Humanized synthetic nanobody library for antivenom development

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  Humanized synthetic nanobody library for antivenom development Abstract Humanized synthetic nanobodies are increasingly important in biomedical research and therapeutic antibody development owing to their high specificity, small size, superior tissue penetration, and reduced immunogenicity. In this study, we constructed a humanized synthetic nanobody library by combining eight sub-libraries. Each sub-library comprised four framework regions derived from human immunoglobulin framework sequences, whereas the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) were designed based on camelid nanobody sequences. The resulting combined library reached a titer of 1.8 × 10 8  CFU/mL, with approximately 80% of clones containing correct inserts. To evaluate the functionality of the library, a synthetic 15-mer peptide mimic (Asp49-41) corresponding to an enzymatic region of Asp49 phospholipase A 2  (PLA 2 ) from snake ( Crotalus atrox ) venom was synthesized and used as the target antigen. Four...

A cross-sectional study of scorpion stings in high-risk areas of Islamic Republic of Iran

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A cross-sectional study of scorpion stings in high-risk areas of Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract 

Background: Scorpion sting is one of the most serious health problems in Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics, as well as the knowledge, attitude and practices of health workers, physicians and residents regarding scorpion stings in the scorpion-prone southern areas of Kerman Province, Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Methods: Using SPSS version 20, we analysed the 2021 annual epidemiological report of scorpion stings for the southern counties of Kerman Province, including the clinical features of scorpion sting patients. 

Results: A total of 3106 scorpion stings were recorded in 2021, with an average incidence of 390.3 per 100 000. Most (37.5%) stings occurred during the summer months, among children less than 10 years old (22.2%), in rural areas (82.6%), and in the hands (42.3%) and feet (41.2%). Localized reactions included immediate pain and redness (52%), severe pain (8.7%), local burning pain (17.4%), swelling (4.3%) at the site of envenomation, and no reaction (17.6%). Knowledge of health workers and physicians about scorpion stings was generally weak. Health workers were significantly more knowledgeable about the biology of dangerous scorpions (P = 0.003) while physicians were more knowledgeable about black scorpion venom compounds (P = 0.01). 

Conclusion: Efforts should be made to ensure safe housing designs and provide comprehensive education to health workers and community members to help reduce scorpion sting incidence and enhance the management of cases in the province. 

Saman IAG, Dehghan H, Movahed E. A cross-sectional study of scorpion stings in high-risk areas of Islamic Republic of Iran. East Mediterr Health J. 2026;32(2):77–85. https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.2.77.