Author
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Edwards, Judson - Vince |
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Condon, Brian |
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GARY, LAWSON - T J Beall Company |
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CARUS, EDMUND - T J Beall Company |
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O'REGAN, JANET - Cotton, Inc |
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YAGER, DORNE - Medical College Of Virginia |
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DIEGELMANN, ROBERT - Medical College Of Virginia |
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COHEN, KELMAN - Tissue Technologies Holdings, Llc |
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MAO, NINGTAO - University Of Leeds |
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RUSSELL, STEPHEN - University Of Leeds |
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HALDANE, DAVE - Innovatech-Engineering |
Submitted to: Review Article
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2015 Publication Date: 5/1/2015 Citation: Edwards, J.V., Condon, B.D., Gary, L., Carus, E., O'Regan, J., Yager, D., Diegelmann, R., Cohen, K., Mao, N., Russell, S., Haldane, D. 2015. Cottoning on. International Innovation. 180:44-46. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Non-healing or chronic wounds are an often unacknowledged burden to healthcare sectors worldwide. When left unresolved they can inflict untold suffering, result in high mortality and contribute to burgeoning health service expenditure. In the US, for example, more than 6 million people currently suffer from chronic wounds and the consequent cost of treatment has been estimated at US $25 billion per year. Significant strides have been made in the clinical healing of wounds and the rate of peer-reviewed publications relating to the science has increased exponentially in the last 20 years. Despite this progress, there are many unaddressed issues with regard to the treatment of chronic wounds. Wound repair in humans is a complex four-phase process that is still not completely understood. The body first reacts by stopping uncontrolled blood flow via the process of haemostasis. An inflammatory response follows, involving the recruitment of growth factors and immune cells to the wound site, which then instigates the proliferation of epithelial cells, blood vessels and connective tissue to cover the wound. Finally, the body remodels the new tissue. With problematic consequences for those affected, the chronic wound remains stuck in the inflammatory phase. To help individuals suffering the consequences of chronic wounds, more research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms halting the normal progression of wound healing. |