Fresh Injuries Research Articles

Beaten to Blindness: Battered Baby Syndrome

Introduction: A battered child is one who sustains repetitive physical injuries due to non-accidental violence inflicted by a parent or guardian. Child abuse encompasses behaviors exposing the child to various forms of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or emotional misconduct. Typically, battered child syndrome is diagnosed through a disparity between the history provided by the child's caregivers and the findings of clinical examination. Case details: An 18-month-old girl child was admitted to a tertiary care hospital, presenting with a four-day history of fever, vomiting for two days and a seizure episode. The child had a history of head injury one week ago, resulting in transient unconsciousness. Upon examination, multiple healed and fresh injuries were observed on the face, hands, and right thigh. CT brain revealed hypodensity areas with a mildly displaced fracture of the left frontal bone. Fundus examination identified bilateral multiple intraretinal hemorrhages and papilledema. X-ray showed a fracture of the right proximal tibia. The child required ventilator support during the hospital stay, and subsequently, developed retinal blindness. The child was managed accordingly. Discussion: The classical feature of Battered Baby Syndrome is the discrepancy between the nature of injuries and the history provided, and the delay between the injury and medical attention. The parental risk factors for child abuse are poverty, social isolation, drug addiction, violent environment, family history of abuse, communication skills deficit and the child related risk factors are children with special needs, children with behavior problems, bonding deficit. etc. Conclusion: The current case sheds light on the unfortunate prevalence of this condition within the Indian context, urging point-of-care health providers to stay vigilant and informed about child abuse patterns in the community. It serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the well-being of children.

ROLE OF ULTRASOUND SCANNING IN DIAGNOSIS OF CONDITIONS OF KNEE JOINT SOFT TISSUES IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC INJURY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Traumatic injuries of the knee joint are one of the main factors resulting in the loss of mobility among football players. According to the reports of many researchers, the damage to the soft tissues predominates in the structure of traumatic injuries of the knee joint; therefore, such diagnostic technique as ultrasound scanning is very helpful in determining the nature and extent of injuries and in making decision on the necessity of the surgical intervention. The aim of this study is to investigate and systematize ultrasound criteria for various types of traumatic injuries of the soft tissues of the knee joint in acute and chronic trauma in football players. The analysis of the findings of ultrasound scan of the knee joints in 36 football players with sports injury was carried out. The following echographic data were assessed: homogeneity, echogenicity, integrity of the tendon contours, the presence of effusion in the bursae and tendon sheaths, the number of vascular signals in the affected area. In the first group of patients, the analysis of ultrasound signs revealed the following structural changes: separate meniscus ruptures were diagnosed in 6 (27, 3%) athletes; combined lesions of the menisci and ligamentous apparatus – in 9 (40, 9%) with signs of damage to the menisci and ligaments characteristic of acute trauma; separate ligament ruptures were diagnosed in 7 (31, 8%) athletes. In the second group of the patients, sonography confirmed suffered meniscus tears in 3 (21, 4%) athletes; combined lesions of the menisci and ligaments in 7 (50,1%) footballers; rupture of the ligamentous apparatus in 4 (28,5%) individuals. Fresh injuries to the menisci and ligaments against the background of previous ruptures were not diagnosed during past ultrasound examinations and resulted in the impairment of the ratio of the load distribution on the limb that could provoke repeated trauma to the menisci and ligaments. Ultrasound scanning for acute and chronic injury of the knee joint in football players can be considered a reliable informative imaging technique, which allows assessing the severity of damage to the menisci, ligaments, soft tissues and makes it possible to choose the proper tactics of further treatment.

Evaluating prevalence of external injuries on nesting loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta in southeastern Florida, USA

Sea turtles face both anthropogenic and natural threats including boat strikes, fisheries, pollution, and predator attacks. Injuries from anthropogenic sources are more common than naturally caused injuries. The goal of this study was to determine prevalence and cause (e.g. boat strike, entanglement, hook, shark bite) of injuries on nesting loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta on Juno and Jupiter beaches, Florida, USA. During the 2019 and 2020 nesting seasons, 450 loggerhead females were examined for external injuries. Injuries were categorized by anatomic location, condition, and cause. We found that 24% of loggerheads had at least 1 injury. Of the 111 injuries found on 107 nesting females, 88% were healed, 9% were partially healed with some scarred tissue, and 3% were fresh injuries. Most injuries (55%) were lateral injuries on the carapace or appendages. We were able to attribute 60 injuries to a specific cause. Boat strikes accounted for 75% of the 60 injuries, shark bites accounted for 15%, fishing hooks accounted for 7%, and entanglements accounted for the remaining 3%. This study provides new insight into the prevalence of anthropogenic injuries relative to natural injuries in loggerhead sea turtles nesting in the most densely nested beach in the Western Hemisphere and can be used to improve conservation management plans through implementation of fishing and/or boating restrictions in the nesting and foraging areas most commonly frequented by sea turtles.

Проблемы оперативного лечения застарелых повреждений переднего отдела тазового кольца

A surgical treatment of the joints of the pelvic ring, especially the pubic joint is a separate and complex problem. When using standard plates, which are applied in the treatment of patients with fresh injuries to stabilize old injuries of the pelvic ring, problems arise with fatigue fracture of plates, destabilization of the metal structure and the need for repeated surgical interventions. Therefore, in the case of old injuries, during surgical treatment, it is necessary to use other tactical approaches to fixing pelvic injuries and to search for adapted structures for such cases. The purpose — to study the features of fixation of old injuries of the pelvic ring and to determine the results of different methods of the anterior pelvis fixation in old cases. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the performed surgical treatment was carried out. In 2000-2015, in the first department of National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after N.N. Priorov, 117 patients underwent surgical treatment of old injuries of the anterior pelvic ring under our supervision using standard reconstructive plates applied in the surgical treatment of new injuries of the pelvic ring. Results. Of the 65 patients who underwent fixation of an old injury of the anterior semiring with AO reconstructive plates and AO pelvic plates, installed in a standard manner as in new injuries, 12 patients (10,2%) experienced migration or fracture of structures within 2 to 6 months from the operation. In 52 patients, fixation of the anterior section with two AO plates was applied, one of which was located in a standard way along the upper edge of the pubic bones, the second was implanted additionally along the anterior surface of the pelvic ring perpendicular to the first one. In this group, migration and destabilization of the structures was observed in 7 patients (13,4%) within a period from 2 weeks to 2 months from the date of the operation. Conclusion. The analysis of the study results suggests that surgical treatment of old injuries of the anterior pelvic ring requires a special approach to the choice of the surgical fixation method, which differs from the treatment of new injuries. Over time, in the absence of treatment for injuries and ruptures of the pelvic ring, cicatricial-fibrous adhesions of the pelvic ring occur, which does not always ensure the stability of the pelvic ring, but leads to rigid post-traumatic deformity of the pelvis. Taking into account the cases of destabilization in groups 1 — 10,2% and 2 — 13,4%, as well as the assessment of the long-term results according to the Majeed scale, the use of standard methods for fixing the anterior pelvic semiring can be considered ineffective in old pelvic injuries.

Prevention of Scar Tissues and Hypopigmentation in Fresh Burn Injuries

Background: Scar tissues and hypopigmentation are manifestations of big injuries to skin caused by burns and mechanical accidents. Most of the burn injuries in India are caused in kitchens involving toddlers, women, and elderly. Largely people recover from small area burns depending on the cause and degree of injury without serious health consequences. Big widespread burns require immediate emergency medical care to prevent complications, permanent disability and mortality. At times cosmetic surgery is required to resolve hypopigmentation and disability caused by scar tissues. Methods & Materials: Oleoresin from Shorea robusta tree was used for treating infected wounds and burns in tribal India. Three cases of varying degree of direct fire burns are taken up for study where, based on traditional wisdom, a preparation of oleoresin and coconut oil is used as therapeutic from initial to total recovery. Many more burn victims were treated successfully at different times. Results: The therapeutic fully cured the wounds and there was no occurrence of hypopigmentation or scar tissues leading to any disability. Conclusions: Observations and experience leads to the conclusion that antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of oleoresin supplemented with coconut oil offer excellent therapeutic solutions for burn injuries. It seems that the preparation worked as melanogenesis stimulator inhibiting hypopigmentation. The treatment has not been attempted in other types of burns like chemical burns.

Management of Neglected Upper Cervical Spine Injuries.

Injuries involving upper cervical spine are serious and fatal injuries which are associated with alteration of normal occipital-cervical anatomy. These injuries may result in permanent neurologic deficits or neck deformity if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. To evaluate the outcomes of neglected upper cervical spine injuries treated by various methods. Retrospective study. Twelve patients attending ER or OPD with a history of neck trauma and who were diagnosed with fractures and fracture dislocations C1 and C2 were included in the study. Fresh injuries sustained within a week were excluded from study. The outcomes were measured in terms of improvement in VAS, ODI Scores and correction of the neck deformity. Surgical parameters like duration of surgery and blood loss were also observed. Eleven males and one female. The mean age was 40.9 ± 16.9 (07-67years). Eleven patients underwent posterior instrumentation, while one patient was treated anteriorly. The mean delay in presentation was 28 ± 8.67days (15-42days). The mean duration of surgery was 188.3 ± 34.35min (120-240min), average blood loss was 350 ± 111.8ml (150-600ml). The mean VAS improved from 8.45 ± 0.89 to 3.9 ± 0.51 (p < 0.05). The mean ODI Pre-operatively was 88.45 ± 5.89 which improved to 31.9 ± 4.01 (p < 0.05). The neck deformity/torticollis was corrected in all the patients. Neglected upper cervical spine injuries are difficult to treat and a posterior approach is helpful in reducing the subluxations indirectly and to obtain a posterior fusion.

Prolonged care and cannibalism of infant corpse by relatives in semi-free-ranging capuchin monkeys

Cannibalism is a quite common behaviour in animals that can have survival value when food is scarce or in the case of overpopulation. Conversely, cannibalism can also increase pathogen transmission and reduce fitness. In primates, some cases of cannibalism are associated with infanticide or are performed by mothers after their newborn has died (filial cannibalism). We report here the first observation of cannibalism, specifically infant cannibalism, in a semi-free-ranging group of brown capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella). The baby was likely stillborn, as parts of the cranial bones were missing and no fresh injuries were visible. After half a day of taking care of the dead infant, the mother ate part of the corpse's skin and the highly nutritional viscera, possibly thereby compensating for the physiological costs of pregnancy. After attentively watching his mother's behaviour, the older brother of the dead newborn similarly ate parts of the corpse. Although we cannot rule out idiosyncrasy and vertical social transmission, it is possible that cannibalism is a normal-albeit rare-part of the behavioural repertoire of capuchin monkeys.

Anteromedial ankle approach for talus fracture

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of anteromedial ankle approach for talus fracture. Methods From January 2012 to October 2018, the data of 28 cases of talus fracture treated by anteromedial ankle approach were retrospectively analyzed, including 26 males and 2 females, aged 24-61 years with an average of 38.6 years. All 25 cases of closed injuries and 3 cases of open injuries were fresh injuries. There were 16 cases of traffic injuries, 8 falling injuries, 2 heavy object injuries and 2 sprains. Among the 28 patients, 17 were talus neck fractures, and according to Hawkins talus neck fracture classification, there were 1 case of type I, 12 type II, and 4 type III. There were 11 cases of talus fracture, which were classified according to Sneppen talus fracture types: 2 cases of type I, 8 cases of type II and 1 case of type V. Among them, 2 cases of talus neck fracture complicated with T12 vertebral body fractures and 2 cases complicated with calcaneal fractures. The time from injury to operation for 3 patients with open fracture was 3-6 hours. 25 cases of closed fracture injuries took 2-10 hours to operate, with an average time of 5.6 hours. All patients were fixed with cannulated screws through the anteromedial ankle approach. The weight-bearing time and strength of lower limbs were determined according to fracture healing after surgery. The ankle function was evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score. Results All 28 patients were followed up for 23 to 82 months, with an average of 37.5 months. All fractures healed. The healing time of talus neck fracture was 3.5-8 months, with an average of 5 months. The healing time of talus fracture was 3-7 months, averaging 4.5 months. At the latest follow-up, AOFAS score ranged from 68 to 100, with an average of 82.5 points, including excellent in 15 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 4 cases and poor in 1 case, with the excellent and good rate of 82.1% (23/28). There were no signs of fracture displacement, malunion, loosening and prolapse of internal fixation, fracture and ischemic necrosis of talus after operation. Traumatic arthritis occurred in 9 patients, with an incidence rate of 32.1% (9/28). Tibial joint was involved in 5 cases, talus joint in 3 cases, tibialis in 1 case and talus joint in 1 case. Among them, traumatic arthritis occurred in 2 cases of open injury. Nine patients (32.1%) suffered from traumatic arthritis 6-10 months after operation, with an average of 8 months. According to conservative treatments such as weight control, ankle immobilization, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, nutrition of articular cartilage drugs, joint traction and plasty were given. The patients' conditions improved to different degrees and could tolerate walking and normal life and work. Conclusion The anteromedial ankle approach has the advantages of minimal vessel injuries, clear exposure for direct reduction, low rate of necrosis of talus and satisfactory curative effect. Key words: Talus; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal

An Evaluation of Colour Change in Abrasion and its Correlation to Time: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Centre

Ageing of abrasions among Indian population compared to the West has a wide range of variations. There is not much reported work from India as to the healing pattern and morphological appearance of abrasions in correlation to time since injury. A cross sectional study of patients randomly selected for a naked eye examination of the abrasions compared with standard colour-charts. Comparison was then made between the standard literature and the data gathered to ascertain the applicability of the Western findings on Indian population. It is observed that fresh injuries and injuries which are more than 7 days old have a high percentage of agreement with the available literature. The Spearman's rho showed positive correlation between time since injury and colour of abrasion to be 0.902 (p value<0.001). However those abrasions which age between 12 hours to 7 days have a lesser percentage agreement with the available literature in the standard text. The Spearman's test of correlation for abrasions between 12 hours-7 days, after excluding extreme intervals which correlated completely with literature, still showed high correlation (Correlation Coefficient-0.749, p value <0.001).

Sexual Assault: A Crime of Power & Control. Medicolegal Study at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Sexual Violence is one of the most common crimes across the globe changing the religious as well as cultural values. The incidence of sexual assault is increasing in the community and gained considerable importance being the important public health problem all over the world. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile & medico-legal consequences in the victims of alleged sexual assault brought for medicolegal certification at District Headquarter (Teaching) Hospital Sahiwal, Pakistan. Setting & Duration: Retrospective study was conducted in medicolegal clinic of DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal during the period from 1st January, 2016 to 31st December, 2016. Material & Methods: 125 cases of alleged sexual assault reported in medicolegal clinic of DHQ Hospital Sahiwal, during the calendar year 2016. The socio-demographic characteristics were studied in detail i.e. age, marital status, residential background. Associated physical injuries as well as perineal injuries observed on the body of victims were also considered. Results of the biological specimens / evidentiary material sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) were recorded on a Performa. Results: The incidence of sexual assault was higher 79(63.20%) in rural inhabitants as compared to 46(36.80%) in urban citizens. The most vulnerable age group was 11-20 years involving 57(45.60%) cases followed by those belonging to 3rd decade of life involving 37(29.60%) victims. Of the total 125 cases of alleged sexual assault, 74(59.20%) were married and 51(40.80%) unmarried. As regard injuries to the perineal areas; hymen was observed to have fresh injuries to the vulva & vagina in 7(5.60%) cases whereas old / healed tears of perineal area were found in remaining 118(94.40%) victims and there was no Virgo intact among all the cases of alleged sexual assault. Conclusion: The victims with age group of 11–20 years were the most commonly affected by sexual violence in Sahiwal & majority of them belonged to the rural areas. Rape and sexual assault are under-reported crimes in order to avoid the social stigma. A combined effort by law enforcing agencies, civil society & electronic / print media should be initiated to eliminate the ferocity of sexual crimes from community.

Forming groups of aggressive sows based on a predictive test of aggression does not affect overall sow aggression or welfare

This experiment examined the effects of group composition on sow aggressive behaviour and welfare. Over 6 time replicates, 360 sows (parity 1–6) were mixed into groups (10 sows per pen, 1.8 m2/sow) composed of animals that were predicted to be aggressive (n = 18 pens) or groups composed of animals that were randomly selected (n = 18 pens). Predicted aggressive sows were selected based on a model-pig test that has been shown to be related to the aggressive behaviour of parity 2 sows when subsequently mixed in groups. Measurements were taken on aggression delivered post-mixing, and aggression delivered around feeding, fresh skin injuries and plasma cortisol concentrations at days 2 and 24 post-mixing. Live weight gain, litter size (born alive, total born, stillborn piglets), and farrowing rate were also recorded. Manipulating the group composition based on predicted sow aggressiveness had no effect (P > 0.05) on sow aggression delivered at mixing or around feeding, fresh injuries, cortisol, weight gain from day 2 to day 24, farrowing rate, or litter size. The lack of treatment effects in the present experiment could be attributed to (1) a failure of the model-pig test to predict aggression in older sows in groups, or (2) the dependence of the expression of the aggressive phenotype on factors such as social experience and characteristics (e.g., physical size and aggressive phenotype) of pen mates. This research draws attention to the intrinsic difficulties associated with predicting behaviour across contexts, particularly when the behaviour is highly dependent on interactions with conspecifics, and highlights the social complexities involved in the presentation of a behavioural phenotype.

Leg injuries and wound repair among cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores).

Previous studies of leg injuries in harvestmen have focused on the fitness consequences for individuals that use autospasy (voluntary detachment of the leg) as a secondary defense mechanism. Leg damage among non-autotomizing species of laniatorean harvestmen has not been investigated. Under laboratory conditions, we damaged femur IV of Cynorta marginalis and observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the changes in these wounds over ten days. We also used SEM to examine leg damage from individuals of three species of cosmetid harvestmen that were collected in the field. On the basis of changes in the external surface of the hemolymph coagulum, we classified these wounds as fresh (coagulum forming), recent (coagulum with smooth surface), older (coagulum is scale-like with visible cell fragments), and fully healed (scale replaced by new cuticle growth on the terminal stump). Our observations indicate that wound healing in harvestmen occurs in a manner comparable to that of other chelicerates. Leg injuries exhibited interspecific variation with respect to the overall frequency of leg wounds and the specific legs that were most commonly damaged. In addition, we measured walking and climbing speeds of adult C. marginalis and found that individuals with fresh injuries (lab-induced) to femur IV walked at speeds significantly slower than uninjured adults or individuals collected from the field that had fully healed wounds to a single leg. J. Morphol. 278:73-88, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.

Surgical Treatment with Suture Anchor for Fresh Injuries of the Colateral Ligament of the Elbow

Surgical Treatment with Suture Anchor for Fresh Injuries of the Colateral Ligament of the Elbow

COMPLICATIONS AND MISTAKES AFTER ANTERIOR CERVICAL INTERBODY FUSION WITH AUTOLOGOUS BONE GRAFTS

Full coalescence after the anterior interbody fusion using bone cortical-cancellous iliac crest autografts and rigid plates in the surgical treatment of fresh injuries of the cervical spine may be reached in 95–100 % of cases. Despite on this the number of unsatisfactory results of operations related to bone graft amounts 50.7 %, and complications due to the use of hardware can range from 5 % to 35 %. Objective: To analyze the complications and mistakes after the anterior interbody bone fusion using cortical-cancellous iliac crest autografts and rigid plates in cases of surgical treatment of the subaxialcervical functional spinal units’ injuries. Material and Methods: There were analyzed outcomes in 123 patients with fresh cervical spine injuries, 91 (73.9 %) men and 32 (26.08 %) of women aged from 16 to 67 years among them. For all patients we performed decompressive and stabilizing surgeries by means of bone cortical-cancellous autografts from the ipsilateral iliac crest and rigid plates developed at the Institute according to known and designed at the Institute techniques. Time from injury to surgery ranged from 3 to 42 hours (mean, 9.54 hours), and duration of surgery ranged from 90 to 210 minutes (average, 1 hour 50 minutes). All patients were examined clinically and radiologically by known methods. Results: An interbody fusion was achieved in 95.8 % of cases, and the overall complication rate was 30.9 %. All complications and mistakes were systematized and analyzed. The greatest number of complications was associated with metal constructs (11.38 %), with bone graft implemented in interbody space (4.87 %) and occurred on the site of the donor wound (5.69 %). The least amount of complications was observed at the postoperative cervical wound region (3.24 %). Conclusions: Enhancement of a technique for the anterior interbody fusion by means of bone autografts and cervical rigid plates and careful compliance with the principles of stabilization of the cervical functional spinal units as well as rules for such surgeries will prevent technical mistakes, reduce the number of complications and improve outcome.

Impacts of fisheries on the Critically Endangered humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis population in the eastern Taiwan Strait

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 22:99-114 (2013) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00518 Impacts of fisheries on the Critically Endangered humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis population in the eastern Taiwan Strait Elisabeth Slooten1,*, John Y. Wang2,3, Sarah Z. Dungan2,3, Karin A. Forney4, Samuel K. Hung2,5, Thomas A. Jefferson6, Kimberly N. Riehl2,3, Lorenzo Rojas‑Bracho7, Peter S. Ross8,9, Ashley Wee3, Robin Winkler10, Shih-Chu Yang11, Chaolun A. Chen12 1Otago University, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand 2FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group, Thornhill, Ontario L4J-7X1, Canada 3Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada 4Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA 5Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project, Lam Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, SAR 6Clymene Enterprises, Lakeside, California 92040, USA 7Coordinación de Investigación y Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos, Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático (INECC), Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico 8Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 4B2, Canada 9Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG), Sidney, British Columbia V8L 3Y3, Canada 10Winkler Partners, Attorneys at Law, Taipei 100, Taiwan 11FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group, Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan 12Biodiversity Research Centre, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) Biodiversity, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 115, Taiwan *Email: liz.slooten@otago.ac.nz ABSTRACT: Biological and fisheries data were analysed to assess the impact of fisheries mortality on a Critically Endangered subpopulation of <100 humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in the eastern Taiwan Strait (ETS). Substantial interactions between ETS S. chinensis (hereafter Sousa) and fishing gear are known to cause dolphin mortality. In 2009, a total of 6318 motorised fishing vessels were operating from ports within Sousa habitats. An average of 32 fishing craft per kilometre was observed along a 200 km stretch of Sousa habitat. Based on a photo-identification catalogue, >30% of the ETS Sousa subpopulation exhibited injuries caused by fishing gear. Three individuals were photographed with fishing gear attached to their bodies, and 1 dolphin was found dead with fresh injuries caused by fishing gear. To ensure recovery of ETS Sousa, mortality due to human causes should be reduced to <1 individual every 7 yr. Fisheries bycatch is the most serious threat to these dolphins and needs to be eliminated as soon as possible to avoid extinction. Preventing the use of trammel nets, other gillnets and trawling throughout their habitat would be the single most effective conservation measure for ETS Sousa in the short term. Other fishing methods are available, and using the most selective, sustainable fishing methods available will benefit not only dolphins but also fish stocks, seabirds and other species, as well as the fishing industry, which depends on these species for its long-term viability. However, in the short term, there are costs associated with switching to more selective fishing gear. KEY WORDS: Fisheries impacts · Eastern Taiwan Strait · Critically Endangered · Bycatch · Indo‑Pacific humpback dolphins Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Slooten E, Wang JY, Dungan SZ, Forney KA and others (2013) Impacts of fisheries on the Critically Endangered humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis population in the eastern Taiwan Strait. Endang Species Res 22:99-114. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00518 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 22, No. 2. Online publication date: December 02, 2013 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2013 Inter-Research.

Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) off Bimini, The Bahamas

The rate of shark predation on small cetaceans is poorly understood, but information is increasing as more long-term cetacean and shark studies are conducted. Resident Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), off the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, have been the subject of ongoing photo-ID and behavioral studies since 2001. Sharks in this area have also been systematically documented for decades. Despite these efforts, an actual shark attack on a dolphin has not been observed in Bimini and such an observation is rare anywhere in the world. Because of this, photo-ID records were analyzed for evidence of shark-induced injuries, often in the form of a crescent-shaped injury or scar. Fifteen percent of cataloged individuals within the Bimini dolphin population exhibit evidence of a shark attack. Patterns in the location on the body of the attack and trends related to age and sex were calculated. There were few injuries to the ventral portion of the body, where most attacks would likely be fatal. Although the level of healing prevented most scars from being linked to a specific shark species, we suspect bull (Carcharhinus leucas), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvieri), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscures) to be possible predators of dolphins near Bimini. This study does not estimate the frequency of attacks on dolphins; here, we estimate the occurrence of unsuccessful attacks. Introduction: The amount of information on shark predation on small cetaceans is increasing as longitudinal cetacean projects and anecdotal information are compiled. Stomach content studies have shown delphinid species consumed by the following shark species: Zambesi/bull (Carcharhinus leucas), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvieri), great white (Carcharodon carcharias), and dusky (Carcharhinus obscures)(Cockcroft et al., 1989). First hand observations are rare (Mann & Barnett, 1999; Maldini, 2003) so alternative methods for assessing shark predation must be developed. One method is by assessing failed attempts; that is, documenting fresh injuries and scars on known dolphins that can be attributed to sharks, as was done in this study. Here, the percentage of Atlantic spotted dolphins, from a known population, with evidence of past shark attacks was determined and compared to other dolphin populations. Patterns in the body location of these scars as well as differences between ages and sexes were considered. Potential shark species responsible for the attacks are discussed.

Incidence and Impact of Concomitant Vascular Injuries on Repair of Post-Cholecystectomy Bile Duct Strictures

Purpose: To study the incidence of associated vascular injuries and their effect on clinical course, intraoperative difficulty and the outcome of repair in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct strictures. Methods: Forty consecutive patients referred with a diagnosis of post-cholecystectomy bile duct stricture were prospectively evaluated with Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) along with Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography (MRC). Strictures were classified as per Bismuth's classification and strictures at or above the primary biliary confluence were considered as high strictures. Details of index cholecystectomy, any radiological interventions and surgical repair (Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy) were recorded. Patients were followed up at 6 monthly intervals with clinical examination, liver function tests, abdominal ultrasound and hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Outcome assessment was done using Mcdonald's grading. Results: Four patients in whom MRA could not be completedwere excluded. Vascular injury was present in 22 (61%) and all of them had interruption of right hepatic artery (RHA). Additionally right portal vein injury was also present in one of these patients. RHA injury was noted in 17 (65%) patients with fresh injuries and in 5 (50%) patients who had prior failed repair. Prominent hilar collaterals were demonstrated in 20 (91%) of RHA injuries. Associated hepatic arterial anomalies were noted in 12 patients. Twenty three (64%) patients had high strictures (Type ≥3). There was no significant difference in the incidence of vascular injury between high and low strictures. Thirty four patients underwent stricture repair. There was no significant difference in blood loss, need for blood transfusion and duration of surgery in patients with or without vascular injury. There was no increase in overall complications and bile leak in patients with vascular injury. At median follow-up of 6 months (range 1-24), three failures of stricture repair were encountered. There was no effect of vascular injury on stricture repair in this short duration of follow up. Attempted prior repair and secondary biliary cirrhosis were found to have significant association with failure of stricture repair. Conclusion: On prospective evaluation with MRA post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries were found to be associated with a very high incidence of asymptomatic vascular injuries mostly injury to the right hepatic artery. Vascular injuries are not associated with increased operative difficulty or post-operative complications. On a short follow-up they also did not have any negative impact on bile duct injury repair, performed by Hepp-Couinaud approach and after allowing adequate time for inflammation to settle.Table: Table. Factors affecting outcome of stricture repair

White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)-Inflicted Bite Wounds Observed on Cape Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at Black Rocks, Algoa Bay, South Africa

This paper presents the first quantitative study on the seasonal occurrence and body location of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)-inflicted injuries on Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at Black Rocks, in Algoa Bay. Between January 2010 and October 2011, 22 boat trips were made to Black Rocks to chum for white sharks. On 19 of the trips a series of overlapping photographs were taken of the northern side of Black Rocks and the percentage of seals, which exhibited fresh white shark bite wounds recorded. A total of 53 sharks and 28 fresh shark-inflicted injuries were recorded on seals over the course of the study period. The maximum number of sharks sighted per hour (1.2) was in July and the highest percentage of shark bitten seals in November (0.6%). There was no significant relationship between the monthly sighting rate of sharks and the percentage of shark bitten seals (P = 0.40). The percentage of shark-inflicted injuries observed on seals increased with seal size. Most injuries were o...

Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures Using the Ipsilateral Free Semitendinosus Tendon Graft and Interference Screw Fixation

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures represent more than 40% of all tendon ruptures requiring surgical management. About 20% of acute Achilles tendon tears are not diagnosed at the time of injury and become chronic, necessitating more complicated management than fresh injuries. Several techniques for the reconstruction of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon have been described, but the superiority of one technique over the others has not been demonstrated. Hypothesis: Mini-invasive reconstruction of the Achilles tendon, with a gap lesion larger than 6 cm, using the ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon graft will result in improvement of the overall function with a low rate of complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 2008 and 2010, the authors prospectively enrolled 28 consecutive patients (21 men and 7 women; median age, 46 years) with chronic closed ruptures of the Achilles tendon who had undergone reconstruction with a free semitendinosus tendon graft. They assessed the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), maximum calf circumference, and isometric plantarflexion strength before surgery and at the last follow-up. Outcome of surgery and rate of complications were also recorded. The median follow-up after surgery was 31.4 months. Results: The overall result of surgery was excellent/good in 26 (93%) of 28 patients. The ATRS improved from 42 (range, 29-55) to 86 (range, 78-95) (P < .0001). In the operated leg, the maximum calf circumference and isometric plantarflexion strength were significantly improved after surgery (P < .0001); however, their values remained significantly lower than those of the opposite side (P < .0001). All patients were able to walk on tiptoes and returned to their preinjury working occupation. No infections were recorded. Conclusion: Mini-invasive reconstruction of the Achilles tendon, with a gap lesion larger than 6 cm, using the ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon graft provides a significant improvement of symptoms and function, although calf circumference and ankle plantarflexion strength do not recover fully.

Low-invasive treatment of fresh injuries in the acromioclavicular joint

Results of treatment of 16 patients with fresh injuries of ligaments in the acromioclavicular joint are presented. The type of injury was classified according to Rockwood. In cases of injury types I-II, conservative treatment was used. In conditions of dislocation types III and V of the above classification, surgical treatment was used. A modified MINAR technique was the method of choice, where either anchor fixation devices with nonabsorbable sutures or AKK-Takelazh systems with high-strength nonabsorbable material were used. The results showed that the use of the above technique for restoration of the acromioclavicular joint made it possible to decrease traumatism of the operation, shorten terms of immobilization, receive positive remote results and restore the full range of movement in the acromioclavicular joint.