Injuries due to Falling Coconuts

The Journal of Trauma
November 1984 - Volume 24 - Issue 11 : 990-991

Barss, Peter M.D., D.T.M.H.

Abstract

Falling coconuts can cause injury to the head, back, and shoulders. A 4-year review of trauma admissions to the Provincial Hospital, Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, revealed that 2.5% of such admissions were due to being struck by falling coconuts. Since mature coconut palms may have a height of 24 up to 35 meters and an unhusked coconut may weigh 1 to 4 kg, blows to the head of a force exceeding 1 metric ton are possible. Four patients with head injuries due to falling coconuts are described. Two required craniotomy. Two others died instantly in the village after being struck by dropping nuts.

http://journals.lww.com/jtrauma/Abstract/1984/11000/Injuries_due_to_Falling_Coconuts.12.aspx

Surgical management of an epidemic of penile amputations in siam

American Journal of Surgery 1983 Sep; 146(3):376-82
DOI: 10.1016/0002-9610(83)90420-8

Kasian Bhanganada, MD, FACS, Tu Chayavatana, MD, Chumporn Pongnumkul, MD, Anunt Tonmukayakul, MD, Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, MD, Krit Komaratat, MD, Henry Wilde, MD, FACP

Department of Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Thailand recently experienced an epidemic of penile amputations. These were usually performed by angry wives on philandering husbands. This outbreak appeared to have been fueled by graphic press reports and fortunately seems to have abated. A technique for reanastomosis of the amputated penile segment was first described by McRoberts et al in 1968. It was modified further so that it can be performed in any general hospital with an acceptable result. Experience with this procedure in 18 patients has been described.

Requests for reprints should be addressed to Henry Wilde, MD, Regional Medical Center, American Embassy Bangkok, APO San Francisco, California 96346

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0002961083904208

Beetles on the Bottle: Male Buprestids Mistake Stubbies for Females (Coleoptera)

Australian Journal of Entomology
Volume 22, Issue 1, pages 79–80, February 1983
doi: 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1983.tb01846.x

D. T. Gwynne and D. C. F. Rentz

Department of Zoology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, W.A.
CSIRO Division of Entomology, P.O. Box 1700, Canberra City, 2601, A.C.T.

Abstract

Male Julodimorpha bakewelli White were observed attempting to copulate with beer bottles. Colour and reflection of tubercles on the bottle glass are suggested as causes for attraction and release of sexual behaviour.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-6055.1983.tb01846.x/abstract

Studies on vaginal malodor

Archiv für Gynäkologie 1978, Volume 225, Issue 2, pp 77-89

Milos Chvapil, Thomas Chvapil, Cleamond Eskelson

Division of Surgical Biology, Department of Surgery, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, 85724, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Summary

Various factors contribute to the formation of malodor in intravaginal collagen sponges (CS) worn for several days by sexually active persons. To study this problem we developed an in vitro model: CS was infiltrated with semen and incubated at various pH's or in the presence of various drugs, at 37° and 95% O2-5% CO2 in humid atmosphere. The odor was measured by subjective olfactometry as well as quantitated and characterized by gas liquid chromatography. Based on previous findings concerning the disappearance of polyamines from the semen in sponges with malodor and present detection of maximal malodor formation at pH 7.4 and absence of malodor with heat-inactivated semen we propose that malodor forms through the enzymatic oxidation of polyamines or diamines possibly by diamine oxidase (DAO) of the semen. Direct assay of DAO showed that all factors inhibiting or stimulating the malodor affected the activity of DAO in the same direction. Thus, while copper ions were stimulatory to odor and DAO activity, zinc ions, acid environment (3.4 pH), exogenous spermine administration, isoproniazid and pargyline, both known inhibitors of MAO's and DAO's, reduced malodor and DAO activity.

We found that more intensive malodor developed in sponges made of polyurethane, cellulose or spongin (sea sponge) than of collagen.

Whole semen caused greater malodor formation than prostatic fluid and seminal plasma. Both washed spermatozoa and vaginal secretion did not induce any subjectively detectable offensive odor in sponges. Addition of a mixture of nonpathogenic microorganisms to the semen did not enhance the formation of subjectively detectable malodor. GLC showed characteristic differences between volatile compounds formed by ejaculate and bacteria. While most of the malodor formed by the semen-CS system was enzymatically related, some evidence indicates a portion of malodor to be nonenzymatic process.

It is concluded that the most feasible method preventing the semen related vaginal malodor is to keep the CS acidic (pH 5) and to impregnate sponges with low concentrations of zinc sulfate (40 mg/sponge), unless the sponge is removed 24 h after the intercourse, washed and reinserted.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00670844