Raechel Laing | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Methods for characterizing plant fibers.

The effectiveness of different microscopy techniques for measuring the dimensions of ultimate fibers from harakeke (Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax) was investigated using a factorial experimental design. Constant variables were geographical location, location of specimens along the leaf, season (winter), individual plant, a fourth leaf from a north-facing fan, age of plant, and cultivars (two). Experimental variables were microscopy techniques and measurement axis. Measurements of width and length of harakeke ultimate fibers depended on the microscopic preparation/technique used as well as the cultivar examined. The best methods were (i) transverse sections of leaf specimens 4 microm thick, embedded in Paraplast and observed using light microscopy, and (ii) nonfixed ultimate fibers observed using scanning electron microscopy.

Asparagaceae↗

PubMed2002

Pretibial injury in patients aged 50 years and over.

AIMS: To establish the rate of, and identify circumstances surrounding, pretibial injury in patients aged 50 years and over. METHODS: The rate of pretibial injury was estimated from national hospital discharge data from the New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS) National Minimum Dataset (1986-1999), and estimates of New Zealand s resident population. Cases accepted by the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation (ACC) (1999) were used to estimate a difference in the number of accepted cases (ie, those that were and were not treated in hospital), and the number of cases resulting in hospital admission. Events surrounding pretibial injuries were identified by surveying 75 patients treated at the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit at Hutt Hospital (January 1999 - November 2000). RESULTS: Estimates of pretibial injury in New Zealand were: annual incidence between 420 and 30 500; standardised rate 0.4-0.7 per 1000 population per year (females 0.6-1.0, males 0.07-0.3); crude rate 33 per 1000 population. About 60% of patients remained hospitalised for 2-14 days. Most of the injured were females (85-90% of NZHIS, 74% of ACC), were aged 70-89 years (68% females/males of NZHIS), and of New Zealand European/Pakeha ethnic origin (90%). Over half of the injury events occurred in the home (eg, caused by household items and furniture). CONCLUSIONS: Pretibial injury is a potential problem for older women in New Zealand. As the result of an ageing population, the annual number of cases is expected to increase.

Aged↗