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South African Medical Journal =... Jul 2023This was a cross-sectional study with the aim of characterising Naja nigricincta nigricincta's oral bacterial flora as well as accompanying sensitivities and resistance...
This was a cross-sectional study with the aim of characterising Naja nigricincta nigricincta's oral bacterial flora as well as accompanying sensitivities and resistance towards antibiotics. Naja nigricincta nigricincta (zebra snake) is a spitting cobra indigenous to Namibia. Nasopharyngeal and venom swabs for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity were taken from 37 native zebra snakes originating from the Khomas region that were captured for removal and relocation. Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus spp., Morganella morganii and Pseudomonas spp. were the organisms most often cultured. The antibiotic sensitivity profiles of these organisms suggest ciprofloxacin or a third-generation cephalosporin plus gentamicin or piperacillin-tazobactam as prophylactic antibiotics in case of Naja nigricincta nigricincta bites.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Snake Bites; Naja; Venoms; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pharynx; South Africa; Snakes; Bacteria; Antivenins
PubMed: 37882042
DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.2023.v113i7.271 -
The Journal of Experimental Biology Apr 2021Venom spitting is a defence mechanism based on airborne venom delivery used by a number of different African and Asian elapid snake species ('spitting cobras'; Naja spp....
Venom spitting is a defence mechanism based on airborne venom delivery used by a number of different African and Asian elapid snake species ('spitting cobras'; Naja spp. and Hemachatus spp.). Adaptations underpinning venom spitting have been studied extensively at both behavioural and morphological level in cobras, but the role of the physical properties of venom itself in its effective projection remains largely unstudied. We hereby provide the first comparative study of the physical properties of venom in spitting and non-spitting cobras. We measured the viscosity, protein concentration and pH of the venom of 13 cobra species of the genus Naja from Africa and Asia, alongside the spitting elapid Hemachatus haemachatus and the non-spitting viper Bitis arietans. By using published microCT scans, we calculated the pressure required to eject venom through the fangs of a spitting and a non-spitting cobra. Despite the differences in the modes of venom delivery, we found no significant differences between spitters and non-spitters in the rheological and physical properties of the studied venoms. Furthermore, all analysed venoms showed a Newtonian flow behaviour, in contrast to previous reports. Although our results imply that the evolution of venom spitting did not significantly affect venom viscosity, our models of fang pressure suggests that the pressure requirements to eject venom are lower in spitting cobras than in non-spitting cobras.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Elapid Venoms; Elapidae; Tooth
PubMed: 34424974
DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229229 -
JPRAS Open Sep 2021The global burden of snakebites is growing, particularly its nonfatal sequelae. Therefore, the World Health Organization reinstated snakebites to its list of Neglected...
The global burden of snakebites is growing, particularly its nonfatal sequelae. Therefore, the World Health Organization reinstated snakebites to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases. We describe the case of a 4.5-year-old boy who was bitten by a spitting cobra, resulting in considerable local swelling accompanied by a right-sided facial paralysis due to neurotoxicity by cobra venom. Presently, surgical methods to recover facial paralysis include nerve repair, nerve grafting, nerve transfers, static slings, muscle transfers, and functional muscle transplantations. However, mime therapy consisting of neuromuscular retraining resulted in a good functional result with a moderate contour deficiency of the right cheek and a subtle paresis of the zygomatic muscles at 1 year and 9 months follow-up. The natural history of facial paralysis in our case shows that this condition can be transient and may resolve with mime therapy as a conservative measure.
PubMed: 34189235
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2021.05.007 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Jan 2021Among the captivating world of venomous snakes, an outstanding group of cobras from the family Elapidae is characterized by a distinctive structure of proteroglyphous...
Spitting cobras: Experimental assay employing the model of chicken embryo and the chick chorioallantoic membrane for imaging and evaluation of effects of venom from African and Asian species (Naja ashei, Naja nigricollis, Naja siamensis, Naja sumatrana).
Among the captivating world of venomous snakes, an outstanding group of cobras from the family Elapidae is characterized by a distinctive structure of proteroglyphous venom apparatus that allows the ejection of venom from the fangs and formation of aerosol particles. The venom of "spitting" cobras is innocuous when sprayed over the intact skin, but contact with the eye surface is followed by ophthalmia and a temporary blindness, that may remain permanent, unless immediate and adequate medical interventions are carried out. The aim of this work was to monitor and evaluate induced vasoactive effects as well as embryotoxic effects with the regard to the whole crude venom of four "spitting" cobra species (African species Naja ashei and Naja nigricollis, Asian species Naja siamensis and Naja sumatrana). Vasoactive effects were visualized using the Hen's Egg Test - Chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test. The Chick Embryotoxicity Screening Test (CHEST) was used to estimate embryotoxicity and the data were then processed using statistical analysis. The highest embryonic mortality rate was observed after administration of venom from Naja nigricollis among the whole crude venoms tested. All tested venoms induced fast spreading of pathological alterations in the blood vessels on the chorioallantoic membrane. Our study discloses a detailed insight into microscopic level processes in venom-induced changes observed on the chicken embryos and on the vascular network in their chorioallantoic membrane. This article also highlights the increasing importance of the role of the chicken embryos and the importance of observing changes in the chorioallantoic membrane applied for toxicological and medical research as an appropriate alternative animal model in relation to 3R's principles.
Topics: Animals; Biological Assay; Chick Embryo; Chorioallantoic Membrane; Elapid Venoms; Elapidae; Naja
PubMed: 33130187
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.10.025 -
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a... May 2015
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Critical Illness; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Saliva
PubMed: 25946267
DOI: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000000388 -
British Dental Journal Dec 2018
Topics: Dental Equipment
PubMed: 30547932
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.1087 -
Current Opinion in Immunology Apr 2013
Topics: Humans; Immunity, Innate; Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 23562387
DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2013.03.006 -
Chest Sep 2019The term "broncholithiasis" is defined as the presence of calcified or ossified materials within the tracheobronchial tree. The report of the condition dates back to 300... (Review)
Review
The term "broncholithiasis" is defined as the presence of calcified or ossified materials within the tracheobronchial tree. The report of the condition dates back to 300 bc when Aristotle first described a symptom of "spitting of stones." The process of calcification usually starts within either the mediastinal, hilar, or peribronchial lymph nodes. The impetus is typically initiated by a granulomatous process such as TB or histoplasmosis; however, it can also been seen following exposure to other fungal or occupational elements. The exact mechanism of the calcified material (broncholith) entering the endobronchial tree remains unknown. It is hypothesized, however, that the calcified tissues gradually erodes and/or breaks loose in the airways as a result of repetitive movements of respiration or cardiac pulsations. The broncholiths are often found in the airways without any signs of erosion, however. The most common symptoms of broncholithiasis include cough, hemoptysis, and wheezing as a result of irritation of the airways and the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis is typically suspected on chest radiographs and confirmed by using bronchoscopy. Depending on the severity of the disease, management options range from simple observation to surgical resection. Despite the potential for major complications, the overall disease prognosis is good if timely and appropriate management is provided.
Topics: Bronchial Diseases; Bronchoscopy; Humans; Lithiasis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 31173766
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.05.012 -
International Journal of Sports... Aug 2018Combat sports are typically divided into weight classes, and body-mass manipulation to reach a weight class is commonplace. Previous research suggests that weight loss...
CONTEXT
Combat sports are typically divided into weight classes, and body-mass manipulation to reach a weight class is commonplace. Previous research suggests that weight loss practices in mixed martial arts (MMA) may be more extreme than in other combat sports.
PURPOSE
To investigate the magnitude of weight loss and the prevalence of weight loss strategies in different combat sports.
METHODS
Competitors (N = 637) from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, MMA, Muay Thai/kickboxing, taekwondo, and wrestling completed an online questionnaire seeking information regarding their weight loss practices.
RESULTS
Body-mass manipulation was commonly undertaken by all combat-sport athletes, with a particularly high incidence of gradual dieting, increased exercise, and fluid restriction. Skipping meals was higher in taekwondo and wrestling (84%) compared with the other combat sports (∼58%), whereas training in heated rooms and forced oral fluid loss (spitting) was higher in wrestling (83% and 47%, respectively) compared with other combat sports (∼45% and ∼19%, respectively). MMA athletes reported the highest usage of sauna (76%) and water loading (67%) while also reporting the second-highest use of training in rubber/plastic suits (63%).
CONCLUSIONS
Body-mass manipulation was present in all combat sports, with the prevalence and magnitude of acute weight loss greater in MMA. The incidence of and practices reported will help support staff be fully aware of the variety of methods these athletes and coaches may use to achieve weight loss. Additionally, the results could aid regulatory bodies in the further development of policies on weight cutting.
Topics: Adult; Body Mass Index; Boxing; Competitive Behavior; Dehydration; Female; Habits; Humans; Male; Martial Arts; Weight Loss; Wrestling; Young Adult
PubMed: 29283792
DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0715 -
Hall's Journal of Health Mar 1884
PubMed: 36491447
DOI: No ID Found