Comparative Morphological Analysis Research Articles

Polyethylene Film Surface Modification via Benzoic Acid Grafting.

A polyethylene (PE) film surface modification method is proposed via benzoic acid (BA) alkylation grafting to improve the surface affinity to polar substances. The procedure involves sequentially spraying AlCl3 and BA onto the heat-softened PE surface. The occurrence of the alkylation reaction was evaluated through comparative chemical, morphological, and thermal analyses. It was demonstrated that the grafting reaction of BA onto the PE film surface took place, limited to the surface layer, while preserving the bulk properties of PE. The reaction resulted in the formation of aluminum benzoate complexes, which improved the surface affinity to polar compounds. The impact of grafting on the surface properties of PE was further assessed by comparing the behavior of PE films treated with BA and untreated PE films when painted with watercolors. The PE film grafted with BA exhibited increased affinity towards watercolors, providing strong evidence of a change in surface polarity from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology effectively renders the PE surface paintable, even with non-toxic water-based inks, making it suitable for applications such as packaging.

Two new species of <i>Telipogon</i> (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) from Costa Rica

The Neotropical genus Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae), comprising approximately 250 species, exhibits remarkable species diversity in the humid, montane forests of southern Central America and the Tropical Andes. Telipogon, when broadly defined, encompasses both the large-flowered species that mimic tachinid flies and the small-flowered species formerly classified under Stellilabium. In Costa Rica, this genus includes 55 species, with 16 classified as small-flowered species. While the large-flowered species of Telipogon (in the strict sense) have been taxonomically revised, the small-flowered species have yet to be the subject of a thorough taxonomic revision. Our research aims to partially fill this gap by focusing on a comparative morphological analysis of two novel small-flowered Telipogon species. We describe and illustrate Telipogon lateritius and T. muntzii, both discovered in the humid mid-elevation forest of the Caribbean watershed in Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Telipogon lateritius is notable for its distinctive brick-colored flowers, featuring sepals, petals, and lips striped in chestnut brown; the lateral sepals connate into a triangular-ovate synsepal, complemented by sparse, stiff pubescence at the base of the lip. Telipogon muntzii, although closely resembling T. anacristinae, differs in its unique olive-green flowers, sparse trichomes on the lip, narrowly oblong lateral lobes of the column, and a helmet-shaped median lobe of the column exclusively covered by simple trichomes. This study provides new additions for a future taxonomic revision of Telipogon in Costa Rica.

Investigation on femtosecond laser combined with dynamic wet etching machining of SiC/SiC

SiC/SiC (Silicon Carbide fiber reinforced Silicon Carbide) is widely used in aerospace and gas turbine fields due to its excellent resistance to high temperature, corrosion and low density. However, the difficult processing of SiC/SiC is the main factor limiting its further application. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel method for processing SiC/SiC using femtosecond laser combined with dynamic wet etching. A comparative analysis of the micro-pore morphology and elemental composition obtained through processing in air, water, and NaOH solution is presented. Demonstrates the excellent surface quality achieved with NaOH processing, which effectively reduces defects such as recast layers and microcracks. The results suggest that the operating mechanism involves the combined effects of a wet-oxygen coupling environment, high-temperature decomposition, localized chemical wet etching, and the influence of the liquid layer.

Вплив нематоди Eustrongylides excisus (Jägerskiöld, 1990) на організм бичка-пісочника (Neogobius fluviatilis Pallas, 1814), виловленого у нижній частині Дніпровського (Запорізького) водосховища

Purpose. To determine the specifics of the influence of the parasitic nematode Eustrongylides excisus on the physiological and biochemical parameters of monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) in the conditions of the lower reach of the Dnipro reservoir. Methodology. The work presents results of studies conducted in the lower part of the Dnipro Reservoir the 2020-2023 - in the village of Voyskove and village Mykilske-on-Dnieper, Dnipropetrovsk region in the summer-autumn period. Parasitological study was carried out using 780 monkey gobies. Fish were immobilized by destroying the medulla with a dissecting needle. The parasitological study was carried out by a complete anatomical dissection of the fish according to the method of K. I. Skryabin. Morphological characteristics of parasites were determined according to the guides of Bauer (1987) and Gibson (2008). Blood sampling for the preparation of smears was carried out at the place of catch. Blood was collected from the caudal artery by cautodomy. Blood smears were examined by light microscopy using a SIGETA MB-115 SE microscope at a 40x magnification. Morphometric study of erythrocytes was carried out with the help of computer analysis of microphotographs, which were made using a digital camera “Sciencelab T500 5.17 M” connected to a SIGETA MB-115 SE microscope. A Mindray biochemical analyzer was used to determine the content of total protein, albumins, globulins and glucose in fish blood. Findings. The study did not show significant differences in the hematological parameters of infected and healthy specimens of monkey gobies, however, deformation and undulation of the plasmatic membrane of erythrocytes were detected. Histological specimens showed structural abnormalities in muscle tissue and intestines. Biochemical analysis of blood showed a slight decrease in the total content of globulins and glucose in infested fish. Originality. For the first time, a comparative morphological and cytometric analysis of blood as well as histological and biochemical analysis in the case of nematode infestation of monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) under the conditions of the Dnipro reservoir has been presented. Practical value. The obtained results are important for the development of measures to limit and prevent the development of parasitic diseases among the ichthyofauna of the Dnipro Reservoir and can also be used in the practical activities of fish farms. Keywords: monkey goby, nematode, invasion, tissues, erythrocytes.

Abstract 3382: Unveiling gastric premalignancy: A comprehensive study of tumor initiation and evolution using organoid models

Abstract Tumor initiation and evolution is still a poorly characterized process. Organoid models recapitulate three-dimensional tissue structure, differentiation, and disease pathogenesis. These models can help to better characterize pre-neoplastic processes and tumor evolution, with implications for early cancer detection and personalized therapeutic strategies for patients with gastric cancer (GC). In our research, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 24 GC patient tumors, uncovering distinct mutation frequencies in well-known tumor suppressor genes -APC, TP53, and ARID1A (18.75%, 37.5%, 43.75%, respectively) -compared to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PanCancer Altas Cohort (n=440) (13.48%, 50.56%, 22.47% respectively). To gain a deeper understanding of how these mutated genes promote gastric premalignancy, we generated multiple isogenic gastric organoid lines with mutant APC (AT-dmut) or ARID1A (ArT-dmut) on a TP53 mutant background as well as TP53 mutant-only lines (T-mut) using our established CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing platform and two HLA patient-derived normal gastric organoid lines (HL-PDOs). After confirmation of functional gene knockouts, we focused on elucidating carcinogenic changes via a two-pronged approach: (1) a comparative analysis of growth and morphology between these mutant organoid models and the parental normal gastric organoids and (2) an in-depth examination of mutational and transcriptional changes in our edited AT-mut, ArT-mut and T-mut organoid models. We cultured each edited organoid line for up to 350 days and collected histological and molecular data at multiple time points. Preliminary analysis shows an increased growth rate of all edited cell lines compared to parental normal lines. The ArT-mut and AT-mut cell lines exhibit distinct morphological and 3D structural alterations, while T-mut cell lines do not. We expect to find additional mutation gains in these cells’ lines compared to the parental normal gastric organoids that promote gastric phenotype with the greatest gain of alternations at the 350-day timepoint. These additional mutations and transcriptional changes will help us gain insights into the pathways altered in gastric cancer initiation and early progression that may be specific to HLAs. Our overall goal is to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric premalignancy among HLAs, ultimately contributing to advancements in early detection and tailored therapeutic interventions for HLA patients with GC and advancing cancer health equity. Citation Format: Alexa Morales Arana, Nicole B. Halmai, Hongyong Zhang, Paul Lott, Ana Estrada, University of California Minority Patient-DerivedXenograft Development and Trial (UCaMP) Center, Luis Carvajal-Carmona. Unveiling gastric premalignancy: A comprehensive study of tumor initiation and evolution using organoid models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3382.

First record of the genus Togula (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae) and of the species T. jolla for the South-West Atlantic coastal waters

In the framework of a phytoplankton and biotoxin monitoring program implemented since 2008 in marine coastal waters of the Buenos Aires Province (Argentina), a gymnodinioid, photosynthetic dinoflagellate was isolated from a sample collected in Santa Teresita, establishing the strain LPCc007. The strain was identified as belonging to the psammophilic genus Togula by light microscopy based on the following distinctive characters: morphology of the cell dorso-ventrally flattened, and course of the cingulum, highly asymmetric, descending, with its ends displaced by about one to two thirds of the total length of the cell and joined by an oblique intercingular groove. The comparative morphological analysis between the motile vegetative cells of the isolated strain and the three species of the genus described to date, did not reveal significant differences that would allow it to be determined at a specific level. Instead, the pattern of development of longitudinal grooves on the hypocone of cells about to undergo mitosis observed in strain LPCc007, perfectly agrees with that described for T. jolla as a differential character. The morphological identification was consistent with LSU rDNA (D1-D2) based phylogeny that showed the sequence aggregation in the T. jolla clade. This is the first report of the genus Togula and the species T. jolla from Argentina and the South-West Atlantic Ocean coastal waters.

A Taxonomic Revision of the South American Trilobite Cockroaches of Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl 1865 (Blattodea: Blaberidae), with Description of Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. from the Atlantic Forest.

The taxonomically intricate genus of trilobite cockroaches, Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865, is revised based on a comparative morphological analysis. The goals of this study are to review the nomenclature, propose hypotheses about specific delimitation, and provide diagnoses to allow identification of the taxonomic units in the genus. Based on the revised status of Parahormetica, we transferred Parahormetica hylaeceps Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936, and Parahormetica punctata Saussure, 1873, to the genus Bionoblatta Rehn, 1940. Therefore, the genus includes now four species of giant cockroaches which are predominantly distributed on the Atlantic Forest: Parahormetica bilobata (Saussure, 1864), Parahormetica cicatricosa Saussure, 1869, Parahormetica monticollis (Burmeister, 1838), and Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZUP: Brazil, Paraná). Diagnoses, key, distribution maps, images of living, non-type, and type specimens are made available. Our results make clear that the status and limits among Brachycolini genera pending a full revision.

Introduction of a diverse genetic background of Pyrus into Malus through intergeneric hybridization.

Wide hybridizations across species and genera have been employed to enhance agriculturally important traits in crops. Within the tribe Maleae of the Rosaceae family, different genera and species exhibit several traits useful for increasing diversity and gene pool through hybridization. This study aimed to develop and characterize intergeneric hybrid individuals between Malus and Pyrus. Through seed germination, shoot multiplication, and rooting in vitro, acclimatized seedlings showing vegetative growth on their own roots were obtained from crosses of Malus × domestica pollinated by Pyrus communis, P. bretschneideri, and the Pyrus interspecific hybrid (P. communis × P. pyrifolia). Comparative analysis of leaf morphology, flow cytometry, and molecular genotyping confirmed the hybrid status of the individuals. Genome-wide genotyping revealed that all the hybrid individuals inherited genomic fragments symmetrically from the Malus and Pyrus parents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the development of intergeneric hybrid seedlings between Malus × domestica and P. bretschneideri. Furthermore, the Pyrus interspecific hybrid individual served as a bridge plant for introducing the genetic background of P. pyrifolia into Malus × domestica. The results of this study provided a crucial foundation for breeding through intergeneric hybridization between Malus and Pyrus, facilitating the incorporation of valuable traits from diverse gene pools.

A novel and diverse family of filamentous DNA viruses associated with parasitic wasps.

Large dsDNA viruses from the Naldaviricetes class are currently composed of four viral families infecting insects and/or crustaceans. Since the 1970s, particles described as filamentous viruses (FVs) have been observed by electronic microscopy in several species of Hymenoptera parasitoids but until recently, no genomic data was available. This study provides the first comparative morphological and genomic analysis of these FVs. We analyzed the genomes of seven FVs, six of which were newly obtained, to gain a better understanding of their evolutionary history. We show that these FVs share all genomic features of the Naldaviricetes while encoding five specific core genes that distinguish them from their closest relatives, the Hytrosaviruses. By mining public databases, we show that FVs preferentially infect Hymenoptera with parasitoid lifestyle and that these viruses have been repeatedly integrated into the genome of many insects, particularly Hymenoptera parasitoids, overall suggesting a long-standing specialization of these viruses to parasitic wasps. Finally, we propose a taxonomical revision of the class Naldaviricetes in which FVs related to the Leptopilina boulardi FV constitute a fifth family. We propose to name this new family, Filamentoviridae.

Transcriptomics Integrated with Metabolomics Reveal the Competitive Relationship between Co-cultured Trichoderma asperellum HG1 and Bacillus subtilis Tpb55

Microbial co-culture has proven to be an effective way to improve the ability of microorganisms to biocontrol. However, the interactive mechanisms of co-cultural microbes, especially between fungi and bacteria, have rarely been studied. By comparative analysis of morphology, transcriptomics and metabolomics, the interactive mechanisms of a sequential co-culture system of Trichoderma asperellum HG1 and Bacillus subtilis Tpb55 was explored in this study. The results revealed that co- culture has no significant effect on the growth and cell morphology of the two strains, but lead to mycelium wrinkling of HG1. RNA-seq analysis showed that co-culture significantly upregulated the HG1 genes concerning amino acid degradation and metabolism, proteolysis, resisting environmental stress, cell homeostasis, glycolysis, the glyoxylate cycle, and the citric acid (TCA) cycle, while Tpb55 genes related to cell homeostasis, spore formation and membrane fluidization were significantly upregulated, but genes associating to TCA, glycolytic cycles and fatty acid β-oxidation were significantly downregulated. Metabolomic results revealed that some amino acids related to energy metabolism were significantly altered in HG1, whereas palmitic acid, which is related to cell membrane functions, was upregulated in Tpb55. These results indicated that HG1 could interfere with carbon metabolism and cell membrane fluidity, but accelerate spore formation of Tpb55. Biophysical assays further convinced that co-culture could decrease ATP content and inhibit ATPase activity in HG1, and could promote spore formation and reduce the cell membrane fluidity of Tpb55. In addition, co-culture also accelerated the production of intracellular anti-oomycete compound octhilinone. The above results indicate that HG1 and Tpb55 are mainly in a competitive relationship in the co culture system. These findings provide new insights for understanding the interaction mechanism between co cultured microbes.

Comparative analysis of temporomandibular joint morphology in degenerative joint disease: A cone-beam CT study in patients with and without arthralgia

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to compare, by using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology among patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) with or without arthralgia, as well as a control group. Methods: Thirty-one patients and their respective CBCT TMJ exams were assessed. These individuals were selected from an Orofacial Pain Service and classified into three groups based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD): group 1 (10 patients with TMJ DJD and arthralgia), group 2 (11 patients with TMJ DJD without pain), and group 3 (the control group, consisting of 10 healthy individuals without any signs or symptoms of TMD). A second examiner, who was calibrated and blinded for the patient's diagnosis, evaluated the CBCT images. Results: Group 1 showed a statistically significant association with the variables of erosion (p = 0.003) and osteophyte (p = 0.04) on the condyle surface, as well as concentric condyle position with reduced joint space (p = 0.01). The Kappa concordance index between the clinical diagnosis of DC/TMD and CBCT images was k = 0.134 (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of erosion, osteophyte, and concentric condyle position with reduced joint space was statistically associated with DJD and ongoing TMJ joint pain.

Shrub Growth Improves Morphological Features of Nebkhas: A Case Study of Nitraria tangutorum in the Tengger Desert.

To understand the role of shrubs in nebkha development, a comparative analysis of nebkha morphology and shrub features was conducted in two different habitats at the southeast margin of the Tengger Desert, Northern China. Morphometric variables of 184 Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas were measured in a semi-fixed lake-basin lowland site (site 1, n = 102) and a salinized fixed sand site (site 2, n = 82). Mean length, width, projected area, and accumulated sand volume were all greater in nebkhas in site 1 than in site 2 (p < 0.05); however, mean height (i.e., sand burial depth) did not differ significantly in nebkhas between the two sites (p > 0.05). The larger nebkha volume in site 1 relative to site 2 (mean, 88.19 m3 vs. 33.16 m3) implied that the projected area influenced the accumulated sand volume. Nebkhas in site 1 tended to have large areas, low densities, and high spatial autocorrelation, while nebkhas in site 2 exhibited opposite trends with stochastic distribution. Mean vegetation density was significantly higher in site 1 than in site 2 (p < 0.05), while mean vegetation height exhibited an opposite trend (p < 0.05). In addition, there was higher vegetation coverage in site 1 than in site 2 (p > 0.05). According to the results, plant species (i.e., N. tangutorum) limited nebkha height under similar wind regimes regardless of the transport distance of aeolian material, while aeolian deposition and its effect on shrub growth jointly increased nebkha size.

Radular teeth of Conus (Mollusca: Neogastropoda: Conidae) from the Red Sea: comparative morphology and character analysis

ABSTRACT Hypodermic needle-like radular teeth characterise predatory gastropods of the genus Conus. They inject neurotoxins that disable their prey, which is then swallowed whole. Until now, these structures have received limited use in assessing the range of intraspecific variation within and interspecific differences among closely related species. However, radular tooth characters deserve greater attention, especially because they conform more closely with molecular phylogenetic data than do more conventionally used external shell characters. This report describes radular tooth morphology of 16 Conus species from the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea, representing the three commonest feeding guilds in the genus: vermivores (12 species), piscivores (2) and molluscivores (2), and provides SEM images of all. This study gives the first description of the radula teeth of C. (Virroconus) sinaiensis. Multivariate ordination methods applied to quantitative characters separate the vermivorous species mainly into two distinct groups and distinguish between the closely related species C. (Virgiconus) flavidus and C. (Virgiconus) frigidus, confirming the ability of these methods to assess intraspecific variation within and interspecific differences between closely related species. Similar studies supported by molecular markers in other Conus species groups are needed to further test phylogenetic hypotheses of relationships throughout the genus.

The re-establishment of Luehea macrophylla (Malvaceae, Grewioideae)

The nomenclature of the species Luehea macrophylla Pohl is reinstated in this study, drawing on distinctive features such as epicalyx bracts, petals, ovary characteristics, and novel diagnostic fruit characters. The information, including new synonyms and distributional data, complemented by the examination of relevant specimens, is provided. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of morphology is presented, offering insights into the distinguishing characteristics of L. macrophylla when compared to its congeners.

The Controversy of Using Insufficient Great Saphenous Veins in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Comparative Morphological Analysis of Healthy and Insufficient Veins Related to the Possibility of Using Them as a Graft.

Despite advancements in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the optimal choice of graft material remains a subject of investigation. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the morphological characteristics of varicose veins, exploring their potential utilization in CABG compared to healthy veins. The study included 178 patients, categorized into two groups based on healthy and varicose veins. Morphological parameters, including maximum venous diameter, wall thickness, and specific changes in tunica intima (TI), tunica media (TM), and tunica adventitia (TA), were analyzed through microscopic evaluation. Varicose veins exhibited a significantly larger maximum venous diameter (p = 0.0001) and increased wall thickness (p = 0.0001) compared to healthy veins. Although varicose veins showed thickening in TI and TM, the differences were not statistically significant. Notably, disorganized smooth muscle bundles were more prevalent in varicose veins (p = 0.001), suggesting potential wall weakness. The absence of vasa vasorum in TA was significantly higher in varicose veins (p = 0.050), influencing vascularization considerations. The comparative morphological microscopic analysis of the specimens of healthy and varicose veins reveals significant differences between the groups, which make the conclusion of this study to plead for avoiding the use of varicose veins as a graft.

Degeneration of the Olfactory System in a Murid Rodent that Evolved Diurnalism.

In mammalian research, it has been debated what can initiate an evolutionary tradeoff between different senses, and the phenomenon of sensory tradeoff in rodents, the most abundant mammalian clade, is not evident. The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), a murid rodent, recently adapted to a diurnal niche through an evolutionary acquisition of daylight vision with enhanced visual acuity. As such, this model provides an opportunity for a cross-species investigation where comparative morphological and multi-omic analyses of the Nile rat are made with its closely related nocturnal species, e.g. the mouse (Mus musculus) and the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Thus, morphological examinations were performed, and evolutionary reductions in relative sizes of turbinal bone surfaces, the cribriform plate, and the olfactory bulb were discovered in Nile rats. Subsequently, we compared multiple murid genomes, and profiled olfactory epithelium transcriptomes of mice and Nile rats at various ages with RNA sequencing. The results further demonstrate that, in comparison with mouse olfactory receptor (OR) genes, Nile rat OR genes have experienced less frequent gain, more frequent loss, and more frequent expression reduction during their evolution. Furthermore, functional degeneration of coding sequences in the Nile rat lineage was found in OR genes, yet not in other genes. Taken together, these results suggest that acquisition of improved vision in the Nile rat has been accompanied by degeneration of both olfaction-related anatomical structures and OR gene repertoires, consistent with the hypothesis of an olfaction-vision tradeoff initiated by the switch from a nocturnal to a diurnal lifestyle in mammals.

On the identity of Ischaemum elimalayanum (Poaceae: Andropogoneae: Ischaemineae) with brief taxonomic notes on some allied congeners from India

In our examination of Ischaemum specimens from the BSI herbarium, originating from Karnataka, previously misidentified as Ischaemum semisagittatum, I. dalzellii, I. lanatum, and I. molle, we affirm that these specimens correspond to I. elimalayanum. This species, previously thought to be endemic to Kerala, aligns with the protologue and type specimens examined at CAL, K &amp; MH herbaria. Accurate identification is facilitated by provided images based on specimens housed at BSI. Morphological investigations led to the inclusion of I. kumarakodiensis and I. abrahamii, closely related Kerala species, as new heterotypic synonyms of I. elimalayanum, substantiated by detailed comparative morphological analysis (Table 1) and taxonomic discussion. A key to aid identification of closely allied species in India is presented. The distribution map of I. elimalayanum is updated based on literature and herbarium specimens. Our study rectifies previous misidentifications, contributing to the taxonomy and distribution understanding of Ischaemum species in India. In addition, brief taxonomic notes on I. barbatum, I. pappinisseriensis and I. amboliense are given.

Co-precipitation vs. Green Synthesis: A Comparative Analysis of Structure, Morphology, Optical Properties, and Antibacterial Activity of Ag/ZnO Nanocomposite

Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were successfully prepared through co-precipitation (CS) and a green synthesis (GS) route mediated by Moringa Oleifera. The confirmation of their formation was evident from the simultaneous presence of Ag and ZnO reflections in powder X-ray diffraction. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis disclosed an average particle size of approximately 22 nm and 146 nm for CS and GS samples, respectively. The CS sample exhibited a disstinctive flower-like morphology, indicating a unique self-assembly and growth pattern, while the GS sample displayed an almost rectangular shape. Structural composition and functional groups in the nanocomposites were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The direct band gaps were determined as 3.12 eV for CS and 3.10 eV for GS samples using a Tauc plot derived from UV-Vis NIR spectrometry. Notably, the antibacterial evaluation of the green-synthesized Ag/ZnO exhibited a pronounced zone of inhibition against both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to chemically prepared Ag/ZnO. Overall, the study highlights the successful synthesis, structural characterization, and enhanced antibacterial properties of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites via a green route mediated by Moringa Oleifera. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Comparative study of the growth, survival and morphology of the whitefish hybrids and parent species in the first year of rearing in cage aquaculture

The purpose of the work: to estimate fish breeding indicators of three hybrid forms of whitefish in comparison with parental species when grown in cage aquaculture.Methods used: the production and cultivation of hybrids and parental species were carried out using standard technology for whitefish from November 2021 to May 2022. We have studied the survival and growth rate of fingerlings, and we also conducted a comparative assessment of the exterior of yearlings using factor and cluster analyses.Novelty: for the first time, three hybrid forms of peled and parent species (peled, muksun, broad whitefish, nelma) were grown in cages, and a comparative analysis of survival, growth and morphology of hybrids and parent species was performed.Results: all hybrid forms occupy an intermediate position in terms of growth rate, surpassing the maternal species (peled), yielding to the paternal ones. The best results in terms of weight and linear growth among hybrids were noted in pelchir. In terms of survival, oneyearlings of all hybrids show the effect of heterosis, although at the stage of larvae and early juveniles, the superiority in survival of hybrid forms over the parental pair was noted only in pelnelm. The survival rate of hybrid eggs, as well as the survival rate of pelchir and pelmuk at the early stages of cultivation, had intermediate values — lower than that of peled, but significantly higher than that of paternal species. The lowest survival rate of eggs among hybrids is shown in pelchir. The peled has the most significant morphological differences from other pure species and hybrid forms used in the experiment, all hybrid forms show more similarity with the paternal species.Practical significance: results provide a potential assessment of whitefish hybrids for the prospect of their use in commercial aquaculture.

Diversity of Phyllomorphic Branches in Conifers

The structure of specialized vegetative shoots of conifers performing a trophic function has not been suffi ciently studied. The purpose of the work was to describe and classify phyllomorphic branches, as well as to identify the adaptations of conifers to the formation of such specialized trophic shoots. Phyllomorphic branches are fl attened dorsoventral shoots or systems of shoots with a non–thickened axis and opposite or regular double-row leaves. About 250 species of 42 genera of modern conifers cultivated in botanical gardens of Russia were studied. The main research method was a comparative morphological analysis of shoot systems, individual shoots and leaves. Several structural types of phyllomorphic branches have been identifi ed, each of which has its own variants: 1. Classical double-row fl at needle-shaped leaves with a thin axis (Abies, Amentotaxus, Cephalotaxus, Keteleeria, Picea, Podocarpus, Prumnopitys, Pseudotaxus, Pseudotsuga, Sequoia, Taxus, Torreya, Tsuga); 2. Phyllomorphic branches in the form of dorsiventral, branched in one plane systems of shoots (Chamaecyparis, Thuja, Glyptostrobus, Metasequoia, Taxodium); 3. Phyllomorphic branches that have phyllocladia instead of leaves (species of the genus Phyllocladus).