Snake Venom and Antivenom Pharmacology

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  SNAKE VENOM & ANTIVENOM Chemistry, Composition, Mechanisms and Pharmacology Abstract This integrated teaching session for Phase III MBBS students focused on the pharmacology and toxicology of snake venom and the principles of antivenom therapy. The lecture covered the chemistry, composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological effects of snake venoms and antivenoms. Rational use of antivenoms, indications, administration protocols, adverse reactions, and supportive management strategies were discussed. The session also highlighted the translational importance of venom-derived compounds in modern drug development. Recent advances in antivenom research, including recombinant human monoclonal antibodies, toxin-specific inhibitors, synthetic antibody technologies, and next-generation broad-spectrum antivenoms, were reviewed. Current discoveries and emerging approaches aimed at improving efficacy, safety, affordability, and accessibility of antivenom therapy were also explor...

Two new species of the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Pachygnatha Sundevall, 1823 (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) from southern China

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Two new species of the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Pachygnatha Sundevall, 1823 (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) from southern China

Abstract


The spider genus Pachygnatha Sundevall, 1823 is widely distributed in the world, exhibiting higher species diversity in Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Two new Pachygnatha species from southern China are described based on males and females: Pachygnatha shengtangensis sp. nov. and Pachygnatha unciniformis sp. nov. Detailed descriptions, color photographs and line drawings of the two new species, and a distribution map of Chinese Pachygnatha are provided. Furthermore, the COI sequences of the new species, and the p-distances are also presented between seven Pachygnatha species including five known and the two new species. The embolic medial groove, previously recorded and described in the genus Glenognatha Simon, 1887, is also present in the two new species, representing the first record of this structure in the genus Pachygnatha.

Huang, Z. G., Wu, Y. C., Yin, H. Q., Xu, X. & Chen, J. H. (2024). Two new species of the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Pachygnatha Sundevall, 1823 (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) from southern China. Zootaxa 5555(3): 385-406. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5555.3.4