Abstract
The lack of fundamental knowledge on the biological processes associated with wound healing represents a significant challenge. Understanding the biochemical changes that occur within a chronic wound could provide insights into the wound environment and enable more effective wound management. We report on the stability of wound fluid samples under various conditions and describe a high-throughput approach to investigate the altered biochemical state within wound samples collected from various types of chronic, ulcerated wounds. Furthermore, we discuss the viability of this approach in the early stages of wound sample protein and metabolite profiling and subsequent biomarker discovery. This approach will facilitate the detection of factors that may correlate with wound severity and/or could be used to monitor the response to a particular treatment.

Abstract
Materials used in modern wound dressings have been designed to provide optimum levels of hydration, pH and gas exchange for wound healing. However, materials that provide these properties do not always provide the optimum conditions for cell attachment and growth. Plasma polymerisation is a method by which a thin ‘pin-hole’ free coating can be deposited on the surface of materials, optimising the surface for cell growth whilst leaving the bulk properties unchanged. Plasma polymerised coatings have found use as surfaces for in vitro cell studies and in wound care applications. In this article we will first give a rief introduction to plasma polymerisation. Subsequently the attachment, proliferation and migration of cells involved in wound healing on plasma polymers are reviewed. The attachment of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells to surfaces have been studied in detail. Cell proliferation and, in particular, cell migration have been studied to a lesser extent.

Question
Exercise offers the potential to improve circulation, wound healing outcomes, and functional and emotional wellbeing for adults experiencing venous leg ulceration. Individuals with chronic leg ulcers typically have multiple comorbidities such as arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, cardiac disease or neuromuscular disorders, which would also benefit from regular exercise.
The aim of this review is to highlight the relationships between the calf muscle pump and venous return and range of ankle motion for adults with venous leg ulcers. The effect of exercise will also be considered in relation to the healing rates for adults experiencing venous leg ulceration.
The findings suggest there is evidence that exercises which engage the calf muscle pump improve venous return. Ankle range of motion, which is crucial for complete activation of the calf muscle pump, can also be improved with simple, home-based exercise programs. However, observational studies still report that venous leg ulcer patients are less physically active than age-matched controls. Therefore, the behavioural reasons for not exercising must be considered. Only two studies, both underpowered, have assessed the effect of exercise on the healing rates of venous leg ulcers.
In conclusion, exercise is feasible with this patient population. However, future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to provide stronger evidence to support the therapeutic benefit of exercise as an adjunct therapy in wound care.

Abstract
Skin is the primary protective barrier against physical, chemical, thermal and infectious threats in the environment. Maintaining the integrity of skin is a matter of survival. The collaborative term – wound healing – describes the complex, yet well-organised, network of biological processes that enables tissue injuries to resolve. The many stages include haemostasis, inflammation, matrix synthesis, angiogenesis, re-epithelialisation, contraction and remodelling; often simplified to inflammation, tissue proliferation and maturation. Advances in our understanding of the influence of immune cells, and growth factors and cytokines at each stage of wound healing have led to the development of potential treatments. Here we review the biology of chronic wound healing and discuss the potential of epicatechin gallate and activated protein C to promote wound healing in a clinical setting.

Abstract
Over 234 million surgeries are performed around the world every year. Yet, surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in up to 30% of all surgical procedures, and are the third most commonly reported nosocomial infection. The growing cost and complexity of wound care means that decisions around surgical wound management require a concerted approach from all stakeholders. The purpose of this environmental scan was to inform a program of clinical research in surgical wounds in a large health care organisation. A related purpose was to report findings in relation to drivers and barriers that impact on decision making back to key stakeholders within the organisation. This outside-in scan included five health care facilities and data sources included stakeholders such as clinical and specialist nurses, surgeons, inventory managers and wound product representatives. Other data sources included government and speciality documents, published research and websites. A content analysis approach was used to uncover emergent concepts and triangulation across data sources permitted confirmation of findings. Drivers included a plethora of product choice, infection surveillance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regulatory mechanisms. The barriers identified were traditional and historical pretexts, economic constraints, clinical knowledge and expertise, and patient factors. Based on these findings, recommendations include working with health care partners to develop an incremental research program focusing on clinical research and knowledge transfer in surgical wound management.

Abstract
Background: Lower leg ulceration is a significant health burden to the sufferer and the health service. The time to heal such wounds can take up to two to three years and some will lead to amputation and mortality, particularly for those who live in remote locations. Living in such areas makes accessing health care and health experts extremely difficult.
Methods: A pilot study utilising a three-month prospective interventional study was implemented into the Mid West and Murchison region of Western Australia (WA), investigating the effectiveness of digital imaging, remote consultation and podiatry offloading devices on the healing rates of chronic wounds of the lower limb. Wounds were photographed using digital imaging and assessed using the Alfred Medseed Wound Imaging System (AMWIS). Once assessed, the details were sent to a wound expert for advice on wound dressings and treatment protocol. The patient was referred to podiatry for design and implementation of appropriate offloading devices such as an in-shoe orthosis.
Thirteen subjects were recruited and eight used for data analysis with an average age of 70.3 years (42–87 years). Average ulcer duration prior to recruitment was 72 weeks and average size was 81 mm2.
Results: An average weekly healing rate of 18.12% was calculated for the cohort. Three of the eight ulcers healed within the study period and the average decrease in size was from 81 mm2 to 13 mm2.
Conclusions: The results indicate there was a marked increase in the average weekly healing rates and this supports further investigation.

Abstract