Description of eight phases of spermiogenesis in the marmoset testis

The differentiation of spermatids in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus, n = 9) testis is described here at the light-microscopic level employing serial semithin sections. The definition of 8 different phases of spermiogenesis, i.e. the formation of spermatids, is based upon the changes in the development of nucleus, acrosome and flagellum.     

Estrus induction in the goat after pulsatile administration of LHFSHRH

In this experiment we used nine goats to which we administered GnRH in fractioned doses at a pulse like rhythm in order to obtain follicular growth and oestrus. The average length of treatment was 5.5 days; the animals were injected with a daily amount of 0.05 mg of GnRH subdivided in three doses (0.017 mg each). All the 9 experimental goats came into oestrus and became pregnant. The GnRH treatment in fractioned and repeated daily doses proves a valid method to induce follicular growth and ovulation in anoestrus goats.     

Simultaneous demonstration of mucins and lysozyme in duodeno-jejunal biopsies of coeliac infants

Using a sequential method for the simultaneous demonstration of lysozyme and mucins, the possible existence of a transitional cell intermediate in form between Paneth and goblet cells has been investigated in childhood coeliac disease. Mixed staining for both mucins and lysozyme has not been encountered within intestinal cells of affected mucosae and controls.     

Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) parasitizing terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea)

Summary A new mermithid nematode, Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) was found parasitizing two terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea) in California. The hosts, Armadillidium vulgare (Latr.) (a pillbug) and Porcellio scaber (Latr.) (a sowbug) represent the first cases of isopods attacked by mermithid nematodes. The genus Thaumamermis can be distinguished from all previously described mermithids by the extremely dimorphic spicules, one being short and broad and the other long and filiform. It has been discovered that the nematodes are infected with an iridiovirus which commonly destroys the isopod hosts. ac]19800917     

Quantification of viable biomass in biofilm reactors by extractable lipid phosphate

 Lipid phosphate, which is a measure of viable biomass, was determined using biofilm samples from three different laboratory-scale reactors. The analysis procedure proposed in the literature was modified and tested for suitability in experiments with biofilm reactors. The microbial contents of the biofilms studied are compared in three types of reactor. Received: 2 November 1994/Accepted: 23 January 1995     

Role of different lymphoid tissues in the initiation and maintenance of DNA-raised antibody responses to the influenza virus H1 glycoprotein.

Antibody responses in mice immunized by a single gene gun inoculation of plasmid expressing the influenza virus H1 hemagglutinin and in mice immunized by a sublethal H1 influenza virus infection have been compared. Both immunizations raised long-lived serum responses that were associated with the localization of antibody-secreting cells (ASC) to the bone marrow. However, the kinetics of these responses were 4 to 8 weeks slower in the DNA-immunized than in the infection-primed mice. Following a gene gun booster, the presence of ASC in the inguinal lymph nodes, but not in other lymph nodes, revealed gene gun responses being initiated in the nodes that drain the skin target site. Both pre- and postchallenge, the DNA-immunized mice had 5- to 10-times-lower levels of antibody and ASC than the infection-primed mice.     

Methyl-coenzyme M reductase of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H catalyzes the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane to ethylene and chloroethane.

Reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) to ethylene and chloroethane (CA) by crude cell extracts of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H with H2 as the electron donor was stimulated by Mg-ATP. The heterodisulfide of coenzyme M (CoM) and 7-mercaptoheptanoylthreonine phosphate together with Mg-ATP partially inhibited ethylene production but stimulated CA production compared Mg-ATP alone. The pH optimum for the dechlorination was 6.8 (at 60 degrees C). Michaelis-Menten kinetics for initial product formation rates with different 1,2-DCA concentrations indicated the enzymatic character of the dechlorination. Apparent Kms for 1,2-DCA of 89 and 119 microM and Vmaxs of 34 and 20 pmol/min/mg of protein were estimated for ethylene and CA production, respectively. 3-Bromopropanesulfonate, a specific inhibitor for methyl-CoM reductase, completely inhibited dechlorination of 1,2-DCA. Purified methyl-CoM reductase, together with flavin adenine dinucleotide and a crude component A fraction which reduced the nickel of factor F430 in methyl-CoM reductase, converted 1,2-DCA to ethylene and CA with H2 as the electron donor. In this system, methyl-CoM reductase was also able to transform its own inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate to ethylene.