The view that emotional intelligence should be included within the traditional cognitive abilities framework was explored in 3 studies (total N = 530) by investigating the relations among measures of emotional intelligence, traditional human cognitive abilities, and personality. The studies suggest that the status of the emotional intelligence construct is limited by measurement properties of its tests. Measures based on consensual scoring exhibited low reliability. Self-report measures had salient loadings on well-established personality factors, indicating a lack of divergent validity. These data provide controvertible evidence for the existence of a separate Emotion Perception factor that (perhaps) represents the ability to monitor another individual's emotions. This factor is narrower than that postulated within current models of emotional intelligence.There have been several recent attempts to incorporate emotional intelligence within the broad framework provided by theories of human cognitive abilities

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Depression and suicidality are characterized by negative imagery as well as impoverished positive imagery. Although some evidence exists supporting the link between positive imagery and enhanced mood, much work needs to be done. This study explored the impact of an immersive virtual reality experience (Edge of the Present—EOTP) on an individual’s mood, state of well-being, and future thinking. Using a 10-min mixed reality experience, 79 individuals explored virtual landscapes within a purposefully built, physical room. A pre and post survey containing mental health measures were administered to each participant. An optional interview following the virtual work was also conducted. The results indicated that positive mood and well-being increased significantly post-intervention. Hopelessness scores and negative mood decreased, whilst sense of presence was very high. This pilot study is among the first to assess the feasibility of a mixed reality experience as a potential platform for depression and suicide prevention by increasing well-being and mood as well as decreasing hopelessness symptoms.

The original extraction procedure of Engel and Catchpole [1] has often been used to recover decorin-enriched material from the skin. This material has a strong inhibitory effect on fibroblast proliferation, and clearly suppresses it in skin except after the first 5–6 days of wounding when new scaffold material is required. The aim of our present study has been to find and evaluate the product of a faster recovery method, and to check its consistency as a more reliable means of regularly obtaining sufficient material for topical application in wounds that might become hypertrophic. Modifications of the original Toole and Lowther [2] extraction procedure have been carefully evaluated in an attempt to cut preparation time without compromising biological activity of the inhibitory extract. We have devised a faster recovery procedure without compromising biological activity, even if initial recovery has been somewhat reduced. The latter problem could be offset by repeated cycles of the final extraction step. The main inhibitory activity is shown to be within the decorin-enriched “extract D,” as the core protein and DSPG II. Adjustment of the extract towards neutrality after dialysis against water keeps most of the extracted protein in solution and yielded a decorin-enriched preparation that had a specific activity equivalent to that of the old method. It also yielded a fraction that was readily lyophilised to give a small amount of material that could be stored indefinitely without loss of activity and readily redissolved in aqueous solution. A reliable and relatively quick method is presented for the production, from human skin, of a decorin-enriched preparation that has strong fibroblast inhibitory action. The value of the procedure is that it is inexpensive and can produce the quantities that might be used topically in reducing hypertrophic scarring of wounds.

To our knowledge, this is the first large study to clinically document the actual hand injuries caused by nail guns. An analysis of our treatment patterns suggests a low risk from surgical exploration with several potential benefits.

Background: Necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTI) are uncommon and remain a devastating disease. This study aims to document mortality rates, assess the value of the laboratory risk indicator for necrotising fasciitis (LRINEC) score as a diagnostic tool and examine outcomes following reconstructive surgery for wound closure. Methods: A retrospective case note review of patients presenting to our institute between 2004 and 2012 with a histological or clinical diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis were identified. Results: Thirty-three patients with primary NSTI were identified with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1 and an average age of 50 years. Two patients with secondary reconstruction were identified with a male to female ratio of 1:1 and an average age of 63 years. Twenty patients required admission to the intensive care unit. On average each patient required two tissue debridements under anaesthesia to achieve a healthy wound base suitable for reconstruction. Reconstruction with an anterolateral fasciocutaneous thigh flap (ALT) was carried out in two patients (6%), delayed split skin grafting in thirteen patients (39%) and limb amputation in three patients (9%). Partial flap loss with skin necrosis requiring debridement and advancement occurred in both patients who underwent ALT, whilst complete loss of skin graft occurred in one patient. Thirty-day mortality was 27% with an average time from presentation to death approximately 5 days. Conclusion: Our experience of managing necrotising soft tissue infections has been mixed. Early diagnosis and aggressive debridement with frequent monitoring and return to theatre are essential. These interventions must be coupled with early administration of antimicrobials and supportive fluid resuscitation to provide optimal treatment in the care of NSTI patients.

A patient who worked with polyvinyl chloride developed a malignant haemangioendothelioma of a toe. This rare tumour is more commonly found in the liver where it has been reported to arise in association with exposure to the vinyl chloride monomer.

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