Comparative Morphological Study Research Articles

Study of Comparative Morphology of Eight Cultivated Genotypes of Olea europaea L

The current study was designed to assess the comparative morphology of eight olive cultivars with different geographical origins and diverse genetic backgrounds, introduced to a new climatic zone. The morphological parameters of eight (five exotic and three domestic) olive cultivars (Bari Zaitoon-1, Bari Zaitoon-2, Favolosa (FS-17), Koroneiki, Balkasar, Ottobratica, Leccino, and Arbequina) were compared at the experimental area of the Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan (29°24′0″ North, 71°41′0″ East, 401–421 feet above sea level). Plant height, number of leaves/15 cm shoot, leaf size characteristics (leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and length/width ratio), leaf shape characteristics (margin, leaf axil, base, and apex angles), leaf pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll contents, and carotenoids), phyllotaxy, and leaf color and venation were recorded. The highest plant height (28 cm) was obtained by Bari Zaitoon-2 followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 (24 cm), both of which are domestic cultivar of Pakistan, while the shortest height (5 cm) was obtained by Koroneiki. Leccino displayed the highest average number of leaves (17.8) on main shoot, followed by BARI-2 (16.4) and the lowest score was from Balkasar (10.4). Leaf area ranged from 5.66 cm2 (Bari Zaitoon-1) to 3.08 cm2 (Koroneiki). The longest leaf length (5.74 cm) was found in Bari Zaitoon-1 and the shortest (4.04 cm) in Koroneiki, while the broadest leaves were found in Leccino (1.54 cm) and the narrowest (1.12 cm) in Koroneiki. Bari Zaitoon-2 led in leaf length to width ratio (4.058) followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 (3.772) with small lanceolate leaves hardly reaching the value of 4, with the lowest value illustrated by Leccino. The total chloroplast pigments were highest in FS-17 followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 and Bari Zaitoon-2, while the lowest was in Arbequina. Chlorophyll a was highest in Bari Zaitoon-1 followed by FS-17 and Balkasar, with the lowest rate in Arbequina. Chlorophyll b content of FS-17 was the highest whereas the Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents in Arbequina were the lowest of all the cultivars. The highest value of total carotenoids was found in Balkasar followed by FS-17 with the lowest value in Arbequina. The phyllotaxy was categorized into three types, i.e., alternate, opposite, and whorled. The combination of two or more types was usually observed on the same branch. The whorl of four leaves was also present in rare cases. Leaf venation was both pinnate and reticulate. The leaf base of most (four) of the olive cultivars, i.e., Arbequina, Balkasar, Leccino and FS-17, were cuneate having acute, rounded, apiculate, and cuspidate leaf tips, respectively. The findings revealed remarkable variations in olive morphology, especially in the leaves and a successful record of the preliminary data of olive cultivars from the study area was made. The present research demonstrated that local olive cultivars have unique characteristics that differentiate them from imported cultivars. Thus, local cultivars provide novel genetic resources that should be conserved.

On the taxonomic identity of Capillipedium mistryi A. P. Tiwari & Landge (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) and synonymisation of C. yashwantraoi Tarbej & Potdar as its new heterotypic synonym

The present study assesses the taxonomic identity of the two recently described Indian species of Capillipedium i.e. C. mistryi and C. yashwantraoi from the state of Madhya Pradesh, central India. Both of the species share important features, such as multi‐spiculated racemes, solid pedicel and rhachis internode (non‐translucent). As these features are unique in Capillipedium they are of peculiar interest. Having multi‐spiculated spiciform racemes, these taxa can be best compared with a similar, non‐Indian congener, C. spicigerum which is distributed from China to Australia. Based on comparative morphological study using their protologues and the type specimens, it is concluded that C. yashwantraoi is conspecific with C. mistryi. Therefore, the former is treated as a new heterotypic synonym under the latter following the principle of priority.

On latches in biological systems: a comparative morphological and functional study of the retinaculum and the dens lock in Collembola

BackgroundSpringtails have the ability to jump using morphological structures consisting of a catapult, the furca, and a latching system constructed with interaction of the retinaculum and the dens lock. The retinaculum engages in the furca at the dens lock in order to form a spring mechanism. They exhibit diversified morphological traits that serve as adaptations to a variety of terrestrial strata and aquatic surface environments. This comparative morphofunctional study centered on the retinaculum and the furcular region of the dens lock aims to describe the morphological variation between taxa and provide insights into the functional dynamics of the latching mechanism at work in the jumping apparatus. Using SEM, µCT and cLSM, we compared representatives of Collembola taxa, Poduromorpha (Neanura muscorum and Podura aquatica), Symphypleona (Dicyrtomina ornata) and Neelipleona (Megalothorax minimus), and examined extracts of the environment in which they were collected.ResultsA retinaculum is absent in N. muscorum, although vestigial muscles were found. Abdominal musculature varies significantly, being more abundant in springtails with clear segmentation (N. muscorum and P. aquatica), and reduced in springtails with fused segmentation (D. ornata and M. minimus). The M.a-ret varies as regards architecture and point of connection with the ramus, which is lateral in P. aquatica and median in the other species studied. The number of teeth in the retinaculum ramus also varies between three in M. minimus and four in the other species. The dens lock of all species studied has two locks and two furrows.ConclusionsThe retinaculum and dens lock interact in a key-lock relationship. The latching and unlatching mechanism from the retinaculum and dens lock appear to be similar in all the taxa examined, occurring by muscle force. This leads us to question the hypothesis that hemolymph pressure may be a force generator in jumping. We offer a reconstruction of the ground pattern of the retinaculum and dens lock and, in addition, an explanation of their functioning and the interaction between them. Finally, we frame the interaction between the retinaculum and the dens lock as a latch in a biological system, a mechanism which functions by force of physical contact.

Cuticle of Hermetia Illucens Black Lion Pupa as A Biosorbent for Probiotics

Using the method of scanning electron microscopy, a comparative study of the particle surface morphology and the elemental composition of the cuticle of Hermetia illucens pupa before and after the application of the culture liquid (CL) of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus B 2707 was carried out. At the same time, under the influence of CL, destruction of relatively large particles of the powder of the chitin-protein complex of the cuticle (average particle diameter D 845.3 ± 109.1 μm) and the formation of small fragments (average D 63.4 ± 13.9 μm), including nanoparticles (average D 54 ± 18 nm). A biofilm of lactobacilli enriched with calcium, magnesium and phosphorus was obtained on a sorbent consisting of microparticles of the cuticle of insect pupae and including nanoparticles, which provided the probiotic preparation with high biological efficiency.

A new species of Hedruris Nitzsch, 1821 (Nematoda: Hedruridae) parasitic in eel Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae) from Argentina, Neotropical Region

During a parasitological survey, specimens belonging to the genus Hedruris (Nematoda: Hedruridae) were found in the stomach of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch from the Paraná Guazú River, Paraná River basin (Argentina). Comparative morphological studies with its congeners showed that these nematodes belonged to a new species, herein described as Hedruris anguila sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from remaining Hedruris species by the pseudolabia size, the morphology and size of spicules, the length of female caudal hook, the shape and size of eggs and the particular morphology of the male tail. Hedruris anguila sp. nov. closely resembles Hedruris bifida Rossin & Timi, 2016 and H. suttonae Brugni & Viozzi, 2010, both also described from fish hosts, in the arrangement of caudal papillae and morphology of eggs, but differ in the size of female hook and spicules, and the number of caudal papillae in males. The main morphological features, host range and geographical distribution of all species in the genus Hedruris species are analyzed and discussed. This is the first report of a representative of the family Hedruridae parasitizing a species of Synbranchidae and the eleventh report of the genus Hedruris for a fish host. The number of valid species of Hedruris described was increased to 26, including the new species; 11 for the Neotropical Region and represent the third species found in fish host from Argentina. Based on morphological analysis, the speciation process probably occurred first in Gondwana and the non-mammillated eggs could be an ancestral morphological character. The diet of Synbranchus marmoratus and values of prevalence and mean intensity could indicate that this host species is a true definitive host for this nematode.

Heterostyly and pollen dimorphism of <i>Menyanthes trifoliata</i>

<i>Menyanthes trifoliata</i> L., a heterostyly plant, is an endangered species in Korea. Floral morphology has been published for <i>M. trifoliata</i>, but few works have concentrated on pollen dimorphism differences accompanied by floral dimorphism. Here, we conducted a comparative morphological study of two morphs to investigate a dimorphism system with Korean populations. Pollen morphological characteristics were observed with a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. For the pin type, pollen size is 36.01 ± 2.01 µm, whereas for the thrum type it is 41.28 ± 2.58 µm in terms of the equatorial diameter. The two morphs have a small apocolpium field at 5.62 ± 0.30 for the pin type and 6.24 ± 0.70 for the thrum type. The configuration of the aperture was tricolpate with a striate ridge in the two morphs. However, they have different pollen shapes and sizes, stigma shapes, and apocolpium sizes. <i>M. trifoliata</i> only has different pollen sizes and shapes between European populations and Korean populations. Nevertheless, Korean populations also show pollen dimorphism correlated with their floral dimorphism.

Efficient electrochemical performance of MnO2 nanowires interknitted vanadium oxide intercalated nanoporous carbon network as cathode for aqueous zinc ion battery

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising large-scale energy storage devices because of their low cost and good safety characteristics. Vanadium oxide-based materials have been actively studied as future cathode materials for AZIBs, benefiting from their suitable voltage and high specific capacity. However, poor rate performance and capacity deterioration due to the instability of their oxides is still a hurdle in their commercialization. Herein, we attempted to test a methodology involving the carbonization of V-MIL-101 to prepare a composite material consisting of vanadium oxide nanoparticles embedded within the nanoporous carbon network, which remarkably enhances the electrochemical performance of the material as a cathode in an aqueous Zn-ion battery system. The manganese oxide loading further stabilized the composite material, which improved the cathode material's rate capability in aq. zinc ion battery cathode. The cathode material MnO2@NVC composite exhibited the capacity of 299 mAhg−1 at 0.1C rate for 100 cycles benefitting from the synergistic effect of the high conductivity of Vanadium oxide nanoparticles and suitable voltage of MnO2. The materials showed superior capacity retention and better cycling performance than unmodified vanadium oxide nanoparticles on carbon substrate as cathode material. The comparative morphological and electrochemical studies confirm the improved performance, which suggests that the vanadium oxide nanoparticles anchored on a high surface area carbon network intertwined with manganese oxide nanowires provide enhanced conductivity.

Structure and distribution of sensilla on the mouthpart palps in the caddisfl ies of the family Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera)

A comparative morphological study of the structure and distribution of sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps in representatives of the family Hydropsychidae was performed. Morphology of palpal sensilla was studied in 17 species from 12 genera by scanning electron microscopy. Four types of sensilla were found on the palps of the studied species: long trichoid sensilla, chaetoid sensilla, campaniform sensilla, and petaloid sensilla; basiconic and pseudoplacoid sensilla were not found on palps. All studied species lack apical sensory complexes at the tips of both pairs of palps, where only long chaetoid sensilla are present. Petaloid sensilla form sensory elds on the 4th (in Arctopsychinae) or on the 3rd and 4th segments (in Diplectroninae, Hydropsychinae, Macronematinae) of the maxillary palps. These sensilla are never present on the labial palps. Sensory elds include from 5-10 sensilla in Hydropsychinae to 40 in Arctopsychinae.

Comparative Anatomy of the Insect Tracheal System Part 1: Introduction, Apterygotes, Paleoptera, Polyneoptera

A broad comparative study of insect respiratory morphology is presented. Tracheae, epidermal invaginations extending into the body in branching networks of tubes, supply tissues with direct access to air for gas exchange. While previous tracheal studies focused on a handful of taxa and lacked in consistency, here a unified system of tracheal nomenclature is established using visualizations from micro-CT scanning of representatives from apterygotes, Paleoptera, and Polyneoptera, totaling 29 species, 29 genera, and 26 families in 13 insect orders. Three-dimensional visualizations of named tracheal branches establish robust assessments of homology and provide a framework for further studies across class Insecta. Patterns in respiratory architecture are presented along with a discussion of future investigations into phylogenetic and physiological questions.

Phosphotungstic acid-enhanced microcomputed tomography for quantitative visualization of mouse mammary gland morphology.

Even though current techniques provide two-dimensional (2D) imaging of the mouse mammary gland, they fail to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and quantification. The objective of this study is to establish and evaluate quantitative visualization of the mouse mammary epithelium through microcomputed tomography (microCT) using phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as a contrast agent. Ex vivo microCT scan images of the mouse mammary glands were obtained following staining by PTA, whereas for quantification we adapted volumetric parameters that are used for assessing trabecular bone morphometry and can be structurally applicable in the mammary ductal system. The proposed method was validated in distinct developmental stages and upon short-term treatment with synthetic progesterone, using the carmine alum staining for comparison. We demonstrate a simple PTA staining procedure that allows high contrast 3D imaging of mammary glands and quantitation of mammary duct structures using microCT. We validated the proposed method in distinct developmental stages, such as at puberty, adult mice, pregnancy as well as upon progesterone treatment. Compared with carmine alum staining, the microCT analysis provided higher resolution 2D and 3D images of the mammary gland morphology, with lower background that enabled the detection of subtle changes. This work is the first study that employs PTA-enhanced microCT for 3D imaging and volumetric analysis of mouse mammary glands. Our results establish PTA-enhanced microCT as a useful tool for comparative studies of the mouse mammary gland morphology that can apply in mutant mice and for the preclinical evaluation of pharmaceuticals in breast cancer models.

New Insights into the Taxonomy of Malacopsylloidea Superfamily (Siphonaptera) Based on Morphological, Molecular and Phylogenetic Characterization of Phthiropsylla agenoris (Malacopsyllidae) and Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus (Rhopalopsyllidae)

From a phylogenetic point of view, the Malacopsyllidae family and the Rhopalopsillidae family (comprising Parapsyllinae and Rhopalopsyllinae subfamilies) have been traditionally classified within the Malacopsylloidea superfamily, mostly restricted to South America. The phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of Malacopsyllidae and Rhopalopsillidae have never been assessed since no molecular loci of Malacopsyllidae have been sequenced by any authors, and the phylogeny provided so far was not based on any sort of formal quantitative analysis of flea morphology. Based on these precedents, the objective of this study was to carry out a comparative phylogenetic, molecular and morphological study of two different species belonging to each family, Phthiropsylla agenoris (Malacopsylla) and Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus (Rhopalopsyllidae, Rhopalopsyllinae). In this study, we demonstrated the usefulness of several morphological features as diagnostic characters to differentiate between P. (P.) rimatus and P. agenoris. Using molecular and phylogenetic data, we easily discriminated between the two taxa (P. agenoris and P. (P.) rimatus) by comparing both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. This fact proves the usefulness of ITS2, EF1−α, cox1, cytb and cox2 as molecular diagnostic markers to characterize and identify different Siphonaptera taxa. Additionally, the phylogenetic results confirm, for the first time, the monophyly of the Malacopsyllidae family and suggest a clear paraphyletic position of the Paraspsyllinae subfamily and, consequently, the Rhopalopsyllidae family.

Redescription of Periplanetaarabica (Bey-Bienko, 1938) (Blattodea, Blattidae), with a comparative analysis of three species of Periplaneta Burmeister, 1838 (sensu stricto).

The blattid cockroach Periplanetaarabica (Bey-Bienko, 1938) has been poorly understood since its original description. In this study, male and female (including nymph) of P.arabica are paired using DNA barcoding, and their morphological characters (including both external characteristics and genitalia) are described. A detailed comparative morphological study of this species and the closely related Periplanetaamericana (Linnaeus, 1758) and Periplanetalateralis Walker, 1868 was carried out to explore phylogenetically relevant characters.

Antennal Sensilla in Longhorn Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

AbstractInsect antennae are crucial sensory organs that house numerous sensilla with receptors for perceiving a wide variety of cues dominating their world. Historically, inconsistent terminology and criteria have been used to classify antennal sensilla, which has greatly impeded the comparison of data even across closely related species. Longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are no exception to this quandary, and despite their prominent antennae, few studies have investigated their antennal morphology and ultrastructure, and none have compared sensillar diversity and variation among cerambycids. Existing studies of longhorn beetle antennal sensilla include only 29 species in five of the eight cerambycid subfamilies and include misidentified sensilla types and conflicting terminology. As such, it is very difficult to conduct comparative morphological studies of antennal sensilla in longhorn beetles and challenging to understand inter- and intra-specific variation in the sensory systems of these beetles. To facilitate future comparative studies, we reviewed all accessible published papers that have used scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) to investigate antennal sensilla in cerambycids, and present a first attempt at standardizing the classification of their documented sensilla types and subtypes. Specifically, we discuss seven major types of antennal sensilla (Böhm bristles, sensilla chaetica, chemosensory hairs, sensilla basiconica, dome shaped organs, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla auricillica). We also imaged the antennae of relevant species of longhorn beetles using SEM and included images exemplifying as many of the sensilla types and subtypes as possible.

Anatomic variations in the frontal and occipital bones: a comparative study of neurocranial morphology

Developmental variations in the cranial vault arise during early ontogenesis due to premature or delayed suture closure, non-union between the normal ossification centers, and emergence of additional ossification centers. These variations cause abnormal calvarial partition and are often associated with modifications of the overall cranial configuration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of metopic suture persistence and the development of supernumerary bones in the occipital region on neurocranial morphology. A series of 245 crania of Bulgarian males was investigated. According to the presence or absence of developmental variations in the frontal and occipital bone they were divided into four series: control (n = 115); crania with a retained metopic suture (n = 32); crania with supernumerary bones in the occipital region (n = 67); and metopic crania with supernumerary bones in the occipital region (n = 31). Polygonal 3D models were generated, on which the 3D coordinates of 35 landmarks describing the neurocranium were collected. Geometric morphometric analyses were applied to compare the size and shape of the landmark configurations. Significant size differences were observed only in the frontal and occipital bone configurations between the metopic crania with occipital supernumerary bones and the non-metopic crania. Significant shape differences were found in all comparisons between the metopic and non-metopic groups for all configurations, except the occipital one. Metopism has a significant impact on overall neurocranial morphology, which is intensified by the presence of supernumerary bones in the occipital region.

Профили астроцитарной дифференцировки переднего мозга человека на внутриутробном этапе онтогенеза

Introduction. Brain functioning is kept by both neuronal cell activity and macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The current data on the prenatal development of the human brain are scarce, and gliogenesis is less studied than cortical neurogenesis. Normal limits and variations and spatiotemporal patterns of glial differentiation in human brain development remain poorly studied. Materials and methods. We used human fetal autopsy samples from the Collection of the Laboratory of Nervous System Development of Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology. For immune and morphological analysis, samples of 38 fetal cerebral hemispheres at stages from 8 postconceptional weeks to birth were chosen. Results. We provided the results of the pilot comparative immune and morphological study with the panel of markers (GFAP, ALDH1L1, FABP-7) of the fetal human telencephalon in prenatal ontogenesis. Specific differentiation and maturation of the astrocyte population on the telencephalon start before early fetal period (12–13 gestational weeks). GFAP+ and ALDH1L1+ astrocyte populations in early human telencephalon are still to be studied for their homology. Analysis of GFAP+ and ALDH1L1+ glioblast distribution proposes dorsal proliferative zone as a source for fibrous cortical astrocytes. Comparative immune and morphological analysis of FABP-7+ neuroblasts in the fetal telencephalon questions whether FABP-7 cells belong to astrocyte population at early prenatal human ontogenesis. Conclusion. In the telencephalon, temporal and/or spatiotemporal translational profiles of these three antigens differ, which indicates that the astrocyte population is heterogeneous in early ontogenesis. Keywords: human brain development, telencephalon, glial differentiation, astrocytes, astrocyte fate lineage, GFAP, ALDH1L1, FABP-7

Reaction of regional lymph nodes of the middle ear during ultrasound lymphotropic therapy of exudative otitis media (experimental study)

The article is devoted to structural changes in the regional lymph nodes of the middle ear (superficial, facial and deep cervical lymph nodes) in experimental animals (30 male Wistar rats) when modeling exudative otitis media and after a 7-day course of local ultrasound lymphotropic therapy. The method of conducting the experiment is described. Comparative morphological and morphometric studies of lymph nodes were carried out on the 12th day from the beginning of otitis modeling and evaluated according to 19 criteria: node cut-off area, capsule area, marginal sinus, interstitial part, paracortical area, cerebral sinuses, brain cords, area number and area of primary and secondary lymphoid nodules, area of germinal centers, specific areas of the cortex and medulla oblongata, sinus system, T-dependent and B-dependent zones, cortical-cerebral index. With exudative otitis media in the regional lymph nodes of the middle ear, compared with the physiological norm, a reaction from the intra-nodular structures was observed, indicating inhibition of drainage and detoxification in the lymph catchment area, which was considered as the morphological equivalent of the insufficiency of their lymphocyte function. Regional lymphotropic therapy using low-frequency ultrasound contributed to the positive dynamics of the structural components of the lymph nodes and the normalization of most of their indicators, which is a prerequisite for the development and use of this technology in clinical practice.

Composition of Endemic Baikal Genus Cottocomephorus (Cottidae: Cottocomephorinae) with Revised Species Descriptions and Diagnoses

Comparative morphological studies of type and identified specimens of four species of genus Cottocomephorus Pellegrin, 1900 confirmed the presence of morphological differentiation between species of this genus (C. grewingkii, C. alexandrae, C. comephoroides, and C. inermis). Morphological similarity of the species was reconstructed using cladistic analysis. Two main clades were identified, of which the basal position was occupied by the clade C. grewingkii. Another clade includes three species (C. alexandrae, C. comephoroides, and C. inermis). For species identification, we created a table with the most significant diagnostic features.

Микросателлитная нестабильность и гиперпластические процессы слизистой оболочки матки

Introduction. Microsatellite instability is historically closely associated with the development of oncological processes. Early diagnosis of microsatellite instability as a marker for premalignancy, including in the case of endometrial hyperplasia (EH), which is recognized as a premalignancy lesion, is of interest. Identification of the mutational profile characteristic of malignant tumors in benign disease makes it possible to improve prognostic models and therapeutic tactics. Aim. Determination of clinical and anamnestic features of patients with EH and endometrioid adenocarcinoma in a comparative aspect, as well as structural features of microsatellite instability in the endometrium in patients with this pathology. Materials and methods. The study involved 120 women who were divided into 4 groups: group I – EH patients without atypia (n = 30); group II – patients with atypical EH (n = 30); group III – patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n = 30); group IV – healthy women without somatic and gynecological pathology (n = 30). A comparative morphological study of endometrial samples was performed and levels of MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6 and PMS-2 expression were assessed. Results. It was revealed that most EH patients without atypia, patients with atypical EH, endometrioid adenocarcinoma complained of abnormal uterine bleeding; the history of patients of these groups is characterized by the presence of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, and the gynecological history is characterized by the presence of uterine fibroids, benign breast diseases and pelvic inflammatory diseases. There was found a decrease in the MLH-1, PMS-2, MSH-2 and MSH-6 expression in endometrial biopsies of women with EH. Conclusion. Decreased expression of MLH-1, PMS-2, MSH-2 and MSH-6 in endometrial biopsies can probably be considered as a predictor of premalignant transformation, which requires further study in order to develop a program of malignancy risk assessment.

The relationship of the total expression of transforming growth factor β1, monocytic chemoattractive protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A in renal tissue with clinical and morphological manifestations in glomerulonephritis

Objective: to study the effect of the total expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A), tissue growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and monocytic chemoattractant factor 1 (MCP-1) on the course of glomerulonephritis.Material and methods: the study was a prospective (12-month) open comparative clinical and morphological study with the inclusion of 75 patients aged 18 to 75 years (males - 52, females - 23) with glomerulonephritis in the acute stage. All patients were initially examined, including assessment of clinical, laboratory and instrumental parameters, including puncture nephrobiopsy. In addition to the standard, sections of biopsies were stained with labeled antibodies to VEGF A, TGF-β1 and MCP-1 to assess their expression in kidney tissue. After 12 months, the development of remission of glomerulonephritis, parameters of the general analysis of urine, creatinine, urea, uric acid of blood, calculation of GFR were evaluated.Results: it was found that the severity of the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 is observed to a greater extent in hematuric forms of glomerulonephritis, occurring without changes in the level of blood albumin. The same follows from the results demonstrating the relationship of the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 with morphological manifestations more characteristic of nephritic forms of glomerulonephritis (IgA deposits, mesangial hypercellularity). The increased expression of the studied factors has shown its influence on the development of fibrosis and thickening of the walls of renal vessels, glomerular fibrosis and interstitium, reflecting the whole complex of reparative remodeling of renal tissue in the inflammatory process. The effect of the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 on the further course of glomerulonephritis, accompanied by the progression of the disease in the form of a decrease in GFR after 12 months of observation of patients, was revealed.Conclusions: an increase in the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 in hematuric forms of glomerulonephritis indicates the role of these factors in the development of the inflammatory process to a greater extent in these forms of the disease. It was found that an increase in the severity of the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 is associated with manifestations of renal remodeling in glomerulonephritis. It has been shown that an increase in the severity of the total expression of MCP-1+VEGF-A+TGFß1 is accompanied by an increase in the likelihood of a rapid decrease in renal function in glomerulonephritis at 12-month follow-up.

Comparative study of morphology and keratin levels in hair from deer and goat

Hair is a defining character of mammals. In the present study, the hair samples of Chital Axis axis, Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor, and goat Capra hircus were collected from the back, neck, abdomen and tail regions of carcasses brought to the forensic laboratory for necropsy examinations. Cross-sections of hair, cuticle scale, and medullary patterns were analyzed to establish indices for species identification. Keratin levels were also analyzed by protein electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We determined that both microscopic and SDS-PAGE analysis of guard hair is useful for identifying species, particularly in forensic applications.