BACKGROUND: Species of the Jatropha genus (Euphorbiaceae) are used indiscriminately in traditional medicine to treat accidents involving venomous animals. Jatropha mutabilis Baill., popularly known as \"pinhão-de-seda,\" is found in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. It is widely used as a vermifuge, depurative, laxative, and antivenom.
OBJECTIVE: Obtaining the phytochemical profile of the latex of Jatropha mutabilis (JmLa) and evaluate its acute oral toxicity and inhibitory effects against the venom of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus (TstiV).
METHODS: The latex of J. mutabilis (JmLa) was obtained through in situ incisions in the stem and characterized using HPLC-ESI-QToF-MS. Acute oral toxicity was investigated in mice. The protein profile of T. stigmurus venom was obtained by electrophoresis. The ability of latex to interact with venom components (TstiV) was assessed using SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis scanning spectrum, and the neutralization of fibrinogenolytic and hyaluronidase activities. Additionally, the latex was evaluated in vivo for its ability to inhibit local edematogenic and nociceptive effects induced by the venom.
RESULTS: The phytochemical profile of the latex revealed the presence of 75 compounds, including cyclic peptides, glycosides, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, coumarins, and terpenoids, among others. No signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 2000 mg/kg (p.o.). The latex interacted with the protein profile of TstiV, inhibiting the venom\'s fibrinogenolytic and hyaluronidase activities by 100%. Additionally, the latex was able to mitigate local envenomation effects, reducing nociception by up to 56.5% and edema by up to 50% compared to the negative control group.
CONCLUSIONS: The latex of Jatropha mutabilis exhibits a diverse phytochemical composition, containing numerous classes of metabolites. It does not present acute toxic effects in mice and has the ability to inhibit the enzymatic effects of Tityus stigmurus venom in vitro. Additionally, it reduces nociception and edema in vivo. These findings corroborate popular reports regarding the antivenom activity of this plant and indicate that the latex has potential for treating scorpionism.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a young patient with scorpion sting (SS) with typical lesions of urticaria besides the local SS clinical picture.
METHODS: A systematic screening of articles dating from 1966 to 2021 was conducted in the main databases. All articles included the association between SS and urticaria. A new case report is added to the published list.
RESULTS: The literature search found 5 articles with 29 patients with SS and urticaria/allergic reactions. We performed our analysis by adding our present case, resulting in a total of 30 cases. Most were male, and their ages varied from 29 to 48 years. Regarding SS severity, most were mild or moderate. In two articles, patients had more than one sting. The allergic reaction varied from urticaria, pruritus, flushing, angioedema, wheezing, rhinorrhea, sneezing, consciousness alterations, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular alterations. In 5/6 (83%) articles, the patients were alive at the study time. One subject died from anaphylactic shock.
CONCLUSIONS: The present article systematically reviewed all published cases of SS and allergic reactions to scorpion venom. It is an infrequent association; most patients are male and in the productive age, and reaction may vary from mild to severe, including death.

Morocco is one of the main countries affected in North African with the scorpion envenomations. Faced with the threat, significant morbidity and a major risk of death especially in children, a detailed identification of scorpionic profile of stings remains important for health authorities at national or even regional level. The current study aims to establish the epidemiological, clinical, biological and evolutionary data of the scorpionism by analyzing 383 cases of scorpion stings in children from three age groups (<1 year, 1-5 years and >5 years), admitted at the Regional Hospital Hassan II-Agadir in the Souss Massa region during the period of 9 years and 10 months from January 2013 to October 2022. Our results showed that patients under 1 year of age presented the most severe cases and had the highest mortality rate. However, the clinical signs and symptoms observed illustrated severe damages to vital systems, particularly the cardiovascular, neurological and pulmonary systems, although the signs associated with the latter were present only in cases admitted in grades 2 and 3 for the three age categories studied. Fluctuations in vital constants (temperature and peripheral oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate), biochemical parameters (ASAT, ALAT, urea and blood creatine, as well as blood sugar) and CBC results revealed major functional disturbances in vital organs, especially in envenomated cases admitted in grade 3. A positive correlation was mentioned between the state of evolution and the various epidemiological parameters, digestive symptoms, as well as signs and symptoms linked to hemodynamic state, general and neurological state. The main interest is to illustrate the seriousness of scorpion envenomations, especially in the high-risk population, for whom an improved therapeutic approach in health centers will undoubtedly be reinforced, and the admission of immunotherapy, as a fundamental part of the treatment, remains important.

UNASSIGNED: Kerman Province is one of the endemic foci of scorpionism in southeastern Iran. Totally 17 species are reported for Kerman Province fauna. The current study seeks to determine the fauna of medically important scorpions in northern parts of this province.
UNASSIGNED: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2021. The specimens were captured from different areas, by rock-rolling during day and using Ultraviolet light at night. The specimens were preserved in ethanol (80%) and then identified using reliable identification keys for scorpions.
UNASSIGNED: Totally, 499 specimens were captured from eight cities in northern Kerman. In total, 11 species belonging to three families were identified. Buthacus sp. is reported for the first time from Kerman Province. Buthacus sp., Hottentotta cf. juliae, and Hottentotta cf. schach, were the lowest in frequency of occurrence, against Mesobuthus navidpouri as the highest frequency.
UNASSIGNED: The results of this study are useful for the preparation of regional or monovalent antivenom for the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Additionally, the obtained data are useful for the effective planning of scorpion control programs in the northern parts of Kerman Province, Iran.

Scorpion sting accidents are a public health problem in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The increasing and high incidence of cases in urban areas reveals the importance of studies to determine the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of these accidents. This is a retrospective study that describes and analyzes the cases of scorpion stings in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Data from the Information System database of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) were obtained from the Secretary of Health of Rio Grande do Norte. 31,368 accidents due to scorpion stings were reported, more frequently in urban areas of Natal, whose Human Development Index is low. The cases occurred predominantly in hot and humid regions, mainly affecting women aged between 30 and 60 years. Most individuals sought medical attention within 3 h of the incident. The severity and mortality of the injured individuals varied according to the area of occurrence, age of the patient, and the local and systemic symptoms presented. Pain, numbness, and edema were the most frequent local symptoms, and systemic symptoms were frequently described as headache, hyperthermia and sweating. Therefore, scorpionism in the city of Natal is an environmental and public health problem, with a significant growth trend (p < 0.05). Through the data collected on the spatial distribution and risks, this approach allows the creation of effective control strategies to prevent accidents.

UNASSIGNED: Scorpionism (scorpion sting envenoming) is an endemic public health concern in many Arab Middle Eastern countries. However, our knowledge of the epidemiology of scorpion stings in the West Bank is limited.
UNASSIGNED: To investigate the epidemiology of scorpion stings in 4 districts of the West Bank over a specified period.
UNASSIGNED: We obtained scorpion sting records from the main hospitals in 4 districts of the West Bank for 2012 and 2014-2020. A total of 2175 cases were analyzed retrospectively using SPSS version 17.
UNASSIGNED: The average age and standard deviation (±SD) for both sexes was 24.7±17.5 years (22.7±16.5 and 27.1±18.4 years for males and females, respectively). The median age was 20 years and 47.2% were children under 18 years. Most cases were reported during the summer months, between June and October, with a peak in July-August. By anatomic site, the right hand was the most commonly stung in both sexes, followed by the right foot. The chest, buttocks and scrotum were the least affected body parts. Clinical data were available for 405 cases, in which pain, vomiting and sweating were the most common symptoms. The overall incidence of stings was 26.32 per 100 000 inhabitants per year over the study period of 8 years (59.21-171.67, 95% CI).
UNASSIGNED: Scorpion stings are commonly encountered by adults and children in the West Bank. There is a need for awareness among the West Bank populations on how to avoid being stung, to train medical staff to better manage sting cases, and to evaluate the antivenom currently being used by physicians for scorpion stings.
الخصائص الوبائية للسعات العقارب في الضفة الغربية.
إلياس ن. حنضل محمد أبو سرحان، مازن ب. قمصية، ريهان بني هاني، ديفيد أ. وارل، زهير س. عمرو.
UNASSIGNED: يُعَد التسمم بلسعات العقارب من المخاوف الصحية العامة المتوطنة في العديد من البلدان العربية بالشرق الأوسط. غير أن معرفتنا بالخصائص الوبائية للسعات العقارب في الضفة الغربية محدودة.
UNASSIGNED: هدفت هذه الدراسة الى استقصاء الخصائص الوبائية للسعات العقارب في 4 مناطق بالضفة الغربية على مدار مدة محددة.
UNASSIGNED: حصلنا على سجلات لسعات العقارب من المستشفيات الرئيسية في 4 مناطق بالضفة الغربية للأعوام 2012 و 2020–2014. وحُلِّلت 2175 حالة بأثر رجعي باستخدام الإصدار 17 من برنامج SPSS.
UNASSIGNED: بلغ متوسط العمر والانحراف المعياري (±) لكلا الجنسين 17,5 ± 24,7 عامًا (16,5 ± 22,7 و 18,4 ± 27,1 عامًا للذكور والإناث على التوالي). وبلغ العمر الوسيط 20 عامًا، وكان 47,2 ٪منهم من الأطفال دون سن 18 عامًا. وأُبلغَ عن معظم الحالات خلال أشهر فصل الصيف، بين شهرَي يونيو/ حزيران وأكتوبر/ تشرين الأول، ووقعت ذروة الإصابة في شهرَي يوليو/ تموز وأغسطس/ آب. وبحسب الموضع التشريحي، فإن اليد اليمنى هي الأكثر تعرضًا للسعات بين الجنسين، تليها القدم اليمنى. وكان الصدر والأرداف والصفن أقل أجزاء الجسم تضررًا. وتتوافر بيانات سريرية عن 405 حالات، حيث كانت الأعراض الأكثر شيوعًا هي الألم والقيء والتعرق. وبلغ معدل الإصابة الإجمالي باللسعات 26,32 لكل 100000 نسمة سنويًّا على مدار مدة الدراسة التي امتدت ثمانية أعوام (59,21–-171,67، فاصل الثقة 95٪).
UNASSIGNED: يشيع تعرُّض البالغين والأطفال للسعات العقارب في الضفة الغربية. وهناك حاجة إلى توعية سكان الضفة الغربية بكيفية تجنُّب التعرض للسعات، وتدريب الطاقم الطبي على تحسين علاج حالات لسعات العقارب، وتقييم مضاد السم الذي يستخدمه الأطباء حاليًّا لعلاج لسعات العقارب.
Épidémiologie des piqûres de scorpions en Cisjordanie.
UNASSIGNED: Le scorpionisme (envenimation par piqûre de scorpion) est un problème de santé publique endémique dans de nombreux pays arabes du Moyen-Orient. Toutefois, nos connaissances en matière d\'épidémiologie des piqûres de scorpion en Cisjordanie sont limitées.
UNASSIGNED: Étudier l\'épidémiologie des piqûres de scorpion dans quatre districts de Cisjordanie au cours d\'une période spécifique.
UNASSIGNED: Nous avons obtenu les dossiers relatifs aux piqûres de scorpion provenant des principaux hôpitaux de quatre districts de Cisjordanie pour l\'année 2012 et pour les années comprises entre 2014 et 2020. Au total, 2175 cas ont été analysés rétrospectivement à l\'aide du logiciel SPSS version 17.
UNASSIGNED: L\'âge moyen et l\'écart type (±ET) pour les deux sexes étaient de 24,7 ans (±17,5) (22,7 ans [±16,5] et 27,1 ans [±18,4] pour les hommes et les femmes, respectivement). L\'âge médian était de 20 ans et 47,2 % des sujets étaient des enfants de moins de 18 ans. La plupart des cas ont été signalés pendant les mois d\'été, entre juin et octobre, avec un pic au cours des mois de juillet et d\'août. Pour les deux sexes, les sites anatomiques les plus souvent piqués étaient la main droite, suivie par le pied droit. La poitrine, les fesses et le scrotum étaient les parties du corps les moins touchées. Les données cliniques étaient disponibles pour 405 cas, pour lesquels les symptômes les plus courants étaient la douleur, les vomissements et la transpiration. L\'incidence globale des piqûres était de 26,32 pour 100 000 habitants par an sur les huit années de l\'étude (59,21-171,67 ; IC à 95 %).
UNASSIGNED: Les piqûres de scorpion sont fréquentes chez les adultes et les enfants en Cisjordanie. Il est nécessaire de sensibiliser les populations locales sur la manière d\'éviter les piqûres, de former le personnel médical à une meilleure prise en charge des cas et d\'évaluer le sérum antivenimeux actuellement utilisé par les médecins pour les traiter.

Scorpion envenomation is a widespread issue in tropical and subtropical countries. In the present study epidemiology of scorpion sting cases and potential treatment options in district Hafizabad, Pakistan are documented. Hafizabad city and the adjacent villages were selected for the data collection. Age, gender, time, site of scorpion sting on the body, scorpion sting symptoms, number of patients obtaining medical attention and the number of fatalities (if any) were noted. Data showed that scorpion envenomation often occurs in people between the ages of 16-47 years. There were more female victims (55%) and most of the scorpion sting incidences (55.49%) occurred between 07 PM and 02 AM Among body parts, both the hands (41.71%) and feet (48.57%) were more vulnerable to scorpion stings. In rural areas, the incidences of scorpion stings were higher (68.57%). The reported symptoms of scorpion stings include pain, hypertension, nausea and allergy. Out of all the victims, only 56.05% sought treatment from health care units as well as traditional medicine practitioners. However, others (43.94%) fully healed on their own without any treatment. People were using different types of plant-based materials and dead scorpions with mustard oil as a potent remedy against scorpion stings. Moreover, in the health care units there was no antivenom available and medical staff usually used common pain killers such as Xylocain and Lignocain for the treatment of scorpion sting.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to elucidate the potential differences in the venom peptide sequences of three Tityus species from Costa Rican rainforests: T. jaimei, T. championi and T. dedoslargos, compared to T. cf. asthenes from Colombia, which could explain the low level of scorpionism in Costa Rica, evidenced by the lack of epidemiological data.
METHODS: We applied venom proteomics of peptides purified by RP-HPLC and compared the obtained sequences from venoms of these Tityus species to the sequences previously identified from Tityus inhabiting other Central and South American regions.
RESULTS: Venom proteome analysis evidences that most of the putative peptide toxins identified in Costa Rican dark-colored Tityus are very similar to those present in other T. (Atreus) from the region.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, in the case of potential envenomation by Tityus in Costa Rica, the same level of toxicity should be observed, compared to other cases caused by members of the subgenus from other geographical localities. On the other hand, compared to countries with more accelerated urban expansion, Costa Rican Tityus still inhabit secondary rainforests and do not commonly share the same spaces with humans, so the lack of epidemiological evidence of medical emergencies caused by envenoming by this scorpion group could be more related to ecological and demographic factors and less attributed to the characteristics of the venom.

Scorpion stings are one of the most important health challenges and high priority research topic in public health. In this study, we aimed to model habitat suitability of the Mesobuthus phillipsii (Pocock 1889), a species with low medical concern, under current and future climatic conditions in Iran. We also identified vulnerable populations to scorpion stings in the country. Scorpion sting risk modeling was done using an ensemble approach by considering two species distribution modeling methods: MaxEnt and Random Forest methods. Distribution modeling was performed using the sdm R package. The results showed that due to climate change in 2070, the high-risk areas will increase from 20,839 to 79,212 km2. Habitats with a moderate risk of scorpion stings will also increase from 139,347 to 222,833 km2. Consequently, the number of villages in high-risk areas of scorpion stings will increase from 2,870 to 7,017, while this number will increase from 12,759 to 20,104 in the case of medium-risk villages. The results of this study can be used for scorpion stings management in Iran. This study can be used as an example for similar studies on scorpions with high medical emergency.

Problem of scorpion envenomation becomes more alarming each year. Main effects of scorpion venom are commonly believed to be related to its neurotoxic properties, yet severe symptoms may also be developed due to the uncontrolled enzymatic activity and formation of various bioactive molecules, including middle-mass molecules (MMMs). MMMs are considered as endogenous intoxication markers, their presence may indicate multiple organ failure. Scorpions, belong to the Leiurus macroctenus species, are very dangerous, nevertheless, effects of their venom on protein and peptide composition within the tissues remains unclear. In this work we have focused the attention on changes in protein and MMM levels and peptide composition in various organs during Leiurus macroctenus envenomation. The results revealed a decrease in protein level during envenomation as well as a significant increment of MMM210 and MMM254 levels in all assessed organs. Quantitative and qualitative compositions of various protein and peptide factions were continually changing. All of this may suggest that Leiurus macroctenus sting causes considerable destruction of cell microenvironment across all essential organs, providing systemic envenomation. In addition, MMM level increment may indicate endogenous intoxication development. Peptides, formed during envenomation, may possess various bioactive properties, analysis of which constitutes an area of further studies.