An Alternative Interpretation of Recent ARPES Measurements on TiSe2

Recently there has been a renewed interest in the charge density wave transition of TiSe2, fuelled by the possibility that this transition may be driven by the formation of an excitonic insulator or even an excitonic condensate. We show here that the recent ARPES measurements on TiSe2 can also be interpreted in terms of an alternative scenario, in which the transition is due to a combination of Jahn-Teller effects and exciton formation. The hybrid exciton-phonons which cause the CDW formation interpolate between a purely structural and a purely electronic type of transition. Above the transition temperature, the electron-phonon coupling becomes ineffective but a finite mean-field density of excitons remains and gives rise to the observed diffuse ARPES signals.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Incisional hernia after upper abdominal surgery: A randomised controlled trial of midline versus transverse incision

Objectives: To determine whether a transverse incision is an alternative to a midline incision in terms of incisional hern

Sternal plate fixation for sternal wound reconstruction: initial experience (Retrospective study)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Median sternotomy infection and bony nonunion are two commonly described complications which occur in 0.4 - 5.1% of cardiac procedures. Although relatively infrequent, these complications can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the initial experience of a transverse plate fixation system following wound complications associated with sternal dehiscence with or without infection following cardiac surgery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients who required sternal wound reconstruction post sternotomy was performed. Soft tissue debridement with removal of all compromised tissue was performed. Sternal debridement was carried using ronguers to healthy bleeding bone. All patients underwent sternal fixation using three rib plates combined with a single manubrial plate (Titanium Sternal Fixation System^®, Synthes). Incisions were closed in a layered fashion with the pectoral muscles being advanced to the midline. Data were expressed as mean ± SD, Median (range) or number (%). Statistical analyses were made by using Excel 2003 for Windows (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were 40 consecutive patients, 31 males and 9 females. Twenty two patients (55%) were diagnosed with sternal dehiscence alone and 18 patients (45%) with associated wound discharge. Thirty eight patients went on to heal their wounds. Two patients developed recurrent wound infection and required VAC therapy. Both were immunocompromised. Median post-op ICU stay was one day with the median hospital stay of 18 days after plating.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sternal plating appears to be an effective option for the treatment of sternal wound dehiscence associated with sternal instability. Long-term follow-up and further larger studies are needed to address the indications, benefits and complications of sternal plating.</p

Reconstruction of a subtotally amputated auricle with a very narrow inferior pedicle

In our case study, the left ear of a 57-year-old male patient was subtotally amputated due to an iron-plate cutting accident. Only a 5-mm inferior skin pedicle connected the amputated ear to the lobule. The ear was reattached with primary suture without microsurgery. The reattached ear healed uneventfully