Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

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  Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation Abstract Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findin...

Scorpionism in children and adolescents: clinical and epidemiological factors associated with severe cases

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Scorpionism in children and adolescents: clinical and epidemiological factors associated with severe cases

Summary

Objective: To analyze the association between epidemiological and clinical factors and the severity of scorpion accidents in children and adolescents. Methods: This is a retrospective quantitative cross-sectional study that analyzed 648 medical records of patients aged zero to twelve. The outcome variable was the severity of scorpionism, with bivariate analyzes (Pearson's Chi-Square test) and Poisson multivariate analyzes to identify associated factors. Results: It was evident that 34.7% of cases were serious, predominantly in female children, under three years of age, non-white, urban and from Montes Claros. Most accidents occurred before 5pm, in the lower limbs, with care after 1am. After-effects (RP=1.75; 95%CI 1.00-3.05) and UTI (RP=2.45 95%CI 1.23-4.88) were associated with severity, while bites in the lower limbs reduced the prevalence of serious accidents (RP= 0.76; IC95 0.6-2.94). Conclusion: The epidemiological profile indicated that the majority of bites occurred before 5 pm, with care after 1 hour, and bites in the lower limbs were associated with a lower prevalence. The clinical profile was related to ICU admission and the use of vasoactive amines. Given the importance of scorpionism in children, it is crucial to educate the population to prevent accidents and improve the prognosis.


OrnelasY. CRC, SilvaV. B. da, FortesM. AM, AlvesS. AF, SilvaD. S., PrinceK. A. de, RochaA. L. de F., RochaJ. SB, & PopoffD. AV (2024). Scorpionism in children and adolescents: clinical and epidemiological factors associated with serious cases. Electronic Magazine Acervo Saúde , 24 (5), e15972. https://doi.org/10.25248/reas.e15972.2024