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"University of Alberta Publishes Research in Burn Care"
"Report Summarizes Burn Care Study Findings From Hospital Cruz Roja"
"Inferno Highlights Known Risks"
"Human Keratinocytes Cultured on Collagen Matrix Used as an Experimental Burn Model"
"Epicel(TM) Wins Marketing Approval for Severe Burn Victims"
"Burn Survivors' Annual Gathering a 'Celebration of Life,' Encouragement"
"Arrowhead Burn Center Bucks Trend, Won't Downsize"
"Scientists at Naresuan University, Department of Pharmacy Practice Discuss Research in Burn Care"
"Burn Unit at UCSD Medical Center Handling All Fire Patients"
"Research in Burn Treatment Continues"
"Health Tip: Minimize Scarring After a Burn"
"Electrical Fire Safety Tips: Fire Safety and Burn Prevention"
"Legislation to Keep Kids Safe, Responds to Consumer Safety Issues"
"Computer-Generated Virtual Reality to Control Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric and Adult Burn Patients During Wound Dressing Changes"
"Think Safe Be Safe: Fire Prevention Tips"

All IAFF members are eligible to win The Spirit, a customized Harley Davidson motorcycle built by Lynn Jones and Lynnco Custom Cycles - makers of The Peacemaker custom-designed motorcycle dedicated to the memory of the late Mattie Stepanek and The Bravest custom-designed motorcycle dedicated to all IAFF fire fighters.


The Spirit motorcycle is a one-of-a-kind, fully customized Harley Davidson Road King. The custom paint (by Chris Cruz) includes an image of a fire fighter and the IAFF logo. This unique bike features chrome spoke wheels, brake calipers, whitewall tires and chrome accessories -- including signal/passing lights, footboards, pedals, levers, mirrors, front end kit, slammer bar and risers, fender trim and engine. In addition, The Spirit offers soft saddlebags and Corbin touring seats with custom backrests.

The Spirit raffle benefits the IAFF Burn Foundation and the Lynn Jones Foundation. Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 tickets will sold.

(click for web site)

"University of Alberta Publishes Research in Burn Care"
Biotech Law Weekly (11/02/07) P. 1443

A complicated interchange between cells and cytokines influences the development of hypertrophic scarring, but the underlying mechanism remains mysterious, says J.F. Wang of the University of Alberta. However, reports of a polarized T-helper type 2 immune response prompted researchers to investigate the part played by CD4+ T lymphocytes in hypertrophic scarring. In burn patients' hypertrophic scar tissue and peripheral blood, researchers saw an increased frequency of CD4+/transforming growth factor-beta-producing T cells. Such cells seem to affect dermal fibroblasts' functions, thereby playing a roundabout but important regulatory role in hypertrophic scarring.

"Report Summarizes Burn Care Study Findings From Hospital Cruz Roja"
Hospital Law Weekly (11/01/07)

Researchers investigated the effect of alkaline burns on the histopathologic evolution of the corneal limbus based on the therapy utilized and the burn's severity. Study participants were divided into groups and treated with medical therapy, amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), autologous limbal transplantation (ALT), or ALT in conjunction with AMT (ALT + AMT). In patients with moderate burns who were treated with medical therapy, limbal regeneration was restricted to small areas. However, patients with moderate burns treated with AMT experienced substantial epithelial and stromal regeneration in their limbal structure. Therefore, patients with moderate alkali burns benefit more from AMT than medical therapy, according to the researchers. For patients with severe burns, the strategy of ALT + AMT resulted in the best reepithelialization and stromal regeneration. The research was published in the journal Cornea.

"Inferno Highlights Known Risks"
USA Today (10/30/07) Davis, Robert

According to a study conducted last year by USA Today, no college student has perished in a fire in a location where there was a working sprinkler system since 2000. There was no sprinkler system in the North Carolina beach house where seven college students died in a fire on Oct. 28, though there were working smoke detectors. The USA Today study highlighted other common features of fatal fires. Many were preceded by parties, most occurred where at least one person had been consuming alcohol, nearly all occurred in off-campus housing, and more than 40 percent occurred between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Fifty-six percent occurred during the weekend. "This is the same scenario we are seeing time and again," says Ed Comeau, ex-chief fire investigator for the National Fire Protection Association and publisher of the online newsletter Campus Firewatch. "It drives home the importance of fire safety no matter where you are."

"Human Keratinocytes Cultured on Collagen Matrix Used as an Experimental Burn Model"
Journal of Burns and Wounds (Quarter 4, 2007) Vol. 7, P. 53; Sobral, Christiane S.; Gragnani, Alfredo ; Cao, Xudong

Researchers from Brazil and the United States recently conducted an in vitro study to evaluate if human epidermal keratinocytes could be used as an experimental burn model. The assessment of thermal burns was challenging because of the multiple mechanisms involved in keratinocytes' response to thermal damage. The researchers proposed using human keratinocytes that had been cultured on collagen matrix. The keratinocytes were obtained from neonatal foreskins, isolated, and cultured using standard procedures. On the seventh day of culturing, stratified epithelia were formed that were raised to the air-liquid interface and burned experimentally. The results indicated that the in vitro approach can be successfully used to evaluate particular effects of induced burn wounds on keratinocytes. It is already well known that the ideal treatment for full thickness burns is to apply a permanent skin substitute, autograft, or cultured keratinocytes if donor areas are limited. The researchers prepared the keratinocyte culture by placing skin fragments from neonatal foreskins in a 60-mm culture dish. The fragments were cut into smaller pieces of roughly 0.5 square centimeters each. The pieces were then placed in a tube of 30 mL of dispase solution and incubated overnight at 4 degrees Celsius for 15 hours. After further washing and incubation, Millicell membranes were used in an 8:1 ratio with 10 x PBS (phosphate buffer solution) at a pH of 7.4.

"Epicel(TM) Wins Marketing Approval for Severe Burn Victims"
CNN Money (10/29/07)

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the promotion of Epicel for treating critical wounds stemming from acute burns. The product offers permanent skin replacement for burn patients and is produced from a patient's own skin cells. Through the Epicel process, a postage stamp-sized biopsy can grow enough skin to cover the whole body. Epicel is provided in grafts, each of which is comprised of a sheet of cultured skin cells clipped to a backing of petrolatum gauze. The Epicel procedure takes a little more than two weeks, and the skin grafts assimilate with surrounding tissue within about a month after surgery.

"Burn Survivors' Annual Gathering a 'Celebration of Life,' Encouragement"
Herald-Sun (NC) (10/28/07) Devereux, Tiffany

Burn survivors recently gathered at the 16th Annual Burn Survivor Reunion in Chapel Hill, N.C., to share their stories of survival. Frank Hensley, Tamela Midkiff, and Marsha Lowe were children when a fire at Flat Rock Elementary School broke out on Feb. 22, 1957. They testified about how they overcame their burn injuries, how the school fire impacted their lives, both then and now, and how their injuries have brought them close friendships with other burn survivors. Also in attendance was North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center director Dr. Bruce Cairns, who gave a lecture on burn prevention. Reunion director Shirley Massey started the event to provide a safe forum for burn survivors to come and share what it is like for them to live with the injuries they have. "Even though our patients experienced one of the worst traumas of their life, a burn injury, there is life after they are released," Massey said. "This particular program provides a place where they can reconnect with the folks that have helped them get through this tragedy."

"Arrowhead Burn Center Bucks Trend, Won't Downsize"
Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA) (10/27/07) Gang, Duane W.

Officials at the California-based Arrowhead Regional Medical Center burn center have pledged to continue caring for burn survivors, even as burn centers nationwide plan to scale back. The Arrowhead burn center has a 14-bed capacity and cares for almost 500 patients annually. In 2006, burn patients stayed at Arrowhead for an average of eight days. Caring for burn survivors is expensive due to special equipment and beds, costly skin grafts, and a high rate of nurse turnover. A lot of materials and labor are needed to treat burn patients as well, though the hospital recently began using new dressings that accelerate the healing process. A large number of uninsured burn patients also stresses the hospital's finances, but the burn center treats everyone. Dev Gnanadev, medical director at Arrowhead, explains "Our goal is to provide the best care to the county ... ." In contrast, the number of burn-unit beds is decreasing nationwide. In the 1970s, about 3,000 burn-unit beds were available, whereas now the number falls between 1,500 beds and 1,820 beds, the majority of which are filled on a daily basis, according to estimates from federal health officials and the American Burn Association. Experts fear that an insufficient number of beds for burn patients could lead to a crisis in the event of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. Meanwhile, Arrowhead remains committed to helping both pre- and post-operative burn patients. The burn center directs a weekly outpatient clinic for recovering burn survivors, a bi-monthly family support group, co-hosts a bi-annual summer camp for young burn survivors, and provides instruction in burn prevention.

"Scientists at Naresuan University, Department of Pharmacy Practice Discuss Research in Burn Care"
Pharma Law Weekly (10/23/07)

Researchers in Thailand performed a systematic examination of topical aloe vera's efficacy in treating burn wounds, as clinical evidence for the approach was lacking despite the aloe's long-established use in healing burns. The researchers extracted data from relevant studies using wound healing duration as an outcome gauge. Researchers found the weighted mean difference in healing time to be 8.79 days shorter for burn survivors in the aloe vera group than for burn survivors in the control group. However, it is difficult to declare a direct link between aloe vera's effect and the healing of burn wounds, as the aloe vera products varied in terms of contents, as did outcome measures, among the studies reviewed. Still, cumulative evidence seems to endorse the theory that aloe vera is an effective treatment for healing first degree burns to second degree burns, according to researchers. The study, which was published in Burns, concluded that scientists must conduct trials containing adequate details about the aloe vera products' contents to fully appraise aloe vera's effectiveness.

"Burn Unit at UCSD Medical Center Handling All Fire Patients"
San Diego Union-Tribune (10/22/07) Clark, Cheryl; Grant, Lee

The UCSD Medical Center in San Diego is receiving all of the burn patients affected by the region's wildfires. The 18-bed facility was reporting full occupancy as of Oct. 23, but officials there said the center had other intensive care beds that would allow it to accept more. "I can take 100 more if I need to," said Dr. Raul Coimbra, chief of trauma, surgical critical care, and burns at UCSD. "We have beds and ventilators and everything that we need." Among the survivors receiving treatment at the center are five fire fighters and 11 civilians. Critical care burn patients at UCSD have been put on ventilators and heavily sedated. Coimbra says some UCSD patients who have sustained burns over 90 percent of their bodies have beaten the odds and recovered well enough to be released from the center.

"Research in Burn Treatment Continues"
Calgary Herald (10/18/07) P. AH3; Lafortune, Wes

Three Shriners Hospitals are leading the way in burn research. Within the organization's 22-hospital network, the Boston, Cincinnati, and Galveston, Texas, Shriners facilities are accelerating pediatric burn research. In Boston, research is focusing on improving burn survival rates and recovery in pediatric burn patients. Specifically, researchers are examining how burns affect children and impact the lives of their families. In Cincinnati, researchers are working to enhance cultured skin so it more closely resembles and functions like the patient's natural skin. Meanwhile, Galveston researchers are studying the potency of anabolic steroids in the restoration of body mass and muscle in severely burned patients.

"Health Tip: Minimize Scarring After a Burn"
U.S. News & World Report (10/17/07)

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers several recommendations to minimize the appearance of scarring after a burn. Burn patients can wear a pressure garment around the burn; they can also wear a splint to prevent a contracture. Patients can perform exercises that include a wide range of motion, and remain active, which will help keep the scar area stretched and prevent complications.

"Electrical Fire Safety Tips: Fire Safety and Burn Prevention"
Chicago Sun-Times (10/16/07) P. 44; Mather, Sandy

Experts note that more indoor fires occur in the winter months as residents spend more time at home, and they say consumers should make themselves aware of how to prevent fires and burns. Fires can be caused by system and appliance failures, but mostly by misused and poorly maintained electrical outlets, extension cords, circuits, and appliances. Homeowners should examine extension cords for frayed or worn spots, and never overload them, hide them under rugs or carpets, or hang them on sharp objects. Electrical sockets also should not be overloaded, and extension cords should not be "daisy chained" to one another. Curtains, clothes, and other flammable materials should be kept three feet from appliances to allow for greater airflow and to prevent overheating. Appliances should be kept away from wet surfaces, and light bulbs should meet the specifications of the fixture. Homeowners also should check their fire alarms and practice fire escape plans regularly.

"Legislation to Keep Kids Safe, Responds to Consumer Safety Issues"
US Fed News (10/16/07)

The House has passed several pieces of legislation that aim to make products safer for children. Among the bills passed is the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, which requires all gasoline containers to be equipped with child-resistant caps. The bill aims to reduce the number of children treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to gasoline each year, which currently stand at more than 1,200, according to a recent study.

"Computer-Generated Virtual Reality to Control Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric and Adult Burn Patients During Wound Dressing Changes"
Journal of Burn Care & Research (10/01/2007) Vol. 28, No. 5, P. 694; van Twillert, Bjorn; Bremer, Marco; Faber, Albertus W.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) was found to significantly reduce the amount of pain in patients with severe burn wounds during wound dressing changes. The study compared VR to standard care and other distraction methods, and involved 19 inpatients age 8 to 65 with a mean TBSA of 7.1 percent. The burn survivors were administered the standard care of no distraction, VR, or the distraction method of their choice within a week of admission, and each received the normal analgesic regimen. Thirteen of the patients reported a reduction in pain of 33 percent or more during VR distraction. There were no side effects, and no correlation was established between the reduction in pain and the percentage of burns or other variables such as age, sex, or length of hospital stay. However, VR did not substantially lower the anxiety of the burn patients. Television also considerably reduced pain for burn patients.

"Think Safe Be Safe: Fire Prevention Tips"
Home Safety Council (10/01/07)

Since fires and burns are the third leading cause of household injuries and deaths, the Home Safety Council has created safety measures homeowners and their families can use to protect themselves from those risks. While cooking, the council recommends keeping flammable items at least three feet away from the range, including sleeves, paper, plastic, dish towels, and other items; users should always stay in the kitchen. When grilling, the three feet rule applies as well, and grills should never be left unattended while on. To prevent heating fires, matches and lighters should be in a locked cabinet, and space heaters need to be placed at least three feet from flammable materials. Chimneys, fireplaces, and wood or coal stoves should be professionally inspected annually. Smokers should use "fire-safe" cigarettes, smoke outside, use deep ash trays, and ensure cigarette butts are extinguished with water before disposing of ashes in the trash. Gasoline and other flammable materials should be secured and should not be inside the home. Smoke alarms should be on every floor of the home, particularly photoelectric and ionization models, and they need to be tested each month. Homeowners and families should bone up on how to put out small pan fires, understand how to stop, drop, and roll, and how and when to use a fire extinguisher. A home sprinkler system also can be helpful, as well as a fire escape plan that each member understands and runs through twice per year.

The inclusion of articles in the IAFF Burn Foundation Briefing does not imply the IAFF or IAFF Burn Foundation's endorsement of their content nor any particular organizations or programs highlighted in these articles. Articles are intended to increase awareness of media coverage of topics relevant to our community and are provided for informational purposes only.

© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION, INC.

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