Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution

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  Image Credit: WikiCommons Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution Abstract The comparison of chromosome-level genomes allows biologists to investigate new axes of organismal evolution. Spiders comprise a significant proportion of known arachnid diversity, with many complex morphologies and unique natural histories, yet comparative genomics in spiders has been limited due to the number of available genomes. We present a de novo chromosomal reference genome of a mature male tarantula, Aphonopelma marxi, and comparatively examine spider genome evolution across the Order Araneae. Using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing, the final 6.5 Gb assembly consists of 17 autosomes, 1 X chromosome, and 127 unplaced scaffolds, with an N50 of 370 Mb and Arachnida (odb10; 2934 genes) BUSCO of 96.7%. By comparing 20 additional spider genomes from 15 families, we find mygalomo...

The Potential Effects of Centipede Venom and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Leading to Pseudothrombocytopenia in an 11-Year-Old Girl

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The Potential Effects of Centipede Venom and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Leading to Pseudothrombocytopenia in an 11-Year-Old Girl

Abstract 

Centipede bites are uncommon and mostly occur in subtropical regions. While most cases present with local swelling and tenderness around the bite site, with few systemic manifestations, the potential complications can be deadly. This case describes an unusual presentation of a centipede bite, in which the patient experienced an unexpected fluctuation in platelet counts, which occurred up to weeks after the bite. While the cause remains unclear, we question whether this occurred solely due to the direct effects of the centipede venom or if there were other factors at play. The aim of this report is to explore the possible differentials. Most importantly, we shed light on a plausible but often overlooked cause of thrombocytopenia; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-induced pseudothrombocytopenia, the anticoagulant present in blood sample collection tubes. Similar cases have yet to be reported to our knowledge. Physicians must maintain a high degree of suspicion when facing unexplained thrombocytopenia in clinical practice.

Egbert N N, Rangwala U, David A, et al. (April 23, 2025) The Potential Effects of Centipede Venom and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Leading to Pseudothrombocytopenia in an 11-Year-Old Girl. Cureus 17(4): e82822. DOI 10.7759/cureus.82822