Search

Abstract Background Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) is a commercially important crustacean and a valuable global food source. This study employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the morphology and morphometric features of the Marsupenaeus japonicus cephalothoracic structures, including antennules, antennas, scaphocerite, rostrums, and eye stalks. The primary focus was on understanding the role of each part, especially through the examination of setae, which are crucial for chemoreception and defense. Additionally, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was utilized to identify the elemental composition of these structures. Material and methods The samples from the heads of fifteen Marsupenaeus japonicus were studied by gross morphology and morphometry, SEM, and EDX analysis. This study is the first to integrate both SEM and EDX techniques for a detailed analysis of these cephalothoracic structures, offering an innovative approach to understanding both morphological and elemental characteristics. Results Marsupenaeus japonicus exhibited two antennules and two antennae. The antenna featured four basal segments: basicerite, ischiocerite, merocerite, and carpocerite, each with distinctive articulations and setae distribution. The antennule, with three segments covered by plumose setae, displayed curved cone-shaped flagellae. The scaphocerite, resembling a paddle, showcased plumose setae, while the rostrum exhibited dorsal and ventral spines, lateral grooves, and unique setal arrangements. Setal measurements across structures revealed diverse lengths and widths, indicating functional specialization. The compound eyes were connected to an optic stalk adorned with plumose setae. EDX analysis revealed higher percentages of calcium and phosphorus in the spear-like structures of the scaphocerite, rostrum, and antenna, respectively. Conclusion This investigation provides a thorough examination of the intricate morphological features of the cephalothoracic region of Marsupenaeus japonicus, shedding light on its sensory and defensive capabilities. The novel application of both SEM and EDX not only deepens our insights into these structures but also lays the groundwork for future studies using this dual approach to explore crustacean morphology, with potential advantages for sustainable aquaculture and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Abstract Background Sodium butyrate is a potential antibiotic growth promoter and has had advantageous effects on the poultry industry. Methods Evaluating the effect of sodium butyrate on the intestinal villi and the humoral part of innate immunity of the male Cobb 500 broiler using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, the control group and treated group of Cobb 500 with SB supplemented received water containing 0.98 mg sodium butyrate. Results The administration of sodium butyrate changed the villi characters, as the shape changed from tongue to long tongue. They were mainly parallel to each other and long finger-like at the duodenum. The tips of the villi in the control group appeared thin-slight curved with a prominent center in the duodenum, thin rectangular in the jejunum, and ileum in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group, they changed to thick rectangular in the duodenum and ileum zigzag shape in the jejunum. The epithelium lining of the duodenal villi showed a dome shape, the jejunal villi showed a polygonal shape, and the ileal villi appeared scales-like. The epithelium lining showed irregular microfolds and many different-sized pores, and the treatment group showed islands of long microvilli in the duodenum and solitary long microvilli in the ileum. Real-time PCR of AvBD 1, 2, 10, and 12 significantly (P

IntroductionThe morphological characteristics of eyes in fishes are highly diverse and have evolved to meet the specific visual requirements as per their habitats. These morphological features of eyes are important for researchers and ecologists. The dusky spinefoot (Siganus luridus) is a tropical teleost fish with a laterally flattened body which lives in the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, there are no histological data relating to the Siganus luridus eye.MethodsIn this study, the morphology of the Siganus luridus eye was examined to enhance our understanding of its structure and its relationship to fish ecology. Detailed gross and microscopic features were recorded using light and scanning microscopy.ResultsThe key observations describe the main structural features of the eye of Siganus luridus, specifically, the diameter of the orbit, architecture of three tunics of eye and detailed lens description. The choroid was divided into four layers, and had a rete mirabile, consisting of numerous small blood vessels in the choroidal gland. The tapetum lucidum was observed, which is interesting since Siganus luridus is herbivore and herbivores typically lack a tapetum lucidum.DiscussionThese observations shed new light on the intricate eye structure of Siganus luridus and provide valuable insights into its visual abilities and adaptations to the aquatic environment and feeding behavior.

Abstract The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is renowned for its remarkable adaptations, yet much of its complex biology remains unknown. In this pioneering study, we utilized a combination of gross anatomy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, and immunofluorescence techniques to examine the tongue’s omnivorous adaptation in this species. This research bridges a critical knowledge gap, enhancing our understanding of this intriguing reptile. Gross examination revealed a unique arrowhead-shaped tongue with a median lingual fissure and puzzle-piece-shaped tongue papillae. SEM unveiled rectangular filiform, conical, and fungiform papillae, with taste pores predominantly on the dorsal surface and mucous cells on the lateral surface of the papillae. Histologically, the tongue’s apex featured short rectangular filiform and fungiform papillae, while the body exhibited varying filiform shapes and multiple taste buds on fungiform papillae. The tongue’s root contained lymphatic tissue with numerous lymphocytes surrounding the central crypt, alongside lingual skeletal musculature, blood and lymph vessels, and Raffin corpuscles in the submucosa. The lingual striated muscle bundles had different orientations, and the lingual hyaline cartilage displayed a bluish coloration of the ground substance, along with a characteristic isogenous group of chondrocytes. Our research represents the first comprehensive application of immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the cellular intricacies of the red-eared slider’s tongue by employing seven distinct antibodies, revealing a wide array of compelling and significant findings. Vimentin revealed the presence of taste bud cells, while synaptophysin provided insights into taste bud and nerve bundle characteristics. CD34 and PDGFRα illuminated lingual stromal cells, and SOX9 and PDGFRα shed light on chondrocytes within the tongue’s cartilage. CD20 mapped B-cell lymphocyte distribution in the lingual tonsil, while alpha smooth actin (α-SMA) exposed the intricate myofibroblast and smooth muscle network surrounding the lingual blood vessels and salivary glands. In conclusion, our comprehensive study advances our knowledge of the red-eared slider’s tongue anatomy and physiology, addressing a significant research gap. These findings not only contribute to the field of turtle biology but also deepen our appreciation for the species’ remarkable adaptations in their specific ecological niches.

Abstract Background The retinae of diurnal vertebrates have characteristics. Most lizards are strictly diurnal, and their retinal morphology is still unknown. Materials and methods The retina of the African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results The retina's ten layers were all detected. The inner nuclear layer was the thickest by an average of 67.66 μm, and the inner plexiform layer was 57.564 μm. There were elliptical, long cylindrical, and spherical melanosomes (small and large) in the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. The cylindrical melanosomes had a large area on the lateral surfaces of cones to increase light scatter absorption. The photoreceptor layer of the retina had cones only. There were single and double cones, with the double cones consisting of principal and accessory cones. The cones had inner and outer segments separated by oil droplets. A spherical paraboloid body existed between the limiting membrane and the ellipsoid. All single cones had a paraboloid, and double cones had a large paraboloid in the accessory cone. The presence of paraboloids and large ellipsoids with mitochondria of varying sizes may have helped focus the light on cone segments. Conclusion The African five-lined skink's eye was light-adapted due to a variety of retinal specializations related to the demands of its diurnal lifestyle in its environment.

Abstract Background The 3D computed tomography produces detailed images of the digit bones in addition to the angiograph render volume 3D of the CT shows the relation between the arteries, bones, and tissues of the digit. Therefore, the present study used those imaging techniques to provide a complete description of the digit bones and arteries’ origin, distribution, and course and their relations with surrounding structures in the Dromedary Camel. Which would serve as a guide for surgeons and students in distinguishing normal digit structures. The study used eight hind limbs of four adult camels of both sexes (two males and two females), aged 9–15 years (Mean ± SD, 11.80 ± 2.59 years). The samples were injected with latex with lead oxide were undergone 3D render volume CT (128-slice multi-detector CT scanning protocol) and angiography x-rays. Results The blood vessels and correlated structures such as bones, tendons, and ligaments were examined using 3D CT in all directions, which was easier to view than angiography and dissected specimens. The arterial supply to the camel’s hind foot was the A. digitalis plantaris communis III. The angiography render volume 3D of CT explained the blood supply of the bones and joints of digital regions and showed a good visualization of the many digit arteries. The metatarsals, the phalanges, and the sesamoid bones were visualized. A. plantaris medialis superficialis, A. digitalis plantaris communis III, A. digitalis plantaris communis II and IV, A. interdigitalis, rami articularis medialis and lateralis to the fetlock joint, ramus medialis and ramus lateralis of the A. digitalis plantaris communis III, A. digitalis plantaris propriae III et IV abaxialis, A. digitalis plantaris propriae III et IV axialis, Ramus phalangis axialis and abaxialis of the first phalanx, Ramus phalangis axialis and abaxialis of the second and third phalanges, and A. metatarsae plantaris III were visualized. The study discovered new blood vessel sources in dromedary camels, such as the ramus articularis to the fetlock and the ramus plantaris phalangis abaxialis proximalis and distalis of the first phalanx. Conclusions The digital circulation angiography investigates the circulatory pattern of the camel hind digit, which can assist clinicians in diagnosing digit region affections. 3D CT explained improved visualization of bones and arteries, including many small branches in relation to surrounding structures, in some views better than others.