Isolation of Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison 1960 from small mammals in Bulgaria

Authors examined a total of 3849 specimens of mammals included in 36 species from different region of Bulgaria. Adiaspiromycosis was detected microscopically in 18 mammals species. Strains of Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison 1960 was isolated from 6 species--Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Musmusculus and Rattus norvegicus.     

Emmonsia parva (Emmons et Ashburn, 1942) Ciferri et Montemartini, 1959 = Chrysosporium parvum (Emmons et Ashburn) comb. nov.; Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison, 1960 = Chrysosporium parvum var. crescens

Résumé L'étude comparative au cours de différents travaux antérieurs de la morphologie saprophytique et parasitaire in vitro et in vivo de vingt deux souches d'Emmonsia nous fait penser que ce genre est bien synonyme du genreChrysosporium et de l'espèceC. parvum. Elle nous permet surtout de conclure que l'on peut différencier deux ou trois variétés selon que l'on privilégie le comportement parasitaire in vitro ou in vivo.La priorité donnée au comportement in vitro donc à la thermophilie des souches nous permet de distinguer comme Carmichael (1962) deux variétés:Chrysosporium parvum etC. parvum var. crescens dont nous précisons les caractères distinctifs.

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Thanks to comparative studies of the saprophytic and parasitic morphologies of 22 strains ofEmmonsia in vitro and in vivo, we think that it is synonymous with the genusChrysosporium and the speciesC. parvum. In this species, we can distinguish 3 varieties if you consider the one obtained in vivo.The priority given to the thermophily of the strains permits us to distinguish, as Carmichael did (1962), 2 varieties:Chrysosporium parvum andC. parvum var. crescens of which we state precisely the distinctive characteristics.

     

Etude comparee de deux souches deCl. tetani et de leurs formes L (colonie B), obtenues par l'action de la glycine

Résumé Les propriétés de deux souches deCl. tetani et de leurs formes L obtenues par l'action de la glycine sont comparées. Le titre de la toxine synthétisée est déterminé et il para?t que celui de l'une des formes L est un peu plus élevé que celui de sa forme normale, tandis que l'autre souche ne présente pas de différences dans le titre de ces deux formes. Ni des différences physiologiques ni biochimiques marquées n'ont été observées entre les formes normales et leurs formes L respectives, ni une sensibilité différente vis à vis des antibiotiques.

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Summary A comparative study of two strains ofCl. tetani and its L forms obtained by glycine action has been carried out. The titer of the toxin synthesized by the L forms of one of the strains was slightly higher than by its normal form but there was no difference between the titer of the toxin synthesized by the L and the normal form of the other strain. We conclude from our results that there are no fundamental biochemical differences between the normal and L forms.

     

Anomalies morphologiques chez le genre Acartia (Crustacea, Copepoda): description et essai de quantification

We have found morphological anomalies in the fifth pair of thoraciclegs of female Acartic clausi and A. discaudata, sampled inthe harbour at Dunkirk (France), in the eastern English Channeland in the North Sea. The percentage of anomalies in A. clausi(<1%) is not significantly different between polluted andnon-polluted sites. The frequency of anomalies is on the otherhand clearly higher in A. bilfilosa (>20%) than in A. clausi.     

Bioaccumulation de trois insecticides organochlores (Lindane,Dieldrine et DDT) et des PCB chez plusieurs especes de fourmis [Hymenoptera-formicidae] en Belgique

Résumé L'étude de l'impact de 3 insecticides organochlorés (lindane, dielrine et DDT) et des PCB sur 5 espèces de fourmis abondamment représentées en Belgique montre qu'en région wallonne, la contamination des fourmis par ces toxiques est générale, mais reste faible quel que soit le milieu considéré. En moyenne, l'ordre de grandeur est de 20 ppb pour le lindane, 4.4 ppb pour la dieldrine, 13.4 ppb pour le pp'DDE, 11.7 ppb pour l'op'DDD, 15,6 ppb pour le pp'DDE (3 métabolites du DDT) et de 200 ppb pour les PCB. Les résultats obtenus ne montrent pas de relation entre le degré de contamination des ouvrières et celui du matériau de construction du nid. De plus, les concentrations en insecticides et en PCB des fourmis et des matériaux de construction des nids ne sont pas significativement différentes dans les milieux agricoles et forestiers.      

On co-existence,foraging strategy and the biogeography of weasels and stoats (Mustela nivalis and M. erminea) in Britain

Summary Mustela nivalis and M. erminea, two sympatric species of weasels of superficially similar appearance and habits, have different breeding and foraging strategies associated with the difference in their body size. M. nivalis is more efficient in exploiting small rodent prey, and can breed rapidly to take immediate advantage of rodent peaks, but is vulnerable to local extinction during rodent declines. M. erminea has more generalized food habits, and is the larger and probably the dominant species, but is limited by delayed implantation to producing only one litter a year. M. nivalis is therefore superior in exploitation competition, and erminea in interference competition. We offer the hypothesis that the co-existence of the two species is permitted by a balance of these competitive advantages determined, at a given time or place, by the heterogeneity of the environment and the distribution of the prey fauna. We use this hypothesis to explain cases where co-existence has either broken down or is not recorded (the results of simultaneous introductions to New Zealand and Terschelling Island, and of myxomatosis in Britain, and the distribution of nivalis and Erminea on the offshore islands of Britain). We argue that the diversity and size distribution of the prey fauna of an island (which are both related to its area and isolation) are important in deciding the species and size of mustelids surviving there; for example, we suggest that nivalis was present in Ireland in immediate post-glacial times but became extinct with the lemmings.     

Etude histologique des marques squelettiques de croissance chez Vipera aspis (L.)(Ophidia, Viperidae)

The skeletal marks present in numerous po'ikilo-therm Vertebrates are, for numerous workers, the expression of an annual growth periodicity. They have been used, therefore, to calculate the individual age. Nevertheless, few works exist about the nature of these marks. We have begun, by various techniques to study the histo-logical structure of these marks on a series of native Vipera aspis (L.). Skeletal marks are made of two types of osseous tissues: (1) lamellar bone, with parallel fibers, for the annuli , considered to be the result of a period of slow growth; (2) woven fibered bone, for the zones, considered to be the expression of a period of rapid growth. The value of these skeletal marks as an index of age is still to be demonstrated by experimental methods.

Résumeé

Les marques squelettiques présentes chez de nombreux Vertébrés poikilothemes, témoignent pour les auteurs d'une périodicité annuelle de la croissance. Elks ont de ce fait été utilisées dans le calcul de 1'âge individuel. Cependant peu de travaux nous renseignent sur la nature de ces formations. Nous avons entrepris sur un lot de Vipera aspis (L.) indigènes et par des techniques variées, l'étude de la structure histologique de ces stries de croissance. Celles-ci correspondent A deux types de tissus osseux: (1) os lamellaire ou L fibres paralleles, pour les annuli, considéré comme le resultat d'une phase de croissance ralentie; (2) os A fibres entrecroisées, pour les zones, consider6 comme le resultat d'une phase de croissance rapide. La valeur des marques squelettiques comme critère d'Lge reste cependant A démontrer par la méthode experimentale.     

Ultrastructure et maturation de la glande accessoire de la spermatheque chez Speonomus delarouzeei fairm. (Coleoptera : Catopidae) du milieu souterrain

The maturation, histology and ultrastructure of the spermathecal accessory gland of Speonomus delarouzeei (Celeoptera : Catopidae) were studied. The functional units of the epithelium surrounding the gland cavity consist of 2 cells: one secretory cell and one ductile cell, which allows the secretory products to pass into the central lumen. The complete development of this gland takes 24 – 32 days after emergence. When the glandular cells are fully developed, their secretory products reach the pouch of the spermatheca. From then on a high percentage of females copulate.     

Etude comparee de la detection chimique des proies par Proteus anguinus,cavernicole, et son parent de surface Necturus maculosus (proteidae,urodela)

Do the blind cave salamander Proteus and its epigean relative Necturus use the chemical sense in searching for prey? Proteus shows a significant, and Necturus only a weak, preference for water which passes living prey before entering a choice chamber. Prey which was frozen before the test also gave the same result in both species. However, with this immobilized prey the time for a decision in the test was much longer. The results of ten series of tests demonstrate the importance of chemoreception for prey detection in Proteus. The weaker reactions in Necturus can be explained probably by the different biotope.Six other series of tests have been conducted to show that our results are not influenced by stimuli relating to mechanoreception, thigmotaxis and rheotropism.     

Etude Histologique et Microradiographique du Cartilage Hémal de la Vertebre de la Carpe, Cyprinus carpio L. (Pisces, Teleostei, Cyprinidae)

The abdominal vertebrae of the adult carp retain a bulk of cartilage at the basement of the haemapophyses. This cartilage has two opposite directions of differentiation. There is an enchondral ossification of the hypertrophic calcified cartilage in its distal area whereas its proximal area is calcifying without previous hypertrophy. The calcification of this proximal area (hyaline calcified cartilage) is permanent and shows typical rings and waves of Liesegang. The calcification of the cartilage of the hemapophyses is of a globular type. The hyaline calcified cartilage is not a metaplastic bone. Other studies, specially with electron microscope, will allow us to understand the innermost process of the different stages of calcification in the cartilage of the carp.     

Mutations et altérations dans la transmission des informations génétiques chez la drosophile par injection d'extraits de chrysalide diapausantes (Pieris brassicae) traitées par des ptérines

The injection of a pterinic growth factor (folic acid) to insects in diapause under hormone-deficient conditions induced the formation of tumors. From these tumours, artificially induced in chrysalids of Pieris brassicae, a factor causing tumours was extracted which could be isolated by ultracentrifugation. The factor induced by the pterins (folic acid) is made up of light particles which contain DNA, and this DNA is the active constituent. It is a 4–8 S component after breakdown of the light particles.     

La structure fine des caecums rectaux de deux Asteriidae: Marthasterias glacialis (L) et Coscinasterias tenuispina (Lam) (Echinodermata,Asteroidea)

Résumé Dans les caecums rectaux des deux espèces étudiées, stratification tissulaire et composition cellulaire sont semblables. L'épithélium interne se compose de mucocytes et de cellules banales. Outre du glycogène, ces dernières renferment chez M. glacialis des grains de mucopolysaccharides neutres associés à des protéines tandis que chez C. tenuispina, les granules contiennent des mucopolysaccharides acides carboxylés et sulfatés également associés à des protéines. L'épithélium externe de C. tenuispina présente, outre des cellules banales, des cellules glandulaires à contenu protéique.Une attention particulière a été apportée à l'ultrastructure du pôle apical des cellules banales internes. On y remarque de nombreuses microvillosités et un flagelle central caractéristique. De plus, on observe très fréquemment des formations pinocytaires ainsi que plus rarement de la phagocytose. Les diverticules seraient donc, chez les Asteriidae, des organes digestifs à part entière se caractérisant par un grand pouvoir d'absorption et une digestion intracellulaire.Enfin, le pôle basal des cellules banales internes, très contourné, contient, par endroit, des -cytomembranes typiques. Il est possible qu'à ce niveau aient lieu des transferts de substances vers le coelome.

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The fine structure of the rectal caeca of two asteriidae: Marthasterias glacialis (L) and Coscinasterias tenuispina (Lam) (echinodermata asteroidea)

Summary Histological and cytological composition are similar in the rectal caeca of both studied species. Internal epithelium is composed of mucocytes and of banal cells. Besides glycogen, these cells contain in M. glacialis neutral mucopolysaccharides associated with proteins, while in C. tenuispina, the granules contain acidic carboxyled and sulfated mucopolysaccharides also associated with proteins. The external epithelium of C. tenuispina presents, besides banal cells, granular secretory cells with proteic content.Special attention has been payed to the ultrastructure of the apical pole of the internal banal cells. One notices numerous microvilli and a characteristic central flagellum. Moreover, one frequently observes pinocytic formations as well as—more rarely—phagocytosis. The rectal diverticula would thus be, in the Asteriidae, real digestive organs provided with a great capacity of absorption and intracellular digestion.The basal pole of the internal banal cells contains from place to place typical -cytomembranes. Transfers of substances to the coelom can occur at that level.

Madame Klinkert, Mademoiselle Bricourt et Monsieur Harray ont collaboré à la réalisation technique de ce travail. Nous les en remercions grandement. — Le séjour à la station zoologique de Naples a eu lieu grâce à l'appui financier du Ministère de l'Education Nationale et de la Culture.     

Une nouvelle definition de la famille des Dyrosauridae De Stefano, 1903 (Crocodylia,Mesosuchia) et ses consequences: Inclusion des genres Hyposaurus et Sokotosuchus dans les Dyrosauridae

A peculiar combination of characters enables to distinguish the family Dyrosauridae from other Crocodilians.The genus Hyposaurus, from the uppermost Cretaceous of America, which shows this combination, must be referred to this family, otherwise mostly known from the Maestrichtian an the Paleogene of Africa.     

Anatomy and ultrastructure of the salivary (prosomal) glands in unfed water mite larvae Piona carnea (C.L. Koch, 1836) (Acariformes: Pionidae)

Anatomy and ultrastructure of prosomal salivary glands in the unfed water mite larvae Piona carnea (C.L. Koch, 1836) were examined using serial semi-thin sections and transmission electron microscopy. Three pairs of alveolar salivary glands shown are termed lateral, ventro-lateral and medial in accordance with their spatial position. These glands belong to the podocephalic system and are situated on the common salivary duct from back to forth in the above mentioned sequence. The arrangement of the medial glands is unusual because they are situated one after another on the medial (axial) body line, therefore they are termed anterior and posterior medial glands. The secretory duct of the anterior medial gland mostly turns right, and the duct of the posterior gland turns left. The salivary glands are located in the body cavity partly inside the gnathosoma and in the idiosoma in front of the brain (synganglion). Each gland is represented by a single acinus (alveolus) and is composed of several cone shaped secretory cells arranged around the large central (intra-acinar) cavity with the secretory duct base. The cells of all glands are filled with secretory vesicles of different electron density. The remaining cell volume is occupied by elements of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the membrane enveloping vesicles may have ribosomes on its external surface. Large nuclei provided with large nucleoli occupy the basal cell zones. The pronounced development of the prosomal salivary glands indicates their important role in extra-oral digestion of water mite larvae.