Systematic analysis reveals the action mechanisms and medicinal implications of latroeggtoxin-VI

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  Image Credit:  Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=331021 Systematic analysis reveals the action mechanisms and medicinal implications of latroeggtoxin-VI Abstract Latrodectus spp. spiders, most often called black widow spiders, are one of the most venomous spiders known in the world. Different from many other venomous animals, Latrodectus spp. spiders have toxic components not only in their venom glands, but also in other parts of the adult spider body, newborn spiderlings and even the eggs. Latroeggtoxin-VI (LETX-VI), a bioactive peptide found from the eggs of spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, has been shown to extensively affect the metabolic processes in nerve cells via multiple action mechanisms. Due to its abilities to promote the synthesis, transport and release of dopamine, down-regulate the expression of α-synuclein, inhibit excessive inflammation, protect nerve cells, transmembrane deliver drugs, etc., LETX-VI is suggested to have a...

Scorpion Sting Envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease: A Nationwide Survey Exploring Perspectives and Attitudes of Resident Doctors from India

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Scorpion Sting Envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease: A Nationwide Survey Exploring Perspectives and Attitudes of Resident Doctors from India

Abstract

Scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) is a commonly encountered and a significant problem in the tropics, affecting rural and marginalized communities. However, it is not formally listed as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the WHO. We designed this cross-sectional study to explore medical graduates' and resident doctors' perspectives on SSE as an NTD and to assess their experiences, knowledge, and confidence in managing these patients. An online questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to interns and resident doctors across India. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for factors predicting high self-reported confidence scores for managing scorpion stings using multivariable logistic regression. The final questionnaire contained 26 items including participant background, perspectives about SSE being an NTD, experiences, knowledge, and skills needed to manage, and prevent stings effectively. Of 454 participants, 69% opined that SSE was an NTD, and > 60% felt that SSE was inadequately addressed within undergraduate training. Predictors of high self-reported confidence scores in management competencies were residency in a clinical branch that commonly encountered SSE (internal/emergency medicine or pediatrics, P < 0.0001), having ever managed an SSE patient alone or as a part of a team (P < 0.0001), and attending a class or teaching session on SSE during undergraduate training (P = 0.048). Our results suggest that residents across India believe that there is an urgent need to declare SSE an NTD to increase its visibility, further paving the way for innovative multilevel cross-cutting solutions for mitigation. Designing authentic learning experiences can help produce competent and empathetic physicians in managing and preventing SSE.

Kumar, A., Goyal, S., Garg, M. K., and Gopalakrishnan, M. (2023). Scorpion Sting Envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease: A Nationwide Survey Exploring Perspectives and Attitudes of Resident Doctors from India. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (published online ahead of print 2023), tpmd230194, available from: < https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.23-0194> [Accessed 17 September 2023]