AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis

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  AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis Abstract Purpose This study focuses on the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Tetrascorpin-1 (AaTs-1), a tetrapeptide isolated from Androctonus australis hector venom, proposed as a putative formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) antagonist, in a cuprizone-induced murine model of Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Methods Acute demyelination was induced in mice by administering cuprizone (0.2% w/w in the diet) for six weeks. During the sixth week of cuprizone intake, demyelinated mice received intranasal administration of AaTs-1 at a dose of 50–100 µg/kg for five consecutive days, with 24-hour intervals between treatments. Results Behavioral assessments, immunological assays, and histological analyses revealed that AaTs-1 improved body weight, reduced behavioral impairments...

First records of the harvestman Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874) from Belgium and the Netherlands (Opiliones: Phalangiidae)

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First records of the harvestman Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874) from Belgium and the Netherlands (Opiliones: Phalangiidae)

Abstract
The harvestman Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874) is reported for the first time for Belgium as well as for the Netherlands. It is a very rare species of Italian origin. From 2019 onward, D. larvatus was found in Great Britain and several other British islands. It is a small and ground-dwelling species. Both sexes are easy to distinguish from the common Dicranopalpus ramosus Simon, 1909 by their contrasting dorsal colour pattern. As a 'winter species', adults are mostly observed from December to February. Climate change, resulting in milder winter temperatures, likely will allow this species to colonize Western European regions with an oceanic climate regime. 

De Smedt, Pallieter & Vanhercke, Luc & Stevens, Sebastiaan & Lock, Koen & Sluijter, Maarten & Wijnhoven, Hay. (2025). First records of the harvestman Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874) from Belgium and the Netherlands (Opiliones: Phalangiidae). 2025.