Can sub-cutaneous drain safely counter debilitating surgical emphysema? A retrospective study in quest for an answer.

Literature evidence on sub-cutaneous drain insertion in severe surgical emphysema (SE) is lacking. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes of 5 patients who underwent insertion of sub-cutaneous drains to manage SE of various aetiologies between September 2022 to August 2023 in a single district general hospital in the UK. Case history, outcome following sub-cutaneous drain insertion, and side effects due to the procedure were collected.

Need and baseline for harmonising nursing education in respiratory care: preliminary results of a global survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic confirmed that respiratory nurses are critical healthcare providers. Limited knowledge is available about appropriate education to prepare nurses to deliver high-quality respiratory care. A survey was developed by the International Coalition for Respiratory Nursing (ICRN) group to identify the need for a respiratory nursing core curriculum.

The Use of Infrared Thermography in Determining Timing for Early Pedicle Division of the Preexpanded Bipedicled Visor Flap after Ischemic Preconditioning.

Background: The preexpanded bipedicled visor flap, supported by the bilateral superficial temporal vessels, stands as an ideal choice for upper and lower lip reconstruction in males. However, the bilateral tissue bridges after flap transfer caused patients significant cosmetic deformity and psychological burden. Early division of bilateral pedicles reduced the length of hospitalization and expenses.

Far Infrared Radiation Therapy for Gynecological Cancer-Related Lymphedema Is an Effective and Oncologically Safe Treatment: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Gynecological cancer-related lymphedema (GCRL) is a devastating condition that adversely influences function, health, and quality of life. We conducted a randomized-controlled clinical study as well as experiments to investigate the efficacy and safety of far infrared radiation (FIR) to treat lymphedema in patients having previously undergone surgery for gynecological tumors. Seventy-four women with GCRL, cancer free for 5 years or more, were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: standard of care with bandage treatment and treatment with FIR plus bandage.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using an intralesional 1470 nm bare-fibre diode laser: a novel efficient minimally-invasive technique.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars result from abnormal wound healing and can have a variable response to a number of available treatment modalities. The evolution of laser treatments in recent years has shown a wide range of clinical applications including their use in the treatment of scars. We investigated the effectiveness of a 1470 nm diode laser using an intralesional optical fibre delivery device in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Microvascular coupler device versus hand-sewn venous anastomosis: A systematic review of the literature and data meta-analysis.

Background: Successful vascular anastomosis is essential for the survival of free tissue transfer. The aim of the study is to review the current literature and perform a meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of a mechanical anastomosis coupler device (MACD) over the hand-sewn (HS) technique for venous anastomoses.

Methods: A systematic Medline search was performed to gather all reports of articles related to MACD from 1984 until now.

Intraoperative Near-infrared Fluorescence (NIR) Imaging With Indocyanine Green (ICG) Can Identify Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas Which May Provide Guidance for Oncological Resection.

Background: Complete excision of sarcomas to maximize function without compromising the oncological outcome can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and potential drawbacks of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green during resection of bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

Methods: Eleven patients with high-grade sarcomas were enrolled in the study.

Temperate Bacteriophages from Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infections Show Disease-Specific Changes in Host Range and Modulate Antimicrobial Susceptibility.

Temperate bacteriophages are a common feature of genomes, but their role in chronic lung infections is poorly understood. This study was designed to identify the diverse communities of mobile phages by employing novel metagenomic methods, to determine cross infectivity, and to demonstrate the influence of phage infection on antimicrobial susceptibility. Mixed temperate phage populations were chemically mobilized from individual , isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or bronchiectasis (BR).

Clinical guidelines for prevention and management of preterm birth: a systematic review.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) endorse multiple strategies to prevent or manage preterm birth (PTB).

Objectives: To summarise CPG recommendations for PTB and identify areas of international consensus.

Search Strategy: In May 2017 we searched for all CPG relevant to PTB without language restrictions.