Hypocalcemia in Military Casualties From Point of Injury to Surgical Teams in Afghanistan.

Introduction: Hypocalcemia is a known sequela of citrated blood product transfusion. Civilian data suggest hypocalcemia on hospital admission is associated with worse outcomes. Initial calcium levels in military casualties have not previously been analyzed.

Thermal Burn Injury from a Wedding Ring: An Unusual Case.

Thermal ring injuries are rarely reported in the literature. For this reason, treatment is varied without a standard approach. We describe a case of a thermal wedding ring injury sustained during a welding accident.

Design Rationale and Preclinical Evaluation of the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System for Hemocompatibility.

The HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is designed to support advanced heart failure patients. This centrifugal flow pump has a magnetically levitated rotor, artificial pulse, textured blood-contacting surfaces, optimized fluid dynamics, large blood-flow gaps, and low shear stress. Preclinical tests were conducted to assess hemocompatibility.

Towards a brain controlled assistive technology for powered mobility.

For individuals with mobility limitations, powered wheelchair systems provide improved functionality, increased access to healthcare, education and social activities. Input devices such as joystick and switches can provide the necessary input required for efficient control of the powered wheelchair. For persons with limited dexterity, or fine control of the fingers, access to mechanical hardware such as buttons and joysticks can be quite difficult and sometimes painful.

An electrooculogram-based binary saccade sequence classification (BSSC) technique for augmentative communication and control.

In the field of assistive technology, the electrooculogram (EOG) can be used as a channel of communication and the basis of a man-machine interface. For many people with severe motor disabilities, simple actions such as changing the TV channel require assistance. This paper describes a method of detecting saccadic eye movements and the use of a saccade sequence classification algorithm to facilitate communication and control.

Accelerometer based measurement for the mapping of neck surface vibrations during vocalized speech.

This paper presents a detailed study of the vibrations on the surface of the neck during a vocalization of predefined fundamental frequency and intensity. This study was carried out as part of a wider investigation into the use of laryngeal vibrations as a channel of communication. Another potential application of this study is in identifying a suitable location for a hands-free electro-larynx for laryngectomees.

Community-oriented medical emergency programme: development and evaluation issues.

A community-oriented medical emergency programme for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals on the Higher Professional Diploma in International Healthcare Studies, at the United Medical Education College, London is described. The main aim of the course is to introduce students to the clinical skills of dealing with medical emergency problems and situations. Students are also exposed to how medical emergency is practised in the community.