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Physical activity behavior has not been previously described in hospitalized adults with burn injuries. This prospective, cross-sectional study used a standardized behavioral mapping protocol to observe patient behavior related to physical activity over a 12-hour period on one weekday in a quaternary referral specialist burn center. Structured observations were recorded for each of four domains: 1) patient location, 2) position, 3) activity performed, and 4) the presence of others. Observations were summarized across all participants as median (interquartile range [IQR]) proportion of time. Participants (n = 17) were predominantly male (82%) with a mean age of 44.3 (SD 15.2) years, a mean burn size of 34.9% (SD 26.7) TBSA, and a median hospital length of stay of 18 (IQR 6–49) days at time of observation. Participants spent a median of 83% (IQR 73–93) of time in their bedroom, 92% (IQR 68–97) of time in or on their bed and a median of 5% (IQR 3–13) of time mobilizing. Exercise accounted for 10% (IQR 8–17) of activity-related observations. A median of 68% (IQR 39–83) of time was spent alone. Results suggest time spent engaging in physical activity is low. Further studies are required to investigate motivators and barriers to performing physical activity in this population. This will consequently inform the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to improve physical activity behavior in this cohort.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a multifactorial disease characterized by hyperglycemia and close interaction of hemodynamic, metabolic and inflammatory factors. Nuclear factor-&kappa, B (NF-&kappa, B) is a principal matchmaker linking hyperglycemia and inflammation. The present work investigates the cell-permeable peptide containing the inhibitor of kappa B kinase &gamma, (IKK&gamma, )/NF-&kappa, B essential modulator (NEMO)-binding domain (NBD) as therapeutic option to modulate inflammation in a preclinical model of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with DN. Black and tan, brachyuric obese/obese mice were randomized into 4 interventions groups: Active NBD peptide (10 and 6 &micro, g/g body weight), Inactive mutant peptide (10 &micro, g/g), and vehicle control. In vivo/ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed efficient delivery of NBD peptide, systemic biodistribution and selective renal metabolization. In vivo administration of active NBD peptide improved albuminuria (&gt, 40% reduction on average) and kidney damage, decreased podocyte loss and basement membrane thickness, and modulated the expression of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In vitro, NBD blocked IKK-mediated NF-&kappa, B induction and target gene expression in mesangial cells exposed to diabetic-like milieu. These results constitute the first nephroprotective effect of NBD peptide in a T2D mouse model that recapitulates the kidney lesions observed in DN patients. Targeting IKK-dependent NF-&kappa, B activation could be a therapeutic strategy to combat kidney inflammation in DN.

INTRODUCTION No burn-scar specific, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure exists. This study aimed to develop a patient-reported, evaluative HRQOL measure to assess the impact of burn scarring in children and adults. METHOD Semi-structured interviews, content validation surveys, and cognitive interviews were used to develop and test content validity of a new measure - the Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile (BBSIP). RESULTS Participants comprised Australian adults (n=23) and children (n=19) with burn scarring; caregivers of children with burn scarring (n=28); and international scar management experts (n=14). Items distinct from other burn scar measures emerged. Four versions of the BBSIP were developed; one for children aged 8-18 years, one for adults, one for caregivers (as proxies for children aged less than 8-years), and one for caregivers of children aged 8-18 years. Preliminary content validity of the BBSIP was supported. Final items covered physical and sensory symptoms; emotional reactions; impact on social functioning and daily activities; impact of treatment; and environmental factors. CONCLUSION The BBSIP was developed to assess burn-scar specific HRQOL and will be available at http://www.coolburns.com.au under a creative commons license. Further testing is underway.

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the longitudinal validity, reproducibility, responsiveness and interpretability of the adult version of the Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile, a patient-report measure of health-related quality of life. Methods A prospective longitudinal cohort study of patients with or at risk of burn scarring was conducted at three assessment points (at baseline around the time of wound healing, one to two weeks post-baseline and 1-month post-baseline). Participants attending a major metropolitan adult burn centre at baseline were recruited. Participants completed the Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), smallest detectable change, percentage of those who improved, stayed the same or worsened and Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) were used to test the aim. Results Data were included for 118 participants at baseline, 68 participants at one to two weeks and 57 participants at 1-month post-baseline. All groups of items had acceptable reproducibility, except for the overall impact of burn scars (ICC = 0.69), the impact of sensations which was not expected to be stable (ICC = 0.63), mobility and daily activities (ICC = 0.63, 0.67 respectively). The responsiveness of six out of seven groups of items able to be tested against external criterion was supported (AUC = 0.72–0.75). Hypothesised correlations of changes in the Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile items with changes in criterion measures generally supported longitudinal validity (e.g., nine out of thirteen hypotheses using the SF-36 as an external criterion were supported). Internal consistency estimates, item-total and inter-item correlations indicated there was likely redundancy of some groups of items, particularly in the relationships and social interaction, appearance and emotional reactions items (Chronbach’s alpha range = 0.94–0.95). Conclusion Support was found for the reproducibility, longitudinal validity, responsiveness and interpretability of most groups of Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile items and some individual items in the test population. Potential redundancy of items should be investigated further.

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are envisioned as a powerful therapeutic tool. As they home into tumors, secrete trophic and vasculogenic factors, and suppress immune response their role in carcinogenesis is a matter of controversy. Worldwide oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth most common epithelial cancer. Our aim was to determine whether MSC administration at precancerous stage modifies the natural progression of OSCC. OSCC was induced in Syrian hamsters by topical application of DMBA in the buccal pouch. At papilloma stage, the vehicle or 3 × 106 allogenic bone marrow-derived MSCs were locally administered. Four weeks later, the lesions were studied according to: volume, stratification (histology), proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (Caspase 3 cleaved), vasculature (ASMA), inflammation (Leukocyte infiltrate), differentiation (CK1 and CK4) and gene expression profile (mRNA). Tumors found in individuals that received MSCs were smaller than those presented in the vehicle group (87 ± 80 versus 54 ± 62 mm3, p

Objective Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited conditions, causing alterations in the structure of enamel and chemical composition of enamel matrix during development. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical, radiographic, histological and immunohistochemical phenotypes of subjects affected with hypocalcified AI from three Chilean families and identify causal mutations in the FAM83H gene. Design The diagnosis was made using clinical, radiographic, histological and genealogical data from the patients, who were evaluated according to the classification criteria by Witkop. PCR and Sanger sequencing of the complete coding sequence and surrounding intron regions of the FAM83H gene were conducted. The structural study of the affected teeth was performed with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results The probands of the three families were diagnosed with hypocalcified AI, but in only one of them the missense variant p.Gly557Cys was identified. This variant was not present in the SNP database or in 100 healthy controls and segregated with the disease in the affected family. Using light microscopy, a normal prismatic structure was observed in all three cases. However, the ultrastructure was found to be affected in two of the cases, showing persistence of organic matter including amelogenins. Conclusions These results suggest that FAM83H missense mutation reported in one of the families analyzed in this study might cause a phenotype of hypocalcified enamel more attenuated with retention of amelogenin.

Burns for contact with irons are an important preventable cause of burns in children. The objective of this study, was to document and describe these burns. The report describes 50 children with iron burns who were treated at our Burns Unit between 1997 and 2001. Methods: Prospective data collection demographics, nature of contact with iron, site, body surface area (BSA), medical and surgical interventions and complications and hand preference were examined. Results: The median of age patients was 17 months. The majority of burns were caused by touching the iron (44%) or by pulling the cord (38%). Most of the children were supervised (74%) and the iron was switched off in 34% of the injuries. Seventy-six percent of children sustained hand burns. Although, burn areas were relatively small, 36% required grafting. Residual scarring occurred in 42% and contractures in 10%. Surgical release of contractures was required in 4%. Conclusion: There is clearly a wide scope for prevention of hot iron burns. A public education campaign is now planned including: leaflets distributed at the point of purchase of the iron, public education via media outlets and lobbying of iron manufacturers to improve safety features.

In the oral cavity, we can find a complex mixture of microorganisms, commensals, and pathogens. The studies of normal oral microbiota, as well as the studies of much oral pathology (e.g., caries, periodontitis), involve the isolation and cultivation of these microorganisms and their molecular analysis. The aim of this study was to validate a quick, easy, efficient, and inexpensive DNA extraction method for the recovery of genomic DNA from gram-positive and gram-negative oral bacteria to be used in polymerase chain reaction amplification. This method worked great with all samples analyzed, providing an approach to extract DNA for different microorganisms.

To evaluate the efficacy of two new mouthrinses in the reduction of xerostomía-associated symptomatology.Xerostomia is a common chronic health condition that affects a great number of adults and significantly deteriorates quality of life, such that treatment is necessary.Sixty-seven adult subjects of both sexes presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Mouthrinses were tested using a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial with an intervining wash out period.The 100% of subjects presented sensation of dry mouth, and 86% stated sensation of thick saliva. Burning tongue sensation, need to drink liquids to swallow and the sensation of swallowing difficulty were recorded in more than 50% of the patients. The most frequent pathologies in the sample were depression, arthritis, and arterial hypertension. Results of the clinical tests showed that mouthrinse 1 relieves sensation of dry mouth, need to drink liquids, and swallowing difficulty. In contrast, mouthrinse 2 relieves only latter two symptoms. Both rinses were more effective in relieving xerostomía-associated symptomatology in patients taking 3 or more medicines simultaneously.Both mouthrinses were effective in relieving various xerostomia symptoms, could be distributed at a low cost, thereby improving the quality of life of population affected.