Free flap failure due to venous occlusion secondary to previous intravenous cannulation: a case report

A case of failure of a free radial forearm flap is presented. It is surmised that this was due to venous thrombosis in the cephalic vein which showed evidence of recanalization of an old thrombus. The patient had received intravenous erythromycin some months previously.

Divergent selection for postweaning feed conversion in Angus beef cattle: I. Mean comparisons

Each year from 1979 through 1983, 35 Angus bull calves were selected from a herd at the Eastern Ohio Resource Development Center to be individually fed in a 140-d postweaning performance test. From these 35 individually fed bulls, the three highest and three lowest for feed conversion (feed:gain) were selected and randomly mated to approximately 20 cows each. A different set of high vs low feed conversion sires was used each year. Four replicates (403 progeny) from high vs low sires were evaluated by sire groups for subsequent postweaning and carcass performance. Progeny were slaughtered when estimated by ultrasonic measurement to have 8.9 mm or more of subcutaneous fat at the conclusion of a 140-d postweaning performance test. Progeny with less than 8.9 mm of subcutaneous fat were fed for additional 28-d periods until they reached the required minimum. No differences were found between high and low feed conversion progeny for 140-d feed intake (P less than .30) although high feed conversion progeny gained .09 kg/d more weight (P less than .01) during the 140-d postweaning test. Differences tended to exist between high and low feed conversion progeny for unadjusted (P less than .15) and maintenance-adjusted (P less than .15) feed:gain ratios. Progeny of the high feed conversion group had greater subcutaneous fat (P less than .05) at the end of the 140-d postweaning test and when slaughtered (P less than .05), indicating a genetic difference for composition of BW gain between high- and low-sired progeny. However, no significant differences existed for any other carcass traits evaluated. Bulls had more desirable unadjusted (P less than .001) and maintenance-adjusted (P less than .001) feed:gain ratios than heifers with increased 140-d ADG (P less than .001) and pen feed intakes (P less than .001).

Divergent selection for postweaning feed conversion in Angus beef cattle: II. Genetic and phenotypic correlations and realized heritability estimate

A single generation divergent selection study, replicated four times (1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986), was conducted to assess genetic differences between progeny of high and low feed conversion sires in Angus beef cattle and to determine correlated response for weight gain (ADG140), feed intake (AVFD140), and BW (OFFTSTWT) in a time- (140-d) and fat-constant (8.9 mm) period. Realized heritability estimates for unadjusted (feed/gain; FEFF140; .26) and adjusted feed conversion (adjusted as recommended by the BIF, 1986; ADJFDEFF; .46) were obtained. The difference in heritability estimates reflects variation accounted for by adjustment for BW differences, and thus maintenance requirements, of individual progeny. Phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations of FEFF140 with ADG140, AVFD 140, and OFFTSTWT were -.33 and -.66, .49 and -.26, and .15 and -.41, respectively. Phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations of ADJFDEFF with ADG140, AVFD140, OFFTSTWT, and FEFF140 were -.54 and -.59, .30 and -.23, .27 and -.36, and .97 and .49, respectively. Subcutaneous fat (as estimated by ultrasonic measurement; BF140) had phenotypic and "pseudo" realized genetic correlations with FEFF140 of -.33 and .66, respectively, and with ADJFDEFF of -.44 and -.58, respectively.

Activation and germination of Bacillus thuringiensis spores in Manduca sexta larval gut fluid

Incubation of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1 spores in the larval gut fluid of Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) resulted in increased viable counts, conversion to phase-dark spores, and a loss of absorbance in spore suspensions, indicative of spore germination. Heat-activated and untreated spores incubated in water did not exhibit these changes. Only when spores were heat activated and incubated in germinants L-alanine and adenosine did changes in the spores approximate those observed in gut fluid. These data suggest that M. sexta larval gut fluid induces the activation and germination of B. thuringiensis spores.

Plasmid-associated sensitivity of Bacillus thuringiensis to UV light

Spores and vegetative cells of Bacillus thuringiensis were more sensitive to UV light than were spores or cells of plasmid-cured B. thuringiensis strains or of the closely related Bacillus cereus. Introduction of B. thuringiensis plasmids into B. cereus by cell mating increased the UV sensitivity of the cells and spores. Protoxins encoded by one or more B. thuringiensis plasmids were not involved in spore sensitivity, since a B. thuringiensis strain conditional for protoxin accumulation was equally sensitive at the permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. In addition, introduction of either a cloned protoxin gene, the cloning vector, or another plasmid not containing a protoxin gene into a plasmid-cured strain of B. thuringiensis all increased the UV sensitivity of the spores. Although the variety of small, acid-soluble proteins was the same in the spores of all strains examined, the quantity of dipicolinic acid was about twice as high in the plasmid-containing strains, and this may account for the differences in UV sensitivity of the spores. The cells of some strains harboring only B. thuringiensis plasmids were much more sensitive than cells of any of the other strains, and the differences were much greater than observed with spores.

Loss of split thickness skin grafts due to non-group A beta-haemolytic streptococci

Over a 17-month period 77 patients requiring a split skin graft for a burn injury have suffered loss of previously well taken graft due to the growth of a beta-haemolytic streptococcus. Of these only 42 were streptococci of Lancefield group A (Streptococcus pyogenes); 16 were group B, 3 group C and 16 group G. Some strains of groups B, C and G produce cytopathic and spreading factors capable of destroying the new skin graft and regenerating epithelium. We suggest that the non-group A streptococci may be more pathogenic than previously recognised in this particular respect.

Childhood illness as an aetiological factor in burns

A prospective study of 208 children has shown that a significant number of them have an illness before suffering a thermal injury. The authors suggest that an unwell child is more likely to suffer a burn, and that first aid programmes should stress to parents to be even more careful when their child is unwell.

Predicting successful brachial plexus block using changes in skin electrical resistance

Skin electrical resistance is determined by the degree of sweating of the skin which is, in turn, related to sympathetic nervous system activity in the area concerned. It is increased when the nerves supplying the area are damaged or blocked by local anaesthetic agents. We have assessed the temporal and spatial relationship between the onset of sympathetic and sensory loss in the hand following brachial plexus block in 44 patients. Skin electrical resistance, measured using a simple ohm meter, has been shown to increase within 2 min of brachial plexus blockade with 1% lignocaine and adrenaline 1:200,000. This increase is an early and reliable indicator of subsequent, and occasionally delayed, sensory loss.

The Use of Wheat Crops by Grey Kangaroos, Macropus-Giganteus, in Southern Queensland

Aerial surveys of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, were conducted over the western edge of the wheat belt of southern Queensland in two wet years (1983 and 1984) and one year of average rainfall (1985). Because most kangaroos moved rapidly off crops shortly after dawn and returned shortly before dusk, flights within 15 min of dawn and dusk provided the best indicators of kangaroo crop usage. Very low densities were observed on mature crops in all years and on immature crops in the two wetter years. In July 1985, which was drier, a density of 11 kangaroos km-2 was recorded on immature crops. This density was comparable with that for all uncultivated land in the surveyed area. Close to undeveloped land, densities of 14-17 kangaroos km-2 were observed on crops.

A new burn area assessment chart

A series of body charts have been designed that are more representative of changing body proportion with increasing age. Being easier to use, these charts have led to a better estimate by the casualty doctor of the body surface area that has been burned.

Synchronization of estrus in beef cows and heifers with prostaglandin F2α and estradiol benzoate

An experiment was conducted to study an estrous synchronization regimen that involved the use of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) alone or in combination with estradiol benzoate (EB) and appointment breeding. Fifty-three registered Angus yearling heifers and 167 registered Angus cows (3 to 9 yr of age) were given two injections of PGF(2alpha) 11 d apart. Forty-eight hours after the second injection of PGF(2alpha') a random sample consisting of 117 cows and heifers was injected with EB in sesame seed oil. All females in the herd were artificially inseminated 80 h after the second injection of PGF(2alpha). Nearly equal percentages (25.1 vs 25.6%; P = 0.93) of treated (EB) and control (no EB) females conceived at the appointment breeding. Use of EB tended to reduce (P = 0.06) natural service conception rate (83.4 vs 93.1% for EB and control groups, respectively). Estrous synchronization treatment did not affect interval from Day 1 of the breeding season to calving.

Synchronization of estrus in beef cows and heifers with fenprostalene, cloprostenol sodium, and prostaglandin F2 alpha

The effects of fenprostalene, cloprostenol sodium and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha) on estrus, conception rate, pregnancy rate, and the interval from Day 1 of the breeding season to calving were studied on 135 purebred Angus cows and heifers. The cows and heifers were randomly allotted within age to the three estrus synchronization treatments and a control group. The calving percentages (for cows and heifers combined) that resulted from artificial insemination (AI) were 32.3, 31.4, 43.6, and 51.1% for the control, fenprostalene, cloprostenol sodium, and PGF2alpha groups, respectively. The calving percentage during the AI period by ages of dam at breeding were 54.2% for yearling heifers, 30.5% for two-year-olds, 47.6% for three-year-olds, and 26.1% for four-year-old or older cows. The percentage of cows and heifers detected in estrus and the percentage that conceived after the first injection for control, fenprostalene, cloprostenol sodium, and PGF2alpha groups were 51.6 and 22.3%, 59.3 and 32.1%, 76.8 and 44.1%, and 66.6 and 50.2%, respectively. The intervals from Day 1 of the breeding season to calving and from Day 1 of the calving season within each treatment to the birth of each calf were control, 285.9 and 23.8 d; fenprostalene, 283.6 and 13.4 d; cloprostenol sodium, 285.5 and 6.5 d; and PGF2alpha, 284.0 and 11.1 d.

An Aerial Survey of Feral Pigs and Emus in Southeastern Queensland

Aerial surveys of feral pigs in the Goondiwindi region of Queensland showed an overall observed density of about 1 per square kilometree. On mature wheat crops in October, up to four feral pigs per square kilometre were seen amidst substantial crop damage. Emus were less abundant and seen more evenly over all habitats at an average of 0.3 per square kilometre. Factors affecting sightability are discussed.

Effect of scalp burns on common male pattern baldness

Images

Evaluation of a new antiseptic dressing in minor burns

A prospective trial was conducted to compare a new povidone iodine impregnated dressing (Inadine) with a standard petroleum jelly gauze dressing for small superficial burns treated on an outpatient basis. The results show no difference between comfort and ease of removal of dressings, in the number of positive bacteriological cultures or the number of days to healing. Inadine is more than twice as expensive as petroleum jelly gauze.

The muscle twitch monitor: a rapid unequivocal method of monitoring free muscle transfers

A free latissimus dorsi muscle transfer, which required anastomotic revision on two occasions within twenty-four hours of operation, illustrates how the change in response of electrically induced muscle contraction to ischaemia can be used as a rapid and sensitive method of monitoring free muscle transfers. It is a response that has the great merit of being easily recognised by untrained observers because it relies on an absolute rather than a relative change in the measured modality. Furthermore it is not influenced by the clinical condition of the patient or by changes in the flap's environment. Its potential is discussed.

Correcting for Incomplete Sighting in Aerial Surveys of Kangaroos

Kangaroo density estimates derived from aerial survey depend on the method of deriving sightability correction factors developed by Caughley. The method depends on five assumptions, some concerned with the mathematical properties of a model for sightability probabilities and others with deriving correction factors from this model. All these assumptions can be criticized. In addition, evidence on the performance of the method does not suggest that it is accurate. Published density estimates are less precise than indicated, and may include biases due to factors not considered in the correction factors used, e.g. seasonal conditions, time of day, and species differences. At present, no satisfactory alternative method of correction exists but, because inaccuracies may be large, continued use of the method requires much greater caution than has previously been shown. This is particularly relevant where density estimates are used to determine management procedures.

Full thickness burns from ready-mixed cement

The authors present 16 cases of cement burns admitted to the Nottingham burns unit over an 11-month period. Thirteen required skin grafting and were off work for a considerable period of time. The manufacturers do print warnings on their quotations and their delivery dockets, but the serious nature of some cement burns is not stressed. Some suggestions are made in an effort to prevent these serious injuries.