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For the first time until now, the results from a prediction model (Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS)-Road) of pollutant dispersion in a street canyon were compared to the results obtained from biomonitors. In particular, the instrumental monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) and the biomonitoring of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 metals by Quercus ilex leaves and Hypnum cupressiforme moss bags, acting as long- and short-term accumulators, respectively, were carried out. For both PAHs and metals, similar bioaccumulation trends were observed, with higher concentrations in biomonitors exposed at the leeward canyon side, affected by primary air vortex. The major pollutant accumulation at the leeward side was also predicted by the ADMS-Road model, on the basis of the prevailing wind direction that determines different exposure of the street canyon sides to pollutants emitted by vehicular traffic. A clear vertical (3, 6 and 9 m) distribution gradient of pollutants was not observed, so that both the model and biomonitoring results suggested that local air turbulences in the street canyon could contribute to uniform pollutant distribution at different heights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In laser-induced partial-thickness burns of pig skin, moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) produces a moist environment, allows drainage of exudates, reduces eschar formation, and accelerates debridement and wound healing. A prospective multi-center study was conducted to evaluate the effect of MEBO on the healing of partial-thickness burn wounds. We included 52 patients with 100 burn sites ranging from 0.5% to 15% total body surface area in the study. Treatment efficacy was assessed on physical examination of the wound, the course of time of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and moisture values, bacterial wound colonization and the degree of pain experienced by patients during and between dressing changes. Using the Visual Analogue Thermometer device (VAT) a progressive decrease of pain was found throughout the treatment which was statistically significant at 6, 9 and 12 post-burn days. TEWL, as an indicator of re-epithelialization, demonstrated a decreasing trend on day 3, and the reduction became significant from the 6th post-burn day. Moisture was significantly decreased during the first 5 post-burn days. As re-epithelialization progressed there was a net decrease in moisture paralleling TEWL. After 1 week of MEBO treatment, bacterial wound colonization decreased to 10% in the immediate group and to 61% in the late group of application. By the second week, colonization dropped to 5% and 23% respectively. Topical ointment application contributed to the debridement of the wound bed facilitating rapid epithelialization within 2–6 days, depending on the burn depth. MEBO is an ointment that can effectively produce a moist and wet environment for optimal healing of partial-thickness burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An original technique is presented for the treatment of large port-wine stains (PWSs) extending over several skin areas using the argon laser on continuous modelwith the patient under neuroleptanalgesia. Sufficient experience of this technique, used since August 1983, has now been gained to affirm that it is totally innocuous and has definite advantages. Small port-wine stains are still treated using a classic ambulatory method (1,3), while PWSs with a surface area greater than 35 cm are treated by our technique. The technique and results are detailed and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed, based on a study carried out in Lille on the effects on tissue of continuous irradiation with a power output of 3 to 5 W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequelae of burns affecting the web space consists of two deformities: webbing and interdigital contracture. The most extreme clinical and anatomical form is true syndactyly, which has been classified into four grades by Alexander. The spearhead procedure is a new technique derived from VY plasty and the hourglass flap. Its advantages are that it is- well vascularized and allows better distribution of the redundant skin of the web, in order that the lateral digital regions can be closed directly. The broken suture line ensures that recurrence is unlikely and gives a very natural aesthetic appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, developed by Taylor, is a reliable flap which when raised spares the anterior sheath of the muscle below the arcuate line. The muscle can fill an infected, hypovascular wound and the extensive skin paddle can cover a large cutaneous loss of substance, so the flap is perfectly suited to coverage of recurrent pressure sores in paraplegic patients. We used 11 flaps in 10 paraplegic patients for recurrent pelvic pressure sores which were ischial in six cases, trochanteric in four and sacral in one. We describe the operative technique and stress the importance of using an extraperitoneal, intrapelvic and transiliac approach. Healing was obtained in all cases without functional deficit of the abdominal wall (no abdominal herniation, one contour deformity). This flap offers two further options for treatment of recurrent pelvic pressure sores whatever their location and its indications are more and more frequent in an aging population of paraplegic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction mammaplasty is an effective procedure and the treatment of choice for symptomatic breast hypertrophy. Two unusual cases of reduction mammaplasty are reported. After uneventful immediate postoperative courses, two unusual wound complications occurred requiring further treatment. It was discovered retrospectively that the two women (21 and 24 years old) were pregnant. There was no other cause to explain the skin problems which were encountered. It is suggested that a pregnancy test may be needed before undertaking reduction mammaplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacral pressure sores are frequent in paraplegic patients and are always complex to treat. We report the case of a paraplegic patient with a fractured leg, in which the circumstances leading to the development of the sacral ulcer also gave rise to an original method of treatment. After the fracture showed no tendency to spontaneous union, the leg was amputated and a pedicled plantar flap was used to cover a large sacral loss of substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present the case of a young woman aged 21 who benefitt modern procedures of facial reconstruction after deep facial burns: early excision and grafting paying attention to regional aesthetic units, full-thickness skin grafting after expansion of the donor area, surgical modification of underlying bony structures, reconstitution of the contour of the mouth. This lengthy repair process, which can truly be referred to as aesthetic, is an example of what can be done to make social rehabilitation easier for patients severely disfigured due to facial burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the meeting of the Mediterranean Club for Burns and Fire Disasters held on the easternmost isle of the Mediterranean from October 20 to 23, 2004. There are two lectures were presented, one on infections in burnt patients by Maria Koliou, pediatrician at Nicosia Hospital and the other on the advantages of Acticoat in surgical treatment of burns in Children. Six round tables that were held includes resuscitation and surgery for neck burns, humanitarian action in fires and disasters. There are also seventy presentations covering all aspects of burn care.

A case of Madelung's disease of the scrotum is presented. The classic pattern of distribution of the disease made diagnosis easy. Unlike excision in the classic sites, the procedure was carried out without difficulty because of the presence of a well-defined cleavage plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]