2024 Vol. 40, No. 9

Guideline and Consensus
Expert consensus on enteral nutrition care for adult patients with severe burns (2024 edition)
2024, 40(9): 801-811. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240229-00078
Abstract:
Enteral nutrition is one of the main nutritional treatments for patients with severe burns. In order to promote standardized, safe, and effective implementation of enteral nutrition care by clinical nurses, the consensus writing group conducted literature retrieval, quality evaluation, evidence synthesis, and expert consultation based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and guided by Delphi method on 11 topics including indications and initiation timing of enteral nutrition, hospital infection control, nutritional risk screening, swallowing function assessment, gastrointestinal function assessment, energy assessment, feeding route, infusion management, blood glucose management, nutritional status monitoring, and nutritional transition in adult patients with severe burns, and developed Expert consensus on enteral nutrition care for adult patients with severe burns (2024 edition) to provide a reference for nurses' clinical practice.
Expert Forum
Exploration on the techniques and strategies for repair and reconstruction of destructive wounds
Hu Dahai, Zhang Yue
2024, 40(9): 812-817. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240807-00296
Abstract:
The tissue damage of destructive wounds is severe, and its repair and reconstruction are complex and difficult, making it difficult to achieve the desired goal of the treatment outcomes of function and appearance. In recent years, the repair and reconstruction of destructive wounds have received widespread attention and significant progress has been made. However, some key technical bottlenecks still require to be explored and broken through, and the perfect and effective treatment strategies need to be established and standardized. This article briefly discusses the concept of destructive wounds, etiological diagnosis and treatment, injury assessment, principles and technical methods of repair and reconstruction, as well as the key difficult problems that need to be solved. The aim is to attract the attention and discussion of colleagues in the field, providing a reference for further improving the ability in repair and reconstruction of destructive wounds and optimizing the therapeutic effects.
Original Articles·Mangled Wounds
Strategies and clinical effects of free tissue flaps in repairing massive destructive burn wounds
Zhang Wei, Zhang Weidong, Chen Lan, Xie Weiguo, Yang Fei, Xu Junhui, Liu Feng
2024, 40(9): 818-827. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240609-00218
Abstract:
  Objective  To investigate the strategies and clinical effects of free tissue flaps in repairing massive destructive burn wounds.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From June 2014 to October 2023, 51 burn patients with 53 massive destructive burn wounds which met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital, including 47 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 77 years. After debridement, the wound area needed to be repaired by tissue flaps ranged from 20.0 cm×12.5 cm to 50.0 cm×15.0 cm. Emergency, early, or delayed transplantation of tissue flaps was performed to repair the wounds. Six head, face, and neck wounds, 5 upper limb wounds, and 1 lower limb wound were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. Eleven upper limb wounds and 6 lower limb wounds were repaired with anterolateral thigh flaps. Seven upper limb wounds, 5 lower limb wounds, and 2 face and neck wounds were repaired with paraumbilical perforator flaps. One lower limb wound was repaired with lower abdominal flap. Two face and neck wounds, 2 upper limb wounds, and 1 lower limb wound were repaired with inguinal flaps. One upper limb wound was repaired with scapular flap. One trunk wound was repaired with the "fillet flap" from the abandoned upper limb after amputation. Three head, face, and neck wounds, 3 lower limb wounds, and 1 upper limb wound were repaired with omental flaps. Four wounds were repaired by combined transplantation of the above-mentioned tissue flaps. Three wounds were repaired by fractional transplantation of the above-mentioned tissue flaps. The size of a single harvested tissue flap ranged from 15.0 cm×5.0 cm to 45.0 cm×25.0 cm. The arterial and venous anastomoses were added as the circumstances might require to improve tissue flap circulation. The wounds in the flap donor sites were sutured directly or repaired by split-thickness skin grafts from head. The general condition of patients during treatment was recorded. After surgery, the survival of tissue flaps, the healing of wounds in the recipient sites, limb salvage, the healing of wounds in the flap donor sites, and the survival of skin grafts were observed. The healing of wounds in the recipient sites was observed during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the upper limb function after successful limb salvage was evaluated by the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Disability Scoring Scale, the weight-bearing walking ability of patients with successful lower limb salvage was evaluated by the Holden walking ability classification, and the patient's satisfaction with the efficacy was assessed by 5-grade Likert scale.  Results  During treatment, one case with electrical burn of the head suffered from aggravated cerebral edema, cerebral hernia and coma recurred. After dehydration, hormone therapy, and so on, the patient recovered and incomplete hemiplegia on the right limb was left. The shock symptoms of 4 patients got worse, which were gradually controlled after anti-shock with fluid supplement and colloid injection. One patient developed hemorrhagic shock after tissue flap transplantation, which was corrected by fluid infusion and red blood cell suspension transfusion. Vascular crisis occurred in 3 tissue flaps after surgery, of which 2 survived and 1 eventually became necrotic after exploration. Partial necrosis occurred in 2 tissue flaps and slight necrosis occurred at the edge of 5 tissue flaps, which all healed after tissue flap trimming, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD), and skin grafting treatment. All the other tissue flaps survived. There were 12 recipient wounds with residual necrotic tissue after surgery, which healed after debridement, VSD, and skin grafting treatment. The remaining 41 wounds healed well. Among the 40 limb wounds of 39 patients, 5 patients had 3 upper limb and 2 lower limb amputations. The remaining 35 limbs of 34 patients were successfully salvaged. The donor site wounds healed well, and the skin grafts survived well. During the follow-up of 6 to 52 months, all the head, face, neck, and trunk wounds were well repaired. The fester recurred in 7 limb wounds 3 to 9 months after surgery and healed after debridement, drainage, and tissue flap repair. At the last follow-up, the functional scores of 22 upper limbs after successful limb salvage ranged from 0 to 100 (with an average of 50), and the Holden walking ability classification of 12 patients with 13 lower limbs after successful limb salvage was level Ⅴ in 8 cases, level Ⅳ in 2 cases, and level Ⅲ in 2 cases. The patients were very satisfied with the efficacy in 33 cases, relatively satisfied in 12 cases, and not quite satisfied in 6 cases.  Conclusions  Systematic evaluation and treatment of the whole body condition, choosing the appropriate repair time, and using appropriate tissue flaps to repair massive destructive burn wounds will help ensure the safety of treatment, improve the repair effect, and reduce the injury of donor sites, thus optimizing the repair effect.
Tissue flap repair strategy for scalp defects with exposed skull wounds
Li Gang, Zhang Zhi, Sun Jing'en, Lin Weihua, Li Xiaojian
2024, 40(9): 828-834. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240515-00176
Abstract:
  Objective  To investigate the strategy of using tissue flaps for repairing scalp defects with exposed skull wounds.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2019 to December 2023, 18 patients (13 males and 5 females, aged 17-59 years) with different scalp defect combined with skull exposure area (hereafter referred to as scalp defect area) who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University. After debridement, the scalp defect area was 1 cm×1 cm to 25 cm×25 cm. For patients with scalp defect area < 9 cm2 and good local conditions of the surrounding scalp, local flaps with area of 2 cm×2 cm-5 cm×5 cm were used for wound repair. The wound in the donor site of the flap was pulled together and sutured. If the suture tension was large, the skin graft from the head was taken and transplanted for wound repair. For patients with scalp defect area > 9 cm2 and ≤1/4 of the total scalp area, expanded flaps with area of 5 cm×3 cm-12 cm×12 cm were used for wound repair. The wound in the donor site of the flap was pulled together and sutured directly. For patients with scalp defect area >1/4 and ≤1/2 of the total scalp area, free transplantation of anterolateral thigh flaps with area of 9 cm×7 cm-29 cm×14 cm were used for wound repair. The wound in the donor site of the flap was sutured in layers, and the skin graft from the ipsilateral thigh was transplanted for repair if the tension was large. For patients with scalp defect area >1/2 of the total scalp area, free greater omental flap (28 cm×23 cm-29 cm×26 cm in area) transplantation and thigh skin graft were used for wound repair. The abdominal incision caused by cutting the greater omental flap was sutured directly. The types of tissue flaps were recorded during operation. After operation, the survival of tissue flaps and skin graft in the recipient sites was observed, and the wound healing of flap donor sites/abdominal incision caused by cutting the greater omental flap was observed. During follow up, the survival of tissue flaps and the scar hyperplasia of flap donor site/abdominal incision caused by cutting the greater omental flap were observed. At the last follow-up, the skull necrosis was evaluated by computed tomography scan.  Results  For the scalp defect with exposed skull wounds in this group of cases, 4 cases were repaired with local flaps, of which 2 cases were repaired with V-Y advancement flaps, and 2 cases were repaired with local double-pedicle vault stone flaps. The flaps survived completely after operation. Five cases were repaired with expanded flaps, of which 1 patient was implanted with 2 skin and soft tissue expanders, and 4 patients were implanted with 1 skin and soft tissue expander. The expanded flaps survived completely after operation. Seven cases were repaired with free transplantation of anterolateral thigh flaps. After operation, the flap in 6 cases survived, and the distal end of the flap was necrotic in 1 case, and the wound healed well after debridement and suture. Two cases were repaired with free transplantation of greater omental flaps and thigh skin graft, and the greater omental flap and skin graft in the recipient site survived well after operation. After operation, the wound of flap donor site/abdominal incision caused by cutting the greater omental flap healed well. During follow-up, all tissue flaps survived well without skull exposure; the scar hyperplasia of flap donor site/abdominal incision caused by cutting the greater omental flap was not obvious. At the last follow-up, computed tomography scan showed that all patients had no skull necrosis.  Conclusions  According to the size of scalp defect, local flap, expanded flap, free anterolateral thigh flap, and free greater omental flap+skin graft are selected successively from small to large to repair the wounds, and the effect is good, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Clinical effects of nerve-carrying peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns
Zhou Jian, Zheng Yucen, Chen Wei, Chang Shusen, Wei Zairong, Nie Kaiyu, Zhang Fang
2024, 40(9): 835-841. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240520-00187
Abstract:
  Objective  To explore the clinical effects of nerve-carrying peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From December 2019 to May 2023, five patients with sensory dysfunction in hands due to nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University and met the inclusion criteria. There were 4 males and 1 female, aged 7 to 48 years. Four patients had defects in both median nerve and ulnar nerve, one patient had a defect solely in median nerve, and the length of nerve defects ranged from 5 to 12 cm. Four patients underwent transplantation of peroneal artery perforator flaps carrying sural nerve and superficial peroneal nerve, and 1 patient underwent transplantation of peroneal artery perforator flap only carrying sural nerve. The wounds in flap donor sites were all directly sutured. One patient had tendon adhesion and release of tendon adhesion was performed during the same surgery; 3 patients had combined defects in the wrist flexor muscle group, including 2 patients received autologous tendon grafting during the same surgery, and one patient received reconstruction of finger flexion function with a gracilis myocutaneous flap in the second stage; 1 patient had combined wrist flexion contracture which was surgically released in the second stage. During follow-up after surgery, the survival of the flaps was observed, and the healing time of the incisions or sutures in flap donor and recipient sites and the recovery time of hand sensation were recorded. At the last follow-up, the scar formation and loss of sensation in the foot were observed, and flexor strength and sensory function of the fingers were evaluated based on the evaluation criteria for tendon and nerve repair standards of hands in the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of the upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.  Results  All patients were followed up after surgery for 12 to 24 months, and all flaps of patients survived. The healing time for the incisions or sutures in flap donor and recipient sites was about 2 weeks, and the hand sensation recovered in 6 months after surgery. At the last follow-up, linear scar was left in the donor site on the lower leg; patients had partial sensory impairment on the dorsum of the foot, but there was no skin ulceration, which did not affect wearing shoes or walking; finger flexor strength was rated as grade 4 in 1 patient, grade 3 in 3 patients, and grade 2 in 1 patient; the sensory function of hands was evaluated as S3+ level in 4 patients, with the two-point discrimination distance of the skin ranging from 8 to 11 mm, while the sensory function of hands was evaluated as S3 level in 1 patient, with the two-point discrimination distance of the skin of 13 mm.  Conclusions  Using the nerve-carrying peroneal artery perforator flaps to repair the nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns, the sensation of hands can be restored in 6 months after surgery, with only linear scar in the flap donor sites and hypoesthesia in some areas of the dorsum of the foot. When combined with the reconstruction of finger flexion function, the overall function of hands can be effectively improved.
Effects of anterolateral femoral perforator flaps pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and carrying fascia lata in repairing destructive wounds and rebuilding function of hands or feet
Ge Chengwei, Jiang Guodong, Cheng Junnan, Guo Liping, Che Zhigang, Yuan Song, Ju Jihui
2024, 40(9): 842-848. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240508-00163
Abstract:
  Objective  To investigate the effects of anterolateral femoral perforator flaps pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and carrying fascia lata in repairing destructive wounds and rebuilding function of hands or feet.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to March 2023, 16 patients with destructive wounds in hands or feet combined with extensor tendon defects who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 12 males and 4 females, aged 3 to 63 years. The wounds were located on the hands in 12 cases and on the feet in 4 cases. The number of defective extensor tendon ranged one to five, and the length of the defect ranged from 2.5 to 6.0 cm. The wound area was 11.0 cm×5.5 cm to 29.0 cm×9.5 cm after debridement. The wounds were repaired with anterolateral femoral perforator flaps pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and carrying fascia lata, and the flap area was 12.0 cm×6.5 cm to 30.0 cm×11.0 cm. The fascia lata was used to repair the extensor tendon defects, and the harvesting area of fascia lata was 8.0 cm×3.0 cm to 12.0 cm×8.0 cm. The wounds in flap donor areas in 15 patients were sutured directly, and the wound in flap donor area in 1 patient was covered with medium-thickness skin graft from lower abdomen. The survival of flaps and the wound healing in donor and recipient areas of flaps were observed within 1 week after operation. The number of patients who underwent thinning and plastic surgery or tenolysis was recorded during postoperative follow-up. At the last follow-up, the recovery of sensory function of the transplanted flaps on hands or feet was evaluated, the efficacy of flap repair was evaluated according to the comprehensive flap evaluation scale, and the function of hands was evaluated according to the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association. The following two indexes were compared, including the measured total active motion of the injured fingers and the foot function assessed using Maryland foot function scale between before surgery and at the last follow-up.  Results  Arterial crisis occurred in flaps in 2 patients after operation, and the flaps survived after timely exploration; the flaps in the rest patients survived well after operation. No obvious scar hyperplasia or ulceration was observed in donor and recipient areas of flaps after operation. All patients were followed up for 8 to 16 months, of which 6 patients underwent flap thinning and plastic surgery 6 to 7 months after operation, and 4 patients underwent tenolysis 3 to 6 months after operation. At the last follow-up, the recovery of sensory function of flaps reached S1 level in 5 cases and S2 level in 11 cases, and the two-point discrimination only had 1 point. The efficacy of flap repair scored 80 to 91, which were evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 9 cases, and acceptable in 2 cases. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 5 cases, and acceptable in 2 cases. The active extension function of the injured finger/toe was reconstructed successfully, and the total active motion of the injured finger was (225±22)° at the last follow-up, which was significantly higher than (117±20)° before surgery (t=119.59,P<0.05); the foot function score was 86±7 at the last follow-up, which was significantly higher than 29±7 before surgery (t=222.68,P<0.05), and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases, good in 1 case, and acceptable in 1 case.  Conclusions  The operation of harvesting the anterolateral femoral perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery is relatively simple. After the wounds on hands or feet being repaired with the flaps, the appearance and function are good, with no obvious scar hyperplasia in donor and recipient areas of flaps. The fascia lata carried by the flap can repair the extensor tendon defect at the same time and improve the movement of the finger/toe.
Original Article
Role and mechanism of P311 in the differentiation of mouse skin fibroblasts into myofibroblasts
Heng Xue, Li Buying, Gao Shijie, Lu Changjin, Zhang Xiaorong, Hu Xiaohong, Luo Gaoxing, Li Haisheng
2024, 40(9): 849-856. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231215-00245
Abstract:
    Objective   To explore the role and mechanism of P311 in the differentiation of mouse skin fibroblasts (Fbs) into myofibroblasts.    Methods   The study was an experimental research. Six 2-day-old male C57BL/6 mouse were used to extract skin Fbs by enzymatic hydrolysis method and routinely cultured. The 1st to 3rd passage cells were taken and divided into empty vector group transfected with empty adenovirus and P311 group transfected with P311 high expression adenovirus, and P311+myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) small interfering RNA (siMRTF-A) group transfected with P311 high expression adenovirus and siMRTF-A according to the random number table. After 72 h of culture, the cell proliferation vitality of cells in 3 groups was detected by cell counting kit 8, the protein expressions of MRTF-A, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and serum response factor (SRF) in cells in 3 groups were detected by Western blotting, the collagen gel contraction assay was performed and the 72 h gel contraction rates in 3 groups were calculated. The sample numbers in the above experiments were all 3. The protein expressions of MRTF-A and SRF in cells, cytoplasm, and nucleus in cells in empty vector group and P311 group were detected by Western blotting, with sample number of 4.    Results   After 72 h of culture, the cell proliferation vitality of cells in empty vector group, P311 group, and P311+siMRTF-A group was similar (P>0.05). After 72 h of culture, compared with those in empty vector group, the protein expressions of MRTF-A, α-SMA, and SRF in cells in P311 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the protein expressions of MRTF-A and SRF in cells in P311+siMRTF-A group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in P311 group, the protein expressions of MRTF-A, SRF, and α-SMA in cells in P311+siMRTF-A group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The 72 h gel contraction rate showing cell contractility in P311 group was (84.8±6.2)%, which was significantly higher than (27.8±2.6)% in empty vector group and (24.7±3.2)% in P311+siMRTF-A group (with P values all<0.05).  The 72 h gel contraction rates in empty vector group and P311+siMRTF-A group were similar (P>0.05). After 72 hours of culture, the protein expressions of MRTF-A (with t values of 5.86 and 3.77, respectively, P<0.05) and SRF (with t values of 3.95 and 3.97, respectively, P<0.05) in cells and cytoplasm in P311 group were significantly higher than those in empty vector group, while the protein expressions of MRTF-A and SRF in the nucleus of cells were similar between the two groups (P>0.05).    Conclusions   P311 can promote the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts through MRTF-A, and then participate in scar formation.
Analysis of risk factors for atrial fibrillation in adult patients with critically severe burns after the first surgery
Jiang Nanhong, Xie Weiguo, Wang Deyun, Chu Zhigang, Xi Maomao, Zhou Jinxiu, Li Feng
2024, 40(9): 857-865. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240329-00111
Abstract:
  Objective  To explore the risk factors for atrial fibrillation in adult patients with critically severe burns after the first surgery.  Methods  This study was a retrospective case series study. From January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023, 211 adult patients with critically severe burns were admitted to the Department of Burns of Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital and met the inclusion criteria, including 158 males and 53 females, aged 24-81 years. According to whether atrial fibrillation occurred after the first surgery, the patients were divided into postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) group (23 cases) and non-POAF group (188 cases). The following indexes of patients in POAF group were collected, including the onset time, duration, treatment method, and number of patients with more than once of atrial fibrillation after the first surgery. The following data of the two groups of patients were collected, including general data, such as gender, age, burn type, total burn area, full-thickness burn area, inhalation injury, underlying diseases, mechanical ventilation, and sepsis; electrolyte imbalance and blood index level before the first surgery; the first surgery-related information such as surgical length and surgical method; volume changes and vital signs during the first surgery, such as total volume of fluid infusion, total volume of blood transfusion, volume of blood loss, hypotension, and hypothermia; postoperative hypothermia; inflammatory index levels before the first surgery and on the first day after the first surgery, such as procalcitonin levels, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count to lymphocyte ratio (PLR); mortality within 30 days of admission. The independent risk factors for occurrence of atrial fibrillation in adult patients with critically severe burns after the first surgery were screened.  Results  The onset time of atrial fibrillation of patients in POAF group was 2 (2, 4) hours after the first surgery, and the duration of atrial fibrillation was 16 (6, 26) hours. Twenty-one patients were treated with intravenous injection of amiodarone, two patients were treated with cardiac electrical cardioversion, and atrial fibrillation of all patients converted to sinus rhythm after treatment. Three patients experienced atrial fibrillation more than once. The age was 59 (42, 70) years and the total burn area was 90% (70%, 94%) total body surface area (TBSA) in patients in POAF group, which were significantly higher than 48 (38, 56) years and 70% (60%, 83%) TBSA in non-POAF group (with Z values of -2.64 and -3.56, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with those in non-POAF group, the incidence rate of inhalation injury of patients in POAF group was significantly higher (χ2=4.45, P<0.05), the total volumes of fluid infusion and blood transfusion during the first surgery were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.98 and -3.75, respectively, P<0.05), the incidence rates of hypothermia during the first surgery and hypothermia after the first surgery were significantly increased (with χ2 values of 8.24 and 18.72, respectively, P<0.05), the levels of procalcitonin before the first surgery and on the first day after the first surgery, as well as the NLR on the first day after the first surgery were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.03, -2.19, and -2.18, respectively, P<0.05), the lymphocyte count (with Z values of -2.07 and -2.60, respectively, P<0.05) and platelet count (with Z values of -3.35 and -3.58, respectively, P<0.05) were significantly reduced before the first surgery and on the first day after the first surgery, and the mortality rate within 30 days of admission was significantly higher (χ2=4.03, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in other indexes between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, total burn area, and intraoperative hypothermia were independent risk factors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in adult patients with critically severe burns after the first surgery (with odds ratios of 1.08, 1.07, and 4.18, 95% confidence intervals of 1.03-1.12, 1.03-1.11, and 1.48-11.80, respectively, P<0.05).  Conclusions  Age, total burn area, and intraoperative hypothermia are independent risk factors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in adult patients with critically severe burns after the first surgery. Patients with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of death.
Effects and mechanisms of zinc ion-loaded composite hydrogel on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice
Pan Zeping, Shi Yunlong, Yuan Zhiqiang, Peng Yizhi, An Zhonglian, Le Shuai, Gong Yali
2024, 40(9): 866-875. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231120-00200
Abstract:
  Objective  To investigate the effects and mechanisms of zinc ion-loaded composite hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as the zinc-containing hydrogel) on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.  Methods  This study was an experimental study. A poly (glycerol sebacate)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-g-catechol prepolymer/quaternized-chitosan hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as the simple hydrogel) and a solid-state zinc-containing hydrogel with porous and good adhesion by adding zinc ions to the simple hydrogel were prepared. The release rate of zinc ions from the zinc-containing hydrogel after immersion in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for 14 days was calculated. The concentration of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cultured for 2 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was measured. The scavenging ability of the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH) was detected using microplate reader to reflect the ability of oxygen free radical removal. The length of vessels formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured for 24 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was measured. The cell viability of L929 cells cultured for 24 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was detected using the cell counting kit-8. The mouse red blood cell suspension was divided into blank control group treated with PBS, simple hydrogel group, zinc-containing hydrogel group, and Triton X-100 group treated with corresponding solution. Hemolysis was detected using microplate reader after 2 hours of treatment, and the hemolysis rate was calculated. All experiments had a sample size of 3. Twenty-one C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were taken, and a full-thickness skin defect wound was prepared in the symmetrical position on the back spine and infected with MRSA. Mice were divided into blank control group treated with PBS, simple hydrogel group, and zinc-containing hydrogel group treated with the corresponding hydrogel. Three days after injury, bacterial concentration in the wounds were measured in all groups of mice (n=4). On day 0 (immediately), 3, 7, and 14 after injury, the wound infection status of mice was generally observed and the wound healing rate was calculated (n=5). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were used to detect new epithelium and collagen formation in the wounds of mice on day 14 after injury. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect neovascularization and distribution of M2 macrophages in the wounds of mice.  Results  After immersion for 14 days, the release rate of zinc ions of the zinc-containing hydrogel was (70.5±4.6)%. Compared with the zinc-containing hydrogel, the bacterial concentration was significantly increased after 2 hours of culture with PBS and the simple hydrogel (P<0.05). The DPPH scavenging rate of the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly higher than that of PBS and the simple hydrogel (with P values all <0.05). The length of vessels formed by HUVECs cultured for 24 hours with the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly longer than that cultured with PBS (P<0.05). Compared with PBS and the simple hydrogel, the cell viability of L929 cells cultured for 24 hours with the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly higher (P<0.05). After 2 hours of incubation, compared with that in Triton X-100 group, the hemolysis rate of red blood cells in blank control, simple hydrogel, and zinc-containing hydrogel groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05); and the hemolysis rate of red blood cells in the latter three groups was similar (P>0.05). On day 3 after injury, the bacterial concentration in the wounds of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in blank control and simple hydrogel groups (with P values all <0.05). From day 3 to day 14 after injury, the wounds of mice in all the three groups were gradually healing, and on day 14 after injury, the wounds of mice in the zinc-containing hydrogel group were basically healed. On day 7 after injury, the wound healing rate of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was (72.4±8.4)%, which was significantly higher than that of blank control and simple hydrogel groups, being (31.6±6.7)% and (44.7±5.4)%, respectively(with P values all< 0.05). On day 14 after injury, the wound healing rate of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was (92.7±4.3)%, which was significantly higher than (73.5±7.4)% in blank control group (P<0.05). On day 14 after injury, compared with that in blank control and simple hydrogel groups, the newly formed epidermis in mice wound of zinc-containing hydrogel group was longer and thicker, with more collagen deposition, and a more abundant distribution of new vessels and M2 macrophages.  Conclusions  The zinc-containing hydrogel exhibits good biocompatibility, oxygen free radical scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial effects both in vitro and in vivo, as well as angiogenic promotion capability. It can provide sustained release of zinc ions to promote re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, thus enhancing the healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.
Original Article·Nursing Column
Application effects of scenario simulation combined with checklist-based teaching in clinical decision-making ability training of nursing interns in burn department
Luo Wei, Luo Jia, Huang Yuqun, Chen Yu, Li Ning
2024, 40(9): 876-884. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240425-00152
Abstract:
  Objective  To explore the application effects of scenario simulation combined with checklist-based teaching in clinical decision-making ability training of nursing interns in burn department.  Methods  This study was a randomized controlled study. A total of 53 nursing interns who met the inclusion criteria and underwent internships at Institute of Burn Research of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), which was hereinafter referred to as the hospital, from July 2023 to March 2024 were randomly assigned to convention group (n=25, 5 males and 20 females, aged (21.6±0.8) years) and joint group (n=28, 6 males and 22 females, aged (21.2±1.3) years) using the envelope method. The nursing interns in convention group and joint group respectively received conventional teaching and scenario simulation combined with checklist-based teaching based on conventional teaching for clinical decision-making training. Before and after the training, the theoretical examination and skill assessment were performed on nursing interns, the clinical decision-making ability of nursing interns was evaluated with a clinical decision-making ability measurement questionnaire designed for undergraduate nursing students. After training, the satisfaction of the instructors on nursing interns' learning and the satisfaction of the nursing interns on the instructors' teaching were investigated by the instructors' satisfaction questionnaire and nursing interns' satisfaction questionnaire in the hospital, respectively.  Results  After training, the theoretical examination and skill assessment scores of nursing interns in joint group were significantly higher than those in convention group (with Z values of -5.73 and -6.26, respectively, P<0.05). The theoretical examination (with Z values of -6.07 and -6.45, respectively, P<0.05) and skill assessment (with Z values of -6.08 and -6.48, respectively, P<0.05) scores of nursing interns in joint group and convention group after training were significantly higher than those before training. After training, the total scores of clinical decision-making ability and the scores of adaptability to clinical environment, clinical thinking, nurse-patient communication skills, and comprehensive basic quality of nursing interns in joint group (97.00 (95.42, 98.02), 18.00 (17.00, 19.00), 25.00 (24.10, 27.00), 19.00 (18.00, 20.75), and 20.00 (19.00, 21.75), respectively) were significantly higher than those in convention group (87.90 (86.30, 90.30), 16.00 (14.50, 17.00), 24.00 (22.35, 25.00), 17.00 (15.00, 18.00), and 17.50 (16.00, 20.00), with Z values of -6.24, -3.45, -2.90, -3.68, and -3.27, respectively, P<0.05). The total scores of clinical decision-making ability and the scores of adaptability to clinical environment, clinical thinking, knowledge structure, nurse-patient communication skills, and comprehensive basic quality of nursing interns in joint group after training were significantly higher than those before training (with Z values of -6.43, -5.21, -5.44, -4.31, -5.02, and -6.32, respectively, P<0.05). Except for the scores of nurse-patient communication skills, the total scores of clinical decision-making ability and the scores of adaptability to clinical environment, clinical thinking, knowledge structure, and comprehensive basic quality of nursing interns in convention group after training were significantly higher than those before training (with Z values of -6.06, -5.06, -5.71, -3.76, and -5.90, respectively, P<0.05). After training, the total scores of satisfaction of the instructors on nursing interns' learning and the scores of learning ability and professional competence in joint group were significantly higher than those in convention group (with Z values of -4.55, -5.45, and -3.21, respectively, P<0.05); the total scores of satisfaction of the nursing interns on the instructors' teaching and the scores of teaching ability and professional competence in joint group were significantly higher than those in convention group (with Z values of -5.95, -5.99, and -5.34, respectively, P<0.05).  Conclusions  Scenario simulation combined with checklist-based teaching can effectively enhance the theoretical and skill levels, clinical thinking, and nurse-patient communication skills of nursing interns in burn department, as well as improve teaching and learning satisfaction.
Review
Research advances on the application of negative pressure wound therapy in free flap transplantation surgery
Deng Yaping, Deng Chengliang
2024, 40(9): 885-890. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231106-00181
Abstract:
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a therapy that utilizes continuous vacuum negative pressure to manage wounds, and it is commonly employed in treating various wounds. The local application of NPWT technology is helpful in removing wound exudate, decreasing bacterial infection, and stimulating the formation of blood vessels and granulation tissue, thus providing a good base for free flap transplantation. However, there is controversy over whether NPWT should be performed after free flap transplantation. Researches showed that NPWT combined with free flap transplantation could promote wound healing and reduce complications. Additionally, applying NPWT in the wounds of flap donor areas can decrease wound tension, promote wound healing, and improve pigmentation. This paper aims to review literature related to the clinical use of NPWT in free flap transplantation, providing a theoretical basis for their combined application.
Research advance on the effects of surface interface topographies and physicochemical properties of biomaterial on macrophages and their application in wound healing
Zhang Wei, Shao Jiaming, Yang Min, Liu Huan, Han Chunmao, Wang Xingang
2024, 40(9): 891-896. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231110-00190
Abstract:
The human immune system plays a key role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and disease progression. The development of biomaterials that can regulate the innate immune system and adapt to the immune system has great application prospects in the field of tissue engineering. This paper discusses how to design the surface interface topographies or the physicochemical properties of biomaterials, to regulate the fate of macrophages, such as activation, polarization, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and secretion. At the same time, the application of these biomaterials with immunoregulation function in the field of wound healing is discussed. In addition, this paper also put forward the limitations of biomaterials in immunoregulation applications and prospected the future development directions.
Burn Treatment in Africa
Interpretation of 2022 edition of Ethiopia "Evidence-based practical guideline for procedural pain management and sedation for burn pediatrics patients undergoing wound care procedures"
Liu Lili, Ding Yaping, Xia Shanshan, Zhang Chenmei
2024, 40(9): 897-900. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240216-00060
Abstract:
Children are at high risk for burns, and severe burns can lead to the destruction of their skin's physiological structure, causing excruciating pain. Burned children are highly prone to adverse emotions such as anxiety and panic, which can impact the outcome of their treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, managing pain and anxiety is crucial in the care of burned children. In 2022, "Evidence-based practical guideline for procedural pain management and sedation for burn pediatrics patients undergoing wound care procedures" was published in the journal "Annals of Medicine and Surgery" by Ethiopia expert panel engaged in burn rehabilitation after conducting a systematic literature search and evaluation, aiming to guide clinical management of related diseases in a more scientifical and standardized manner. This paper aims to inform clinical healthcare professionals in China to understand the latest relevant evidence, and to provide ideas and basis for effective management of pain and accompanying anxiety in children with burns, and standardized operations of relevant practice.