Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies

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  Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies Abstract Despite advances in cancer therapeutics, there are still challenges in improving drug toxicity and selectivity. Peptides from various venous species have recently garnered attention for their biopharmaceutical potential, particularly in cancer. The present study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides (SVDPs) previously reported in preclinical models. The bibliographic research included original and review articles written in English published from 2015 to 2026. Studies within the scope were retrieved from the EBSCO Discovery Service, PubMed, and WIPO databases. A total of 27 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this research, and the collected data were synthesized through a meta-analysis. In the included in vitro and in vivo studies, the effect of SVDPs on breast/mammary gland, cervical,...

The story of a Tailless Whip Scorpion in Eastern Mediterranean: First report of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus (Amblypygi: Charinidae)

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The story of a Tailless Whip Scorpion in Eastern Mediterranean: First report of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus (Amblypygi: Charinidae)

Abstract

Amblypygi, commonly known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders, is an order of Arachnida noted for its cryptic habits and predominantly tropical and subtropical distribution. Although the group was first mentioned on the island of Cyprus in 1990, no specific taxonomic information was provided at the time. Through a combination of literature review, targeted field surveys, and citizen-science contributions, we confirm the presence of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus, representing the first documented record of this species on the island. Following seven years of dedicated searches, a live specimen was collected in 2023 and identified, thereby establishing S. ioanniticus as part of the island’s fauna. This finding extends the known range of S. ioanniticus within the Eastern Mediterranean and underscores the importance of integrating biodiversity research with public engagement to detect elusive or underreported taxa. Future studies should investigate the species’ local distribution, ecological requirements, and potential conservation concerns on Cyprus.

Hadjiconstantis M, Smith M, Zoumides C (2025) The story of a Tailless Whip Scorpion in Eastern Mediterranean: First report of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus (Amblypygi: Charinidae). ARPHA Preprints. https://doi.org/10.3897/arphapreprints.e157634