Venom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndromeVenom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndrome

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  Venom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndromeVenom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndrome Abstract Introduction : Rattlesnake envenomation frequently mimics traumatic compartment syndrome, as both are characterized by severe pain, swelling, and elevated compartment pressures. Unlike traumatic compartment syndrome there have been no documented cases of ischemic limb injury after envenomated patients have received antivenom. Furthermore, there is experimental evidence that fasciotomy worsens myonecrosis. This has led medical toxicologists and surgical guidelines to shift from liberally recommending fasciotomy to near universal recommendation of antivenom alone. Despite this, fasciotomies continue to be recommended and performed on rattle...

Shift in diet composition of a riparian predator along a stream pollution gradient

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Shift in diet composition of a riparian predator along a stream pollution gradient

Abstract

Terrestrial insectivores in riparian areas, such as spiders, can depend on emergent aquatic insects as high-quality prey. However, chemical pollution entering streams from agricultural and urban sources can alter the dynamics and composition of aquatic insect emergence, which may also affect the riparian food web. Few studies have examined the effects of stressor-induced alterations in aquatic insect emergence on spiders, especially in terms of chemical pollution and diet composition. We used DNA metabarcoding of gut content to describe the diet of Tetragnatha montana spiders collected from 10 forested streams with differing levels of pesticide and wastewater pollution. We found that spiders consumed more Chironomidae and fewer other aquatic Diptera, including Tipulidae, Ptychopteridae and Culicidae, at more polluted streams. Pollution-related effects were mainly observed in the spider diet, and were not significant for the number nor composition of flying insects trapped at each site. Our results indicate that the composition of riparian spider diets is sensitive to stream pollution, even in the absence of a change in the overall proportion of aquatic prey consumed. A high reliance on aquatic prey at polluted streams may give spiders an increased risk of dietary exposure to chemical pollutants retained by emergent insects.

Huszarik Maike, Roodt Alexis P., Wernicke Teagan, Link Moritz, Lima-Fernandes Eva, Åhlén David, Schreiner Verena C., Schulz Ralf, Hambäck Peter and Entling Martin H. 2024Shift in diet composition of a riparian predator along a stream pollution gradientProc. R. Soc. B.29120242104

http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2104