THE MALAYAN WHISKERED FLYING SQUIRREL PETINOMYS GENIBARBIS MALACCANUS

A specimen of the Malayan whiskered flying squirrel Petinomys genibarbis malaccanus (Thomas) is described, with notes on its habits and behaviour in captivity.     

THE IMMATURE STAGES AND AFFINITIES OF THE TACHINID FLY GLAUROCARA FLAVA, A PARASITE OF THE AFRICAN BUSH-CRICKET HOMOROCORYPHUS NITIDULUS VICINUS

Observations are given on the parasitism of Homorocoryphus nitidulus vicinus (Walker) by the African tachinid fly Glaurocara flava Thomson, and the hitherto unknown immature stages of G. flava are described and illustrated. The female of G. flava is shown to be larviparous, producing abundant highly specialised planidium larvae very closely resembling those of the little-known tribe Ormiini. The systematic affinities of Glaurocara are briefly discussed and it is suggested, in view of the reproductive habits and the structure of the first instar larvae, that this genus must be very close phylogenetically to the Ormiine Tachinidae.     

THE DIET OF SOME SINGAPORE ANURA (AMPHIBIA)

Six species of anurans were studied representing four of the five anuran families occurring in Malaya and Singapore. Food items, variation in the diet, and the relationship between predator and prey size are discussed. Singapore anurans show various degrees of selectivity for particular types of prey. In general, availability of prey in the habitat, the size of the prey animals and the size of the predators, especially the gape of the mouth, determined the diet.     

REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING FLUCTUATIONS IN HYDROCENA MONTEROSATIANA A MALAYAN LIMESTONE ARCHAEOGASTROPOD

The reproductive system of Hydrocena monterosatiana Godwin Austen & Nevill, is described and is simpler in construction than those of other Neritacea. Evidence of fluctuating reproductive condition is given although breeding appears to persist throughout the year. Breeding fluctuations are related to changes in rainfall and their nature is compared with taht in other gastropods from the same locality.     

Considerations for Group Testing: A Practical Approach for the Clinical Laboratory

Group testing, also known as pooled sample testing, was first proposed by Robert Dorfman in 1943. While sample pooling has been widely practiced in blood-banking, it is traditionally seen as anathema for clinical laboratories. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has re-ignited interest for group testing among clinical laboratories to mitigate supply shortages. We propose five criteria to assess the suitability of an analyte for pooled sample testing in general and outline a practical approach that a clinical laboratory may use to implement pooled testing for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. The five criteria we propose are: (1) the analyte concentrations in the diseased persons should be at least one order of magnitude (10 times) higher than in healthy persons; (2) sample dilution should not overly reduce clinical sensitivity; (3) the current prevalence must be sufficiently low for the number of samples pooled for the specific protocol; (4) there is no requirement for a fast turnaround time; and (5) there is an imperative need for resource rationing to maximise public health outcomes. The five key steps we suggest for a successful implementation are: (1) determination of when pooling takes place (pre-pre analytical, pre-analytical, analytical); (2) validation of the pooling protocol; (3) ensuring an adequate infrastructure and archival system; (4) configuration of the laboratory information system; and (5) staff training. While pool testing is not a panacea to overcome reagent shortage, it may allow broader access to testing but at the cost of reduction in sensitivity and increased turnaround time.     

The blood-testis barrier and temperature damage to the testis of the rat

The integrity of the blood-testis barrier was investigated during and after local heating of rat testes sufficient to produce a temporary cessation of spermatogenesis. The flow, ionic composition and protein content of rete testis fluid (RTF) collected from testes maintained at 33 or 41 degrees C were unaffected either at the time of treatment or up to 2 days later when the major cytological consequences of heating occurred. The normally low rate of transfer of albumin from blood to RTF was unaffected during and after heating. Transfer constants for radioactive K, Rb, Na and lysine consistently increased during heating although there were time-dependent differences between the patterns of response for each molecule. The normally rapid transfer of testosterone was unaffected by heating, but the entry rates of radioactivity into RTF after the infusion of more slowly diffusing steroids were enhanced at 41 degrees C. The clearest effects of heating were an approximate doubling in the uptake of oxygen and decrease in the net synthesis of protein by the testis. It is concluded that heating sufficient to damage spermatogenesis was not associated with dramatic alterations in the integrity of the blood-testis barrier but more with changes in testicular metabolism.     

On a Model Mechanism for the Spatial Patterning of Teeth Primordia in the Alligator

We propose a model mechanism for the initiation and spatial positioning of teeth primordia in the alligator,Alligator mississippiensis. Detailed embryological studies by Westergaard & Ferguson (1986, 1987, 1990) show that jaw growth plays a crucial role in the developmental patterning of the tooth initiation process. Based on biological data we develop a reaction-diffusion mechanism, which crucially includes domain growth. The model can reproduce the spatial pattern development of the first seven teeth primordia in the lower half jaw ofA. mississippiensis. The results for the precise spatio-temporal sequence compare well with detailed developmental experiments.     

The effects of long-term administration of either a crude inhibin preparation or an antiserum to FSH on serum hormone levels, testicular function and fertility of adult male rats.

Adult male rats were given either daily injections of ram rete testis fluid for periods of up to 70 days or injections of an antiserum against FSH every 3 days for 90 days. Compared with the control groups, the rats injected with ram rete testis fluid had lowered serum FSH levels, but only at treatment periods of 30 days and less. The levels of LH and testosterone in serum, testicular fluid secretion, sperm counts, testis weights and fertility were not affected by rete testis fluid treatment. The rats injected with anti-FSH serum exhibited an impairment of fertility which was never complete and evident only after 49 days of treatment. After 90 days of anti-FSH treatment, testis weight and free serum FSH were reduced, but sperm counts, testicular fluid secretion and serum levels of LH and testosterone were not affected.     

Thromboxane receptor antagonism combined with thromboxane synthase inhibition. 7. pyridinylalkyl-substituted arylsulfonylamino arylalkanoic acids.

Arylsulfonylamino arylalkanoic acids substituted with a pyridinylalkyl group on the arylalkanoic acid portion of the molecule were synthesized and found to behave as thromboxane receptor antagonists (TxRAs) and thromboxane synthase inhibitors (TxSIs). One of these compounds (11), with a 1,3,5-trisubstituted central aromatic ring was demonstrated to have good functional bioavailability and efficacy as a platelet inhibitor in guinea pigs.