SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Hog cholera control efforts in Belize in 1975 included the slaughter of village pigs, a primary food source for the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). The bats then fed on secondary food sources, including humans. In 1 village, 22% of the families interviewed were exposed to attacks: 17 children and 2 adults were bit. Human depredation was not continuous as Desmodus located other hosts.
Cytoplasmic alpha-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from fruit-bat-breast muscle was purified by ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was approximately 120 units/mg of protein. The apparent molecular weight of the native enzyme, as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 was 59,500 +/- 650 daltons; its subunit size was estimated to be 35,700 +/- 140 by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The true Michaelis-Menten constants for all substrates at pH 7.5 were 3.9 +/- 0.7 mM, 0.65 +/- 0.05 mM, 0.26 +/- 0.06 mM, and 0.005 +/- 0.0004 mM for L-glycerol-3-phosphate, NAD(+), DHAP, and NADH, respectively. The true Michaelis-Menten constants at pH 10.0 were 2.30 +/- 0.21 mM and 0.20 +/- 0.01 mM for L-glycerol-3-phosphate and NAD(+), respectively. The turnover number, k(cat), of the forward reaction was 1.9 +/- 0.2 x 10(4)s(-1). The treatment of the enzyme with 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) under denaturing conditions indicated that there were a total of eight cysteine residues, while only two of these residues were reactive towards DTNB in the native enzyme. The overall results of the in vitro experiments suggest that alpha-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of the fruit bat preferentially catalyses the reduction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glycerol-3-phosphate.
The geographic and seasonal distributions of the pathobiocenoses formed by rabies virus, the biotic provinces of Texas, and skunks, foxes and bats were described using synoptic mapping and enumeration by calendar month. Autocorrelation functions with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the skunk pathobiocenose for lag periods up to 36 mo in length. The geographic distributions were fundamentally different, but all overlapped. The skunk and fox pathobiocenoses were associated with provincial ecotones. The distribution of the bat pathobiocenose was urban. The nature of the autocorrelation functions for the skunk pathobiocenose indicated that this disease association may be spreading throughout the state from an epicenter in the Texan biotic province.
A mammalian survey was conducted in Mexico (October 1994-January 1996) and in Paraguay (August 1996-March 1997); a complete specimen was collected for each bat in the survey, including primary voucher specimen, ectoparasites, karyotype, and various frozen tissues. The surveys combined provided 937 brain samples (65 bat species) for rabies diagnosis. One male Lasiurus ega, collected in Paraguay, tested positive for the rabies virus (overall prevalence rate of 0.1%). Nucleotide sequence from a 300 bp region of the rabies nucleoprotein gene was compared with sequence obtained from representative rabies virus samples in the repository at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Georgia, USA). Rabies virus extracted from the brain material of L. ega differed by only one nucleotide from a 300 bp consensus sequence (>99% homology) derived from samples for the variant of rabies virus transmitted by Lasiurus cinereus. Lasiurus ego differed by approximately 15% for the variant transmitted by Desmodus rotundus. Phylogenetic analysis found no evidence to suggest L. ego is a reservoir for rabies antigenic variant 6. The most likely explanation for rabies in L. ega was infection following contact with a rabid L. cinereus.
The cells of vallate, foliate and fungiform papillae were studied in insectivore hibernating bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in the various epochs of the year in order to show cell types the seasonal changes. On the basis of the ultrastructural aspects and the relationships with nerve endings, besides the few basal cells, three types of sensorial cells can be identified: dark type I cells, light type II cells and light type III cells. All gustatory cells, long and narrow shaped, extend from the epithelial basal lamina to the gustatory canal, where they send long microvillous expansions of the apical cytoplasm. These expansions, except those of the fungiform papillae which never extend beyond the lower two thirds, usually reach the external opening of the taste pore, always completely void of dense substance. Dark type I cells are characterized by a developed RER and large granules. Light type III cells show peculiar dense core light vesicles, labelled protein A-gold particles immunoreactive to 5-HT. These cells only in the foliate and fungiform papillae also have bundles of microtubules whose function is still unknown. After comparative evaluation and discussion of topographical and ultrastructural aspects with those of other mammals and humans, the Authors states that bats are provided with a valid gustatory system and that all cell types are involved in taste transduction.
Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.
This report describes the clinical and epidemiological findings of an outbreak of histoplasmosis in Brazil involving four persons of the same family, one adult and three children. Contamination by fecal material of bats in the basement of the house was found to be the most likely cause of this outbreak. None of the patients had evidence of immune deficiency. The adult died of acute respiratory distress syndrome. A more severe presentation of the disease in this patient may be partly explained by a heavier exposure to the feces of bats.
Relationship between changes in the body weight and circulating androstenedione concentration was examined in order to find out their involvement in asynchronous gametic cycle of male and female S. heathi. Body weight of both male and female bats increased from September due to accumulation of white adipose tissue and reached to a peak in November. The body weight declined gradually due to consumption of adipose tissue during December and January reaching basal level in February. A significant correlation between body weight and serum androstenedione concentration was observed. Correlated with maximum body weight, peak androstenedione level was found during November in both male and female bats. Peak androstenedione level during November may be responsible for stimulating spermatogenesis in the male, but may suppress follicular growth and ovulation in the female, thus resulting in asynchronous gametic cycle of male and female S. heathi.
The first human rabies case in Chile since 1972 occurred in March 1996 in a patient without history of known exposure. Antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies isolate indicated that its reservoir was the insectivorous bat Tadarida brasiliensis. This is the first human rabies case caused by an insectivorous bat rabies virus variant reported in Latin America.
1. Comparable right and left wing bones of three species of bats failed to demonstrate one-sided dominance, although such dominance is widespread in tetrapods. 2. When similar units are compared, some of the bones from one side are heavier, some are lighter, than those from the other side. This appears to represent a compensatory mechanism for achieving balanced weight and propulsion. 3. The criterion used by Dogra & Singh (1971) for deciding whether or not a difference exists between comparable units (i.e. that an observed difference in weight is 'real' if the difference is at least one per cent of the weight of the greater element) is not statistically valid in the three species of bats used in this study. Sole use of this criterion to determine one-sided dominance can therefore be misleading.
Rabies virus was isolated from insectivorous bat Molossus obscurus found in a semi-paralyzed condition, in broad daylight, in Campinas, São Paulo State. Suckling and adult mice inoculated intracerebrally with a 20% suspension of bat brain showed typical rabies symptoms within eight days. The mortality of inoculated mice was 100%. Negri bodies were seen in the brains of infected mice by Sellers and Fraco's methods. Rabies antigens was found in the brains of inoculated mice by fluorescent antibodies test.
Litomosoides filariae are parasites of unrelated groups of hosts, including bats, marsupials, ancient and modern rodents. The four life cycles to-date elucidated, develop in terrestrial mammals and, at least experimentally, in the mite Ornithonyssus bacoti. A batch of mites was fed on an infected bat, Artibeus jamaicensis captured in Costa Rica, and 18 days later one infective larva was recovered. Its morphology was similar to that of other Litomosoides species, with the characteristic long buccal capsule. These first accounts on the larval biology of Litomosoides from Microchiroptera confirm the unity of the genus which supports the view that it has passed from one group of hosts to another by means of captures.
Development of roosting patterns under a limited resource was studied in the short-nosed fruit bat C. sphinx in captivity. Spatial fidelity during the resting period (day time) and the individual male bat's presence/absence in the roost (occupancy index) were estimated during the active period (night time). Results show the presence of three groups on the basis of spatial fidelity. The first group was associated with the tent consisting of a harem male and seven females. The second group stayed near to the harem. The third group consisting of two males showed little occupancy index and no spatial fidelity. Female turnover between the first and second groups, and harem male replacement were observed. These findings of male groupings and female loyalty on the basis of "resource", suggest that resource defence polygyny is the primary mating strategy in C. sphinx.
The papillae of the tongue dorsal surface of the insectivorous, hibernating bats (Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae), whose function is mainly sensorial, consist of two circumvallate papillae, two foliate papillae, located at the side edges at the glossopalatine arch, and numerous fungiform papillae. The circumvallate and foliate papillae are characterized not only by their position, but also by presence of several taste buds which open through the external orifice of the gustatory canal into the cavity of the vallum, or furrow, which divides the two folds of the lingual mucosa. The fungiform papillae (extremely numerous on the whole dorsal surface) are characterized by an unusual arrangement (along 3 oblique lines on the anterior two-thirds and predominantly on the middle line of the tongue body) and by the presence of only one to three taste buds which open on the heavily keratinized dorsal epithelial surface. The taste buds are made up of sensory cells with a light or dark matrix; their apical cytoplasmic expansions are not found beyond the middle part of the gustatory canal, in contrast with the circumvallate and foliate papillae which protrude from the orifice of the gustatory pore. Comparisons with the papillae of other types of bats and Insectivora and evaluations of the morphological characteristics and their functional values (unusual areas of distribution of the papillae, apical cytoplasmic expansions and behaviour of microfolds observed under SEM) have been made in different environmental conditions and nutritional habits, with attention to the mechanical events in the course of feeding.
GABAergic inhibition shapes many auditory response properties of neurons in the inferior colliculus of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus. This study examined the role of GABAergic inhibition on direction-dependent rate-intensity functions of bat inferior collicular neurons. When plotted at three sound directions (60 degrees contralateral, 0 degrees and 60 degrees ipsilateral relative to recording site), most collicular neurons had nonmonotonic and saturated rate-intensity functions at 60 degrees contralateral and 0 degrees but had monotonic rate-intensity functions at 60 degrees ipsilateral. The dynamic range of rate-intensity functions of majority (>90%) of collicular neurons significantly decreased as the sound direction changed from 60 degrees contralateral to 60 degrees ipsilateral. Bicuculline application increased or decreased the dynamic range of IC neurons in different degrees with sound direction and abolished direction-dependent intensity sensitivity of these IC neurons. Possible mechanisms for these observations are discussed.
Under free field stimulation conditions, we studied the effect of pulse repetition rate and duration on the responses of auditory cortical neurons of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus. The best frequency (BF) and minimum threshold (MT) of each recorded neuron were first determined with a 4 ms pulse delivered from a specific point of the bat's frontal auditory space at which the neuron had maximal spatial sensitivity. Then a 4 ms pulse was delivered repetitively at different rates with an intensity in 10 dB increments above the neuron's MT and its number of impulses and response latency to each combination of repetition rate and intensity were recorded. From the series of isorepetition rate-intensity functions, we identified the neuron's best intensity (BI) which elicited a maximal number of impulses. By using a 4 ms BF and BI pulse delivered at a wide range of repetition rates, we then determined the neuron's best repetition rate (BRR) to which the neuron discharged maximally. The effect of pulse duration on the neuron's responses was subsequently studied by recording its number of impulses and latency to a BF, BI and BRR pulse delivered at a wide range of durations. A neuron's best duration (BD) to which the neuron discharged maximally was also identified. We found that cortical neurons sequentially isolated with an orthogonally penetrated electrode have comparable BFs, MTs and latencies. In addition, high BF neurons tend to have higher MTs and shorter latencies than low BF neurons. Most intensity-rate functions of cortical neurons were nonmonotonic but they can be affected by pulse repetition rate. Under repetitive single pulse stimulation, all cortical neurons show low pass characteristic to pulse repetition rate such that their number of impulses reduced drastically with increasing pulse repetition rate regardless of pulse intensity. The BRRs of most cortical neurons studied are between 1 and 3 pulses/s and their BDs are between 0.5 and 10 ms. Response latencies of cortical neurons generally shortened to a plateau level with increasing pulse intensity. In contrast, they increased with pulse repetition rate and varied in different manner with pulse duration. Nevertheless, a cortical neuron generally responds with a shortest latency to a pulse delivered at its BF, BI, BRR and BD. Thus in auditory signal processing, a neuron's responses to a wide combination of pulse intensity, duration and repetition rate enhance its versatility in signal detection. Its maximal response to a specific combination of signal duration, repetition rate and intensity provides a neural basis for fine analysis of signal features.
Between July 1987 and December 1990 in Washington, DC, 116 patients sustained 146 fractures and seven dislocations due to an assault with a baseball bat. The ulna was the most common site of trauma (61 fractures), followed by the hand (27 injuries) and the radius (14 injuries). Forty-two of the 146 fractures were significantly displaced and required open reduction and internal fixation to restore satisfactory alignment. Twenty-nine of the 146 fractures were open fractures. Treatment protocol for open fractures consisted of irrigation and debridement, antibiotic therapy, and bone stabilization with either internal or external fixation, or casting. Recognition of the severity of the soft tissue and bone damage is important in the management of musculoskeletal trauma secondary to the baseball bat.
Rabies is a rapidly progressive, incurable viral encephalitis that is, with rare exception, transmitted by the bite of an infected mammal. On September 14, 2003, a previously healthy man aged 66 years who resided in Trinity County, California, died from rabies approximately 6 weeks after being bitten by a bat. This report summarizes the investigation by the Trinity and Shasta County Health Departments and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). Persons should avoid direct contact with bats; however, if such contact occurs, the exposed person should visit a health-care provider immediately, and the exposure should be reported to local public health officials.