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Artificial turf provides a consistent and durable surface; however, it has historically been associated with a high skin injury risk, or a 'friction burn', when a player falls or slides. Second-generation surfaces feature a short carpet pile, whilst third generation (3G) carpet piles are longer, enabling the integration of a performance infill. 3G surfaces provide sufficient energy absorption characteristics to be approved as Rugby Turf; however, such pitches can still cause skin injuries, despite being assessed using a friction-based test. Reducing skin injury risk motivates this study to develop a more sensitive testing methodology. A new test apparatus and impactor are proposed, achieving kinematics representative of an elite male rugby tackle. A commercially available skin simulant is employed to ensure the collection of repeatable and valid data. Photography and thresholding were used to assess surface abrasion and material transfer, whilst a thermal camera captured surface temperature change. Accelerometers quantified the surface resistance during the impact and sliding phases. These metrics were compiled into the Maxwell Tribo Index (MTI), providing a single measure of skin injury risk. The results demonstrated good repeatability and validity when four teams tested four different 3G surfaces. These results compared favourably to an expert panel's ranked order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial turf provides a consistent and durable surface; however, it has historically been associated with a high skin injury risk, or a ‘friction burn’, when a player falls or slides. Second-generation surfaces feature a short carpet pile, whilst third generation (3G) carpet piles are longer, enabling the integration of a performance infill. 3G surfaces provide sufficient energy absorption characteristics to be approved as Rugby Turf; however, such pitches can still cause skin injuries, despite being assessed using a friction-based test. Reducing skin injury risk motivates this study to develop a more sensitive testing methodology. A new test apparatus and impactor are proposed, achieving kinematics representative of an elite male rugby tackle. A commercially available skin simulant is employed to ensure the collection of repeatable and valid data. Photography and thresholding were used to assess surface abrasion and material transfer, whilst a thermal camera captured surface temperature change. Accelerometers quantified the surface resistance during the impact and sliding phases. These metrics were compiled into the Maxwell Tribo Index (MTI), providing a single measure of skin injury risk. The results demonstrated good repeatability and validity when four teams tested four different 3G surfaces. These results compared favourably to an expert panel’s ranked order.

Schematic presentation of antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of curcumin mediated photodynamic therapy against vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) induced infection in vitro and in vivo. Biofilm mediated infection caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria are difficult to treat since it protects the microorganisms by host defense system, making them resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. Combating such type of nosocomial infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, is an urgent need and foremost challenge faced by clinicians. Therefore, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been intensely pursued as an alternative therapy for bacterial infections. aPDT leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that destroy bacterial cells in the presence of a photosensitizer, visible light and oxygen. Here, we elucidated a possibility of its clinical application by reducing the treatment time and exposing curcumin to 20 J/cm2 of blue laser light, which corresponds to only 52 s to counteract vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) both in vitro and in vivo. To understand the mechanism of action, the generation of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified by 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and the type of phototoxicity was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The data showed more production of singlet oxygen, indicating type-II phototoxicity. Different anti-biofilm assays (crystal violet and congo red assays) and microscopic studies were performed at sub-MIC concentration of curcumin followed by treatment with laser light against preformed biofilm of VRSA. The result showed significant reduction in the preformed biofilm formation. Finally, its therapeutic potential was validated in skin abrasion wistar rat model. The result showed significant inhibition of bacterial growth. Furthermore, immunomodulatory analysis with rat serum was performed. A significant reduction in expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were observed. Hence, we conclude that curcumin mediated aPDT with 20 J/cm2 of blue laser treatment (for 52 s) could be used against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and preformed biofilm formation as a potential therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin abrasion makes fish more susceptible to pathogen infections, which may cause a substantial increase in fish mortality. Hence, a 22-day trial was carried out to investigate the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented broth on the survival and microbiome regulation of marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmoratus) after skin abrasion. 135 fish (initial average weight, 3.39 ± 1.36 g) were divided into 9 tanks with triplicate treatment groups: control group (healthy fish), abraded group (skin abraded fish) and abraded & L. plantarum -treated group (skin abraded fish and 100 ppm L. plantarum fermented broth adding). The results showed that skin abrasion caused a 28.89% decrease in survival percentage of fish compared to the control group, whereas L. plantarum fermented broth significantly increased survival percentage by 44.45% when compared to the abraded group. Furthermore, skin abrasion reduced the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in skin mucus and the abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum, Firmicutes phylum and Hydrogenophaga flava species, while increased the abundance of Aeromonas veronii and Cetobacterium somerae species. Nevertheless, L. plantarum treatment resulted in opposite results in fish, and it also increased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae family and potential bacterial and fungal probiotic species in gill and skin mucus. In conclusion, L. plantarum fermented broth may improve survival percentage of marble goby after abrasion by modulating the microbiota composition of fish skin mucus. [Display omitted] • Lactiplantibacillus plantarum improved the survival of skin abraded marble goby. • L. plantarum modulated the microbiome of abraded fish skin mucus. • L. plantarum decreased Aeromonas veronii abundance of abraded fish skin mucus. • L. plantarum increased potential probiotic abundance on fish external surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of fatal intoxication by the application of a transdermal fentanyl patch upon a superficial bleeding abrasion of a 2-year-old girl. The grandmother discovered the body of the child in bed at approximately 7 a.m. External examination revealed a properly developed, nourished, and hydrated child, with some vomit in the nostrils and inside the mouth. There was no evidence of trauma besides small contusions and abrasions on the knees, with a patch placed over the largest abrasion. Closer inspection revealed that this was transdermal fentanyl patch. Internal examination and microscopic analysis revealed regurgitation of stomach content, cerebral and pulmonary edema, and liver congestion. Toxicology analysis revealed trace levels of fentanyl in the blood just above the limit of detection (2 ng/mL), while concentrations in the urine, liver, and kidney were approximately 102, 28, and 10 ng/mL, respectively. Investigation discovered that the child injured her knee while playing the evening before. The grandmother applied the patch to cover the injury, unaware that she had used a fentanyl transdermal patch instead of simple band-aid. Although fatal intoxications are uncommon among young children in high-income countries, it is of major interest to raise awareness of such events especially since a great majority of these are preventable. The presented case points at the need for more thorough education of users and more strict rules in prescribing and handling of this potent medicine. As well, we find this case to be a useful contribution to the evaluation of postmortem fentanyl concentrations in fatal intoxication in a small child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the infill and fibers of an artificial turf surface to the overall frictional behavior of the surface. The assessment was conducted using the Securisport test device in accordance to the FIFA Test Method so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the standard test in describing the frictional property of an artificial turf surface. Experiments showed that surfaces of varying infill depths and infill types produced characteristic features in their friction profiles that were a result of the fiber-infill interactions. The surface without infill exhibited the highest frictional values, with distinct peak and trough features. Surfaces completely filled with sand or rubber displayed similar profiles with relatively low frictional values. Test results showed that turf fibers influenced the frictional behaviour of partially-filled systems to a great extent. The results from the Securisport were useful in providing insights to how various turf components affect the skin-turf interaction and may be beneficial in the development of more skin-friendly turf products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Strategic use of large quantities of straw effectively prevents piglets from developing skin abrasions and claw lesions. [•] The overall prevalence of skin and claw lesions was reduced by at least 50% in STRAW compared to CONTROL piglets. [•] Average daily weight gain until 5 days of age increased by 25g in the STRAW treatment. [•] Mean body weight at weaning increased by 0.33 kg. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative treatment for infections that can kill drug resistant bacteria without damaging host-tissue. In this study we used bioluminescent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in a mouse skin abrasion model, to investigate the effect of PDT on bacterial inactivation and wound healing. RLP068/Cl, a tetracationic Zn(II)phthalocyanine derivative and toluidine blue (TBO) were used. The light-dose response of PDT to kill bacteria in vivo and the possible recurrence in the days post-treatment were monitored by real-time bioluminescence imaging, and wound healing by digital photography. The results showed PDT with RLP068/Cl (but not TBO) was able to kill bacteria, to inhibit bacterial re-growth after the treatment and to significantly accelerate the wound healing process (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose. SDZ ENA 713 (rivastigmine) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor intended for therapeutic use in Alzheimer's disease. The present study compared the pharmacokinetics of [14C]SDZ ENA 713 after intravenous, oral, and dermal administration to male minipigs, and also examined the effects of dose level and skin abrasion on transdermal absorption. Methods. Four groups of 3 minipigs each received a single intravenous (0.1 mg/kg), single oral (1.0 mg/kg), or topical doses of 18 mg or 54 mg of [14C]SDZ ENA 713. Topical doses were administered as dermal patches on two occasions 10 days apart. On Study Day 1, test patches were applied to a virgin skin site. Placebo patches were applied to a separate skin site and were replaced daily during Days 1−10. On Study Day 11, test patches were applied to the site on which the placebo patches had been previously applied. After each dose, serial blood and quantitative urine and feces were collected at designated intervals for 7 days. Concentrations of radioactivity, parent drug, and metabolite ZNS 114−666 were measured in whole blood. Radioactivity was also determined in excreta, skin application sites (at study termination), and on used dermal patches (at 24 hr after application). Results. Oral doses of [14C]SDZ ENA 713 were rapidly (tmax = 0.83 hr) and efficiently ( ca. 93%) absorbed, although the bioavailability of the parent drug was low, ca. 0.5%, apparently due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Radioactivity was excreted mainly in the urine (∼90%) with a half-life of 56 hr, slightly longer than that observed after an intravenous dose, 46 hr. After dermal administration of [14C]SDZ ENA 713 to a virgin skin site, absorption was 8% at both dose levels investigated. Following daily application of placebo patches for 10 days, absorption from a [14C]SDZ ENA 713 dermal patch increased by approximately twofold, 17% and 19% of the 18 mg and 54 mg doses, respectively. The increase is possibly due to hydration or abrasion of the skin as a result of repeated application and removal of the adhesive patches. Whereas total absorption from the dermal dose was smaller than that from the oral dose, essentially all of the absorbed drug via the dermal route reached the systemic circulation intact, thus yielding a SDZ ENA 713 bioavailability 20−40 times greater than that of the oral dose. Metabolite ZNS 114−666 was rapidly formed and accounted for <4% of total drug-related material in the systemic circulation. Conclusions. Dermal administration in minipigs provided a markedly greater bioavailability of SDZ ENA 713 than the oral route. The extent of absorption was independent of dose within the range tested, and appeared to be enhanced by hydration or abrasion of the skin application site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin abrasions often occur in farmed fish following handling by labourers, injury by farm facilities, cannibalism and ectoparasites. Vibrio spp. are opportunistic pathogens that can invade host fish through damaged tissues and cause outbreaks of vibriosis. This study describes the effect of skin abrasions on the infectivity of V. harveyi using Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) fingerlings as a case example and compares bacterial load and fish survival following immersion challenge with different doses. In total, 315 fish (6.67 ± 1.8 g) were divided into 3 treatments: skin abrasion followed by immersion infection, immersion infection only and an uninfected, uninjured control. Fish in the infection treatments were divided into 3 subgroups and exposed in triplicate to a 7 d immersion challenge with 106, 107 and 108 CFU ml-1 of live V. harveyi. No mortalities were observed in the control and immersion infection groups. However, fish in the skin abrasion treatment group that were infected with 108 CFU ml-1 of live V. harveyi showed signs of progressing disease throughout the experiment, which resulted in mortalities. Significantly higher bacterial loads (p < 0.05) were recorded in the intestine, liver and gills of the fish in this group. Fish in the skin abrasion treatment that were exposed to 107 and 108 CFU ml-1 of V. harveyi showed 100% mortality by Days 5 and 4, respectively. These findings confirm that skin injuries increase the susceptibility of seabass fingerlings to V. harveyi infection.

A 50-year-old man was found hanged on the concrete dam of a water reservoir. The ligature, a braided rope made of synthetic fibres, was attached to a lamp on the dam crest. The length of the rope between the fastening point and the noose was about 4m. At autopsy, stretchmark-like intimal tears of the carotid arteries were found, but the full pattern of (internal) decapitation and severance of the cervical spine was not present. The right wrist showed two almost circular, ribbon-like abrasions initially suggesting that the man had been tied before hanging. When the ligature was examined, horny scales adhered to the noose, but were also detected away from the slip-knot. By means of a DNA analysis the epidermal traces could be assigned to the deceased. The overall picture of the findings suggested that the man had roped down from the dam crest with the ligature wrapped around his right wrist thus abrading the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Current leg prostheses in rotationplasty typically feature a thigh cuff, which, in cycling, may cause perspiration problems and friction-related abrasions of the skin. The aim has been to develop a socket-less prosthetic device for persons with a rotationplasty to be able to engage in high-intensity cycling without contracting abrasions., Technique: The new device (Socket-Less Rotationplasty Prosthesis for Cycling) features a standard cycling shoe on the rotationplasty foot, replacing the conventional socket and thigh cuff. A reinforced 12-layer carbon fibre frame bolted to the aforementioned shoe, replacing the standard tube, connects to a prosthetic foot and a second cycling shoe. Alignment of the Socket-Less Rotationplasty Prosthesis for Cycling is done both statically and dynamically., Discussion: The Socket-Less Rotationplasty Prosthesis for Cycling is lightweight and more ventilated relative to conventional sockets. All components can be replaced easily. Most important, however, is that the current user now can cycle 135 km on end without skin abrasions., Clinical Relevance: The Socket-Less Rotationplasty Prosthesis for Cycling concept enables patients with a leg rotationplasty to engage in high-intensity cycling without contracting skin problems, thereby facilitating clients' participation., (© The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.)

Snakes are limbless tetrapods highly specialized for sliding locomotion. This locomotion leads to the skin being exposed to friction loads, especially on the ventral body side, which leads to wear. It is presumed that snakes therefore have specific optimizations for minimizing abrasion. Scales from snakes with habitat, locomotor and/or behavior specializations have specific gradients in material properties that may be due to different epidermal architecture. To approach this issue we examined the skin of Lampropeltis getula californiae (terrestrial), Epicrates cenchria cenchria (generalist), Morelia viridis (arboreal), and Gongylophis colubrinus (burrowing) with a focus on (i) the ultrastructure of the ventral epidermis and (ii) the qualitative abrasion pattern of the ventral scales. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed variations in the structure, thickness, layering, and material composition of the epidermis between the species. Furthermore, SEM and white light interferometer images of the scale surface showed that the abrasion patterns differed, even when the snakes were reared on the same substrate. These data support the idea that (i) a specific gradient in material properties may be due to a variation in epidermis architecture (thickness/ultrastructure) and (ii) this variation may be an optimization of material properties for specific ways of life., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)