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...

The mitochondrial genome of Palpimanus capensis Simon, 1893 (Araneae, Palpimanidae) from ultraconserved elements (UCEs)

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The mitochondrial genome of Palpimanus capensis Simon, 1893 (Araneae, Palpimanidae) from ultraconserved elements (UCEs)

Abstract

The mitochondrial genome of Palpimanus capensis Simon, 1893 has been sequenced and annotated from ultraconserved elements (UCEs). The species is endemic to South Africa and is a free-living ground-dweller. Contigs were assembled in SPAdes, with a rough draft mitogenome extracted from the resulting contigs that was used as the seed for de novo assembly by NOVOPlasty for the final, circularized genome. The mitogenome was annotated using MITOS2 and by comparing it to other species in the order Araneae. The mitogenome is 14,268 bp, including 22 transfer RNA (tRNA), 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region. This is the first species in the genus Palpimanus and the family Palpimanidae with a sequenced and annotated mitochondrial genome.

Merrill, C. M., Patrick, L. B., Wood, H. M., & Santos, S. R. (2025). The mitochondrial genome of Palpimanus capensis Simon, 1893 (Araneae, Palpimanidae) from ultraconserved elements (UCEs). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 10(12), 1221–1225. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2025.2594315