Submersion In Fresh Water Research Articles

Biological Response of Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Pupae After Submersion in Freshwater

Abstract Forensic Entomology uses arthropods to aid in legal investigations. This study checked the biological response of Chrysomya putoria pupae to submersion in fresh water for up to 6 d, evaluating the critical submersion time, survival rate, and development time of the flies. Adults were collected using fish baits in two typical traps. Seven hundred and twenty fourth-generation pupae with 2 d of development were used and separated into submergence intervals: 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h. An additional 120 pupae were used as a control. Each treatment was done in triplicate, consisting of 40 pupae distributed in four tulle-sealed test tubes containing 10 pupae each. All tubes of each treatment were co-adhered in test tube racks and were submerged in mineral water in a container with constant oxygenation, except those of the control group, which were not submerged. The tubes were removed from the water according to their respective submersion interval, until 144 h was completed. The control group had a survival rate of 90%, while the 24-h treatment had 85% and the 48-h treatment had 35.8%. The critical submersion time for pupae was 72 h, with 100% mortality by 144 h. The average development time for the control group was 3.2 d, while the 24- and 48-h treatments developed in 4.3 and 6.3 d, respectively. The longer the individuals were submerged, the lower the survival rate was, while the development time increased. The data obtained in this study have potential in applications to estimate the interval of submersion of a cadaver.

A GPS-enabled seabed sediment sampler: Recovery efficiency and efficacy.

The design, manufacture, and commissioning of a global positioning system enabled sampler instrument conceived for the retrieval of seabed sediments are described. This system was designed for sampling in environmental assessment applications and, especially, those requirements that might include insoluble, anthropogenic radioactivity derived from the effluent from nuclear facilities. Once triggered, the sampler operates autonomously for the recovery of samples by settling in the sampling environment, and it is compatible with submersion in fresh water and also with an off-the-shelf, submersible, remotely operated vehicle. A number of tests have been carried out to determine the efficiency and efficacy of the sample recovery performed by the system and the extent to which the recovery of samples disturbs neighboring sediments.

Characterisation of autogenous healing in cracked mortars under marine water exposure

In this study, autogenous crack healing was quantified in mortar specimens under various exposure conditions. Specimens were cracked at 28 days and then exposed to a single type of environment: submersion in freshwater, submersion in marine water or cyclic submersion in marine water followed by drying daily (tidal conditions). Instead of taking measurements at a few selected points along the crack length, crack widths were innovatively determined through periodic measurements monitoring the entire crack surface profile. This enabled the identification of significant variations in the healing profile and evidence of widening mostly due to spalling. Specimens exposed to submerged marine conditions displayed maximum overall healing and were able to completely heal a higher percentage of cracks as wide as 0.72 mm as compared to the 0.6 mm reported in previous studies. Evidence of crack widening due to spalling was found in the crack profiles, and the phenomenon was shown to be dependent on the initial width, with wider cracks showing less absolute widening. Specimens exposed to tidal conditions showed the least crack widening among all exposure conditions.

Bionomics and Ecological Services of Megaloptera Larvae (Dobsonflies, Fishflies, Alderflies).

Megaloptera belong to a large monophyletic group, the Neuropteroidea, together with Coleoptera, Strepsiptera, Raphidioptera, and Neuroptera. With the latter two, this order constitutes the Neuropterida, a smaller monophyletic subset among which it is the only entirely aquatic group, with larvae of all species requiring submersion in freshwater. Megaloptera is arguably the oldest extant clade of Holometabola with aquatic representatives, having originated during the Permian before the fragmentation of Pangea, since about 230 Ma. It includes 54 genera (35 extant and 19 extinct genera), with 397 extant described species and subspecies. Recent Megaloptera are divided into two families: Corydalidae (with subfamilies Corydalinae—dobsonflies and Chauliodinae—fishflies) and Sialidae (alderflies), both widely yet disjunctively distributed among zoogeographical realms. All species of Megaloptera have aquatic larvae, whereas eggs, pupae, and adults are terrestrial. The anatomy, physiology, and behavior of megalopteran larvae are specialized for an aquatic predatory habit, yet their ecological significance might still be underappreciated, as their role in food webs of benthic communities of many temperate and tropical streams and rivers is still understudied and largely unquantified. In many freshwater ecosystems, Megaloptera larvae are a conspicuous benthic component, important in energy flow, recycling of materials, and food web dynamics.

Can pulmonary foam arise after postmortem submersion in water? An animal experimental pilot study

It is difficult to differentiate drowning from postmortem submersion. Pulmonary foam can be found in bodies retrieved from water. It is unknown whether foam is a result of drowning or if it also forms after postmortem submersion. We divided deceased piglets into three groups: postmortem saltwater submersion (N = 20), postmortem freshwater submersion (N = 20) and dry-land controls (N = 20). All carcasses underwent endoscopic examination within 24 h of death and the presence of external and internal pulmonary foam was scored. No external foam was detected in the postmortem freshwater or the postmortem saltwater group. Internal foam was seen in 35% of the postmortem freshwater and 40% of the postmortem saltwater group. No external or internal foam was detected in the dry land control group. The literature shows external as well as internal foam in drowned humans. Internal foam is seen in postmortem submersion in the current piglet study and antemortem submersion in the literature in humans, and can therefore not be used to support/refute the diagnosis of drowning. No external foam was present in the postmortem submersed piglets, yet has been described in drowned humans. Hence the presence of external foam in bodies recovered from water may be indicative for drowning. The presence of external foam is a potentially valuable clinical sign in distinguishing drowning from postmortem submersion.

Effects of Feeding Enriched Artemia Fransiscana with HUFA, Vitamin C and E on Growth Performance, Survival and Stress Resistance of Yellowfin Seabream Larvae

Effects of feeding highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA), vitamins E and C enriched Artemia fransiscana nauplii on growth, survival and stress resistance of yellowfin seabream, A. latus were investigated. Larvae at first exogenous feeding with 53 ± 5 mg body weight were fed with HUFA+5%, 10% and 15% vitamin C-enriched Artemiai (C1, C2 and C3 groups, respectively), HUFA+5% and 10% vitamin E-enriched Artemia (E1 and E2 groups, respectively), HUFA+2.5% (W/W) vitamin C and E enriched Artemia (CE2 group), HUFA+5% (W/W) vitamin C and E-enriched Artemia (CE1 group), HUFA without vitamin (HUFA group) and non-enriched Artemia (control) in 3 replicates. Enriched Artemia feeding for all treatments was initialized on day 17 and finished on day 23 post hatch. After the period of enrichment, the larvae were fed with Coppens diet from day 23 to 36 and then, the sampling was done. Larvae resistance to osmotic and temperature stresses was performed with submersion in fresh water (0.5-1 ppt) and cold water (15°C) for 1h, respectively. Larvae growth factors except for DGR were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). Fish fed non-enriched Artemia had significantly higher DGR (0.63 ± 0.04) (p<0.05). Mortality rate was significantly different between control and other groups from day 17 (p<0.05). Stress tolerance, cortisol and total protein were not significantly different among the groups. Glucose was only significantly different between C3 and CE2. Results indicate that enrichment of Artemia fransiscana with HUFA and vitamins E and C increases survival in yellowfin seabream larvae at its first feeding.

Mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after traumatic freshwater submersion using bi-caval dual lumen catheter

Dear Editor, After traumatic freshwater submersion, severe respiratory failure and destructive lung injury are dreaded complications [1]. If conventional treatment fails to provide adequate oxygenation, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is the only remaining treatment modality [2]. Yet, in the presence of concomitant trauma, the need for anticoagulation in VV-ECMO poses a therapeutic dilemma [3]. Here, we report two trauma patients treated with mobile VV-ECMO after freshwater aspiration despite an increased trauma-related bleeding risk. A 33-year-old healthy male fell off a tilted wagon, lost consciousness, and suffered from freshwater submersion, resulting in brain and lung contusion, and an injury severity score (ISS) of 26. Despite lung-protective ventilation and prone position, respiratory failure progressed (Murray score 3.0 [4]) and VV-ECMO was initiated within 24 h after admission. The further clinical course was uneventful and no additional pulmonary complications occurred. Successful weaning from ECMO was accomplished on day 11, followed by intensive care unit (ICU) discharge on day 13. A 24-year-old healthy male experienced freshwater aspiration after a quad bike accident, resulting in bilateral brain contusion, lung contusion, rib fractures, bilateral pneumothoraces, and splenic rupture grade II/VI (ISS 29). On day 6, the respiratory condition deteriorated (Murray score 3.5 [4]), necessitating VV-ECMO. The subsequent clinical course was complicated by persistent pneumothoraces, multiple pulmonary abscesses, empyema, and parenchymal destruction (Fig. 1a–c), ultimately allowing successful weaning from VV-ECMO (day 54), mechanical ventilation (day 66) and ICU discharge (day 69). Fig. 1 Serial chest CT scans on day 34 (a), 46 (b), and 58 (c) of VV-ECMO support in the 24-year-old male showing gradual improvement of pulmonary injury. Mobile VV-ECMO equipment mounted on the transport trolley (d). Bi-caval dual lumen catheter (e) optimally ... In both patients, referral on mechanical ventilation from the primary hospital to a tertiary academic center was considered impossible because of respiratory instability. Therefore, our mobile team comprising two experienced senior intensivists, an ICU nurse, and a perfusionist initiated VV-ECMO off-center before transport (Prolonged Life Support, Maquet®, Fig. 1d). One intensivist introduced a 27-French bi-caval dual lumen catheter (Avalon Elite, Avalon Laboratories®, Fig. 1e) via the right internal jugular vein, resulting in a blood flow of 4 L/min. Optimal catheter positioning was guided echocardiographically by the second intensivist adhering to a protocolized combined transthoracic-transesophageal approach using our mobile equipment (Philips CX 50) (Fig. 1f) [5]. The use of a single insertion site minimized the risk of cannula displacement, introduction of site bleeding, and infection while facilitating patient handling. In both patients no VV-ECMO related complications occurred. Considering the bleeding risk due to concomitant multitrauma, therapeutic anticoagulation was undesirable [3]. Consequently, the first patient received a half-therapeutic dose of unfractionated heparin intravenously (5,000 IU bolus), the second acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg) orally (300 mg bolus). In the absence of hemorrhagic complications, both patients switched to a therapeutic dosage of unfractionated heparin 48 h after the start of VV-ECMO. Severe but potentially reversible pulmonary injury can successfully be treated with VV-ECMO in trauma-related freshwater submersion. The combined advantages of mobile, off-center VV-ECMO initiation using a bi-caval dual lumen catheter in trauma patients have, to the best of our knowledge, not been described before. As pointed out earlier, this approach should be considered as a valid therapeutic option in this category of patients despite the assumed increased bleeding risk associated with multitrauma.

Sea water transport and submersion tolerance as dispersal strategies for the invasive ground beetle Merizodus soledadinus (Carabidae)

The alien ground beetle Merizodus soledadinus was introduced to the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen Islands in 1913. It colonized several small islands and islets of this archipelago, without any apparent human assistance in some locations, and crossed several large rivers and alluvial plains. As aggregations of this species on the tidal drift line are common at the Kerguelen Islands, the present work examined whether adult individuals of M. soledadinus could disperse by flotation on the sea. Different sample sizes of ground beetles (from 1 to 10) were placed on sea water at 8°C in plastic vials. Survival (50% lethal times) significantly increased from 2.1 ± 0.2 days for single beetles to 6.5 ± 0.3 days for groups of 10 beetles per vial, with there being no difference in the survival duration for groups of 2, 5, and 10 beetles per vial. Similar survival durations were found for beetles in vials with artificially agitated water and controls. In addition, the duration of survival was twice as high under freshwater versus sea water conditions, when groups of 10 adults were used. Finally, the survival to total submersion in freshwater was evaluated, and ranged from 3 to 4 days. This ability to survive extended periods both floating on and/or submerged beneath salt and freshwater conditions, indicates the presence of a successful dispersal mechanism, which may facilitate the dispersal range of M. soledadinus across the Kerguelen Islands, comprising over 300 islands and islets in total.

Evaluation of freshwater submersion in small animals: 28 cases (1996–2006)

To determine clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcome in dogs and cats evaluated after submersion in freshwater. Retrospective case series. 25 dogs and 3 cats. Medical records were reviewed for signalment; causes, location, and month of submersion; physical examination findings at admission; results of blood gas analysis; treatments administered; duration of hospitalization; and outcome, including evidence of organ failure or compromise. All submersions involved bodies of freshwater. Fourteen animals were submerged in man-made water sources, 13 were submerged in natural water sources, and the body of water was not recorded in 1 case. Twenty (71%) submersions occurred from May through September. Cause was identified in 16 animals and included extraordinary circumstances (n = 6), falling into water (5), breaking through ice (3), and intentional submersion (2). Twelve animals were found submerged in water with unclear surrounding circumstances. Treatment included administration of supplemental oxygen, antimicrobials, furosemide, corticosteroids, and aminophylline and assisted ventilation. Respiratory dysfunction was detected in 21 animals. Neurologic dysfunction was detected in 12 animals, hepatocellular compromise was detected in 6 animals, and cardiovascular dysfunction was detected in 4 animals. Three dogs had hematologic dysfunction, and 2 dogs had acute renal dysfunction. Eighteen (64%) animals survived to hospital discharge, but all of the cats died. In 9 of 10 nonsurvivors, respiratory tract failure was the cause of death or reason for euthanasia. Results suggest that submersion is an uncommon reason for veterinary evaluation but is associated with a good prognosis in dogs in the absence of respiratory tract failure.

Survival After Prolonged Submersion in Freshwater in Florida

A 2-year-old boy was submerged for at least 20 min in a freshwater creek in Union County, FL. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered for approximately 1 h at the scene and during transport to the hospital. On arrival, his Glasgow coma scale score was 3 and rectal temperature was < or = 26.7 degrees C. He demonstrated respiratory failure, intense vasoconstriction, hemoglobinuria, anemia, hypercoagulability, thrombocytosis, leukopenia, and persistent coma. With intensive care, he began emerging from the coma after 72 h and progressively improved. Testing at the Developmental Evaluation Center and clinical observations showed him to be completely normal by 6 months after drowning. Thus, severe, rapid hypothermia can occur during drowning in cold water in any geographic location and at temperatures above those necessary for ice formation. Hypothermia provides cerebral protection from hypoxia, permitting total recovery with appropriate CPR and intensive care.

Part 8: Advanced Challenges in Resuscitation

Part 8: Advanced Challenges in Resuscitation

Freshwater Submersion Injuries in Children: A Retrospective Review of Seventy-Five Hospitalized Patients

To determine whether or not selected victims of submersion accidents can be safely managed as outpatients. Retrospective chart review. Children's Medical Center of Dallas. One hundred forty-eight charts reviewed, comprising all hospital admissions after submersion accidents from April 1987 to April 1994. Of the 148 patient charts that were reviewed, 73 patients were excluded from the study for the following criteria: endotracheal intubation before initial medical evaluation; transfer form an inpatient unit of another medical facility; history of preexisting neurologic, neurodevelopmental, and/or pulmonary disease. Of the 75 evaluable patients, 3 were directly admitted to the inpatient service with no documented initial medical evaluation reported in the medical record. Of the remaining 72 patients, 62 (86%) were symptomatic at the time of the initial medical evaluation in the emergency department; 10 patients (14%) were asymptomatic. Seventy percent of the initially asymptomatic patients and 57% of patients who were symptomatic at the time of initial medical evaluation were asymptomatic by 8 hours after the submersion event. By 18 hours postsubmersion, all patients who were initially asymptomatic and 72% of initially symptomatic patients were normal. Thirty-five percent and 80% of patients who had abnormal initial physical examinations and abnormal chest x-rays had a normal physical examination by 8 hours and 18 hours, respectively, and all remained normal. Routine hospital admission of all children who have had immersion accidents is unnecessary.

Comparative water relations of sub-Antarctic and continental Antarctic oribatid mites

Water availability, in addition to cold, is important in limiting biotic distribution in the Antarctic regions. In general, inland continental Antarctic habitats are dry, relative to maritime and sub-Antarctic habitats. This investigation compares the water relations of an endemic continental Antarctic oribatid mite, Maudheimia petronia Wallwork, and two sub-Antarctic oribatid mites, Halozetes fulvus Engelbrecht and Podacarus auberti Grandjean. M. petronia showed enhanced survival of dehydrating conditions, which may be attributable to both its greater resistance to and tolerance of water loss. The estimated lethal exposure times (LT50) for M. petronia, P. auberti and H. fulvus held at 15°C and 0–5% RH were 250, 135 and 51 h, respectively. M. petronia lost water significantly more slowly than the sub-Antarctic mites (P 0.05). The mean losses of initial body water content after 45 h were 18.9, 27.3 and 29.3% for M. petronia, P. auberti and H. fulvus, respectively, and lethal water losses causing 50% of the sample to die were 65, 52, and 28%, respectively. These data suggest physiological adaptation by M. petronia for existence in periodically dry “chalikosystem” habitats at Antarctic nunataks. Comparisons of tolerance of submersion in freshwater showed P. auberti to be superior to M. petronia; the LT50 values for submersion were >146 h and 32 h, respectively. Tolerance of submersion by P. auberti may be important for its existence in wet sub-Antarctic habitats. Conversely, the poor tolerance shown by M. petronia suggests that this mite has not been associated with moist environments.

Hypokalemia following fresh-water submersion injuries.

Hypokalemia following fresh-water submersion injuries.

Chemical estimation of fresh water immersion intervals.

Postmortem vitreous humor chemistry studies were reviewed in 25 cases in which death was followed by submersion in fresh water for known lengths of time. The potassium concentrations in cold temperature cases initially increased in a linear manner, but appeared to level off or decline after about 1 week. In hot weather cases, potassium levels rose rapidly during the first few days postmortem. The sodium and chloride levels decreased in a fairly regular fashion, with less temperature variation. Increasing variation in values began to occur at about 7 days. The data show that dilution of the contents of the eye by fresh water begins at about that time in cases of cold water submersion. A formula employing the weighted average of the potassium and chloride concentrations can be used to determine the duration of submersion in cold water over the range of 2-10 days.

Intravascular coagulation in fresh-water submersion: A report of three cases

Intravascular coagulation in fresh-water submersion: A report of three cases

Susceptibility of Epoxy Coatings To Damage by Fresh Water Immersion

Abstract Data are given on tests of epoxy coatings, resistance to submersion in fresh water with a variety of curing agents as the variable. Examples are given showing where formulations cured by amines failed. Naval Research Laboratory tests showed epoxy coatings blistered consistently. A hypothesis is offered on the mechanism by which the coatings fail and the mechanism of blistering. 5.4.5,4.6.7