No abstract

We present a silicon sheet for temporary wound covering and gradual wound closure after open fasciotomy. Fasciotomy was performed in a total of 70 limbs with compartment syndrome (CS). The main etiology of CS was predominantly vascular. All patients were treated with a silicon sheet to cover the soft tissue defect and gradually reapproximate the skin margins. In 53% of the patients, a delayed final wound closure was achieved after a mean of 11.9 days. This method allows final closure of fasciotomy wounds without scar contractures, marginal necrosis, infection, or significant pain.

A variety of models has been proposed for the origin of late Devonian low-grade greywacke, juxtaposed with the high-grade Variscan basement of the Black Forest. Here we interpret detrital zircon ages, and geochemical and Sm–Nd isotopic data of greywacke samples as evidence for their sources and tectonic setting of deposition. Detrital zircon ages of 371–384 Ma reveal igneous activity shortly before the deposition of the greywacke sequence at c . 365 Ma. ε Nd values of c . +3 to −10 in the greywacke samples indicate mixing of juvenile and older crustal material. Samples with low MgO concentrations and ε Nd values of −10 to −4 are interpreted as mostly derived from older granite–gneiss basement. Involvement of a juvenile mafic source is documented by samples with up to 7 wt% MgO and ε Nd values up to +3. Assessment of the composition of the juvenile component shows high concentrations of light REE, and low Sm/Nd and Nb/La ratios, all consistent with a subduction-related origin. We conclude that the greywacke sequence was derived from a late Devonian Andean-type continental margin, implying a cryptic suture in the internal high-grade Variscan basement of the southern Black Forest.

RAA without external wrapping shows good long-term results in patients with a dilated ascending aorta who underwent concomitant cardiac procedures. Echocardiography is very accurate in measuring the ascending aortic diameter, which makes it a cost-effective diagnostic tool. Moreover, ascending aortoplasty without external wrapping preserves the important elastic properties, namely the Windkessel function. Follow-up of the cardiac function and aortic diameter can be performed easily and precisely in the outpatient setting.

Hydrotin-C-Pads can be used as a solid ultrasonic coupling agent. Because of the consistent thickness of the coupling zone, the IQ seems to be better for Hydrotin-C-Pads compared with standard coupling gel. The transducer presser is lower, and these pads are easy to apply and are reusable and reduce the burden of clean-up after treatment.