Action of BjussuMP-II, a snake venom metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom, on human neutrophils.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are enzymatic proteins present in large amounts in snake venoms presenting proteolytic, hemorrhagic, and coagulant activities. BjussuMP-II, a class P-I SVMP, isolated from the Bothrops jararacussu snake venom does not have relevant hemorrhagic activity but presents fibrinolytic, fibrinogenolytic, antiplatelet, gelatinolytic, and collagenolytic action. This study aimed to verify the action of BjussuMP-II on human neutrophil functionality focusing on the lipid bodies formation and hydrogen peroxide production, the release of dsDNA through colorimetric and microscopic assays, and cytokines by immunoenzymatic assays. Results showed that BjussuMP-II at concentrations of 1.5 up to 50 µg/mL for 24 h is not toxic to human neutrophils using an MTT assay. Under non-cytotoxic concentrations, BjussuMP-II can induce an increase in the formation of lipid bodies, production of hydrogen peroxide and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)] liberation and, the release of dsDNA to form NETs. Taken together, the data obtained show for the first time that BjussuMP-II has a pro-inflammatory action and activates human neutrophils that can contribute to local damage observed in snakebite victims.

Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Toxicity of Disoproxil Tenofovir Fumarate and Emtricitabine for Mild to Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infections

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of tenofovir (TDF) and TDF combined with emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infections. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with clinical suspicion of mild to moderate respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 who were treated at an outpatient clinic. Patients were randomly recruited to take 10 days of TDF (300 mg/day), TDF (300 mg/day) combined with FTC (200 mg/day) or placebo Vitamin C (500 mg/day). The primary parameter was the score of symptoms and predictive signs of COVID-19, assessed on the seventh day of patient follow-up. From a total of 309 patients with clinical suspicion of SARS-CoV-2, 227 met the inclusion criteria and were randomly distributed into the following groups: (a) 75 (one did not initiate treatment) in the TDF group; (b) 74 in the TDF combined with FTC group; and (c) 77 in the Vitamin C group (placebo). Of the 226 patients, 139 (62%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Fever ([≥]37.8{degrees}C), ageusia or dysgeusia, anosmia or dysosmia, and two or more clinical symptoms or signs were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no significant change in clinical score based on clinical symptoms and signs between treatment groups. Patients with mild to moderate infection by SARS-CoV-2 had higher concentrations of G-CSF, IL-1{beta}, IL-6 and TNF- compared to patients without infection. Patients with mild to moderate respiratory infection, with fever ([≥]37.8{degrees}C), loss of smell, loss of taste and two or more symptoms, have a better prediction for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 showed higher and more persistent proinflammatory cytokines profile compared to patients not infected with SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacological intervention with TDF or TDF combined with FTC did not change the clinical signs and symptoms score in mild to moderate respiratory infection in patients with SARS-CoV-2 compared to the Vitamin C group (placebo).

Bacteriologicalhhazards and risks associated with seafood consumption in Brazil / Perigos e riscos bacteriologicos associados ao consumo de pescado no Brasil

SUMMARY The present study is a review of data available in Brazil on bacterial diseases transmitted through the consumption of seafood and related products. Data are presented regarding outbreaks and cases of disease and laboratory findings associated with pathogens in seafood and related products, and methods for prevention and control are described. .

RESUMO Esta revisão apresenta dados qualitativos e quantitativos sobre doenças bacterianas e achados laboratoriais associados ao consumo de pescado e derivados no Brasil de 1983 a 2011. Os resultados mostram uma séria lacuna de dados epidemiológicos relacionados a surtos causados por pescado. Os poucos dados disponíveis indicam que em contraste com outros surtos alimentares transmitidos por carne, aves, laticínios e vegetais, as bactérias patogênicas teriam um menor destaque na transmissão destas doenças pelo consumo de pescado e derivados. Vibrio parahaemolyticus parece ser a causa mais frequente das doenças causadas pelo consumo de pescado e derivados, bem como a bactéria patogênica mais comumente presente nesses produtos nas investigações laboratoriais. .