The utilization and digestion of cellulose by the rumen ciliate Diploplastron affine.

Rumen protozoa are known to contribute to fibre digestion, but the fibrolytic enzymes of the majority of ciliate species have been poorly recognised to date. The aims of the study were, first, to determine the influence of crystalline cellulose on the survival and population density of the ciliate Diploplastron affine when cultured in vitro, and second to identify and characterise the protozoal enzymes catalysing the hydrolysis of cellulose. It was found that crystalline cellulose, when added to a culture medium, increased the number of protozoa maintained in vitro.

Effect of Entodinium caudatum on starch intake and glycogen formation by Eudiplodinium maggii in the rumen and reticulum.

This study aimed to quantify the engulfed starch and reserve α-glucans (glycogen) in the cells of the ciliates Eudiplodinium maggii, as well the α-glucans in defaunated and selectively faunated sheep. The content of starch inside the cell of ciliates varied from 21 to 183mg/g protozoal DM relative to the rumen fauna composition whereas, the glycogen fluctuated between 17 and 126mg/g dry matter (DM) of this ciliate species. Establishment of the population Entodinium caudatum in the rumen of sheep already faunated with E.

Methods for the cultivation of ciliated protozoa from the large intestine of horses.

This paper describes cultivation methods for ciliates from the digestive tract of horses. Members of three different genera were successfully grown in vitro for short periods of time. However, only cells belonging to the genus Blepharocorys, which resides in the horse's large intestine, were maintained for longer periods.

Dynamic Buffer Capacity in Acid-Base Systems.

The generalized concept of 'dynamic' buffer capacity is related to electrolytic systems of different complexity where acid-base equilibria are involved. The resulting formulas are presented in a uniform and consistent form. The detailed calculations are related to two Britton-Robinson buffers, taken as examples.

"Why not stoichiometry" versus "Stoichiometry--why not?" Part II: GATES in context with redox systems.

Redox equilibria and titration play an important role in chemical analysis, and the formulation of an accurate mathematical description is a challenge. This article is devoted to static and (mainly) dynamic redox systems; the dynamic systems are represented by redox titrations. An overview addresses earlier approaches to static redox systems (redox diagram plots, including Pourbaix diagrams) and to titration redox systems, thereby covering a gap in the literature.

"Why Not Stoichiometry" versus "Stoichiometry—Why Not?" Part III: Extension of GATES/GEB on Complex Dynamic Redox Systems.

In the third part of a series of articles issued under a common title, some examples of complex dynamic redox systems are presented and considered from analytical and physico-chemical viewpoints; the analysis is a leitmotiv for detailed, physico-chemical considerations. All attainable physico-chemical knowledge is involved in algorithms applied for resolution of the systems, realized with use of iterative computer programs. The first redox system (System I) is related to titration of FeSO4 + H2C2O4 with KMnO4 solution in acidic (H2SO4) medium, where simultaneous determination of both analytes from a single curve of potentiometric titration is possible.

Isolation and in vitro cultivation of the fibrolytic rumen ciliate Eremoplastron (Eudiplodinium) dilobum.

The rumen ciliate Eremoplastron dilobum was isolated from sheep rumen fluid and cultivated in vitro as a species population. Four different salt solutions were used to prepare the culture media. However, only the "Artificial rumen fluid" composed of (g/L): K2HPO4-3.

"Why not stoichiometry" versus "stoichiometry--why not?" Part I: General context.

The elementary concepts involved with stoichiometry are considered from different viewpoints. Some examples of approximate calculations made according to the stoichiometric scheme are indicated, and correct resolution of the problems involved is presented. The principles of balancing chemical equations, based on their apparent similarities with algebraic equations, are criticized.

A uniform nonlinearity criterion for rational functions applied to calibration curve and standard addition methods.

Rational functions of the Padé type are used for the calibration curve (CCM), and standard addition (SAM) methods purposes. In this paper, the related functions were applied to results obtained from the analyses of (a) nickel with use of FAAS method, (b) potassium according to FAES method, and (c) salicylic acid according to HPLC-MS/MS method. A uniform, integral criterion of nonlinearity of the curves, obtained according to CCM and SAM, is suggested.

A non-linearity criterion applied to the calibration curve method involved with ion-selective electrodes.

Some rational functions of the Padé type, y=y(x; n,m), were applied to the calibration curve method (CCM), and compared with a parabolic function. The functions were tested on the results obtained from calibration of ion-selective electrodes: NH4-ISE, Ca-ISE, and F-ISE. A validity of the functions y=y(x; 2,1), y=y(x; 1,1), and y=y(x; 2,0) (parabolic) was compared.

The symbiotic intestinal ciliates and the evolution of their hosts.

The evolution of sophisticated differentiations of the gastro-intestinal tract enabled herbivorous mammals to digest dietary cellulose and hemicellulose with the aid of a complex anaerobic microbiota. Distinctive symbiotic ciliates, which are unique to this habitat, are the largest representatives of this microbial community. Analyses of a total of 484 different 18S rRNA genes show that extremely complex, but related ciliate communities can occur in the rumen of cattle, sheep, goats and red deer (301 sequences).

Application of rational functions for the standard addition method.

Some rational functions are considered as the basis for calculation of unknown concentration (x0) of an analyte X determined according to the standard addition method (SAM). The correction for dilution of the sample tested during addition of successive increments of standard(ised) solution of X is involved in the related algorithm applied for calculation of the x0 value. The formulae derived were put in context with experimental data, obtained according to the AAS method from Cu-measurements in samples obtained by digestion of an ash obtained from incinerated sludge.

Can fungal zoospores be the source of energy for the rumen protozoa Eudiplodinium maggii?

Results of our earlier studies showed the ability of ciliates Eudiplodinium maggii to digest and metabolize commercial chitin. The natural source of this polysaccharide in the rumen are fungi. The objectives of present research were to determine the effect of fungal zoospores on the survival and population density of E.

Studies on nonenzymatic oxidation mechanisms in neobetanin, betanin, and decarboxylated betanins.

A comprehensive nonenzymatic oxidation mechanism in betanin plant pigment as well as its derivatives, 2-decarboxybetanin, 17-decarboxybetanin, 2,17-bidecarboxybetanin, and neobetanin, in the presence of ABTS cation radicals was investigated by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The main compounds formed during the first step of betanin and 2-decarboxybetanin oxidation are 2-decarboxy-2,3-dehydrobetanin and 2-decarboxyneobetanin, respectively. In contrast to betanin, the reaction mechanism for 2-decarboxybetanin includes more oxidation pathways.

On the isohydricity concept--some comments.

The isohydricity property, referred to systems composed of acids or bases, is presented. The related isohydricity conditions are formulated for different pairs of solutions. The pH titrations in the system of isohydric solutions are put in context with conductometric titrations.

β-Fructofuranosidase and sucrose phosphorylase of rumen bacterium Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis strain 3.

The subject of this study was the fructan and sucrose degrading enzymes of bacterium Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis strain 3. It was stated that cell extract from bacteria growing on inulin contained β-fructofuranosidase (EC 3.2.

Effect of the rumen ciliates Entodinium caudatum, Epidinium ecaudatum and Eudiplodinium maggii, and combinations thereof, on ruminal fermentation and total tract digestion in sheep.

The quantitative importance of individual ciliate species and their interaction in the rumen is still unclear. The present study was performed to test whether there are species differences in the influence on ruminal fermentation in vivo and if combinations of ciliates act additive in that respect. Six adult wethers fed a hay-concentrate diet were defaunated, then refaunated either with Entodinium caudatum (EC), Epidinium ecaudatum (EE) or Eudiplodinium maggii (EM) alone, then progressively with all possible species combinations.