Alterações oculares decorrentes de picada de abelha na córnea / Ocular changes due to corneal bee sting

RESUMO O propósito deste estudo foi reportar as alterações oculares observadas após picada de abelha com ferrão retido na córnea. Destacamos o tratamento e o desfecho de uma lesão de córnea incomum e sua patogênese. Trata-se de relato de caso e revisão da literatura de lesões oculares por picada de abelha. Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, procurou atendimento oftalmológico de urgência devido à picada de abelha na córnea do olho direito há 6 dias. Queixava-se de embaçamento visual, dor e hiperemia ocular. Apresentou acuidade visual de vultos no olho afetado. Ao exame, notaram-se hiperemia moderada de conjuntiva bulbar, edema corneano com dobras de Descemet e presença do ferrão alojado na região temporal, no estroma profundo da córnea. A paciente foi internada para ser abordada no centro cirúrgico sob anestesia geral. Durante a cirurgia, o ferrão teve que ser retirado via câmara anterior, mediante a realização de uma paracentese e uma lavagem da câmara anterior, com dupla via e solução salina balanceada. Ainda não existe na literatura um tratamento padrão na abordagem de pacientes com lesões oculares por picada de abelha, sendo importantes a identificação e o reconhecimento precoce de possíveis complicações que ameacem a visão.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to report the ocular changes observed after a bee sting with a stinger retained in the cornea. We show the treatment and outcome of an unusual corneal injury and its pathogenesis. This is a case report and literature review of ocular injuries caused by bee stings. A 63-year-old female patient sought emergency ophthalmic care because of a bee sting on the cornea of her right eye six days before. She complained of blurred vision, pain, and ocular hyperemia. She had glare sensitivity on visual acuity in the affected eye. Examination revealed moderate hyperemia of the bulbar conjunctiva, corneal edema with Descemet's folds and a stinger lodged in the temporal region, in the deep stroma of the cornea. The patient was admitted to the operating room under general anesthesia. During surgery, the stinger had to be removed via the anterior chamber, by performing a paracentesis and washing the anterior chamber with a double flushing and balanced saline solution. There is still no standard treatment in the literature for patients with eye injuries caused by bee stings, and early identification and recognition of possible sight-threatening complications is important.

Bothrops Moojeni Snake Venom: A Source of Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Hemostatic Disorders

Abstract Hemostasis is a complex set of biological processes responsible for blood fluidity within normal vessels and for the physiological interruption of bleeding in cases of vascular injury. Bothrops moojeni snake venom is rich in bioactive compounds of pharmacological and clinical interest since its protein components are capable of interfering with many points of the hemostatic process. Here, we present the B. moojeni venom proteins that affect hemostasis and discuss their pharmacological and clinical potential. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Data were obtained from the CAPES Journal Portal database, using the terms "Bothrops" AND "hemostasis", in a search for scientific articles made available in the last 20 years. Many components isolated from B. moojeni snake venom are characterized for their effect on hemostasis and possible application in the diagnosis and treatment of hemostatic disorders.

Caracterização epidemiológica de acidentes com animais peçonhentos entre 2012-2021: revisão sistemática / Epidemiological characterization of accidents with poisonous animals between 2012-2021: systematic review / Caracterización Epidemiológica de acidentes con animales venenosos entre 2012-2021: revisión sistemática

Acidentes por animais peçonhentos são considerados um problema cosmopolita de saúde pública.Poucos são os estudos de revisão acerca da temática encontrados na literatura. Objetivo:definir os principaisaspectos epidemiológicos envolvidos nos acidentes com animais peçonhentos no período 2012-2021.Metodologia:Revisão sistemática, com base no protocolo PRISMA, incluindoartigos publicados entre 2012 e 2021, nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, a partir da busca nas bases de dados PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS e Portal de Periódicos CAPES, utilizando a combinação dos descritores "Venoms" AND "Accidents" AND/OR "Epidemiological".Resultados:Foram encontrados 729 artigos, dos quais 17 foram selecionados para comporem esta revisão. A maioria(64,7%)dos artigos utilizaram o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação como fonte de dados, 76,4% evidenciaram o sexo masculino como o principal acometido, 64,7% apontaram a zona rural como principal área de ocorrência e faixa etária de 21-30 anos representou 47,05% dos artigos. Acidentes ofídicos demonstraram maior prevalência(47,05%), seguidos pelos escorpiônicos(23,5%). Os membros inferiores foram os mais acometidos(76,4%). Destacou-se tempo de atendimento de uma até 6 hora. Prevaleceram acidentes leves(82,3%), com bons índices de cura e poucos óbitos quanto comparado com o número total de casos. A soroterapia foi trabalhada em 11(64,7%)estudos, sendo utilizada principalmente em acidentes com serpentes. Dor e edema foram as principais manifestações locais, alterações vagais foram as principais manifestações sistêmicas e necrose, alterações do sistema circulatório e renal foram as principais complicações apontadas.Conclusões:Os achados possibilitaram melhor visualização e entendimento da problemática, reforçando a importância do desenvolvimento de ações interventivas que venham a melhorar os sistemas de saúde locais, colaborando na identificação de falhas e melhorias no atendimento imediato e preventivo em saúde (AU).

manifestations, vagal changes the main systemic manifestations, and necrosis, circulatory and renal system alterations the most important complications reported.Conclusions: The findings allow better visualization and understanding of the problem, reinforcing the importance of intervention to improve local health systems, thereby helping identify the shortcomings and improvements in prompt and preventive treatment (AU).

Los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos constituyen un problema de salud pública cosmopolita. Pocos estudios han realizado una revisión de la literatura sobre el tema.Objetivo: Determinar los principales aspectos epidemiológicos involucrados en los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos entre 2012 y 2021. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión sistemática, basada en el protocolo PRISMA, que incluye artículos publicados entre 2012 y 2021, en inglés, español y portugués, mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos PUBMED , SCIELO, LILACS y CAPES, y una combinación de los descriptores "Venenos" Y "Accidentes" Y/O "Epidemiológico". Resultados: Se encontraron un total de 729 artículos, de los cuales 17 fueron seleccionados para la revisión. La mayoría (64,7%) de los artículos utilizaron el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria como fuente de datos, el 76,4% encontró que el sexo masculino fue el más afectado, el 64,7% se presentó en la zona rural y el grupo etario de 21 a 30 años representó el 47,05% de las publicaciones. Las mordeduras de serpientes fueron las más prevalentes (47,05%), seguidas de las picaduras de escorpión (23,5%), y los miembros inferiores fueron los más afectados (76,4%). El tiempo de tratamiento fue de hasta 6 horas. Las mordeduras leves fueron las más comunes (82,3%), con buenas tasas de curación y pocas muertes en comparación con el número de casos. La seroterapia se aplicó en 11 (64,7%) estudios, principalmente en mordeduras de serpientes. El dolor y la tumefacción fueron las principales manifestaciones locales, los cambios vágales las principales manifestaciones sistémicas y la necrosis, las alteraciones del sistema circulatorio y renal las complicaciones más importantes reportadas.Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten una mejor visualización y comprensión del problema, reforzando la importancia de la intervención para mejorar los sistemas locales de salud, ayudando así a identificar las falencias y mejoras en el tratamiento oportuno y preventivo (AU).

Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools / 中国天然药物

Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.

Mordeduras de ofidios en mano pediátrica y sus complicaciones locales / Snake bites in pediatric hand and their local complications / Mordidas de serpentes de mão pediátricas e suas complicações locais

Introducción: el envenenamiento por mordedura de ofidios es reconocido como un problema de salud pública según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La baja incidencia sumada a la diversidad de presentaciones clínicas, edades, topografías afectadas, así como los diferentes protocolos en la bibliografía existente sobre algunos aspectos del tratamiento, hacen difícil el manejo sistematizado de estos pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre mordedura de serpientes en pacientes pediátricos con afectación en mano y miembro superior, haciendo hincapié en la conducta frente las complicaciones loco-regionales. Por importancia y frecuencia destacamos al síndrome compartimental, las flictenas y las infecciones. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en MedLine/PubMed con las palabras clave: "Snake Bite hand Children" y "Snake Bite compartimental syndrome". Se incluyeron los artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años (2012 al 2022). Resultados: la búsqueda de artículos ante las palabras "Snake Bite hand Children" resultó en 20 articulos y la busqueda ante las palabras "Snake Bite compartimental syndrome" derivó en 34. Luego de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión se obtuvieron 30 artículos para el análisis. Conclusiones: la población pediátrica se encuentra más expuesta a las mordeduras por serpientes y a su vez a presentar lesiones más severas. El tratamiento del síndrome compartimental continúa siendo un tema de debate. El veneno inoculado puede simular un síndrome compartimental que puede revertir sin fasciotomías con el tratamiento adecuado. Igualmente, ante síntomas y signos claros de síndrome compartimental se sugiere realizar fasciotomías frente a las graves secuelas potenciales. Ante la aparición de flictenas, el destechado cuidadoso de la misma es un tratamiento adecuado. La mayoría de los autores coinciden con el tratamiento profiláctico con antibioticoterapia.

Introduction: Ophidian bite poisoning is recognized as a public health problem by the World Health Organization. The low incidence added to the diversity of clinical presentations, ages, affected topographies, as well as the different protocols in the existing literature on some aspects of treatment, make the systematized management of these patients difficult. The aim of this work is to carry out a systematic review of the literature on snakebite in pediatric patients with hand and upper limb involvement, with emphasis on the management of loco-regional complications. In terms of importance and frequency, we highlight compartment syndrome, phlyctenas and infections. Methodology: a literature search was carried out in MedLine/PubMed with the keywords: "Snake Bite hand Children" and "Snake Bite compartment syndrome". Articles published in the last 10 years (2012 to 2022) were included. Results: the search for articles with the words "Snake Bite hand Children" resulted in 20 articles and the search for the words "Snake Bite compartment syndrome" resulted in 34 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were obtained for the analysis. Conclusions: the pediatric population is more exposed to snake bites and in turn to present more severe lesions. The treatment of compartment syndrome continues to be a subject of debate. Inoculated venom can simulate a compartment syndrome that can be reversed without fasciotomies with proper treatment. Likewise, in the presence of clear symptoms and signs of compartment syndrome, fasciotomies are suggested because of the serious sequelae generated. In the event of the appearance of phlyctenas, careful unroofing of the phlyctenas would be an appropriate treatment. Most authors agree with prophylactic treatment with antibiotic therapy.

Introdução: O envenenamento por mordidas ofídias é reconhecido como um problema de saúde pública pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A baixa incidência, juntamente com a diversidade de apresentações clínicas, idades, topografias afetadas, bem como os diferentes protocolos da literatura existente sobre alguns aspectos do tratamento, tornam difícil o gerenciamento sistemático desses pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre mordida de cobra em pacientes pediátricos com envolvimento de mãos e membros superiores, com ênfase no gerenciamento de complicações loco-regionais. Em termos de importância e freqüência, destacamos a síndrome compartimental, as flectenas e as infecções. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica no MedLine/PubMed com as palavras-chave: "Snake Bite hand Children" e "Snake Bite compartment syndrome". Os artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos (2012 a 2022) foram incluídos. Resultados: a busca de artigos usando as palavras "Snake Bite hand Children" resultou em 20 artigos e a busca das palavras "Snake Bite compartment syndrome" resultou em 34 artigos. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram obtidos 30 artigos para análise. Conclusões: a população pediátrica está mais exposta às picadas de cobra e, por sua vez, a lesões mais graves. O tratamento da síndrome compartimental continua a ser motivo de debate. O veneno inoculado pode simular uma síndrome de compartimento que pode ser revertida sem fasciotomias com tratamento apropriado. Da mesma forma, se houver sinais e sintomas claros de síndrome compartimental, são sugeridas fasciotomias por causa das severas seqüelas. Se as flectenas aparecerem, o desenrolamento cuidadoso das flectenas seria um tratamento apropriado. A maioria dos autores concorda com o tratamento profilático com a antibioticoterapia.

Accidente lonómico leve atribuido a la oruga de la especie Lonomia obliqua en el departamento de Santander, Colombia, 2021

Las orugas del género Lonomia, del orden Lepidoptera y familia Saturnidae, son de interés médico en Sudamérica por ser causantes del lonomismo, tipo de envenenamiento que aumenta cada vez más en Colombia, con tasas de mortalidad de 2,5 %. La severidad es variable y los casos no son de notificación obligatoria, lo que lleva a un subregistro de estos eventos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer adulta joven, quien acude a urgencias por la picadura de 20 orugas Lonomia en la palma de la mano izquierda; presentó signos locales inflamatorios, dolor y limitación de la movilidad de la mano. Se hospitalizó por tres días, se clasificó como leve y se trató con analgesia y antihistamínico endovenoso, lo que logró favorable evolución. El envenenamiento por oruga Lonomia es una urgencia que puede ser mortal, por tanto, es importante que se conozcan estos eventos en la literatura para su adecuado abordaje.

Caterpillars of the genus Lonomia, of the order Lepidoptera, family Saturnidae are of medical interest in South America for being the cause of lonomism, poisoning that is increasing more and more in Colombia, with mortality rates of 2.5%, the severity is variable and they are not mandatory notification, which leads to an underreporting of these events. We present the case of a young adult woman, who went to the emergency room due to the bite of 20 Lonomia caterpillars in the palm of her left hand, generating local inflammatory signs, pain and limitation of hand mobility. She was hospitalized for 3 days, classified as mild and treated with analgesia and intravenous antihistamine; which achieved favorable evolution. Therefore, it was concluded that Lonomia caterpillar poisoning is an emergency, which can be fatal. It is important that these events are known in the literature for their proper approach.

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: an update / Escorpionismo en Brasil: Una actualización

Abstract Accidents caused by scorpions represent a major health problem on planet, both in individual terms and in the public health sphere. Morbid events can occur in different manifestations, and different clinical conditions must be differentiated for adequate treatment. In addition to the potential injury to human hosts, scorpion venom has been investigated for the therapy of several illnesses. Based on these aspects, the present article aims to present the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic aspects of scorpionism.

Resumen Los accidentes causados por escorpiones representan un problema mayor de salud pública tanto en términos de daños individuales como en la esfera de la salud pública. Los eventos mórbidos pueden ocurrir con diferentes manifestaciones y condiciones clínicas que deben ser diferenciadas para un manejo adecuado. Ade más del daño potencial que ocasionan a los humanos, el veneno del escorpión ha sido estudiado con el fin de analizar su potencia aplicación para le tratamiento de algunas enfermedades. Este articulo presenta una actualización sobre los aspectos clínicos, terapéuticos y profilácticos del escorpionismo.

Epidemiological study of the bee stings in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019 / Estudo epidemiológico dos acidentes por picada de abelha no estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, de 2010 a 2019

Introduction: envenomation and deaths by bee stings have increased in all regions of Brazil. However, there are few epidemiological studies on them, especially in the states of northeastern Brazil. Objective: to determine the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019. Methodology: this is a descriptive and analytical epidemiological study conducted through a retrospective survey of secondary data provided by the database of the Notifiable Diseases Information System of the Ministry of Health. Results: between 2010 and 2019, a total of 7,979 cases were analyzed. Incidents were distributed in 356 municipalities, with the highest frequency in the regions of Agreste and Sertão da Bahia. Cases occurred in all months of the investigated years, with a greater occurrence in urban areas, affecting mainly adult men. The anatomical region of the body most affected by the sting was the head and most cases received medical care within 3 hours after the incident. Local manifestations were more frequent than systemic ones. The injuries were predominantly classified as mild and progressed to cure. Conclusions: the high number of cases and their extensive spatial distribution reveal that bee stings may be considered an emerging and neglected public health problem in the state of Bahia.

Introdução: os acidentes e os óbitos causados por picada de abelha têm aumentado em todas as regiões do Brasil. Contudo, existem poucos estudos epidemiológicos sobre acidentes com abelha, principalmente nos estados do Nordeste do Brasil. Objetivo:determinar as características epidemiológicas do acidente por picada de abelha no estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, de 2010 a 2019. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e analítico realizado por meio de uma pesquisa retrospectiva de dados secundários disponibilizados pelo banco de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde. Resultados: entre 2010 e 2019, um total de 7.979 casos foi analisado. Os acidentes foram distribuídos em 356 municípios, com a maior frequência nas regiões do Agreste e do Sertão da Bahia. Os casos ocorreram em todos os meses dos anos investigados, com maior ocorrência em áreas urbanas, afetando principalmente homens adultos. A região anatômica do corpo mais atingida pela picada foi a cabeça e a maioria dos casos recebeu assistência médica até 3 horas após o incidente. As manifestações locais foram mais frequentes do que as sistêmicas. Os agravos foram predominantemente classificados como leve e progrediram para a cura. Conclusões: o elevado número de casos e a sua extensa distribuição espacial revelam que o acidente causado por picada de abelha pode ser considerado um emergente negligenciado problema de saúde pública no estado da Bahia.

Pigmentación violácea dolorosa, reto clínico y enfoque diagnóstico en un país tropical / Painful violaceous pigmentation, a clinical challenge and diagnostic approach in a tropical country

RESUMEN Contrario a lo que se cree, los milpiés no se consideran animales venenosos, su mecanismo de defensa puede resultar perjudicial para el ser humano, manifestándose como lesiones de carácter eritematoso, purpúrico y cianótico, concomitante dolor local y parestesia; Según la exposición, el cuadro clínico puede evolucionar a lesiones moderadas y severas, ampollas y úlceras. Describimos el caso de un paciente pediátrico de sexo masculino de la región andina de Colombia, con temperaturas diarias que oscilan entre 15° y 30°C y una humedad promedio de 72 %, quien accidentalmente pisó un milpiés, lo cual fue un desafío diagnóstico entre el personal de salud que generó su atención.

ABSTRACT Millipedes are not considered poisonous animals, although in some cases their chemical defense mechanisms may be deleterious for human beings, manifesting as erythematous, purpuric and/ or cyanotic lesions alongside local pain and paresthesia. According to the exposure, the clinical condition may progress to moderate and severe lesions such as ulcers and blisters. We describe a case of a male child from the Andean region in Colombia, an area with daily temperatures between 15° and 30° C and 72% average humidity. The boy accidentally stepped on a millipede, and this occurrence became a challenge for its diagnosis amongst staff who provided emergency health care.

Massive acute ischemic stroke after Bothrops spp. envenomation in southwestern Colombia: Case report and literature review / Accidente cerebrovascular isquémico agudo masivo por veneno de Bothrops spp. en el suroccidente de Colombia: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Bothrops spp. envenomation and its relationship with ischemic stroke has complex pathogenesis. Local effects such as edema, pain, redness, necrosis, and systemic manifestations like coagulation disorders, thrombosis, renal failure, and hemorrhage have been reported. Hemorrhagic stroke is a common neurological complication but ischemic stroke is poorly understood. We present here the case of a 50-year-old male with no comorbidities referred from a rural area in southwest Colombia with a Bothrops spp. snakebite on the left hand. On admission, the patient presented with a deterioration of consciousness and required mechanical ventilation assistance. The MRI showed multiple ischemic areas in the bilateral frontal- temporal and occipital regions. Two months later, the patient had a favorable resolution, although central paresis in the III and VI cranial nerves and positive Babinski's sign persisted. As already mentioned, the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke due to snakebite is complex but the procoagulant activity of the venom components, the hypovolemic shock, the endothelial damage, and the thromboinflammation can explain it, and although it rarely occurs, it should be considered as a complication of ophidian accidents caused by Bothrops spp.

La mordedura de serpientes Bothrops spp. y el ataque cerebrovascular isquémico tienen una patogenia compleja. Se reconocen efectos locales como edema, dolor, enrojecimiento y necrosis, así como manifestaciones sistémicas como trastornos de la coagulación, trombosis, insuficiencia renal y hemorragia, por lo que el accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico es una complicación neurológica común, pero, en cambio, el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico es poco conocido. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 50 años, sin comorbilidades, remitido de una zona rural del suroccidente de Colombia debido a la mordedura de una serpiente Bothrops spp. en su mano izquierda. En el momento del ingreso, el paciente presentaba deterioro de la conciencia y requirió asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Mediante resonancia magnética, se observaron múltiples áreas isquémicas bilaterales en la región fronto-temporal y en la occipital. Dos meses después, el paciente había evolucionado favorablemente, pero persistían la paresia en los pares craneales III y VI y el signo de Babinski. La fisiopatología del accidente cerebrovascular isquémico por mordedura de serpiente es compleja. La actividad procoagulante de los componentes del veneno, el choque hipovolémico, el daño endotelial y la tromboinflamación pueden explicar el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico que, aunque raro, debe considerarse como una complicación del accidente ofídico causado por serpientes Bothrops spp.

Antineoplastic properties and pharmacological applications of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom

ABSTRACT Snake toxins are widely studied owing to their importance in snakebite accidents, a serious public health issue in tropical countries, and their broad therapeutic potential. Isolated fractions from venom produced by snakes of the genus Crotalus sp. present a wide variety of pharmacological uses such as antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor properties, among other therapeutic potentialities. Given the direct effect of this venom on tumor cells, isolation of its compounds is important for the characterization of its anticarcinogenic actions. Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and its toxins have been widely evaluated as potential candidates for the development of new antineoplastic therapies that are efficient against different tumor lines and cellular targets. This review highlights the venom toxins of this species, with a focus on their antineoplastic properties.

Thrombolysis, clotting, and genotoxic activities modulated by essential oils extracted from Lippia alba

Abstract The composition and pharmacological properties of Lippia alba (Mill.) (L. alba) (Verbenaceae) flower and leaf essential oils (EO) were determined in this study. The major constituents in the flower EO were geranial (49.83%) and neral (32.75%), and in the leaf EO were geranial (38.06%), neral (31.02%), and limonene (18.03%). Flower EO inhibited thrombolysis induced by Bothrops moojeni (B. moojeni) and Lachesis muta muta (L. muta muta) venoms (0.05-1.2 µL mL-1). When tested against L. muta muta venom, the protective effect was smaller in both EO. The EOs prolonged the clotting time induced by L. muta muta venom and a procoagulant effect was observed on B. moojeni. In the comet assay, the flower EO presented anti-genotoxic action (damage frequency of only 11.6 - 34.9%) against the L. muta muta venom. The positive control (Doxorubicin) and the venom alone presented a damage frequency of 80.3% and 70.7%, respectively. The flower EO protected DNA from damage induced by L. muta muta venom. L. alba leaf and flower EOs presented anti-genotoxic action

A novel activity on thymocytes cells exerted by the rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis) venom / Nueva actividad de los timocitos estimulada por el veneno de la serpiente de cascabel (Crotalus durissus cumanensis)

Abstract. Introduction: The thymus is active mainly during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods. Objective: To test naïve thymocytes proliferation and monocytes stimulation. Materials and methods: We collected fresh thymus tissue from neonate mice after surgery. Suspension cells were coated onto Ficoll-Hypaque support. The obtained cells (thymocytes) were cultured measuring the proliferation of naïve T cells stimulated by Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Cdc) venom at sub-lethal doses (20 ng). Then, we supplemented the wells with AlamarBlue™ and incubated them for 5 h to test their proliferation. Mononuclear cells from mice peripheral blood were collected and layered onto the support of the Ficoll-Hypaque solution. We added the thymocytes actively dividing (25 x 105 cells) from cultures stimulated with Cdc venom at 20 ng/well to cultured monocytes freshly obtained from the Ficoll-Hypaque separation. Both cell populations were incubated for 36 h until monocytes matured to macrophages. Results: The naïve thymocytes rapidly proliferated after stimulation with the Cdc venom (NTCdc) and these successively induced the maturation and function of monocytes progenitor cells to mature macrophages, which ingested Chinese ink. Conclusions: The naïve thymocytes proliferated by stimulation with the Cdc venom and subsequently the NT/Cdc induced the rapid maturation and function of monocytes progenitor cells becoming mature macrophages with their phenotypic characteristics.

Resumen. Introducción. El timo es activo principalmente durante los períodos neonatal y preadolescente. Objetivo. Probar la proliferación de los timocitos tempranos y la estimulación de monocitos que producen. Materiales y métodos. Se recogió tejido de timo fresco después de la cirugía de ratones recién nacidos. La suspensión de células se colocó sobre un soporte de Ficoll-Hypaque. Las células obtenidas (timocitos) se cultivaron y se midió la proliferación de células T vírgenes estimuladas por el veneno de Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Cdc) en dosis subletales (20 ng). A continuación, se agregó AlamarBlue™ a los pocillos y se incubaron durante 5 horas para evaluar la proliferación. Se recogieron células mononucleares de sangre periférica de ratones y se colocaron sobre un soporte de solución de Ficoll-Hypaque. Los timocitos que se dividieron activamente (25 x 105 células) a partir de los cultivos estimulados con veneno de Cdc (20 ng/pocillo) y se agregaron a los cultivos de monocitos recién obtenidos de la separación en la solución de Ficoll-Hypaque. Ambas poblaciones celulares se incubaron durante 36 horas hasta que los monocitos maduraron a macrófagos. Resultados Los timocitos tempranos experimentaron una rápida proliferación estimulada por el veneno de Cdc (NTCdc) y, posteriormente, indujeron la maduración y la función de las células progenitoras de monocitos, los cuales maduraron a macrófagos, que se tiñeron con tinta china. Conclusiones. Los timocitos tempranos proliferaron con la estimulación del veneno de Cdc y, posteriormente, el NT/Cdc indujo la maduración rápida y la función de las células progenitoras de monocitos, transformándose en macrófagos con sus características fenotípicas.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de 200 pacientes con loxoscelismo cutáneo y cutáneo visceral / Loxoscelism: experience in 200 patients

Background: Loxoscelism is an important public health problem in Chile and South America, due to the higher rate of cutaneous-visceral involvement. The diagnosis of loxoscelism is mostly clinical without established diagnostic criteria. There is little evidence to support any treatment used in this condition. Aim: To characterize the clinical features and epidemiology of loxoscelism among patients consulting at the Emergency and Dermatology Services of a clinical hospital between 2013 and 2017. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients registered in the electronic clinical record system with a confirmed diagnosis of loxoscelism. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory tests and treatment variables were analyzed. Results: We reviewed data from 200 patients. Ninety-four percent presented cutaneous loxoscelism and 5.5% cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Systemic symptoms were present in 73% of patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Patients who developed systemic symptoms had an 18 times higher risk of developing cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Laboratory abnormalities were more common in patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Not all patients with hematuria had cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Most patients required analgesia. Anti-loxosceles serum was not used in any patient. Conclusions: Many questions remain to be answered regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Studies are required to validate diagnostic criteria for loxoscelism, predictors for visceral involvement and response to treatment.

Síndrome de Guillain-Barré asociado a accidente apídico: reporte de caso / Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with a bee sting accident: a case report / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré associada a acidente elapídico: relato de caso

El accidente apídico implica un bajo riesgo de morir por reacciones agudas como anafilaxia. Es frecuente que se desconozcan otros riesgos como el hepático y el neurológico. Dentro de las complicaciones menos conocidas está la polineuropatía aguda conocida como Guillain- Barré. La causa más ampliamente descrita es la reacción cruzada entre IgE y la proteína básica de mielina. A continuación, se reporta el primer caso en América Latina sobre la asociación entre Guillain-Barré y accidente por picadura de abejas. En este caso, hay criterios de causalidad como el nexo temporal, la plausibilidad biológica y la coherencia con otros artículos reportados en la literatura médica.

Bee sting accident usually implies a low risk of dying from acute reactions such as anaphylaxis. Other risks such as liver and neurological risks are often unknown. Among the lesser-known complications caused by this type of accident is the acute polyneuropathy known as Guillain-Barré. The most widely described cause is the cross reaction between IgE and myelin basic protein. The article reports the first case in Latin America on the association between Guillain-Barré and a bee sting accident. In this case, there are causality criteria such as temporal link, biological plausibility, and consistency with other articles reported in the medical literature

O acidente elapídico implica um baixo risco de morte por reações agudas, como anafilaxia. Outros riscos, como hepáticos e neurológicos, são frequentemente desconhecidos. Entre as complicações menos conhecidas está a polineuropatia aguda conhecida como Guillain-Barré. A causa mais amplamente descrita é a reação cruzada entre a IgE e a proteína básica da mielina. A seguir, é relatado o primeiro caso na América Latina sobre a associação entre Guillain-Barré e um acidente com picada de abelha. Nesse caso, há critérios de causalidade como vínculo temporal, plausibilidade biológica e consistência com outros artigos relatados na literatura médica

Profile of snakebite victims reported in a public teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study / Perfil de las víctimas de accidentes ofídicos notificados en un hospital público docente: estudio transversal / Perfil das vítimas de acidente ofídico notificadas em um hospital público de ensino: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the epidemiological and clinical profile of snakebite victims in a public teaching hospital. Method: Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach conducted in a public hospital in the Triângulo Sul region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The data were collected from medical records and compulsory case report forms of patients admitted in the Emergency Service from June 2018 to May 2019. The data were descriptively analyzed and presented in tables. Results: The 137 patients were predominantly male (74.5%), rural workers (33.4%), in their working age (mean of 43.49 years), and in rural areas (87.6%). Bothrops was the most common genus (70.8%), and most occurrences were classified as mild (53.3%). The most performed treatment was snake antivenom administration (73%). Conclusion: Snakebite victims were mostly men in their working age and rural workers. Bothrops bites and mild occurrences were prevalent. Most treatments employed the appropriate snake antivenom. These occurred mostly in rural areas. The prevalent bitten body parts were feet, legs, and hands. Care was provided in less than six hours.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer el perfil epidemiológico y clínico de las víctimas de accidentes ofídicos en un hospital público docente. Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, transversal, con enfoque metodológico cuantitativo, realizado en un hospital público de la región del Triângulo Sul del estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Los datos se recogieron de las historias clínicas y formularios de notificación obligatoria de los pacientes ingresados en los Servicios de Urgencia desde junio de 2018 hasta mayo de 2019. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y se presentaron en forma de tablas. Resultados: De un total de 137 pacientes, predominaron el sexo masculino (74,5%), los trabajadores rurales (33,4%), los individuos en edad productiva (media de 43,49 años) y la zona de ocurrencia rural (87,6%). El género más implicado en los accidentes fue el Bothrops (70,8%) y la clasificación de la mayoría fue leve (53,3%). El tratamiento más común fue la administración del suero antiofídico (73%). Conclusión: Los accidentes ofídicos se produjeron sobre todo en hombres en edad productiva y en trabajadores rurales. Prevalecieron los accidentes por el género Bothrops y los que se clasifican como leves. La mayoría de los tratamientos utilizaron el antiofídico adecuado. La zona más común de ocurrencia fue la rural. Las zonas corporales más afectadas por las mordeduras fueron los pies, las piernas y las manos, y los tratamientos se realizaron en menos de 6 horas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil epidemiológico e clínico das vítimas de acidente ofídico em um hospital público de ensino. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, de abordagem metodológica quantitativa, realizado em um hospital público do Triângulo Sul de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários e fichas de notificação compulsória de pacientes admitidos no Pronto Socorro de junho de 2018 a maio de 2019. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e apresentados em forma de tabelas. Resultados: De um total de 137 pacientes, foram predominantes o sexo masculino (74,5%), trabalhadores rurais (33,4%), indivíduos em idade produtiva (média de 43,49 anos) e zona de ocorrência rural (87,6%). O gênero mais envolvido nos acidentes foi o Bothrops (70,8%) e a classificação da maioria foi leve (53,3%). O tratamento mais realizado foi a administração do soro antiofídico (73%). Conclusão: Os acidentes ofídicos aconteceram majoritariamente em homens em idade produtiva e trabalhadores rurais. Prevaleceram os acidentes pelo gênero Bothrops e classificados como leves. A maioria dos tratamentos utilizou soro antiofídico adequado. A zona de maior ocorrência foi a rural. As áreas corporais prevalentes de mordedura foram pé, perna e mão e os atendimentos foram realizados em menos de 6 horas.

Efficacy of the 20-minute whole blood clotting test (WBCT20) in the diagnosis of coagulation alteration related to snakebites in a Western Brazilian Amazon hospital

Abstract Introduction: The efficacy of 20-minute whole blood clotting (WBCT20) and the Lee-White clotting time (LWCT) tests in diagnosing coagulation alterations from snakebites were compared. Methods: We evaluated 89 snakebite cases treated at the Hospital Regional do Juruá em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Results: WBCT20 results were normal in 33.7% and unclottable in 66.3% of cases, while LWCT results were normal in 23.6% and altered (prolonged or unclottable) in 76.4% of cases, with no significant differences. Conclusions: The WBCT20 is important for rapidly diagnosing coagulation alterations from snakebites. Furthermore, it is efficient, inexpensive, and can be deployed in isolated hospitals.

Landscape of research, production, and regulation in venoms and antivenoms: a bibliometric analysis / Panorama de la investigación, la producción y la regulación de venenos y antivenenos: un análisis bibliométrico / Panorama de pesquisa, produção e regulação de venenos e antivenenos: análise bibliométrica

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the productivity and visibility in research, clinical studies, treatment, use and production of antivenoms against poisonous snakes, scorpions and spiders. Methods. Bibliometric analysis of research and other activities. Articles on venoms and antivenoms published between 2000 and 2020 were retrieved from the Scopus database. The records were analyzed by bibliometric indicators including number of documents per year, journals, authors, and citation frequency. VOSviewer® v.1.6.13 was used to construct bibliometric networks for country co-authorships and co-occurrence of terms. Results. Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica and India were among the six top countries with most documents and were selected for more detailed analysis. Costa Rica was the country with the largest percentage of its publications dedicated to antivenom production and venomics. Only a few papers dealt with the issues of quality, safety, and efficacy of antivenoms or the role of the national regulatory authorities. The use of VOSviewer® allowed visualization through joint publications of networking between countries. Visualization by co-occurrence of terms showed differences in the research carried out. Conclusions. Working in a collaborative and coordinated manner these four countries could have a major impact on envenoming globally. Attention should be given not only to antivenom production but also to strengthening regulatory oversight of antivenom products.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar la productividad y la visibilidad en la investigación, los estudios clínicos, el tratamiento, el uso y la producción de antivenenos contra las picaduras de serpientes, arañas y escorpiones venenosos. Métodos. Análisis bibliométrico de la investigación y de las otras actividades. Se tomaron los artículos sobre venenos y antivenenos publicados entre el 2000 y el 2020 en la base de datos de Scopus. Estos documentos se analizaron mediante indicadores bibliométricos como el número de documentos por año, revistas, autores o frecuencia en las citas. Se utilizó VOSviewer® v.1.6.13 para crear una red bibliométrica para coautorías de países y coapariciones de términos. Resultados. Australia, Brasil, Costa Rica e India estaban entre los seis primeros países con más documentos y se seleccionaron para un análisis más detallado. Costa Rica fue el país con el mayor porcentaje de sus publicaciones dedicadas a la producción de antivenenos y la venómica. Solo unos pocos artículos trataban los temas de la calidad, la seguridad y la eficacia de los antivenenos, o la función de las autoridades regulatorias nacionales. Gracias a VOSviewer® pudimos visualizar las publicaciones conjuntas de las colaboraciones entre países. La visualización por la coaparición de términos arrojó diferencias en la investigación realizada. Conclusiones. Si estos cuatro países trabajasen de forma colaborativa y coordinada, podrían tener una repercusión mayor en los envenenamientos por picaduras en el mundo. El foco no debe ponerse solo en la producción de antivenenos, sino también en fortalecer la supervisión regulatoria de estos productos.

RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar a produtividade e visibilidade em pesquisa, estudos clínicos, tratamento, uso e produção de antivenenos contra peçonhas de serpentes, escorpiões e aranhas. Métodos. Análise bibliométrica de pesquisas e outras atividades. Artigos sobre venenos e antivenenos publicados entre 2000 e 2020 foram obtidos da base de dados Scopus. O conteúdo foi analisado segundo indicadores bibliométricos, como número de artigos por ano, periódicos, autores e frequência de citação. Utilizou-se o software VOSviewer® v.1.6.13 para construir redes bibliométricas de coautoria de países e co-ocorrência de termos. Resultados. Austrália, Brasil, Costa Rica e Índia figuraram entre os seis principais países com o maior número de artigos e, assim, foram selecionados para uma análise mais aprofundada. A Costa Rica teve a maior porcentagem de publicações dedicadas à produção de antivenenos e pesquisa em venômica. Apenas um pequeno número de artigos tratou de questões relacionadas à qualidade, segurança e eficácia dos antivenenos ou ao papel das autoridades nacionais reguladoras. O software VOSviewer® permitiu visualizar, através das publicações conjuntas, as redes formadas entre diferentes países. A visualização por co-ocorrência de termos revelou diferenças nas pesquisas realizadas. Conclusões. Trabalhando de forma colaborativa e coordenada, esses quatro países tiveram uma influência importante em nível mundial no campo de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Deve-se atentar não apenas à produção de antivenenos, mas também ao fortalecimento da fiscalização regulatória destes.

In vivo and in vitro prospection of the anti-ophidic properties exercised by the extracts of Jacaranda decurrens L

The research and development of alternative treatments for snakebites (e.g., medicinal plants) is necessary due to the high costs of the existing ones. The effects of the aqueous extracts from Jacaranda decurrens leaves, roots, and xylopodium were analyzed upon the venom-induced (Bothrops spp. and Crotalus spp.) systemic and local toxicity. The extracts were able to partially inhibit the phospholipase activity of the venoms from Bothrops jararacussu and Crotalus durissus terrificus. The myotoxic, edema-inducing, coagulant, and hemorrhagic activities were also inhibited. The SDS-PAGE showed that the venom proteins were intact after their incubation with the extracts. This suggests that the possible mechanism of inhibition is not related to the degradation of the protein but rather to their binding to specific sites of the enzymes. The extracts significantly prolonged the survival time of animals in the lethality assay performed with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and its toxin (crotoxin). The anti-ophidic activity of medicinal plants may aid in the management of snakebites in distant locations by reducing the victim’s local effects and time to heal.

Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro

Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.(AU)