Microvascular replantation of avulsed tissue after a dog bite of the face

Various authors have described successful microsurgical replantation of totally avulsed facial tissue. In a significant nwnber of cases difficulties were experienced with the venous anastomoses and/or venous drainage of the tissue. Many different methods were used to overcome the problem. Despite these difficulties, good cosmetic and functional results were reported.These injuries are often caused by animal bites. Adequate wound care and the excellent local blood supply make immediate reconstruction after animal bites of the face a safe procedure. Other authors describing similar lesions and immediate repair have not reported the complication of wound infection.We report on a patient who suffered a dog bite with total avulsion of most of the left upper lip, cheek and left alar rim. Venous congestion was overcome by multiple needle punctures to drain blood from the outer surface of the flap and local of application of heparin. A good cosmetic result and the return of sensation and function of the orbicularis oris muscle were obtained

Soil Patterns Associated with the Major Geological Units of the Kruger National Park

The dominant soil types of the Kruger National Park and their interrelationships with parent material, topography and climate are discussed. The geogenetic and topogenetic nature of the soils are manifested in the strong correlations between recurrent soil patterns, major geological units and terrain morphology. The soils are categorised into seven major classes on the basis of the parent material from which they developed. General soil patterns within the major classes are discussed

A Cursory Review of the Climate and Vegetation of the Kruger National Park

The main features of climate and vegetation of the Kruger National Park are discussed. The dry tropical climate induced lush deciduous savannas with a great variety of species and diverse vegetation structures. Variations in species composition and structural features are mainly regulated by soil type and fire regime

An Account of the Geomorphology and Drainage of the Kruger National Park

An outline is presented of the geomorphic history as well as the present terrain morphology and drainage of the Kruger National Park which forms part of the eastern Transvaal Lowveld. The Lowveld represents the footslope of the Drakensberg, the escarpment of which withdrew parallel from the Indian Ocean in response to the disruption of Gondwanaland. The Lowveld is typically undulating, gently undulating or flat and positive relief is caused mainly by lithological differences. The area is drained from west to east by a vast number of drainage channels, ranging from large rivers to dongas (gullies)

Significance of diet type and diet quality for ecological diversity of African ungulates

1.We test two nutritional hypotheses for the ecological diversity of ungulates, the browser/grazer (diet type) and diet quality models, among free-ranging herbivores in a South African savanna, the Kruger National Park. Tests are based on assessment of relationships between diet type and diet quality with body mass and hypsodonty, two morphological features that have been associated with both elements. 2.We use stable carbon isotope ratios of faeces to reconstruct diet in terms of proportions of C3 plants (browse) and C4 plants (grass) consumed by different species in different seasons. These data are combined with proxies for diet quality (per cent nitrogen, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and acid detergent lignin) from faeces to track changes in diet quality. 3.Two statistical approaches are used in model selection, i.e. tests of significant correlations based on linear regression analyses, and an information-theory approach (Akaike’s Information Criterion) providing insight into strength of evidence for models. 4.Results of both methods show that, contrary to many predictions, body mass and diet type are not related, but these data confirm predictions that diet quality decreases with increasing body size, especially during the dry season. Hypsodonty, as expected, varies with diet type, increasing with increased grass intake. 5.These findings support both a diet type and diet quality model, implying some degree of exclusivity. We propose that congruence between models may be achieved through addition of diet quality proxies not included here, because hypsodonty is more likely a reflection of the abrasive properties of consumed foods, i.e. related to food quality, rather than food type. This implies that adaptation to diets of varying quality, through changes in body size and dental features, has been the primary mechanism for diversification in ungulates. 6. Our interpretation contrasts with several recent studies advocating diet type as the primary factor, exemplifying that further reconciliation between the two models is needed. We discuss the implications of this study for future approaches to achieve a more cohesive understanding of the evolutionary outcomes of herbivore nutrition