2021 Vol. 37, No. 7

2021, 37(7): F01-F01. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-2587.2021.07.101
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2021, 37(7): 634-634. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-2587.2021.07.102
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2021, 37(7): 701-701. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-2587.2021.07.103
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2021, 37(7): 702-704. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210712-00245
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Expert Forum
Discussions on the causes and evaluation of mangled injury and the optimization of its repair strategy
Zhang Pihong
2021, 37(7): 601-605. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210119-00029
Abstract:

Many reasons can cause damage to a certain part of body, with the damaged tissue showing some corresponding characteristics. There are many uncertainties in the repair of damaged body parts, making it difficult to achieve the ideal function and appearance. In recent years, the repair of mangled injury has made significant progress, but it still faces many challenges. Based on the clinical practice and the current progress in the assessment and repair of mangled injury, this paper summarizes the causes, clinical features, injury assessment, treatment options, repair measures, and the risks of limb salvage, and then puts forward some personal opinions on the definition of mangled injury and treatment strategy optimization for reference.

Original Articles·Mangled Wound
Application strategy and clinical effects of paraumbilical perforator flap with inferior epigastric vessels in repairing destructive wounds
Qin Fengjun, Shen Yuming, Du Weili, Cheng Lin, Zhang Ying, Ma Chunxu
2021, 37(7): 606-613. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210310-00082
Abstract:

Objective To explore the application strategy and clinical effects of paraumbilical perforator flap with inferior epigastric vessels in repairing various destructive wounds. Methods The retrospective observational study method was applied. From January 2015 to December 2020, 28 patients (21 males and 7 females, aged 25 to 66 years) with destructive wounds in various body parts were admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. The wound areas of patients ranged from 17 cm×8 cm to 35 cm×22 cm after debridement. Pedicled or free paraumbilical perforator flaps with inferior epigastric vessels were used to repair the wounds respectively. The areas of flaps were from 18 cm×10 cm to 37 cm×24 cm, and the lengths of vascular pedicles were 13.0-17.0 (15.1±2.3) cm. For type Ⅲ high-voltage electric burn wounds of wrist, two methods were used to reconstruct the blood flow of hand, one is to bridge the radial artery with saphenous vein grafting and the other one is to design blood flow-through flap. The strength of abdominal wall in the donor site was strengthened by polypropylene patch, and then the wounds were directly sutured. If the wounds could not be sutured directly, then allogenic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was applied to strengthen the abdominal wall first, and then autologous medium-thickness skin graft was taken from the thigh to cover the wounds. The flap transplantation, hand blood flow reconstruction, the repair of donor site, the flap survival, the wound and donor site healing after operation, the appearance of flaps, and the wound and donor site recovery during follow-up were observed. Results Among the patients in this group, 13 patients were treated with pedicled flap grafting, while 15 patients were treated with free flap grafting. The hand blood flow of 7 patients with type Ⅲ high-voltage electric burn wounds of wrist was reconstructed by bridging radial artery with saphenous vein grafting. The hand blood flow of 3 patients with type Ⅲ high-voltage electric burn wounds of wrist was reconstructed with blood flow-through flap. In 16 patients, the strength of abdominal wall was strengthened using patch in the donor site,and then the donor sites were sutured directly. In 12 patients, the strength of abdominal wall was strengthened using allogenic ADM, and then the donor sites were covered by skin grafting. All the transplanted flaps survived completely. The wounds of 24 patients were healed, while the wounds of 3 patients with type Ⅲ high-voltage electric burn wounds of wrist and 1 patient with chronic radiation ulcer of ilium failed to heal because of there were still some necrotic tissue and purulent secretion under the flaps. The wounds were healed eventually after debridement and dressing changes. During the follow-up of 6 months to 3 years, the flap survived well with good appearance in all patients, and there was no recurrence, or no abdominal wall hernia occurred in the donor site. Conclusions Paraumbilical perforator flap with inferior epigastric vessels has flexible design, long vascular pedicle, large area for cut. It can be pedicled or freely transplanted, which is a good choice for repairing destructive wounds in various areas.

Repair methods and clinical effects of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers
Liang Pengfei, Zhang Pihong, Zhang Minghua, Zeng Jizhang, Zhou Jie, Huang Mitao, Cui Xu, Guo Le, Yan Zhuoxian, Ran Yanqin, Zhou Situo, He Zhiyou, Huang Xiaoyuan
2021, 37(7): 614-621. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210114-00020
Abstract:

Objective To explore the repair methods and clinical effects of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers. Methods A retrospective non-randomized controlled trial was conducted on the 98 patients with full-thickness finger burns deep to tendon or even bone who met the inclusion criteria and were hospitalized in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2010 to December 2019. Among the 98 patients, there were 81 males and 17 females, aged from 1 to 72 years, with 160 fingers involved. The wound area of each of affected fingers ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 12.0 cm×3.5 cm, and the maximum wound area after merging the affected fingers was 12.0 cm×10.0 cm. For adult hands with multiple full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in multiple fingers or children with full-thickness finger burns deep to tendon or even bone, pedicled abdominal flaps were selected. For adults with single or two fingers with full-thickness burns deep to tendon or even bone, the pedicled internal hand flaps and free tissue flaps were selected. The free tissue flap repair requires good vascular conditions in the recipient area with arteries and veins available for anastomosis. For thumb nail burns deep to tendon or even bone or partial absence of the thumb after burns, the thumbs were reconstructed with the first toenail flap or dorsal foot flap with the second toe. In this study, 45 pedicled abdominal flaps were used to repair the wounds in 91 fingers, 37 pedicled internal hand flaps were used to repair the wounds in 37 fingers, 26 free tissue flaps were used to repair the wounds in 28 fingers, 3 first toenail flaps were used to reconstruct 3 patients' thumb nails and to repair hand wounds, and 1 dorsal foot flap with the second toe was used to reconstruct 1 patient's thumb and to repair hand and wrist wounds. The tissue flap area was from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm. The wound in the donor site was repaired by direct suture or full-thickness skin grafting from the medial upper arm of the affected limb or split-thickness skin grafting from the outer thigh. The postoperative survival of the tissue flap, postoperative complications, and appearance and function of the flap donor site were observed. For the patients who were followed up, their finger functions were evaluated at the last follow-up using the trial criteria for replantation function evaluation of the amputated finger issued by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, and the satisfaction of the patients was investigated using the Efficacy Satisfaction Scale. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and Nemenyi test. Results Of the 112 tissue flaps, 104 tissue flaps survived completely and had good blood circulation; 1 pedicled thumb dorsal ulnar reverse island flap, 1 pedicled finger artery cutaneous branch reverse island flap, and 1 free grafted anterolateral thigh perforator flap were slightly necrotic at the end, which were repaired with outer thigh split-thickness skin graft after dressing change and granulation tissue growth; 2 free grafted tarsal external artery flaps and 1 pedicled thumb dorsal ulnar reverse island flap suffered from postoperative venous return obstruction, which survived after partial suture removal and heparin saline cleansing of the wound; 1 pedicled modified dorsal metacarpal artery retrograde island flap and 1 free grafted peroneal artery perforator flap were necrotic, which were repaired by a pedicled abdominal flap and a lateral upper arm flap free transplantation respectively in stage Ⅱ. After transplantation, the tissue flaps had good shape, soft texture, and good elasticity, without bloating. There was no functional disorder in the flap donor site, and only slight scar remained. A total of 117 fingers of the 72 patients received 3-24 months of outpatient or telephone follow-up. At the last follow-up, the excellent and good rates of function evaluation of fingers repaired with pedicled abdominal flap, pedicled internal hand flap, and free tissue flap were respectively 77.3% (51/66), 96.3% (26/27), and 95.8% (23/24). The function of fingers repaired with free tissue flap and pedicled internal hand flap was significantly better than that with pedicled abdominal flap (P<0.01). The satisfaction of patients with fingers repaired by free tissue flaps was significantly higher than that by pedicled abdominal flap (P<0.05). Conclusions According to the specific situation of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers, the pedicled abdominal flap is used to repair the multiple full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in multiple fingers of adult or the full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers of children, the pedicled internal hand flap or free tissue flap is used to repair the full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in single or two fingers of adult patients, and the first toenail flap or the dorsal foot flap with the second toe is used to reconstruct the thumbs with full-thickness burn deep to tendon or even bone, with high postoperative tissue flap survival rate and few complications. The functional recovery of the affected finger is better after repair with free tissue flap and pedicled internal hand flap, and the patients' satisfaction is the highest after free tissue flap repair.

Clinical application effect of latissimus dorsi muscle flap in reconstruction of muscle strength around shoulder after electric burns
Zhang Wanfu, Xu Jing, Hu Xiaolong, Han Fei, Tong Lin, Li Shaohui, Xiang Shengtao, Guan Hao
2021, 37(7): 622-628. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210329-00107
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical application effect of latissimus dorsi muscle flap in reconstruction of muscle strength around shoulder after electric burns. Methods From March 2014 to September 2020, 13 patients with electric burns and severe injury around shoulder were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 11 males and 2 females, aged 19-55 years. A retrospective observational study was conducted. The left upper limbs were injured in 8 cases, and the right upper limbs were injured in 5 cases, all with eschar wounds of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree. Among which, there were biceps defects in 6 cases, deltoid defects in 3 cases, triceps defects in 2 cases, and composite defects of multiple muscles around shoulder in 2 cases. The surgery was carried out in two stages. In stage Ⅰ, debridement and exploration of electric burn wounds around shoulders were conducted to preserve local tissue and save the limb as much as possible on the premise of guaranteeing the stability of the body condition. After the last debridement, the wound area was from 10 cm×6 cm to 40 cm×15 cm, the muscle defect area was from 8 cm×4 cm to 19 cm×12 cm, and the humerus was exposed in 7 patients. In stage Ⅱ, according to the residual limb defect degree, muscle reconstruction around shoulder was conducted with the latissimus dorsi muscle flap, and area of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was 15 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×18 cm. The residual wounds were repaired with autologous split-thickness skin grafts of head, and the donor sites of muscle flaps were sutured directly. The survivals of the muscle flaps and wounds closure post operation, and the appearances of the donor sites and recipient sites during follow-up were observed. At the last follow-up, the shoulder joint function was evaluated using the trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, and the satisfaction degrees of patients for appearance and function recoveries of shoulder were investigated by self-made questionnaire with reference to the concise test scoring system of shoulder joint. Results All of the 13 muscle flaps around shoulder survived after surgery. Two patients had residual wounds in the skin grafting area, the wound in one of the patients was healed after dressing change, and the wound in the other 1 patient was healed with the second autologous split-thickness skin grafting on head after dressing change. During follow-up of 6 to 18 months for all the patients, the muscle flaps of patients were full in appearance and not bloated, and atrophic scar in the repaired area was soft in texture and closed with normal skin around. Linear suture scars were left in the donor sites of muscle flaps, which did not affect the overall appearance. At the last follow-up, the active abduction range of the shoulder joint was 60-90°, upward lift on 120-180°, muscle strength recovered to level Ⅳ and above in 8 cases and to level Ⅲ in 5 cases, and the shoulder joint function was evaluated as excellent in 8 cases and good in 5 cases; 10 patients were very satisfied and 3 patients were satisfied with the appearance and function recovery of the shoulders. Conclusions The application of latissimus dorsi muscle flap provides a better choice for the muscle strength reconstruction around shoulder after electric burns, with good appearance of the operative areas and ideal prognosis of upper limb function.

Original Article
Transepidermal water loss of scar skin in three types of scar patients and its correlation with scar severity
Fan Hua, Zhang Jiuwen, Liu Dujuan, Liu Fengbin
2021, 37(7): 629-634. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200310-00145
Abstract:

Objective To study the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of scar skin in patients with superficial scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars, and to explore the correlation between TEWL and scar severity. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted. From February 2017 to February 2019, 120 scar patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the General Hospital of Jilin Chemical Industry Group, including 78 males and 42 females, aged (35±14) years. According to the diagnosis on admission, there were 40 cases of superficial scar patients, 40 cases of hypertrophic scar patients, and 40 cases of atrophic scar patients. On admission, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to score the scar of each patient; the TEWL of scar skin and normal skin 1 cm from the edge of scar or the same site of the healthy side (hereinafter referred to as normal skin) of each patient was measured by water loss tester, and the difference value of TEWL between scar skin and normal skin (hereinafter referred to as the TEWL difference) was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, paired sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Dunnett-t test for comparison, and the correlation between the difference value of TEWL and scar VSS score was analyzed with univariate linear regression analysis. Results On admission, the scar VSS score of superficial scar patients was significantly lower than that of hypertrophic scar or atrophic scar patients (t=4.403, 4.768,P<0.01), and the scar VSS score of atrophic scar patients was significantly lower than that of hypertrophic scar patients (t=4.185,P<0.01). On admission, the TEWL of scar skin of superficial scar, hypertrophic scar, and atrophic scar patients were (18±4), (20±4), and (20±5) g·m-2·h-1 respectively, significantly higher than (12±3), (12±3), and (14±4) g·m-2·h-1 of normal skin (t=6.889, 10.221, 5.870,P<0.01). The difference values of TEWL of superficial scar, hypertrophic scar, and atrophic scar patients were (5.9±1.7), (8.1±1.7), and (6.4±2.1) g·m-2·h-1 respectively. In comparison among different types of scar patients, only the TEWL difference of hypertrophic scar patients was significantly higher than that of superficial scar patients (

t=6.975,P<0.05). The TEWL difference and the scar VSS score in patients with superficial scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars were significantly positively correlated (r=0.805, 0.872, 0.826,P<0.01). Conclusions The TEWL of scar skin in patients with superficial scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars is increased compared with normal skin, and the degree of increase was positively correlated with the severity of scars.
Clinical effects of ulnar artery perforator chain flaps in repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis
Wang Hui, Yang Xiaoxi, Huo Yongxin, Qin Haoyu, Wang Wei, Wang Bin, Jiang Wenping
2021, 37(7): 635-639. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200422-00234
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of ulnar artery perforator chain flaps in repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis. Methods The retrospective observational study method was used. From March 2015 to July 2019, a total of 11 serious trauma patients on distal forearm or wrist with vascular injury were admitted to the Second Hospital of Tangshan, including 8 male patients and 3 female patients, aged from 25 to 62 years, with an average age of 45 years. Vascular anastomosis and tendon repair were performed in all patients, and fracture reduction and fixation were conducted in 9 patients, of which 8 patients underwent external fixation of radius. The residual wounds were located in palmar distal forearm in 5 patients, palmar wrist in 4 patients, dorsal distal forearm in 1 patient, and dorsal wrist in 1 patient, with wound sizes ranged from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm to 10.0 cm×6.0 cm after the last debridement. The wounds were repaired with ulnar artery perforator chain flaps, with the flap sizes ranged from 5.2 cm×3.5 cm to 11.0 cm×7.0 cm. The wound in flap donor site of 1 patient was sutured directly, the wounds in flap donor sites of the other 10 patients were repaired with free skin grafts from ipsilateral thigh after being sutured partially, and the sizes of free skin grafts ranged from 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 8.5 cm×5.0 cm. The survivals of flaps, skin grafts, and injured limbs after operation were observed. The appearances of the flaps and donor sites of flaps were observed during follow-up. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps were measured, and the satisfaction degrees of patients for the appearances of injured limbs were evaluated based on Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire. Results All flaps, skin grafts, and injured limbs survived after operation, without wound infection and blister formation. All patients were followed up for 8 to 26 months, the appearances of the flaps were good and not bloated, with similar color, texture, and thickness to the surrounding skin. The donor sites of flaps repaired with skin grafts were smooth, with circle scar at the edges. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps was 10-15 mm; 7 patients were strongly satisfied with the appearances of the injured limbs, and the remaining 4 patients were satisfied with the appearances of flaps. Conclusions The ulnar artery perforator chain flap has constant vascular anatomy and reliable blood supply, with simple operation, which provides a good treatment method for repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis. It is especially suitable for the patients with radius fracture fixed by external fixator.

Roles of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald
Deng Huping, Cai Jianhua, Chai Jiake, Shen Chuan'an, Li Ligen, Sun Tianjun, Chen Jingjing, Li Dongjie, Dong Ning, Liu Lingying
2021, 37(7): 640-646. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200416-00227
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the expression and phosphorylation level change of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle of severely scald rats and its roles in skeletal muscle atrophy in severely scalded rats. Methods The experimental research method was applied. Totally 100 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sham injury group and scald group according to the random number table, with 50 rats in each group. After weighing the body weight, rats in scald group were inflicted with full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, and rats in sham injury group were simulated with scald. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, 10 rats in each group were taken to measure their body weights and weights of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscle. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, the tibialis anterior muscles were collected, the mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the content of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, and AMP/ATP ratio and energy charge were calculated; the protein expressions of AMPK-α and phosphorylated AMPK-α (p-AMPK-α) were detected by Western blotting, and the p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratio was calculated, with sample number of 4 in each time point of each group. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design and least significant difference test. Results The body weights of rats in 2 groups before injury and at each time point post injury were close (P>0.05). At 6 h post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.107±0.007) g, which was significantly heavier than (0.086±0.0607) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). On 3 d post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.083±0.016) g, which was significantly lighter than (0.102±0.005) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). The weight of soleus of rats in 2 groups were close at each time point post injury (P>0.05). Compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expression of MAFbx in tibialis anterior muscle of rats in scald group was significantly up-regulated at 6 h post injury (P<0.01), and the mRNA expressions of MuRF1 in tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly up-regulated at 6 h and on 1 d post injury (

P<0.01). At 6 h and on 7 d post injury, compared with those of false injury group, the AMP/ATP ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and energy charges of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly decreased (P

<0.01). At each time point post injury, the protein expressions of AMPK-α of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in 2 groups were close (P>0.05). The p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group at 6 h and on 7 d post injury were significantly higher than those in sham injury group (

P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions The decrease in energy charge and increase in AMP/ATP ratio of skeletal muscle of rats after severe scald activate AMPK. The activation of AMPK in the early stage of injury is consistent with the up-regulation of MAFbx and MuRF1 expressions and down-regulation of skeletal muscle weight. The above-mentioned changes may be one of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald
Roles of interleukin-6/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 pathway and β-catenin in mechanical stress-induced hypertrophic scar formation in mice
Shi Lulu, Zhang Rufeng, Xiao Hu
2021, 37(7): 647-653. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200417-00231
Abstract:

Objective To establish mechanical stress-induced hypertrophic scar mouse models, and to examine the roles of interleukin-6/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) pathway and β-catenin. Methods The experimental research method was used. Sixteen female C57/BL6 mice of 12-week-old were collected and two straight full-thickness skin incisions of 2 cm in length were inflicted on the back of each mouse. On the fourth day post injury, the two wounds on the back of each mouse were divided into mechanical traction group and blank control group according to the random number table method, with 16 wounds in each group. The wounds in mechanical traction group were given continuous mechanical traction for 14 days, while the wounds in blank control group were given no treatment. After 14 days of mechanical traction for wounds in mechanical traction group, the appearances of the scar tissue in wounds of 2 groups were visually observed, and the areas of scars were measured; the morphological changes of the scar tissue in wounds of 2 groups were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the cross-sectional areas of scars were measured; the content of IL-6 in supernatant of the scar tissue in wounds of 2 groups was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the protein expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) of the scar tissue in wounds of 2 groups was detected by Western blotting; and the expression of β-catenin of the scar tissue in wounds of 2 groups was detected by immunohistochemistry. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results Red hairless area similar to human scar tissue formed in wounds of mechanical traction group after 14 days of mechanical traction, with large area of scar, thickened local area, hardened texture, and some even slightly raised, while scar in wounds of blank control group was linear and not obvious. After 14 days of mechanical traction for wounds in mechanical traction group, the scar area of wounds in mechanical traction group was (5.65±0.95) mm2, which was significantly larger than (1.07±0.28) mm2 in blank control group (t=26.333,P<0.01). After 14 days of mechanical traction for wounds in mechanical traction group, the skin appendages of scar tissue were absent, and the dermis hyperplasia was active and obviously thickened, while skin appendages of scar tissue of wounds in blank control group were still present, with unconspicuous dermis hyperplasia; the cross-sectional area of scar in wounds of mechanical traction group was (0.82±0.23) mm2, which was significantly larger than (0.29±0.07) mm2 of blank control group (t=8.879, P<0.01). After 14 days of mechanical traction for wounds in mechanical traction group, the content of IL-6 in the supernatant of scar tissue and the protein expression of p-STAT3 in scar tissue of wounds in mechanical traction group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (t=37.552, 25.863,P<0.01). The expression of β-catenin was high in the scar tissue of wounds in mechanical traction group after 14 days of mechanical traction, while that in blank control group was low. Conclusions The study successfully establishes mechanical stress-induced hypertrophic scar mouse models. Mechanical stress can participate in wound healing and induce scar hyperplasia of mice wounds through continuous or overexpression of IL-6/STAT3 pathway, and β-catenin can also promote the formation of hypertrophic scar.

Systematic review of the epidemiological characteristics of inhalation injury in burn patients in China
Dou Zhe, Zhang Guo'an
2021, 37(7): 654-660. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200306-00129
Abstract:

Objective To study the epidemiological characteristics of inhalation injury in burn patients in China. Methods The systematic review method was performed.Chinese Journal Full-text Database,Wanfang Database,andChineseBiomedical Literature Database were searched with the Chinese search terms of "吸入性损伤, 呼吸道烧伤, 喉烧伤", and PubMed and Embase were searched with the search terms of "burns, inhalation injury" to retrieve the collected retrospective studies on the epidemiological characteristics of inhalation injury in burn patients in China from the establishment of each database to January 2019. Data were extracted from the included articles, including the first author, study institution, study period, study subjects, number of burn patients, incidence of inhalation injury, and gender, age, causes of injury, mortality, and causes of death in patients with inhalation injury. Results A total of 24 articles were included in this study with the first authors being from multiple research institutions across the country. The articles reported single or multi-center epidemiological studies with statistics on the incidence of inhalation injury in burn patients or severe burn patients admitted to key burn treatment institutions in many provinces/cities in China from 1958 to 2016. The number of burn patients included was 103-64 320 cases in the studies, and the incidence of inhalation injury in hospitalized burn patients ranged from 4.89% to 11.28%, with no obvious trend. The incidence of inhalation injury in severe burn patients was still high, from 19.09% to 32.38% as most articles reported. The number of men with inhalation injury was larger than that of women, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.61 ∶1.00-4.95 ∶1.00; young and middle-aged people were the high-risk population, and flame burn was the main cause of injury. The mortality of patients with inhalation injury was 5.17%-58.67%, of which the mortality was 5.17%-24.75% since 2000, in accordance with reports from hospitals in various regions that the mortality in the later period decreased significantly compared with the previous period. The causes of death in patients with inhalation injury included upper respiratory tract obstruction, sepsis, respiratory failure, and severe pulmonary infection. Conclusions From 1958 to 2016, there is no obvious trend in the incidence of inhalation injury among burn patients in China; the incidence of inhalation injury is high in young and middle-aged males, and the main cause of inhalation injury is flame burn. The mortality of inhalation injury generally decreased since 2000 compared with the previous period.

Hair Follicle Transplantation
Clinical effects of fine follicular unit extraction and transplantation in repairing cicatricial eyebrow defects
Xue Ping, Song Baoqiang, Fan Xing, Dou Wenjie
2021, 37(7): 661-665. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200316-00172
Abstract:

Objective To observe the clinical effects of fine follicular unit extraction (FUE) and transplantation in repairing cicatricial eyebrow defects. Methods The retrospective observational study was conducted. From September 2013 to January 2020, 58 patients (36 males and 22 females, aged 12-40 years) underwent fine FUE and transplantation to treat cicatricial eyebrow defects in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The hair survival rate in 10 months post operation was observed and calculated, and the curative effect was graded. Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate patients' satisfaction in one year post operation. The adverse reactions during operation and within one year post operation were recorded, and the adverse reaction incidence was calculated. Results The hair survival rate of 58 patients in 10 months post operation was (84±5)%. Four patients (6.9%) had good curative effect, 54 patients (93.1%) had excellent curative effect in effect evaluation. Four patients (6.90%) were moderately satisfied, 5 patients (8.62%) were fairly satisfied, and 49 patients (84.48%) were very satisfied in satisfaction evaluation. Twelve patients had 14 adverse reactions, with an incidence of 24.14%. Conclusions Fine FUE and transplantation can provide good cosmetic results for patients with cicatricial eyebrow defects, with high satisfaction of patient and few adverse reactions.

Technique and Method
Advice on the rationalized layout of outpatient clinics in a wound repair department
Zhou Ming, Wang Chunlan, Tang Jiajun, Niu Yiwen, Liu Yingkai, Lu Yechen, Huang Lifang, Zhou Jingqi, Wu Fangyi, Ma Xian
2021, 37(7): 666-667. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210224-00067
Abstract:

According to a document issued by the General Office of National Health Commission, "one person, one diagnosis, and one room" is required in the process of outpatient consultation. However, the patient will need to go to another room for dressing change after the doctor checks the wound if sticking to the conventional layout of current wound repair specialist outpatient clinic in hospitals and following the regulation of "separation of diagnosis and treatment". To allow a patient walking back and forth with the exposed wounds to different clinics or going to another clinic for dressing change with the original dressing reapplied to the wound is against the regulation of nosocomial infection control and the principle of sterility. To ensure that the layout of the outpatient clinic in the wound repair outpatient department not only conforms to the principle of "one person, one diagnosis, and one room", but also meets the characteristics of the diagnosis and treatment process of chronic wounds, this paper proposes the layout of "large space and small partition" in the wound repair clinic.

Technique and Mehod·Nursing Column
Design and application method of a rapid cooling device for burns in field battle training
Ju Ting, Zhou Qin, Han Juntao, Hu Dahai
2021, 37(7): 668-669. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200805-00369
Abstract:

At present, there is no special rapid cooling device for burn injury site in field battle training environment. To solve this problem, our research team designed a rapid cooling device for burns in field battle training. Based on the principle of rapid cooling of liquid nitrogen, the device monitors the temperature of the wound surface to regulate the release of liquid nitrogen so as to reduce the wound temperature. The device is simple in design, light in material, small in size, easy to carry, and can be used in various parts of the body. In addition, it is easy to operate and is expected to deliver a rapid cooling effect on the burn injury site to avoid the secondary damage caused by heat conduction to deep tissue.

Review
Research advances on skin tissue regeneration in wound repair
Wei Yating, Wu Jun
2021, 37(7): 670-674. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200604-00296
Abstract:

Wound repair is one of the common clinical problems faced by burn, plastic, and reconstructive surgeons. Current wound repair strategies applied in clinical settings can only achieve pathological repair instead of physiological regeneration. To 'perfectly' repair the defective tissue is the long-time goal of researchers working in this field for a long time. This review introduces the research updates of skin tissue regeneration in wound repair, focusing on the new concept of tissue regeneration technique with stem cells as the core and the construction of scaffold materials for tissue-engineered skin. In summary, making cells proliferate and differentiate into functional skin organ according to the needs of wound healing, regulating the precise location of different cells in the process of wound healing, and reconstructing the normal structure of skin remain the problems needing future explorations.

Research advances on the regulation of interleukin-17 signal transduction and the implication of interleukin-17 in sepsis
Jia Yanhui, Liu Jiaqi, Wang Yunchuan, Wang Hongtao, Tao Ke, Zheng Zhao, Hu Dahai
2021, 37(7): 675-680. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200515-00266
Abstract:

Sepsis remains a leading cause of death in critical patients. Both excessive inflammatory response and long-term immunosuppression can lead to the death of sepsis patients. As a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays an important role in the body's inflammatory response and immune system. The signal transduction of IL-17 is a key link in maintaining the body's health and participating in the onset and development of sepsis. This review mainly summarizes and discusses the regulation of IL-17 signal transduction and pathogenic and protective role of IL-17 in sepsis.

Research advances on the development and application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein system
Tan Jingjie, Peng Yizhi, Huang Guangtao
2021, 37(7): 681-687. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200329-00201
Abstract:

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein system, as an emerging gene editing system, can be divided into class 1 and class 2 systems according to the number of Cas protein. The CRISPR/Cas9 in class 2 system can cleave target nucleic acid only with the help of Cas9 protein and single-stranded guide RNA, which is currently the most widely used CRISPR/Cas system. In addition to gene editing in the treatment of genetic diseases, a variety of CRISPR/Cas system derived technologies have vast application prospect in the fields of disease-related gene screening, gene expression regulation, and rapid detection, prevention, and control of pathogens. This article summarizes the discovery process of CRISPR/Cas system and applications of several major CRISPR/Cas derived technologies, aiming to provide a reference for researchers in the field of life science.

Research advances on the application of pulsed dye laser in the early treatment of post-traumatic scars
Liu Zhennan, Zhou Yuemin
2021, 37(7): 688-691. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200315-00164
Abstract:

Recent studies have shown that intervention in the early post-traumatic period can inhibit scar hyperplasia and promote scar maturation. Because of its definite therapeutic efficacy and few adverse reactions, it has become an important auxiliary method to prevent scar formation after trauma. This article reviews the research advances on the mechanism of pulsed dye laser in inhibiting the formation of early hypertrophic scar after trauma, the timing of intervention, and its complications and treatment methods, in order to provide a basis for the early prevention and treatment of clinical post-traumatic scars.

Research advances on the formation mechanism and diagnosis of bacteria biofilms in chronic wounds
Liu Jiang, Liu Yi
2021, 37(7): 692-696. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200327-00198
Abstract:

Bacterial biofilms infection is one of the major factors causing delayed wound healing. Therefore, early diagnosis of bacterial biofilms is critical for successful cure of chronic wounds. Although many techniques have been developed to diagnose the free pathogens in infectious wounds, there is no technique which can quickly and accurately identify bacterial biofilms in wounds. In this paper, the mechanism of bacterial biofilm formation is briefly reviewed, and several potential diagnostic techniques for bacterial biofilms are introduced, which are expected to be a means of rapid diagnosis and monitoring of bacterial biofilms in wounds.

Research advances on the effect of early intervention on post-traumatic scar formation
Zhao Qiannan, Zhou Yuemin, Ma Yuanyuan, Han Huahua
2021, 37(7): 697-701. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20200315-00169
Abstract:

Scars caused by trauma will not only affect the appearance and cause dysfunction, but also affect the quality of psychological life of the patients to varying degrees. With the in-depth understanding of the process of scar formation after trauma and the continuous development of related intervention methods, early intervention within 3 months after trauma has been proved to be able to promote wound healing, inhibit scar hyperplasia, and interfere with the natural remodeling of scar collagen. This review summarizes the process of scar formation after trauma, as well as the timing and method of early intervention.