Functional characterization of antimicrobial peptides from the venom of the scorpion Chihuahuanus coahuilae

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  Functional characterization of antimicrobial peptides from the venom of the scorpion Chihuahuanus coahuilae Abstract Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health challenge driven by the declining availability of effective antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from venomous organisms are promising alternatives because of their broad-spectrum activity and low propensity for resistance development. Chihuahuanus coahuilae , an endemic scorpion from northern Mexico, produces a venom rich in bioactive peptides with potential therapeutic applications. Methods: Venom gland transcriptomic analysis identified four novel AMP sequences, which were chemically synthesized and evaluated through structural, antimicrobial, hemolytic, cytotoxicity, and immunological assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial strains, including a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolate. Hemolysis was evaluated using human erythrocytes, and im...

New data on rare, protected and newly found spiders (Araneae) in the fauna of Poland

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New data on rare, protected, and newly found spiders (Araneae) in the fauna of Poland

Abstract


This study includes 70 new records for 22 rare species in Poland. Two species are new to Poland (Macaroeris nidicolens, Segestria bavarica) and another three are protected (Atypus affinis, Philaeus chrysops, Yllenus arenarius). Another locality of Uloborus walckenaerius was detected, which is the second site of occurence for Poland (the first in a synanthropic environment). The work provides new data showing that climate change is influencing the spread of southern European species. It has also been shown that anthropogenic activities and technical procedures (consisting of power line maintenance) may have a beneficial effect on the preservation of suitable habitats and the rare species of spiders living there. The obtained results complement the data on the distribution of rare species. For some rapidly spreading species, literature data are incomplete and out of date. This work will partially fill these gaps.

Szymański, Dawid & Szymański, Dominik & Szymański, Hubert. (2024). New data on rare, protected and newly found spiders (Araneae) in the fauna of Poland. Fragmenta Faunistica. 66. 63-86. 10.3161/00159301FF2023.66.2.063.