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Stingers, evolved from ovipositors, are an important defense organ for the Apidae, Vespidae, and Formicidae species. However, the molecular mechanism of stinger development remains unclear. Here, we show that the earliest time point for the appearance of stingers in Apis mellifera is at the 1-day-old worker pupal stage based on morphological observations and anatomy from the pre-pupal to adult stages. To discover the genes related to stinger development, we first comprehensively compared the stinger transcriptome at different stages and screened 1282, 186, and 166 highly expressed genes in the stingers of 1- and 5-day-old worker pupae and newly emerged worker bees (NEBs), respectively, then identified 25 DEGs involved in the early stage of stinger development. We found that Dll was a key candidate gene in the early development of A. mellifera stingers by combining analyses of the protein–protein interaction network and spatiotemporal expression patterns. An RNAi experiment showed that about 20% of individuals exhibited tip bending in the piercing parts of their stingers in the Dll-dsRNA-treated group, with the morphology presenting as side–side or front–back tip bending. This indicates that Dll plays a vital role in the early development of A. mellifera stingers. Together, our study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of Hymenoptera stinger development and an inspiration for the molecular breeding of gentle honeybee species with stinger abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma (SNMM) is a rare but aggressive disease. Surgery with free margins, when feasible, is the treatment of choice. In the last three decades, electrochemotherapy (ECT) has emerged as a local ablative procedure, performed with the Cliniporator, for cutaneous and mucosal tumours of different histology. We present a case report of an ECT treatment performed by means of a new endoscopic electrode, on an elderly patient affected by primary SNMM. Methods: An 88-year-old man with a diagnosis of SNMM (cT4aN0M0)—Stage IV, of the left nasal fossa presented at our institution. Symptoms were epistaxis and complete left nasal obstruction. He refused sinonasal extended surgery and radiotherapy. He underwent a tumor debulking followed by ECT exclusively for symptom control, with palliative intent. Results: The patient underwent SNMM debulking under general anaesthesia, followed by ECT on tumour margins. After the procedure, he had been free from symptoms for 5 months, with a good quality of life. Local recurrence was controlled with a new local debulking and ECT procedure on margins. The patient remained symptom free for the next 4 months. Seventeen months after diagnosis, the patient is mild symptomatic for sinonasal disease. Therefore, he developed a systemic disease progression. Conclusions: In our experience, ECT can be used as an adjuvant tool for symptom and local control in SNMM when extended surgery is out of curative intent or unfeasible. As expected, ECT does not appear to have any effect on systemic disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transient traumatic neuropraxia of either the brachial plexus or cervical nerve root(s) is commonly described as a "stinger" or "burner" by the athlete. Stingers in American Football commonly occur acutely as isolated injuries; however, concomitant injuries, including cervical spine pathologies, have also been reported. Hypothesis: Among National Football League (NFL) athletes, the incidence rate of stingers is higher during the regular season than during the preseason and among positions with high velocity impacts such as running backs, linebackers, defensive backs, and receivers. Study Design: Retrospective epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Aggregation of all in-game injuries with a clinical impression of "neck brachial plexus stretch" or "neck brachial plexus compression" entered into the NFL injury surveillance database through the centralized league-wide electronic medical record system over 5 years (2015-2019 seasons). Incidence rates per player-play were calculated and reported. Results: A total of 691 in-game stingers occurred during the study period, with a mean of 138.2 per year. Average single-season injury risk for incident stinger was 3.74% (95% CI, 3.46%-4.05%). The incidence rate was higher during regular season games than during preseason games (12.26 per 100,000 player-plays [11.30-13.31] vs 8.87 [7.31-10.76], P < 0.01, respectively). The highest reported stinger incidence rates were among running backs and linebackers (both >15 per 100,000 player-plays). Among stingers, 76.41% did not miss time. Of those that resulted in time lost from football activities, mean time missed due to injury was 4.79 days (range, 3.17-6.41 days). Concomitant injuries were relatively low (7.09%). Conclusion: In-game stinger incidence was stable across the study period and occurred most frequently in running backs and linebackers. Stingers were more common during the regular season, and most players did not miss time. Concomitant injuries were relatively rare. Clinical Relevance: An improved understanding of the expected time loss due to stinger and concomitant injuries may provide insight for medical personnel in managing these injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingers, evolved from ovipositors, are an important defense organ for the Apidae, Vespidae, and Formicidae species. However, the molecular mechanism of stinger development remains unclear. Here, we show that the earliest time point for the appearance of stingers in Apis mellifera is at the 1-day-old worker pupal stage based on morphological observations and anatomy from the pre-pupal to adult stages. To discover the genes related to stinger development, we first comprehensively compared the stinger transcriptome at different stages and screened 1282, 186, and 166 highly expressed genes in the stingers of 1- and 5-day-old worker pupae and newly emerged worker bees (NEBs), respectively, then identified 25 DEGs involved in the early stage of stinger development. We found that Dll was a key candidate gene in the early development of A. mellifera stingers by combining analyses of the protein–protein interaction network and spatiotemporal expression patterns. An RNAi experiment showed that about 20% of individuals exhibited tip bending in the piercing parts of their stingers in the Dll-dsRNA-treated group, with the morphology presenting as side–side or front–back tip bending. This indicates that Dll plays a vital role in the early development of A. mellifera stingers. Together, our study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of Hymenoptera stinger development and an inspiration for the molecular breeding of gentle honeybee species with stinger abnormalities.

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is an extremely competitive broadleaved summer annual weed found in Christmas tree production systems within Michigan. Common ragweed has been reported to have resistance to glyphosate, PSII inhibitors, PPO inhibitors, and ALS herbicides. There have been reports from Michigan Christmas tree growers of common ragweed resistance to clopyralid, a synthetic auxin herbicide, in Montcalm County, Michigan. The objective of this study was to test alternative post-emergence herbicide combinations and organic mulch on clopyralid-resistant common ragweed for weed control efficacy. The following two stages of common ragweed were used: stage 1 (6–9 leaves) and stage 2 (12–14 leaves). For common ragweed in stage 1 in 2021 and 2022, as well as stage 2 in 2022, at all evaluation dates, mulch + clopyralid + oxyfluorfen provided the highest level of weed control. For stage 1 in 2022, this treatment combination provided 100% control from 2 weeks after treatment (WAT) and always showed better or equal weed control compared to all the other treatments. The combination of mulch + clopyralid + glyphosate provided 100% control by 2 WAT when plants were treated at stage 2 in 2022. For the plants treated at stage 1 in 2022, many of the treatments reached a fresh weight of 0 g, but in 2021, those same treatments resulted in a fresh weight of around 20 g. Based on fresh weight, the greatest plant growth occurred with glyphosate treatment in 2021 and clopyralid and mulch alone in 2022. This is likely due to common ragweed's resistance to these herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honeybee stinger, as an important organ for self-defense and reproduction, have evolved specific macroscopic morphologies and microscopic structures. Here, we investigated the surface and cross-sectional structures and material composition of the cuticle in the stingers of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera). Except the stinger bulb, the cuticle sclerotization of the stinger is found to be uniformly distributed along its longitudinal axis, i.e., uniform modulus distribution. Based on this, we developed a two-dimensional (2D) model to explore the influence of various modulus distributions of the stinger on its penetration behavior in vertical and oblique penetrations using the finite element method (FEM). It is found that compared with the stinger models with the modulus-gradient distribution (5 GPa at the stinger tip to 15 GPa at its base) and negative modulus-gradient distribution (15 GPa at the tip to 5 GPa at base), the model with uniform modulus distribution (10 GPa) can be more easily inserted into the skin with less maximal penetration force in no matter vertical or oblique penetrations. Therefore, the uniform modulus distribution along the axis as revealed by our confocal laser scanning microscopy is beneficial for the honeybee stinger to achieve its self-defense with fast penetration. This study significantly enriches the understanding of the stinger functionality and inspires us with new avenues for bioinspired microneedles in modern engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is an extremely competitive broadleaved summer annual weed found in Christmas tree production systems within Michigan. Common ragweed has been reported to have resistance to glyphosate, PSII inhibitors, PPO inhibitors, and ALS herbicides. There have been reports from Michigan Christmas tree growers of common ragweed resistance to clopyralid, a synthetic auxin herbicide, in Montcalm County, Michigan. The objective of this study was to test alternative post-emergence herbicide combinations and organic mulch on clopyralid-resistant common ragweed for weed control efficacy. The following two stages of common ragweed were used: stage 1 (6–9 leaves) and stage 2 (12–14 leaves). For common ragweed in stage 1 in 2021 and 2022, as well as stage 2 in 2022, at all evaluation dates, mulch + clopyralid + oxyfluorfen provided the highest level of weed control. For stage 1 in 2022, this treatment combination provided 100% control from 2 weeks after treatment (WAT) and always showed better or equal weed control compared to all the other treatments. The combination of mulch + clopyralid + glyphosate provided 100% control by 2 WAT when plants were treated at stage 2 in 2022. For the plants treated at stage 1 in 2022, many of the treatments reached a fresh weight of 0 g, but in 2021, those same treatments resulted in a fresh weight of around 20 g. Based on fresh weight, the greatest plant growth occurred with glyphosate treatment in 2021 and clopyralid and mulch alone in 2022. This is likely due to common ragweed’s resistance to these herbicides.

The stingray, a seemingly harmless cartilaginous fish, is capable of causing painful injuries and envenomation in humans. There is no known peer reviewed case report involving dogs in a veterinary journal at the time of writing this case report. Poor management of the condition or overzealous attempts to remove embedded barbs has resulted in complications in humans. This case report presents an effective approach to the treatment of stingray envenomation in dogs which is likely to be reproducible in other domestic animals. Clearly elucidated are the principles behind antibiotic therapy in the treatment of stingray injuries and the benefit of lignocaine injection in cases of embedded stingers. There is a need for case reports to enhance clinical knowledge of stingray management in domestic animals. This case report, thus, serves as an impetus for future research in this area of veterinary medicine.

Purpose of Review: Particularly common in collision sports such as American football or rugby, stingers are a traumatic transient neuropraxia of a cervical nerve root(s) or brachial plexus that may last anywhere from minutes to hours. This review summarizes the knowledge on the diagnosis and management of stingers in college and professional collision athletes by providing an overview of their epidemiology and pathophysiology, followed by a discussion on current treatment guidelines and return-to-play recommendations. Recent Findings: Despite modifications to tackling technique, increasing awareness, and various equipment options, American football continues to have a high rate of cervical spine injuries, the majority of which occur in preseason and regular season competition settings. The incidence of stingers has slowly increased among collision athletes, and nearly half of all players report sustaining at least one stinger in their career. Recent studies have shown certain anatomical changes in the cervical spine are related to acute and reoccurring stingers. Most players who experience stingers do not miss practices or games. Summary: Despite their prevalence, literature highlighting the impact of stingers on college and professional collision athletes is limited. Advances in imaging modalities and novel radiographic parameters have provided tools for screening athletes and can guide return-to-play decisions. Future research regarding appropriate screening practices for athletes with reoccurring stingers, use of protective equipment, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to identify predisposing factors, mitigate the risk of injury, and restore full functional strength and ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neotropical stingrays have stingers at the base of the tail, which are used in self-defense and are covered with an epithelium containing mucous and venom glands. The stingray then sinks its stinger into the victim, causing an extremely painful wound, which can result in tissue necrosis. Medical treatment is based on the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, as to date there is no specific antidote for this type of envenomation. Public health authorities should therefore plan measures aimed at the treatment and epidemiologic reporting of stingray envenomation so as to encourage, and provide a basis for, the relevant organs to implement measures to raise environmental awareness, train health professionals to treat victims of envenomation and undertake studies to produce specific serum therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted on Diesel engine single cylinder which aims to study the dynamic characteristics of Diesel engine type HATZ 1D 80 made in Germany. The test was performed by measuring the Frequency Response Function (FRF). In this study, the vibration response was measured at three points: point A which was situated below the engine shaft and in line with the stinger. Point A indicated the FRF point. Point B was located in the valve train component, while point C was situated above the cap of the valve train component. The range of frequencies applied was 0 - 3200 Hz, 3200 - 6400 Hz, 6400 - 9600 Hz, and 9600 - 11200 Hz. This research indicates that the natural frequencies arose because of the global vibration mode. The global vibration mode occurred at natural frequencies of 3118, 4805, 4821, 5021, 7129, 8601, and 11107 Hz. While other natural frequencies were associated with the local vibration mode because it appears only at one point of measurement.

A 19-year-old female volleyball player reported shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty gripping in her left arm. Provocation tests were positive for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Duplex ultrasonography revealed occlusion of the subclavian artery. The athlete underwent a first rib resection and scalenectomy. A cervical rib and 75% of the first rib were excised. Rehabilitation consisted of regaining range of motion and strength. Return to play occurred after 14 weeks of rehabilitation. Thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and often misdiagnosed. All sports medicine professionals should have an understanding of TOS symptoms and path to diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater stingrays are cartilaginous fish with stingers at the base of their tail. The stinger is covered with an epithelium containing mucous and venom glands. Human envenomation usually occurs when a person steps on a stingray hiding in the sand and the fish sinks its stinger into the victim, causing an extremely painful wound which generally leads to tissue necrosis. Medical treatment is based on the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, as there is to date no specific antidote for envenomation by freshwater stingrays. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether sera containing anti- P. motoro antibodies can neutralize the edema-forming and myotoxic activities of Potamotrygon motoro venom. To this end, two protocols were used: seroneutralization and vaccination of mice. The seroneutralization protocol involved intramuscular injection of the P. motoro venom in the mice gastrocnemius followed by administration of hyperimmune mouse serum anti P. motoro dorsal extract and stinger extract via the ophthalmic venous plexus. The vaccination protocol involved immunizing the mice with dorsal or stinger extract adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide followed by intramuscular challenge with the P. motoro venom. The gastrocnemii of all the animals were removed for histopathological and stereological analyses, and blood was collected via the ophthalmic venous plexus to measure IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF, C-reactive protein and total creatine kinase. Protocols did not neutralize the edema-forming or local myotoxic induced by P. motoro venom under the experimental conditions tested. But systemic rhabdomyolysis was only completely neutralized in animals vaccinated with the stinger extract. Cytokine analysis revealed that under the experimental conditions used here, seroneutralization induced release of Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cytokines whereas vaccination induced a Th1 response. • Potamotrygon motoro venom can induces edematogenic and myotoxic activities. • We investigated the neutralization of these activities in mice. • Two protocols were used: seroneutralization and vaccination. • Systemic rhabdomyolysis was neutralized in mice vaccinated with the stinger extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral neuropathies of the shoulder and upper extremity are uncommon injuries that may affect the young athletic population. When present, they can result in significant pain and functional impairment. The cause of peripheral neuropathy in young athletes may be an acute, traumatic injury such as a shoulder dislocation or a direct blow to the shoulder girdle. Alternatively, repetitive overuse with resultant compression or traction of a nerve over time may also result in neuropathy; overhead athletes and throwers may be particularly susceptible to this mechanism of nerve injury. Regardless of etiology, young athletes typically present with activity-related pain, paresthesias, and dysfunction of the affected upper extremity. In addition to physical examination, diagnostic studies such as radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly performed as part of an initial evaluation and electrodiagnostic studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic studies may consist of electromyography, which evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and/or a nerve conduction study, which evaluates a nerve's ability to transmit an electrical signal. Although data are not robust, clinical outcomes for young patients with activity-related peripheral neuropathies of the shoulder are generally good, with most young athletes reporting both symptomatic and functional improvement after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the Air Force provides aviation police service in the framework of protection of the air space sovereignty in reduced air traffic and the protection of facilities and space, and ultimately the Air Defense. The sensors and effectors of the air and ground component of the Air Defense complement each other in the best possible way. The Air Defense equipment will reach the end of its 'lifetime' in the coming years. With the BODLUV 2020 system, ground sensors and effectors are oriented to future threats and integrated into the FLORAKO radar system. Thus, the Air Defense concept will change - from the nonintegrated to the integrated Air Defense. With the BODLUV 2020 system, a precondition for a significant increase in efficiency and effectiveness and freedom of action in the air space is achieved. This text was originally published in the Swiss Armed Forces journal Military Power Revue no. 1/2015, p. 19-33, under the heading 'BODLUV 2020 - Auf dem Weg zur integrierten Luftferteidigung.

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Introduction: Sports surveillance databases provide valuable information regarding common ailments, yet fewer studies have focused on more rare peripheral nerve injuries. Our objective was to characterize peripheral nerve injuries in high school athletics with respect to incidence, time loss, mechanism, and diagnoses. Methods: Sport-related nerve injury data on high school athletes were collected during the 2005/2006 through 2015/2016 academic years via the High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) database. All injuries were reported by certified athletic trainers (ATs). Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: A total of 588 peripheral nerve injuries were recorded during the 2005/06–2015/16 academic years, with an overall incidence of 1.46/100,000 athlete-exposures (AE; 95%CI: 1.34, 1.58). Boys' football had the majority of injuries (71.3%) and the highest injury rate (5.46/100,000AE; 95%CI: 4.93, 5.98), followed by boys' wrestling (7.1%) and boys' baseball (3.4%). Over half (50.3%) of peripheral nerve injuries resulted in time loss < 1 week, while 9.4% resulting in the athletes prematurely ending their seasons. The most common mechanisms were player contact (67.3%), overuse (10.0%), and surface contact (9.7%). A specific diagnosis was available for 40 (6.8%) injuries, including upper extremity stinger (n = 26), spinal cord neurapraxia (n = 3), subacromial nerve impingement (n = 2) neuroma (n = 2), axillary nerve palsy (n = 1), sciatic nerve impingement (n = 1), femoral nerve impingement (n = 1), tarsal tunnel syndrome (n = 1), peroneal neuropathy (n = 1), thoracic outlet syndrome (n = 1), and ulnar nerve subluxation (n = 1). Discussion: Recognized peripheral nerve injuries are rare among high school athletes, occurring most commonly in boys' football. While most are minor, approximately 1:10 were season-ending. Specific diagnoses were available for 7% of injuries, with upper extremity stingers being the most commonly reported diagnosis. Working with ATs to identify and implement methods to obtain more specific diagnostic information via surveillance will help researchers better understand the epidemiology of peripheral nerve injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stings of bees, wasps, and ants are something that catches the attention of anyone that experiences them. While many recent studies have focused on the pain inflicted by the stings of various stinging wasps, bees, or ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), little is known about how the length of the sting itself varies between species. Here, we investigate the sting length of a variety of aculeate wasps, and compare that to reported pain and toxicity values. We find that velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) have the longest sting compared to their body size out of any bee, wasp, or ant species. We also find that there is no link between relative sting length and pain; however, we did find an inverse relationship between relative sting length and toxicity with taxa having shorter relative stings being more toxic. While we found a significant relationship between host use and relative sting length, we suggest that the long sting length of the velvet ants is also related to their suite of defenses to avoid predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acoustic blast is one of the most recurrent sound devices in horror cinema. It is designed to elicit the startle response from the audience, and thus gives them a "jump scare." It can occur both in the form of a diegetic bang and in the form of a nondiegetic stinger (i.e., a musical blare provided by the score). In this article, I will advance the hypothesis that silence plays a crucial role in contemporary horror fi lms, both perceptually, since it leaves the sound fi eld free for the acoustic blast, and cognitively, since it posits the audience in an aversive anticipatory state that makes the startle more intense. I will analyze the acoustic startle using a neurofi lmological approach, which takes into account fi ndings from experimental sciences in order to better understand the relationship between physiological and psychological factors that make such an effect possible during the fi lmic experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new occurrence of the hydrozoan Olindias muelleri and the first case of an associated envenomation were recorded from the eastern Aegean Sea. A total of eight adult medusae of O. muelleri were collected near the surface on 22 and 23 June 2018 in Boyalık Bay, Turkey following a sting report by a bather. Medusae were identified as O. muelleri using morphological keys and confirmed through COI-based DNA barcoding. The presence of O. muelleri may have not been noticed in the past in the region or it could stem from a recent range expansion from other parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Monitoring is needed to better understand the spread of O. muelleri and the threat it presents for human health and coastal tourism in Çeşme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract At present, S-lay method is widely used as an important deep-sea submarine pipe laying method. As the key equipment that has been in complex marine environment all the year round, the stinger is subjected to extremely complex environmental loads and working loads, which have great influence on its safety. Therefore, the real-time dynamic monitoring for the stinger to get the health information, to ensure the structural safety has been obvious engineering value. In this paper, a structural health monitoring system of the stinger is suggested. The scheme and the monitoring equipment of the monitoring system have been established and the sea tests were carried out during actual operations. Through the analysis of monitoring data, the structural response characteristics in operation state and navigation state were determined, and the fatigue characteristics of the stinger structure were obtained. By comparing with the conventional fatigue analysis method, it was found that some different between the fatigue characteristics based on the measured data and the theoretical analysis. Graphical abstract A structural health monitoring system of the stinger have been established to ensure the structural safety. The post-analysis were carried out through monitoring data. Image 1 Highlights • The stinger as the key equipment of the pipe-laying ship subjected to extremely complex environmental loads and working loads, which have great influence on ship safety. • A structural health monitoring system of the stinger had been established. • Through the analysis of monitoring data, the structural response characteristics in operation state and navigation state were determined, and the fatigue characteristics of the stinger structure was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stings of bees, wasps, and ants are something that catches the attention of anyone that experiences them. While many recent studies have focused on the pain inflicted by the stings of various stinging wasps, bees, or ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), little is known about how the length of the sting itself varies between species. Here, we investigate the sting length of a variety of aculeate wasps, and compare that to reported pain and toxicity values. We find that velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) have the longest sting compared to their body size out of any bee, wasp, or ant species. We also find that there is no link between relative sting length and pain; however, we did find an inverse relationship between relative sting length and toxicity with taxa having shorter relative stings being more toxic. While we found a significant relationship between host use and relative sting length, we suggest that the long sting length of the velvet ants is also related to their suite of defenses to avoid predation.

The stings of bees, wasps, and ants are something that catches the attention of anyone that experiences them. While many recent studies have focused on the pain inflicted by the stings of various stinging wasps, bees, or ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), little is known about how the length of the sting itself varies between species. Here, we investigate the sting length of a variety of aculeate wasps, and compare that to reported pain and toxicity values. We find that velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) have the longest sting compared to their body size out of any bee, wasp, or ant species. We also find that there is no link between relative sting length and pain; however, we did find an inverse relationship between relative sting length and toxicity with taxa having shorter relative stings being more toxic. While we found a significant relationship between host use and relative sting length, we suggest that the long sting length of the velvet ants is also related to their suite of defenses to avoid predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk for spinal cord injuries (SCIs) ranging from devastating traumatic injuries, compression because of degenerative pathology, and neurapraxia is increased in patients with congenital spinal stenosis. Classical diagnostic criteria include an absolute anteroposterior diameter of <12–13 mm or a Torg-Pavlov ratio of <0.80–0.82; however, these factors do not take into account the size of the spinal cord, which varies across patients, independent of canal size. Recent large magnetic resonance imaging studies of population cohorts have allowed newer methods to emerge that account for both cord and canal size by measuring a spinal cord occupation ratio (SCOR). A SCOR defined as ≥70% on midsagittal imaging or ≥80% on axial imaging appears to be an effective method of identifying cord-canal mismatch, but requires further validation. Cord-canal size mismatch predisposes patients to SCI because of 1) less space within the canal lowering the amount of degenerative changes needed for cord compression, and 2) less cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord decreasing the ability to absorb kinetic forces directed at the spine. Patients with cord-canal mismatch have been reported to be at a substantially higher risk of traumatic SCI, and present with degenerative cervical myelopathy at a younger age than patients without cord-canal mismatch. However, neurologic outcome after SCI has occurred does not appear to be different in patients with or without a cord-canal mismatch. Recognition that canal and cord size are both factors which predispose to SCI supports that cord-canal size mismatch rather than a narrow cervical canal in isolation should be viewed as the underlying mechanism predisposing to SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the lifetime prevalence of past injuries in incoming first year football players in a Division 1 college football team. Methods: Pre-participation questionnaires from 605 first-year football players over 20 years (1996–2015) were examined to determine the prevalence of concussions, stingers, fractures, and musculoskeletal surgeries sustained before playing at the collegiate level. Players were grouped by position: wide receiver and defensive back (WR/DB), offensive and defensive linemen (OL/DL), all other positions (OP), and unknown (UKN). Prevalence of injuries by year and position was compared using Pearson’sχ2Test (p < 0.05). Results: The reported lifetime prevalence is as follows: concussion (21%), stinger (23%), musculoskeletal surgery (23%), and fracture (44%). There were no significant differences in lifetime prevalence of concussions (p = 0.49), stingers (p = 0.31), fractures (p = 0.60), or musculoskeletal surgeries (p = 0.97) based on position. There were also no significant differences in the lifetime prevalence of concussions (p = 0.14), musculoskeletal surgeries (p = 0.50), or fractures (p = 0.59) based on year. However, there was a significant difference in the lifetime prevalence of stingers based on year (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was an expectation to observe an increase in injury prevalence by entering year, but this was not seen. A decrease in stingers was actually observed, but there was no significant difference among any other injury recorded. These results do not support the perception that football injuries are on the rise. Under reporting is a significant concern as players may fear disqualification or that they are evaluated by the coaching staff based on their medical history. More research is needed to confirm lifetime injury prevalence and evaluate differences over time among football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 16-year-old football linebacker with a history of recurrent stingers. Initial physical examination was normal as were cervical spine radiographs. MRI of the cervical spine revealed relative stenosis. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed chronic bilateral neurogenic changes of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus. A Kerr Collar was obtained to minimize head acceleration and force transmission through the neck. While there are return-to-play guidelines for recurrent stingers, there are inconsistencies with those recommendations. Our case highlights the challenges in contact sport athletes with recurrent stingers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worker honeybee is well-known for its stinger with microscopic backward-facing barbs for self-defense. The natural geometry of the stinger enables painless penetration and adhesion in the human skin to deliver poison. In this study, Apis cerana worker honeybee stinger and acupuncture microneedle (as a barbless stinger) were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The insertion and pull process of honeybee stinger into rabbit skin was performed by a self-developed mechanical loading equipment in comparison with acupuncture needle. In order to better understand the insertion and pull mechanisms of the stinger and its barbs in human multilayer skin, a nonlinear finite element method (FEM) was conducted. Experimental results showed that the average pull-out force of the stinger was 113.50 mN and the average penetration force was only 5.75 mN. The average penetration force of the stinger was about one order of magnitude smaller than that of an acupuncture microneedle while the average pull-out force was about 70 times larger than that of an acupuncture microneedle. FEM results showed that the stress concentrations were around the stinger tip and its barbs during the insertion process. The barbs were jammed in and torn the skin during the pull process. The insertion force of the stinger was greatly minimized due to its ultrasharp stinger tip and barbs while the pull force was seriously enhanced due to the mechanical interlocking of the barbs in the skin. These excellent properties are mainly a result of optimal geometry evolved by nature. Such finding may provide an inspiration for the further design of improved tissue adhesives and micro-needles for painless transdermal drug delivery and bio-signal recording. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the morphology, histology and fine structure of the stinger, a part of the venom apparatus of Euscorpius mingrelicus (Kessler, 1874) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) were studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stinger, located at the end section of the telson, is sickle-shaped. The venom is ejected through a pair of venom pores on its subterminal portion. Both venom ducts extend along the stinger without contact with each other since they are separated by connective tissue cells. The stinger cuticle is composed of two layers. Additionally, there are many pore canals and some hemolymph vessels in the cuticle. This work constitutes the first histological and fine structure study on Euscorpius mingrelicus stinger.