A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies

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  A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies Abstract For over a century, polyclonal antivenom has been the cornerstone of snakebite therapy, saving countless lives. However, the current production method, based on immunizing large animals, has inherent limitations in terms of safety, stability, and supply reliability, thereby creating a pressing need for alternative technologies. This review charts the rise of next-generation antivenoms built on recombinant antibody engineering. We systematically survey the strategies for discovering and developing these molecules, from humanized monoclonal antibodies and VHHs to computationally designed proteins. Our central thesis is that achieving broad-spectrum neutralization against complex venoms requires a shift from single-agent approaches to rationally designed, oligoclonal “cocktail” therapies (defined mixtures of a few select therapeut...

First checklist of arachnid in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia with notes on important tarantula species

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First checklist of arachnid in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia with notes on important tarantula species


Abstract 

A survey of arachnid species in Tasik Chini was conducted from 22nd to 26th of February 2022. The Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method was employed as the primary approach for arachnid detection. The outcomes of this study provided the first documented literature presenting a checklist of arachnid species identified in the Tasik Chini region. This study records total of 33 arachnid species, encompassing the Araneae, Scorpions, Opiliones, and Thelyphonida families. Notably, two intriguing spider species, namely Damarchus sp. “Chini” (Tube trapdoor spider) and Psednocnemis brachyramosa (Malaysian Blue Femur Tarantula), were discovered during the survey. This marks the initial confirmation of the presence of P. brachyramosa in Pahang, as previous records solely report its occurrence in Gunung Ledang, Johor. To further unravel the distinctive arachnid assemblages within this Man and Biosphere Reserve, future investigations should concentrate on conducting intensive sampling of arachnids in the broader Tasik Chini Basin.