dressing has a positive effect on clinical long-term results using a two-step non-surgical procedure. Moreover, removing the dressing after 7,8 days leads to clearly better results than removing it earlier. [source] The Kerf-Cut Dressing: Application of a Woodworking Technique for Efficient Postsurgical Wound CareDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2005John Starling III BA Background. Simple surgical excision is one of the most common treatment methods in the dermatologist's armamentarium. We describe a precise postsurgical dressing technique that can be used for wound care of those patients whose treatment involves removal of lesions via cutaneous surgery. Objective. To devise a novel, precise, and effective dressing technique for postsurgical wound care. Materials and Methods. We describe the technique using common in-office instruments. Results and Conclusion. Wound dressings for lesions located on curved areas such as the ears, nose, cheeks, and chin often exhibit less than adequate adherence and stability. The kerf-cut dressing technique optimizes pliability of dressing tape, and this maximizes efficient and stable application of postsurgical wound dressings to curved areas of the body. JOHN STARLING III, BA, PURVISHA J. PATEL, MD, AND RON D. RASBERRY, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source] Allergic contact dermatitis to sorbitan sesquioleate in Adaptic® wound dressingCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2007F. B. De Waard-van der Spek No abstract is available for this article. [source] The successful use of maggots in necrotizing fasciitis of the neck: A case reportHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2004Simon F. Preuss MD Abstract Background. The use of maggots to digest necrotic tissue as a form of wound debridement has a long history in medicine. Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck has a high mortality rate despite aggressive surgical and medical intervention. The use of maggots in this disease has been reported only once before. Methods. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman, who underwent neck dissection and had necrotizing fasciitis of the neck develop shortly after. After initial surgical wound debridement, we used maggots as a biosurgical method for further debridement. A net containing 100 maggots (Biobag; BioMonde, Germany) was used. Results. Daily wound dressing showed rapid improvement of the wound; 4 days after beginning treatment, the wound was free of necroses. Conclusion. In this case, we could avoid repeated surgical wound debridement with the use of sterile maggots. The frequently rapid progression of necrotizing fasciitis could be well controlled. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 747,750, 2004 [source] Chitosan Films Doped with Gold Nanorods as Laser-Activatable Hybrid BioadhesivesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 38 2010Paolo Matteini Biocompatible chitosan/gold nanorods films are fabricated and tested as laser-activatable adhesives. When exposed to near-infrared laser light the nanoparticles carry out efficient photothermal conversion, which activates the polar groups of chitosan strands and mediates functional adhesion with a biological tissue. This technology may enable a number of key applications in medicine including tissue repair, wound dressing and drug delivery. [source] Inflammatory inert poly(ethylene glycol)-protein wound dressing improves healing responses in partial- and full-thickness woundsINTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 4 2006Article first published online: 12 DEC 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Platelet lysate promotes in vitro wound scratch closure of human dermal fibroblasts: different roles of cell calcium, P38, ERK and PI3K/AKTJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 8b 2009Elia Ranzato Abstract There is a growing interest for the clinical use of platelet derivates in wound dressing. Platelet beneficial effect is attributed to the release of growth factors and other bioactive substances, though mechanisms are mostly unknown. We studied wound-healing processes of human primary fibroblasts, by exposing cells to a platelet lysate (PL) obtained from blood samples. Crystal violet and tetrazolium salt (MTS) assays showed dose,response increase of cell proliferation and metabolism. In scratch wound and transwell assays, a dose of 20% PL induced a significant increase of wound closure rate at 6 and 24 hrs, and had a strong chemotactic effect. BAPTA-AM, SB203580 and PD98059 caused 100% inhibition of PL effects, whereas wortmannin reduced to about one third the effect of PL on wound healing and abolished the chemotactic response. Confocal imaging showed the induction by PL of serial Ca2+ oscillations in fibroblasts. Data indicate that cell Ca2+ plays a fundamental role in wound healing even without PL, p38 and ERK1/2 are essential for PL effects but are also activated by wounding per se, PI3K is essential for PL effects and its downstream effector Akt is activated only in the presence of PL. In conclusion, PL stimulates fibroblast wound healing through the activation of cell proliferation and motility with different patterns of involvement of different signalling pathways. [source] Simultaneous use of bilateral caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps for wound closure in a dogJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2003P. D. Mayhew A neutered male German shorthaired pointer sustained severe bite wounds to the left caudal flank and thigh area. Thorough wound lavage and debrldement was performed immediately and also three days after presentation. Daily wound dressing resulted in the production of a mature granulation tissue bed. Prior to wound closure, colour flow Doppler ultrasonography was used to confirm blood flow through the right and left caudal superficial epigastric arteries and veins. Sixteen days after presentation, right and left caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps were simultaneously elevated to cover the defect. The right flap was elevated as an island flap, rotated 120° and used to cover the caudodorsal aspect of the defect. The left flap was elevated and rotated dorsally to cover the cranioventral aspect of the defect. Ninety per cent wound coverage was achieved and flap survival was total. The donor site defect was closed primarily and no dehiscence occurred. Three months postsurgery, the entire defect was closed and limb function was normal. [source] Allergic contact dermatitis from modified colophonium in wound dressingsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2007Teresa M. Pereira This study concerns a 69-year-old female patient with a longstanding history of venous ulcerations on both lower legs and multiple sensitivities, who developed eczematous lesions with the hydrocolloid dressing Combiderm® (Convatec Ltd., a Bristol-Myers Squibb division, Ickenham, Middlesex, UK). Epicutaneous tests were positive to this dressing and to a modified colophonium derivative, i.e. glyceryl rosinate, however not to the unmodified colophonium from the standard series. A review of the literature showed several case reports about sensitization to similar hydrocolloids being distributed under various brand names in different countries and which contain the pentaerythritol ester of the hydrogenated rosin as the tackifying agent. Some of the patients described did, while others did not, react to colophonium but only to a modified derivative. In our patient, the reaction to glyceryl rosinate most probably represent cross-sensitivity with the modified colophonium derivative used in Combiderm®, the presence (but not the exact nature) of which was showed by the company. In patients where allergic contact dermatitis from hydrocolloid dressings is strongly suspected and colophonium tests negatively, patch testing to modified colophonium derivatives should therefore be performed. As the complete composition of wound dressings is most often unknown, we urgently advocate legal requirements for labelling of those and in fact all medically used devices. [source] The Kerf-Cut Dressing: Application of a Woodworking Technique for Efficient Postsurgical Wound CareDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2005John Starling III BA Background. Simple surgical excision is one of the most common treatment methods in the dermatologist's armamentarium. We describe a precise postsurgical dressing technique that can be used for wound care of those patients whose treatment involves removal of lesions via cutaneous surgery. Objective. To devise a novel, precise, and effective dressing technique for postsurgical wound care. Materials and Methods. We describe the technique using common in-office instruments. Results and Conclusion. Wound dressings for lesions located on curved areas such as the ears, nose, cheeks, and chin often exhibit less than adequate adherence and stability. The kerf-cut dressing technique optimizes pliability of dressing tape, and this maximizes efficient and stable application of postsurgical wound dressings to curved areas of the body. JOHN STARLING III, BA, PURVISHA J. PATEL, MD, AND RON D. RASBERRY, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source] Antibacterial Coatings: Genetically Engineered Phage Fibers and Coatings for Antibacterial Applications (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2010Mater. Genetic manipulation of viruses can be used to fabricate antibacterial fibers and coatings comprising crosslinked M13 bacteriophages, which are modified to bind silver ions. On page 209, Krystyn Van Vliet and co-workers demonstrate the bactericidal effects of such silverized phage fibers against several types of bacterial challenges including those potentially arising from use as wound dressings or antibacterial textiles. [source] "Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Water" Emulsion-Templated Synthesis of Porous Calcium Alginate Hydrogels,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 4 2006S. Partap Controlled-porosity alginate hydrogels are synthesized via a novel organic solvent-free method, "reactive emulsion templating", which utilizes dense-phase carbon dioxide as a reagent and as a templating agent to produce well-defined hydrogels with a narrow macropore-size distribution and high degrees of porosity and interconnectivity (see Figure). These hydrogels may find use in the biomedical field as drug delivery devices, wound dressings, or as supports for tissue engineering applications. [source] Leg ulcers and hydroxyurea: report of three cases with essential thrombocythemiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2002Zeynep Demirçay MD Case 1,A 65-year-old woman with essential thrombocythemia (ET) had been taking oral hydroxyurea (HU), 1000 mg daily, for 7 years. Six months ago, she developed an ulcer on the outer part of her left ankle, which healed spontaneously within 2 months. She presented with a new, tender, shallow ulcer, 2 cm × 2 cm in size, at the same site. Doppler examination revealed thrombosis of the left common femoral vein and a calcified atheroma plaque of the left common femoral artery. The dosage of HU was decreased to 500 mg daily when the platelet counts were found to be within normal levels. The ulcer completely healed within 2 months with occlusive wound dressings, and has not recurred within the follow-up period of 1 year. Case 2,A 56-year-old women presented with multiple, painful, leg ulcers of 1 year duration. She had been diagnosed as having ET and had been on HU therapy, 1500 mg/day, for the past 5 years. Interferon-,-2b was started 3 months ago, in addition to HU, which was tapered to 1000 mg daily. She had suffered from hypertension for 20 years treated with nifedipine and enalapril, and had recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus which was controlled by diet. Examination revealed three ulcers located on the lateral aspects of both ankles and right distal toe. Arterial and venous Doppler examinations were within normal limits. Histopathology of the ulcer revealed nonspecific changes with a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate around dermal vessels. The ulcers completely healed within 10 weeks with topical hydrocolloid dressings. After healing, she was lost to follow-up. A year later, it was learned that she had developed a new ulcer at her right heel, 3 months after her last visit (by phone call). This ulcer persisted for 8 months until HU was withdrawn. Case 3,A 64-year-old woman with ET presented with a painful leg ulcer of 6 months' duration. She had been taking oral HU for 5 years. She had a 20-year history of hypertension treated with lisinopril. Examination revealed a punched-out ulcer of 2 cm × 2 cm over the right lateral malleolus (Fig. 1). Doppler examination of the veins revealed insufficiency of the right greater saphenous and femoral veins. Angiography showed multiple stenoses of the right popliteal and femoral arteries. As her platelet count remained high, HU was continued. During the follow-up period of 13 months, the ulcer showed only partial improvement with local wound care. Figure 1. Punched-out ulcer surrounded by an erythematous border over the right malleolus (Case 3) [source] Topical silver-impregnated dressings and the importance of the dressing technologyINTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Keith Cutting ABSTRACT A wide variety of silver-impregnated wound dressings has become available in recent years. This has given the practitioner choice but little evidence by which an appropriate dressing may be selected. In many instances, the ancillary function(s) of the dressing will become differentiating factors that influence choice. For example, the dressing capacity to manage exudate, maintain an optimum moist environment, reduce or avoid maceration, maintain an intimate contact with the wound bed, promote autolytic debridement, sequester bacteria and bind matrix metallo proteases (MMPs) are some of those functions that are of clinical significance and may dictate choice. In this article we present the evidence for these functions, thereby enabling practitioners to evaluate comparative dressing attributes, and so make an informed choice of which silver dressing best suits the needs of the wound under differing circumstances. [source] OASIS® wound matrix versus Hyaloskin® in the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds of mixed arterial/venous aetiologyINTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007Marco Romanelli Abstract Mixed arterial/venous (A/V) ulcers are difficult to treat and slow to heal likely as a result of deficiencies in molecular and cellular elements in the wound bed. Recently, biomaterials have been developed that replace extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and growth factors critical to the normal healing process. In this study, the effects of OASIS® and Hyaloskin® were evaluated to compare the effectiveness of these two ECM-based products in their ability to achieve complete wound healing of mixed A/V ulcers. After 16 weeks of treatment, patients in each group were evaluated on four criteria: complete wound healing, time to dressing change, pain and comfort. Complete wound closure was achieved in 82·6% of OASIS® -treated ulcers compared with 46·2% of Hyaloskin® -treated ulcers (P < 0·001). Statistically significant differences favouring the OASIS® treatment group were also reported for time to dressing change (P < 0·05), pain (P < 0·05) and patient comfort (P < 0·01). Overall, OASIS® was superior to Hyaloskin® for the treatment of patients with mixed A/V ulcers, a population in which standard treatment options largely consist of moist wound dressings and compression therapy is typically not an option. OASIS® is a useful and well-tolerated treatment for mixed A/V ulcers that has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce costs associated with standard of care. [source] In vitro diffusion bed, 3-day repeat challenge ,capacity' test for antimicrobial wound dressingsINTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 4 2006Article first published online: 12 DEC 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] A novel in vitro flat-bed perfusion biofilm model for determining the potential antimicrobial efficacy of topical wound treatmentsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009R.M.S. Thorn Abstract Aims:, To develop an in vitro flat-bed perfusion biofilm model that could be used to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of topically applied treatments. Methods and Results:,Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms were grown within continuously perfused cellulose matrices. Enumeration of the biofilm density and eluate was performed at various sampling times, enabling determination of the biofilm growth rate. Two antimicrobial wound dressings were applied to the surface of mature biofilms and periodically sampled. To enable real-time imaging of biofilm growth and potential antimicrobial kinetics, a bioluminescent Ps. aeruginosa biofilm was monitored using low-light photometry. Target species produced reproducible steady-state biofilms at a density of c. 107 per biofilm support matrix, after 24-h perfusion. Test dressings elicited significant antimicrobial effects, producing differing kill kinetic profiles. There was a good correlation between photon and viable count data. Conclusions:, The model enables determination of the antimicrobial profile of topically applied treatments against target species biofilms, accurately differentiating bactericidal from bacteriostatic effects. Moreover, these effects could be monitored in real time using bioluminescence. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This is the first in vitro biofilm model which can assess the antimicrobial potential of topical therapies in a dynamic growth environment. [source] Electrospun PEG,PLA nanofibrous membrane for sustained release of hydrophilic antibioticsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010Xiuling Xu Abstract Reported in this study is the successful incorporation of a hydrophilic antibiotic drug, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), into electrospun PEG,PLA nanofibrous membrane without loss of its bioactivity. Degradation behavior of the copolymer was studied in vitro. Release behavior of TCH from the electrospun membrane and antimicrobial effects of the TCH-loaded membrane against Staphylococcus aureus culture were investigated. The medicated nanofibrous membrane demonstrated sustained release of TCH over 6 days and was found to be effective in inhibiting growth of S. aureus. In addition, increasing the antibiotic drug content in the electrospun membranes was found to enhance the anti-bacterial effectiveness of the medicated fiber mats. And the combination of mechanical barriers provided by the electrospun biodegradable nanofibrous membranes and their capability of local sustained delivery of antibiotics made these membranes more useful in biomedical applications, particularly as new wound dressings for ulcers caused by diabetes or other diseases, and to provide a better means of treatment for these malignant wounds and ulcers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Synthesis of a new photoreactive gelatin with BTDA and HEMA derivativesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Fan-Chun Ding Abstract A novel bio-affinitive, photocuring, and membrane-forming gelatin derivative was synthesized in this study. This process was based on the amide formation between carboxylic acid and the amine in methanol,water media using dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (DCC) as a condenser. Gelatin and glycine were the sources of amine in the model reaction. Since there were two anhydride groups in each 3,3,,4,4,-benzophenone tetra-carboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) molecule, two 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) molecules were used to induce the ring-opening reaction of BTDA and release two carboxylic acid groups. The resulting photoreactive gelatin was called GE-BTHE, of which the photoreactive component was the ketone groups of BTDA and HEMA that played the role of double bond supplier. This photoreactive gelatin could be converted from the transparent liquid phase into swollen membrane by a 6-min irradiation of high pressure mercury lamp. The most efficient irradiation was at 267 nm and the highest degree of swelling of the cured GE-BTHE membrane could reach 5.9. The elongation from the dried gel remained 5,10%, i.e., relatively elastic. The properties of this gelatin derivative were investigated using amide formation analysis, calculation of the gel content and the swelling ratio, and monitoring of the photocuring process. The GE-BTHE synthesized in this study should be very potential in applications such as protective wound dressings and hemostatic absorbents for minimally invasive surgery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Characterization of the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and drug release properties of thermoresponsive hydrogel copolymers designed for medical device applicationsJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008David S. Jones Abstract In this study, a series of hydrogels was synthesized by free radical polymerization, namely poly(2-(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate) (pHEMA), poly(4-(hydroxybutyl)methacrylate) (pHBMA), poly(6-(hydroxyhexyl)methacrylate) (pHHMA), and copolymers composed of N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAA), methacrylic acid (MA), NIPAA, and the above monomers. The surface, mechanical, and swelling properties (at 20 and 37°C, pH 6) of the polymers were determined using dynamic contact angle analysis, tensile analysis, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The Tg and lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) were determined using modulated DSC and oscillatory rheometry, respectively. Drug loading of the hydrogels with chlorhexidine diacetate was performed by immersion in a drug solution at 20°C ( Development of Gelatin Hydrogel Pads as Antibacterial Wound DressingsMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 10 2009Vichayarat Rattanaruengsrikul Abstract Gelatin hydrogel pads have been prepared from a 10,wt.-% gelatin solution that contained 2.5,wt.-% AgNO3 in 70% v/v acetic acid by a solvent-casting technique. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution was aged under mechanical stirring for various time intervals to allow for the formation of silver nanoparticles (nAgs). The formation of nAgs was monitored by a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The morphology and size of the nAgs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To improve the water resistance of the hydrogels, various contents of glutaraldehyde (GTA) were added to the AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution to cross-link the obtained gelatin hydrogels. These hydrogels were tested for their water retention and weight loss behavior, release characteristics of the as-loaded silver, and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichiacoli and Gram-positive Staphylococcusaureus. The AgNO3 -containing gelatin solution that had been aged for 5 d showed the greatest number of nAgs formed. The size of these particles, based on TEM results, was 10,11,nm. With an increase in the GTA content used to cross-link the hydrogels, the water retention, the weight loss, and the cumulative amount of silver released were found to decrease. Finally, all of the nAg-loaded gelatin hydrogels could inhibit the growth of the tested pathogens, which confirmed their applicability as antibacterial wound dressings. [source] Occupational blood exposure among unlicensed home care workers and home care registered nurses: Are they protected?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009FAAN, J. Lipscomb PhD Abstract Background Little is known about the risk of blood exposure among personnel providing care to individual patients residing at home. The objective of this study was to document and compare blood exposure risks among unlicensed home care personal care assistants (PCAs) and home care registered nurses (RNs). Methods PCAs self-completed surveys regarding blood and body fluid (BBF) contact in group settings (n,=,980), while RNs completed mailed surveys (n,=,794). Results PCAs experience BBF contact in the course of providing care for home-based clients at a rate approximately 1/3 the rate experienced by RNs providing home care (8.1 and 26.7 per 100 full time equivalent (FTE), respectively), and the majority of PCA contact episodes did not involve direct sharps handling. However, for PCAs who performed work activities such as handling sharps and changing wound dressings, activities much more frequently performed by RNs, PCAs were at increased risk of injury when compared with RNs (OR,=,7.4 vs. 1.4) and (OR,=,6.3 vs. 2.5), respectively. Conclusion Both PCAs and RNs reported exposures to sharps, blood, and body fluids in the home setting at rates that warrant additional training, prevention, and protection. PCAs appear to be at increased risk of injury when performing nursing-related activities for which they are inexperienced and/or lack training. Further efforts are needed to protect home care workers from blood exposure, namely by assuring coverage and enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard [Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1993. Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Available at: http://www. osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS &p_id=21010#Scope. Accessed May 30, 2008]. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:563,570, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The gel swelling properties of alginate fibers and their applications in wound managementPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 1 2008Yimin Qin Abstract Calcium alginate fibers have a novel gel-forming capability in that, upon the ion exchange between sodium ions in the contact solution and calcium ions in the fiber, the fiber slowly transforms into a fibrous gel. This paper reviews the principles of the gel-forming process for alginate fibers and analyzed the gelling behavior of various types of alginate fibers. The absorption characteristics of alginate wound dressings were analyzed and it was found that alginate wound dressings absorb a large quantity of liquid into the fiber structure, in addition to those held between the fibers in the textile structure. This gives rise to the unique gel blocking properties of alginate wound dressings. In addition, alginate wound dressings also have novel hemostatic and antimicrobial properties as well as the ability to promote wound healing. They are now widely used in the management of highly exuding wounds such as leg ulcers, pressure sores, and surgical wounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] AUSTRALASIAN SURVEY OF SPLIT SKIN GRAFT DONOR SITE DRESSINGSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2 2000Patrick W. Lyall Background: There is an ever increasing array of products available for wound dressings. The aim of the present study was to establish which dressings should be used as standard controls for future studies; what factors are regarded as most important in assessing a dressing; what the level of satisfaction is with the available products; what the strengths and weaknesses of the commonly used dressings are; and what dressings would be preferred if cost were no issue. Methods: A postal survey was sent to every plastic and reconstructive surgeon registered in Australasia (n = 217). A total of 53% responded. Results: The most commonly used dressing type overall is the calcium alginates, despite the fact that they were not the highest performing dressings. This is also the most commonly used in Australia. In contrast scarlet red is still used most commonly in New Zealand. The level of satisfaction with the most commonly used dressing varied very little. The factor regarded most important was patient comfort level. A profile of the commonly used dressing was constructed. Calcium alginates and or scarlet red should be used as the control for new product comparisons. Conclusions: Most of the respondents were satisfied with their preferred dressing and were not interested in trying alternative dressings. [source]
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