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

  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,...

Vertical distribution of arthropod assemblages in native and exotic forests of Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)

 


Vertical distribution of arthropod assemblages in native and exotic forests of Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)

Background

In the summer of 2024, a study was conducted on Terceira Island in the Azores Archipelago, Portugal, aiming to characterise the vertical diversity and spatial distribution patterns of arthropods within native and exotic forest ecosystems. This study forms part of a broader research initiative designed to investigate how alterations in habitat structure influence the complexity and stability of arthropod food webs in Azorean forest habitats. By systematically sampling arthropods across multiple vertical strata —from forest floor to canopy the study aimed to generate detailed insights into the ecological dynamics governing biodiversity patterns and species interactions. Results from this monitoring will contribute significantly to understanding the ecological impacts of forest composition and management strategies, ultimately providing information for conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts aimed at preserving arthropod diversity and ecological resilience in island ecosystems.

Lhoumeau S, Leite A, Parmentier L, Massard C, Vounatsi M, Lucie G, Borges PAV (2025) Vertical distribution of arthropod assemblages in native and exotic forests of Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal). Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e154240. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e154240