Basics of cutaneous wound repair

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous wound repair consists of multiple integrated networks of cell-matrix-cytokine interactions. It is generally believed that a better understanding of these networks will lead to improved care of cutaneous wounds, whether freshly made by the surgeon's scalpel or previously existing and not healing secondary to underlying abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: This review is intended to update the readership in some of the salient aspects of wound repair networks. METHODS: To facilitate the review of multiple integrated networks, cutaneous wound repair was arbitrarily divided into three phases: inflammation, tissue regeneration including re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation, and tissue reorganization. RESULTS: Throughout the entire process of wound repair it is clear that cells produce or alter various cytokines and extracellular matrix. The cytokines and matrix in turn alter the behavior of the producer cells (autocrine response) or neighbor cells (paracrine response). CONCLUSION: The dynamic reciprocity among cells, cytokines, and matrix material helps explain how integrated wound healing networks are sequential as well as tightly controlled.     

Results of treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis with injectable corticosteroids

Sixty-seven patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis who were treated with periocular injections of depot forms of corticosteroids were studied in an attempt to determine (1) whether patients who did poorly on this regimen could be differentiated predictively from those who responded in a more favorable fashion, and (2) whether a treatment regimen that would allow the safe use of periocular depot corticosteroids in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis could be delineated. The study did not reveal any reliable way of predicting which patients would be good risks for the use of periocular injections of depot corticosteroids. It does suggest that the concurrent use of antitoxoplasma agents might protect patients in such a way that periocular depot corticosteroids would not worsen their disease. For the reasons outlined, the use of periocular injections of depot corticosteroids in toxoplasmic uveitis must be approached with great caution in the future.     

Minicomputer-based development facility for contract research

With the explosion of interest in microelectronics technology and the lag in matching resourses to meet a new demand there has been a significant increase in the use by industry of contact research organizations for specialist design and development. such organizations have, by the nature of their close involvement with the application of technology, been able to respond to this demand by providing both skilled manpower and sophisticated equipment for their clients. Sira Institute is a typical case in point. Traditionally engaged in measurement and control activities, Sira has equipped itself to apply microelectronics technology in its area of specialization. As a part of its sevices the Institute offers experienced multidisciplinary research, development and engineering teams to solve clients' measurement and control problems. an integral part of this service is now a substantial and well established group of microprocessor experts. This article outlines the history and philosophy behind the development of the equipment resources which support this team, and describes in some detail the facilities which are now in use.     

A clinincal evaluation of abdominal paracentesis in the horse

This paper evaluates the usefulness of abdominal paracentesis as a diagnostic aid in abdominal disease in the horse and in particular considers whether or not it can be effectively utilised as an indication for surgical intervention in cases of colic. The results are based upon peritoneal fluid samples collected from 20 normal horses and from 20 cases of colic and peritonitis. Peritoneal fluid was collected from standing horses by inserting a bovine teat cannula into the horses abdomen through the linea alba after desensitisation of the skin on the ventral midline with local anaesthetic. Usually, from 3-5 ml of fluid could be collected from a normal horse. This was either clear or cloudy white or yellow in colour and contained 3310 +/- 703 leucocytes/ml consisting of 63.81% neutrophils, 1.4 +/- 1.3% monocytes, 13.5 +/- 4.3% mesothelial cells and 21.25% +/- 6.2% lymphocytes. Protein content was 1.29 +/- .4g/100ml. Changes in the volume, colour, cellular constituents and protein content of fluid, characterised abdominal disease. In cases of colic, discolouration of the abdominal fluid was found to be the most consistent, reliable and useful indication of bowel necrosis. This in turn indicated the need for urgent surgical intervention rather than conservative treatment. Discolouration commenced early in the course of the disease even while the segment of bowel involved was still viable. Increased volume of fluid, elevated leucocyte count (statistically significant at the 5% level), increased neutrophil percentage and elevated protein levels were less useful criteria for determining the integrity of the bowel. Similar changes from the normal were also found in cases of peritonitis. Here, however, microscopic examination of cells in a smear of the fluid was more useful, as phagocytosis and abnormal cell types indicating infection or inflammation could be seen readily, and a diagnosis based upon these findings. It was concluded that abdominal paracentesis, although no substitute for thorough clinical examination, was a valuable diagnostic aid for abdominal conditions of the horse.     

Sources and dissemination of contamination in material handling operations

To assess the potential risks to personnel preparing feed for carcinogen bioassay research, a tracer was mixed with a meal diet to yield 10 kg batches of 100, 3,000 and 5,890 ppm. Wipe samples were obtained from horizontal and vertical surfaces, equipment and personnel before operations began, after they were completed, and following clean-up. Total and respirable suspended particulate matter samples were obtained. All operations led to contamination of clothing and equipment; cleaning did not remove all contamination. These results, obtained in a well controlled environment in which trained and well protected personnel were working, suggest that a higher level of process control may be required for adequate protection of personnel performing material handling operations with known or suspected carcinogens.     

Elective experiences in family medicine for medical students

A new technique to insert acupuncture needles into the tissue without touching the needle with the fingers of the acupuncturist was developed by the authors. It is easy to perform and completely eliminates the problem of contamination. The bending of the needle is less frequent and the pain sensation of the patient is also minimized.