Rudi Emerson de Lima Procópio

The scorpion family Buthidae, renowned for its neurotoxin-rich venoms, dominates toxinology, while non-buthid venoms remain largely unexplored. Here, we present a comprehensive proteomic and biochemical characterization of the Amazonian chactid scorpion Brotheas amazonicus venom (BamazV), with emphasis on molecular complexity, proteolytic processing, and peptide diversity. Using an integrative venomics approach that combines molecular mass-based fractionation, reversed-phase chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, N-terminal sequencing, and functional and immunological analyses, we reveal an unexpectedly complex venom profile enriched in high-molecular-weight components and extensively processed peptides, with more than 40 venom peptides sequenced by MS/MS and Edman degradation. The data provide evidence for non-canonical proteolytic events, including the generation of peptides from precursor regions not classically associated with mature venom components. In contrast to the venom of Tityus serrulatus, BamazV displays a “hydrolase-rich, neurotoxin-poor” profile, featuring a catalytically active Group III phospholipase A₂ (BamazPLA₂), a highly active hyaluronidase, metalloproteases, low-mass peptides, and potassium channel toxins. Our results suggest a hydrolytic prey-subjugation strategy, and limited cross-reactivity with commercial antivenom highlighted its distinct structural landscape. Overall, this study advances the understanding of venom evolution and proteolytic diversification in underexplored scorpion lineages, positioning B. amazonicus as a valuable model for investigating alternative venom strategies and identifying novel biotechnological scaffolds.

Introduction: The municipality of Barcelos, located in the middle Rio Negro region, is home to various venomous snakes (ie, members of the Viperidae and Elapidae families). This study describes the epidemiology of incidents involving venomous animals in the remote municipality of Barcelos. Methods: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study to identify population groups vulnerable to envenomation by snakes, spiders, and/or scorpions in the middle Rio Negro (Barcelos) basin, Amazonas, Brazil. To determine the percentage of incidents, we calculated the occurrence and number of deaths. Data were collected from the Barcelos Reference Hospital from 2010 to 2024. The type and number of antivenom vials used in the treatment of patients were quantified according to the Strategic Inputs Information System (SIES). Results: A total of 511 people were envenomated by venomous animals, 402 of them by snakes. Yanomami individuals were the most affected by snakebites (62.4%). Envenomations by Bothrops spp. caused 7 deaths, while those caused by spiders and scorpions were mostly mild. Among the snakebite survivors, 38 had their occupations identified at the time of the incident: 25 worked in the extraction of piassaba fibers ( Leopoldinia piassaba ) and 13 were chestnut fruit collectors ( Bertholletia excelsa ). Conclusion: Between 2010 and 2024, vulnerable groups to snakebites, such as Yanomami people, were the most affected in the middle Rio Negro region. Amerindians who sought medical care at the Barcelos referral hospital received antivenom treatment and intensive care when necessary. Emergency medical services and therapeutic serums are crucial to saving lives in the Rio Negro region.

Postharvest diseases represent a critical challenge for global agriculture, resulting in substantial economic losses and threatening worldwide food security. Species of the genus Colletotrichum stand out among the main phytopathogens for being responsible for up to 40% of postharvest losses in various crops, including Capsicum species. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of two Streptomyces strains isolated from Amazonian sediments against different Colletotrichum species, with a focus on C. scovillei, the causal agent of anthracnose in Capsicum chinense fruits. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain APUR 32.5 possibly represents a new species, while MPUR 40.3 was identified as Streptomyces murinus. Both strains exhibited in vitro antifungal activity against seven Colletotrichum species, with inhibition percentages ranging from 56.3% to 88.6%. In fruit bioassays, S. murinus MPUR 40.3 reduced the incidence of anthracnose by 95%, while Streptomyces sp. APUR 32.5 achieved a 39.25% reduction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed complementary mechanisms of antifungal action, with MPUR 40.3 acting during the early infection stages through germination tube lysis, while APUR 32.5 targeted established mycelial structures through hyphal degradation. Additionally, both strains demonstrated plant growth-promoting capacity and exhibited biotechnologically relevant characteristics, including production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, and phosphate solubilization ability. These results highlight the biotechnological promise of these Amazonian isolates as multifunctional agents for the sustainable management of anthracnose in Capsicum peppers.

Scorpionism is a growing public health concern in Brazil, with the Amazon region presenting the highest mortality rates but remaining understudied, especially regarding local scorpion venoms composition. This study presents the first comprehensive biochemical characterization of venoms from three Amazonian species—Tityus metuendus (TmetuV), Tityus silvestris (TsilvV), and Brotheas amazonicus (BamazV)—using an integrated approach combining Multi-Enzymatic Limited Digestion (MELD)-based bottom-up proteomics, high-resolution LC-MS/MS, chromatography, zymography, and enzymatic assays. Tityus serrulatus venom was included as a reference. Significant biochemical differences were observed: TsilvV was rich in 20–30 kDa proteins and showed strong metalloprotease activity; BamazV exhibited high molecular weight proteins and potent phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity but lacked proteolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities; TmetuV showed the highest hyaluronidase activity and abundance of α-KTx neurotoxins. Zymography revealed a conserved ~45 kDa hyaluronidase in all species. Three novel components were partially characterized: BamazPLA₂ (Group III PLA₂), Tmetu1 (37-residue α-KTx), and TsilvMP_A (a metalloprotease homologous to antarease). This is the first application of MELD-based proteomics to Amazonian scorpion venoms, revealing molecular diversity and functional divergence within Tityus and Brotheas, emphasizing the need for region-specific antivenoms. These findings provide a foundation for future pharmacological studies and the discovery of bioactive peptides with therapeutic potential.

Os fungos são seres eucariontes, com organização celular e DNA delimitado por um envoltório nuclear. Morfologicamente, apresentam-se como leveduras, filamentososo, chamados de bolores, sendo microscópicos ou macroscópicos. Condições climáticas como no Amazonas favorecem aos ambientes fechados com alta umidade, fatores que potencializam a fase de desenvolvimento desses microrganismos e aumentam a capacidade de propagação, os tornando contaminantes bastante adaptativos. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar morfo-molecularmente e avaliar a capacidade de resistência ao formol do fungo isolado em laboratório de anatomia. Foi obtido da suspensão líquida de formol dos tanques com peças anatômicas. Analisado morfologicamente através da macro e microscópica, e submetido ao processo de extração de DNA para o sequenciamento e identificação. Também foram realizados testes de resistência em concentrações de formol e capacidade de crescimento em temperaturas 37ºC, 45ºC e 50ºC, bem como, detecção na atividade enzimática de proteases. Como resultados, o isolado estudado obteve crescimento satisfatório em todas as temperaturas testadas, bem como em todas as concentrações de formalina, com a extração do DNA e sequenciamento o fungo indicou ser do gênero Phanerochaete. O isolado demonstrou resistência a todas as concentrações de formol testadas com destaque a concentração utilizada no laboratório. Cresceu bem nas altas temperaturas testadas, porém não apresentou halo na atividade de protease. Contudo, foi possível verificar um potencial biotecnológico, que necessita de estudos futuro mais detalhados que o indique como alternativa na biorremediação de sedimentos contaminados com formaldeído, e o conhecer melhor para possível controle de sua contaminação no acervo de peças anatômicas do laboratório de anatomia.

Bacteria are important organisms in various industrial processes due to their ability to produce a wide range of enzymes. In this context, the present work evaluates 100 bacteria deposited in the Microbiological Culture Collection of Amazonas State University - UEA, regarding the production of biopolymers such as Polyhydroxyalkanoate - PHA. For the production of biopolymers, a mineral medium was used and staining was done with Sudan black B and Nile Red for observation by optical and confocal microscopy. The production of biopolymers was carried out in 50 mL aliquots using mineral medium, with sucrose, glucose and glycerol as carbon source, cultivated for 72 hours at 36 °C with stirring at 140 rpm. The biopolymer extraction was performed with formaldehyde and sodium hypochlorite and precipitated with methanol. The best results were achieved with isolates UEA-101, of 47.78%, and UEA-10, of 35.09% of extracted polymer. UEA-65 produced the greatest volume, with 1.87 g of cell mass, 0.44 g of biopolymer and yield of 23.5%, using sucrose as carbon source. Chromatographic analyses showed the existence of levuric acid and methyl 3- hydroxyhexadecanoatein several of the studied bacteria. Identification of biopolymer-producing bacteria by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene showed that they belong to the genera Paenibacillus, Enterobacter, Serratia and Bacillus. The isolates UEA-10 and UEA-65, belonging to the Bacillus genus, and UEA-101, belonging to the Serratia genus, had the best biopolymer production.

Background: Spiders of medical importance in the Amazon region belong to the genera Phoneutria, Loxosceles and Latrodectus. Natural history data show that Phoneutria spp. occur in both periodically flooded forest areas (igapós) and non-flooded areas (terra firme), as well as in commercial plantations in the Amazon. Negative interactions with wandering spiders (Phoneutria spp.) can occur along forest trails, leading to homes, schools and workplaces. Harmful species, such as Loxosceles amazonica and Latrodectus aff. curacaviensis, are mainly associated with accidents in rural settings.

In vitro activity of Tityus metuendus and Brotheas amazonicus scorpion venoms against Plasmodium falciparum FRC3 - IJMMTD- Print ISSN No: - 2581-4753 Online ISSN No:- 2581-4761 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijmmtd.2024.005, IP International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases-IP Int J Med Microbiol Trop