Inhibition of mitochondrial ATPase by dicarbopolyborate,a new enzyme inhibitor

Polyborate anions were found to inhibit mitochondrial ATPase. Mercapto and chloro derivatives of dicarbononaborates showed full inhibition of the enzyme activity at 0.5–0.8 mM. The inhibitory effect of dodecaborates was lower. The inhibition was of competitive type with respect to ATP. The inhibition of soluble F₁-ATPase indicates a direct interaction of the polyborate anion with the catalytic part of the enzyme molecule.     

Purification and properties of adenosine triphosphatase solubilized from beef heart mitochondria by chloroform

Summary Soluble, oligomycin-insensitive ATPase released from beef heart mitochondria by chloroform extraction can be further purified by Sepharose 6B gel filtration. This purification increases enzyme activity 4–5 times (100–130 U/mg). According to specific activity, high purity and ability to reconstitute oligomycin-sensitive complex, isolated ATPase is quite comparable with enzyme preparations isolated by other methods.     

Immunoadjuvant effect of inactivated Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans disseminated into the central nervous system (CNS) of intraperitoneally inoculated adult ICR mice, but did not potentiate penetration of concurrently given Bhanja virus (Bunyaviridae) into the CNS. Likewise, Bhanja virus infection did not affect significantly the course of murine cryptococcosis. However, formalin-killed C. neoformans cells non-specifically increased production of antibodies against the virus infection in the animals. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

External damage and changes in blood parameters in female tench, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tinca tinca</Emphasis> (L.) retained in anglers’ keepnets

The effect of keeping female tench in two different types of keepnets for 24 h after landing was tested. The first type, fine knotted nylon mesh, was placed in two different positions in the edge: (a) anglers position, anchored on one side and (b) stretch position, anchored on both ends of the keepnets. The second type was made of dense fine and soft textile net in black color and anchored on both ends in a stretch position. After capture by rod the fish were landed by hand, the hook was removed and the damage to the body and fins checked before confining the fish inside the keepnets. After confinement, blood samples were collected and the number, disposition and extent of wounds checked. The retention in the keepnets did not produce significant changes in plasma cortisol, glucose and osmolality. Fine knotted nets caused more injuries than the soft textile one. As a consequence, the use of this latter type is recommended for tench retention.     

Macrozoobenthos response to environmental degradation in a heavily modified stream: Case study the Upper Elbe River,Czech Republic

Benthic macroinvertebrates are an important indicator of river health. However, their response upon water quality development downstream the pollution outlets considerably depends on the environmental habitat characteristics. Three successive stretches, each of them providing three different mesohabitats in stillwater (S), torrential (T) and riparian (R) zones were selected for evaluation of the impact of altered metapotamal river bed morphology (channelization) and chemical determinants of water quality on the Upper Elbe River. In downstream direction, the stretches are separated by weirs and characterized as a low polluted low modified natural stream (N), a low polluted channelized stream (C) and a channelized polluted stream (CP). Altogether, 111 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded in the Pardubice hotspot between Němčice and Přelouč. Despite different levels of stream bed and water quality degradation, micro- and mesohabitat characteristics appeared to be the most important factors determining the diversity of macrozoobenthos in riffle (substrate size structure) and in shoreline (macrophyte community composition and structure) mesohabitats. The diversity of macroinvertebrate communities was highest in riparian mesohabitats compared to stillwater and torrential ones. Saprobic indices increased in downstream direction, thus indicating the decline of water quality.