Anaerobic ureolytic bacteria from caecal content and soft faeces of rabbit

Forty strains of ureolytic bacteria were isolated from the caecal content and soft faeces of seven rabbits by the anaerobic roll tube method and were characterized. The isolates were identified with Clostridium coccoides, Cl. innocuum, Peptostreptococcus productus, P. micros, Peptococcus magnus, Fusobacterium russii and Fusobacterium sp. Urease activity of representative strains of the various species was also determined. The study indicated that strongly-ureolytic anaerobic bacteria are present in the caecum of the rabbit.     

Effect of dehydrocorrine-cobalt complex on mitochondria

The effects of the decamethyloctadehydrocorrine-cobalt complex (Co-C) on respiration and the ATP-synthetase activity of rat liver mitochondria were investigated. The Co-C complex was found to be an effective shunt of the respiratory chain. It accepts electrons from ubiquinone and donates them directly to O2. The Co-C complex inhibits the ATPase and ATP-synthetase activities of mitochondria.     

Congenital dyserytropoietic anaemia, type II (HEMPAS) in three siblings

These siblings of a Czech family aged 21, 19 and 6 years, respectively, with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, type II, (HEMPAS) are reported. In two elder siblings ferrokinetic studies revealed a rapid plasma 59Fe clearance, markedly decreased erythrocyte incorporation and shortened 51Cr red-cell survival. Direct anti-globulin test was found positive in one of them. Further investigations revealed low values of blood plasma cholesterol, total lipids, beta-lipoproteins, beta-carotine and vitamin E and A as well as low values of the prothrombin complex. Liver biopsy demonstrated siderosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the liver in both patients. The possible reasons for these humoral aberrations are discussed.     

Localization of ribosomal genes and nucleolar activity in lymphocytes of swine (Sus scrofa domestica) stimulated by phytohemagglutinins

The Pig chromosomes that contain rDNA sites displayed a polymorphism in the distribution of the genes among the nucleolar organizers located on pairs Nos. 8 and 10. Two, or more often three, active sites were observed in the chromosomes of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Only 5% of the metaphases showed a 4th small active site. At the onset of stimulation most cells contained one-two nucleoli; four nucleoli were never observed. After prolonged stimulation, the number of nuclei containing three nucleoli increased. A 4th small nucleolus appeared in a few cells, presumably formed by activation of the smallest rDNA site.     

Substratum topography and cell traction on sulphuric acid treated bacteriological-grade plastic

Treatment of bacteriological-grade plastic with concentrated sulphuric acid is a well known technique which increases the wettability of the surface and renders it suitable for eukaryotic cell adhesion. We have noticed that these substrata present a distinctive surface topography in the presence of a serum supplement under normal culture conditions. The adsorbed serum layer is comprised of fine furrows and ridges and the influence of adherent cells on this layer leads to minute tears and distortions in the direction of the corrugations. This provides a novel system for the investigation of cell spreading and locomotion by scanning electron microscopy.