Ontogenetic and sexual differences in the venom of Bothrops moojeni: insights from a litter and its mother.

Variability in snake venom composition is well-documented and crucial for understanding snake ecology and predicting snakebites. In this study, we characterize the venom composition and biological activities of newborn female and male Bothrops moojeni and their mother. Our results reveal significant differences between the venom of newborn females and males, demonstrating a broad and diverse range of proteins. The venoms of newborn females showed higher serine protease effects, increased hemorrhagic activity, and greater lethality compared to the venom of newborn males. However, no differences were observed in phospholipase A2 and coagulant activity. The differences in protein composition and toxic activities between maternal and neonatal venom, as well as between the venoms of newborn females and males, contribute to understanding the diverse outcomes of snakebites. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and ontogeny in understanding venom composition in snakes.

Respiratory impairment in Brazilian foundry workers exposed to sand.

OBJECTIVE: Foundries date back to the 16th century in Brazil and still constitute a strong economic activity today. Workers are at risk of respiratory diseases due to various exposures such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrolysis degradation products, mineral dust, organic dust, resin, and isocyanates. We evaluate respiratory morbidity among workers in foundries using sand. METHODS: Six foundries with sand molding operations were selected. Length of exposure in years was utilized as a surrogate for exposure. The medical evaluation consisted of a respiratory symptoms questionnaire, occupational history, spirometry, and chest X-rays. Additionally, workers exposed to resins and a control group underwent bronchial provocation tests. RESULTS: A sample of 598 male workers with a mean age of 36.5 years (SD = 10.0) was analyzed. The mean length of exposure was 10.1 years (SD = 7.4). The overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 4.5%. Chronic bronchitis (CB) and X-ray profusion were significantly related to the quartiles of length of exposure (trend tests: P = 0.0055 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant risk of having an abnormal FVC and FEV(1) with the presence of pneumoconiosis (OR = 4.63 CI 1.40-13-23, OR 3.34 CI 1.03-9.26, respectively). Workers exposed to resins compared with controls showed no differences in relation to spirometry, respiratory symptoms and bronchial reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant associations between length of exposure CB and prevalence of profusion 1/0 or above. There was also a significant association for pneumoconiosis versus and abnormal FVC and FEV(1). Foundry workers currently exposed to resins did not show an excess of respiratory symptoms, abnormal spirometry or increased bronchial reactivity.