Conservation Programs Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

The escalating issue of climate change presents an existential threat to biodiversity around the globe, necessitating advanced methods and techniques of conservation. Indirectly, wildlife conservation contributes greatly to the fight against climate change which further illustrates the variety of ecosystem services and the need for areas rich in diversity. Ecosystem services, like carbon and water regulation, are natural processes that help mitigate the impacts of climate change while adhering to ecological system principles. By looking into in detail one of the case studies, current ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, and future directions, this paper nuances the role of biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change as the core element of the future international environmental policy. This retrospective calls for a change in the optics of the evolution of international ecosystem conservation programs, concerning taking care of wildlife and their habitats as one of the ways how to tackle climate change.

Conservative treatment of knee arthrofibrosis according to acellular cytokine-based model : Aretrospective pilot evaluation.

Arthrofibrosis (AF) is arelatively frequent complication after knee surgery, leading to painful limitation of joint mobility. Currently, intense stretching is performed in many patients, without improvements in mobility. Anovel concept, established on acellular, cytokine-based model, advocates to consider the warning function of pain and to terminate forced joint mobilization to disrupt the cycle of arthrofibrosis. Based on these findings, our clinic developed acomprehensive antifibrotic treatment protocol. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the patients treated so far. Patients treated at the Clinic Donaustadt, an academic teaching hospital of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, according to the clinic's AF protocol, were evaluated by reviewing their records. Patellar mobility, range of motion, tightness, overheat, pain, general mobility, assistive devices, working status and the necessity of additional surgery were assessed at baseline, after 2months and after 12months (follow-up). Four patients were treated according to the AF protocol. After two months, patellar mobility and range of motion clearly increased in three out of four patients. At the follow-up examination, patella mobility further increased, extension was complete, flexion at least 120°, and symptoms such as tightness, overheating, nocturnal pain and pain after activity had disappeared in three out of four patients. None of the patients had analgesics or walking aids and three out of four patients had returned to work. Out of the four patients, three expressed high satisfaction with the AF protocol and reported no limitations in daily life, including recreational activities. Based on this pilot evaluation, the comprehensive conservative AF program seems to have high potential. Therefore, larger future studies should be conducted to validate this concept.

Regulating Conglomerates: Evidence from an Energy Conservation Program in China

We study a prominent energy regulation affecting large Chinese manufacturers that are part of broader conglomerates. Using detailed firm-level data and difference-in-differences research designs, we show that regulated firms cut output and shifted some production to unregulated firms within their conglomerate instead of improving their energy efficiency. To account for conglomerate and market spillovers, we interpret these results through the lens of an industry equilibrium model featuring conglomerate production. The policy raises welfare if the per ton benefits of carbon reduction exceed $161. Alternative policies that exploit public information on business networks can increase aggregate energy savings by 10 percent. (JEL D22, L22, L51, L60, P28, P31, Q48)

Forest eco-function restoration and its positive effects on biodiversity improvement in China's ecological conservation programs

Forest eco-function restoration and its positive effects on biodiversity improvement in China's ecological conservation programs

Gut colonization of semi-aquatic turtles inhabiting the Brazilian Amazon by international clones of CTX-M-8-producing Escherichia coli.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli poses a significant threat to public health due to its ability to confer resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials, especially third-generation cephalosporins. Herein, we report gut colonization by international clones of CTX-M-8-producing E. coli in scorpion mud turtles (Kinosternon scorpioides) from a captive breeding program in the Brazilian Amazon. The E. coli strains exhibited multidrug resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials, and genomic analyses revealed broad resistomes to antimicrobials, heavy metals, pesticides, and disinfectants. Detecting these medically important bacteria in captive wildlife underscores the potential risks associated with reintroduction programs, as ESBL-producing bacteria may spill over into the natural ecosystem and threaten wildlife. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in wildlife conservation programs to mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance transmission between captive and wild populations.

Investigation of Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Capacities in Selected Turkish Indigenous Wheat Varieties.

Indigenous wheat varieties continue to be cultivated and preserved due to their climatic adaptability and distinctive flavor contributions to cultural cuisines. This study covers the research gap by investigating the natural bioactive and antioxidant compounds present in Turkish indigenous wheat varieties. To this aim, the phenolic composition, ash contents, and antioxidant capacity were investigated in eighteen different indigenous Turkish wheat varieties (4 monococcum, 3 dicoccum, 4 durum, and 7 aestivum genotypes). An overall comprehensive analysis was carried out using statistical tools such as Heatmap and PCA (Principal component analysis). The results indicated that dicoccum genotype exhibited highest soluble free (49.04 mg) and soluble conjugated phenolics (188.54 mg), whereas aestivum was found rich in insoluble bound (873.89 mg), total phenolic (1058.35 mg GAE/kg dm), and total flavonoid (380.43 mg CE/kg dm) contents. Moreover, monococcum, dicoccum, and durum genotypes exhibited non-significantly higher total antioxidant capacities compared to the aestivum wheat genotype. In conclusion, indigenous wheat varieties, particularly from the dicoccum and aestivum genotypes, have the potential to be a significant source of phenolic and antioxidant compounds. These findings suggest promising prospects for the selection of indigenous wheat varieties under on-farm conservation programs for future commercialization and breeding programs.

Effects of urbanization and floral diversity on the bee community (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in an oak forest in a Protected Natural Area of Mexico

Understanding the effects of urbanization on bee communities is essential for conservation and management programs for these pollinators. We investigated bee communities in two distinct land-use conditions in Mexico: one within the Bosque el Nixticuil-San Esteban-El Diente Natural Protected Area, which represents a conserved oak forest, and the other in a highly urbanized area in adjacent parks located approximately one kilometer from the conservation area in the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara with a population of 5.3 million. The objectives of the study were to 1) record the effects of urbanization on bee communities in terms of species richness, abundance and α and β diversity in an oak forest within a natural protected area and the adjacent urban area, and 2) identify the most susceptible bees and those that benefit from urbanization, and 3) to relate vegetation to bee communities. The results of the rarefaction analysis indicate that the protected natural area exhibited significantly higher richness and diversity than the urbanized area. Beta diversity analysis revealed a low species turnover, accompanied by a high rate of bee loss between conditions. A limited number of species demostrate an increase in abundance within urban areas, mainly Ceratina species, Augochlora smaragdina and Centris nitida. Furthermore, the richness of life history traits of bees was analysed. In all cases, the number of species decreased, with mainly non-eusocial, cavity or wood nesting, and polylectic feeding bees prevailing in the urban area. The richness and abundance of bees is related to the richness of plants, so it was expected to find more species and genera in the natural area. In conclusion, urbanization has a negative impact on the richness and diversity of bee communities, as well as on species composition.

Segmenting Hotel Guests' Behavior: Insights for Developing Effective Water Conservation Programs

ABSTRACTThis research underscores the need to modify tourists' behaviors to ensure sustainable water usage in high‐demand destinations. In‐room water conservation of 681 hotel guests was analyzed based on habit, effort, and enjoyment theory (HEET). The analysis reveals four distinct guest clusters based on a combination of cognitive, affective, automated behavior, and consumer identity variables. Water conservation behaviors and attitudes ranged from those of “Environmentally conscious tourists,” who exhibited strong conservation efforts and low hedonic motivations, to those of “Pleasure‐seeking tourists,” who prioritized pleasure over sustainability. The segmentation analysis used the Gaussian finite mixture model for clustering, providing insights into how to tailor social marketing interventions to promote water conservation behavior among guests. This novel segmentation approach fills a gap in the literature by considering non‐cognitive and habitual behaviors. It also provides a practical framework for designing more effective environmental strategies in tourism, particularly in water‐stressed areas.

Development of a qPCR assay to identify and differentiate insect-associated strains of the Serratia marcescens complex.

The Serratia marcescens complex contains important opportunistic pathogens of humans and vertebrate animals, as well as insects and other invertebrates. To date, the methods used for the identification of species within the genus Serratia, including PCR assays, have poor discriminatory power and may require further molecular typing or genomic sequence analysis to determine clinical relevance. We developed a duplex TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the chiP gene, which is involved in chitin degradation and transport, and the ureD gene, which is involved in urease production. This allowed us to simultaneously identify all members of the S. marcescens complex (chiP positive) and differentiate those most likely to act as insect pathogens (chiP and ureD positive). We applied our assay to identify potentially entomopathogenic members of the S. marcescens complex in the context of a conservation program for the critically endangered insect Dryococelus australis and found it to be a useful aid for rapid and accurate detection of infection with S. marcescens complex strains in insects and determination of their clinical relevance. By targeting 2 genes likely to be virulence factors, this assay may also be of use for research investigating the pathogenesis of entomopathogenic Serratia spp.

Bee Forage Tree Resources for Wild Honeybees: A Case Study from Kodagu's Sacred Groves and Coffee Agroecosystems

Wild honeybee populations are fundamental to biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity, particularly as pollinators in tropical regions. This study investigated the diversity and seasonal availability of bee forage trees within sacred groves and coffee agro ecosystems in Kodagu, Karnataka, a biodiversity-rich area in the Western Ghats. Sacred groves, protected for cultural reasons, feature high floral diversity, providing continuous nectar and pollen resources, crucial for wild bee populations throughout the year. In contrast, coffee plantations, particularly in semi-evergreen systems, offer valuable yet seasonally limited forage, supplemented by selective native tree retention. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge associated with sacred groves and modern conservation practices, the research highlights how culturally protected landscapes contribute to year-round floral resources, crucial for sustaining wild bee populations. Sacred groves were found to consistently surpass coffee plantations in floral diversity and forage stability, particularly in semi-evergreen groves, which recorded the highest diversity and richness (H' = 3.75, 52 species). In contrast, coffee plantations, enhanced by selective retention of native trees, offer seasonally valuable but limited forage, with moderate diversity (H' = 3.35, 54 species). The study identifies key forage species unique to sacred groves and underscores their role in maintaining ecological resilience. These findings have practical implications for guiding community-based conservation programs, demonstrating that leveraging sacred groves and ecologically managed coffee agroecosystems can effectively balance biodiversity conservation with agricultural productivity. This integrated approach offers a model for sustaining pollinator populations vital to ecosystem health and crop yields.

BuffExDb: web-based tissue-specific gene expression resource for breeding and conservation programmes in Bubalus bubalis.

Amidst the global challenge of extreme poverty, the livestock sector can significantly contribute to global sustainable development goals by enhancing resilience, smallholder productivity, and market participation. The Indian livestock sector is one of the largest in the world with a total livestock population of 535.82 million, ∼10.7% of the world's livestock population. Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) holds significant importance in India and other Asian countries, notably contributing to their economies by surpassing cattle in milk production and providing various valuable products. The limited availability of genomic and transcriptomic resources for buffaloes hinders the efforts to enhance their traits for increased milk and meat production. To address this gap, this study adopted the state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to analyse 2429 transcriptomes representing 438 BioSamples from 23 BioProjects obtained from a public domain database, representing 76 different types of tissues and cell types from all major organ systems in buffalo species (river and swamp). The outcome of this exhaustive genomic data led to the development of a relational buffalo expression database based on a three-tier architecture named as BuffExDb (http://46.202.167.198/buffex/). The user-friendliness and flexibilities in retrieval of tissue-specific genes (TSGs) and their functional annotation are the major characteristics of BuffExDb. This is the first of its kind that offers an effortlessly navigable and filterable database, enabling users to examine and visualize the expression levels of each tissue across multiple samples, simultaneously. It also provides the Tau score parameter for the identification of TSGs along with their essential roles in tissue development, maintenance, and function as observed through the enrichment test for gene ontologies. The exhaustive outcome of this work would pave the way for the biological, functional, and evolutionary studies for easy access. This prior information based on tissue-specific mechanisms can be used for future genomic research, especially in association studies in endeavour of enhanced buffalo breeding and conservation programmes. Database URL: http://46.202.167.198/buffex/.

Genetic structure and divergence of marginal populations of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) in Poland

Genetic diversity is crucial to secure the survival and sustainability of ecosystems. Given anthropogenic pressure, as well as the projected alterations connected with the level and circulation of water, riparian forests are of particular concern. In this paper, we assessed the genetic variation of black poplar – one of the keystone tree species of riverine forests. The natural habitats of black poplar have been severely transformed leading to a significant decline of its population size. Using a set of 18 nuclear microsatellites and geographic location data, we studied 26 remnant populations (1,261 trees) located along the biggest river valleys in Poland. Our main goal was to assess the overall genetic variation and to verify if range fragmentation and habitat transformation have disrupted gene exchange among populations. Genotyping revealed that 261 trees were clones. The level of clonality was higher in more transformed river sections. All populations have probably gone through a drastic genetic bottleneck in the distant past, and most of them have low effective population sizes. Still, the overall level of genetic variation remains high, but certain populations require attention due to their lower genetic variation, higher clonality and strong spatial genetic structure. Genetic differentiation was low, yet Bayesian clustering supported the existence of 11 genetic clusters. According to the results, gene exchange is most prevalent between adjacent populations. Relatively free gene flow occurs only along the Vistula, particularly in its middle section which is characterized by the highest genetic variation. Noticeable genetic structuring was observed along the Oder. Populations located at the range margin showed signs of genetic divergence and reduction of variation. We conclude that human activities have impacted the gene pool of black poplar in Poland by disrupting landscape connectivity and preventing the species from generative reproduction. The study provides practical guidelines on how to develop and implement the conservation program for the gene pool of black poplar in Poland. It also presents a strong case favoring river renaturation and genetic monitoring, particularly concerning keystone species.

Evaluation of a pilot reintroduction program for dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) juveniles in inshore marine areas off the southeast Brazilian coast

The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) is a widely distributed epinephelid species. It inhabits the eastern and southwestern Atlantic Ocean, western Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. Populations of this species have faced significant threats due to various anthropogenic activities, including environmental degradation and intensified fishing effort. To address declining populations, management strategies involving the release of hatchery-reared juveniles have been implemented. This study evaluated the success of a pilot reintroduction program for juvenile dusky grouper by measuring the potential increase in population size in the area. Inshore marine areas along the southeastern Brazilian coast were previously evaluated to determine the best areas for the reintroduction Twenty thousand juvenile dusky groupers (5–10 cm SL) were released at five locations across five selected areas. Assessments were conducted by underwater visual censuses (UVCs) to quantify the presence of juvenile dusky grouper in the selected areas both before and after the releases. Statistical analysis was performed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to estimate the relationship between predictor (number of individuals) and response (release period, depth and sampling points) variables. The results showed a significant increase in juvenile dusky grouper populations at three of the five release areas post-introduction. The methodology employed for stocking dusky grouper juveniles into areas with declining populations demonstrates promise for future conservation efforts aimed at enhancing abundance of this vital marine resource. Results of this research provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of effective conservation programs targeting the recovery of dusky grouper populations.

A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay to detect insect‐associated Serratia spp. in the critically endangered insect Dryococelus australis

Abstract Point‐of‐care diagnostic methods are being increasingly employed to monitor infection risks in animal populations. These approaches are particularly valuable for ex situ invertebrate conservation programmes that often involve large numbers of individuals and where the rapid return of results supports timely risk mitigation decisions. Insect frass is a useful substrate to screen for the presence of pathogens transmitted by the faecal‐oral route in live insects but can result in false negatives when using common nucleic acid detection techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), because of poor DNA extraction yields and the presence of inhibitors. We developed a diagnostic test to detect potentially entomopathogenic Serratia spp. in the frass of captive Dryococelus australis, using a cleanup step to improve DNA extraction by separating and concentrating bacterial cells, and a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the ureD gene. The LAMP assay had 1000 times greater analytical sensitivity than quantitative PCR when testing frass, did not yield false positive reactions when used to test a panel of 102 non‐Serratia spp., achieved results in 30 min and required only basic equipment. We applied the assay in real‐life conditions to screen captive insects, yielding information about the enclosures, life stages and insect species shedding potential entomopathogens, to inform the biosecurity and management practices of the captive breeding and conservation programme for D. australis. This diagnostic test could be modified for use in field conditions and adapted to detect other pathogens of concern in invertebrate conservation programmes and for insects reared in captivity for research or agricultural purposes.

The impact of ecological civilization construction on the resilience of green technology innovation: evidence based on double dual machine learning

Can the accelerated development of ecological civilization promote the sustainable development of green innovation?This paper investigates the effects of ecological civilization demonstration zones (ECDZs) on green innovation resilience. Based on a sample of 237 prefecture-level cities across 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, our double dual machine learning and spatial difference-in-differences model indicates that ECDZs significantly enhance urban green innovation resilience. Our findings also reveal a spatial spillover effect of ECDZ—the development of ECDZs in one city significantly improves the resilience of green innovation in neighboring cities. The spatial spillover effect reaches its maximum in the fifth year. Our analysis of the underlying mechanisms suggests that ECDZs promote urban green innovation resilience through the advancement of digitalization, green consciousness, and new quality productivity. We also conduct an analysis of heterogeneity based on geographical locations and levels of policy support, and the results show that the impact of ECDZs on urban green innovation resilience is mainly observed in western, inland, and strongly policy-supported regions. The findings of this study provide crucial insights and valuable guidance for developing national environmental conservation policies and programs.

Wild bees show local spatial and temporal dynamics in southeastern US blueberry farmscapes.

Wild bee communities are the target of various conservation and ecological restoration programs. Strategic conservation can influence bee communities visiting fields and help mitigate pollinator limitations in fruit production. However, planning compatible conservation strategies and gauging their effectiveness requires understanding how local communities vary across space and time in crops and adjacent semi-natural areas. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal changes in the composition of wild bee communities in blueberry fields and adjacent forests. In partnership with commercial farms in southeast Georgia, USA, we deployed blue vane traps at the interior and edge of blueberry fields and within adjacent forests of 8 fields, from March to October over 2 yr. We identified 72 wild bee species across 26 genera. The most common were Melissodes communis (Cresson, Hymenoptera: Apidae), Bombus bimaculatus (Cresson, Apidae), Melissodes bimaculatus (Lepeletier), Ceratina floridana (Mitchell, Apidae), Lasioglossum pectorale (Smith, Halictidae), and Lasioglossum nymphale (Smith), which accounted for nearly 60% of the wild bees caught. Bee diversity and richness fluctuated over time, with peaks in all 3 habitat types occurring after the blueberry blooming. Bee abundance in the adjacent forest was relatively constant throughout the season, while in the field interior and edge assemblages, abundance peaked between May and June. We observed dissimilarity in species composition related to month and field location. This difference was explained by fluctuation in the identity and relative abundance of the most abundant species. Together, our study advances foundational knowledge of wild bee community dynamics and species identity in blueberry fields which will help inform and prioritize conservation practices.

Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA D-loop based analysis of genetic diversity in captive populations of Crocodylus siamensis in China

Reintroduction of threatened species is a common strategy used to mitigate population decline and reduce the risk of extinction. In order to assess the success of such reintroduction programs, it is critical to monitor the demographic and genetic features of reintroduced populations. In this work, we conducted a genetic assessment of the Critically Endangered crocodile species Crocodylus siamensis to determine the genetic diversity, utilising both microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA D-loop region. The genetic analysis revealed a moderate level of genetic diversity within the sampled populations, as indicated by the microsatellite markers (Ho = 0.505 ± 0.080; He = 0.297 ± 0.091) and mtDNA D-loop (hd = 0.622 ± 0.061; Pi = 0.01294 ± 0.00041). Notably, 22 distinct haplotypes were observed. Additionally, we identified evidence of hybridisation that might have occurred between C. siamensis and Crocodylus niloticus raising concerns about the potential compromise of the species' genetic integrity. This study represents the first genetic assessment of captive bred C. siamensis populations in China, encompassing both microsatellite and mtDNA D-loop analyses. To ensure preservation of C. siamensis, we recommend identifying and excluding hybrid individuals from conservation programmes. Our findings support the feasibility of implementing breeding and captive management plans for C. siamensis, providing a solid theoretical basis for their reintroduction and captive breeding to safeguard and augment the population of this Critically Endangered freshwater crocodile. This research marks the initial step towards establishing a scientifically sound source population for the conservation of C. siamensis in China. Keywords: protection, reintroduction genotype, haplotypic diversity, nucleotide diversity

Inter- and intraspecific blood-related biomarkers and chemical exposure in confined and free-living sea turtles.

The relevance of recovery centers and head-starting programs for rescue, rehabilitation, rearing, and conservation of sea turtles is recognized worldwide. In addition, these centers contribute to generating biochemical and physiological data needed to identify health markers and provide baseline values. Because of the marine ecosystems' deterioration, biomarker identification is a global priority for sea turtle conservation; nevertheless, information on specific endpoints, such as neurotoxicity and mutagenesis, is still limited in sea turtles. This study aimed to contrast a set of non-invasive blood biomarkers with ecotoxicological and clinical applications in confined green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) compared with free-living ones from the Mexican Caribbean. Additionally, interspecific (green, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles) differences were also evaluated. Plasmatic organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) were also determined. The concentration ranges of uric acid, total proteins, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), and thyroxine of both confined and free-living green turtles fell outside the reference intervals for the species. Additionally, confined green turtles had the highest number of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) and elevated levels of hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation, and activity of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and carboxylesterase (CE). Contrasts among confined species identified hawksbill turtles with the lowest glutathione reductase activity, green turtles with the lowest ENA frequency and CE activity, and loggerhead turtles with the highest plasmatic concentrations of PCBs and OCs. The information here provided can be used as information in health monitoring programs and for conservation and management policies at regional, national, and international level.

Comparative analysis of the physical and phenotypic traits of native cattle (Bos indicus) in the Tarai region of North Bihar for conservation

Background and Aim: The evaluation of the phenotypic and morphological characteristics of indigenous breeds may help to frame breeding policies and plans to implement breed conservation and improvement programs to increase the efficiency of the native breed of the Tarai region. This study aimed to determine the phenotypic and morphological characteristics of indigenous cattle of the Tarai region of North Bihar. Materials and Methods: A field study was undertaken in 32 villages belonging to 13 blocks of the East and West Champaran districts of Bihar. Animals (n = 562) of different age groups were studied to evaluate their phenotypic and morphological characteristics. Results: It revealed that cattle of the Tarai region are small breeds, and the heights at withers in the females and males were 104.2 ± 0.32 cm and 115 ± 0.27, respectively, with a significant (p = 0.000) difference between sexes. In addition, heart girth was significantly (p = 0.000) higher in males than females. Body length and chest girth were 101.6 ± 0.13 cm and 132.6 ± 0.25 in adult females and 114.8 ± 0.23 cm and 145.7 ± 0.15 cm in adult males, respectively. Body weight also differed significantly (p = 0.001), with 180.9 ± 1.12 and 208.7 ± 1.91 cm for females and males, respectively. Among the draught animals of India, the region cows were comparatively low milkers, with an average lactation yield of 680.2 ± 4.52 kg with a mean lactation length of 224.5 ± 2.06 days and a peak yield of 3.4 ± 0.06 kg/day. The age at first calving and calving interval of Tarai cattle was recorded 32.4 ± 0.22 months and 16.2 ± 0.12 months, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study could serve as a potential guide for the establishment and identification of new cattle breeds based on the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of the cattle in Tarai region of North Bihar using baseline data. The data generated from this study can be useful for new Tarai breed identification and serve to establish long-term selective breeding programs for Tarai cattle in the region. Keywords: body weight, conservation, phenotypic traits, physical, Tarai cattle.

Early Surgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Myositis Ossificans of the Vastus Intermedius Muscle.

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of early surgical excision of the traumatic myositis ossificans of the vastus intermedius muscle in an elite football player and return to sports activity within 3months from the initial injury. A 27-year-old male professional football player presented with progressive pain and loss of range of motion after sustaining a severe, right quadriceps contusion 4weeks earlier. After unsuccessful conservative therapy, the differential diagnosis of myositis ossificans was suspected and confirmed on radiographic examination. MRI revealed significant edema encompassing a substantial portion of the vastus intermedius muscle. Surgical treatment was considered for the right thigh mass, being symptomatic 1month after the onset and refractory to conservative treatment and rehabilitation program. At 2months postsurgery, the patient was asymptomatic and had completed a rehabilitation program. Early surgical treatment followed-up with a rehabilitation program results with a complete recovery of muscle strength and range of motion. At 3months postinitial injury, the patient was considered fully recovered and had returned to the match without reporting pain or other symptoms.