基于sCARS的淮北平原土壤有机质含量高光谱建模

为确定淮北平原砂姜黑土土壤有机质(SOM)最佳反演模型,探寻最佳特征波长筛选方法,提高模型预测精度。利用原始光谱进行倒数对数(Log(1/R))、标准正态变量变换(SNV)、去包络线(CR)、一阶微分(FDR)处理,采用稳定竞争性自适应重加权算法(sCARS)筛选特征变量,对比分析竞争性自适应重加权算法(CARS)、相关系数法(|r|≥0.47)和显著性水平法(p≤0.01)所得结果,建立SOM含量的偏最小二乘(PLSR)模型,并对比精度差异。结果表明:(1)全波段范围内,SOM含量与原始光谱呈极显著负相关,与Log(1/R)光谱呈极显著正相关,与SNV光谱相关性明显增强。CR和FDR光谱与SOM含量呈不同程度的正负相关性。(2)对比全波段,CARS和sCARS算法能够有效去除光谱冗余信息,筛选得到特征波段数目仅占全波段的1%~5%。筛选后模型精度更高,相对分析误差(RPD)均大于1.8。(3)相比于CARS算法,sCARS算法具备更好的稳定性和精确性。筛选到的特征波段主要分布在800~850、1850~1900、2050~2500 nm区域。(4)Log(1/R)-sCARS模型精度最佳,建模集和预测集的决定系数(R2)分别提升了0.08和0.28,RPD值为3.05,对SOM含量预测极好。

The Use of Triancinolone for the Treatment of Keloid Scars

Scars, when in good evolution, result in a smooth, thin and discreet tissue. Keloid scars, however, are a type of abnormal and exacerbated repair response to tissue injury, whether in surgical interventions or in various injuries, which present in a prominent and gross way. In this context, there is an excess of collagen deposition in the tissue repair process, which can lead to the formation of keloids. The diagnosis of the condition presented is made by the medical professional or by the patient himself after the surgical intervention or skin injury. Under this analysis, protruding, rough and bad-looking scars are identified. In addition, we highlight the existence of keloids similar to large tumors, described as Jorge Lobo disease. The treatment encompasses massages, compressions, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, collagenase and cryotherapy. At first, we used corticosteroid-based massages, and then we started using compressive dressings until we started intrakeloid infiltrations with injectable triamcinolone. Triamcinolone 10 mg injectable—1/10—in 0.9% saline, with syringe and fixed needle 0.3 mm × 8 mm, intralesional infiltrate, in this context, proved to be effective for its treatment when applied sequentially and linearly. In cases where the medication was applied, there was an improvement after 21 days of application and a definitive improvement 2 months after the injury. In comparison, on the other hand, patients who were not subjected to the application of the medication may improve after 4 months of the injury or worsen compared to the initial case. We have come to the conclusion that this procedure may be one of the chosen ones for the treatment of keloid scars, being one of the most recommended for cases of keloid already installed.

基于sCARS-PSO-SVM的土壤硒含量高光谱定量反演

硒(Se)是人体必需的微量元素之一。人主要通过食用农产品来获取硒,而农产品中的硒主要来自土壤。因此,研究土壤中硒的含量和分布,对人体健康和农作物生产具有重要的意义。高光谱遥感技术的发展,使得高效、低成本、大范围估测土壤中硒的含量和分布成为可能。但是,土壤中硒的含量对光谱的敏感性较弱,严重影响了高光谱硒含量定量反演精度。该研究以广东连州地区富硒土壤为研究对象,系统采集研究区土壤样品50份,分析土壤样本硒含量,同步采集土壤反射光谱数据;利用Savitzky-Golay卷积平滑算法、多元散射校正(MSC)、对数一阶微分(lg(R)-FD)、标准正态变量校正(SNV)、多元散射校正一阶微分(MSC-FD)对原始光谱进行增强处理;应用稳定竞争自适应重加权采样(sCARS)算法结合皮尔逊相关性分析(PCC)进行特征波段选择;对比分析偏最小二乘(PLS)、支持向量机(SVM)和粒子群优化支持向量(PSO-SVM)模型土壤硒含量高光谱定量反演效果。结果表明:将sCARS算法应用于光谱增强后的回归模型,并结合皮尔逊相关性(PCC)选择与土壤硒含量敏感性较大的特征波段,不仅可以降低土壤硒含量高光谱预测模型复杂度并有效避免大量有用信息的损失,还能提高高光谱回归模型的反演效率;对比不同回归模型训练集和预测集的决定系数R^(2)和均方根误差RMSE,发现支持向量(SVM)模型比偏最小二乘(PLSR)模型预测效果更好,模型稳定性更高,且非线性模型更适用于土壤硒含量的预测;通过粒子群(PSO)算法优化SVM的核函数和正则化参数,SVM模型的反演精度和稳定性都有所提升;MSC-PSO-SVM模型(R^(2)=0.53、RMSE=0.34)和MSC-FD模型(R^(2)=0.50、RMSE=0.04)预测效果较为突出。综上所述:利用sCARS结合PSO-SVM算法建立土壤硒含量的高光谱定量反演模型,能够为土壤硒含量的高光谱大面积估测提供新的途径。

一种基于SCARS策略的近红外特征波长选择方法及其应用

针对近红外光谱数据的内在特点,提出了一种基于稳定性竞争自适应重加权采样(stability competitive adaptive reweighted sampling,SCARS)策略的近红外特征波长优选方法。该方法以PLS模型回归系数的稳定性作为变量选择的依据,其过程包含多次循环迭代,每次循环均首先计算相应变量的稳定性,而后通过强制变量筛选以及自适应重加权采样技术(ARS)进行变量筛选;最后对每次循环后所得变量子集建立PLS模型并计算交互验证均方根误差(RMSECV),将RMSECV值最小的集合作为最优变量子集。利用饲料蛋白固态发酵过程近红外光谱数据集对所提方法进行了验证,并与基于PLS的蒙特卡罗无信息变量消除法(MC-UVE)和竞争自适应重加权采样(CARS)方法所得结果进行了比较。试验结果显示:建立在SCARS方法优选的21个特征波长变量基础上的PLS模型预测效果更好,其预测均方根误差(RMSEP)和相关系数(Rp)分别为0.054 3和0.990 8;该优选策略能有效地增强固态发酵光谱数据特征波长变量选择的准确性和稳定性,提高了模型的预测精度,具有一定的应用价值。

A comprehensive approach to the delayed treatment of post-burn facial scars

Background:Damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to thermal burns is relevant.Despite the success of modern medicine,repairing thermal damage to the skin is a difficult task in reconstructive plastic surgery because of the nature of the damage and the regenerative features.Characteristic post-burn changes are associated with different depths of damage when areas of deep damage are combined with more superficial areas.Methods:We described a clinical case of the staged surgical treatment of a cicatricial deformity of the buccalperiorbital-perioral region resulting from a childhood burn injury from a hot object.The 44-year-old patient complained of an aesthetic and functional deformity of the buccal-periorbital-perioral region and had previously undergone repeated nonsurgical corrections.Results:A comprehensive approach to the surgical treatment of a patient with post-burn deformities using a diplene adhesive membrane directly affected the stage of the surgical treatment and contributed to improved functional and aesthetic results.Conclusion:The positive treatment results with preserved contraction and relaxation processes of the facial muscles as well as satisfactory aesthetic results allow us to recommend the use of a biodegradable diplene film during facial reconstructive operations.

A randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of single and multiple intralesional collagenase injections for treating contracted scars

Background:Scar contractions caused by trauma or burns can cause secondary physical dysfunction and disfigurement.Many minimally invasive methods for scar contraction have shown limited applicability and efficacy.This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of intralesional collagenase injections for scar contraction treatment.Methods:Patients with contracted scars who had limited joint movement and physical disfiguration for>1 year were enrolled in this single-blind,randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to February 2018 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital.Collagenase was injected into the firm-contracted scar(15 U/cm^(2))three times at 4-week intervals in the multiple treatment group and once in the single treatment group,and a placebo injection was performed in the control group.Scar length and skin texture were documented at the 4-and 12-week follow-ups.The safety of the collagenase treatment was also evaluated.Results:The contracted scar was significantly elongated after both single and multiple collagenase treatments.The results showed that,compared to a one-time treatment,repeated injections were more effective at 12 weeks,with an average improvement of 26.83(15.79%).At 12 weeks,78.9% of the patients in the multiple group and 52.9%in the single group achieved significant improvement at 12 weeks.No severe adverse events were observed.Conclusion:Intralesional collagenase injection showed promising results in improving scar contraction and provides an alternative treatment for patients.

Hypertrophic Scar Formation and Wound Healing Modulation Fatty Acids as Modulators of Severe Scars

Scar tissue usually generates severe discomfort in the short and long term. Common symptoms include anesthetics sequelae, pruritus, joint malfunction, new wounds on the scar surface, and pain. There are several treatments for scars, like compression, topical or intralesional steroid infiltration, 5-fluorouracil, dermabrasion, and surgeries with new scar tissue. For adult patients, it is easier to choose the treatment. However, compression is commonly applied in children to prevent treatments that have adverse effects. This study reports the outcomes of 15 patients submitted to abdominoplasty, traumatic wounds and post-burn scar treatments, which showed significant changes after the continuous use of an ointment composed of petrolatum, cod liver oil, BHT, Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, and Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil. As components of the stratum corneum, unsaturated fatty acids influence the cutaneous structural and immune status and permeability. They also interfere with the maturation and differentiation of the stratum corneum and inhibit the production of proinflammatory eicosanoids, reactive species (ROS and RNS), and cytokines, thereby influencing the inflammatory response and possibly wound healing. This article aims to share our experience with the regular use of an ointment in adult and pediatric patients for three months. The increase in proinflammatory cytokine production at wound sites, resulting in a noninvasive, therapeutical, and effective cutaneous wound healing and scarring modulation, may provide a physiopathological explanation for the fast improvement of scars.

A Case Report of Concurrent Acne-Related Occurrence Complications: Telangiectasia, Post-Inflammatory Erythema, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and Atrophic and Hypertrophic Scars

Prior to his initial diagnosis, a 21-year-old male had been experiencing facial acne for two years and had been treated by a doctor in private practice. The patient visited our department because the clinical manifestations of mandibular acne did not improve. At the time of initial examination, telangiectasia (TE), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), atrophic scars (ASs), and a hypertrophic scar (HS) with induration were observed on the right neck. We diagnosed this as an acne vulgaris complication. HS lesions were topically treated by injecting triamcinolone acetonide, and the patient was prescribed 8.1 g/day of oral Saireito (Japanese herb). Adapalene benzoyl peroxide gel and topical tacrolimus hydrate ointment were used to treat PIE and TE. Both HSs and PIE improved;however, TE and AS did not improve. Currently, the patient is under observation. We consider this to be a very rare concurrent occurrence of diverse complications of acne vulgaris, and present the following case study.

Effect of Dermabrasion and ReCell on Large Superficial Facial Scars Caused by Burn, Trauma and Acnes

Objective To explore the effects of dermabrasion combined with ReCell on large superficial facial scars caused by burn, trauma and acnes. Methods Nineteen patients with large superficial facial scars were treated by the same surgeon with dermabrasion combined with ReCell？. According to the etiology, patients were classified into post-burning group （n=5）, post-traumatic group （n=7） and post-acne group （n=7）. Fifteen patients completed the follow-ups, 5 patients in each group. Healing time, complication rate, the preoperative and 18-month-post-operative assessments using Patient Satisfaction Score （PSS）, Vancouver Scar Scale （VSS）, and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale （POSAS） of each group were analyzed to compare the effect of the combined therapy on outcomes.Results The healing time of post-burning group （19.6±4.0 days）, post-traumatic group （15.8±2.6 days）, and post-acne group （11.4±3.1 days） varied remarkably （F=7.701, P=0.007）. The complication rates were 60%, 20%, and 0 respectively. The post-operative POSAS improved significantly in all groups （P〈0.05）, where the most significant improvement was shown in the post-acne group （P〈0.05）. The post-operative PSS and VSS improved only in the post-traumatic group and post-acne group （all P〈0.05）, where the more significant improvement was also shown in the post-acne group （P〈0.05）. Conclusions The combined treatment of dermabrasion and ReCell has remarkable effect on acne scars, moderate effect on traumatic scars and is not suggested for burn scars. POSAS should be applied to assess the therapeutic effects of treatments for large irregular scars.

Marjolin's ulcers in the post-burned lesions and scars

Marjolin's ulcer(MU) represents malignant degeneration that typically ensues over a period of time in the post-burned lesions and scars or any other chronic wound. This review highlights various facets of the presentation and management of MUs that originate from post-burned lesions. The incidence of MUs in such lesions is reported to be 0.77%-2%. This malignancy characteristically develops in the areas of full thickness skin burns that had been allowed for weeks to months to heal spontaneously by secondary intention, or burn wounds which never healed completely over years and the unstable post-burned scars. In the majority of cases, the MU is a squamous cell carcinoma(SCC). The MUs contribute to an overall 2% of all SCCs and 0.03% of all basal cell carcinomas of the skin. Clinically MUs present in two major morphologic forms. The commoner form is the flat, indurated, ulcerative variety while the less common form is the exophytic papillary variety. Lower limbs represent the most frequently affected body parts. Surgical resection of the primary tumor with 2-4 cm horizontal clearance margin, nodal clearance and radiotherapy constitute the cornerstones of effective oncologic management. Despite best efforts, the overall mortality is reported to be 21%.

Depressed Acne Scars—Effective, Minimal Downtime Treatment with a Novel Smooth Motion Non-Insulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Technology

Background: The microneedle fractional RF handpiece used in our study (Intensif Handpiece, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel) is a novel handpiece that uses a tip with 25 non-insulated, gold plated microneedle electrodes. The needles are inserted into the skin by a specially designed electronically controlled, smooth motion motor minimizing patient discomfort. RF emission delivered over the whole dermal portion of the needle allows effective coagulation resulting in minimal or no bleeding, together with bulk volumetric heating. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The study included 20 patients, treated for depressed acne scars using the IntensifTM?Microneedles handpiece (EndyMed PRO Platform System, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel). The degree of clinical improvement was assessed by the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and subjects satisfaction by post treatment questionnaires. Results: The number of treatments per patient varied between 1 and 6 (average 3.3 treatments per patient). Eleven patients (55%) reported none to minimal pain, six (30%) moderate discomfort and only three (15%) reported significant pain. Objective evaluation of the improvement by a board certified dermatologist showed improvement in 95% of patients. 25% showed excellent improvement, 50% experienced good improvement, and the 20% showed minimal improvement. One patient showed no improvement. Conclusions: The presented results show that the tested electronically controlled motorized insertion, non-insulated microneedle treatment technology provides a minimal discomfort, minimal downtime, effective and safe treatment for depressed acne scars.

Novel Histological Evidence of Collagen and Elastin Regeneration in Fractional RF-Treated Acne Scars

Introduction: Fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology has been shown to be a gold standard therapy for acne scars. We have previously published clinical and histological results from the treatment of 8 patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a fractional RF device. Evidence of safety and efficacy was demonstrated, including long term follow-up clinical results from 4 patients, up to two years post last fractional treatment. In the current article we present histology evidence of acne scar skin renewal 3.5 years post treatment. Methods: Skin biopsies from acne scars in a concealed facial area were taken before, after four treatments and at 3.5 years after the last fractional treatment. Biopsies were examined with standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, as well as Verhoeff’s Van Gieson (VVG) and Shikata stains for elastic fibers. Results: Histological findings demonstrate regeneration of elastic fibers and reduction of the dermal fibrosis. Scar depth of Patient #2 was reduced by 80% in the corresponding follow-up period. Conclusion: The long-term histological results further support the previously published findings that fractional RF is a safe and effective treatment for acne related scars.

Effective Treatment of Atrophic and Icepick Acne Scars Using Deep Non-Ablative Radiofrequency and Multisource Fractional RF Skin Resurfacing

Background and Objectives: Effective treatment for atrophic (depressed) and icepick acne scars requires treatment of both epidermis—for roughness, texture and hyperpigmentation, and the dermis—for collagen remodeling. All first generation radiofrequency systems allow nonablative RF treatment while a few others allow simple bipolar Fractional RF skin resurfacing. The FDA cleared multisource radiofrequency therapy system (EndyMed PRO, EndyMed Ltd., Cesarea, Israel) allows, for the first time, phase controlled multisource RF for both deep (up to 11 mm) non ablative RF and fractional RF skin resurfacing on the same treatment device. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Ten subjects with atrophic acne scars were enrolled in the study. Patients were photographed using standardized methods. In each treatment session, each patient received a full face 3DEEP non ablative skin tightening treatment followed by a Fractional skin resurfacing treatment. The treatment sessions were repeated once a month to a total of up to 4 treatments. Results: All subjects experienced mild-moderate edema and erythema as an immediate response to treatment. Edema resolved after up to three hours post treatment and erythema lasted up to 2 days. Micro ablative crusts were formed 1 - 2 days post treatments and lasted up to 5 days on facial areas. Patients' photographs—before each treatment session and 1 and 3 months after the last session—were graded according to the accepted Cosmetic Improvement Scale. All patients obtained significant skin improvement. Seventy percent of patients had 50% - 75% improvement one month after the third treatment session while the other thirty percent experienced a 25% - 50%. Discussion and Conclusions: The presented results describe for the first time a new treatment system (EndyMed PROTM) that allows both deep non ablative RF delivery and Fractional skin resurfacing on the same treatment platform. This work shows the synergy of combining these two applications for the improvement of acne scars, as well as for some secondary possible pigmentation and vascular improvement.

Long Term Follow-Up Results of a Fractional Radio Frequency Ablative Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Related Acne Scars

Introduction: Acne vulgaris and acne scarring are prevalent conditions that can have a negative effect on a patient’s quality of life. Fractional radiofrequency technologies have been shown to be clinically safe and effective in managing acne scars through dermal remodeling without causing direct damage to the epidermis. In a recently published study, we presented our clinical and histological results in the treatment of patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a Fractional RF (FRF) device. In the current article we demonstrate long term follow-up results, up to two years post last fractional treatment. Methods: Four out of the eight patients who completed a four treatment regimen were invited for long term follow-up visit to document treatment results. In some cases, touch-up treatments were conducted to optimize clinical results. Results: Patients demonstrated significant improvement of acne lesions, acne scarring, pores and skin texture. Long term photos demonstrated that clinical improvement progressed with time. Conclusion: The current study further supports the previous findings that FRF is a safe and effective treatment modality for active acne and acne related scars. Treatment protocol can be customized according to patient needs and clinical results last for long term.

Novel Elastomeric Fabrics for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn Scars Using Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Antimicrobial Agents

In burn treatments,microorganisms on pressure garments during pressure therapy can prevent rehabilitation by causing functional,hygienic,and aesthetic difficulties. As bacterium is one of the most trouble-causing organisms,they can threaten patients causing infection during the long period of use of these garments.Novel burn pressure garments having durable antimicrobial property were developed using polyhexamethylene biguanide( PHMB)antimicrobial agent procedure on highly elastic nylon 66 /spandex fabrics in powernet,flat warp and weft knitted structures using paddry-cure method. Commercial wireless pressure sensors were used to control pressures at an acceptable medical range. Antimicrobial activity,wash durability,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) analyses were conducted for the treated samples. Antimicrobial test results following AATCC 100 Test Method showed 99% reduction of bacteria for the fabric samples treated with PHMB. A small but significant decrease in antimicrobial activity was observed even after50 launderings. These treatments also yield good results to prevent odor,decrease infection by preventing and /or blocking microbial growth according to the antimicrobial mechanism and support reducing of scarring by providing a hygienic environment around the scar.

Treatment of Wrinkles and Acne Scars Using the TriFractional, a Novel Fractional Radiofrequency Technology—Clinical and Histological Results

Introduction: The need for cosmetic facial enhancement procedures with minimal down time and low risk has led to the development of methods for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Various ablative lasers were developed, which remove the full skin surface in a controlled manner. However, the prolonged recovery and the significant risks prompted the development of fractional lasers which ablate the skin in a fractional manner, leaving untreated areas to improve healing process. In the past few years, fractional radiofrequency (RF) systems have been introduced that enable controlled skin resurfacing accompanied with dermal collagen remodeling. The new TriFractional technology from Pollogen? is designed to enable skin resurfacing and treatment of wrinkles using RF energy. The objective of the current research was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the novel TriFractional technology using the TriFractional applicator (A3F) for micro-ablative skin resurfacing and the treatment of wrinkles and acne scars. Methods: Healthy volunteers consented to undergo TriFractional treatments for various aesthetic indications. In addition, in-vivo and ex-vivo histologycal results showing immediate and long term effects of the TriFractional technology were obtained. A portion of the subjects underwent the complete TriLipo MedTM Procedure which includes 2 TriFractional treatments spaced one month apart, with 2 TriLipo RF + Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA) face treatments two weeks after each TriFractional treatment. Results: Subjects experienced an improvement of wrinkles, skin texture and acne scars along with facial contouring. No significant adverse effects were detected post-treatment. Histology findings demonstrated immediate and long term TriFractional effects on both epidermal and dermal skin layers. Conclusions: TriFractional is a promising technology for skin resurfacing, treatment of wrinkles and improvement of additional aesthetic indications such as acne scars. The TriLipo MEDTM procedure is a unique combination approach for total facial rejuvenation and contouring.

Non-Surgical Treatment with Chemical Peeling and Subsequent Vitamin C Iontophoresis for Rolling Scars in Acne Vulgaris

A 19-year-old man had atrophic scars on bilateral temple for several years. The atrophic scars were composed of rolling scars (three depressions, 8 × 4 mm in diameter), ice pick scars and boxcar scar. The patient was treated with chemical peeling (CP) using 20% glycolic acid (GA) (pH 3.2) and subsequent iontophoresis with vitamin C derivative at one month’s interval twice. Remarkable improvement was observed;the rolling scars almost disappeared with traces of hypopigmented macule. However, the ice pick scars and boxcar scar did not improve. CP and subsequent vitamin C iontophoresis can be an alternative non-surgical and non-invasive treatment for rolling scar in acne.

Clinical observation of the effect of crystallitic dermabrasion on skin superficial scars

To oberserve the changes in histopathology and clinical effect after the treatment of superficial scars in human faces and exposed parts of human extremities with crystallitic dermabrasion.Methods The machine made in Italy can produce the high speed crystallite to the surface of the scar,resulting in the alveolate wounds.At the same time the crystolitic drill make the accidented scar smooth.Results Two thousands and five hundreds and thirty eight suffers were treated for 2～10 times.The appearance of the scars was improved.Six patients complicated with milium,Eleven got hypopigmentation,eight got hypomelanotation.Eighty percent patients of this groups got pigmentation after the treatment.This signs disappeared or improved after 2～6 months.Histopathology demonstrated the scar area became small,the fibroblasts increased remarkably and the collagenous fiber arranged regularly.The cells in the stratum spinosum proliferated actively.Conclusion Crystallitic dermabrasion is a simple and safe method for the treatment of skin superficial scars.5 refs,4 figs.

The Characteristics of Blood Supply and Tissue Hypoxia in Pathological Scars

Blood supply is believed to be an important aspect in the development of pathological scars. However, there are controversies about vascular distribution, vascular structure and blood flow in pathological scars. Additionally, hypoxic microenvironment plays an important role in the vascularization of pathological scar tissues, and hypoxic conditions can be reflected by metabolic indexes and some cytokines. Furthermore, the correlation between blood supply and tissue hypoxia is controversial. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the characteristics of blood supply and tissue hypoxia in pathological scars, from which we can see pathological scars have unique characteristics of blood supply that are closely associated with tissue hypoxia. Moreover, development in the treatment of pathological scars is herein reviewed.

Quantitative and morphological differences of nerve fibers between proliferative and mature scars in two-and three-dimensional spaces

BACKGROUND： Numerous studies use fluorescent microscopy to obtain two-dimensional optical images of the morphology of nerve fibers in hypertrophic scars. In addition, current confocal microscopy studies have focused on normal, not pathological, cutaneous nerves. However, laser scanning confocal microscopy results in a three-dimensional structure of the nerve fibers. OBJECTIVE： To observe quantitative and morphological differences in nerve fibers from the proliferative and mature stage in hypertrophic scars using fluorescent and confocal microscopy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Neuropathological, comparison study was conducted at the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, China from June 2006 to July 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Specimens were selected from 30 patients undergoing scar restoration at the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of China at 1 month to 23 years following wound healing. The study comprised 20 males and 10 females. The scars were fibrous lesions, erythematous, tough, confined to skin lesions, did not exhibit ulceration or infection, exhibited telangiectasia, with or without itching and pain, and were not locally treated. Samples were equally assigned to two groups according to course of disease： proliferative group （〈 6 months） and mature group （6-24 months）. Control samples were collected from full-thickness skin from donor sites （n = 10）. METHODS： Nerve fiber morphology was observed using fluorescent and confocal microscopy following immunofluorescence of the skin specimens. The microscopic images were semi-quantitatively analyzed to acquire a positive area ratio of neurofilament protein-positive nerve fibers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphology and positive area ratio of neurofilament protein/positive nerve fibers was measured. RESULTS： The positive area ratio of neurofilament protein-positive nerve fibers was significantly greater in the proliferative group compared to the normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. Nerve fibers were irregularly distributed and exhibited local swelling, twisting, and disconnection. However, the positive area ratio of neurofilament protein-positive nerve fibers was significantly less in the mature group compared with the normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. The nerve fibers were arranged in an orderly manner, with intact inner and stereoscopic structures similar to normal skin. CONCLUSION： Compared with mature scars, hypertrophic scars exhibited a greater number of nerve fibers, with more serious pathologies.