Metabolic responses of thermophilic endospores to sudden heat-induced perturbation in marine sediment samples.

Microbially mediated processes in a given habitat tend to be catalyzed by abundant populations that are ecologically adapted to exploit specific environmental characteristics. Typically, metabolic activities of rare populations are limited but may be stimulated in response to acute environmental stressors. Community responses to sudden changes in temperature and pressure can include suppression and activation of different populations, but these dynamics remain poorly understood.

Thermogenic hydrocarbon biodegradation by diverse depth-stratified microbial populations at a Scotian Basin cold seep.

At marine cold seeps, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons migrate from deep subsurface origins to the sediment-water interface. Cold seep sediments are known to host taxonomically diverse microorganisms, but little is known about their metabolic potential and depth distribution in relation to hydrocarbon and electron acceptor availability. Here we combined geophysical, geochemical, metagenomic and metabolomic measurements to profile microbial activities at a newly discovered cold seep in the deep sea.

Formal verification: will the seedling ever flower?

In one sense, formal specification and verification have been highly successful: techniques have been developed in pioneering academic research, transferred to software companies through training and partnerships, and successfully deployed in systems with national significance. Altran UK has been in the vanguard of this movement. This paper summarizes some of our key deployments of formal techniques over the past 20 years, including both security- and safety-critical systems.

Lower limb intracast pressures generated by different types of immobilisation casts.

Aim: To determine if complete, split casts and backslabs [plaster of Paris (POP) and fiberglass] generate different intracast pressures and pain.

Methods: Increased swelling within casts was modeled by a closed water system attached to an expandable bag placed directly under different types of casts applied to a healthy lower limb. Complete fiberglass and POP casts, split casts and backslabs were applied.

Climate change, fuel and fire behaviour in a eucalypt forest.

A suite of models was used to examine the links between climate, fuels and fire behaviour in dry eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia. Predictions from a downscaled climate model were used to drive models of fuel amount, the moisture content of fuels and two models of forest fire behaviour at a location in western Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. We found that a warming and drying climate produced lower fine fuel amounts, but greater availability of this fuel to burn due to lower moisture contents.

Angiographic embolisation of pelvic ring injuries. Treatment algorithm and review of the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between pelvic fracture patterns and the angiographic findings, and to assess the effectiveness of the embolisation.

Methods: This retrospective study, included patients with pelvic fractures and angiographic evaluation. Demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), associated injuries, embolisation time, blood units needed, method of treatment and complications were recorded and analysed.

Innovations in osteosynthesis and fracture care.

Over the years giant steps have been made in the evolution of fracture fixation and the overall clinical care of patients. Better understanding of the physiological response to injury, bone biology, biomechanics and implants has led to early mobilisation of patients. A significant reduction in complications during the pre-operative and post-operative phases has also been observed, producing better functional results.

Evaluation of BacLite Rapid MRSA, a rapid culture based screening test for the detection of ciprofloxacin and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from screening swabs.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen worldwide. The need for accurate and rapid screening methods to detect MRSA carriers has been clearly established. The performance of a novel assay, BacLite Rapid MRSA (Acolyte Biomedica, UK) for the rapid detection (5 h) and identification of hospital associated ciprofloxacin resistant strains of MRSA directly from nasal swab specimens was compared to that obtained by culture on Mannitol salt agar containing Oxacillin (MSAO) after 48 h incubation.

Management of ipsilateral pilon and calcaneal fractures: a report of 2 cases.

Although uncommon, the management of ipsilateral pilon and calcaneal fractures is a challenging problem for foot and ankle surgeons. There are several issues that may affect the outcome. Aside from damage to the soft-tissue envelope, technical issues such as positioning of the patient, application of traction, and tourniquet time may complicate surgical intervention.

Spontaneous healing of large femoral cortical bone defects: does genetic predisposition play a role?

Traumatic segmental femoral defects are commonly high velocity injuries and their reconstruction necessitates challenging surgical procedures. These injuries present commonly as open fractures and thorough wound debridement followed by adequate soft tissue cover is mandatory before skeletal reconstruction can be commenced. The definitive reconstructive procedure is therefore often delayed and the optimal treatment option is frequently determined by the extent of the cortical defect.

Medial subtalar dislocation: importance of clinical diagnosis in distinguishing from other dislocations.

In an emergency situation, the clinical picture of ankle and subtalar dislocation may be similar. This may lead to the use of the improper technique of reduction, especially in a subtalar dislocation, resulting in the failure of reduction and further damage to the articular surfaces. A case of medial subtalar dislocation is presented, which was managed as an ankle dislocation and manipulated inappropriately, leading to a failure of reduction.

Pseudoaneurysm of the inferior gluteal artery following polytrauma: diverse presentation of a dangerous complication: a report of two cases.

Gluteal artery aneurysms are rare, and the majority of them are pseudoaneurysms secondary to blunt or penetrating trauma. The superior gluteal artery is normally affected. Inferior gluteal artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon, and review of the literature revealed only 10 cases in the last 30 years.

Spinal injuries in motorcycle crashes: patterns and outcomes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine patterns of spinal injury and clinical outcomes resulting from motorcycle crashes.

Methods: We analyzed data collected on 1,121 motorcyclists involved in road traffic accidents (from 1993-2000) and identified those who had sustained a spinal injury.

Results: Spinal injury occurred in 126 (11.