Ecological and social contexts of scorpion stings in Manaus, the largest metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon

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  Ecological and social contexts of scorpion stings in Manaus, the largest metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon Abstract Scorpion stings remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in Brazil, where an estimatied 117,185 cases are reported annually, reflecting a persistent and growing burden on the healthcare system. Globally, more than two million cases occur each year, especially in areas undergoing environmental disturbances such as deforestation and unplanned urbanization. This study investigates the ecological and social contexts of scorpion stings in Manaus, the largest metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon. This qualitative study was conducted at the Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation (FMT-HVD), a reference center for scorpion stings, between January 2020 and March 2025. Data were collected through clinical questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and household field observations. Thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti. Thir...

Venom-loaded cationic-functionalized poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for serum production against Tityus serrulatus scorpion

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Venom-loaded cationic-functionalized poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for serum production against Tityus serrulatus scorpion

Abstract

Reported accidents involving scorpion poisoning by Tityus serrulatus are the most frequent in Brazil. The only specific treatment for envenomation is the administration of antivenoms associated with traditional adjuvants. Novel adjuvants are studied to reduce or avoid side effects and potentialize the efficacy of conventional serum. In this study, poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles were functionalized with polyethylenimine for loading peptides and proteins of T. serrulatus venom, and their use as a potential immunoadjuvant was evaluated. The protein loading efficiency of about 100% and the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assay confirmed the success of venom loading. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis supported small and narrow-sized cationic functionalized nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed nanoparticles with a spherical and smooth shape. The stability of tested formulations was accessed for six weeks, and the sustained release of proteins controlled by diffusion mechanism was also measured. Finally, in vivo immunization in BALB/c mice showed superior efficacy of the T. serrulatus venom protein-loaded nanoparticles compared to the traditional aluminum hydroxide immunoadjuvant. Thus, the formulations shown are promising nanocarriers to be used as a biotechnological approach to immunotherapy against scorpion envenomation.

Mesquita, P. d. C.; Soares, K. S. R.; Torres-Rêgo, M.; dos Santos-Silva, E.; Alves-Silva, M. F.; Cornélio, A. M.; Fernandes-Pedrosa, M. d. F.; da Silva-Júnior, A. A. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1633–1643. doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.115