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For nonhuman primates living in anthropogenic areas, predation by larger predators is relatively rare. However, smaller predators, such as free-ranging as well as domesticated dogs, can shape the socioecology of urban nonhuman primates, either directly by attacking and killing them or indirectly by modifying their activity patterns. Here, we describe three (two probably fatal) cases of dog attacks on adult rhesus macaques inhabiting an anthropogenic landscape in Northern India and the circumstances surrounding these incidents. We discuss the importance of considering human presence and intervention in dog-nonhuman primate relationships while studying nonhuman primate populations across anthropogenic gradients, and its potential influences on group social dynamics and transmission of zoonotic agents.

To examine the dog ownership factors characteristic to a population of dogs confiscated after a human and/ or animal-directed biting incident, we compared bite risk assessment reports of 159 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2008, 2009, 2010 (tf1) and of 215 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2020, 2021, 2022 (until mid-May; tf2). The reports were compiled by the same institute in a standardized format. We studied frequencies and chi-square pairwise comparisons (P<0.05) for 30 identified ownership factors. Overall (tf1 and tf2), 1,308 ownership factors were mentioned in the reports and reports mentioning ≥5 factors were twice as frequent in tf2 (38%) than tf1 (16%). Our data suggest that nine factors may in particular serve as a warning signal for biting incidents, as these factors were most frequently (≥15%) prevalent in the total of reported cases: having a multiple dog household, a dog reportedly roaming a neighbourhood without an owner, a dog's care tasks being transferred, a short leash and muzzle obligation served to the owner for a dog, an isolated and/ or confined keeping of a dog, a dog owner's (suspected) substance abuse, a dog owner's (suspected) animal abuse, a dog owner aggressing at confiscation of the dog and a dog owner being reported on for antisocial behaviours such as intimidation. Particularly, a dog owner's aggressive or antisocial behaviours and previous obligations to muzzle and short leash a dog (in our dataset often inappropriately adhered to by owners), may indicate that a proportion of owners of confiscated dogs, may not always be willing and/ or capable to guarantee societal safety. The results show that identification of dog ownership factors, might be useful for establishing biting incident policies and further studies should be done on preventive measures and controls.

Dog bites in the pediatric population is an issue that may initially seem to be low yield and have a simple management, but in reality, it is one of the most common causes of non-fatal trauma in children. It also involves important aspects in its treatment that, if ignored, can imply subpar medical treatment, or even negligence in severe cases. Included in this updated and exhaustive review are many details specific to this trauma mechanism in the pediatric population in Costa Rica, without which the attending physician could miss important pearls that might have important repercussions on the short and long term emotional and physical well-being of the patient. The authors present recommendations that take into account not only international literature, but also important data taken from national archives and clinical experience derived from national healthcare centers, such as the need for antibiotic prophylaxis, the need to report a case suspicious for rabies, among other important clinical pearls. The review includes epidemiologic data on dog bites in the pediatric population sourced from the Hospital San Juan de Dios, as well as local protocols for rabies management and prophylaxis from the Ministerio de Salud Costarricense as to better provide the practicing physician the best information possible to treat patients presenting with this mechanism of trauma in Costa Rica., Las mordeduras de perro en la población pediátrica es un tema que puede parecer de simple manejo y de baja frecuencia, cuando en realidad es una de las causas de trauma no fatal más común en niños, que además involucra varios puntos importantes en su manejo, que, si no se mantienen presentes durante la atención médica, pueden implicar un manejo sub-óptimo, o incluso negligente para el paciente. Se incluyen varias consideraciones específicas a este mecanismo de trauma; sin una revisión adecuada y actualizada del tema, el médico encargado podría perderse de detalles que afecten la salud física y emocional del paciente a corto y largo plazo, incluso de manera permanente en ciertos casos. Este artículo realiza una revisión exhaustiva sobre la literatura más reciente y relevante al contexto costarricense respecto a las mordeduras de perro en la edad pediátrica, para así aportar la mejor información posible al clínico que deba manejar un paciente con este mecanismo de trauma. Se hacen recomendaciones que toman en cuenta no solamente la literatura internacional, sino que además se incluyen datos propios del país y experiencia clínica adquirida en centros de salud nacionales. Se explora la epidemiología de las mordeduras de perro en el Hospital San Juan de Dios, además del manejo recomendado por el protocolo del Ministerio de Salud Costarricense en cuanto a la profilaxis contra la rabia. Además, se incluyen recomendaciones propias para el contexto de Costa Rica, como la selección de profilaxis antibiótica, la necesidad de reportar un caso posible de rabia, entre otras perlas clínicas importantes.

BACKGROUND: Designing, implementing, and upscaling of effective malaria vector control strategies necessitates an understanding of when and where transmission occurs. This study assessed the biting patterns of potentially infectious malaria vectors at various hours, locations, and associated human behaviors in different ecological settings in western Kenya. METHODS: Hourly indoor and outdoor catches of human-biting mosquitoes were sampled from 19:00 to 07:00 for four consecutive nights in four houses per village. The human behavior study was conducted via questionnaire surveys and observations. Species within the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestus group were distinguished by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the presence of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite proteins (CSP) determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Altogether, 2037 adult female anophelines were collected comprising the An. funestus group (76.7%), An. gambiae sensu lato (22.8%), and Anopheles coustani (0.5%). PCR results revealed that Anopheles arabiensis constituted 80.5% and 79% of the An. gambiae s.l. samples analyzed from the lowland sites (Ahero and Kisian, respectively). Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (hereafter An. gambiae) (98.1%) was the dominant species in the highland site (Kimaeti). All the An. funestus s.l. analyzed belonged to An. funestus s.s. (hereafter An. funestus). Indoor biting densities of An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus exceeded the outdoor biting densities in all sites. The peak biting occurred in early morning between 04:30 and 06:30 in the lowlands for An. funestus both indoors and outdoors. In the highlands, the peak biting of An. gambiae occurred between 01:00 and 02:00 indoors. Over 50% of the study population stayed outdoors from 18:00 to 22:00 and woke up at 05:00, coinciding with the times when the highest numbers of vectors were collected. The sporozoite rate was higher in vectors collected outdoors, with An. funestus being

[spa] Varón de 19 años galés sin antecedentes que presencia la mordedura de un arácnido marronáceo en la mano derecha en una zona rocosa cercana al mar en horario vespertino. Debut con dolor difuso, eritema, edema, datos sugestivos de baja perfusión tisular de forma centrífuga y gravitacional que evolucionan a necrosis tisular además de formación de flictenas. Sin hallazgos significativos en pruebas complementarias. Se consigue identificar la etiología: Loxosceles rufescens, por lo que se trata de un caso de loxocelismo cutáneo necrótico grave. Dada la ausencia de tratamiento específico recibe terapia analgésica, antibioterapia empírica con Piperacilina-Tazobactam y Linezolid, anticoagulación con Enoxaparina, Metilprednisolona, Alprostadil y empleo de cámara hiperbárica. Las lesiones se delimitan y se descarta abordaje quirúrgico con amputación espontánea de falanges media y distal de segundo y tercer dedo y distal del quinto con preservación sensorial de los territorios., [eng] 19-year-old Welsh male with no medical history who witnessed a brownish arachnid bite on his right hand in a rocky area in a seaside area in the evening. Debuts with diffuse pain, erythema, edema, suggestive low tissue perfusion in a centrifugal and gravitational distribution that evolves to tissue necrosis in addition to the formation of blisters. No significant findings in complementary tests. Etiology is identified: Loxosceles rufescens, so it is a case of severe necrotic cutaneous loxocelism. Given the absence of specific treatment, he receives analgesic therapy, empirical antibiotic therapy with Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Linezolid, anticoagulation with Enoxaparin, Methylprednisolone, Alprostadil and use of a hyperbaric chamber. The lesions are progressively delimited and a surgical approach was ruled out, producing spontaneous amputation of the middle and distal phalanges of the second and third fingers and distal of the fifth with sensory preservation of the territories.

IntroductionStingray envenomation is a marine injury suffered by ocean goers throughout the world. No prospective studies exist on the various outcomes associated with these injuries.Study objectiveThe aim of this study was to perform a prospective, observational study of human stingray injuries to determine the natural history, acute and subacute complications, prevalence of medical evaluation, and categories of medical treatment.MethodsThis study prospectively studied a population of subjects who were injured by stingrays at Seal Beach, California (USA) from July 2012 through September 2016 and did not immediately seek emergency department evaluation. Subjects described their initial injury and provided information on their symptoms, medical evaluations, and medical treatment for the injury at one week and one month after the injury. This information was reported as descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 393 participants were enrolled in the study; 313 (80%) of those completed the one-week follow-up interview and 279 (71%) participants completed both the one-week and one-month follow-up interviews. Overall, 234 (75%) injuries occurred to the foot. One hundred sixty-three (52%) patients had complete resolution of their pain within one week and 261 (94%) had either complete resolution or improvement of pain by one month. Sixty-eight (22%) subjects reported being evaluated by a physician and a total of 49 (17%) subjects reported antibiotic treatment for their wound. None of the subjects required parenteral antibiotics or hospital admission.ConclusionThe majority of stingray victims recover from stingray injury without requiring antibiotics. A subset of subjects will have on-going wound pain after one month. The need for parenteral antibiotics or hospital admission is rare.

IntroductionStingray envenomation is a marine injury suffered by ocean goers throughout the world. No prospective studies exist on the various outcomes associated with these injuries.Study objectiveThe aim of this study was to perform a prospective, observational study of human stingray injuries to determine the natural history, acute and subacute complications, prevalence of medical evaluation, and categories of medical treatment.MethodsThis study prospectively studied a population of subjects who were injured by stingrays at Seal Beach, California (USA) from July 2012 through September 2016 and did not immediately seek emergency department evaluation. Subjects described their initial injury and provided information on their symptoms, medical evaluations, and medical treatment for the injury at one week and one month after the injury. This information was reported as descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 393 participants were enrolled in the study; 313 (80%) of those completed the one-week follow-up interview and 279 (71%) participants completed both the one-week and one-month follow-up interviews. Overall, 234 (75%) injuries occurred to the foot. One hundred sixty-three (52%) patients had complete resolution of their pain within one week and 261 (94%) had either complete resolution or improvement of pain by one month. Sixty-eight (22%) subjects reported being evaluated by a physician and a total of 49 (17%) subjects reported antibiotic treatment for their wound. None of the subjects required parenteral antibiotics or hospital admission.ConclusionThe majority of stingray victims recover from stingray injury without requiring antibiotics. A subset of subjects will have on-going wound pain after one month. The need for parenteral antibiotics or hospital admission is rare.

Pelagia noctiluca stings are common in Mediterranean coastal areas and, although the venom is non-lethal, they are painful. Due to its high toxicity and abundance, P. noctiluca is considered a target species for the focus of research on active ingredients to reduce the symptoms of its sting. To determine the effect of 31 substances and formulations on nematocyst discharge, we performed three tests: (1) screening of per se discharge activator solutions, (2) inhibitory test with nematocyst chemical stimulation (5% acetic acid) and (3) inhibitory test quantifying the hemolytic area. Ammonia, barium chloride, bleach, scented ammonia, carbonated cola, lemon juice, sodium chloride and papain triggered nematocyst discharge. All of them were ruled out as potential inhibitors. Butylene glycol showed a reduction in nematocyst discharge, while the formulations of 10% lidocaine in ethanol, 1.5% hydroxyacetophenone in distilled water + butylene glycol, and 3% Symsitive® in butylene glycol inhibited nematocyst discharge. These last results were subsequently correlated with a significant decrease in hemolytic area in the venom assays versus seawater, a neutral solution. The presented data represent a first step in research to develop preventive products for jellyfish stings while at the same time attempting to clarify some uncertainties about the role of various topical solutions in P. noctiluca first-aid protocols., Postprint (published version)

BackgroundTrauma from dog attacks has been associated with mortality rates as high as 23% in some species. However, the prognosis and clinical features of this type of injury have not been described in equids.Hypotheses/objectivesTo describe survival rate, signalment, clinical features, and biochemical results in equids presented for emergency care after presumed dog attacks. We hypothesized there would be differences between survivors and nonsurvivors.AnimalsA total of 28 equids presented for presumed dog attacks from 3 referral centers.MethodsA retrospective study was performed using data from 3 hospitals between 2008 and 2016. Survival was defined as survival at 14 days postdischarge. Variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors using a t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate.ResultsOverall mortality rate was 21%. Ponies and miniature horses represented 16/28 (57%) of the animals in the study. Full-sized equids had a lower risk of nonsurvival as compared to smaller patients (odds ratio = 0.02; 95% confidence intervals = 0.00-0.27; P < .005). Animals with lower body temperatures had increased risk for nonsurvival (P = .0004). Increased admission blood lactate concentrations (P = .003) and decreased serum total protein concentrations (P = .006) were associated with nonsurvival.ConclusionsThe mortality rate in equids attacked by dogs was similar to what is reported for other veterinary species. Smaller equids and those with increased admission blood lactate concentration, lower body temperature, and lower total serum protein concentrations were less likely to survive.

BackgroundTrauma from dog attacks has been associated with mortality rates as high as 23% in some species. However, the prognosis and clinical features of this type of injury have not been described in equids.Hypotheses/objectivesTo describe survival rate, signalment, clinical features, and biochemical results in equids presented for emergency care after presumed dog attacks. We hypothesized there would be differences between survivors and nonsurvivors.AnimalsA total of 28 equids presented for presumed dog attacks from 3 referral centers.MethodsA retrospective study was performed using data from 3 hospitals between 2008 and 2016. Survival was defined as survival at 14 days postdischarge. Variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors using a t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate.ResultsOverall mortality rate was 21%. Ponies and miniature horses represented 16/28 (57%) of the animals in the study. Full-sized equids had a lower risk of nonsurvival as compared to smaller patients (odds ratio = 0.02; 95% confidence intervals = 0.00-0.27; P < .005). Animals with lower body temperatures had increased risk for nonsurvival (P = .0004). Increased admission blood lactate concentrations (P = .003) and decreased serum total protein concentrations (P = .006) were associated with nonsurvival.ConclusionsThe mortality rate in equids attacked by dogs was similar to what is reported for other veterinary species. Smaller equids and those with increased admission blood lactate concentration, lower body temperature, and lower total serum protein concentrations were less likely to survive.

The jellyfish species that inhabit the Mediterranean coastal waters are not lethal, but their stings can cause severe pain and systemic effects that pose a health risk to humans. Despite the frequent occurrence of jellyfish stings, currently no consensus exists among the scientific community regarding the most appropriate first-aid protocol. Over the years, several different rinse solutions have been proposed. Vinegar, or acetic acid, is one of the most established of these solutions, with efficacy data published. We investigated the effect of vinegar and seawater on the nematocyst discharge process in two species representative of the Mediterranean region: Pelagia noctiluca (Scyphozoa) and Carybdea marsupialis (Cubozoa), by means of (1) direct observation of nematocyst discharge on light microscopy (tentacle solution assay) and (2) quantification of hemolytic area (tentacle skin blood agarose assay). In both species, nematocyst discharge was not stimulated by seawater, which was classified as a neutral solution. In P. noctiluca, vinegar produced nematocyst discharge per se, but inhibited nematocyst discharge from C. marsupialis. These results suggest that the use of vinegar cannot be universally recommended. Whereas in case of a cubozoan C. marsupialis sting, the inhibitory effect of vinegar makes it the ideal rinse solution, in case of a scyphozoan P. noctiluca sting, vinegar application may be counterproductive, worsening the pain and discomfort of the stung area., Postprint (published version)

Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with venomous animals. Method: This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out in the municipality of Bacabal-MA in cases of accidents with venomous animals of the population residing in the municipality, which occurred in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 through the SINAN / DATASUS and treated using descriptive statistics. Results: Male accident cases predominated (74.07%), young adults aged 20 to 39 years (32.4%), residents of the urban area (66.66), the ophidian accident stood out, the time elapsed between the accident and the attendance was in the interval of 1 to 3 h after the accident (36.41%) and the clinical evolution of cure (87.96%). Conclusion: Thus, it is evident that snakebite is a local problem, requiring health guidance to the population, correct treatment and proper filling out of the notification form., Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos. Método: estudo ecológico, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no município de Bacabal- MA dos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos da população residente no município, ocorridas no período de 01 janeiro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro 2017 por meio do SINAN/DATASUS e tratados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Predominaram casos de acidentes no sexo masculino (74,07%), adultos jovens de 20 a 39 anos (32,4%), moradores da zona urbana (66,66), destacou-se o acidente ofídico, tempo decorrido entre o acidente e o atendimento foi no intervalo de 1 a 3 h após o acidente (36,41%) e a evolução clínica de cura (87,96%). Conclusão: é evidente que o ofidismo é problemática local, necessitando de orientação em saúde à população, tratamento correto e preenchimento adequado da ficha de notificação., Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes con animales venenosos. Método: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en el municipio de Bacabal - MA en casos de accidentes con animales venenosos de la población residente en el municipio, ocurridos en el período del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2017 hasta el SINAN / DATASUS y tratados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Predominaron los casos de accidentes masculinos (74,07%), adultos jóvenes de 20 a 39 años (32,4%), residentes del casco urbano (66,66), destacó el accidente ofidiano, el tiempo transcurrido entre el accidente y la asistencia fue en el intervalo de 1 a 3 h posteriores al accidente (36,41%) y la evolución clínica de curación (87,96%). Conclusión: Es evidente que la mordedura de serpiente es un problema local, que requiere orientación sanitaria a la población, tratamiento correcto y cumplimentación adecuada del formulario de notificación

Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with venomous animals. Method: This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out in the municipality of Bacabal-MA in cases of accidents with venomous animals of the population residing in the municipality, which occurred in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 through the SINAN / DATASUS and treated using descriptive statistics. Results: Male accident cases predominated (74.07%), young adults aged 20 to 39 years (32.4%), residents of the urban area (66.66), the ophidian accident stood out, the time elapsed between the accident and the attendance was in the interval of 1 to 3 h after the accident (36.41%) and the clinical evolution of cure (87.96%). Conclusion: Thus, it is evident that snakebite is a local problem, requiring health guidance to the population, correct treatment and proper filling out of the notification form., Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos. Método: estudo ecológico, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no município de Bacabal- MA dos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos da população residente no município, ocorridas no período de 01 janeiro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro 2017 por meio do SINAN/DATASUS e tratados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Predominaram casos de acidentes no sexo masculino (74,07%), adultos jovens de 20 a 39 anos (32,4%), moradores da zona urbana (66,66), destacou-se o acidente ofídico, tempo decorrido entre o acidente e o atendimento foi no intervalo de 1 a 3 h após o acidente (36,41%) e a evolução clínica de cura (87,96%). Conclusão: é evidente que o ofidismo é problemática local, necessitando de orientação em saúde à população, tratamento correto e preenchimento adequado da ficha de notificação., Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes con animales venenosos. Método: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en el municipio de Bacabal - MA en casos de accidentes con animales venenosos de la población residente en el municipio, ocurridos en el período del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2017 hasta el SINAN / DATASUS y tratados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Predominaron los casos de accidentes masculinos (74,07%), adultos jóvenes de 20 a 39 años (32,4%), residentes del casco urbano (66,66), destacó el accidente ofidiano, el tiempo transcurrido entre el accidente y la asistencia fue en el intervalo de 1 a 3 h posteriores al accidente (36,41%) y la evolución clínica de curación (87,96%). Conclusión: Es evidente que la mordedura de serpiente es un problema local, que requiere orientación sanitaria a la población, tratamiento correcto y cumplimentación adecuada del formulario de notificación

Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with venomous animals. Method: This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out in the municipality of Bacabal-MA in cases of accidents with venomous animals of the population residing in the municipality, which occurred in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 through the SINAN / DATASUS and treated using descriptive statistics. Results: Male accident cases predominated (74.07%), young adults aged 20 to 39 years (32.4%), residents of the urban area (66.66), the ophidian accident stood out, the time elapsed between the accident and the attendance was in the interval of 1 to 3 h after the accident (36.41%) and the clinical evolution of cure (87.96%). Conclusion: Thus, it is evident that snakebite is a local problem, requiring health guidance to the population, correct treatment and proper filling out of the notification form., Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos. Método: estudo ecológico, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no município de Bacabal- MA dos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos da população residente no município, ocorridas no período de 01 janeiro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro 2017 por meio do SINAN/DATASUS e tratados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Predominaram casos de acidentes no sexo masculino (74,07%), adultos jovens de 20 a 39 anos (32,4%), moradores da zona urbana (66,66), destacou-se o acidente ofídico, tempo decorrido entre o acidente e o atendimento foi no intervalo de 1 a 3 h após o acidente (36,41%) e a evolução clínica de cura (87,96%). Conclusão: é evidente que o ofidismo é problemática local, necessitando de orientação em saúde à população, tratamento correto e preenchimento adequado da ficha de notificação., Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes con animales venenosos. Método: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en el municipio de Bacabal - MA en casos de accidentes con animales venenosos de la población residente en el municipio, ocurridos en el período del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2017 hasta el SINAN / DATASUS y tratados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Predominaron los casos de accidentes masculinos (74,07%), adultos jóvenes de 20 a 39 años (32,4%), residentes del casco urbano (66,66), destacó el accidente ofidiano, el tiempo transcurrido entre el accidente y la asistencia fue en el intervalo de 1 a 3 h posteriores al accidente (36,41%) y la evolución clínica de curación (87,96%). Conclusión: Es evidente que la mordedura de serpiente es un problema local, que requiere orientación sanitaria a la población, tratamiento correcto y cumplimentación adecuada del formulario de notificación

Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with venomous animals. Method: This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out in the municipality of Bacabal-MA in cases of accidents with venomous animals of the population residing in the municipality, which occurred in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 through the SINAN / DATASUS and treated using descriptive statistics. Results: Male accident cases predominated (74.07%), young adults aged 20 to 39 years (32.4%), residents of the urban area (66.66), the ophidian accident stood out, the time elapsed between the accident and the attendance was in the interval of 1 to 3 h after the accident (36.41%) and the clinical evolution of cure (87.96%). Conclusion: Thus, it is evident that snakebite is a local problem, requiring health guidance to the population, correct treatment and proper filling out of the notification form., Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos. Método: estudo ecológico, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no município de Bacabal- MA dos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos da população residente no município, ocorridas no período de 01 janeiro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro 2017 por meio do SINAN/DATASUS e tratados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Predominaram casos de acidentes no sexo masculino (74,07%), adultos jovens de 20 a 39 anos (32,4%), moradores da zona urbana (66,66), destacou-se o acidente ofídico, tempo decorrido entre o acidente e o atendimento foi no intervalo de 1 a 3 h após o acidente (36,41%) e a evolução clínica de cura (87,96%). Conclusão: é evidente que o ofidismo é problemática local, necessitando de orientação em saúde à população, tratamento correto e preenchimento adequado da ficha de notificação., Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes con animales venenosos. Método: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en el municipio de Bacabal - MA en casos de accidentes con animales venenosos de la población residente en el municipio, ocurridos en el período del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2017 hasta el SINAN / DATASUS y tratados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Predominaron los casos de accidentes masculinos (74,07%), adultos jóvenes de 20 a 39 años (32,4%), residentes del casco urbano (66,66), destacó el accidente ofidiano, el tiempo transcurrido entre el accidente y la asistencia fue en el intervalo de 1 a 3 h posteriores al accidente (36,41%) y la evolución clínica de curación (87,96%). Conclusión: Es evidente que la mordedura de serpiente es un problema local, que requiere orientación sanitaria a la población, tratamiento correcto y cumplimentación adecuada del formulario de notificación

Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with venomous animals. Method: This is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out in the municipality of Bacabal-MA in cases of accidents with venomous animals of the population residing in the municipality, which occurred in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 through the SINAN / DATASUS and treated using descriptive statistics. Results: Male accident cases predominated (74.07%), young adults aged 20 to 39 years (32.4%), residents of the urban area (66.66), the ophidian accident stood out, the time elapsed between the accident and the attendance was in the interval of 1 to 3 h after the accident (36.41%) and the clinical evolution of cure (87.96%). Conclusion: Thus, it is evident that snakebite is a local problem, requiring health guidance to the population, correct treatment and proper filling out of the notification form., Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos. Método: estudo ecológico, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no município de Bacabal- MA dos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos da população residente no município, ocorridas no período de 01 janeiro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro 2017 por meio do SINAN/DATASUS e tratados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Predominaram casos de acidentes no sexo masculino (74,07%), adultos jovens de 20 a 39 anos (32,4%), moradores da zona urbana (66,66), destacou-se o acidente ofídico, tempo decorrido entre o acidente e o atendimento foi no intervalo de 1 a 3 h após o acidente (36,41%) e a evolução clínica de cura (87,96%). Conclusão: é evidente que o ofidismo é problemática local, necessitando de orientação em saúde à população, tratamento correto e preenchimento adequado da ficha de notificação., Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes con animales venenosos. Método: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en el municipio de Bacabal - MA en casos de accidentes con animales venenosos de la población residente en el municipio, ocurridos en el período del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2017 hasta el SINAN / DATASUS y tratados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Predominaron los casos de accidentes masculinos (74,07%), adultos jóvenes de 20 a 39 años (32,4%), residentes del casco urbano (66,66), destacó el accidente ofidiano, el tiempo transcurrido entre el accidente y la asistencia fue en el intervalo de 1 a 3 h posteriores al accidente (36,41%) y la evolución clínica de curación (87,96%). Conclusión: Es evidente que la mordedura de serpiente es un problema local, que requiere orientación sanitaria a la población, tratamiento correcto y cumplimentación adecuada del formulario de notificación

Accidents by venomous animals are an important public health problem, due to the high frequency with which they occur and the lethality they cause. This study aimed to analyze epidemiological aspects of accidents with venomous animals in the state of Tocantins. Cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative and descriptive approach by consulting the database of the Ministry of Health's Notification Disclosure Information System from January 2009 to December 2019. There were 31,289 reported cases, of which (31, 40%) were caused by scorpions and (29.35%) by snakes. The highest death rates were caused by snakes (0.33%). Regarding gender, the highest percentage was found in males (60.52%). Regarding the age group, there was a progressive increase in the incidence of involvement during the evolution of the age group until reaching the largest number of cases between 20 and 39 years of age, corresponding to (35.81%). It was concluded that the state of Tocantins presented an increase in the number of reported cases during the study period. With a profile of accidents with venomous animals, mostly affecting young people and adults in the economically active age group, with a male prevalence. And the main types of accidents are with scorpions and snakes. It was observed in this study, important data for the public power to outline the improvement of strategies and actions in order to guarantee the adequate diagnosis, treatment and prevention for the population of the state. In addition, the need for further studies on the subject is stated, in order to obtain a more refined analysis of the data presented. &nbsp, Los accidentes de animales venenosos son un importante problema de salud pública, debido a la alta frecuencia con que ocurren y la letalidad que causan. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos de los accidentes con animales venenosos en el estado de Tocantins. Estudio transversal y retrospectivo con un enfoque cuantitativo y descriptivo consultando la base de datos del Sistema de Información de Divulgación de Notificación del Ministerio de Salud desde enero de 2009 hasta diciembre de 2019. Hubo 31,289 casos reportados, de los cuales (31, 40%) fueron causados ??por escorpiones y (29.35%) por serpientes. Las tasas de mortalidad más altas fueron causadas por serpientes (0,33%). En cuanto al género, el mayor porcentaje se encontró en hombres (60.52%). En cuanto al grupo de edad, hubo un aumento progresivo en la incidencia de afectación durante la evolución del grupo de edad hasta alcanzar el mayor número de casos entre 20 y 39 años, correspondiente a (35.81%). Se concluyó que el estado de Tocantins presentó un aumento en el número de casos reportados durante el período de estudio. Con un perfil de accidentes con animales venenosos, que afecta principalmente a jóvenes y adultos en el grupo de edad económicamente activo, con una prevalencia de machos. Y los principales tipos de accidentes son con escorpiones y serpientes. Se observó en este estudio, datos importantes para el poder público para delinear la mejora de las estrategias y acciones con el fin de garantizar el diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención adecuados para la población del estado. Además, se establece la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre el tema, a fin de obtener un análisis más refinado de los datos presentados. &nbsp, Os acidentes por animais peçonhentos são um importante problema de Saúde Pública, pela alta frequência com que ocorrem e pela letalidade que ocasionam. Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos no estado do Tocantins. Estudo transversal, retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa e descritiva por meio da consulta à base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravo de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2019. Foram 31.289 casos notificados, dos quais (31,40%) foram ocasionados por escorpiões e (29,35%) por serpentes. As maiores taxas de óbito foram ocasionadas por serpentes (0,33%). Em relação ao sexo o maior percentual foi verificado no sexo masculino (60,52%). Em relação à faixa etária, observou-se um aumento progressivo da incidência de acometimento durante a evolução da faixa etária até atingir o maior número de casos entre 20 a 39 anos de idade correspondendo a (35,81%). Concluí-se que o estado do Tocantins apresentou um aumento no número de casos notificados ao longo do período de estudo. Com um perfil de acidentes com animais peçonhentos atingindo em sua maioria jovens e adultos na faixa etária economicamente ativa, com prevalência do sexo masculino. E os principais tipos de acidentes são com escorpiões e serpentes. Observou-se nesse estudo, dados importantes para o poder público delinear o aperfeiçoamento de estratégias e ações a fim de garantir o diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção adequados para a população do estado. Em adição, afirma-se a necessidade de mais estudos a respeito do tema, no intuito de se obter uma análise mais refinada dos dados apresentados.

Accidents by venomous animals are an important public health problem, due to the high frequency with which they occur and the lethality they cause. This study aimed to analyze epidemiological aspects of accidents with venomous animals in the state of Tocantins. Cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative and descriptive approach by consulting the database of the Ministry of Health's Notification Disclosure Information System from January 2009 to December 2019. There were 31,289 reported cases, of which (31, 40%) were caused by scorpions and (29.35%) by snakes. The highest death rates were caused by snakes (0.33%). Regarding gender, the highest percentage was found in males (60.52%). Regarding the age group, there was a progressive increase in the incidence of involvement during the evolution of the age group until reaching the largest number of cases between 20 and 39 years of age, corresponding to (35.81%). It was concluded that the state of Tocantins presented an increase in the number of reported cases during the study period. With a profile of accidents with venomous animals, mostly affecting young people and adults in the economically active age group, with a male prevalence. And the main types of accidents are with scorpions and snakes. It was observed in this study, important data for the public power to outline the improvement of strategies and actions in order to guarantee the adequate diagnosis, treatment and prevention for the population of the state. In addition, the need for further studies on the subject is stated, in order to obtain a more refined analysis of the data presented. &nbsp, Los accidentes de animales venenosos son un importante problema de salud pública, debido a la alta frecuencia con que ocurren y la letalidad que causan. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos de los accidentes con animales venenosos en el estado de Tocantins. Estudio transversal y retrospectivo con un enfoque cuantitativo y descriptivo consultando la base de datos del Sistema de Información de Divulgación de Notificación del Ministerio de Salud desde enero de 2009 hasta diciembre de 2019. Hubo 31,289 casos reportados, de los cuales (31, 40%) fueron causados ??por escorpiones y (29.35%) por serpientes. Las tasas de mortalidad más altas fueron causadas por serpientes (0,33%). En cuanto al género, el mayor porcentaje se encontró en hombres (60.52%). En cuanto al grupo de edad, hubo un aumento progresivo en la incidencia de afectación durante la evolución del grupo de edad hasta alcanzar el mayor número de casos entre 20 y 39 años, correspondiente a (35.81%). Se concluyó que el estado de Tocantins presentó un aumento en el número de casos reportados durante el período de estudio. Con un perfil de accidentes con animales venenosos, que afecta principalmente a jóvenes y adultos en el grupo de edad económicamente activo, con una prevalencia de machos. Y los principales tipos de accidentes son con escorpiones y serpientes. Se observó en este estudio, datos importantes para el poder público para delinear la mejora de las estrategias y acciones con el fin de garantizar el diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención adecuados para la población del estado. Además, se establece la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre el tema, a fin de obtener un análisis más refinado de los datos presentados. &nbsp, Os acidentes por animais peçonhentos são um importante problema de Saúde Pública, pela alta frequência com que ocorrem e pela letalidade que ocasionam. Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos no estado do Tocantins. Estudo transversal, retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa e descritiva por meio da consulta à base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravo de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2019. Foram 31.289 casos notificados, dos quais (31,40%) foram ocasionados por escorpiões e (29,35%) por serpentes. As maiores taxas de óbito foram ocasionadas por serpentes (0,33%). Em relação ao sexo o maior percentual foi verificado no sexo masculino (60,52%). Em relação à faixa etária, observou-se um aumento progressivo da incidência de acometimento durante a evolução da faixa etária até atingir o maior número de casos entre 20 a 39 anos de idade correspondendo a (35,81%). Concluí-se que o estado do Tocantins apresentou um aumento no número de casos notificados ao longo do período de estudo. Com um perfil de acidentes com animais peçonhentos atingindo em sua maioria jovens e adultos na faixa etária economicamente ativa, com prevalência do sexo masculino. E os principais tipos de acidentes são com escorpiões e serpentes. Observou-se nesse estudo, dados importantes para o poder público delinear o aperfeiçoamento de estratégias e ações a fim de garantir o diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção adequados para a população do estado. Em adição, afirma-se a necessidade de mais estudos a respeito do tema, no intuito de se obter uma análise mais refinada dos dados apresentados.

Zooarchaeologists have long relied on linear traces and pits found on the surfaces of ancient bones to infer ancient hominid behaviors such as slicing, chopping, and percussive actions during butchery of mammal carcasses. However, such claims about Plio-Pleistocene hominids rely mostly on very small assemblages of bony remains. Furthermore, recent experiments on trampling animals and biting crocodiles have shown each to be capable of producing mimics of such marks. This equifinality-the creation of similar products by different processes-makes deciphering early archaeological bone assemblages difficult. Bone modifications among Ethiopian Plio-Pleistocene hominid and faunal remains at Asa Issie, Maka, Hadar, and Bouri were reassessed in light of these findings. The results show that crocodiles were important modifiers of these bone assemblages. The relative roles of hominids, mammalian carnivores, and crocodiles in the formation of Oldowan zooarchaeological assemblages will only be accurately revealed by better bounding equifinality. Critical analysis within a consilience-based approach is identified as the pathway forward. More experimental studies and increased archaeological fieldwork aimed at generating adequate samples are now required.

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, malaria interventions over the last decades have been successful in reducing both mortality and morbidity. In western Kenya however some areas experience contrasting outcomes of the ongoing interventions while the causes for this observation remains not yet clearly known.MethodsThe WHO insecticide (deltamethrin) susceptibility test of the common malaria vectors was studied. Multiple surveys on household use and hospital prescriptions of antimalarial drugs from 2003 to 2015 were done. Along with this, cross sectional surveys on their availability in the local drug dispensing outlets were also done in 2015. Monthly precipitations and air temperature data was collected along with systematic review on abundance and composition of common malaria vectors in the study area before and during interventions. The above factors were used to explain the possible causes of contrasting outcome of malaria interventions between the three study sites.ResultsAreas with malaria resurgence or sustained high transmission (Kombewa and Marani) showed higher composition of Anopheles funestus sensu lato (s.l.) than the previously abundant Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and the later had higher composition to an area with a sustained infection decline (Iguhu). Anopheles gambiae s.l. from Kombewa showed highest resistance (50% mortality) upon exposure to WHO deltamethrin discriminating dosage of 0.75% while those from Marani and Iguhu had reduced resistance status (both had a mean mortality of 91%). Sampled An. funestus s.l. from Marani were also highly resistant to deltamethrin as 57% of the exposed vectors survived. An increasing of mean air temperature by 2 °C was noted for Marani and Iguhu from 2013 to 2015 and was accompanied by an increased rainfall at Marani. Community drug use and availability in selling outlets along with prescription in hospitals were not linked to the struggling control of the disease.ConclusionsThe malaria vector species com

In colonial organisms, alarm pheromones can provide a key fitness advantage by enhancing colony defence and warning of danger. Learning which species use alarm pheromone and the key compounds involved therefore enhances our understanding of how this important signal has evolved. However, our knowledge of alarm pheromones is more limited in the social wasps and hornets compared with the social bees and ants. Vespa velutina is an economically important and widespread hornet predator that attacks honey bees and humans. This species is native to Asia and has now invaded Europe. Despite growing interest in V. velutina, it was unknown whether it possessed an alarm pheromone. We show that these hornets use sting venom as an alarm pheromone. Sting venom volatiles were strongly attractive to hornet workers and triggered attacks. Two major venom fractions, consisting of monoketones and diketones, also elicited attack. We used gas chromatography coupled to electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) to isolate 13 known and 3 unknown aliphatic ketones and alcohols in venom that elicited conspicuous hornet antennal activity. Two of the unknown compounds may be an undecen-2-one and an undecene-2,10-dinone. Three major compounds (heptan-2-one, nonan-2-one and undecan-2-one) triggered attacks, but only nonan-2-one did so at biologically relevant levels (10 hornet equivalents). Nonan-2-one thus deserves particular attention. However, the key alarm releasers for V. velutina remain to be identified. Such identification will help to illuminate the evolution and function of alarm compounds in hornets.

Accurate determination of the origin and timing of trauma is key in medicolegal investigations when the cause and manner of death are unknown. However, distinction between criminal and accidental perimortem trauma and postmortem modifications can be challenging when facing unidentified trauma. Postmortem examination of the immersed victims of the Yemenia airplane crash (Comoros, 2009) demonstrated the challenges in diagnosing extensive unusual circular lesions found on the corpses. The objective of this study was to identify the origin and timing of occurrence (peri- or postmortem) of the lesions.A retrospective multidisciplinary study using autopsy reports (n = 113) and postmortem digital photos (n = 3 579) was conducted. Of the 113 victims recovered from the crash, 62 (54.9 %) presented unusual lesions (n = 560) with a median number of 7 (IQR 3 ∼ 13) and a maximum of 27 per corpse. The majority of lesions were elliptic (58 %) and had an area smaller than 10 cm (82.1 %). Some lesions (6.8 %) also showed clear tooth notches on their edges. These findings identified most of the lesions as consistent with postmortem bite marks from cookiecutter sharks (Isistius spp.). It suggests that cookiecutter sharks were important agents in the degradation of the corpses and thus introduced potential cognitive bias in the research of the cause and manner of death. A novel set of evidence-based identification criteria for cookiecutter bite marks on human bodies is developed to facilitate more accurate medicolegal diagnosis of cookiecutter bites.

In colonial organisms, alarm pheromones can provide a key fitness advantage by enhancing colony defence and warning of danger. Learning which species use alarm pheromone and the key compounds involved therefore enhances our understanding of how this important signal has evolved. However, our knowledge of alarm pheromones is more limited in the social wasps and hornets compared with the social bees and ants. Vespa velutina is an economically important and widespread hornet predator that attacks honey bees and humans. This species is native to Asia and has now invaded Europe. Despite growing interest in V. velutina, it was unknown whether it possessed an alarm pheromone. We show that these hornets use sting venom as an alarm pheromone. Sting venom volatiles were strongly attractive to hornet workers and triggered attacks. Two major venom fractions, consisting of monoketones and diketones, also elicited attack. We used gas chromatography coupled to electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) to isolate 13 known and 3 unknown aliphatic ketones and alcohols in venom that elicited conspicuous hornet antennal activity. Two of the unknown compounds may be an undecen-2-one and an undecene-2,10-dinone. Three major compounds (heptan-2-one, nonan-2-one and undecan-2-one) triggered attacks, but only nonan-2-one did so at biologically relevant levels (10 hornet equivalents). Nonan-2-one thus deserves particular attention. However, the key alarm releasers for V. velutina remain to be identified. Such identification will help to illuminate the evolution and function of alarm compounds in hornets.

Zooarchaeologists have long relied on linear traces and pits found on the surfaces of ancient bones to infer ancient hominid behaviors such as slicing, chopping, and percussive actions during butchery of mammal carcasses. However, such claims about Plio-Pleistocene hominids rely mostly on very small assemblages of bony remains. Furthermore, recent experiments on trampling animals and biting crocodiles have shown each to be capable of producing mimics of such marks. This equifinality-the creation of similar products by different processes-makes deciphering early archaeological bone assemblages difficult. Bone modifications among Ethiopian Plio-Pleistocene hominid and faunal remains at Asa Issie, Maka, Hadar, and Bouri were reassessed in light of these findings. The results show that crocodiles were important modifiers of these bone assemblages. The relative roles of hominids, mammalian carnivores, and crocodiles in the formation of Oldowan zooarchaeological assemblages will only be accurately revealed by better bounding equifinality. Critical analysis within a consilience-based approach is identified as the pathway forward. More experimental studies and increased archaeological fieldwork aimed at generating adequate samples are now required.

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, malaria interventions over the last decades have been successful in reducing both mortality and morbidity. In western Kenya however some areas experience contrasting outcomes of the ongoing interventions while the causes for this observation remains not yet clearly known.MethodsThe WHO insecticide (deltamethrin) susceptibility test of the common malaria vectors was studied. Multiple surveys on household use and hospital prescriptions of antimalarial drugs from 2003 to 2015 were done. Along with this, cross sectional surveys on their availability in the local drug dispensing outlets were also done in 2015. Monthly precipitations and air temperature data was collected along with systematic review on abundance and composition of common malaria vectors in the study area before and during interventions. The above factors were used to explain the possible causes of contrasting outcome of malaria interventions between the three study sites.ResultsAreas with malaria resurgence or sustained high transmission (Kombewa and Marani) showed higher composition of Anopheles funestus sensu lato (s.l.) than the previously abundant Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and the later had higher composition to an area with a sustained infection decline (Iguhu). Anopheles gambiae s.l. from Kombewa showed highest resistance (50% mortality) upon exposure to WHO deltamethrin discriminating dosage of 0.75% while those from Marani and Iguhu had reduced resistance status (both had a mean mortality of 91%). Sampled An. funestus s.l. from Marani were also highly resistant to deltamethrin as 57% of the exposed vectors survived. An increasing of mean air temperature by 2 °C was noted for Marani and Iguhu from 2013 to 2015 and was accompanied by an increased rainfall at Marani. Community drug use and availability in selling outlets along with prescription in hospitals were not linked to the struggling control of the disease.ConclusionsThe malaria vector specie

Orf is a zoonotic parapoxvirus typically transmitted to humans by a bite from goats or sheep. We present an unusual case of multiple orf lesions on the fingers of a 13-month-old child who was bitten by a goat and subsequently developed progressive swelling, blistering, and necrotic papulonodules of the hand followed by an additional diffuse, pruritic, papular rash. A primary diagnosis of orf infection was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the diffuse eruption was clinically consistent with an id reaction. Extensive necrosis and papular id reaction associated with orf rarely have been described.

Bacteroides pyogenes is part of the normal oral flora of domestic animals. There is one previous report of human infection, with B. pyogenes bacteremia following a cat bite (Madsen 2011). We report seven severe human infections where B. pyogenes was identified by Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDTI-TOF MS), but not by VITEK MS and was misidentified by VITEK ANC card.Copyright © 2016

Bacteroides pyogenes is part of the normal oral flora of domestic animals. There is one previous report of human infection, with B. pyogenes bacteremia following a cat bite (Madsen 2011). We report seven severe human infections where B. pyogenes was identified by Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDTI-TOF MS), but not by VITEK MS and was misidentified by VITEK ANC card.Copyright © 2016

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to analyze all animal-to-human bite reports during a 3-year period from a regional surveillance database. Results helped to inform local efforts to reduce and prevent animal-to-human bites.MethodsWe reviewed all cases of animal-to-human bites occurring from 2009 through 2011 that were reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Animal Bites Database. We collected data on the bite victim's date of birth, age, and address; bite circumstances (ie, date, time, location, how bite occurred); anatomic site and treatment of bite; type of reporting facility; and breed and management of biting animal.ResultsFrom 2009 through 2011, 26 169 animal-to-human bites were reported, of which 23 103 (88%) were dog bites. Most animal-to-human bites (n = 7673, 29%) occurred between 4 pm and 8 pm and peaked during the month of July (n = 2663, 10%). Most animal-to-human bites occurred outdoors (n = 8772, 34%) and while victims engaged in recreational activities (n = 4353, 17%). The hands were the most common injury site (n = 9130, 35%), and only 1% of animal bites (n = 267) resulted in hospitalization. A total of 4115 bite victims (16%) received tetanus vaccinations. Of all animal-to-human bite cases, medical organizations reported 13 451 (51%), and animal control agencies reported 10 682 (41%).ConclusionsAnimal-to-human bites can often lead to medical complications. Surveillance is essential in helping to identify, manage, and reduce these highly preventable injuries and direct public health actions and policies on animal bite risk and prevention.

Dogs are filling a growing number of roles supporting people with various disabilities, leading to a chaotic situation in the U.S. Although the federal laws allow public access with working dogs only for people with disabilities, no governmental enforcement or management system for such dogs exists. Furthermore, there is no substantive way to confirm whether the dog is an adequately trained assistance dog or not, as neither the handlers nor the dogs are required to carry any particular certification or identification. Therefore, unqualified assistance dogs and incidents such as dog bites by assistance dogs sometimes are problems in the U.S. A governmental oversight system could reduce problems, but no information is available about the current uses of assistance dogs in the U.S. We aimed to investigate the current demographics of registered assistance dogs and the evolving patterns in uses of dogs during 1999-2012 in California. We acquired data on assistance dogs registered by animal control facilities throughout California. We used descriptive statistics to describe the uses of these assistance dogs. The number of assistance dogs sharply increased, especially service dogs, in the past decade. Dogs with small body sizes, and new types of service dogs, such as service dogs for psychiatric and medical assistance, strongly contributed to the increase. The Assistance Dog Identification tags sometimes were mistakenly issued to dogs not fitting the definition of assistance dogs under the law, such as emotional support animals and some cats; this reveals errors in the California governmental registering system. Seemingly inappropriate dogs also were registered, such as those registered for the first time at older than 10 years of age. This study reveals a prevalence of misuse and misunderstanding of regulations and legislation on assistance dogs in California.

The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 ion channel is a polymodal nociceptor that responds to heat with exquisite sensitivity through an unknown mechanism. Here we report the identification of a novel toxin, RhTx, from the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede that potently activates TRPV1 to produce excruciating pain. RhTx is a 27-amino-acid small peptide that forms a compact polarized molecule with very rapid binding kinetics and high affinity for TRPV1. We show that RhTx targets the channel's heat activation machinery to cause powerful heat activation at body temperature. The RhTx-TRPV1 interaction is mediated by the toxin's highly charged C terminus, which associates tightly to the charge-rich outer pore region of the channel where it can directly interact with the pore helix and turret. These findings demonstrate that RhTx binding to the outer pore can induce TRPV1 heat activation, therefore providing crucial new structural information on the heat activation machinery.

BackgroundMalaria is a great public health burden and Africa suffers the largest share of malaria-attributed deaths. Despite control efforts targeting indoor malaria transmission, such as insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and deployment of indoor residual spraying, transmission of the parasite in western Kenya is still maintained. This study was carried out to determine the impact of ITNs on indoor vector densities and biting behaviour in western Kenya.MethodsIndoor collection of adult mosquitoes was done monthly in six study sites in western Kenya using pyrethrum spray collections from 2012 to 2014. The rotator trap collections were done in July-August in 2013 and May-June in 2014. Mosquitoes were collected every 2 h between 18.00 and 08.00 h. Human behaviour study was conducted via questionnaire surveys. Species within Anopheles gambiae complex was differentiated by PCR and sporozoite infectivity was determined by ELISA. Species distribution was determined and bed net coverage in the study sites was recorded.ResultsDuring the study a total of 5,469 mosquito vectors were collected from both PSC and Rotator traps comprising 3,181 (58.2%) Anopheles gambiae and 2,288 (41.8%) Anopheles funestus. Compared to all the study sites, Rae had the highest density of An. gambiae with a mean of 1.2 (P<0.001) while Kombewa had the highest density of An. funestus with a mean of 1.08 (P<0.001). Marani had the lowest density of vectors with 0.06 An. gambiae and 0.17 An. funestus (P<0.001). Among the 700 PCR confirmed An. gambiae s.l. individuals, An. gambiae s.s. accounted for 49% and An. arabiensis 51%. Over 50% of the study population stayed outdoors between 18.00 and 20.00 and 06.00 and 08.00 which was the time when highest densities of blood fed vectors were collected. Anopheles gambie s.s. was the main malaria parasite vector in the highland sites and An. arabiensis in the lowland sites. Bed net ownership in 2012 averaged 87% across the study sites.ConclusionsThis st

Dogs are filling a growing number of roles supporting people with various disabilities, leading to a chaotic situation in the U.S. Although the federal laws allow public access with working dogs only for people with disabilities, no governmental enforcement or management system for such dogs exists. Furthermore, there is no substantive way to confirm whether the dog is an adequately trained assistance dog or not, as neither the handlers nor the dogs are required to carry any particular certification or identification. Therefore, unqualified assistance dogs and incidents such as dog bites by assistance dogs sometimes are problems in the U.S. A governmental oversight system could reduce problems, but no information is available about the current uses of assistance dogs in the U.S. We aimed to investigate the current demographics of registered assistance dogs and the evolving patterns in uses of dogs during 1999-2012 in California. We acquired data on assistance dogs registered by animal control facilities throughout California. We used descriptive statistics to describe the uses of these assistance dogs. The number of assistance dogs sharply increased, especially service dogs, in the past decade. Dogs with small body sizes, and new types of service dogs, such as service dogs for psychiatric and medical assistance, strongly contributed to the increase. The Assistance Dog Identification tags sometimes were mistakenly issued to dogs not fitting the definition of assistance dogs under the law, such as emotional support animals and some cats; this reveals errors in the California governmental registering system. Seemingly inappropriate dogs also were registered, such as those registered for the first time at older than 10 years of age. This study reveals a prevalence of misuse and misunderstanding of regulations and legislation on assistance dogs in California.

BackgroundMalaria is a great public health burden and Africa suffers the largest share of malaria-attributed deaths. Despite control efforts targeting indoor malaria transmission, such as insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and deployment of indoor residual spraying, transmission of the parasite in western Kenya is still maintained. This study was carried out to determine the impact of ITNs on indoor vector densities and biting behaviour in western Kenya.MethodsIndoor collection of adult mosquitoes was done monthly in six study sites in western Kenya using pyrethrum spray collections from 2012 to 2014. The rotator trap collections were done in July-August in 2013 and May-June in 2014. Mosquitoes were collected every 2 h between 18.00 and 08.00 h. Human behaviour study was conducted via questionnaire surveys. Species within Anopheles gambiae complex was differentiated by PCR and sporozoite infectivity was determined by ELISA. Species distribution was determined and bed net coverage in the study sites was recorded.ResultsDuring the study a total of 5,469 mosquito vectors were collected from both PSC and Rotator traps comprising 3,181 (58.2%) Anopheles gambiae and 2,288 (41.8%) Anopheles funestus. Compared to all the study sites, Rae had the highest density of An. gambiae with a mean of 1.2 (P<0.001) while Kombewa had the highest density of An. funestus with a mean of 1.08 (P<0.001). Marani had the lowest density of vectors with 0.06 An. gambiae and 0.17 An. funestus (P<0.001). Among the 700 PCR confirmed An. gambiae s.l. individuals, An. gambiae s.s. accounted for 49% and An. arabiensis 51%. Over 50% of the study population stayed outdoors between 18.00 and 20.00 and 06.00 and 08.00 which was the time when highest densities of blood fed vectors were collected. Anopheles gambie s.s. was the main malaria parasite vector in the highland sites and An. arabiensis in the lowland sites. Bed net ownership in 2012 averaged 87% across the study sites.ConclusionsThis st

The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 ion channel is a polymodal nociceptor that responds to heat with exquisite sensitivity through an unknown mechanism. Here we report the identification of a novel toxin, RhTx, from the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede that potently activates TRPV1 to produce excruciating pain. RhTx is a 27-amino-acid small peptide that forms a compact polarized molecule with very rapid binding kinetics and high affinity for TRPV1. We show that RhTx targets the channel's heat activation machinery to cause powerful heat activation at body temperature. The RhTx-TRPV1 interaction is mediated by the toxin's highly charged C terminus, which associates tightly to the charge-rich outer pore region of the channel where it can directly interact with the pore helix and turret. These findings demonstrate that RhTx binding to the outer pore can induce TRPV1 heat activation, therefore providing crucial new structural information on the heat activation machinery.

PURPOSE: To identify which patients and canines are involved in dog bites of the head and neck, and how they impact health systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single center, retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2012 to June 2013 in an academic, tertiary care center situated between multiple suburban and urban communities. Patients were identified by queried search for all bite-related diagnoses codes. RESULTS: 334 unique dog bites were identified, of which 101 involved the head and neck. The mean patient age was 15.1±18.1years. Of the more than 8 different breeds identified, one-third were caused by pit bull terriers and resulted in the highest rate of consultation (94%) and had 5 times the relative rate of surgical intervention. Unlike all other breeds, pit bull terriers were relatively more likely to attack an unknown individual (+31%), and without provocation (+48%). Injuries of the head and neck had an average follow-up of 1.26±2.4 visits, and average specialty follow-up of 3.1±3.5 visits. CONCLUSIONS: The patients most likely to suffer dog bite injuries of the head and neck are children. Although a number of dog breeds were identified, the largest group were pit bull terriers, whose resultant injuries were more severe and resulted from unprovoked, unknown dogs. More severe injuries required a greater number of interventions, a greater number of inpatient physicians, and more outpatient follow-up encounters. Healthcare utilization and costs associated with dog bites warrant further investigation.

IntroductionInjury rates in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, but prospective, registry-based reports from Cameroon are limited. We aimed to create a prospective trauma registry to expand the data elements collected on injury at a busy tertiary center in Yaoundé Cameroon.MethodsDetails of the injury context, presentation, care, cost, and disposition from the emergency department (ED) were gathered over a 6-month period, by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate models were built to explore variable relationships and outcomes.ResultsThere were 2,855 injured patients in 6 months, comprising almost half of all ED visits. Mean age was 30 years; 73 % were male. Injury mechanism was road traffic injury in 59 %, fall in 7 %, penetrating trauma in 6 %, and animal bites in 4 %. Of these, 1,974 (69 %) were discharged home, 517 (18 %) taken to the operating room, and 14 (1 %) to the intensive care unit. The body areas most severely injured were pelvis and extremity in 43 %, head in 30 %, chest in 4 %, and abdomen in 3 %. The estimated injury severity score (eISS) was <9 in 60 %, 9-24 in 35 %, and >25 in 2 %. Mortality was 0.7 %. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were eISS ≥9 and Glasgow Coma Score ≤12. Road traffic injury was an independent predictor for the need to have surgery. Trauma registry results were presented to the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, prompting the formation of a National Injury Committee.ConclusionsInjuries comprise a significant proportion of ED visits and utilization of surgical services in Yaoundé. A prospective approach allows for more extensive information. Thorough data from a prospective trauma registry can be used successfully to advocate for policy towards prevention and treatment of injuries.

IntroductionInjury rates in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, but prospective, registry-based reports from Cameroon are limited. We aimed to create a prospective trauma registry to expand the data elements collected on injury at a busy tertiary center in Yaoundé Cameroon.MethodsDetails of the injury context, presentation, care, cost, and disposition from the emergency department (ED) were gathered over a 6-month period, by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate models were built to explore variable relationships and outcomes.ResultsThere were 2,855 injured patients in 6 months, comprising almost half of all ED visits. Mean age was 30 years; 73 % were male. Injury mechanism was road traffic injury in 59 %, fall in 7 %, penetrating trauma in 6 %, and animal bites in 4 %. Of these, 1,974 (69 %) were discharged home, 517 (18 %) taken to the operating room, and 14 (1 %) to the intensive care unit. The body areas most severely injured were pelvis and extremity in 43 %, head in 30 %, chest in 4 %, and abdomen in 3 %. The estimated injury severity score (eISS) was <9 in 60 %, 9-24 in 35 %, and >25 in 2 %. Mortality was 0.7 %. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were eISS ≥9 and Glasgow Coma Score ≤12. Road traffic injury was an independent predictor for the need to have surgery. Trauma registry results were presented to the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, prompting the formation of a National Injury Committee.ConclusionsInjuries comprise a significant proportion of ED visits and utilization of surgical services in Yaoundé. A prospective approach allows for more extensive information. Thorough data from a prospective trauma registry can be used successfully to advocate for policy towards prevention and treatment of injuries.

BackgroundPruritic papular eruption (PPE) of HIV is common in HIV-infected populations living in the tropics. Its aetiology has been attributed to insect bite reactions and it is reported to improve with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Its presence after at least 6 months of ART has been proposed as one of several markers of treatment failure.ObjectivesTo determine factors associated with PPE in HIV-infected persons receiving ART.MethodsA case-control study nested within a 500-person cohort from a teaching hospital in Mbarara, Uganda. Forty-five cases and 90 controls were enrolled. Cases had received ART for ≥ 15 months and had an itchy papular rash for at least 1 month with microscopic correlation by skin biopsy. Each case was individually matched with two controls for age, sex and ART duration.ResultsTwenty-five of 45 cases (56%) had microscopic findings consistent with PPE. At skin examination and biopsy (study enrolment), a similar proportion of PPE cases and matched controls had plasma HIV RNA < 400 copies mL(-1) (96% vs. 85%, P = 0·31). The odds of having PPE increased fourfold with every log increase in viral load at ART initiation (P = 0·02) but not at study enrolment. CD4 counts at ART initiation and study enrolment, and CD4 gains and CD8(+) T-cell activation measured 6 and 12 months after ART commencement were not associated with PPE. Study participants who reported daily insect bites had greater odds of being cases [odds ratio (OR) 8·3, P < 0·001] or PPE cases (OR 8·6, P = 0·01).ConclusionsPruritic papular eruption in HIV-infected persons receiving ART for ≥ 15 months was associated with greater HIV viraemia at ART commencement, independent of CD4 count. Skin biopsies are important to distinguish between PPE and other itchy papular eruptions.

Objective. Annually, more than 100,000 US and international military and civilian personnel work in Afghanistan within terrain harboring venomous snakes. Current literature insufficiently supports Afghan antivenom treatment and stocking guidelines. We report the clinical course and treatments for snakebite victims presenting to US military hospitals in Afghanistan. Methods. All snakebite victims presenting to 3 US military emergency departments between July 2010 and August 2011 in northern and southern Afghanistan were examined via chart review. Case information included patient demographics, snake description, bite details and complications, laboratory results, antivenom use and adverse effects, procedures performed, and hospital course. Results. Of 17 cases, median patient age was 20 years (interquartile range [IQR], 12 30), 16 were male, and 82% were Afghans. All bites were to an extremity, and median time to care was 2.8 hours (IQR, 2 5.8). On arrival, 8 had tachycardia and none had hypotension or hypoxia. A viper was implicated in 5 cases. Ten cases received at least 1 dose of polyvalent antivenom, most commonly for coagulopathy, without adverse effects. Six received additional antivenom, 6 had an international normalized ratio (INR) 4 10, and none developed delayed coagulopathy. Three received blood transfusions. Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 4 days. None required vasopressors, fasciotomy, or other surgery, and none died. All had resolution of marked coagulopathies and improved swelling and pain on discharge. Conclusions. We report the largest series of snake envenomations treated by US physicians in Afghanistan. Antivenom was tolerated well with improvement of coagulopathy and symptoms. All patients survived with minimal advanced interventions other than blood transfusion., Published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, v24 p412-416, 2013.

In this issue of AJTMH, Roestenberg and colleagues report that healthy adults can be infected by the intradermal injection of aseptic, purified, vialed, cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (PfSPZ Challenge). Because of the potential of this challenge in a bottle to standardize and dramatically expand the use of controlled human malaria infections (CHMI) for assessment of malaria vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics, and naturally acquired immunity and innate resistance to malaria, this approach to CHMI may well turn out to be one of the major achievements in malaria vaccine research and development of the past half-century. CHMI by the bites of five infected mosquitoes has become widely accepted as a safe and informative initial step in evaluating the efficacy of pre-erythrocytic stage vaccines. It has also played a significant role in the development of antimalarial drugs and diagnostic assays and in the assessment of host immune responses to infection. At last count in the published literature, over 1,300 clinical trial subjects had been exposed to CHMI since CHMI using mosquitoes that had fed on in vitro cultures of P. falciparum was introduced in 1986. nvestigators from multiple international centers, together with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), recently generated a standardized document for the design and conduct of CHMI and a second document for the microscopy methods used to determine the patency endpoint., Pub. in American Journal Tropical Medicine Hygiene, v88 n1, p3-4, 2013.

This retrospective cohort study was aimed at describing the effects of age at acquisition, age, and duration of ownership of dogs on the risk of (1) bites during play and (2) non-play bites to humans. Data were collected on 110 dogs that had bitten during play with a person, 161 dogs that had bitten outside of play and 951 non-biting dogs from veterinary clients in Kingston (KGN), Jamaica and San Francisco (SF), USA. Modified Poisson regression was employed to model the relationships of both types of bites to each variable separately. Effects of the variables on dog bite risk (1) during and (2) outside of play with the dog, differed from each other and by type of bite. Effects varied with the dog's age and age-related associations were strongest in dogs younger than 1 year old. Ages at acquisition of dogs at highest risk for bites during play were substantially lower than those at risk for non-play bites. Ages and durations of ownership of dogs at highest risk for bites during play were also lower than those of dogs at highest risk for non-play bites. The propensity of a dog to bite changes as it ages and relationships between dog bites occurring during and outside of play and the dog's age at acquisition, current age, and duration of ownership, differ from each other.

This retrospective cohort study was aimed at describing the effects of age at acquisition, age, and duration of ownership of dogs on the risk of (1) bites during play and (2) non-play bites to humans. Data were collected on 110 dogs that had bitten during play with a person, 161 dogs that had bitten outside of play and 951 non-biting dogs from veterinary clients in Kingston (KGN), Jamaica and San Francisco (SF), USA. Modified Poisson regression was employed to model the relationships of both types of bites to each variable separately. Effects of the variables on dog bite risk (1) during and (2) outside of play with the dog, differed from each other and by type of bite. Effects varied with the dog's age and age-related associations were strongest in dogs younger than 1 year old. Ages at acquisition of dogs at highest risk for bites during play were substantially lower than those at risk for non-play bites. Ages and durations of ownership of dogs at highest risk for bites during play were also lower than those of dogs at highest risk for non-play bites. The propensity of a dog to bite changes as it ages and relationships between dog bites occurring during and outside of play and the dog's age at acquisition, current age, and duration of ownership, differ from each other.

Gila monsters are one of only two venomous lizard species in the world. They live in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico. This video short features USGS Emeritus Research Ecologist, Cecil Schwalbe describing details of Gila monster biology and ecology and how he survived a very painful Gila monster bite.

Gila monsters are one of only two venomous lizard species in the world. They live in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico. This video short features USGS Emeritus Research Ecologist, Cecil Schwalbe describing details of Gila monster biology and ecology and how he survived a very painful Gila monster bite.

Taking into account the improvement in insecticidal activityby the inclusionof fluorine inthe hydrazone moiety, the authors synthesized new 4-fluorobenzoic acid hydrazides and 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, substituting a phenyl group or a heteroaryl ring carrying one or two atoms of F, Cl and Br, and investigated their biting deterrent and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti for the first time. RESULTS:Thecompound3-acetyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazole (17)produced the highest biting deterrent activity (BDI = 1.025) against Ae. Aegypti, followed by 4-fluorobenzoic acid [(phenyl)methylene] hydrazide (1). These activity results were similar to those of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), which showed a proportion not biting of 0.8 0.92. When compounds 1 and 17 were tested on cloth worn on human volunteers, compound 1 was not repellent for some volunteers until present in excess of 500 nmol cm 2, while compound 17 was not repellent at the highest concentration tested (1685 nmol cm 2). In the larvicidal screening bioassays, only compounds 10, 11, 12 and 17 showed 100% mortality at the highest screening dose of 100 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Compounds 11 and 12 with LD50 values of 24.1 and 30.9 ppm showed significantly higher mortality than 10 (80.3 ppm) and 17 (58.7 ppm) at 24-h post-treatment. CONCLUSION: The insecticidal and biting deterrent activities were correlated with the presence of a halogen atom on the phenyl or heteroaryl substituent of the hydrazone moiety., Pub. in Pest Management Science, 2012.

A 24-year-old Army Specialist was assigned as a cook at Combat Base Chamkani, Paktia Province, Afghanistan, from May 2010 to May 2011. He was a known animal enthusiast and had been caring for unauthorized dogs in his unit's area, in spite of General Order Number 1 which forbade the keeping of animals in theater. Feral dogs have been a perennial issue throughout the combat theaters of Iraq and Afghanistan, as they are attracted to the presence of food waste at dump sites around the bases. During an attempt to break up a dog fight between one of the local unauthorized dogs and a feral dog, the Specialist was bitten on the hand. According to reports, the Specialist told his mother that he was ordered to shoot the feral dog and have it sent for rabies testing. It has also been reported that a rabies vaccine series was initiated, but discontinued because the vaccine had expired. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that any animal was tested for rabies and no record of medical treatment being sought or given. The Specialist left Afghanistan in May 2011 with his unit for Germany. He later reported to his new assignment at Fort Drum, New York, in August 2011. By this time, he had started to exhibit neurologic symptoms. He complained of a tingling pain radiating down his arm on August 14, and was treated for tendonitis at a civilian hospital. He reportedly had trouble drinking on August 17 and collapsed at work on August 19, again seeking treatment at a civilian hospital. At this point, it was learned that he had received the dog bite in Afghanistan. This history and the symptoms led to the suspicion of rabies, which triggered specific testing at Wadsworth Center, the New York State Department of Health's public health laboratory., See also ADA563387, AMEDD p4-11 July-September 2012. The original document contains color images.

Military members who live and train in the United States and abroad are at risk for tickborne diseases. Different tick species transmit different infectious agents and have varying geographic distributions. In the U.S. tickborne diseases include Lyme disease,Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus encephalitis, babesiosis, and Colorado tick fever. Tick bites are also a mode of transmission for tularemia and Q fever., MSMR, v19 n5, p14-15, May 2012. See also ADA562490. The original document contains color images.