Microsurgical thumb reconstruction with toe transfer: selection of various techniques

Microsurgical toe transfer is an established method for reconstruction of missing thumbs. However, there is little agreement on which of the various techniques represents the ideal transfer. Basically, selection of technique requires balancing the patient's functional needs, appearance of the reconstructed thumb, and donor-site cosmesis. Based on our experience with 103 toe-to-thumb transfers performed over the past 9 years, this paper attempts to provide guidelines for appropriate selection among the four most commonly employed toe transfer techniques (e.g., second toe, total great toe, great toe wrap-around, trimmed great toe) so that optimal results and patient's acceptance can both be achieved.     

MONITORING THE DAMPING CHARACTERISTICS OF LIQUID FOODS IN CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERS

The oscillatory damping characteristics of model food solutions and gels in cans were studied in an apparatus designed for nondestructive testing. Oscillations, resulting from a small angular displacement, were monitored by an accelerometer and recorded by a fast recorder. An empirical damping coefficient, derived from an exponential decay constant was found to be sufficiently sensitive to monitor the apparent viscosity of liquid contents. In the case of gelation, the magnitude of the damping coefficient considerably increased when a very soft gel was formed. When the gel gained rigidity, however, there was a dramatic drop in the coefficient value to levels well below those of the nongelled contents. At this stage, however, there was also an appreciable drop in the system's natural frequency which could easily be recorded. This provided a complementary criterion that enabled unambiguous distinction between “viscous” and gelled contents.     

Villous papilloma of the rectum presenting as infective gastro-enteritis

Three elderly patients have recently been admitted as emergencies to the Infection Unit of the Aberdeen Hospitals as presumed cases of infective gastro-enteritis. Investigation revealed the presence of a villous papilloma of the rectum in each case.     

Eimeria maxima: a comparison of two laboratory strains with a fresh isolate

Oocysts of the Weybridge and Houghton strains of Eimeria maxima and a fresh field isolate were similar and measured on average 30-9 X 22-4 mum. The Weybridge strain and the field isolate produced similar pathogenic effects in 6-week-old chickens, high doses causing 50-80% mortality and severe weight loss. The Houghton strain was slightly less pathogenic and few birds died but more oocysts were produced. With each strain, a single dose gave complete immunity to a light challenge with the homologous strain. Two or 3 immunizing doses gave complete immunity to a heavy homologous challenge but were not sufficient to protect against heterologous challenge.