Oxidative modification and electrochemical inactivation of Escherichia coli upon cold atmospheric pressure plasma exposure.

Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs) are known to have bactericidal effects but the mechanism of their interaction with microorganisms remains poorly understood. In this study the bacteria Escherichia coli were used as a model and were exposed to CAPPs. Different gas compositions, helium with or without adjunctions of nitrogen or oxygen, were used.

Mechanistic insights into the impact of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on human epithelial cell lines.

Compelling evidence suggests that Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAPP) has potential as a new cancer therapy. However, knowledge about cellular signaling events and toxicity subsequent to plasma treatment is still poorly documented. The aim of this study was to focus on the interaction between 3 different types of plasma (He, He-O, He-N) and human epithelial cell lines to gain better insight into plasma-cell interaction.

A Dual Functional Electroactive and Fluorescent Probe for Coupled Measurements of Vesicular Exocytosis with High Spatial and Temporal Resolution.

In this work, Fluorescent False Neurotransmitter 102 (FFN102), a synthesized analogue of biogenic neurotransmitters, was demonstrated to show both pH-dependent fluorescence and electroactivity. To study secretory behaviors at the single-vesicle level, FFN102 was employed as a new fluorescent/electroactive dual probe in a coupled technique (amperometry and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM)). We used N13 cells, a stable clone of BON cells, to specifically accumulate FFN102 into their secretory vesicles, and then optical and electrochemical measurements of vesicular exocytosis were experimentally achieved by using indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by a giant cell tumour of the flexor tendon sheath.

A 76-year-old woman developed right carpal tunnel syndrome after being conservatively treated for tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons with associated mild carpal tunnel syndrome. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a tumour in the carpal tunnel. Re-exploration showed that the median nerve was being compressed by a giant cell tumour of the flexor tendon sheaths.

The use of the mini C-arm in the outpatient setting: evolving practice.

The mini C-arm image intensifier (mini C-arm) has now become an established diagnostic tool in the hand surgery outpatient department. This study reviews the use of the mini C-arm and formal radiographs (X-rays) in the outpatient hand surgery setting. X-rays provide a standard image whereas the mini C-arm can obtain non-standard images to aid diagnosis and treatment.

Designing molecular materials and strategies for the electrochemical detection of nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite in biological systems.

We present an overview of the successes and challenges still faced in the detection of NO, O(2)(*-) and ONOO(-) in biological media. We provide a full discussion on the electrochemical analyses of each of these species and we summarise the significant research contributions towards the development of sensors for individual and simultaneous detection of these species. We emphasize the importance of understanding the potential interferents in developing such sensors.

An audit of the safe use of the mini c-arm image intensifier in the out-patient setting.

Mini C-arm image intensifiers are used commonly in surgery of the upper limb. With relatively low doses of emitted ionising radiation, portability and superior quality of image, they are a useful aid to the operating surgeon. However, these benefits are not so often used outside the theatre setting.

Precursors and correlates of criminal behaviour in women.

Background: The precursors and correlates of criminal behaviour in women were examined in this longitudinal study of women in their late thirties.

Methods: The sample consisted of a high-risk group of women (n = 86) and a comparison group (n = 97): the former had been raised in institutional care. Questionnaire measures of childhood behaviour problems and detailed interview data from two time points in adulthood were obtained, along with official records of offending.

Emotional abuse in early childhood: relationships with progress in subsequent family placement.

Background: Several studies of family placements have indicated poorer outcomes for singly placed children. Two of our own studies have additionally shown that late placements of children who were actively singled out from siblings and alone in the care system were at increased risk of poor progress in the first year.

Method: This paper draws on the data available for singly placed children from both studies to explore this phenomenon in more detail.

Digital prostheses for single finger amputations.

After amputation digital prostheses are infrequently used. With modern methods of fabrication both cosmetic and functional use are now possible. We have assessed the use of single digit prostheses in a district general hospital setting.

Open water scuba diving accidents at Leicester: five years' experience.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, type, outcome, and possible risk factors of diving accidents in each year of a five year period presenting from one dive centre to a large teaching hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department.

Methods: All patients included in this study presented to the A&E department at a local teaching hospital in close proximity to the largest inland diving centre in the UK. Our main outcome measures were: presenting symptoms, administration of recompression treatment, mortality, and postmortem examination report where applicable.

Long-term morbidity in patients suffering a sternal fracture following discharge from the A and E department.

Objective: To describe the duration of symptoms and long term outcome in patients who were discharged home from the A and E department having sustained an isolated fracture of the sternum.

Design: Postal questionnaire.

Outcome Measures: Patients were asked specific questions regarding advice and analgesia given on discharge, length of time off work, if appropriate, and length of time of symptoms related to the injury.

Shoulder disorders related to work organization and other occupational factors among supermarket cashiers.

The study was designed to examine, in 210 supermarket cashiers, the cross-sectional relationships between shoulder disorders according to location and chronicity of pain as well as personal and occupational factors and store and workstation characteristics. The factors associated with shoulder disorders differed for the right and left sides. Age and psychological disorders were significant risk factors.

The management of corneal abrasions in accident and emergency.

Recent debate over the use of eyepads and mydriatics for corneal abrasions in ophthalmology departments (Mindin et al., 1996, JAMA 1996; 27: 837) has prompted this review of the management of small corneal abrasions (< 60% of cornea) in a large teaching hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department. Ninety-nine patients were studied who presented to the Leicester Royal Infirmary A&E Department with a corneal abrasion; 49 were given an eye pad and 50 were not given an eye pad.

Adolescent friendships mediating childhood adversity and adult outcome.

This interview-based study compares the friendships of 50 girls, aged 15-16, identified on the basis of their childhood experiences as being at-risk for difficulties in early adult partnerships, with the friendships of 50 girls of the same age from an inner-city school. Key differences in the features of both romantic and non-romantic adolescent friendships between the two groups of girls give a clearer understanding of the processes linking childhood adversity and poor adult outcome.

Vulnerable adolescent girls: opposite-sex relationships.

This interview-based study compares the opposite-sex relationships of 50 girls, aged 15-16, identified as being at risk for difficulties in early adult partnerships, with 50 girls of the same age from an inner-city school. The high-risk girls had begun solo-dating earlier than the school girls, were more likely to have had a sexual relationship, to have had more sexual partners, to have been pregnant, and to have had a child. A third of the girls in both groups were solo-dating at the time of the interview.

Tap water as a wound cleansing agent in accident and emergency.

Objective: To investigate the bacterial cleanliness of tap water in a large accident and emergency (A&E) department for its possible use in the cleansing and irrigation of open traumatic wounds.

Methods: Tap water samples were collected from different areas within the department and analysed on two separate occasions for coliforms, S aureus, clostridia, pseudomonas, and beta haemolytic streptococci.

Results: Pathogenic bacteria were not isolated from the tap water samples within the A&E department.

The changing profile of poisoning and its management.

To identify changes in treatment methods and types of drugs taken in overdoses over a 10-year period we conducted a retrospective study in the accident and emergency department of a large teaching hospital. The influence of a protocol to direct medical management was also studied. Results were compared with those of a 1984 survey at the same institution.

Role of the accident and emergency department in the non-heart-beating donor programme in Leicester.

Objective: To describe the development of a non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) programme in an accident and emergency (A&E) department over a three year period.

Background And Methods: The A&E department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary at present deals with approximately 200 prehospital cardiopulmonary arrests per year. A programme of kidney retrieval from non-heart-beating donors was started in April 1992.