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A case of anaphylaxis following a bite from a Siberian hamster (SH; Phodopus sungorus) is described. Skin prick tests with hair, urine and salivary gland extracts from SH were positive, while the tests were negative for hair extracts from other rodents. IgE immunoblotting with the patient serum revealed 3 IgE-binding bands of about 18, 21 and 23 kDa. When the patient's serum was preincubated with rabbit, mouse and gerbil hair extracts, no inhibition of the 3 SH IgE-binding bands was demonstrated. Proteins extracted from the 3 bands were analyzed by N-terminal sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, and peptides were sequenced. IgE-binding bands were identified as being an odorant-binding protein belonging to the lipocalin family. Analysis of the 3 IgE-binding bands found in the hair, urine and salivary glands of SH showed a new allergenic protein lacking cross-reactivity with allergens from other rodents. The 3 bands likely correspond to isoforms of a single allergen., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub, Pagado por el autor

Es realitza un mostreig sistemàtic de larves d’Aedes mariae (Sergent & Sergent, 1903) en focus de cria al litoral rocós català que actualitza la seva distribució. Aquesta és la primera cita d’Ae. mariae per a la província de Barcelona (Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Sitges). Van ser registrats els següents valors de pH (7,81 ± 0,76), salinitat (3,8 ± 2.3 %), conductividad (58,88 ± 35,71 mS/cm) i TDS (28,75 ± 16,88 ppt). La conjunció d’un litoral rocós i la presència de persones justifica el control d’aquesta espècie de mosquit antropofílica., A systematic sampling of larvae in breeding sites of Aedes mariae (Sergent & Sergent, 1903) is carried out in the rocky areas of the Catalonian seaside that update its distribution. This is the first time Ae. mariae is identified in the province of Barcelona (Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Sitges). pH (7.81 ± 0.76), salinity (3.8 ± 2.3%), conductivity (58.88 ± 35.71 mS/cm) and TDS (28.75 ± 16.88 ppt) parameters were also recorded. The combination of a rocky coastline and the presence of people justifies the control of this anthropophilic mosquito species., Se lleva a cabo un muestreo sistemático de larvas de Aedes mariae(Sergent & Sergent, 1903) en focos de cría en los roquedos del litoral catalán que actualiza su distribución. Esta es la primera cita de Ae. mariae para la provincia de Barcelona (Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Sitges). Fueron registrados los valores de pH (7,81 ± 0,76), salinidad (3,8 ± 2.3 %), conductividad (58,88 ± 35,71 mS/cm) y TDS (28,75 ± 16,88 ppt). La conjunción de un litoral rocoso y la presencia de personas justifica el control de esta especie de mosquito antropofílica.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. The treatment paradigm for prostate cancer has evolved with the emergence of a variety of novel therapies which have improved survival; however, treatment-related toxicities are abundant and durable responses remain rare. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown modest activity in a small subset of patients with prostate cancer and have not had an impact on most men with advanced disease. The discovery of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the understanding of its specificity to prostate cancer has identified it as an ideal tumor-associated antigen and has revived the enthusiasm for immunotherapeutics in prostate cancer. T-cell immunotherapy in the form of bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown exceptional success in treating various hematologic malignancies, and are now being tested in patients with prostate cancer with drug design centered on various target ligands including not just PSMA, but others as well including six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1) and prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA). This summative review will focus on the data surrounding PSMA-targeting T-cell therapies. Early clinical studies with both classes of T-cell redirecting therapies have demonstrated antitumor activity; however, there are multiple challenges with this class of agents, including dose-limiting toxicity, 'on-target, off-tumor' immune-related toxicity, and difficulty in maintaining sustained immune responses within a complex and overtly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Reflecting on experiences from recent trials has been key toward understanding mechanisms of immune escape and limitations in developing these drugs in prostate cancer. Newer generation BiTE and CAR T-cell constructs, either alone or as part of combination therapy, are currently und

Among the many potential applications of topological insulator materials, their broad potential for the development of novel tunable plasmonics at THz and mid-infrared frequencies for quantum computing, terahertz detectors, and spintronic devices is particularly attractive. The required understanding of the intricate relationship between nanoscale crystal structure and the properties of the resulting plasmonic resonances remains, however, elusive for these materials. Specifically, edge- and surface-induced plasmonic resonances, and other collective excitations, are often buried beneath the continuum of electronic transitions, making it difficult to isolate and interpret these signals using techniques such as electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Here we focus on the experimentally clean energy-gain EELS region to characterise collective excitations in the topologically insulating material Bi2Te3 and correlate them with the underlying crystalline structure with nanoscale resolution. We identify with high significance the presence of a distinct energy-gain peak around −0.8eV, with spatially-resolved maps revealing that its intensity is markedly enhanced at the edge regions of the specimen. Our findings illustrate the reach of energy-gain EELS analyses to accurately map collective excitations in quantum materials, a key asset in the quest towards new tunable plasmonic devices., QN/Conesa-Boj Lab

In República salvaje, Jacques Lezra returns to Lucretius to re-think the republic against the anti-democratic political context of our times. Lucretius’ politics allow us to think the material aspect of the encounter with others, in order to think the republic from its materiality. Lezra appeals to Lucretius in order to open the possibility to create a multiple sovereignty that corresponds to a savage republic. As an analogy of this Republic, Lezra suggests the defective biting between lovers as Jacques Derrida understands it, as a sixth sense whose de-organizing and horizontalizing power is analogous to the Lucretian atomic sex. This article analyses how this biting is the metaphor of a political relation that overcomes the fascism of our times, which is the result of the way the capitalist axiomatic productive relations are organized as a vampire-like power structure in the words of Marx., En República salvaje, Jacques Lezra vuelve a Lucrecio para repensar la república frente al desconcierto antidemocrático de nuestro tiempo. La política de Lucrecio nos permite pensar lo político en el encuentro con el otro, en lo aleatorio, en lo casual: pensar la república a partir del encuentro material. Lezra apelará a Lucrecio para abrir la posibilidad de crear una soberanía de lo múltiple correspondiente a una república salvaje. Como analogía de ello Lezra propone la mordida entre amantes o defectiva como la piensa Jacques Derrida, como sexto sentido cuya des-jerarquización y horizontalidad igualitaria es análoga al sexo atómico lucreciano. Lo que veremos aquí es cómo esta mordida es la metáfora de una relación política otra, superadora del autoritarismo fascista y antidemocrático de contexto, producido por el devenir de la axiomática de las relaciones de producción capitalistas que se manifiesta de forma vampírica según Marx.

Flexible Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric devices can function as power generators for powering wearable electronics or chip-sensors for internet-of-things. However, the unsatisfied performance of n-type Bi2Te3 flexible thin films significantly limits their wide application. In this study, a novel thermal diffusion method is employed to fabricate n-type Te-embedded Bi2Te3 flexible thin films on flexible polyimide substrates, where Te embeddings can be achieved by tuning the thermal diffusion temperature and correspondingly result in an energy filtering effect at the Bi2Te3/Te interfaces. The energy filtering effect can lead to a high Seebeck coefficient ≈160 µV K−1 as well as high carrier mobility of ≈200 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room-temperature. Consequently, an ultrahigh room-temperature power factor of 14.65 µW cm−1 K−2 can be observed in the Te-embedded Bi2Te3 flexible thin films prepared at the diffusion temperature of 623 K. A thermoelectric sensor is also assembled through integrating the n-type Bi2Te3 flexible thin films with p-type Sb2Te3 counterparts, which can fast reflect finger-touch status and demonstrate the applicability of as-prepared Te-embedded Bi2Te3 flexible thin films. This study indicates that the thermal diffusion method is an effective way to fabricate high-performance and applicable flexible Te-embedded Bi2Te3-based thin films.

A 63-year-old man presented with two days of palpable purpura over the right anterior shin and calf with notable point tenderness on the distal mid-calf without any palpable deep abnormality. Localized right calf pain worsened with walking and was associated with headache, chills, fatigue, and low-grade fevers. A punch biopsy of the anterior right lower leg showed necrotizing neutrophilic vasculitis of superficial and deep vessels. Direct immunofluorescence showed non-specific focal granular deposition of C3 within vessel walls. Three days after presentation, a live spider was found and microscopically identified as a male hobo spider. The patient suspected the spider arrived via packages shipped from Seattle, Washington. The patient was treated with a prednisone taper with full resolution of his cutaneous symptoms. Given the unilaterality of his symptoms and otherwise unexplained etiology, the patient was diagnosed with acute unilateral vasculitis secondary to hobo spider bite. Microscopic examination is required for identification of hobo spiders. Although not deadly, there have been several reports of cutaneous and systemic reactions resulting from hobo spider bites. Our case illustrates the importance of considering hobo spider bites in areas outside of their native regions, as they are known to travel in packaged items.

In República salvaje, Jacques Lezra returns to Lucretius to re-think the republic against the anti-democratic political context of our times. Lucretius’ politics allow us to think the material aspect of the encounter with others, in order to think the republic from its materiality. Lezra appeals to Lucretius in order to open the possibility to create a multiple sovereignty that corresponds to a savage republic. As an analogy of this Republic, Lezra suggests the defective biting between lovers as Jacques Derrida understands it, as a sixth sense whose de-organizing and horizontalizing power is analogous to the Lucretian atomic sex. This article analyses how this biting is the metaphor of a political relation that overcomes the fascism of our times, which is the result of the way the capitalist axiomatic productive relations are organized as a vampire-like power structure in the words of Marx., En República salvaje, Jacques Lezra vuelve a Lucrecio para repensar la república frente al desconcierto antidemocrático de nuestro tiempo. La política de Lucrecio nos permite pensar lo político en el encuentro con el otro, en lo aleatorio, en lo casual: pensar la república a partir del encuentro material. Lezra apelará a Lucrecio para abrir la posibilidad de crear una soberanía de lo múltiple correspondiente a una república salvaje. Como analogía de ello Lezra propone la mordida entre amantes o defectiva como la piensa Jacques Derrida, como sexto sentido cuya des-jerarquización y horizontalidad igualitaria es análoga al sexo atómico lucreciano. Lo que veremos aquí es cómo esta mordida es la metáfora de una relación política otra, superadora del autoritarismo fascista y antidemocrático de contexto, producido por el devenir de la axiomática de las relaciones de producción capitalistas que se manifiesta de forma vampírica según Marx.

Aim: To deliver an independent, weekly JournalClub including contemporaneous articles with expert analysis, in an original and engaging format. Method(s): The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is recorded weekly covering recent articles with a mix between information and analysis. It is available via Google/ Apple Podcast, Spotify and via the Oncology News Australia website. There are two alternating formats, each featuring a host (ES) and two co-hosts (CU and HP: representing rural/regional and international oncology). The first consists of several 5-7 minute 'in depth' reviews of a recent publication, followed by a related guest interview (e.g. one of the authors), then Quick Bites (1-minute outlines of practice changing publications) and PBS Update. The alternate format involves themed episodes,with relevant publications and/or guest interviews, produced without specific funding by an independent oncology news service (RB). Complementary special extended interview podcasts are also available. The podcast is recorded voluntarily by the hosts/co-hosts, with a unique format and tone based on easy interaction and banter, identifying the key issues of the papers and how they impact practice. Result(s): As of August 10, 2020, 11 episodes of the Oncology Journal Club podcast have been produced, covering 123 papers and featuring 10 interviewees. There have been > 5000 downloads (from >400 to >1000 per episode) from 31 countries. The discussion covers 13 major tumour types, supportive care, technology,COVID-19, diet, geriatric oncology, equality, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Feedback from listeners comprises >50 comments which reflect the accessibility of the format, e.g. The podcast is brilliant. This is my favourite way to do Journal Club (CEO of an Australian National Cancer Organisation). Conclusion(s): The Oncology JournalClub Podcast is a novel educational platform that has gained a significant following in Australia, delivering analysis of contemporary cancer

Aim: To deliver an independent, weekly JournalClub including contemporaneous articles with expert analysis, in an original and engaging format. Method(s): The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is recorded weekly covering recent articles with a mix between information and analysis. It is available via Google/ Apple Podcast, Spotify and via the Oncology News Australia website. There are two alternating formats, each featuring a host (ES) and two co-hosts (CU and HP: representing rural/regional and international oncology). The first consists of several 5-7 minute 'in depth' reviews of a recent publication, followed by a related guest interview (e.g. one of the authors), then Quick Bites (1-minute outlines of practice changing publications) and PBS Update. The alternate format involves themed episodes,with relevant publications and/or guest interviews, produced without specific funding by an independent oncology news service (RB). Complementary special extended interview podcasts are also available. The podcast is recorded voluntarily by the hosts/co-hosts, with a unique format and tone based on easy interaction and banter, identifying the key issues of the papers and how they impact practice. Result(s): As of August 10, 2020, 11 episodes of the Oncology Journal Club podcast have been produced, covering 123 papers and featuring 10 interviewees. There have been > 5000 downloads (from >400 to >1000 per episode) from 31 countries. The discussion covers 13 major tumour types, supportive care, technology,COVID-19, diet, geriatric oncology, equality, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Feedback from listeners comprises >50 comments which reflect the accessibility of the format, e.g. The podcast is brilliant. This is my favourite way to do Journal Club (CEO of an Australian National Cancer Organisation). Conclusion(s): The Oncology JournalClub Podcast is a novel educational platform that has gained a significant following in Australia, delivering analysis of contemporary cancer

INTRODUCTION: Legs are sometimes infected and swollen by cat bite or scratch. However, there is no report of synovitis with an enlarged talar posterior process in the posterior ankle caused by a cat bite or scratch which was treated by removal of the enlarged process and synovectomy with release of the flexor hallucis longus tendon via posterior ankle arthroscopy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient was a 58-year-old woman who had started keeping a cat 7 months earlier. She subsequently sustained cat bite and scratch wounds to her lower legs, which gradually became increasingly swollen. On presentation, there was left lower leg swelling, particularly on the posterior aspect of the ankle. Imaging revealed bone marrow edema in the enlarged posterior talar process and inflammation of the adjacent soft tissue. We excised the enlarged posterior talar process, performed synovectomy, and released the flexor hallucis longus tendon using a posterior arthroscopic technique via standard posterolateral and posteromedial portals. Microbial culture was negative. DISCUSSION: The patient returned to daily activities approximately 3 weeks after arthroscopic debridement. There was no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up visit. To our knowledge. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of posterior ankle synovitis with an enlarged posterior talar process caused by a cat bite or scratch which was treated successfully by posterior ankle arthroscopic debridement.

Carbon-encapsulated Bi2Te3 (Bi2Te3@C) was successfully synthesized through a MOF-derived two-step facile process. First, Bi(BTC) (DMF)·DMF·(CH3OH)2 (Bi-BTC) was prepared by a solvothermal process and then converted into Bi2Te3@C composite by a simple tellurization reaction. As anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the Bi2Te3@C electrode shows outstanding cycling stability with a specific discharge capacity of 738.5 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 500 cycles. Meanwhile, the Bi2Te3@C composite also demonstrates a specific discharge capacity of 236.4 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The significant electrochemical performance in LIBs and SIBs is attributed to the nano size of Bi2Te3, which can not only reduce the migration path of electron and ions, but also tolerate the volume variations in the cycle life. Besides, the carbon derived from Bi-BTC can enhance the electrical conductivity of Bi2Te3 nanoparticles and prevent their agglomeration. Electrochemical kinetic analysis of Bi2Te3@C indicates the capacitive contribution accounts for a substantial part for the capacity, which can enhance the rate performance of Bi2Te3@C electrode. This work demonstrates that Bi2Te3@C has a promising application in practical lithium and sodium storage.

In this study, Bi2Te3 nanostructures were synthesized with controlled morphologies by using a solvothermal process and then sintered by spark plasma sintering to obtain bulk samples with controllable texture degrees. The sintered nanostructured Bi2Te3 pellets show texture-dependent thermoelectric properties, in which their Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity can be optimized by the proper texture design to simultaneously secure a high carrier mobility and strong phonon scattering, resulting in a peak ZT value of ~0.69 at 333 K. This study reveals the potential of texture engineering in developing high performance anisotropic thermoelectric materials.

Introduction. In Mexico, the state of Sonora reports one of the highest numbers of cases of poisoning by poisonous arthropods (spiders). Latrodectus geometricus spider belonging to the Theridiidae family, has the capacity to compromise the health of the bitten person due to the toxins they posses, requiring hospitalization and specifi c treatment. Objective. Report for the fi rst time the presence of L. geometricus in Sonora, Mexico. Materials and methods. Specimens from Hermosillo and Baviacora, both municipalities of Sonora, were obtained through intentional unsystematic exploratory collections. Taxonomic identifi cation was performed with taxonomic keys. Results. Seven spiders were conspecifi c to L. geometricus (Hermosillo: 3♀, 1 youth) (Baviacora: 2♀, 1♂). Conclusion. The presence of L. geometricus is reported for the fi rst time in Hermosillo and Baviacora both municipalities of Sonora., Introducción. En México, el estado de Sonora reporta una de las mayores cifras de casos de intoxicación por artrópodos ponzoñosos (arañas). Latrodectus geometricus, araña perteneciente a la familia Theridiidae, tiene la capacidad de comprometer la salud de la persona picada debido a las toxinas que posee, requiriendo de hospitalización y tratamiento específi co. Objetivo. Reportar por primera ocasión la presencia de L. geometricus en Sonora, México. Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvieron ejemplares procedentes de Hermosillo y Baviácora, ambos municipios de Sonora, mediante colectas exploratorias intencionales no sistematizadas. La identificación taxonómica se realizó con claves taxonómicas. Resultados. Siete arañas conespecíficas a L. geometricus (Hermosillo: 3♀, 1 juvenil) (Baviácora: 2♀, 1♂). Conclusión. Se reporta por primera ocasión la presencia de L. geometricus en Hermosillo y Baviácora ambos municipios de Sonora.

Gloydius strauchi is a venomous pit viper, which is known from Sichuan, Eastern Xizang, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Shaanxi provinces. Here I report a new, genetically verified record of G. strauchi from a high-altitude area of Dêgê County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and provide information on a mild envenomation case of that species’ bite.

Human-wildlife conflicts are influenced by the public’s ability to identify dangerous species. We determined the snakes most commonly involved in conflicts by comparing types of “problem snakes” by location (urban/non-urban) for 9,627 calls to a Western Australian helpline. Of the 21% of cases identifying problem snakes, most urban sightings (82%) were for venomous brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus). We then tested the ability of Western Australians to discern dangerous species by displaying five common reptiles (brown snake/dugite, tiger snake, python, and two skinks) at four community events and asked attendees “what is it called,” “is it a snake,” and “is it venomous?” Respondents discerned snakes and lizards, but not species or venomous versus non-venomous. Adults correctly identified dugites more often than did children (82% and 48%, respectively). We recommend education (e.g., brochures, school programs) to help people identify and assess the danger of interacting with reptiles.

Neurologic events (NEs) have been reported during treatment with blinatumomab, a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) construct. We evaluated the occurrence, severity, and management of NEs; the relationship between NEs and blinatumomab dose; and the potential clinical risk factors in an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study (N = 189). Patients had Philadelphia chromosome-negative, relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and ≥ 10% bone marrow blasts. The relationship between blinatumomab exposure and NE incidence and severity was assessed. Clinical risk factors for NEs were assessed in a post hoc multivariate analysis. Overall, 98 patients (52%) experienced NEs: most frequently, dizziness, tremor, confusional state, and encephalopathy. NEs occurred predominantly during cycle 1 (median onset, 9 days) and were usually grades 1 or 2. Grade ≥ 3 NEs (13-17% incidence), serious NEs (16-19% incidence), and recurring NEs were managed with infusion interruptions or dexamethasone treatment. The incidence of NEs increased with increasing blinatumomab exposure at a given dose, but exposure appeared unrelated to NE severity. NEs were more frequent in patients ≥ 65 years than < 65 years (72 vs 49%). In a multivariate analysis, race other than white (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; P = 0.009), > 2 prior salvage therapies (HR, 2.48; P = 0.006), and prior NEs (HR, 1.65; P = 0.020) were risk factors for time to first on-study NE. Although the mechanism underlying NEs associated with blinatumomab treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory ALL remains unclear, NEs tended to occur early during treatment and were often resolved by interrupting treatment and with dexamethasone. Additional research is warranted to investigate the risk factors for NEs.

To date we are not able to divide the population into clearly differentiated groups based on the attraction they produce towards mosquitoes. The purpose of this study was the development and partial validation of a questionnaire useful to discriminate subjects who perceive themselves as more or less attractive to the common anthro-pophilic mosquito. After the elaboration of 40 items, these were administered to a sample of 141 Catholic university of Valencia students. The Exploratory Factor Analysis offers a solution of nine factors that after the analysis of Internal Consistency are reduced to six. With conclu-sions, a scale of 6 factors and 34 items is gener-ated with an adequate statistical adjustment, Hasta la fecha no somos capaces de dividir a la población en grupos claramente diferenciados en función de la atracción que producen hacia los mosquitos. El propósito del presente estudio consistió en el desarrollo y validación parcial de un cuestionario útil para discriminar sujetos que se perciben a sí mismos como más o menos atractivos para el mosquito antropofílico común. Tras la elaboración de 40 reactivos, éstos fueron administrados a una muestra de 141 alumnos de la Universidad Católica de Valencia. El Análisis Factorial exploratorio ofrece una solución de 9 factores que tras el análisis de Consistencia In-terna son reducidos a seis. Como conclusión se genera una escala de seis factores y 34 ítems con un ajuste estadístico adecuado

More than 100 years ago Paul Ehrlich postulated that our immun system should be able to eliminate tumor cells. Just recently, the development of check point inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) underlines the true power of our immune system. T cells genetically modified with CARs can lead to complete remission of malignant hematologic diseases. However, they can also cause life-threatening side effects. In case of cytokine release syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, or deadly side effects on the central nervous system, an emergency shut down of CAR T cells is needed. Targeting of tumor-associated antigens that are also expressed on vital tissues require a possibility to repeatedly switch the activity of CAR T cells on and off on demand and to follow the treatment by imaging. Theranostic, modular CARs such as the UniCAR system may help to overcome these problems.

The idea to eliminate tumor cells via our own immune system is more than a hundred years old. However, a real break through came first with the development of check point inhibitors, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and T cells genetically modified to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). Eventhough the clinical application of T cells equipped with CARs can lead to a complete remission, unfortunately, their application can also cause severe or even life threatening side effects as their activity can no more be adjusted once given to the patient. For targeting of tumor cells expressing tumor associated antigens (TAAs) which are not limited to tumor cells but also accessible on healthy tissues CAR T cells should not be permanently in a killing mode but be equipped with some kind of a switch whereby the activity of CAR T cells can reversely be turned “on and off “. Moreover, in case of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), or other deadly side effects the possibility of an emergency shut down of the CAR T cell activity should exist. Modular CAR variants such as the UniCAR system may fulfill these requirements.

The clinical application of immune effector cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has shown impressive results including complete remissions of certain malignant hematological diseases. However, their application can also cause severe side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). One limitation of currently applied CAR T cells is their lack of regulation. Especially, an emergency shutdown of CAR T cells in case of life-threatening side effects is missing. Moreover, targeting of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are not only expressed on tumor cells but also on vital tissues requires the possibility of a switch allowing to repeatedly turn the activity of CAR T cells on and off. Here we summarize the development of a modular CAR variant termed universal CAR (UniCAR) system that promises to overcome these limitations of conventional CARs.

A cross-sectional survey of 265 adult patients with haematological malignancy, haemoglobinopathy or human immunodeficiency virus was performed to determine the potential risk of infection from animal exposures. One hundred and thirty-seven (52%) owned an animal; the majority were dogs (74%) and cats (39%), but 14% owned birds and 3% reptiles. Eighty percent engaged in behaviour with their animals that potentially put them at risk of zoonotic infections. The most frequent behaviours were picking up animal faeces 72 (52%), cleaning animal areas 69 (50%) and allowing animals to sleep in the same bed 51 (37%). Twenty-eight percent allowed the animal to lick their face. Of all patients, 80 (30%) had been bitten or scratched by an animal. Only 16% of those who owned pets could recall receiving education regarding safe behaviours around animals. These immunocompromised patients are at risk of infection through exposure to pets. Our study highlights the need for increased education of patients regarding how to remain safe around their pets.Copyright © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Physicians

A cross-sectional survey of 265 adult patients with haematological malignancy, haemoglobinopathy or human immunodeficiency virus was performed to determine the potential risk of infection from animal exposures. One hundred and thirty-seven (52%) owned an animal; the majority were dogs (74%) and cats (39%), but 14% owned birds and 3% reptiles. Eighty percent engaged in behaviour with their animals that potentially put them at risk of zoonotic infections. The most frequent behaviours were picking up animal faeces 72 (52%), cleaning animal areas 69 (50%) and allowing animals to sleep in the same bed 51 (37%). Twenty-eight percent allowed the animal to lick their face. Of all patients, 80 (30%) had been bitten or scratched by an animal. Only 16% of those who owned pets could recall receiving education regarding safe behaviours around animals. These immunocompromised patients are at risk of infection through exposure to pets. Our study highlights the need for increased education of patients regarding how to remain safe around their pets.Copyright © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Physicians

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

In this review, injuries from bites and stings frequently produced by terrestrial animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates, especially the dog, cat, snake and some arachnids and insects are described. The characteristics of the injuries are specified, as well as the composition of the poison, local and systemic symptoms, treatment of each one and its prevention., En la presente revisión se describen las lesiones producidas por mordeduras y picaduras más frecuentes producidas por animales terrestres, tanto vertebrados como invertebrados, especialmente del perro, gato, serpiente y algunos arácnidos e insectos. Se comentan las características de las heridas, la composición del veneno, la sintomatología local y sistémica, el tratamiento de cada una de ellas y su prevención.

The author describes the wounds caused by bites, stings and other injuries caused by other marine animals, especially sharks, sea snakes, echinoderms and marine jellyfish. The characteristics of the injuries that occur in each case are discussed, as well as the composition of their venom, and their local and systemic symptoms., El autor describe las heridas producidas por mordeduras, picaduras y otras lesiones ocasionadas por distintos animales marinos, especialmente por tiburones, serpientes marinas, equinodermos marinos y medusas. Se comentan las características de las lesiones que producen cada uno de ellos, la composición de su veneno, su sintomatología local y sistémica y su tratamiento.

The first case of biting humans is described for the invasive combfoot spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) (Arachnida: Araneae: Theridiidae) in Chile. The case occurred in the Araucania Region and was perpetrated by a male specimen to an adult male, 37 years old, while he was sleeping. The bite produced local pain, muscular constrictions and redness that lasted for about two hours before starting to disappear gradually. The case from Chile is similar to other steatodism cases known, but slightly less severe. This may be explained because the biting specimen was a male, which usually are less severe biters., Se describe el primer caso de una mordedura a humanos de la araña invasora Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) (Arachnida: Araneae: Theridiidae) en Chile. El caso ocurrió en la Región de la Araucanía y fue perpetrado por un macho a un hombre adulto de 37 años de edad mientras dormía, produciendo dolor, contracciones musculares y enrojecimiento local, que desaparecieron gradualmente después de aproximadamente dos horas. El reporte de Chile es similar a otros de steatodismo conocidos, pero algo más leve, lo que podría explicarse debido a que la mordedura fue perpetrada por un ejemplar macho, los que usualmente infringen mordeduras menos severas.

Abnormalities of dentofacial system in children and adolescents take one of the first places among the diseases of the dentofacial area. Dentofacial system disorders occur from 60% to 90 % of cases in comorbidities of other body systems, especially ENT pathologies. Respiratory dysfunction and mouth breathing as a result belong to the most important etiological factors of dental arch narrowing.Difficulty in nasal breathing or “nasal obstruction” is a leading syndrome in rhinology. Being a manifestation of different diseases, chronic nasal breathing difficulties can give rise to similar changes in the body regardless of their causes. Frequent chronic obstructive abnormalities of the nose and throat include nasal septum deformation, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, adenoids, hypertrophia of palatine tonsils and others. Pathologies that influence the development of nasofrontal appendices of upper jaw, front part of maxillary arch and upper nasal passages often cause dentofacial deformations. Such pathologies include allergic reaction of nasopharynx and adenoids, hypertrophia of palatine tonsils, choanal atresia, hypertrophic rhinitis, etc. There is a correlation between mouth breathing and jaw abnormalities.“Pure nasal septum deformation”, i.e. without other “obstructive” pathologies of nose and pharynx, was observed in 8 children (11.4 % of cases) out of 70 patients. Combined pathology leading to the nose and pharynx obstruction was found in other 62 cases (88.6 %). Thus, nasal septum deformation often combined with chronic purulent rhinosinusitis in 53 children (76 %), hypertrophia of palatine tonsils in 5 patients (7.1 %), adenoid vegetation in 8 cases (11.3 %) and hypertrophic rhinitis in 4 children (5.7 %). Chronic purulent maxilloethmoidal sinusitis prevailed among chronic rhinosinusitis. Appropriate surgeries were simultaneously performed in other obstructive pathologies.Therefore, the impact of nose septum deformation on the development of the child’s body a

N-type Bi2Te3 nanostructures were synthesized using a solvothermal method and in turn sintered using sparking plasma sintering. The sintered n-type Bi2Te3 pellets reserved nanosized grains and showed an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (∼0.2 W m–1 K–1), which benefits from high-density small-angle grain boundaries accommodated by dislocations. Such a high phonon scattering leads an enhanced ZT of 0.88 at 400 K. This study provides an efficient method to enhance thermoelectric performance of thermoelectric nanomaterials through nanostructure engineering, making the as-prepared n-type nanostructured Bi2Te3 as a promising candidate for room-temperature thermoelectric power generation and Peltier cooling.

Bi2Te3 polycrystalline whiskers consisting of interconnected nanoplates have been synthesized through chemical transformation from In2Te3 polycrystalline whisker templates assembled by nanoparticles. The synthesized Bi2Te3 whiskers preserve the original one-dimensional morphology of the In2Te3, while the In2Te3 nanoparticles can be transformed into the Bi2Te3 thin nanoplates, accompanied by the formation of high-density interfaces between nanoplates. The hot-pressed nanostructures consolidated from Bi2Te3 polycrystalline whiskers at 400 °C demonstrate a promising figure of merit (ZT) of 0.71 at 400 K, which can be attributed to their low thermal conductivity and relatively high electrical conductivity. The small nanoparticles inherited from the polycrystalline whiskers and high-density nanoparticle interfaces in the hot-pressed nanostructures contribute to the significant reduction of thermal conductivity. This study provides a rational chemical transformation approach to design and synthesize polycrystalline microstructures for enhanced thermoelectric performances.

Acortar el período de cicatrización de la herida, disminuir el riesgo de infección consiguiendo un resultado estético satisfactorio y mejorando la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería en este tipo de heridas. Material y métodos/descripción de la experiencia: Se describe un caso clínico relacionado con una herida por mordedura de perro en una paciente en la que, tras una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura, unido a la utilización de la metodología enfermera con lenguaje NANDA, NIC, NOC, se decide tratar mediante sutura primaria. Desarrollo o resultados: Mujer de 55 años que acude a su enfermera de Atención Primaria por herida por mordedura de perro en cara interna del antebrazo derecho. Se realiza valoración de las características de la herida. Se establecen los diagnósticos reales y potenciales, se fijan unos objetivos y se eligen las actividades necesarias para alcanzarlos. Se llevan a cabo las intervenciones de enfermería planificadas. Se registra todo el proceso y se realiza una evaluación continua del mismo. La evolución fue favorable en las necesidades que se encontraron alteradas, no aparecieron signos de infección, y la lesión cicatrizó con buen resultado estético. Conclusiones: La sutura de heridas por mordedura de perro, es tratamiento de elección en aquellas que presentan determinados factores, por todo ello, es importante valorar estas heridas de forma individualizada, teniendo en cuenta las características particulares de cada caso y trabajar con metodología enfermera para la mejora de la atención al paciente de forma integral., Objective: Shorten the period of wound Healing, reduce the risk of infection getting a satisfactory cosmetic result and improving the quality of nursing care in this type of injuries. Methods / description of experience: A clinical case involving a wounded dog bite in a patient whom, after a review of the literature, combined with the use of nurse methodology NANDA, NIC and NOC, primary closure is decided Development or results: A 55 years old woman who comes to your primary care nurse with a dog bite on her inner forearm. Assessment of the characteristics of the wound is made. Actual and potential diagnoses are made, objetives are established and the activities needed to achieve them are chosen. The nurse interventions planned are performed. The whole process is recorded and continuous evaluation of it is done. The outcome was favourable in the altered needs detected, they didn´t show signs of infection, and the lesion healed with good aesthetic outcome. Conclusions: It is important to make assessments of these wounds individually, taking into account the particular characteristics of each case and work with nursing methodology to improve patient care holistically.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS) performs repetitions and, like several of the show's numerous immortals, it seems destined not to die. The character of Buffy the Vampire Slayer first appeared in 1992 in a film of the same name.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS) performs repetitions and, like several of the show's numerous immortals, it seems destined not to die. The character of Buffy the Vampire Slayer first appeared in 1992 in a film of the same name.

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.

The research presents data as to the prevalence and types of dentomaxillary anomalies in children who did not undergo a course of orthodontic treatment., В работе приведены данные о распространенности и разновидностей зубочелюстных аномалий у детей, которым ранее не проводилось ортодонтическое лечение., У роботі наведені дані щодо поширеності та різновидів зубощелепних аномалій у дітей, яким раніше не проводилось ортодонтичне лікування.

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.

Background: A commercially available self-test for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks was evaluated for its ability to predict erythema migrans formation. Findings: The self-test was performed on 127 Ixodes ricinus from 122 humans that reported tick bites at enrolment and occurrence of symptoms during follow-up. The self-test gave negative results on all the 122 individuals, 14 of whom reported erythema migrans (EM) at follow-up of which 10 were confirmed by their GP. The estimated sensitivity of the self-test for prediction of EM formation is 0% (95% Cl: 0%-28%). Conclusions: This self-test is not suitable for reducing the number needed to treat in a post-exposure prophylaxis setting as it already missed all the obvious early Lyme borreliosis cases.

Asplenic or hyposplenic patients are at risk of fulminant sepsis. This entity has a mortality of up to 50%. The spectrum of causative organisms is evolving as are recommended preventive strategies, which include education, prophylactic and standby antibiotics, preventive immunizations, optimal antimalarial advice when visiting endemic countries and early management of animal bites. However, there is evidence that adherence to these strategies is poor. Consensus-updated guidelines have been developed to help Australian and New Zealand clinicians and patients in the prevention of sepsis in asplenic and hyposplenic patients. © 2008 The Authors.

Asplenic or hyposplenic patients are at risk of fulminant sepsis. This entity has a mortality of up to 50%. The spectrum of causative organisms is evolving as are recommended preventive strategies, which include education, prophylactic and standby antibiotics, preventive immunizations, optimal antimalarial advice when visiting endemic countries and early management of animal bites. However, there is evidence that adherence to these strategies is poor. Consensus-updated guidelines have been developed to help Australian and New Zealand clinicians and patients in the prevention of sepsis in asplenic and hyposplenic patients. © 2008 The Authors.

Italian ryegrass is the annual cool season forage species more cultivated for grazing in southern Brazil. Its interesting forage charac-teristics, in addition to the reduced production of native pasture species during low temperatures period (Autumn-Winter) justify its large scale utilization. However, the lack of knowledge of annual ryegrass morphophysiologic characteris-tics, as well as the grazing behavior of animals, may result in animal and vegetal production gain below the real productive potential. Research data results, up to the present time, show that the adequate management of this grass species suggests defoliation periods between 300 and 500 GD and dry matter availability between 8 and 18% of animal live weight, which allow greater animal and plant production. Dry matter offer near 8% of live weight (PV) favor animal performance per area, whereas forage offer close to 18% of animal live weight favor the individual animal performance, independently of the grazing system utilized. Other factors of important impact on morpho-physiologic characteristics of the pasture and animal grazing behavior are discussed in this paper, to serve as guideline for the management of animals, in Italian ryegrass pastures and furnish subsides to future research., O azevém anual é a espécie forrageira de estação fria mais cultivada para pastejo no Sul do Brasil. Suas interessantes características forrageiras aliadas à reduzida produção da maior parte das espécies nativas durante o período de baixas temperaturas justificam a utilização em larga escala. Entretanto, o desconhecimento de suas características morfofisiológicas, bem como do hábito de pastejo dos animais, podem resultar em ganhos de produto animal e vegetal muito inferior ao potencial produtivo. Conforme a produção literária até o presente momento, o adequado manejo desta gramínea deve ter períodos entre desfolhas de 300 a 500 GD e ofertas de matéria seca entre 8 e 18% do peso corporal dos animais, as quais possibilitam maiores produções, tanto vegetal como animal. As ofertas próximas a 8% PV favorecem o desempenho animal por área; enquanto que, as ofertas próximas a 18% PV, o desempenho individual, independe do sistema de pastoreio adotado. Outros fatores de importante impacto nas características morfofisiológicas da pastagem e no comportamento dos animais em pastejo são abordados no presente artigo para de orientar o manejo dos animais em azevém anual e fornecer subsídios para futuras pesquisas.

Italian ryegrass is the annual cool season forage species more cultivated for grazing in southern Brazil. Its interesting forage charac-teristics, in addition to the reduced production of native pasture species during low temperatures period (Autumn-Winter) justify its large scale utilization. However, the lack of knowledge of annual ryegrass morphophysiologic characteris-tics, as well as the grazing behavior of animals, may result in animal and vegetal production gain below the real productive potential. Research data results, up to the present time, show that the adequate management of this grass species suggests defoliation periods between 300 and 500 GD and dry matter availability between 8 and 18% of animal live weight, which allow greater animal and plant production. Dry matter offer near 8% of live weight (PV) favor animal performance per area, whereas forage offer close to 18% of animal live weight favor the individual animal performance, independently of the grazing system utilized. Other factors of important impact on morpho-physiologic characteristics of the pasture and animal grazing behavior are discussed in this paper, to serve as guideline for the management of animals, in Italian ryegrass pastures and furnish subsides to future research., O azevém anual é a espécie forrageira de estação fria mais cultivada para pastejo no Sul do Brasil. Suas interessantes características forrageiras aliadas à reduzida produção da maior parte das espécies nativas durante o período de baixas temperaturas justificam a utilização em larga escala. Entretanto, o desconhecimento de suas características morfofisiológicas, bem como do hábito de pastejo dos animais, podem resultar em ganhos de produto animal e vegetal muito inferior ao potencial produtivo. Conforme a produção literária até o presente momento, o adequado manejo desta gramínea deve ter períodos entre desfolhas de 300 a 500 GD e ofertas de matéria seca entre 8 e 18% do peso corporal dos animais, as quais possibilitam maiores produções, tanto vegetal como animal. As ofertas próximas a 8% PV favorecem o desempenho animal por área; enquanto que, as ofertas próximas a 18% PV, o desempenho individual, independe do sistema de pastoreio adotado. Outros fatores de importante impacto nas características morfofisiológicas da pastagem e no comportamento dos animais em pastejo são abordados no presente artigo para de orientar o manejo dos animais em azevém anual e fornecer subsídios para futuras pesquisas.

The objective of this review was to discuss the process of optimization of grazing decisions, taken at different scales by the grazing animal, in relation to pasture characteristics. The field, and grazing site, may be considered the largest scales, where biotic and abiotic factors such as topography, water availability, shelters, and others, influence the grazing process, especially in continuous stocking. Another important discussion is the number and duration of meals that animals do during the grazing time, a meal being a long grazing sequence. The behavior of the animals at the feeding station are important indicators of the feeding conditions because of its direct relationship with quantity, quality and structure of the pasture. The amount ingested per mouthful, and frequence of biting during grazing time, determine the total pasture intake. Thus, the maximization of consumption, directly related to animal production, is dependent on maximizing every bite fired on grazing. Generally, the management affects the structure of pasture what influences decisively the consumption and behavior of grazing animals, In this way the grazing process needs to be controlled within the compartments of the plant-animal interface, considering that plants grow using solar energy, water and nutrients supplied by the soil. However, its growth is constantly influenced by grazing animals. Although the plant-animal relationships interfer on decisions of animal searching for food in the pasture, the process of grazing, on the other hand, causes structural changes in the plant, which, in turn, affect travel patterns, search and seizure of food, standards of defoliation of leaves and tillers during the grazing. This would function, as a way to compensate for reductions in consumption rates., O objetivo desta revisão foi discutir o processo de otimização do pastejo animal, relacionando suas decisões, tomadas em diferentes escalas, aos fatores ligados às características da forragem. O campo e sítio de pastejo podem ser considerados as maiores escalas, onde os fatores bióticos e abióticos (topografia, disponibilidade de água, de abrigos, etc.) se somam influenciando o processo de pastejo, especialmente no sistema de lotação contínua. Outra discussão importante nestas escalas é o número e duração das refeições que os animais perfazem ao longo do tempo em que pastejam, considerando que uma refeição é definida por uma longa seqüência de pastejo. O comportamento dos animais em nível de estação alimentar é um importante indicativo das condições de alimentação, pela sua relação direta com os atributos quantitativos, qualitativos e estruturais do pasto. O acúmulo de forragem consumida em cada bocado e a freqüência com que os realiza durante o tempo em que passa se alimentando resultam na ingestão total de forragem. Assim, a maximização do consumo, diretamente relacionada à produção do animal, é dependente da maximização de cada bocado desferido em pastejo. Geralmente o manejo adotado afeta a estrutura do pasto influenciando decisivamente o consumo e o comportamento dos animais em pastejo. Desta forma, o processo de pastejo precisa ser controlado dentro dos compartimentos do sistema interface planta-animal, considerando-se que as plantas crescem utilizando energia solar, água e nutrientes fornecidos pelo solo. Porém o crescimento é constantemente influenciado pela ação do animal em pastejo. Embora as relações planta-animal interfiram na decisão do mesmo na busca pelo seu alimento na pastagem, o processo de pastejo, por outro lado, provoca mudanças na estrutura da planta, que por sua vez, promovem um feedback alterando os padrões de deslocamento, busca e apreensão do alimento, padrões de desfolhação de folhas e perfilhos durante o rebaixamento do pasto, Isto funcio

The objective of this review was to discuss the process of optimization of grazing decisions, taken at different scales by the grazing animal, in relation to pasture characteristics. The field, and grazing site, may be considered the largest scales, where biotic and abiotic factors such as topography, water availability, shelters, and others, influence the grazing process, especially in continuous stocking. Another important discussion is the number and duration of meals that animals do during the grazing time, a meal being a long grazing sequence. The behavior of the animals at the feeding station are important indicators of the feeding conditions because of its direct relationship with quantity, quality and structure of the pasture. The amount ingested per mouthful, and frequence of biting during grazing time, determine the total pasture intake. Thus, the maximization of consumption, directly related to animal production, is dependent on maximizing every bite fired on grazing. Generally, the management affects the structure of pasture what influences decisively the consumption and behavior of grazing animals, In this way the grazing process needs to be controlled within the compartments of the plant-animal interface, considering that plants grow using solar energy, water and nutrients supplied by the soil. However, its growth is constantly influenced by grazing animals. Although the plant-animal relationships interfer on decisions of animal searching for food in the pasture, the process of grazing, on the other hand, causes structural changes in the plant, which, in turn, affect travel patterns, search and seizure of food, standards of defoliation of leaves and tillers during the grazing. This would function, as a way to compensate for reductions in consumption rates., O objetivo desta revisão foi discutir o processo de otimização do pastejo animal, relacionando suas decisões, tomadas em diferentes escalas, aos fatores ligados às características da forragem. O campo e sítio de pastejo podem ser considerados as maiores escalas, onde os fatores bióticos e abióticos (topografia, disponibilidade de água, de abrigos, etc.) se somam influenciando o processo de pastejo, especialmente no sistema de lotação contínua. Outra discussão importante nestas escalas é o número e duração das refeições que os animais perfazem ao longo do tempo em que pastejam, considerando que uma refeição é definida por uma longa seqüência de pastejo. O comportamento dos animais em nível de estação alimentar é um importante indicativo das condições de alimentação, pela sua relação direta com os atributos quantitativos, qualitativos e estruturais do pasto. O acúmulo de forragem consumida em cada bocado e a freqüência com que os realiza durante o tempo em que passa se alimentando resultam na ingestão total de forragem. Assim, a maximização do consumo, diretamente relacionada à produção do animal, é dependente da maximização de cada bocado desferido em pastejo. Geralmente o manejo adotado afeta a estrutura do pasto influenciando decisivamente o consumo e o comportamento dos animais em pastejo. Desta forma, o processo de pastejo precisa ser controlado dentro dos compartimentos do sistema interface planta-animal, considerando-se que as plantas crescem utilizando energia solar, água e nutrientes fornecidos pelo solo. Porém o crescimento é constantemente influenciado pela ação do animal em pastejo. Embora as relações planta-animal interfiram na decisão do mesmo na busca pelo seu alimento na pastagem, o processo de pastejo, por outro lado, provoca mudanças na estrutura da planta, que por sua vez, promovem um feedback alterando os padrões de deslocamento, busca e apreensão do alimento, padrões de desfolhação de folhas e perfilhos durante o rebaixamento do pasto, Isto funcio

Background Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in the world and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in many areas, particularly in the rural tropics. It also poses substantial economic burdens on the snake bite victims due to treatment related expenditure and loss of productivity. An accurate estimate of the risk of snake bite is largely unknown for most countries in the developing world, especially South-East Asia. Methodology/Principal Findings We undertook a national epidemiological survey to determine the annual incidence density of snake bite among the rural Bangladeshi population. Information on frequency of snake bite and individuals' length of stay in selected households over the preceding twelve months was rigorously collected from the respondents through an interviewer administered questionnaire. Point estimates and confidence intervals of the incidence density of snake bite, weighted and adjusted for the multi-stage cluster sampling design, were obtained. Out of 18,857 study participants, over one year a total of 98 snake bites, including one death were reported in rural Bangladesh. The estimated incidence density of snake bite is 623.4 / 100,000 person years (95% C I 513.4-789.2 /100,000 person years). Biting occurs mostly when individuals are at work. The majority of the victims (71%) receive snake bites to their lower extremities. Eightysix percent of the victims received some form of management within two hours of snake bite, although only three percent of the victims went directly to either a medical doctor or a hospital. Conclusions/Significance Incidence density of snake bite in rural Bangladesh is substantially higher than previously estimated. This is likely due to better ascertainment of the incidence through a population based survey. Poor access to health services increases snake bite related morbidity and mortality; therefore, effective public health actions are warranted.

Background Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in the world and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in many areas, particularly in the rural tropics. It also poses substantial economic burdens on the snake bite victims due to treatment related expenditure and loss of productivity. An accurate estimate of the risk of snake bite is largely unknown for most countries in the developing world, especially South-East Asia. Methodology/Principal Findings We undertook a national epidemiological survey to determine the annual incidence density of snake bite among the rural Bangladeshi population. Information on frequency of snake bite and individuals' length of stay in selected households over the preceding twelve months was rigorously collected from the respondents through an interviewer administered questionnaire. Point estimates and confidence intervals of the incidence density of snake bite, weighted and adjusted for the multi-stage cluster sampling design, were obtained. Out of 18,857 study participants, over one year a total of 98 snake bites, including one death were reported in rural Bangladesh. The estimated incidence density of snake bite is 623.4 / 100,000 person years (95% C I 513.4-789.2 /100,000 person years). Biting occurs mostly when individuals are at work. The majority of the victims (71%) receive snake bites to their lower extremities. Eightysix percent of the victims received some form of management within two hours of snake bite, although only three percent of the victims went directly to either a medical doctor or a hospital. Conclusions/Significance Incidence density of snake bite in rural Bangladesh is substantially higher than previously estimated. This is likely due to better ascertainment of the incidence through a population based survey. Poor access to health services increases snake bite related morbidity and mortality; therefore, effective public health actions are warranted.