Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus)

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  Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus) ABSTRACT Predators influence nutrient cycling by assimilating elements from their prey and returning nutrients to ecosystems via excretion and discarded prey remains. However, seasonal variation in the contribution of predators to nutrient cycling remains poorly understood, particularly for terrestrial arthropod predators such as spiders. We examined temporal variation in whole-body elemental concentrations, excreta C and N concentrations, and cumulative excreta output in a riparian orb-weaving spider ( Larinioides cornutus ) across the growing season of 2024. Adult females were collected across seven sampling periods spanning mid-June to early October, and whole-body concentrations of macronutrients (carbon [C], nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P]) and multiple trace elements were quantified. Whole-body N and P concentrations, and several trace elemen...

Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: feasibility and specificity assessment

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Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: feasibility and specificity assessment

Abstract

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized snakebite envenomation as a neglected disease yet the therapeutic effectiveness efficacy of available antivenoms remains insufficiently explored. This study offers a detailed analysis of Cerastes cerastes venom, focusing its toxicological properties and the development of specific targeted neutralizing antibodies. Through rigorous quality control and comprehensive efficacy testing, the antivenom demonstrated significant neutralizing activity against critical venom components, including hemorrhagic, edema-forming, and myotoxic effects while also mitigating tissue damage. Histological investigations further corroborated the antivenom’s protective capacity. These findings not only underscore the potential of the developed antivenom for clinical use but also provide essential insights for advancing antivenom production, refining its specificity, and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy in managing snake envenomations.

Mesmoudi, N., Chakir, S., Ammouch, K., Chahir, R., Aassila, H., Moustaghfir, A., Karkouri, M., & Oukkache, N. (2026). Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: Feasibility and specificity assessment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 17, 1719611. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1719611