Randomised controlled trial of tourniquet associated pain generated in lower limb after exsanguination by Esmarch bandage versus limb elevation.

Background: Tourniquets are common adjuncts in the operating theatre but can be associated with post-operative pain. This study was designed to compare what effect pre-tourniquet Esmarch bandage exsanguination has on pain, compared to pre-tourniquet exsanguination by elevation alone.

Methods: 52 volunteers (104 lower limbs) were included in this study with each volunteer acting as their own matched control.

Structured ternary fluids as nanocrystal incubators for enhanced crystallization control.

In crystallization from solution, a ubiquitous process in both industry and the natural world, nucleation is usually the rate-determining step, followed by faster crystal growth. Consequently, crystals typically exist in the nm-size range for such limited times that their investigation and manipulation is hindered. Here, we show that, owing to a degree of restricted diffusion, crystallization in structured ternary fluids (STFs) can proceed higher nucleation rate and slower crystal growth pathways.

The Human Rights Act 1998--legal implications for those engaged in infertility services.

This review considers some recent human rights cases in the field of assisted reproduction and explores how the UK courts are seeking to weave their way through the complex legal and ethical issues in this sensitive field to balance the competing rights of those seeking infertility treatment, gamete donors and their offspring.

Removal of nail polish and finger rings to prevent surgical infection.

Background: Surgical wound infection may be caused by transfer of bacteria from the hands of the surgical team during operative procedures. Careful surgical scrubbing is therefore performed to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. The wearing of finger rings and nail polish is thought to reduce the efficacy of the scrub as they are thought to harbour bacteria in microscopic imperfections of nail polish and on the skin beneath finger rings.

A randomized trial of dehumidification in the control of house dust mite.

Background: House dust mites (HDM) are sensitive to humidity. Few studies have adequately examined the potential of dehumidification in reducing HDM numbers.

Objective: The study examined the effect of portable domestic dehumidifiers, and a behavioural programme to reduce humidity, on HDM counts and HDM allergen levels.