Characteristics of the membranes of the pellicle of the ciliatePseudomicrothorax dubius

Summary The membranes of the pellicle of the ciliatePseudomicrothorax dubius are investigated using thin section electron microscopy and freeze-fracture replicas. The plasma membrane is covered by a surface coat and is connected to the outer alveolar membrane by short, sometimes branched, bridges. The inner alveolar membrane is coated on both sides. The epiplasm lies in intimate contact with the cytoplasmic surface of this membrane, and there is a corresponding deposit on the other surface. This deposit is regularly striated.The epiplasmic layer and the alveoli are interrupted at sites of cytotic activity,e.g., the attachment sites of trichocysts, the cytoproct, and the parasomal sacs. The striated deposit ends where the epiplasm ends, indicating a direct relationship between these two epimembranous layers.There is a deposit along the sides of the first part of the tip of the trichocysts, and in this region the trichocyst membrane is free of intramembranous particles.The membrane of the parasomal sacs has a coat on both surfaces. That on the extraplasmic surface is similar to the surface coat of the plasma membrane. The origin of the cytoplasmic coat is unknown. The cytotic activity of these sacs is indicated by their highly irregular profiles.     

The early development of the tail and the transformation of the shape of the nucleus of the spermatid of the domestic fowl,Gallus gallus

Summary The differentiation of the spermatid, especially in reference to the formation of the flagellum, and transformation of the shape of the nucleus was investigated in the domestic fowl.In the early stage of the spermatid, a prominent Golgi apparatus appears around the centrioles. The Golgi vesicles then surround the axial-filament complex which develops from the distal centriole. These vesicles fuse to form continuous membrane at the earliest stage of flagellar formation, and in the succeeding stage Golgi lamellae are attached to the plasma membrane of the developing flagellum. From these observations, it is assumed that Golgi apparatus may be a source of the membrane system of the flagellum.The microtubules distributed around the nucleus form the circular manchette. The anterior region of the nucleus with the manchette is cylindrical in shape and the posterior region without it remains irregular in shape. When the circular manchette has been completed, the whole nucleus acquires a slender cylindrical shape. The circular manchette then changes into the longitudinal manchette. The nuclei of spermatids without a longitudinal manchette are abnormal in shape. In view of these observations it is assumed that the nuclear shaping of the spermatid may be accomplished by circular manchette and the maintenance of shape of the elongated nucleus by longitudinal manchette.The authors wish to thank Mr. Takayuki Mori for his helpful suggestions and technical advices     

Topography of the contours of the inner surface of the wall of the left ventricle of the heart in systole

Chosen at random 38 diastolic preparations of human hearts from persons having not any cardiac pathology, as demonstrate the postmortem examination, have been investigated. The left ventricle casts have been made during the first 24 hours after death according to a strictly fixed technique by means of filling the cardiac chambers with polymere mass--protacryl--under a physiological pressure of the diastolic filling. The trabecules are arranged as a spiral from the apex of the ventricle up to the atrioventricular fibrous ring, with approaching the apex the spiral step increases and the trabecules straighten. The left ventricle cast is devided into some planes, the envelopes and the trabecularity lines are measured. Average values of the shift in the trabecularity lines I, II, III and in the cross sections B, C, D, E are defined in relation to the plane A and in every case in relation to the previous plane Cn-1. The data obtained are presented in tables and diagrams. The greatest shift demonstrate the trabecularity lines I running predominantly along the posterior wall of the left ventricle in the planes B and which are situated nearer to the atrioventricular ring projection. Owing to the presence of the spiral-shaped course of the trabecules, it is possible to suppose that it influences the blood stream twisting clockwise in the left ventricle during the diastole phase. This indicates the necessity to work out some new constructions of artificial cardiac valves, securing the twisted blood stream. The condition mentioned should be taken into consideration while making prostheses of the cardiac valves.     

Dissymmetry of the origins of the roots of the spinal cord in the dog

The spinal cord in 25 non-inbred dogs has been studied macro-microscopically. The dissymmetry in the arrangement level in the right and left root bases on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord is much greater than on the ventral surface. The same as in the human being, the dissymmetry is the greatest in the thoracic part (as compared to other spinal parts). On the ventral surface of the spinal cord both along the anterior and posterior margin of the root bases, there is a right-sided dissymmetry (with cranial shift); on the dorsal surface it is present only at the roots along the posterior margin. The dissymmetry of the dog spinal cord is quantitatively estimated along its whole extension.     

Effect of the chemical nature of the carbon source in the medium on the makeup of the biomass]

The yeast Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Trichosporon cutaneum were cultivated on the synthetic medium containing additions of group B vitamins (biotin, thiamin) and glucose, glycerol of lactic acid as the sole source. The protein content, amino acid composition, nucleic acids and complex B vitamins were identified in the resultant biomass. The carbon source in the medium affected these indices. The protein and nucleic acid content also depended on the yeast strain.     

Study on the morphology of the gall-bladder of the goat

200 gall-bladders of goat were studied for histology and histochemistry. The lining epithelium is tall columnar with striated border. The glands are mucous and serous, and the secretion of both surface and glands is a polyssaccharide-protein complex. The regional differences at neck, body and fundus of the gall-bladder are described. Few enterochromaffin cells with granules, which are PAS-positive and contain 5-hydroxytryptamine, are encountered at the wedge between the granular epithelial cells and the cells lining the crypts. The relationship between these cells and lymphocytic infiltration is discussed. The thick circular muscle layer at the neck region is considered a sphincter of the gall-bladder.     

Palynostratigraphy of the Carboniferous at the margin of the Polish part of the East-European platform

The paper presents results of miospore studies on Carboniferous strata from drillings made in the last 20 years in several regions in marginal zones of the East-European Platform in Poland (Lublin Coal Basin, Warsaw, Płock, and Bydgoszcz regions, and western Pomerania). In that area the Carboniferous is represented by Dinantian and Silesian strata, from the Tournaisian to Westphalian D.Because of differences in geological development of the Carboniferous and in composition of microfloristic assemblages from strata of that age in the above mentioned regions the first stage of the studies had to be aimed at compilation of local palynostratigraphic schemes for individual regions. The next stage involved compilation of a regional palynostratigraphic scheme for the whole area of Polish margin of the East-European Platform. The scheme comprises 16 spore zones of the concurrent-range-zone type: 6 for the Dinantian and 10 for Silesian. The detailed characteristics of miospore assemblages and age correlations of the zones are given.The proposed scheme was subsequently compared with that proposed for the Carboniferous in western Europe. The comparison showed marked similarities in ranges of taxa diagnostic for individual stratigraphic units in both schemes.     

Theoretical study of the optimal shape of the front profile of the lens in the eye of the scallop,Pecten

The optimal shape of the front profile of the thick lens in the eye of the scallop,Pecten is theoretically, geometric optically investigated as a function of the refractive index of the lens and the retina, as well as of the geometrical parameters of the eye. The shape of the theoretical front surfaces is compared with that of the real, experimentally determined front face of the lens. The degree of correction of the lens for spherical aberration of the reflecting spherical mirror in thePecten eye is examined. The optimal shape of the front profile of the lens depends strongly on a set of parameters, such that a certain fine tuning is required among them to assure a full correction for spherical aberration. The extreme variability of the eye parameters and the shape of the front face of the lens in the scallop is inconsistent with this fine tuning requirement. The degree of correction of thePecten lens for spherical aberration might not be as good as it could be, a possible biooptical reason for which is discussed.     

On the origin of the Hirudinea and the demise of the Oligochaeta

The phylogenetic relationships of the Clitellata were investigated with a data set of published and new complete 18S rRNA gene sequences of 51 species representing 41 families. Sequences were aligned on the basis of a secondary structure model and analysed with maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. In contrast to the latter method, parsimony did not recover the monophyly of Clitellata. However, a close scrutiny of the data suggested a spurious attraction between some polychaetes and clitellates. As a rule, molecular trees are closely aligned with morphology-based phylogenies. Acanthobdellida and Euhirudinea were reconciled in their traditional Hirudinea clade and were included in the Oligochaeta with the Branchiobdellida via the Lumbriculidae as a possible link between the two assemblages. While the 18S gene yielded a meaningful historical signal for determining relationships within clitellates, the exact position of Hirudinea and Branchiobdellida within oligochaetes remained unresolved. The lack of phylogenetic signal is interpreted as evidence for a rapid radiation of these taxa. The placement of Clitellata within the Polychaeta remained unresolved. The biological reality of polytomies within annelids is suggested and supports the hypothesis of an extremely ancient radiation of polychaetes and emergence of clitellates.     

Differentiation of the effects of antispasmodic agents on the electromyogram of the sphincter of Oddi and the duodenum of the alert rabbit

The electrical activity of the sphincter of Oddi and gastro-intestinal tract had been recorded on 21 negative atropineesterase conscious rabbits by means of chronically implanted electrodes located in the digestive wall. An analysis of the action of different spasmolytic and analgesic drugs was realized. Electromyograms of the sphincter of Oddi presented (a) isolated or in series spike potentials occurring independently of electrical activities of the duodenum (b) recurring spike potentials correlated with intestine spikes. The independent activity of the sphincter of Oddi was not controlled by the cholinergic system, contrary to the intestine-dependent activity (effect of the fempiverinium, atropine like drug). The pitofenone had inhibited the spike potentials of both the sphincter and intestine because its papaverinic effect. The noramidopyrine, analgesic drug without morphine-like effects, had induced activation and inhibition at low and high posology respectively.     

Characterization of the composition of the aqueous humor and the vitreous body of the eye of the frog Rana temporaria L

This study aimed to analyze the aqueous humor (AH) and the vitreous body (VB) of the eye of the adult frog Rana temporaria L. as a representative species of amphibians, which lead a semi-terrestrial life. The presence of collagen, albumin, uric acid and electron donors was shown in both media; however, there are slight differences in their concentrations. To determine collagen, a spectral-fluorescent probe, cyanine dye, was used. The presence of collagen in AH of the frog was found at the first time. The total content of electron donors (ascorbic and uric acids, tryptophan, and tyrosine) in VB and HA was roughly estimated at ~ 1.5 × 10^− 4 mol/L. Both VB and AH absorb light in similar UV regions. The total protein and albumin contents in AH were found to be somewhat higher than those in VB. The uric acid content was at an equally low level in both intraocular media. It is supposed that the similarity of VB and AH compositions shown in this work is due to some exchange between VB and AH contents in the course of accommodation. The role of intraocular fluids in physiological functions of the eye and in protecting the retina against UV light is discussed.     

Structure of the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus of the bottlenosed dolphin

In the bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) the hypothalamic corpus mammillaris has been studied using interperpendicular, sagittal, frontal and horizontal serial sections, impregnated in silver and stained with cresil-violet. Comparatively small dimentions of the corpora mammillaria in the bottlenosed dolphin are explained by presence of only two nuclei, medial and lateral. The lateral nucleus is nearly three times as large as the medial one. The size of the neurons in the medial nucleus is on the average two times as large as that of neurons in the lateral nucleus. The density of the neural cells distribution is a little greater in the lateral nucleus. The structure of the bottlenosed dolphin corpora mammillaria is compared with similar structures in other animals and the human being.     

Variability of the nectaries of the genusTurritis

Summary The monotype genusTurritis L. has lateral and median nectaries. The Iateral ones forming either a continuous ring or have the form of a horseshoe-shaped ridge open at the back. The median nectaries form a continuous ridge, sometimes enlarged in the median, sometimes being two-lobed.     

Analysis of the mechanisms determining the varying relationship of the sperm from the marine and freshwater forms of the three-spined stickleback to the salinity of the medium]

The causes of differences in the reaction of spermatozoa of the fresh-water (morpha leiurus) and marine (m. trachurus) forms of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus to the high sea water salinity (the upper limit of spermatozoan motility being 18% and 52%, resp.) were investigated. The experiments with solutions of pure NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, KCl, LiCl (25 g/l) have shown that the movement of spermatozoa of m. leiurus is inhibited by NaCl only. The inhibition of chlorine channels of the plasma membrane by a specific inhibitor furosemide has shown that the activity of spermatozoa of m. leiurus is suppressed by the high Na+ concentrations. The experiments with ATP have revealed no differences in the activity of Na pump between the spermatozoa of mm. trachurus and leiurus. Amyloride, an inhibitor of Na channels, at a concentration of 1.10(-5) M relieved the inhibiting effect of the high Na+ concentrations on the activity of spermatozoa of m. leiurus. The differences in the reaction of spermatozoa of two forms of the stickleback appear, to be determined by differences in Na channels of the plasma membrane.     

Spread of bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter in the hydrobios of the Bay of Peter the Great, the Sea of Japan

The analysis of the spread of bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter among the invertebrate animals of the Bay of Peter the Great (the Sea of Japan): in bivalved mollusks, sea cucumbers and sea urchins Acinetobacter bacteria were detected more often than in cushion stars and crustaceous animals. The biological properties of 45 isolated bacteria were studied with the use of a wide variety of tests. The study revealed that 9% of Acinetobacter cultures isolated from marine animals had pronounced beta-hemolysis.     

Analysis of the intra-individual differences of the joint surfaces of the calcaneus

Patients with calcaneus fractures experience considerable interferences with daily living activities. The quality of anatomical reconstruction is important because of its influence on functional outcome. The aim of this study was to develop an automatic algorithm based on computer tomographic (CT) images to quantify the integrity of calcaneal joint surfaces. Validation of this algorithm was done by assessing intra-individual variations of characteristic joint parameters. Bilateral hind foot CT data of 12 subjects were manually segmented, and 3D models from the calcaneus, talus and cuboid were generated. These models were implemented in a custom-made software to analyse the area, 3D orientations and bone distance of the joint surfaces of the calcaneus. Three joints were detected, and the calculated parameters were compared between right and left hind foot by the evaluation of the directional asymmetry (%DA). The results were statistically analysed with a paired t-test. The median of area (5–7 %DA) of the joint surfaces and the distance between two articulating surfaces (8–9 %DA) showed the greatest intra-individual differences. Median differences in 3D orientation were comparatively low (1–2 %DA). None of these differences was statistically significant. Inter-individual variations among subjects were several magnitudes larger than intra-individual differences. The presented computational tool provides 3D joint-specific parameters of the calcaneus, which enable to describe their respective joint integrity. The results show that only small intra-individual differences within the anatomy exist. Surgical treatment should take place with the aid of CT data from the contralateral side. Thus, a good restoration of the anatomy may be reached. The computational tool assesses the quality of reduction, and may be helpful to evaluate the outcome and quality of operative treatment based on the calculated joint-specific parameters of joint reconstructions in the hind foot.     

Electron microscopic study of the formation of the egg membranes of the oocytes of the last year of development in the peliad]

After ovulation the egg membrane of the pelled consists of 3 layers. The homogeneous electron-dense layer comprising its major mass zona radiata, is laid as early as the stage of protoplasmatic growth of the oocyte as a result of accumulation of an electron-dense substance of a high electron density in the basement of the oocyte microvilli. The next, pectinate layer is formed from the highly electron-dense substance formed in the vacuoli of the follicular cell Golgi complex released into the subfollicular space. The most external layer - a fibrous layer - is formed due to release of large vacuoles, formed in the apical area of the follicular cells not long before ovulation. The obtained data suggest a great role of the follicular epithelium in the formation of egg membranes of the pelled.     

Characteristics of the ovum cleavage and the importance of the preblastula phase in the embryogenesis of the Nematoda

The figure of tetrahedron is formed in certain species of Plectus and in Tobrilus gracilis at the stage of 4 blastomeres rather than a rhombus which is formed in most highly organized nematodes. The analysis of the Nematoda's embryogenesis allows to conclude that tetrahedron, rhombus as well as some other figures play the role of preblastula sustaining the most expedient disposition of the first blastomers for transition to the formation of the blastula. With the increasing organization of nematodas the tetrahedron preblastula turns into a rhombic, linear-rhombic and at last in aphelenchoid-tylenchoid one. The character of the distribution of structural elements of organs and tissues of the definitive animal in the cytoplasm of the egg of Plectus and Tobrilus confirms the rightness of the division of the class of nematodas into subclasses Enoplia and Chromadoria rather than subclasses Adenophorea and Secernentea.     

Utilization of computerized tomography for the determination of the volume of the cranial cavity of the galgo hound

The volumetry of the cranial cavity of 30 galgo hounds (15 males and 15 females) has been studied by computerized axial scanning tomography and biostatistical methods. The serial tomodensitometric sections of heads were 5 mm thick and 5 mm distant, taken in sagittal and transverse planes. Results demonstrate a sexual differentiation, with a security of 99.99%. The discussion turns to zootechnical and osteoarcheological applications.     

Features of the morphofunctional state of the endocrine part of the pancreas during the development of experimental diabetes in the presence of regulatory peptides

The multiple 7-day intranasal introduction of PGArg and GPArg peptides at a dose of 1 mg per kg body weight before the injection of the diabetogenic dose of alloxan provided the maintenance of normoglycemia in rats. The similar introduction of PGPArg peptide did not provide any protection against the development of diabetes mellitus. The quantity of pancreatic islets in the animals from this group remained quite comparable to the norm, but the total number of cells per islet was below the norm, as well as in the control group. The GPArg peptide showed the best results as a preventive anti-diabetic agent.