Numerous Bites Research Articles

5, 6, 11-trideoxy tetrodotoxin attracts tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin that binds to voltage-gated sodium channels and blocks the passage of sodium ions. TTX is widely distributed in both terrestrial and marine organisms, and the toxic puffers are believed to accumulate TTX through the food chain. Although pufferfish was previously thought to be attracted by TTX, recent finding from electroolfactogram (EOG) studies have indicated that the olfactory epithelium of T. alboplumbeus responded to 5, 6, 11-trideoxyTTX (TDT), but not to TTX itself. In this study, we examined behavioral experiments for Takifugu rubripes to distinguish between TTX and TDT under static and flow-through conditions. Our data clearly suggested that T. rubripes juveniles were attracted to TDT, not TTX. Moreover, we determined that the minimum effective dose of TDT to attract the puffer was 1–2 nmol of TDT under static conditions and 50–60 nmol of TDT under flow-through conditions. Following the experiments under static conditions, numerous bite marks by the pufferfish were found solely on the agarose gel infused with TDT. Based on these finding, we hypothesize that the pufferfish are attracted to TDT derived from prey, leading them effectively become toxic.

Tapejarine pterosaur from the late Albian Paw Paw Formation of Texas, USA, with extensive feeding traces of multiple scavengers

ABSTRACT An incomplete right metacarpal IV of a pterosaur from the late Albian Paw Paw Formation of Texas, USA, is the second pterosaur from that formation and an important addition to the sparse pterosaur record of the Albian of North America. Although the proximal and distal ends are missing, what remains of the shaft is straight and slender with little taper, little anteroposterior compression, and a distinct distal neck, and indicates the individual was of modest size despite being fully mature, and on that basis the specimen is referred to the Tapejarinae and is the first record of that taxon in North America. The specimen exhibits numerous bite marks of various types that are interpreted as resulting from intense scavenging by at least two different shark species and perhaps a bony fish.

A theropod dinosaur feeding site from the Upper Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, NW China

Direct evidence for theropod feeding behaviour is rare in the fossil record, and mainly limited to bite marks on bones. Here we describe a dinosaur assemblage from the lower part of the early Late Jurassic Qigu Formation at Liuhuanggou Gorge, southern Junggar Basin, NW China, which has yielded fragmentary remains of a large sauropod as well as four teeth of large-sized theropods and one tooth of a small-sized theropod. The sauropod bones show numerous bite marks that can be confidently linked to the large-sized theropod, probably a metriacanthosaurid. The abundance of the theropod bite marks on a single skeleton indicates that the sauropod carcass was probably fed on extensively. Some bones are completely crushed and occur in patches of hundreds of tiny individual fragments indicating that they were trampled repeatedly by large dinosaurs. Both the feeding traces and the trampling suggests that the sauropod carcass was exposed for a substantial amount of time before it was finally buried within the deposits of a well-drained floodplain. The traces and the distinct preservation of the sauropod remains offer valuable insights into the feeding behaviour of large-sized theropods within Late Jurassic continental ecosystems.

Blackfly fever and dermatitis caused by Simulium kiritshenkoi: a human case report in Iran

BackgroundBesides the considerable role of blackflies to the transmission of many disease agents, these flies considered as annoying biting pests of wildlife, livestock, poultry, and humans. There are few literature reports of blackfly fever following Simulium spp. This study describes a case of blackfly fever and dermatitis following blackflies numerous bites in Iran.Case presentationThe present report describes a 25-year-old man that was attacked by numerous flies while fishing and camping near Namrood river in Firuzkuh County, Tehran Province, Iran. Pruritic dermatitis with marked edema appeared mainly on the hands and legs and subsequently, the patient’s condition worsened with swollen lymph nodes, joints aching, and 40 °C fever. The patient’s clinical signs and symptoms were alleviated by injection of intramuscular Dexamethasone Phosphate (DEXADIC®) 8 mg/2 ml after 24 h.ConclusionsThis study reported a human case with blackfly fever and dermatitis following numerous bites of Simulium kiritshenkoi, for the first time in Iran.

Competitive interactions between gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in laboratory and field studies in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Field removal and laboratory studies examined competitive interactions between gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus). In field studies, all gray triggerfish and red snapper were counted and sizes estimated on 24 reef sites. Gray triggerfish were then removed from half of these reef sites, resulting in significantly fewer gray triggerfish on the removal reefs at the start of the experiment. After 7 months the experiment ended and reef sites were resurveyed. Gray triggerfish decreased on both treatments, while the mean number of red snapper did not differ between treatments; however, there were significantly more small (<400 mm total length) red snapper on reefs where gray triggerfish were removed. In seven laboratory growth trials (30 to 35 days each), red snapper held with gray triggerfish had significantly lower growth rates and numerous bite marks compared with red snapper alone. These competitive interactions indicate that management efforts to rebuild and increase gray triggerfish populations may have unintentional negative effects on red snapper populations, particularly for smaller fish.

Social exclusion changes histone modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27ac in liver tissue of wild house mice.

Wild house mice form social hierarchies with aggressive males defending territories, in which females, young mice and submissive adult males share nests. In contrast, socially excluded males are barred from breeding groups, have numerous bite wounds and patches of thinning fur. Since their feeding times are often disrupted, we investigated whether social exclusion leads to changes in epigenetic marks of metabolic genes in liver tissue. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR to measure enrichment of two activating histone marks at 15 candidate loci. The epigenetic profiles of healthy males sampled from nest boxes differed significantly from the profiles of ostracized males caught outside of nests and showing bite wounds indicative of social exclusion. Enrichment of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) changed significantly at genes Cyp4a14, Gapdh, Nr3c1, Pck1, Ppara, and Sqle. Changes at histone-3 lysine-27 acetylation (H3K27ac) marks were detected at genes Fasn, Nr3c1, and Plin5. A principal components analysis separated the socialized from the ostracized mice. This was independent of body weight for the H3K4me3 mark, and partially dependent for H3K27ac. There was no separation, however, between healthy males that had been sampled from two different nests. A hierarchical cluster analysis also separated the two phenotypes, which was independent of body weight for both markers. Our study shows that a period of social exclusion during adult life leads to quantitative changes in histone modification patterns in mouse liver tissue. Similar epigenetic changes might occur during the development of stress-induced metabolic disorders in humans.

The Mokrsko-West gold deposit, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic: Mineralogy, deposit setting and classification

The Mokrsko-West deposit is unique among European Variscan gold deposits from the points of view of both the structure (an approx. 200m thick complex of sheeted, several mm-thick, densely spaced quartz veins) and the economic viability (gold reserves of about 100t). The deposit is hosted mainly by tonalite of the calc-alkaline Sázava tonalite suite (ca. 354Ma) of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. Mineralization is characterized by quartz-dominated gangue, no visible hydrothermal alteration, low sulfide content, high fineness native gold accompanied by maldonite, aurostibite, native bismuth and numerous Bi–Te–(S) phases. Five mineralogical stages are described in great detail. Arsenopyrite and chlorite thermometers, mineral phase stabilities and published isotope and fluid inclusion data are used to reconstruct the temperature and compositional evolution of the system. The role of liquid bismuth in the sequestration of gold is also discussed.The deposit shares the features of both orogenic gold (ORG) and intrusion-related gold (IRG) deposits. The IRG model is advocated by close spatial association between the ore zone and the tonalite host-intrusion, by the absence/scarcity of hydrothermal alteration, by the Au–Bi–Te–As elemental association and by marked thermal gradients from the early to late mineralization stages. The ORG model is advocated by an approx. 15–10Ma gap between the intrusion of the tonalite-host and the ore formation, by isotope and geochemical evidence for a key role of metamorphic fluids in the mobilization and transfer of many elements/species (inclusive S and Au). The apparently ambiguous classification of the deposit can most probably be attributed to deposit formation at a depth of ≥9km and to setting of the deposit at/inside a large-scale plutonic complex with multiple and prolonged tectonic and intrusive activity.

Arboretum et dendroécologie : dépérissement du cèdre

The dendroecological analysis of cedars (Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus libani, Cedrus deodara) standing in the Domain of Barres and in the Arboretum of Amance made it possible to redraw the radial growth evolution of trees according to the climate and to understand the mechanisms of decay. The first visible signs of decay were noticed in 2007. The study highlights the major role of the exceptional drought in 2003, which seems to be the triggering factor of the decay process. We also noticed that once weakened, trees had to face a strong biotic stress with an attack of fir's scolytes (Pityokteines spiniden), since numerous bites were listed on the studied trees.

Bear attack—A unique fatality in Finland

Fatalities due to animal bites, the vast majority of which are associated with dogs and big cats, are relatively uncommon and rarely described in the literature. Especially rare are fatal bear attacks on humans. We herein present a forensic investigation of a fatal assault, involving numerous bites on a 42-year-old man in Finland by an European brown bear ( Ursus arctos arctos).

Do “infectious” prey select for high levels of natural antibodies in tropical pythons?

Natural antibodies (NAbs) constitute an important component in vertebrate immune system, but, in spite of this, have often been dismissed as “non-specific background” signals. We observed a significant positive relationship between water python (Liasis fuscus) body length/age and levels of antibodies reactive with two administered antigens (tetanus and diphtheria). However, no humoral immune response to the antigens was observed. The lack of elevated immune response, and the age-associated increase in antibody titres, strongly suggest that the antibodies consisted of polyreactive NAbs, and that absence of an elevated immune response was caused by such high levels of NAbs that they were able to mask the epitopes of the antigens. In our study area pythons feed mainly on rodents that frequently, before being killed, are able to inflict numerous bites to the snakes. The bites most likely transmit pathogens such as bacteria. As NAbs have been shown to act as a first line defence against bacterial infections, the high levels of NAbs in the pythons may be an adaptation to reduce pathogenic effects of bacteria transmitted by the prey when the snakes are feeding. Thus, the results from present study suggest that NAbs may have an important immunological function by reducing deleterious effects of pathogens in wild populations.

Prevalence of severe welfare problems in horses that arrive at slaughter plants

Objective To assess the prevalence of severe welfare problems in horses that arrive at slaughter plants and to identify horses that were unfit for travel. Design Pevalence survey. Animals 1,008 horses. Procedure Horses arriving at 2 slaughter plants were observed. The following were rated severe welfare problems in horses: body condition scores of 1 or 2 (emaciated) of 9; recumbency (down) or the inability to walk; fractured limbs or other foot or limb problems that extremely impaired mobility; severe wounds, such as deep cuts, extensive lacerations, abrasions on the head or back, eye injuries, neglected purulent lesions, and numerous bite and kick marks over extensive areas of the body, and dead on arrival. Bruises on carcasses were tabulated to further assess injuries. Horses that had been loaded with a fractured limb, arrived nonambulatory, had severe lameness that interfered with mobility, were weak and emaciated, or were dead on arrival or died shortly after arrival were considered unfit for travel. Results Ninety-two percent (930/1,008) of the horses arrived in good condition, and 7.7% (78) had a condition that was rated a serious welfare problem. Thirty horses (3%) had a body condition score of 1 or 2, 12 (1.0%) had foot and limb problems (other than fractures), 4 (0.4%) had fractured limbs. 18 (2.0%) had deep cuts, lacerations, or injuries from bites. 8 (0.8%) were nonambulatory or dead on arrival, 2 (0.2%) had deformities, 3 (0.3%) had extensive purulent lesions, and 1 (0.1%) had a behavior problem. Characteristic patterns of 51% of carcass bruises indicated that they were caused by bites or kicks. Fighting was the major cause of injuries that occurred during transport and marketing. Fifteen (1.5%) horses were unfit for travel. Abuse or neglect by owners was the cause of 77% of the severe welfare problems observed. Clinical Implications To decrease the number of injuries that result from fighting when transporting horses to slaughter plants, aggressive mares and geldings that continually attack other horses must be segregated. (J Am Med Assoc 1999;214:1531-1533)

Gross, histological and scanning electron microscopic appearance of dorsal fin rot in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr

AbstractThe gross, histological and scanning electron microscopic appearance of dorsal fin rot in farmed Atlantic salmon parr, Salmo salar L. is described. The lesions were grouped into seven categories: (1) peripheral erosion and ray splitting; (2) peripheral erosion with some nodularity; (3) severe nodularity with differing degrees of tissue loss; (4) extensive to total loss of the dorsal fin; (5) smooth thickening of the dorsal fin; (6) haemorrhagic dorsal fin lesions; and (7) healed dorsal fin rot lesions. The main sign of injury was clefts extending through the epithelium. These injuries were consistent with bites from other parr. During healing from such wounds, damaged cells sloughed from the surface, and there was swelling and hyperplasia in the remaining cells. The majority of the thickening in the fins was the result of epithelial hyperplasia with a variable cellular inflammatory response. The distal epithelium of fins with severe fin rot (i.e. nodular and eroded) was rough, irregular and swollen with superficial nodular extensions. Wounds in all stages of repair were more numerous in such areas. Fin rays were frequently observed protruding from the abnormal epithelium at the distal edge of the fin. With the exception of the isolation of Aeromonas salmonicida from a small number of cases, no significant bacterial involvement was detected. Under scanning electron microscopy, bacteria were only detected on the exposed fin rays and not in association with the abnormal epithelium. In the majority of cases, the dorsal fin was either the only fin damaged or the most severely damaged. It is suggested that the hyperplastic response to numerous bite wounds is responsible for the accumulation of abnormal epithelium typical of dorsal fin rot in farmed Atlantic salmon parr.

Serum NGF levels increase during lactation and following maternal aggression in mice

In the present study, serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) were assessed in virgin and in lactating female CD-1 mice. In the case of the lactating females, NGF levels were assessed both under basal conditions and 60 and 180 min following a 10 min encounter with a male or a nonlactating female mouse. Basal serum NGF levels of lactating females were higher than those of virgin females but did not increase significantly above base after an aggressive encounter with a male or a female conspecific. Female intruders were attacked in a ritualized manner. In contrast, males received numerous bites to vulnerable regions of their body. A positive correlation was found between serum NGF levels and pattern of aggression in females confronting male conspecifics. Thus, in lactating mice, serum NGF levels following an aggressive encounter relate to the specific pattern of behavior the female uses to defend the offspring.

Onchocerciasis in New York City

When faced with a patient with travel-associated dermatitis, clinicians often diagnose and treat for a suspected hypersensitivity reaction or infestation with an ectoparasite. We studied a small cluster of travelers from New York, NY, to the Moa River in Sierra Leone who developed dermatitis caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Our patients had relatively long stays in an endemic area and numerous bites by blackflies. Such patients represent a subset of travelers in whom dermatitis should prompt evaluation for onchocerciasis.

BLISTERS, PRURITUS, AND FEVER AFTER BITES BY THE ARABIAN TICK ORNITHODOROS (ALECTOROBIUS) MUESEBECKI

A biologist was bitten by Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) muesebecki Hoogstraal, an endemic tick parasite of nesting and resting marine birds on islands in eastern Arabia. Irritating bullae developed and for four months he experienced intermittent inflammation and irritation. Two years earlier, after being bitten by the same tick species on a different island, he had experienced only irritation lasting no more than a fortnight. Petroleum-industry labourers on another island were admitted to hospital for about two weeks with bullae at numerous bite sites, intense pruritus, headache, and fever. Zirqa virus (Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus) has been isolated from O. (A.) muesebecki samples from Abu Dhabi. The role of Zirqa virus and/or of salivary toxins in producing irritation and illness, as well as individual sensitivity to the tick and the seasonal dynamics of toxicity or infectivity, should be investigated.

Experimental studies on immunization against sea-snake venom

Erabu-umihebi snake (laticauda semifasciata) is a sea-snake whose venom has a strong toxicity, and 6.25γ (dry weight) of the venom will kill a mouse within an hour.The action of the venom seems to be neurotoxic: death may result from motorparalysis and respiratory failure. There is no evidence of local symptom.As no medicine could completely neutralize the toxicity of sea-snake venom, it has been considered quite difficult to produce antitoxic serum in experimental animals. The success of our experiment-immunization against toxic action of sea-snake venom in rabbits-is due to the use of the venom-gland fixed with 10% formalin.The venom-gland was taken out from living laticauda semifasciata and fixed in 10% formalin, and preserved for several months. Washing formalin off with water, the material was emulsified, and used as an immunogen.One gramme weight of the fixed antigen, together with Freund's incomplete adjuvant, was subcutaneously injected into rabbits. Four weeks after the first injection, 0.1g emulsion of toxic gland was injected as a booster. Neutralizing value of the serum from the rabbits, obtained one week after the last immunization, showed: in vitro test, 0.1ml of the blood serum can neutralize 37.5γ-50γ of the venom. And in vivo test, intravenous injection of the same amount of the serum is able to cure the symptom of paralysis in mice caused by 25γ venom.0.1ml of the antivenin of laticauda semifasciata, thus obtained, is found to be also efficacious in neutralizing in vitro the venom of hydrophis cyanocinctus (the lethal dose for a mouse, 25γ). The fact suggests the use of laticauda semifasciata serum against the venoms of hydrophiinae sea-snakes, numerous bite cases of which have been reported in the South Seas area.