X-ray equatorial diffraction studies on the cross-sectional structure of Salmonella flagella

X-ray diffraction studies have been made on the cross-sectional structure of the normal Salmonella flagella. Two approaches have been made: one based upon small-angle equatorial scatterings (2θ 3°) and the other upon moderate-angle angle equatorial diffractions (3° 2θ 10°).Analysis of small-angle scattering data gives the radius of gyration of the flagella as 68 Å. Cylindrically averaged electron density of the cross-section of the flagella is obtained by means of the Fourier-Bessel transformation method. The average radius of the flagella is about 65 Å.In the investigation of the moderate-angle diffraction pattern, validity is examined of the model that a flagellum consits annularly arranged strands, of which each has a cylindrically symmetric structure. Features of the pattern observed in the range of 3° < 2θ < 10° can be interpreted fairly well by this model. Average radii of the flagella obtained for the 11 and 13 strands models are close to that obtained by the analysis of the small-angle scattering data.     

Electrocardiographic studies in the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) with special reference to the effect of anesthesia with barbiturates

The electrocardiograms of 157 healthy Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), covering a wide range of ages in both sexes, were recorded under light pentobarbital (Nembutal) anesthesia. Although results were generally similar to those reported for other macaque species, some quantitative differences were observed.The heart rate was about 160 per minute in all monkeys examined; the P-Q interval was 0.11±0.06 sec.; the duration of QRS was 0.04±0.01 sec.; the Q-T interval was 0.24±0.06 sec. The mean axis of QRS was +59° and the pattern of the QRS complex was qR type in most cases.The comparison with the human electrocardiogram shows that the heart rate ofM. fuscata is about twice that of man, while the P-Q, QRS, and Q-T intervals were about one-half of those found in human subjects. In the monkey, however, the P wave was sharp and the T wave flat.In order to estimate the effect of anesthesia on the electrocardiogram, the records of several monkeys before, during, and after intravenous administration of barbiturates were compared. Although some animals showed extrasystoles after barbiturate was administered, generally no essential changes were noted in the records, except for the retardation of the rate and proportional prolongation of intervals.This work was presented at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Primate Research Association held in Inuyama, March 13, 1966.     

Enteric Pathogens in Monkeys

From 1964 to 1967, 6,646 monkeys, representing 10 primate species, were examined for Shigella and Salmonella infections upon arrival at the National Center for Primate Biology. Of these animals, 12% were infected with Shigella, and 75% of the Shigella isolates were S. flexneri 4. The incidence of Salmonella infections decreased from 12 to 3% during the period of study. Epidemiological studies of animals in the colony for 90 days or more indicated no seasonal variation in the occurrence of Shigella and Salmonella. Many of the isolates from incoming monkeys as well as from laboratory-conditioned animals were resistant to chloramphenicol, dihydrostreptomycin, and tetracycline. The possible operation of drug-resistance factors in these infections is discussed.     

Identification of viruses infected in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. var purpurea Makino and effect of virus infection on root yield and iridoid glycoside contents

Virus free plants of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. var. purpurea Makino were obtained through meristem tip tissue cultures from plants infected with a mixture of tabocco mosaic virus(TMV), a member of the carlavirus group, and an unknown spherical virus. The re-infection rate of the virus free plants by TMV in the field was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Twenty seven percent of the plants were re-infected during the first year, 31 % by the end of second year, and 63 % by the end of the third year. The yield of root and iridoid glycoside contents gradually decreased each year. These results led to the conclusion that virus infection causes marked decrease of the yield of roots and productivity of secondary metabolites.