Search Results (342)

Scorpions possess unique, ornate mid-ventral sensory organs called pectines. The pectines are used to process chemo- and mechanosensory information acquired from the ground as the animal walks, and they are implicated in a variety of behaviors including navigation and detection of mates and prey. Many previous researchers have investigated pecten function by cutting the organs from the animals (full ablation) and comparing their behaviors with those of intact scorpions. This drastic approach is likely to not only cause enormous stress to the ablated animals but also change their behavior. Here, we have developed a method for gently and reversibly impairing the pectines by partially covering them to prevent them from lowering to the ground. Specifically, we fabricated small rectangles of a commercially available lightly adhesive foil tape that we placed across the pectines and secured to the body wall with a thin strip of a more strongly adhesive lab tape. Using a repeated measures design, we monitored the animals’ locomotory activity overnight in small behavioral arenas under three conditions: unmodified (intact) control, pectines restrained, and sham control. We found that scorpions with their pectines restrained had a significant increase in both the distance and duration of movement when compared to unmodified and sham control animals. Our method allows for temporary, reversible compromise of pecten function and should be useful in fully understanding the role of pectines in behavior. Full article

Toscana virus (TOSV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) are arthropod-borne viruses from the Bunyaviricetes class, posing significant human and animal health threats. TOSV, endemic to the Mediterranean region, is a notable human pathogen detected in various animals, suggesting potential zoonotic reservoirs. SBV emerged in Europe in 2011, affecting ruminants and causing reproductive issues, with substantial economic implications. The rapid spread of both viruses underscores the need for novel antiviral strategies. Host defense peptides (HDPs), particularly those derived from scorpion venom, are gaining attention for their antiviral potential. This study investigated pantinin-1 and pantinin-2 for their inhibitory activity against TOSV and SBV by plaque reduction assay, tissue culture infective dose (TCID₅₀) determination, and the analysis of M gene expression via qPCR. Both peptides exhibited potent virucidal activity, with IC₅₀ values of approximately 10 µM, depending on the specific in vitro cell model used. Additionally, the selectivity index (SI) values were favorable across all virus/cell line combinations, with particularly optimal results observed for pantinin-2. In human U87-MG neuronal cells, both peptides effectively blocked TOSV infection, a critical finding given the virus’s association with neurological conditions like encephalitis. The strong efficacy of these peptides against these viruses underscores the broader applicability of venom-derived peptides as promising antiviral agents, particularly in the context of emerging viral pathogens and increasing resistance to conventional therapeutics. Further studies are needed to optimize their antiviral potency and to assess their safety in vivo using animal models. Full article

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common drug-resistant form of epilepsy, often accompanied by cognitive and emotional disturbances, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies. Scorpion Venom Heat-Resistant Synthetic Peptide (SVHRSP), isolated and synthetically derived from scorpion venom, has shown anti-epileptic and neuroprotective potential. This study evaluated the anti-epileptic effects of SVHRSP in a kainic acid (KA)-induced TLE rat model. Our results demonstrated that SVHRSP (0.81 mg/kg/day) reduced the frequency and severity of spontaneous seizures. Behavioral tests showed improved cognitive performance in the novel object recognition, object location, and T-maze tasks, as well as reduced anxiety-like behavior in the open-field test. Moreover, SVHRSP mitigated hippocampal neuronal loss and glial activation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that SVHRSP upregulates genes involved in adhesion molecule-triggered and axon guidance pathways. Western blotting and immunofluorescence further confirmed that SVHRSP restored dendritic (MAP2), axonal (NFL), and synaptic (PSD95) marker expression, elevated the functionally important L1CAM fragment (L1-70), and increased myelin basic protein-induced serine protease activity responsible for L1-70 generation. Blockade of L1CAM expression diminished the neuroprotective effects of SVHRSP, suggesting a critical role for L1CAM-mediated synapse functions. This study is the first to reveal the therapeutic potential of SVHRSP in TLE via L1CAM-associated mechanisms. Full article

Leukemias and lymphomas are hematologic malignancies characterized by complex pathophysiological mechanisms and increasing global incidence. Despite advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, challenges such as drug resistance and relapse persist, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. This review explores the cytotoxic potential of venoms derived from snakes, bees, and scorpions against leukemia and lymphoma cells. Numerous venom-derived components, such as L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s), and peptides like melittin, demonstrate selective antitumor activity through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and immunomodulation. These molecules exert their effects via mitochondrial pathways, caspase activation, and inhibition of pro-survival signaling cascades such as NF-κB and PI3K/Akt. Despite promising preclinical results, the clinical translation of these bioactive compounds remains limited due to challenges in standardization, delivery, and safety profiling. This review highlights recent advances in venom research, summarizes key molecular targets, and discusses future directions to harness venom-derived molecules as innovative therapies for hematological cancers. Full article

For centuries, researchers have been fascinated by the composition of scorpion venom and its local and systemic effects on humans. During a sting, scorpions inject peptides and proteins that can affect immune cells and neurons. While the immune and nervous systems have been studied independently in the context of scorpion stings, here we reveal part of the mechanism by which Tityus serrulatus venom induces hyperalgesia in mice. Through behavioral, immune, imaging assays, and mice genetics, we demonstrate evidence of neuroimmune crosstalk during scorpion stings. Tityus serrulatus venom induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, as well as overt pain-like behavior. The venom directly activated dorsal root ganglia neurons and increased the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Blocking TRPV1⁺ neurons, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NFκB reduced the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, overt pain-like behavior, and the migration of macrophages and neutrophils induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. Collectively, Tityus serrulatus venom targets primary afferent nociceptive TRPV1⁺ neurons to induce hyperalgesia through the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Full article

Scorpion envenomation is a public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions. Currently, there is limited data on the biological effects of Hottentotta judaicus scorpion venom (HjSV) in mammals. This study aims to analyze the effect of HjSV on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperalgesia in mice and its potential modulation of the immunological inflammatory response. Hyperalgesia is characterized by an increased response to pain, accompanied by heightened sensitivity that ranges from mild discomfort to intense pain. A series of tests were conducted, including heat resistance testing in BALB/c mice injected subcutaneously with LPS to induce hyperalgesia and intraperitoneally with HjSV. The hot plate test, used to assess pain endurance in mice, showed that LPS-injected mice, particularly females, exhibited heightened pain sensitivity. This suggests possible sex-based differences in pain perception. When HjSV was administered alone, a reduction in pain sensitivity was observed in both sexes. Additionally, ELISA tests were performed to assess changes in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. A consistent increase in both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed at early time points in females injected with HjSV alone. Moreover, the hyperalgesia induced by LPS was significantly reduced when HjSV was co-administered, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect at early stages. These findings suggest that HjSV has a significant immunomodulatory effect, potentially exerting anti-inflammatory action during acute inflammation. This effect appears to be time-dependent, diminishing as the immune response transitions toward its adaptive phase. Full article

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly in the oral cavity, is among the most prevalent and lethal forms of cancer globally. Current therapeutic strategies, predominantly involving cisplatin, face challenges like chemoresistance and toxicity to normal cells, justifying the exploration of new approaches. This study evaluates the antitumor, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory potential of a synthetic peptide derived from IsCT1 (Isalo scorpion cytotoxic peptide), named AC-AFPK-IsCT1, in combination with cisplatin in oral squamous cell carcinoma cellular models. Tumor and normal cells were treated with varying concentrations of cisplatin and peptide, and the cytotoxicity was measured through an MTT assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were assessed via flow cytometry. Interestingly, the combination of AC-AFPK-IsCT1 with cisplatin exhibited higher specificity for tumor cells, significantly reducing IC50 values compared to cisplatin used as a single agent. Moreover, the combination treatment induced pronounced S-phase cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptotic activity, evidenced by the upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and p53, while maintaining low toxicity in normal fibroblast cells. The peptide also modulated the mitochondrial membrane potential, further contributing to the activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The data suggest that AC-AFPK-IsCT1 potentiates the antitumor effects of cisplatin by engaging both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways while preserving normal cell viability. These findings underscore the potential of combining cisplatin with AC-AFPK-IsCT1 as a promising therapeutic strategy for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in SCC, reducing systemic toxicity, and overcoming chemoresistance. Full article

Background:Envenomation by poisonous creatures is a major global cause of mortality. Its concomitant impact on the postmortem corpse decomposition and associated insect succession pattern is still poorly understood. Purpose of the study: This study comparatively investigates the impact of envenomization with the venoms of the snake Walterinnesia aegyptia L. versus the scorpion, Androctonus crassicauda L., on rabbit corpse decomposition and beetle succession. Methods: Three groups of rabbits (five animals each) were injected with the snake venom, the scorpion venom, or 0.9% saline (control) prior to euthanasia with CO₂. The corpse decomposition stages and beetle succession were monitored over 11 days. Results: Four stages of decomposition with venom-dependent duration variation were observed. The scorpion-envenomized corpses showed a longer decay stage and a delayed dry stage. A total of 1094 beetles belonging to 27 species of 14 families were reported. Histeridae, Dermestidae, Scarabaeidae, and Tenebrionidae were the most diversified and prevalent families. Chrysomelidae, Elateridae, Hybosoridae, and Ptinidae were incidentally attracted to control corpses, while Nitidulidae and Zopheridae were only found on control and snake-envenomized ones. Four species belonging to the families Anthicidae, Histeridae, Scarabaeidae, and Tenebrionidae were predominant on all corpses. Four species belonging to the families Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Elateridae, and Hybosoridae were distinctively associated with the control corpses. Conclusions: These findings provided evidence that envenomation impacted the decomposition process and beetle succession in a venom-dependent manner, which could be significant for forensic investigations. Full article

In line with the research objectives of the SCORPiò-NIDI project, we aim to implement a software platform showcasing the digital models developed during the project. The goal is to develop dynamic and interactive user experiences, expanding access to cultural heritage through digital means, which become spaces for engaging and educational experiences. Using open-source frameworks, users can explore the complexity of Roman siege machines in an immersive way, interacting directly with the digital models. We will focus on the 3D model of the scorpion created by Dr. Claudio Formicola (University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli), using the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros. Full article

Based on the dimensions of the small Xanten catapult, this study reconstructs a full-scale model to validate its manufacturing techniques and evaluate its effectiveness. The process underscores the role of experimental archaeology: the activity facilitates a dynamic sequence of queries, guides the interpretation of signs—not merely physical ones—refines the perception of the cognitive model, and relies on an interdisciplinary approach and strategy. The reconstruction fosters social engagement and scientific dialogue, supporting the adoption of new strategies for knowledge transmission and cultural valorization. The conclusions of this study contribute to the debate on the causes of damage inflicted by the Roman legions on the perimeter walls of Pompeii. Full article

During Sulla’s siege of Pompeii in 89 BC projectiles were launched using Roman artillery, leaving visible craters on the fortified walls. The city was later buried by the eruption in 79 AD, preserving both its architectural layout and the damaged wall surfaces, and was excavated in the early 20th century. This study focuses on simulating projectile impacts on Grey Tuff to estimate impact velocities and penetration depths, offering insights into the destructive capability of Roman weapons. Material models are developed, followed by finite element analysis. Mesh convergence, velocity calibration, and angular impact studies are performed for both ballista and dart to better understand impact mechanics and crater formation. Full article

Scorpion venoms are a rich source of peptides that modulate the activity of ion channels and can serve as a new drug for channelopathies. Cvill6 and Cvill7 are two new peptides isolated from the venom of Centruroides villegasi with MW of 4277 Da and 4287 Da and they consist of 38 and 39 amino acids, respectively, including six cysteines. Sequence alignment revealed high similarity with members of the α-KTx2 subfamily of potassium channel toxins. In electrophysiology, Cvill7 potently inhibited Kv1.2 ion channels with an IC₅₀ of 16 pM and Kv1.3 with an IC₅₀ of 7.2 nM. In addition, it exhibited partial activity on KCa3.1 and Kv1.1, with ~16% and ~34% inhibition at 100 nM, respectively. In contrast, Cvill6 blocked Kv1.2 with low affinity (IC₅₀ of 3.9 nM) and showed modest inhibition of Kv1.3 (~11%) and KCa3.1 (~27%) at 100 nM concentration. Neither peptide showed any activity against other K⁺ channels tested in this study (Kv1.5, Kv11.1, KCa1.1, and KCa2.2). Notably, Cvill7 has a remarkable affinity for Kv1.2 and high selectivity of 450-fold over Kv1.3 and 12,000-fold over Kv1.1. These pharmacological properties make Cvill7 a potential candidate to target Kv1.2 gain of function (GOF)-related channelopathies such as epilepsy. Full article

A well-equipped legionary army prepared to lay siege to Pompeii. Among the weapons deployed along the northern stretch of the city walls were battering rams and mobile siege towers equipped with ballistae and scorpions. The impact marks from Republican-era stone balls and dart tips remain visible today between the Vesuvio and Ercolano Gates. In 2002 and 2016, the authors surveyed significant cavities using both direct and indirect methods. The collected data were then used to calculate the volume of fractured stone material. Given the hardness of the wall ashlars, ballistic parameters were quantified based on Hellenistic treatises. The results make it possible to derive dimensions for reconstructing artillery calibrated to the observed effects. Full article

This volume brings together the reflections of those who have been committed to building a dialogue around the results achieved (and currently underway) by the research project “Comparative Analysis and Certified Reconstructions for a correct experimental archeology: Roman Scorpions and Ballistae for the Imperial mechanical culture, origin of European identity [...] Full article

India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically very similar, which impedes their systematic assessment. Our dedicated efforts towards sampling the members of the genus resulted in the collection of important material, which allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic revision of the genus using an integrated taxonomic approach. We propose several taxonomic changes based on the results of a detailed morphological study supported by molecular data. Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879, owing to the lack of morphological differences and low genetic divergence between the two taxa. We designate a neotype for Charmus sinhagadensis Tikader and Bastawade, 1983, and describe a new species from Sirumalai (Tamil Nadu, India). Moreover, we provide the first molecular phylogeny of Charmus based on Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA (16S) and 28S rRNA (28S) genes. The phylogenetic position of the genus within the family Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 is also tested using an independent genome-wide dataset (Ultraconserved Elements). Topological congruence and discrepancies between the phylogenies generated with Sanger sequences and the Ultraconserved Elements are commented on, and the reliability of these datasets when evaluating phylogenetic relationships at different hierarchical levels is further discussed. Full article