We describe the functional morphology of the digestive tract of the Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto using anatomical, morphometric, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructure ...techniques, and relate our findings to the species' dietary niche. Our results revealed that the esophagus is displaced on both sides of the neck and has highly folded tunica mucosa, which confer greater elasticity for efficient swallowing and passage of food to the crop. The proventriculus is delicate and its mucosal layer contains polymorphic glands with dense profound and superficial secretory units that open to the luminal surface by gastric pores. The ventriculus is biconvex and lined with a keratinized koilin membrane. The tubular glands within the mucosal lining include the isthmus, the neck, and the basal segment that comprise chief and basal cells with prominent nuclei. At the cuticle‐mucosal interface, pyramidal vertical rodlets of the cuticle are secreted and superficially covered by a thin film of a horizontal matrix. The mucosa of the ileum form pyramidal villi that are oriented perpendicularly to the central lumen. Enterocytes infiltrated with goblet cells make up the epithelial lining of the villi. There are subtle differences in the thicknesses of corresponding tunics together with histochemical reactions of alcian blue (AB) and Masson–Goldner trichrome (MT) for their microstructures. Overall, our findings reveal remarkable convergence of both macro‐and microstructures in S. decaocto to other granivorous species, and offer further evidence of the close association between functional morphology and feeding style relative to food swallowing, digestion, and absorption.
The functional morphology of the digestive tract is directly linked to the dietary niche of Streptopelia decaocto.
The esophagus, proventriculus, gizzard and ileum show anatomical peculiarities consistent with a granivorous diet.
Differences in the cellular and structural patterning of the digestive tract are associated with functional aspects.
Acid mucins and collagens are arranged heterogeneously in different compartments of the digestive tract.
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a relationship between the microstructure and measurements of Egyptian buffalo hair and age. The buffalo studied ranged in age from young to premature to ...adult (3–8 months, 1.5–3, 4–6, and 8–10 years). The hair was collected from the animals' withers. Cuticle elements were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. Hair shaft diameter increased with age, according to SEM and light microscopy measurements. The values of shaft diameter obtained by SEM of the same animal were 64%–67% of the values obtained by light microscopy due to shrinkage of the hair during the drying process. Additional microscopy measurements revealed that the width of the cortex and medulla increased with age, while the width of the cuticle decreased slightly. The medulla index of four different age groups ranged from 0.56 to 0.61 μm. The average distance between successive scale values increased from 4.83 μm in the young group to 8.86 μm between the ages of 8 and 10 years. The scale pattern had a distinct personality at each stage of age. The hair medulla was in the center and consisted of a mesh‐like structure with large pores divided into smaller pores by septa. The cortex was a bundle of fibers that wrapped around the medulla. Light microscopy revealed small oval granules and large streak‐like granules in the cortex. EDX spectra revealed that carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen were shown to be more abundant in all age groups of buffalo. In buffalo hair, oxygen was the second most abundant element after carbon. The carbon mass in the examined samples decreased slightly with age (42.31%, 39.18%, 38.88%, and 38.49%), while oxygen increased with age. We concluded that hair measurements varied with age, scale microstructure, and elements, so we estimated buffalo animals' ages up to 10 years.
Highlights
The goal was to show a link between the microstructure and measurements of Egyptian buffalo hair and age.
Hair shaft diameter increased with age, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy measurements.
The hair shaft diameter obtained by light microscopy was higher than that obtained by scanning electron microscopy of the same animal; we hypothesized that the difference in hair shaft diameter measured by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the same animal was due to the shrinkage of the hair during the drying process.
The width of the cortex and medulla increased with age, while the width of the cuticle decreased slightly.
The average distance between successive scale values increased from 4.83 μm in the young group to 8.86 μm between 8 and 10 years old.
At each stage of age, the scale pattern had a distinct personality.
Carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen were found to be more abundant in the hair of buffalo of all ages and were detected using energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectra.
After carbon, oxygen was the second most abundant element in buffalo hair. The carbon mass in the samples studied decreased slightly with age, while the oxygen mass increased.
Hair measurements varied according to age, scale microstructure, and elements.
(a) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of a cross‐section of hair from the wither area of 1.5–2‐year‐old buffalo explained the general structures of the hair at the cutting part: the hair cuticle, cortex, medulla, and cortical fibers. (b) SEM of the cross‐section of hair of 5–6‐year‐old explained the vaulted medulla with different pores and septa. (c) SEM of the cuticle scale pattern of buffalo aged 3–8 months with wavy‐like scales. (d) SEM of the cuticle scale of 4–10‐year‐old buffalo with an oval scale and smooth margin. (e) Photomicrograph showed the basic structure of the hair shaft of an Egyptian buffalo and its measurement. (f) SEM with measured values for the diameter of the distal third of hair of 3–8 months of buffalo. (g) Scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) chart explained the elements at the buffalo hair cuticle. (h) A chart explained the change in buffalo hair diameter, medulla, cortex, and cuticle width at four ages by light microscope.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous RNA regulating gene expression. However, the regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism in yaks involved in circRNAs remain poorly understood. ...The IMF plays a crucial role in the quality of yak meat, to greatly improve the meat quality. In this study, the fatty acid profiles of yak IMF were determined and circRNAs were sequenced. The results showed that the total of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of adult yak muscle was significantly higher than that in yak calves (p < 0.05). A total of 29,021 circRNAs were identified in IMF tissue, notably, 99 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were identified, to be associated with fat deposition, the most significant of which were circ_12686, circ_6918, circ_3582, ci_106 and ci_123 (A circRNA composed of exons is labelled ‘circRNA’ and a circRNA composed of introns is labelled ‘ciRNA’). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential circRNAs were enriched in four pathways associated with fat deposition (e.g., the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signalling, fatty acid degradation, sphingolipid metabolism and sphingolipid signalling pathways). We also constructed co‐expression networks of DE circRNA‐miRNA using high‐throughput sequencing in IMF deposition, from which revealed that ci_106 target binding of bta‐miR‐130b, bta‐miR‐148a, bta‐miR‐15a, bta‐miR‐34a, bta‐miR‐130a, bta‐miR‐17‐5p and ci_123 target binding of bta‐miR‐150 were involved in adipogenesis. The study revealed the role of the circRNAs in the IMF deposition in yak and its influence on meat quality the findings demonstrated the circRNA differences in the development of IMF with the increase of age, thus providing a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of IMF deposition in yaks.
Researchers are constantly searching for drugs to combat the coronavirus pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has lasted for over two years. Natural compounds such as phenolic acids are being tested ...against Mpro and AAK1, which are key players in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. This research work aims to study the ability of a panel of natural phenolic acids to inhibit the virus's multiplication directly through Mpro and indirectly by affecting the adaptor-associated protein kinase-1 (AAK1). Pharmacophore mapping, molecular docking, and dynamic studies were conducted over 50 ns and 100 ns on a panel of 39 natural phenolic acids. Rosmarinic acid (16) on the Mpro receptor (- 16.33 kcal/mol) and tannic acid (17) on the AAK1 receptor (- 17.15 kcal/mol) exhibited the best docking energy against both receptors. These favourable docking score values were found to be superior to those of the co-crystallized ligands. Preclinical and clinical research is required before using them simultaneously to halt the COVID-19 life cycle in a synergistic manner.
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Avermectins are broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs in veterinary and human medication. The current study aimed to examine the toxic effects of ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM), ...with or without co-treatment of vitamin E (Vit.E) and selenium (Se) on apoptosis, oxidative stress and male fertility in Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male animals were divided into five groups; G1; was control (CTL) received saline, G2; IVM (0.2 mg/kg b.w), G3; IVM plus Vit.E/Se (80/1.6 mg/kg b.w, respectively), G4; DRM (0.2 mg/kg b.w), and G5; DRM plus Vit.E/Se. Both IVM and DRM were given by subcutaneous (s.c) injections while Vit.E/Se was orally given. All treatments were administered once weekly for four consecutive weeks. By 24 h after the last treatment, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and tissue samples were collected for hematology, serobiochemistry, histopathology, and molecular assays for hepatic/ renal toxicities, oxidative stress, cell viability and fertility parameters. Apoptosis of the hepatic cells obtained from the treated rats was assayed by detection of annexin-V using the flow cytometric assay (FCA). The proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and DNA fragmentation in the treated rats’ testicular tissues were also assayed. Moreover, the direct effects of IVM or DRM with or without concomitant administration of Vit.E/Se on testicular cells isolated from adult rat were also performed in vitro. Apoptosis of those cultured testicular cells in response to the different treatments was assayed by detection of the inhibition-concentration fifty (IC50) using the SRB method, and evaluating the viable versus apoptotic cells microscopically after staining with acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EB). In conclusion, both avermectins induced apoptosis in the living and cultured cells, while those antioxidants; Vit.E and Se, reduced the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro, either. Furthermore, the reprotoxicity and reduced male fertility were seriously evoked by IVM, but not DRM with dramatic ameliorative effect of Vit.E/Se if concomitantly administered. Avermectins, especially ivermectin, should be given according to the dose recommended by the manufacturer company and repeated dosages should be given with Vit.E/Se.
Telocytes establish connections and communicate with various types of cells and structures. Few experimental studies have been performed on telocytes. In this study, we investigated the effect of ...salinity stress on telocytes in relation to osmoregulatory, immune, and stem cells. After exposing the common carp to 0.2 (control), 6, 10, or 14 ppt salinity, we extracted and fixed gill samples in glutaraldehyde, processed and embedded the samples in resin, and prepared semi-thin and ultrathin sections. Two types of telocytes were identified: intraepithelial and stromal telocytes. Intraepithelial telocytes were found to form part of the cellular lining of the lymphatic space and shed secretory vesicles into this space. Stromal telocytes were observed to shed their secretory vesicles into the secondary circulatory vessels. Both intraepithelial and stromal telocytes were enlarged and exhibited increased secretory activities as salinity increased. They exerted their effects via direct contact and paracrine signaling. The following changes were observed in samples from fish exposed to high salinity levels: chloride cells underwent hypertrophy, and their mitochondria became cigar-shaped; pavement cells were enlarged, and their micro-ridges became thin and elongated; stromal telocytes established contact with stem cells and skeletal myoblasts; skeletal muscle cells underwent hypertrophy; and macrophages and rodlet cells increased in number. In conclusion, our findings indicate that intraepithelial and stromal telocytes respond to salinity stress by activating cellular signaling and that they play major roles in osmoregulation, immunity, and regeneration.
The feeding habits and habitats of fish influence the morphology of the oral cavity. This study used gross anatomy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to morphometric ...analysis, to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity roof in Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops, which have different dietary habits. The oral cavity roof appeared U‐shaped and divided into the palate and upper pharyngeal regions. The upper lip of P. pagrus was broad, while B. boops' upper lip was small and thin. Both species had a stratified squamous epithelium with an irregular shape and a folded surface. P. pagrus had a horseshoe‐shaped upper velum with a high middle part, and its surface resembled sea waves with obvious mucous‐secreting openings with cilia and many folds and grooves between them. B. boops's upper velum was thin and appeared as a triangle pouch with a pointed cranial apex. The palate in both species was narrow in the front and increased in width backward until it ended. The upper pharyngeal teeth in P. pagrus appeared as two patches, separated by a median longitudinal ridge and an anterior V‐shape separator. Meanwhile, in B. boops, they appeared as a ball patch on both sides and a separator ridge in the middle. Because P. pagrus fed on harder structures than B. boops, their feeding habits were reflected in the structure of the oral cavity roof. P. pagrus, a carnivorous species, had several rows of sharp upper jaw and upper pharyngeal teeth, thick spinous tubercles on oblique transverse ridges, and massive mucous glands. On the other hand, B. boops, an omnivorous species, had only one row of upper jaw teeth, a few upper pharyngeal teeth scattered on two oval patches, and thin filaments on the oblique transverse ridges.
(a and b) Overall images of the heads of Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops, respectively. (c and d) SEM images of the rostral parts of Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops oral cavity roofs, respectively. (e) Photomicrographs of the palates of P. pagrus are characterized by stratified squamous epithelium, grooves, corrugated submucosal connective tissue, and obvious mucous cells. (f) SEM of the middle part of the palate of B. boops that is characterized by (S), volcano‐like papillae, microfolds, and microgrooves. (g and h) SEM of the upper pharyngeal region of P. pagrus and B. boops, respectively. (i) SEM of Boops boops' transverse ridge with thorn‐sperm‐like structure. (j) Photomicrographs of pharyngeal teeth that had enamel, dentin, odontoblasts, mesenchyme, the pulp cavity, and the pharyngeal epithelium.
The functional morphology of the skin of Malapteruridae is presumably evolved to cope with a diversified range of ambient physiological, environmental, and behavioral conditions. Herein, we firstly ...characterized the microstructures and intriguing patterning of the skin of twelve adult electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus, Malapteruridae) using histological, histochemical, immunofluorescent, and ELISA standard methodology. The skin comprises three sequentially–oriented layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis with a significantly increased thickness of the former. The epidermis contains four types of cells: the surface epithelial cells, mucous cells, granular cells, and club cells. We defined distinctive ampullary electroreceptors in the outer epidermis that possess flask-shaped sensory crypt containing electroreceptor cells together with vertical collagen rods. Dermis and hypodermis are composed of connective tissue; however, the former is much more coarse and dense with comparable reactivity for Masson–Goldner trichrome (MT). Placing our data in the context of the limited body of previous work, we showed subtle changes in the expression of mucin subunits together with cytoskeletal fractions of collagens, myosin, F-actin, keratins, and tubulins. Taken as a whole, our results convincingly showed that the skin of M. electricus shares some structural similarities to other Siluriformes, however, it has some functional modifications that are implicated in protection, defense, and foraging behavior.
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•The epidermis of Malapterurus electricus has four types of cells: the surface epithelial cells, mucous cells, granular cells, and club cells.•The superficial epidermis has peculiar flask-shaped electroreceptors containing sensory hair cells.•The morpho-functional aspects of the skin are coped with their niche, defense, physical abrasion, and stress.
Telocytes and keratocytes are important cells that maintain the structure and function of the cornea. The buffalo cornea, known for its resilience in harsh conditions, has not been extensively ...studied regarding the presence and role of telocytes and keratocytes. We used light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence assays with platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), CD34, and Vimentin markers to investigate their expression and localization in the cornea. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of spindle-shaped keratocytes with intercellular connections, while telocytes exhibited small spindle-shaped bodies with long, thin branches connecting to corneal keratocytes. Immunofluorescence findings showed that CD34 was more abundant near the endothelium, Vimentin was prominently expressed near the epithelium, and PDGFRα was uniformly distributed throughout the corneal stroma. Co-expression of CD34 and Vimentin, PDGFRα and Vimentin, as well as CD34 and PDGFRα, was observed in keratocytes and telocytes within the stroma, indicating the potential presence of mesenchymal cells. These results suggest the involvement of telocytes and keratocytes in corneal wound healing, transparency maintenance, and homeostasis. The co-expression of these markers highlights the critical role of telocytes and keratocytes in regulating corneal physiological functions, further enhancing our understanding of corneal biology in the buffalo model.
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