The effect of submandibular gland removal on testicular and epididymal parameters

The effect of sialoadenectomy (submandibular gland removal) for four weeks duration was studied in five C3H mice and four sham-operated controls. This preliminary experiment using small numbers of animals indicated that sperm production parameters were lowered in sialoadenectomized animals although there were no significant differences between the sialodenectomized and sham-operated group. In a second experiment using larger numbers of animals, significant differences in testicular weights, epididymal weights, and testis weights were noted. These parameters were reduced only 10-14% from control levels. Epididymal sperm head counts were reduced 10% after sialoadenectomy but the two groups were not significantly different (P less than 0.05). No difference in testicular histology was observed. The present report contrasts to that of Tsutsumi et al. (1986) who indicate that submandibular removal with subsequent depletion of epidermal growth factor (EGF), is extremely deleterious (40-55% decreases in spermatid and sperm content) to the progress spermatogenesis.     

Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library screening identified PTPMT1 in cardiolipin synthesis is crucial to survival in hypoxia in liver cancer

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A simple and efficient method of DNA isolation from orchid species and hybrids

A simple and reliable method for extracting DNA has been developed for orchid species and hybrids. The high quality of DNA obtained is suitable for amplification via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for producing random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Some Notes on the Morphology of an Aberrant Actinian (Hexacorallia, Actiniaria) Associated with the Glaucothoe of the Hermit Crab Paguropsis typica Henderson (Anomura, Paguridae)

The planktonic glaucothoe of the Indo-West Pacific hermit crab Paguropsis typica Henderson has an aberrant anthozoan polyp, identified as a nynanthean actinian, attached to the underside of its thorax. The morphology of the anemone is described. The scapus is dumb-bell shaped and exhibits a slit-like mouth opening oriented transverse to the animal's siphonoglyphal plane. The gonads are very well developed, whereas tentacle-like structures or retractor muscles of certain septa are reduced. In the adult stage, Paguropsis typica is associated with the zoanthidean Epizoanthus paguropsides . It is assumed that the actinian is lost at the ecdysis leading to the first "hermit stage" and that P. typica might possibly seize a free Epizoanthus colony and adapt it to its body.     

Orchid industry of Singapore

Singapore is one of the leading countries in orchid cut-flower export. Considering the size of the country, it has done remarkably well. This achievement is supported by local interest in orchid hybridization producing new hybrids, in the strategic location as a center of air transport, and in the efforts of growers and exporters. Although the pressure on land use has reduced the acreage of orchid farms in recent years, the future prospects of this export cut-flower trade are still good.