RESUMEN
Phytolacca americana, known more commonly as "pokeweed", is a large perennial plant found ubiquitously throughout the United States. Despite known toxicities, characterization of pokeweed exposure demographics, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes is currently limited. The objective of this study is to describe human pokeweed exposures, treatments, and outcomes, in the state of Kentucky, between 2000 and 2019. The National Poison Database System was queried for all Phytolacca americana exposures in the state of Kentucky between 2000 and 2019. After the removal of non-human cases, investigators independently reviewed data to ensure all coding was appropriate per the standards set forth by NPDS. The primary objective of this study was to describe pokeweed exposure demographics within the state of Kentucky during the previously established timeframe. Secondary objectives included characterizing pokeweed treatment trends and evaluating their affiliated medical outcomes. 1669 cases of human pokeweed exposure were reported. Patients were predominantly young in age, with a median age of 3 years reported. The majority of patients were male (54.9%), with unintentional exposures representing most exposure reasons (97.2%). Oral ingestion of plant material represented the bulk of the exposure route (98.3%), with pokeberries most often implicated in these cases (93.9%). Exposures were generally well tolerated. 239 total adverse events were noted during the timeframe. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were most common. Dermal exposures resulted in cutaneous edema, pain, and swelling. Treatments were mainly supportive, with no deaths reported during the study timeframe. In conclusion, Phytolacca americana is commonly encountered in the United States. In this observational study, patients most heavily implicated in pokeweed exposures are young males. Oral ingestion was most commonly reported, with berries most often implicated. Exposures are generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms most frequently reported. Cutaneous exposures represent an underappreciated exposure route. Treatments are largely supportive in nature.
Asunto(s)
Phytolacca americana , Masculino , Humanos , Estados Unidos , Femenino , Kentucky/epidemiología , Plantas , Vómitos , Frutas , Centros de Control de IntoxicacionesRESUMEN
Ants have outstanding capacity to mediate inter- and intraspecific interactions by producing structurally diverse metabolites from numerous secretory glands. Since Murray Blum's pioneering studies dating from the 1950s, there has been a growing interest in arthropod toxins as natural products. Over a dozen different alkaloid classes have been reported from approximately 40 ant genera in five subfamilies, with peak diversity within the Myrmicinae tribe Solenopsidini. Most ant alkaloids function as venom, but some derive from other glands with alternative functions. They are used in defense (e.g., alarm, repellants) or offense (e.g., toxins) but also serve as antimicrobials and pheromones. We provide an overview of ant alkaloid diversity and function with an evolutionary perspective. We conclude that more directed integrative research is needed. We suggest that comparative phylogenetics will illuminate compound diversification, while molecular approaches will elucidate genetic origins. Biological context, informed by natural history, remains critical not only for research about focal species, but also to guide applied research.