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Extensive data on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition and the collagen fibril diameter distribution have been collected for a diverse range of connective tissues. It is shown that tissues with the smallest diameter collagen fibrils (mass‐average diameter < 60 nm) have high concentrations of hyaluronic acid and that tissues with the largest diameter collagen fibrils (mass‐average diameter ∼200 nm) have high concentrations of dermatan sulphate. It is suggested that the lateral growth of fibrils beyond a diameter of about 60 nm is inhibited by the presence of an excess of hyaluronic acid but that this inhibitory effect may be removed by an increasing concentration of chondroitin sulphate and/or dermatan sulphate. It is also postulated that high concentrations of chondroitin sulphate will inhibit fibril growth beyond a mass‐average diameter of ∼150 nm. Such an inhibition may in turn be removed by an increasing concentration of dermatan sulphate such that it becomes the dominant GAG present in the tissue.

1. The indications for amputation of all the toes for severe toe deformity in rheumatoid arthritis, hallux valgus and pes cavus are discussed.2. The results of forty-seven amputations in twenty-eight patients are analysed: 93 per cent were found to be very satisfied with the operation.3. The technique of the operation and the subsequent management are described. The importance of retaining full-length shoes fitted with metatarsal insoles and toe blocks to preserve a good gait and balance is emphasised.

1. Recurrence of deformity after operations for drop foot is often associated with opening of the front of the ankle joint: this has previously been regarded as a complication of the operation.2. This study of sixty paralytic drop feet treated conservatively reveals that this laxity was in fact present in no less than 43 per cent.3. The laxity is most commonly found when the calf muscle is strong and it can occur within a year of the onset of the paralysis. It is not always prevented by wearing a toe-raising spring.4. Such anterior laxity may well be a common cause of failure of many of the standard operations for drop foot.5. Before operation for drop foot is undertaken a lateral radiograph of the ankle should be taken in forced plantar-flexiori. If this demonstrates anterior laxity any standard operation is unlikely to succeed unless the anterior fibres of the collateral ligaments are protected from strain by simultaneous tendon transplantation or unless the ankle is included in the arthrodesis.

The effects of the release of normal distractive forces from the rabbit’s tendo-achilles by distal tenotomy and proximal sciatic neurectomy alone, and in combination, have been studied. The results demonstrate that: Complete release of distractive forces from the tendon is followed by changes in collagenous architecture and an increase in cell size and cell population, particularly at the musculotendinous junction.The changes in the resident cell population and the cells migrating into the tendon from the musculo-tendinous junction and perivascular spaces are associated with the production of increased quantities of mucopolysaccharide and the disaggregation of collagen fibres in the vicinity.In the initial stages this increased mucopolysaccharide appears to be predominantly unsulphated material – probably hyaluronic acid, but with the reapplication of tension which follows spontaneous repair of the divided tendon, this is replaced by a sulphated polymer which appears to be associated with the reaggregation of collagen fibres at this stage.The implications of this biphasic production of mucopolysaccharide, and its effect on the stability and integration of collagen, are discussed.During this study it was found that the Masson’s trichrome stain appears to be a precise indicator of the state of tension of collagen fibres within the tendon, and other connective tissues.

The article presents a case study of the construction of a swimming pool by swimming pool builder Poolscape Inc. in a residential estate in Muskoka, Ontario.

The article discusses the benefits of applying a preemergence soil-residual herbicide for both corn and soybeans in Minnesota. Crops educator Liz Stahl has said that the preemergence herbicide can help improve the effectiveness of future glyphosate application. She adds that these type of herbicide can slowdown the development of resistant weeds.