The Snake with the Scorpion's Sting: Novel Three-Finger Toxin Sodium Channel Activators from the Venom of the Long-Glanded Blue Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus).

Millions of years of evolution have fine-tuned the ability of venom peptides to rapidly incapacitate both prey and potential predators. Toxicofera reptiles are characterized by serous-secreting mandibular or maxillary glands with heightened levels of protein expression. These glands are the core anatomical components of the toxicoferan venom system, which exists in myriad points along an evolutionary continuum.

Clinical applications of 3D T2-weighted MRI in pelvic imaging.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to illustrate clinical applications of 3D T2-weighted MRI in pelvic imaging. We review technical considerations of 3D T2-weighted MRI with clinical examples.

Conclusion: 3D T2-weighted MRI has been increasingly utilized for pelvic applications, including imaging of rectal cancer, prostate cancer, anorectal fistulas and the female pelvis.

Cerebral aspergillosis complicated by intracerebral haemorrhage.

Aspergillus infection can cause a wide variety of clinical syndromes. We report on an immunocompromised man who had a catastrophic intracerebral haemorrhage secondary to cerebral aspergillosis. This report highlights the need for systemic evaluations of the role of neurosurgery in the treatment of cerebral aspergillosis.

Taxonomical and morphological notes on two species of mudskippers, Periophthalmus walailakae and Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Singapore.

The mudskipper Periophthalmus walailakae is recorded from Singapore, where it was previously misidentified as Periophthalmodon schlosseri, with which it is syntopic. Periophthalmus walailakae is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: pelvic fins completely united and shaped like a disk, and first dorsal fin dark brown or black, with a rounded posterior edge and a white distal margin. This species most closely resembles Pn.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence analyses in Bornean sucker fishes (Balitoridae: Teleostei: Gastromyzontinae).

Phylogenetic relationships among Bornean sucker fishes (Teleostei: Balitoridae: Gastromyzontinae) were investigated by comparing cytochrome b gene sequences from eight species. The results were in general agreement with previous morphology-based studies. It was found that the genera Gastromyzon and Neogastromyzon are both monophyletic and that the Chinese homalopterid Crossostoma lacustre (Homalopterinae) is not related to the Bornean species.