Confirmed Envenomation by Androctonus amoreuxi (Egyptian Yellow Fat Tail Scorpion)

In the United States, envenomations by native scorpion species such as Centruroides are common and generally well-tolerated. On the contrary, Androctonus species envenomations are exceedingly rare outside the Middle East and North Africa but are particularly deadly. We report a case of envenomation by an Egyptian Yellow Fat Tail (Androctonus amoreuxi) scorpion and the subsequent clinical course. A hobbyist and dangerous scorpion collector was stung by his pet Androctonus amoreuxi, purchased online. Our patient rapidly developed severe localized pain followed by systemic effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, anxiety, GI symptoms, diplopia, dyspnea, profound myalgias, and intense paresthesias. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with a grade 2-to-3 scorpion envenomation based upon evidence of autonomic hyperactivity and cranial nerve dysfunction. He never progressed to cardiopulmonary compromise;neither dobutamine nor antivenom was administered, and he improved with supportive care alone. Case details were verified in person and via electronic medical record review.

Scorpion仪器A单元PA/AD板电路组成及原理分析

PA/AD板是Scorpion仪器采集系统A单元中的重要组成部分,该板的好坏对采集系统的性能指标起决定性作用。本文对Scorpion仪器采集站中的地震数据采集通道部分的电路、组成及各组成电路的工作原理进行了深入地分析。

全新的Scorpion陆地地震采集系统

Scorpion系统是ION公司推出的基于有线数传技术、以全新理念设计的陆地数据采集系统。该系统具有稳定可靠、功耗低、精度高、带道能力强、兼容能力强等特点,可快速、直观地查询电缆故障。Scorpion系统不仅支持数字检波器采集,也支持模拟检波器作业。为提高石油地震勘探和煤田地震勘探的野外生产效率及进一步提高野外原始资料的品质提供了可靠的保证。

Transcriptome analysis of the <i>Tityus serrulatus</i>scorpion venom gland

The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion, this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms underlying the venomous character of T. serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.

Midbrain enkephalin expression in a rat migraine model following intragastric scorpion powder administration

Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.

Recombinant scorpion insectotoxin AaIT kills specifically insect cells but not human cellss

The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LCs0 value of 18.4 uM and 0.70 μM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 μM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3μM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.

Scorpions-ARMS法检测非小细胞肺癌患者外周血EGFR基因突变及其临床预测价值的研究

目的应用蝎形扩增阻滞突变系统(Scorpions-ARMS)检测非小细胞肺癌患者外周血EGFR基因突变及其临床预测价值的研究。方法应用蝎型扩增阻滞突变系统(Scorpions-ARMS)检测非小细胞肺癌外周血中EGFR基因第18、19、20及21外显子突变,统计分析EGFR基因突变的相关因素。结果 50例非小细胞肺癌患者中,EGFR基因的突变率为30%(15/50)。结果 EGFR基因的突变率47.4%(女性)明显高于19.4%(男性)。非吸烟患者EGFR突变率45.5%高于吸烟患者17.9%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.035)。在非小细胞肺癌患者中,腺癌患者EGFR突变率40.6%明显高于非腺癌患者11.1%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.029)。结论 Scorpions-ARMS是检测血清游离DNA中EGFR基因突变的可靠有效方法。

Scorpion ethanol extract and valproic acid effects on hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of chronic-kindling epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine

The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Results were subsequently compared with valproic acid. Results showed gradually- increased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression following model establishment; glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression was significantly increased at 3 days, reached a peak at 7 days, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Ethanol extracts of scorpion doses of 580 and 1 160 mg/kg, as well as 120 mg/kg valproic acid, led to a decreased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression, as well as decreased seizure grades and frequency of spontaneously recurrent seizures. The effects of 1 160 mg/kg ethanol extracts of scorpion were equal to those of 120 mg/kg valproic acid. These results suggested that the anti-epileptic effect of ethanol extracts of scorpion were associated with decreased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of lithium chlofide-pilocarpine induced epilepsy.

Effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus rats

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion （EES） exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate （positive control drug） in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences ＆ Sichuan Provincial People＇s Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS： EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate （Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China） and lithium chloride-pilocarpine （Sigma, USA） were also used in the present study. METHODS： From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups （n = 30, respectively）. Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine （1 mg/kg） and diazepam （10 mg/kg） to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8：00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Terminal dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS： A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points （P 〈 0.05）. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group （P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01）. Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.

VIB金属蝎型配合物(Scorpionate)的研究进展

综述了VIB金属(Mo、W)多吡唑硼配合物近年来的研究进展。详细地叙述了第二代多吡唑硼配体的合成与表征。

Scorpion仪器源驱动功能在华北探区的应用

可控震源勘探属于绿色环保勘探方式,在国内外许多探区有着广泛应用。随着可控震源勘探技术的发展,这种勘探方式已经成为了高效率、高密度勘探的首选方法。本文介绍了在华北探区应用Scorpion仪器震源源驱动功能进行施工生产的实现步骤,并对生产中出现的问题与解决办法进行了说明。

合理使用Scorpion仪器和采集设备的探讨

随着采集设备Scorpion地震仪器主机和采集设备的老化,显现出来的问题愈发明显,但是它们依旧能进行大部分常规采集项目。在一些探区,Scorpion仪器仍然是主力地震勘探仪器。Scorpion仪器主机软件中的温度监测、备份恢复、磁盘阵列监测等功能有助于提前预防和发现问题。电场感应和温度影响是考虑采集设备适用性的重要因素。提前剔除老化设备是保证采集顺利进行的重要条件。

Scorpion仪器源驱动功能的开发运用

Scorpion仪器的源驱动生产方式能有效控制激发点精度,提高施工效率与资料品质。本文从引进设备功能开发运用着手,介绍了源驱动的工作原理,源驱动功能的开发、实现方法及其运用效果。详细地阐述了使用源驱动方式生产前Scorpion仪器及ShotProⅡ译码器相关参数的设置方法。

Scorpion仪器野外故障及排除方法

笔者凭借对Scorpion设备的实际操作经验以及对重点三维采集项目的总结,归纳了使用Scorpion仪器在野外生产采集过程中遇到的一些问题及解决办法,并介绍了V12绘图仪双通道绘图回放的设计安装问题。本文主要针对野外操作层面,立足于解决Scorpion仪器野外故障问题。

The effects of scorpion(Buthus martensi Karsch)venom on rat left ventricular function

In order to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the scorpion(Buthus martensiKarsch)venom(BmKv),the left ventricle of the rats was catheterized via the right carotidartery.The LVP,LVEDP,+dp/dt max,Vmax,HR and BP were observed.The results showedthat intravenous injection of the BmKv(60μg/kg),in comparison with the control,elicited obvi-ous hypertension and increase of cardiac contractility,both of which lasted for 1h,while theheart rate had no significant change rand that pretreating the rats with alpha-adrenergic blocker,phentolamine,antagonized the hypertensive effects,but did not antagonize the increase of cardiaccontractility.Pretreatment with beta-adrenergic blocker,propranolol,has no influence on the ef-fects of the venom.It is suggested that the hypertensive effects are due to the activation of al-pha-adrenergic receptor,whereas the increase of cardiac contractility may not be resulted fromthe activation of beta-adrenergic receptor.The BmKv treated with dithiothreitol before injectionhad no cardiovascular effects,indicating that the intact disulfide bridges play a decisive role inthe cardiovascular effects of the BmKv.

Inhibitory effects of scorpion venom heat-resistant protein on neurotoxicity of exogenous amyloid beta peptide 1-40

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein （SVHRP） exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE： To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte activity and synaptic density in the hippocampus induced by amyloid β peptide 1-40 （Aβ1-40） neurotoxicity. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, and the Laboratory of Physiology, in Dalian Medical University between March 2006 and June 2008. MATERIALS： Aβ1-40 was provided by Biosource, USA; SVHRP was a patented biological product of Dalian Medical University （No. ZL01 1 06166.9）. METHODS： A total of 27 healthy, 2-month-old, male SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups： control, Aβ, and SVHRP, with 9 rats in each group. Alzheimer＇s disease was simulated with 10 μg Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the hippocampus of the Aβ and SVHRP groups. The control group was injected with 2 μL 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. One day following model establishment, the SVHRP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/100 g SVHRP, while the control group and Aβ group received 0.5 mL/100 g tri-distilled water, once per day, for 10 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 16 days following model establishment, synaptophysin （p38） expression in CA1-CA4 regions of the rat hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） expression surrounding the hippocampal Aβ1-40 injected area was also detected. At 11 days following model establishment, escape latency, swimming time, and distance to target quadrant were measured using the Morris water maze. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the Aβ group exhibited notably reduced p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably increased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was prolonged （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were shortened in the Aβ group. Compared with the Aβ group, the SVHRP group exhibited notably increased p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably decreased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were significantly prolonged. CONCLUSION： SVHRP inhibited exogenous Aβ1-40-induced astrocyte activation and synaptic density decline in the rat hippocampus. Place navigation and spatial searching results showed that SVHRP blocked Aβ1-40-induced impaired learning and memory.

Scorpion地震采集系统V4.1.1.5软件升级

Scorpion V4.1.1.5软件是美国ION公司最新推出的软件版本。文章对V4.1.1.5软件升级的步骤、注意事项做了详细阐述,并对V4.1.1.5版本软件的改进和操作中应注意的问题做了简要介绍。

Effect of climate change on spatial distribution of scorpions of significant public health importance in Iran

Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled:Hemiscorpius lepturus,Androctonus crassicauda,Mesobuthus eupeus,Hottentotta saulcyi,Hottentotta zagrosensis,and Odontobuthus(O.)doriae,under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios.The Max Ent ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030 s and 2050 s,and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data.Results:A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded.Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies.The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates,at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2954 m above sea level.It is projected that O.doriae,Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country,whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran.Conclusions:Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios,the change would be more significant for O.doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050 s.These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.

Cardiotoxicity among Children Accidentally Exposed to Organophosphate Insecticides Coupled with Scorpion Bites in Gaza

Insecticides are toxic chemicals used at homes for controlling insects of public health importance and controlling agricultural pests at home gardens. Their application may result in accidental poisoning. Four accidental insecticide-poisoning children coupled with a scorpion bitten child were brought to the main hospital in southern Gaza for medical treatment. Primary investigation showed severe breath shortness, low heartbeat, and low blood pressure (hypotension). These symptoms are indications of potential cardiotoxicity among children. Electrocardiograms were measured and indicated various heart complications between cases. Complete blood count (CBC) determination showed the highest white blood cells (WBC) in the scorpion-bitted child suggesting the development of immune defense system. Blood electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca2+) concentrations indicated disturbances due to poisoning. An interesting outcome of the study is the dramatic alteration in blood glucose concentration. Additionally, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) indicated normal activity in poisoning case 1, moderate inhibition in poisoning case 2 and case 3, normal activity in poisoning case 4 and severe inhibition in poisoning case 5. The levels of Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were within the acceptable range whereas the level of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) was above the acceptable reference range suggesting potential Hepato-toxicity. Scorpion bitten child did not receive atropine whereas two poisoned cases were successfully cured by atropine injection. Additionally, alternative safe medical management may be used for cardiotoxicity using vitamin C, vitamin E, quercetin, and curcumin. These vitamins may be recommended as alternative medical treatments for cardiotoxicity.

Cardiac Sarcolemmal Defects in Acute Myocarditis Due to Scorpion Envenoming Syndrome

Death due to scorpion envenoming syndrome is a common event in tropical and subtropical countries. Severe scorpion envenoming causes autonomic storm, massive release of catecholamines, counter-regulatory hormones, suppressed insulin/hyperinsulinemia, acute myocarditis, hyperglycemia, increased free fatty Acid levels, acute pancreatitis, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation, acute pulmonary oedema and death. Severe scorpion envenoming causes cardiac sarcolemmal defects displayed by alterations in Na+ - K+ ATPase, Mg++ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities, inhibition of erythrocyte Na+ - K+ ATPase activities, hyperkalemia and may result in death. Based on our animal experiments in which insulin administration reversed the metabolic and ECG changes induced by scorpion envenoming and treating the poisonous scorpion sting victims with insulin, we consider that insulin has a primary metabolic role in preventing and reversing acute myocarditis, the cardiovascular, haemodynamic, and neurological manifestations and pulmonary oedema induced by scorpion envenoming. Administration of insulin-glucose infusion to scorpion sting victims appears to be the physiological basis for the control of the metabolic response when that has become a determinant to survival. Continuous infusion of regular crystalline insulin should be given at the rate of 0.3 U/g glucose and glucose at the rate of 0.1 g/kg body weight/hour, for 48 - 72 hours, with supplementation of potassium as needed and maintenance of fluid, electrolytes and acid-base balance. The observation of cardiac sarcolemmal defects and physiological basis of various patho-physiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of scorpion envenoming syndrome and its reversal (in the experimental animals and scorpion sting victims) by administration of insulin are reviewed.