High Levels of Heavy Metals detected in Feathers of an Avian Scavenger Warn of a High Pollution Risk in the Atacama Desert (Chile).

The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and feathers of nestling birds of prey from northern Norway.

Plasma samples from nestlings of two top predators, White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) from northern Norway were analysed for a wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Body feathers from the White-tailed eagles were also analysed and significant associations between specific PFASs in blood plasma and body feathers were found (0.36

Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ligament reconstruction with a triangular tendon graft in posttraumatic chronic instability.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to report the results of static triangular ligament reconstruction, in thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint chronic posttraumatic laxity using a tendon graft with a proximal apex in ten patients. The mean postoperative follow-up was 40.2 months. The mean postoperative thumb MCP joint stress testing was 43° less than before surgery, and 6.5° less than in the non-injured hand. The mean range of flexion was 10.5° lower in the operated thumb than in the contralateral one, and the mean range of extension was 8° lower. Minimal differences in the values of the Kapandji score, grip and key-pinch strength were found. The preoperative pain became an occasional discomfort after surgery. All patients had a subjective sense of stability until final follow-up. All patients returned to their work or daily activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: For therapeutic studies investigating the results of treatment.

Design of a suture anchor based on the superelasticity of the Ni-Ti alloy.

We have designed and manufacture a prototype of a new anchoring system for soft bone tissue fixation, based on the superelasticity of the Ni-Ti alloy. The anchoring capability has been observed in femoral hips by radiographs. The performance of this new anchor have been measured by tensile experiments and contrasted with finite element model. The results point out that keeping the fixation capacity, the new configuration presents advantages concerning to a minor damaged volume bone, a reduction of the manufacture cost and a simpler insertion.

Use of the suture anchor in modified open Bankart reconstruction.

This study describes the 2-year follow-up of Bankart reconstruction in 44 patients with posttraumatic recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder, using suture anchors and reinforcing the repair with a subscapularis overlap. Forty-three of 44 patients (98%) regained normal stability. One recurrent dislocation occurred. The mean loss of external rotation was 15 degrees. The functional results according to the Rowe scoring system were excellent in 30 cases, good in 13 cases, and poor in 1 case. The suture anchors were found to simplify the procedure.