Wildlife is imperiled in peri-urban landscapes: threats to arboreal mammals.

Urbanization and deforestation impose severe challenges to wildlife, particularly for forest-living vertebrates. Understanding how the peri-urban matrix impacts their survival is critical for designing strategies to promote their conservation. We investigated the threats faced by brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in peri-urban regions of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC) states, southern Brazil, by compiling negative interaction events (hereafter NIE) reported over more than two decades. We assessed the major NIEs, their distribution among age-sex classes, and the predictors of NIE-related mortality. After 20+ years of monitoring, we compiled 540 NIEs (RS = 248 and SC = 292). Electrocution by power lines was the most frequent cause of death or injury (37%), followed by dog attack (34%), vehicle collision (17%), and human mistreatment (12%). The occurrence of lethal injuries ranged from 5% to 69% depending on the type of NIE and on which state it occurred in. The overall post-NIE mortality was 56%. Adults of both sexes were the most affected individuals in both study regions. The minimal adequate GLM model explained 83% of the variation in NIE-related mortality. State, NIE type, and age-sex class were the main predictors of mortality. Overall, mortality was lower in SC and higher among adult females than in the other classes. We found that the survival of brown howler monkeys in the forest-urban interface is constrained by both the urban infrastructure and the growing interactions with humans and domestic and stray dogs (Canis familiaris). We propose the placement of aerial bridges, road signs and speed bumps in areas of frequent animal crossing, the sterilization of stray dogs, and the sensitization of local inhabitants on the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife to reduce their NIEs with humans and domestic animals in the forest-urban interface.

Fratura exposta do fêmur em preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - tratamento e reabilitação / Open fracture of the femur in a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - treatment and rehabilitation

Background: The Choloepus didactylus is characterized by having 2 fingers on the forelimbs and 3 on the hind limbs, being found more frequently in northern South America, in countries such as Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. In Brazil, deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has threatened the survival of C. didactylus. In addition, these animals can be affected by several diseases, being those of the musculoskeletal system with limited reports. Thus, the present report aimed to describe the treatment and evolution of an open fracture of the femur in a free-living Choloepus didactylus, which after rehabilitation was released back to the wild. Case: A free-living female two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), weighing 7.0 kg, was found in Manaus city and referred to the Wild Animal Treatment Center (CETAS - IBAMA-AM) located in Amazonas, Brazil, after initial treatment and osteosynthesis in a private clinic (CVMinasPet). According to history, the animal had suffered electrocution 30 days ago and, as a result, had an extensive wound that resulted in the exposure of the knee joint, distal fracture of the femur, and areas of necrosis in the right pelvic limb. After cleansing of the area and removal of necrotic tissues, the fracture was stabilized with the cross-pinning technique (2 Steinmann pins). Then, the stifle joint was stabilized with external skeletal fixation (Type 1b, unilateral biplanar). The external fixator and cross-pins were removed 2 months after the surgical procedure, being observed bone healing. Next, the animal underwent physical rehabilitation for 30 days. After the rehabilitation period, a microchip and a radio collar were applied, and the sloth was released back to the wild. Discussion: Electrocution has been one of the causes of wildlife rescue, with consequences varying depending on the degree of the burn. Generally, the burn is most severe at the entry and exit sites. Since suspensory quadrupedal locomotion requires that sloths have specialized hands and feet to connect with the supports, probably the animal of the current report touched the right pelvic limb on a high-tension pole. The cross-pinning technique combined with the external fixator was used because the animal had an exposed Salter-Harris type I fracture with soft tissue loss. The younger the animal presents physeal fractures, the greater is the chance of developing growth abnormalities due to growth plate closure caused by fracture type or immobilization method. Since the sloth was a free-living animal, the age was unknown. However, pelvic limb length discrepancy was not observed after removing the implants. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test were not done and may be considered a limitation of this report. However, the application of ceftriaxone was adequate to control the infection, since the animal did not show signs of infection or draining sinus tracts. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation antibiotic that can be used in chronic osteomyelitis. In addition, the animal in the present report showed good adaptation to captive conditions that contributed to the clinical management. The longevity of the sloth in captivity can reach more than 30 years, but the goal is always to return the animal to nature after the treatment. Surgical treatment of the fracture and physical therapy after implant removal allowed this action in the current report, confirmed by monitoring with the radio collar.

Effectiveness of aerial wildlife crossings: Do wildlife use rope bridges more than hazardous structures to cross roads? / Eficacia de los pasos aéreos sobre carretera: ¿Cruza la fauna más por puentes de cuerda que por otras estructuras peligrosas?

Abstract Introduction: Although wildlife crossing structures have proven successful at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and linking fragmented habitat, their ability to prevent electrocutions of arboreal wildlife has not been closely examined. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerial rope bridges in restoring habitat connectivity for arboreal species in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, while preventing electrocutions by determining 1) what species are using the rope bridges and 2) whether wildlife prefer to use rope bridges instead of other hazardous structures that cross the roads (such as telephone cables, which are often in close proximity to electric wires). Methods: From January to May 2016, nine rope bridges along the highly-trafficked main road that extends from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, were monitored using camera traps, and ten rope bridges were observed directly along a paved side road off the main road. Results: A total of 11 species were seen using the bridges, and 1 540 crossings were witnessed via camera traps and observations (1 234 via camera traps, 306 during observations). Results from a paired t-test showed no significant difference in the average number of individuals crossing the road via rope bridges versus telephone cables (t(8) = 1.027, P = 0.334). Conclusions: Rope bridges are used by a variety of arboreal wildlife species with a high degree of frequency; however, due to the equally high usage of telephone cables by arboreal wildlife, they are insufficient to prevent wildlife electrocutions on their own. Rope bridges should be installed in tandem with other methods to prevent electrocutions, such as insulating electric wires, to facilitate the safe passage of wildlife over roads.

Resumen Introducción: Aunque los pasos de fauna han demostrado ser exitosos para reducir las colisiones entre vehículos y vida silvestre y vincular el hábitat fragmentado, su capacidad para prevenir electrocuciones de la vida silvestre arbórea no se ha examinado a fondo. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de los puentes aéreos de cuerdas para restaurar la conectividad del hábitat de las especies arbóreas en Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica y al mismo tiempo prevenir las electrocuciones al determinar 1) qué especies están usando los puentes de cuerda y 2) si la vida silvestre prefiere usar puentes de cuerda en lugar de otras estructuras peligrosas que cruzan las carreteras (como cables telefónicos, que frecuentemente están muy cerca de cables eléctricos). Métodos: De enero a mayo de 2016, se monitorearon nueve puentes de cuerda a lo largo de la carretera principal altamente transitada que se extiende desde Quepos a Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, utilizando cámaras trampa y la observación directa en diez puentes de cuerda a lo largo de una carretera pavimentada más pequeña fuera de la carretera principal. Resultados: Se observaron un total de 11 especies utilizando los puentes y se presenciaron 1 540 cruces mediante cámaras trampa y observaciones (1 234 mediante cámaras trampa, 306 durante las observaciones). Los resultados de una prueba t pareada no mostraron diferencias significativas en el número promedio de individuos que cruzan la carretera a través de puentes de cuerda versus cables telefónicos, t (8) = 1.027, P = 0.334. Conclusiones: Los puentes de cuerdas son utilizados por una variedad de especies de vida silvestre arbóreas con un alto grado de frecuencia; sin embargo, debido al uso igualmente elevado de cables telefónicos por parte de la vida silvestre arbórea, se considera que son insuficientes para prevenir las electrocuciones de la vida silvestre por sí solas. Los puentes de cuerda deben instalarse junto con otros métodos para evitar electrocuciones, como cables eléctricos aislados, para facilitar el paso seguro de la vida silvestre por las carreteras.

Blood analytes of electrocuted mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Several species of Costa Rican wildlife are suffering terrible injuries along the power lines in rural areas of the country due to the increasing human development in rural areas, but this has also brought the problem of poorly designed electric infrastructure, where arboreal mammals find their normal tree routes cut down so that the only way for them to cross is on the power lines where they can get electrocuted. METHODS: Blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panels (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, total bilirubin, plasma urea, Ca, P, creatinine, glucose, Na, K, total protein, globulins, and albumin) were collected from 34 electrocuted mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) individuals that arrived at the Nosara Refuge for Wildlife between May 2018 and May 2019. RESULTS: From the total sample, 18 were males (11 juveniles and eight adults), and 16 were females (six juveniles and 10 adults). From those individuals, 13 animals survived: five females (three juveniles and two adults) and eight males (six juveniles and two adults). Then, 22 animals died after the event from 1 to 102 days (22.41 ± 31.17) after they arrived at the center. Of these 22 animals, 11 were females (three juveniles and eight adults), and 11 were males (six juveniles and five adults). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results showed significant differences in the plasma glucose, with adults being significantly higher than the juveniles, and there was also a significant difference in the plasma urea with the deceased ones being higher than the ones that survived the incident. These results may provide a better way to understand and predict the possible outcome of an electrical accident with these primates and assist with returning them back to their natural environment in the least time possible.

Influência da insensibilização inadequada durante o abate de suínos nas propriedades físico-químicas da carne / Influence of inadequate sttuning during swine slaughter on the meat physical-chemical properties

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da insensibilização inadequada durante o abate de suínos na cor, pH e perdas de água da carne. Após eletrocussão dos animais em um abatedouro-frigorífico sob SIF da região da Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, parâmetros de insensibilização foram avaliados em 3.347 suínos abatidos. Os parâmetros avaliados foram ausência de reflexos palpebrais, reflexo de orelhas, gritos, pedalagem nos membros anteriores e respiração arrítmica. Após o completo abate e 16 horas de estocagem das carcaças em câmara fria a 2°C, fragmentos transversais do músculo Longissimus dorsi foram obtidos de animais selecionados de forma randomizada e insensibilizados de forma adequada (n=12) e inadequada (n=12). As amostras de carne foram avaliadas quanto ao pH, Capacidade de Retenção de Água (CRA). Do total de 3.347 suínos abatidos, 272 (8,13%) apresentaram pelo menos algum sinal de insensibilização inadequada. Observou-se que as 24 amostras de carne tiveram pH médio de 6,06, perda média de 24,74% de água e escore médio de 3,64 na escala de cor avaliada. O pH médio da carne obtida de animais inadequadamente insensibilizados (6,11) foi maior (p<0,05) que o pH médio de animais adequadamente insensibilizados (6,01). Quanto menor o pH da carne menor era o seu escore de cor e CRA (p<0,05). Portanto, a carne obtida de suínos mal insensibilizados possui maior pH, o que resulta em carne mais escura e com baixa CRA.(AU)

The objective of study was to evaluate the influence of inadequate sttuning during the swine slaughter in color, pH, and water loss of meat. After electric sttuning of animals in a slaugtherhouse under SIF of the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, stunning parameters were evaluated in 3,347 slaughtered swines. The parameters evaluated were the absence of eyelid reflexes, ear reflexes, screams, pedaling in the forelimbs and arrhythmic breathing. After the full 16 hours of slaughter and storage of carcases in a cold chamber at 2°C, transverse fragments Longissimus dorsi muscle were obtained from randomly selected animals and properly (n=12) and improperly (n=12) sttuninged animals. The meat samples were evaluated for pH, Water Holding Capacity (WHC). Of the 3,347 slaughtered swines, 272 (8.13%) showed at least some sign of inadequate sttuning. It was observed that the 24 meat samples had mean pH of 6.06, mean loss water of 24.74% and mean score of 3.64 evaluated in color scale. The mean pH of meat obtained from animals improperly sttuninged (6.11) was greater (p<0.05) than the mean pH of animal properly sttuninged (6.01). The lower pH of meat causes lower color score and WHC (p<0.05). Therefore, the meat obtained from improperly sttuninged swine has a higher pH, which results in darker meat and low WHC.(AU)

Paro cardiorrespiratorio por electrocución tratado con éxito extrahospitalariamente / Cardiorespiratory Arrest Caused by Electrocution Successfully Treated in an Extra-Hospital Situation / Parada cardiorrespiratória por eletrocussão tratada com sucesso de maneira extra-hospitalar

Resumen Introducción: son pocos los datos documentados sobre los resultados de la reanimación cardiopulmonar en el paro cardiorrespiratorio extrahospitalario por causa de electrocución. El paro cardiorrespiratorio se produce cuando una descarga eléctrica interrumpe de forma abrupta la actividad eléctrica normal del corazón, lo que genera una electrocución y una alteración en los movimientos cardiacos y, por consiguiente, bombeo anormal de sangre y oxígeno a los tejidos. Ello constituye una emergencia clínica que puede ocasionar nefastas consecuencias de no tomarse medidas enérgicas e inmediatas. Presentación del caso: hombre con paro cardiorrespiratorio producido por electrocución y manejado en un ámbito extra-hospitalario, quien respondió con éxito a las maniobras aplicadas. Personal técnico y de salud iniciaron precozmente la reanimación cardiopulmonar y luego fue reforzada por personal médico, que aplicó desflbrilación en dos ocasiones con desflbrilador externo automático (DEA). Con ello se logró recuperar los signos vitales del paciente y trasladarlo a un centro asistencial para continuar su manejo intrahospitalario. Conclusión: la realización de una reanimación precoz y la desfibrilación de pacientes electrocutados, así como las medidas encaminadas a la protección del cerebro, son la norma prioritaria en la asistencia pre-hospitalaria de estos pacientes, quienes son potencialmente recuperables. Por tal razón, es importante que la comunidad, en general, esté preparada y que el personal de salud se reentrene en soporte vital básico, que incluye el manejo del DEA para dar oportunidad de sobrevivir a personas que sufran un paro cardiorrespiratorio extrahospitalario.

Abstract Introduction: There are few the documented data about the cardiopulmonary resuscitation results in the cardiorespiratory arrest extra-hospital due to the electrocution. The cardiorespiratory arrest occurs when the heart's normal electrical activity is abruptly interrupted by electric shocks generated by electrocution, causing the disturbance in the cardiac movements and, consequently, abnormal pumping of blood and oxygen to the tissues. The cardiorespiratory arrest due to electrocution is one clinic emergency that can cause disastrous consequences, if energetic measures are not taken immediately. Case presentation: A man with cardiorespiratory arrest produced by electrocution and managed in an extra-hospital area, who responded successfully to the maneuvers applied. The cardiopulmonary resus-citation maneuvers were precociously started by the health technical staff; next, reinforced by medical it, applying the defibrillation on two occasions, with external automatic defibrillator (AED), recovering the patient's vital signs and allowing his transfer to a healthcare center to continue in-hospital management. Conclusion: The performing of early resuscitation and defibrillation of electrocuted patients, as well as the measures aimed at protecting the brain, are the priority rules in the pre-hospital scene of these patients, who are potentially recoverable. For this reason, it is important that the community, in general, be ready, and the health staff gets trained in basic vital support that includes the management of AED to give the opportunity of surviving to people that suffer a cardiorespiratory arrest.

Resumo Introdução: são poucos os dados documentados sobre os resultados da reanimação cardiopulmonar na parada cardiorrespiratória extra-hospitalar por causa de eletrocussão. A parada cardiorrespiratória se produz quando a atividade elétrica normal do coração é interrompida abruptamente pela descarga elétrica que gera a eletrocussão causando alterado nos movimentos cardíacos e por conseguinte bombeamento anormal de sangue e oxigeno aos tecidos. A parada cardiorrespiratória causada por eletrocussão é uma emergência clínica que pode ocasionar nefastas consequências, de não tomar medidas enérgicas e imediatas. Apresentação do caso: homem com parada cardiorrespiratória, produzida por eletrocussão e manejado em um âmbito extra-hospitalar, quem respondeu com sucesso ás manobras aplicadas. A rearrumação cardiopulmonar foi iniciada precocemente por pessoal técnico de saúde, posteriormente reforjadas por pessoal médico, aplicando a desfibrilação em duas ocasiões, com desfibrilador automático externo (DEA), recuperando os signos vitais do paciente e permitindo seu traslado e um centro assistencial para continuar manejo intra-hospitalar. Conclusão: a realizado de uma rearrumação precoce e desfibrilação de pacientes eletrocutados, assim como as medidas encaminhadas á proteção do cérebro, são a norma prioritária na assistência pré-hospitalar destes pacientes, os quais são potencialmente recuperáveis; por esta razão é importante que a comunidade, em geral, esteja preparada e que o pessoal de saúde se retreine em suporte vital básico que inclua o manejo do DEA para dar oportunidade de sobrevida a pessoas que sofram uma parada cardiorrespiratória extra-hospitalar.

Influência da insensibilização inadequada durante o abate de suínos nas propriedades físico-químicas da carne / Influence of inadequate sttuning during swine slaughter on the meat physical-chemical properties

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da insensibilização inadequada durante o abate de suínos na cor, pH e perdas de água da carne. Após eletrocussão dos animais em um abatedouro-frigorífico sob SIF da região da Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, parâmetros de insensibilização foram avaliados em 3.347 suínos abatidos. Os parâmetros avaliados foram ausência de reflexos palpebrais, reflexo de orelhas, gritos, pedalagem nos membros anteriores e respiração arrítmica. Após o completo abate e 16 horas de estocagem das carcaças em câmara fria a 2°C, fragmentos transversais do músculo Longissimus dorsi foram obtidos de animais selecionados de forma randomizada e insensibilizados de forma adequada (n=12) e inadequada (n=12). As amostras de carne foram avaliadas quanto ao pH, Capacidade de Retenção de Água (CRA). Do total de 3.347 suínos abatidos, 272 (8,13%) apresentaram pelo menos algum sinal de insensibilização inadequada. Observou-se que as 24 amostras de carne tiveram pH médio de 6,06, perda média de 24,74% de água e escore médio de 3,64 na escala de cor avaliada. O pH médio da carne obtida de animais inadequadamente insensibilizados (6,11) foi maior (p<0,05) que o pH médio de animais adequadamente insensibilizados (6,01). Quanto menor o pH da carne menor era o seu escore de cor e CRA (p<0,05). Portanto, a carne obtida de suínos mal insensibilizados possui maior pH, o que resulta em carne mais escura e com baixa CRA.

The objective of study was to evaluate the influence of inadequate sttuning during the swine slaughter in color, pH, and water loss of meat. After electric sttuning of animals in a slaugtherhouse under SIF of the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, stunning parameters were evaluated in 3,347 slaughtered swines. The parameters evaluated were the absence of eyelid reflexes, ear reflexes, screams, pedaling in the forelimbs and arrhythmic breathing. After the full 16 hours of slaughter and storage of carcases in a cold chamber at 2°C, transverse fragments Longissimus dorsi muscle were obtained from randomly selected animals and properly (n=12) and improperly (n=12) sttuninged animals. The meat samples were evaluated for pH, Water Holding Capacity (WHC). Of the 3,347 slaughtered swines, 272 (8.13%) showed at least some sign of inadequate sttuning. It was observed that the 24 meat samples had mean pH of 6.06, mean loss water of 24.74% and mean score of 3.64 evaluated in color scale. The mean pH of meat obtained from animals improperly sttuninged (6.11) was greater (p<0.05) than the mean pH of animal properly sttuninged (6.01). The lower pH of meat causes lower color score and WHC (p<0.05). Therefore, the meat obtained from improperly sttuninged swine has a higher pH, which results in darker meat and low WHC.

Mortality of primates due to roads and power lines in two forest patches in Bangladesh

Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.(AU)

Mortality of primates due to roads and power lines in two forest patches in Bangladesh

Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.

Conducta anestésica de urgencia en paciente con quemaduras por corriente eléctrica de alto voltaje / Anesthetic behavior of urgency in patient with burns for electric current of high voltage

Introducción: las lesiones eléctricas de alto voltaje son consideradas como pacientes de alto riesgo por las severas quemaduras y su asociación con el daño hístico masivo. En promedio, la lesión de la piel en quemaduras de alta tensión puede alcanzar 10-15 por ciento de la superficie corporal, pero esta extensión visible, es sólo una pequeña porción de la destrucción total del tejido (signo del iceberg). En pacientes con quemaduras eléctricas, el 10 por ciento muere en los primeros 10 minutos, por paro cardiaco por fibrilación ventricular. Objetivo: exponer las características clínicas y la conducta peri-operatoria que se realizó en este tipo de paciente que estuvo en contacto con corriente eléctrica de 7620 voltios (3000 amperios). Caso clínico: paciente intervenido quirúrgicamente de urgencia para fasciotomía, exploración compartimental muscular y amputación de miembro inferior izquierdo por lesiones eléctricas de alto voltaje. Conclusiones: el tratamiento de las quemaduras eléctricas implica dos aspectos diferentes: el tratamiento general y el tratamiento local. El tratamiento general se apoya en tres pilares fundamentales: mantener la oxigenación, mantener el ritmo cardiaco y la rehidratación. El tratamiento local debe realizarse en ambiente estéril y bajo anestesia adecuada(AU)

Introduction: High-voltage electrical injuries are considered as major burns because of its association with massive tissue damage. On average, the skin lesion in high voltage burns can reach 10-15 percent of body surface but this visible extension, it is only a small portion of the total tissue destruction not clear (sign of the iceberg). In electrical burns, 10 percent of patients die in the first 10 minutes, this death is caused by cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation.Objective: To present the clinical characteristics and perioperative conduct held in surviving patient after contact with electric current of 7620 volts (3000 amps) with electrical burns. Case report: patient undergoing emergency surgery for fasciotomy, muscular compartment exploration and left leg amputation by high voltage electrical injury. Conclusions: The electrical burns treatment involves two different aspects: the overall treatment and local treatment. The overall treatment is based on three pillars: maintain oxygenation, heart rate and keep rehydration. Local treatment should be performed in a sterile environment and under adequate anesthesia(AU)

Lightning deaths: a retrospective review of New Mexico's cases, 1977-2009.

To better understand lightning deaths, a retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator database was performed between 1977 and 2009 to update and assess current risk factors. Information on demographics, circumstances, autopsy, and death certificates were collected and analyzed. Fifty-four decedents were identified, ages 2-71 years old (mean 34 years old), 42 males and 12 females. Common racial/ethnic groups were non-Hispanic Whites and American Indians (together comprising 72% of all cases). Physical findings were often related to the heat carried by the electrical current including clothing alterations (29.6%) and burning of skin (53.7%). Most deaths occurred on weekend afternoons in summer months, associated with recreational activities or agricultural work, and rural locations (77.8%). Utilizing the demographic information, clustered events, and associated outdoor activities will assist in creating public awareness and provide a framework to support targeted warnings in an attempt to prevent future deaths.

Correlación macroscópica-microscópica en muertes por electrocución: Morgue Central de Lima periodo 2006-2011 / Macroscopic-microscopic correlation in deaths by electrocution: Central Morgue of Lima 2006-2011

Introducción: La electrocución es una causa de muerte de índole traumática y de alta mortalidad, que produce lesiones y signos externos que deben ser corroborados por hallazgos microscópicos. Objetivo: Correlacionar hallazgos macroscópicos con resultados histopatológicos en muertes por electrocución. Diseño: Descriptivo, transversal, correlacional, retrospectivo. Institución: Instituto Medicina Legal-MP, Instituto Patología, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material: Informes de Necropsia Médicolegal. Intervenciones: En la Morgue Central de Lima, en el periodo 2006-2011, se hizo búsqueda y análisis de información de electrocución. Principales medidas de resultados: Medida de tendencia central, frecuencias y porcentaje. Análisis de correlación. Resultados: De 116 casos, 108 varones y 8 mujeres, la media de edad fue 31,3 años, 23 por ciento fueron electricistas, 18 por ciento trabajaban en construcción. El hecho ocurrió en el centro de trabajo 51 por ciento, con etiología suicida en dos casos. Los hallazgos macroscópicos más frecuentes fueron signos generales de asfixia, lesiones por entrada de corriente eléctrica, hemorragia miocárdica y petequias subpleurales, en 73,3 por ciento. Las alteraciones microscópicas fueron: necrosis coagulativa en piel 87 casos, edema cerebral 101 casos, hemorragia pulmonar 83 casos, infarto agudo de miocardio 87 casos, necrosis tubular aguda 72 casos. Al correlacionar los hallazgos macroscópicos y microscópicos más frecuentes, encontramos una asociación significativa (valor V de Cramer de 0,592, p<0,0001). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos macroscópicos más frecuentes (lesión de entrada, hemorragia miocárdica y petequias subpleurales) y los hallazgos microscópicos más frecuentes (necrosis coagulativa en piel, infarto agudo de miocardio y necrosis tubular aguda) relacionados a electrocución parecen estar significativamente asociados.

Introduction: Electrocution is a frequent cause of traumatic death. It produces lesions and external signs that should be corroborated by microscopic findings. Objective: To correlate macroscopic findings with histopathologic results in electrocution deaths. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational, retrospective study. Setting: Legal Medicine Institute-MP, Pathology Institute, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Material: Medicolegal necropsy reports. Results: From 116 cases, 8 were women and 108 males, mean age was 31.3 years. Twenty three per cent were electricians and 18 per cent worked in construction. The incident occurred at labor center in 51 per cent. Suicide accounted for two cases. Frequent macroscopic findings were general signs of choking, power input injuries, myocardial hemorrhage and subpleural petechiae in 73.3 per cent. Microscopic alterations were skin coagulative necrosis in 87 cases, cerebral edema in 101, pulmonary hemorrhage in 83, acute myocardial infarction in 87, and acute tubular necrosis in 72 cases. A significant association between macroscopic and microscopic findings (0.592 V Cramer value; p <0.0001) was found. Conclusions: Most common macroscopic findings (lesion input, myocardial hemorrhage and subpleural petechiae) and most frequent microscopic findings (skin coagulative necrosis, acute myocardial infarction and acute tubular necrosis) related to electrocution seemed to be significantly associated.