Graded Quasiperiodic Metamaterials Perform Fractal Rainbow Trapping.

The rainbow trapping phenomenon of graded metamaterials can be combined with the fractal spectra of quasiperiodic waveguides to give a metamaterial that performs fractal rainbow trapping. This is achieved through a graded cut-and-project algorithm that yields a geometry for which the effective projection angle is graded along its length. As a result, the fractal structure of local band gaps varies with position, leading to broadband "fractal" rainbow trapping. We demonstrate this principle by designing an acoustic waveguide, which is characterised using theory, simulation and experiments.

Investigating blood alcohol concentrations in injury- related deaths before and during the COVID-19 national lockdown in Western Cape Province, South Africa: A cross-sectional retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a significant contributor to injury-related morbidity and mortality in South Africa (SA). During the COVID-19global pandemic, restrictions to movement and to legal access to alcohol (i.e. ethanol) were introduced in SA. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of alcohol bans during the COVID-19 lockdown periods on injury-related mortality and blood alcoholconcentrations (BACs) in these deaths. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of injury-related deaths in Western Cape Province (WC), SA, between 1 January 2019 and31 December 2020 was conducted. Cases where BAC testing was performed were further examined according to the periods of lockdownand alcohol restrictions. RESULTS: A total of 16 027 injury-related cases were admitted to Forensic Pathology Service mortuaries in the WC over the 2-year period. Anaverage decrease of 15.7% injury-related deaths in 2020 compared with 2019 was noted, as well as a 47.7% decrease in injury-related deathsduring hard lockdown (April - May 2020) compared with the same period in 2019. In the injury-related deaths, 12 077 (75.4%) had bloodspecimens collected for BAC testing. In 5 078 (42.0%) of submitted cases, a positive BAC (≥0.01 g/100 mL) was reported. No significantdifference was observed in the mean positive BAC between 2019 and 2020. However, in April and May 2020, the mean BAC observed(0.13 g/100 mL) was less than that in 2019 (0.18 g/100 mL). A high number of positive BACs in the 12- 17-year age group (23.4%) was observed. CONCLUSION: There was a clear decrease in injury-related deaths in the WC during the COVID-19-related lockdown periods, whichcoincided with the alcohol ban and restriction of movement, and an increase following relaxation of restrictions on alcohol sales andmovement. The data illustrate that mean BACs were similar between all periods of alcohol restriction compared with 2019, apart from hardlockdown in April - May 2020. This coincided with a smaller mortuary intake during the level 5 and 4 lockdown periods.

Investigating blood alcohol concentrations in injury-related deaths before and during the COVID-19 National lockdown in Western Cape, South Africa: A cross-sectional retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a significant contributor to injury-related morbidity and mortality in South Africa (SA).  During the COVID-19 global pandemic, restrictions to movement and to the legal access of alcohol* were introduced in SA.  This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol bans during the COVID-19 lockdown periods on injury-related mortality and the blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) in these deaths. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of injury-related deaths in Western Cape (WC) province, SA, between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020 was conducted. Cases where BAC testing was performed were further examined according to the periods of lockdown (AL5-1) and alcohol restrictions. RESULTS: A total of 16,027 injury-related cases were admitted to Forensic Pathology Service mortuaries in the WC over the two-year period.  An average decrease of 15.7% injury-related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019 was noted, as well as a 47.7% decrease in injury-related deaths during hard lockdown (April -May 2020) compared to the same period in 2019. In the injury-related deaths, 12,077 (75.4%) had blood specimens collected for BAC testing. In 5,078 (42.0%) of submitted cases, a positive BAC (≥0.01g/100 mL) was reported. No significant difference was observed in the mean positive BAC between 2019 and 2020, however in April and May 2020, the mean BACs observed (0.13 g/100 mL) was less than that in 2019 (0.18 g/100 mL). A high number of positive BACs in the 12-17-year age group (±23.4%) was observed. CONCLUSION: There was a clear decrease in injury-related deaths in the WC during the COVID-19-related lockdown periods that coincided with the alcohol ban and restriction of movement and an increase following relaxation of restrictions on alcohol sales and movement. The data illustrated that mean BACs were similar between all periods of alcohol restriction compared to 2019, apart from hard lockdown in April-May, 2020.  This coincided with a smaller mortuary intake during the level 5 and 4 lockdown periods.   Keywords: Alcohol; blood alcohol concentration; COVID-19; injury; lockdown; South Africa; violent death; Western Cape   * Alcohol refers to ethanol.

Antimicrobial use in animals: a journey towards integrated surveillance.

In 2015, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) initiated the annual collection of data on antimicrobials intended for use in animals using a Microsoft Excel questionnaire. In 2022, WOAH initiated the migration to a customised interactive online system: ANIMUSE Global Database. This system enables national Veterinary Services not only to monitor and report data more easily and more accurately, but also to visualise, analyse and use data for surveillance purposes to their own benefit in the implementation of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance. This journey started seven years ago, with progressive improvements in the way data are collected, analysed and reported and continuous adaptations to overcome various challenges encountered (e.g. data confidentiality, training of civil servants, calculation of active ingredients, standardisation to enable fair comparisons and trend analyses, and data interoperability). Technical developments have been key in the success of this endeavour. However, it is important not to underestimate the importance of the human element: to listen to WOAH Members and their needs, and to exchange to solve issues, adapt tools, and gain and maintain trust. The journey is not over yet, and more developments are foreseen, such as to complement current data sources with data collected directly at the farm level; strengthen interoperability and integrated analysis with cross-sectoral databases; and facilitate institutionalisation of data collection and systematic use in monitoring, evaluation, lesson learning, reporting and, eventually, surveillance of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance when implementing and updating national action plans. This paper describes how all these challenges were overcome and how future challenges will be addressed.

En 2015, l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OMSA, fondée en tant qu'OIE) a démarré, au moyen d'un questionnaire Microsoft Excel, une collecte annuelle de données sur les agents antimicrobiens destinés à être utilisés chez les animaux. L'OMSA a engagé, en 2022, la migration de cette collecte vers un système interactif en ligne sur mesure : la base de données mondiale ANIMUSE. Grâce à ce système, les Services vétérinaires pourront non seulement suivre et faire remonter les données plus facilement et avec davantage de précision, mais ils pourront aussi visualiser, analyser et utiliser ces données à leurs propres fins de surveillance, dans le cadre de la mise en oeuvre de plans d'action nationaux sur la résistance aux antimicrobiens. Ce travail a commencé il y a sept ans et des progrès constants ont été enregistrés en termes de collecte, d'analyse et de notification des données ; des adaptations continues ont également permis de dépasser les différents défis rencontrés (par exemple, en termes de confidentialité des données, de formation des fonctionnaires, de calcul des ingrédients actifs, de normalisation permettant d'établir des comparaisons équitables et des analyses de tendances et d'interopérabilité des données). Les avancées techniques ont joué un rôle clé dans la réussite de cette initiative. Il est cependant essentiel de ne pas sous-estimer l'importance du facteur humain : écoute des Membres de l'OMSA et de leurs besoins, échanges afin de résoudre les problèmes, adaptation des outils et obtention et préservation de la confiance. Cette aventure n'est pas terminée et des évolutions sont à venir : ajout des données collectées directement au niveau des élevages parmi les sources de données actuelles ; renforcement de l'interopérabilité et de l'analyse intégrée en recourant aux bases de données intersectorielles ; et institutionnalisation de la collecte de données et de son usage systématique dans le suivi, l'évaluation, les enseignements, les notifications et, à terme, la surveillance de l'utilisation des agents antimicrobiens et de l'antibiorésistance lors du déploiement et de la mise à jour des plans d'action nationaux. Cet article décrit comment tous ces défis ont été surmontés, ainsi que la manière dont les futurs défis seront relevés.

En 2015, la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OMSA, fundada como OIE) implantó un sistema de obtención anual de datos sobre los productos antimicrobianos destinados a los animales, empleando para ello un cuestionario en forma de hoja de cálculo Excel. En 2022, la OMSA inició la migración de este dispositivo a un sistema interactivo en línea especialmente adaptado al efecto: la base de datos mundial ANIMUSE. Este sistema permite a los Servicios Veterinarios nacionales no solo obtener y notificar datos con más facilidad y exactitud, sino también visualizar, analizar y aprovechar esta información con fines de vigilancia en la aplicación de planes nacionales de acción sobre la resistencia a antimicrobianos. Este viaje, que empezó hace siete años, ha supuesto una progresiva mejora de los métodos de obtención, análisis y notificación de los datos y continuas adaptaciones para superar las diversas dificultades que iban surgiendo (p.ej. en cuanto a confidencialidad de los datos, formación de funcionarios, cálculo de las cantidades de principio activo, normalización con fines de comparación y de análisis de tendencias, o compatibilidad de los datos). Aunque los avances técnicos han sido fundamentales para el éxito de la empresa, no cabe subestimar la importancia del factor humano, ese empeño de escuchar a los Miembros de la OMSA y tener en cuenta sus necesidades, favorecer el intercambio para resolver problemas, adaptar las herramientas y forjar y mantener relaciones de confianza. El viaje aún no ha terminado. Previsiblemente habrá nuevos avances que permitan, por ejemplo, complementar las actuales fuentes de información con datos obtenidos directamente en la explotación, mejorar la compatibilidad y los análisis integrados con bases de datos intersectoriales, o institucionalizar en mayor medida la obtención de datos y su uso sistemático con fines de seguimiento, evaluación, aprendizaje, notificación y a la postre vigilancia del uso de antimicrobianos y de eventuales resistencias a la hora de aplicar o actualizar planes nacionales de acción. Los autores explican cómo se fueron superando todas esas dificultades y cómo se abordarán los problemas que puedan ir surgiendo en el futuro.

Discharge Opioids are Unnecessary Following Radical Cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To show that zero-opioid discharges after both open and robotic cystectomy are feasible and to examine the impact of zero-opioid discharges on patient interaction with the physician's office. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seven patients who underwent either open or robotic radical cystectomy from March 1, 2020 to December 30, 2020 were identified. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and 30 day pain related outcomes including phone calls, office visits, requests for pain medication, emergency department visits, and readmissions were abstracted from the chart. We then examined variables associated with a zero-opioid discharge. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were discharged with an opioid prescription (Median Oral Morphine Equivalents Prescribed = 90) and 75 were discharged without an opioid prescription. On regression analysis, age (OR 1.07, 95% CI [1.02-1.12]) and pathology (OR 0.36, 95% CI[0.14-0.9]) remained significantly associated with post-operative opioid prescriptions. There were no differences in the percent of patients presenting to the emergency department, being readmitted, calling the office, calling the office regarding pain, or requesting opioid prescriptions within 30 days of discharge, or the number of post-operative office visits (P >.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Patients can safely be discharged home without opioids following cystectomy, regardless of robotic or open approach. Age and pathology are predictors of the need for an opioid prescription on discharge. These patients did not have increased follow-up visits, phone calls, or requests for pain medication.

Responding to eruptive transitions during the 2020-2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, St. Vincent.

A critical challenge during volcanic emergencies is responding to rapid changes in eruptive behaviour. Actionable advice, essential in times of rising uncertainty, demands the rapid synthesis and communication of multiple datasets with prognoses. The 2020-2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano exemplifies these challenges: a series of explosions from 9-22 April 2021 was preceded by three months of effusive activity, which commenced with a remarkably low level of detected unrest. Here we show how the development of an evolving conceptual model, and the expression of uncertainties via both elicitation and scenarios associated with this model, were key to anticipating this transition. This not only required input from multiple monitoring datasets but contextualisation via state-of-the-art hazard assessments, and evidence-based knowledge of critical decision-making timescales and community needs. In addition, we share strategies employed as a consequence of constraints on recognising and responding to eruptive transitions in a resource-constrained setting, which may guide similarly challenged volcano observatories worldwide.

Gonad shield placement accuracy in pelvic radiographs for male patients: A prospective phantom study and survey of third year undergraduate diagnostic radiography students".

INTRODUCTION: Little research has focused on the accuracy of gonad shield placement, especially by students. While studies have investigated the presence of gonad shields they do not aim to measure accuracy but only look at repeatability. This study aimed to establish students' knowledge of gonad shields and their accuracy in placing it. METHODS: Following an invitation email and informed consent, students completed a 7-question questionnaire and placed a gonad shield on a Pixi full body adult phantom (male configuration). The phantom was x-rayed and images were assessed for gonad shield positioning in terms of obscuring bony anatomy, correct orientation and distance from a "gold standard" position. RESULTS: 36% of images displayed shields covering bony anatomy while 16% of shields were incorrectly orientated. All shields incorrectly orientated also covered bony anatomy. Statistical significance was seen between incorrect shield orientation and the obscuring of bony anatomy (p = 0.01). Dispersion of positioning error measurements ranged from -6.80 mm (better placed than the "gold standard") to 62.35 mm inferiorly, with an average 28.22 mm inferiorly. CONCLUSION: The average misplacement of 28.22 mm suggests participants placed the gonad shielding lower than necessary to avoid obscuring bony anatomy. The 36% of misplaced shields, while lower than in previous studies, is still a significant number of radiographs that would require repeats. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Given the associated difficulties surrounding gonad shields and their placement, this study supports previous research suggesting that the benefit of using gonad shielding is questionable.

Chronic subdural haematoma: the role of peri-operative medicine in a common form of reversible brain injury.

Epidemiological studies project a significant rise in cases of chronic subdural haematoma over the next 20 years. Patients with this condition are frequently older and medically complex, with baseline characteristics that may increase peri-operative risk. The intra-operative period is only a small portion of a patient's total hospital stay, with a majority of patients in the United Kingdom transferred between institutions for their surgical and rehabilitative care. Definitive management remains surgical, but peri-operative challenges exist which resonate with other surgical cohorts where multidisciplinary working has become the gold standard. These include shared decision-making, medical optimisation, the management of peri-operative anticoagulation and the identification of key points of equipoise for examination in the future trials. In this narrative review, we use a stereotyped patient journey to provide context to the recent literature, highlighting where multidisciplinary expertise may be required to optimise patient care and maximise the benefits of surgical management. We discuss the triage, pre-operative optimisation, intra-operative management and immediate postoperative care of patients undergoing surgery for a chronic subdural haematoma. We also discuss where adjunctive medical management may be indicated. In so doing, we present the current and emerging evidence base for the role of an integrated peri-operative medicine team in the care of patients with a chronic subdural haematoma.

Major trauma care at a regional trauma centre during the COVID-19 lockdown in England.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the presentation of many medical and surgical conditions, including major trauma. We aimed to assess how lockdown changed the presentation, severity and management of major trauma patients at our level 1 trauma centre in England. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the Trauma Audit and Research Network's database between 23 March and 28 April 2020 and compared with the same period in 2019. Collected data included patient demographics, and the mechanism, severity and management of injuries. RESULTS: We experienced a 56.4% reduction in major trauma admissions during the lockdown period when compared with 2019. In 2020, more patients arrived in haemodynamic shock (25.3% vs 12.2%, p=0.02); however, Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score were unchanged. A higher proportion of incidents occurred at home (37.2% vs 53.5%, p=0.018), with no difference in trauma secondary to substance abuse or assault. During lockdown, patients had a significantly shorter hospital (17 vs 10 days, p=0.029) and critical care stay (2 vs 1 day, p=0.033). A higher proportion of major trauma patients were assessed by specialty trainees in the emergency department in 2020 (12.8% vs 53.1%, p=0.0001) with a lower proportion assessed by a consultant (69.8% vs 46.7%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown drastically changed human behaviour, as reflected in the change in presentation of major trauma. Changes in the management of these patients reflect adaptive measures to manage the pressures generated by the worldwide pandemic.

The Role of Alcohol and Drug Intoxication in Fire-Related Incidents in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Fire-related burns contribute significantly to the global burden of burn injury and mortality. Alcohol and/or drug intoxication poses a risk to burn and fire-related injury, whether intentional or unintentional, but such evidence is scarce in the African context. This review aimed to fill the knowledge gap on health determinants of fire-related morbidity and mortality regionally by investigating the role of alcohol and drug intoxication in such events. Using key concepts, an extensive search was performed on 25 databases for relevant publications. Eligible articles were critically appraised using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool), adapted to the review's objectives and outcomes. A total of 42 articles were included, of which less than half were solely investigating burn/fire-related events. Others indirectly mentioned burn injuries as part of larger health burdens such as injury, trauma, violence and other diseases. The measurement of alcohol and/or drug intoxication was inconsistent between studies with varying results. Alcohol and drug impairment in burn incidents in Africa requires evidence-based epidemiological research, and this review illustrated the limited scope of this topic in current literature. Routine toxicological results from post-mortem examinations were identified as important data sources and several research recommendations were provided.

Les atteintes lors d'un incendie représentent une partie non négligeable de l'ensemble des brûlures. Qu'elle soit intentionnelle ou non, l'intoxication alcoolique et/ou par stupéfiant en augmente le risque. Mais les données à ce sujet sont rares en Afrique. Nous avons effectué une revue systématique sur 25 banques de données. Les 42 articles sélectionnés, dont moins de la moitié exploraient les brûlures lors d'un incendie (les autres comprenaient les brûlures dans un cadre traumatique plus général- blessure, traumatisme, violence, etc.), ont été étudiés selon la méthode AXIS. La mesure de l'alcoolémie et les recherches de toxiques étaient variablement reprises dans les articles, le diagnostic d'intoxication reposant essentiellement sur la clinique en Afrique et il y a donc peu de données basées sur des chiffres, les plus fréquentes étant celles provenant de prélèvements autopsiques. Il s'agit donc d'améliorer le diagnostic de ces intoxications en cas de brûlure lors d'un incendie.

Incidence of chronic subdural haematoma: a single-centre exploration of the effects of an ageing population with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology frequently occurring in older patients. The impact of population ageing on cSDH caseload has not been examined, despite relevance for health system planning. METHODS: This is a single-centre study from the UK. Operated cases of cSDH (n = 446) for 2015-2018 were identified. Crude and directly standardised incidence rates were calculated. Medline and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify studies reporting on the incidence of cSDH by year, so an estimate of rate of incidence change could be determined. Local incidence rates were then applied to population projections for local catchment area to estimate operated cSDH numbers at 5 yearly intervals due to shifting demographics. RESULTS: We identified nine studies presenting incidence estimates. Crude estimates for operative cases ranged from 1.3/100,000/year (1.4-2.2) to 5.3/100,000/year (4.3-6.6). When non-operated cases were included, incidence was higher: 8.2/100,000/year (6.0-11.2) to 48/100,000/year (37.7-61.1). Four pairs of studies demonstrated incidence rate increases of 200-600% over the last 50 years, but data was deemed too heterogeneous to generate formal estimate of incidence change. Local crude incidence of operated cSDH was 3.50/100,000/year (3.19-3.85). Directly standardised incidence was 1.58/100,000/year (1.26-1.90). After applying local incidence rates to population projections, case numbers were predicted to increase by 53% over the next 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cSDH is increasing. We project a 53% increase in operative caseload within our region by 2040. These are important findings for guiding future healthcare planning.

Chlorhexidine dressings could reduce external ventricular drain infections: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The incidence of external ventricular drain (EVD) infections remains high. Chlorhexidine dressings have demonstrated efficacy in reducing infections associated with indwelling catheters at other body sites, although evidence for their use with EVDs is limited. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine dressings in reducing EVD-associated cerebrospinal fluid infection (EVDAI). MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were queried for articles from inception. The primary outcome was the incidence of EVDAI. Secondary outcomes included device safety, microbiological outcomes and shunt-dependency. From 896 unique records, five studies were included of which four presented suitable data for quantitative analysis including three case series and one underpowered randomized controlled trial. There was a high risk of bias in all studies. A total of 880 patients were included with a mean age of 57.7 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 57.4-58.0 years). In primary outcome analysis, the chlorhexidine dressing group had a significantly lower incidence of EVDAI (1.7% vs 7.9%, risk difference (RD) = 0.07, 95% CI 0.00-0.13, P=0.04). In conclusion, chlorhexidine dressings may reduce the incidence of EVDAI but require future study in randomized trials to definitively determine efficacy.

Low body mass index is associated with increased mortality in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures.

AIMS: Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum are often the consequence of high energy trauma in young individuals or fragility fractures in osteoporotic bone. They can be life-threatening or life changing injuries. No published data exists comparing body mass index (BMI) and mortality for this patient group. The aim of this study was to identify if low BMI (<18.5) was a predictor of morbidity and mortality for patients with these injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 1033 patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures referred to a single level 1 major trauma centre (MTC) over a 4.5-year period (August 2015 - January 2020); we retrospectively analysed data for all admitted patients. Data was collected on demographics, injury pattern, operative intervention and complications. Comparison was made between patients that were underweight (BMI<18.5) and patients that were not. Both in-hospital and post discharge complications were recorded including pulmonary embolus (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ileus, infection, loss of reduction and mortality at 6 months. RESULTS: 569 patients admitted to the MTC with a pelvic or acetabular fracture were included in our analysis. Underweight patients had a statistically significant increase in mortality both in-hospital (p = 0.019) and at 6 months post injury (p = 0.039) when compared to other BMI groups. No statistical significance was found between these BMI groups comparing morbidity: DVT (p = 0.712), PE (p = 0.736) nor ileus (p = 0.149). Covariate analysis showed that a low BMI was associated with triple the in-hospital mortality after correction for age and energy of injury (adjusted OR 3.028, 95% CI 1.059-8.659). CONCLUSION: This is the first published study that demonstrates a statistically significant increase in mortality in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures who are underweight. Surgeons should carefully consider appropriate peri-operative optimisation for these patients. Further investigation into the effects of low BMI and response to trauma is required.

The impact of gonad shielding in anteroposterior (AP) pelvis projections in an adult: A phantom study utilising digital radiography (DR).

INTRODUCTION: Positioning relative to the lateral automatic exposure control (AEC) chambers (cranial/caudal orientation) optimises dose and image quality in pelvic radiography. In the cranial orientation introducing gonad shielding (GS) in females may increase radiation dose. The aim of this study was to fully optimise the combination of pelvis orientation and use of GS in both male and females. METHODS: An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was exposed, with dose area product (DAP) recorded, in both orientations without GS and four conditions with GS: cranial orientation (female/male), caudal orientation (female/male). A 4 cm × 4 cm grid incorporating thirteen positions for the GS resulted in 52 experimental settings. Blind image quality assessment, utilising a modified scale, was undertaken by two experienced observers. RESULTS: Comparing no GS (caudal orientation) to female GS, no significant change in DAP was seen (3.97 v 4.03 dGy*cm2; Mann-Whitney p = 0.060). Comparing no GS (cranial orientation) to male GS no significant change in DAP was seen (8.66 v 8.77 dGy*cm2; Mann-Whitney; p = 0.210). DAP increased significantly with introduction of female GS in the cranial orientation (23%: 8.66 v 10.65 dGy*cm2, Mann-Whitney; p < 0.001) and male GS in the caudal orientation (22.8%: 3.97 v 4.87 dGy*cm2, Mann-Whitney; p < 0.001). Significantly higher repeat rates (Chi-squared test; p < 0.001) were seen for GS in female (85-100%) compared to male (30.8%). CONCLUSION: The use of gonad shielding can increase DAP and lead to repeats being required, with more required for female GS usage, suggesting the utility of GS for pelvis examinations is questionable. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Optimisation of radiation dose in pelvic radiographic examinations utilising AEC terminated exposures requires consideration of AEC chamber position and GS usage.

Acute And Sub-Acute Reconstruction Of Periorbital Thermal Burns Involving The Anterior Lamella Of The Eyelid With Simultaneous Fullthickness Skin Grafting And Amniotic Membrane Grafting.

Thermal burns of the periorbital region offer a particular challenge to surgeons in terms of satisfactory operative reconstruction. Several approaches currently exist, including full-thickness skin grafting following scar excision. The authors present a novel technique for the reconstruction of periorbital thermal burns involving the anterior lamella of the eyelid with simultaneous full-thickness skin grafting and amniotic membrane grafting. A retrospective review of six patients with periorbital thermal burn injury involving the anterior lamella of the eyelid(s) who underwent operative reconstruction utilizing this technique was performed. The operative and post-surgical outcomes were evaluated. In total, sixteen graft sites were examined. All graft sites demonstrated appropriate coverage and healthy re-epithelialization over the previously necrotic and burned areas. No evidence of cicatricial changes or lagophthalmos was noted. The postoperative outcomes demonstrate excellent functionality and cosmesis. By providing acute reconstruction, the risk of ophthalmic damage and vision loss secondary to cicatricial eyelid changes may be avoided. Additionally, utilizing only a minimal amount of tissue for reconstruction preserves vital skin. This analysis demonstrates the viability of simultaneous full-thickness skin grafting and amniotic membrane grafting for the acute and sub-acute reconstruction of periorbital thermal burn injury.

Les brûlures thermiques de la région périorbitaire représentent pour les chirurgiens un défi particulier pour obtenir une reconstruction de qualité. Plusieurs approches existent actuellement, dont la greffe de peau totale après excision de la cicatrice. Les auteurs présentent une nouvelle technique de reconstruction des brûlures thermiques périorbitaires impliquant la lamelle antérieure de la paupière avec greffe de peau totale et greffe de membrane amniotique simultanées. Une revue rétrospective a été réalisée sur six patients présentant une brûlure thermique périorbitaire impliquant la lamelle antérieure de la/les paupière(s), reconstruits en utilisant cette technique. Les résultats opératoires et post-chirurgicaux ont été évalués. Au total, seize sites de greffe ont été examinés. Tous les sites de greffe ont démontré une couverture appropriée et une réépithélialisation saine sur les zones auparavant nécrotiques et brûlées. Aucun signe de remaniements cicatriciels ou de lagophtalmie n'a été noté. Les résultats postopératoires sont excellents sur le plan fonctionnel et esthétique. En assurant une reconstruction à la phase aiguë, le risque de lésions ophtalmiques et de perte de vision secondaire à des modifications de la paupière cicatricielle peut être évité. De plus, l'utilisation d'une quantité minimale de tissu pour la reconstruction préserve le capital cutané. Cette analyse démontre la viabilité de la greffe de peau totale et la greffe de membrane amniotique simultanées, pour la reconstruction aiguë et subaiguë de brûlure thermique périorbitaire.

Importance and vulnerability of the world's water towers.

Mountains are the water towers of the world, supplying a substantial part of both natural and anthropogenic water demands1,2. They are highly sensitive and prone to climate change3,4, yet their importance and vulnerability have not been quantified at the global scale. Here we present a global water tower index (WTI), which ranks all water towers in terms of their water-supplying role and the downstream dependence of ecosystems and society. For each water tower, we assess its vulnerability related to water stress, governance, hydropolitical tension and future climatic and socio-economic changes. We conclude that the most important (highest WTI) water towers are also among the most vulnerable, and that climatic and socio-economic changes will affect them profoundly. This could negatively impact 1.9 billion people living in (0.3 billion) or directly downstream of (1.6 billion) mountainous areas. Immediate action is required to safeguard the future of the world's most important and vulnerable water towers.

BEECH: a dose-finding run-in followed by a randomised phase II study assessing the efficacy of AKT inhibitor capivasertib (AZD5363) combined with paclitaxel in patients with estrogen receptor-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer, and in a PIK3CA mutant sub-population.

BACKGROUND: BEECH investigated the efficacy of capivasertib (AZD5363), an oral inhibitor of AKT isoforms 1-3, in combination with the first-line weekly paclitaxel for advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer, and in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide mutation sub-population (PIK3CA+). PATIENTS AND METHODS: BEECH consisted of an open-label, phase Ib safety run-in (part A) in 38 patients with advanced breast cancer, and a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II expansion (part B) in 110 women with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. In part A, patients received paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 (days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle) with capivasertib taken twice daily (b.i.d.) at two intermittent ascending dosing schedules. In part B, patients were randomly assigned, stratified by PIK3CA mutation status, to receive paclitaxel with either capivasertib or placebo. The primary end point for part A was safety to recommend a dose and schedule for part B; primary end points for part B were progression-free survival (PFS) in the overall and PIK3CA+ sub-population. RESULTS: Capivasertib was well tolerated, with a 400 mg b.i.d. 4 days on/3 days off treatment schedule selected in part A. In part B, median PFS in the overall population was 10.9 months with capivasertib versus 8.4 months with placebo [hazard ratio (HR) 0.80; P = 0.308]. In the PIK3CA+ sub-population, median PFS was 10.9 months with capivasertib versus 10.8 months with placebo (HR 1.11; P = 0.760). Based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event v4.0, the most common grade ≥3 adverse events in the capivasertib group were diarrhoea, hyperglycaemia, neutropoenia and maculopapular rash. Dose intensity of paclitaxel was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Capivasertib had no apparent impact on the tolerability and dose intensity of paclitaxel. Adding capivasertib to weekly paclitaxel did not prolong PFS in the overall population or PIK3CA+ sub-population of ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01625286.

Pus Samples in Complicated Appendicitis: An Important Investigation or a Waste of Resources: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:: Appendicitis is a common presentation to hospital with appendectomy being the treatment of choice. Pre-operative administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is common, but obtaining intra-abdominal pus samples is not. After an initial 6-month retrospective audit and departmental teaching on the importance of intra-peritoneal pus sampling, we aimed to determine whether intra-operative pus samples changed antibiotic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Following the initial audit cycle, a 6-month prospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data were collected on a predetermined proforma to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and antibiotic prescribing practice. The data collected during the whole 1-year period was analyzed. RESULTS:: During the 1-year period, 440 patients were identified as undergoing a laparoscopic procedure. After exclusion, 261 patients were identified as undergoing laparoscopic appendectomies, of which 141 (54%) were classified as complicated laparoscopic appendectomies. A total of 35 out of 141 (25%) pus samples were sent of which 24 (17%) resulted in positive cultures, with only nine of these positive cultures reported prior to the patient being discharged. No patient had their antibiotic regimen changed as a result of the culture results. There were three cases of cultures resistant to local antibiotics, but without significant clinical outcome. One of these patients developed a post-operative complication, but the antibiotic regimen was changed to broad spectrum rather than a specific antibiotic based on culture sensitivity. Of the 141 patients with complicated laparoscopic appendectomies, five (3.5%) developed post-operative complications: one readmission requiring a laparoscopic washout for pelvic collection, three (2%) cases of pelvic collections managed conservatively, and one case of prolonged paralytic ileus managed non-operatively. CONCLUSION:: Overall, none of the patients with positive cultures had a change in prescribed antibiotics based on culture results. Hence, the routine practice of intra-peritoneal pus sampling following complicated appendicitis remains of little clinical value.