Egg Morphology Research Articles

Louisiana Black-bellied Whistling-Duck clutch characteristics in the presence of conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (<em>Dendrocygna autumnalis</em>; Whistling-Duck) are undergoing a rapid range expansion northward and now breed throughout the Southeastern United States. As a facultative cavity-nesting species, they have the potential to compete with Wood Ducks (<em>Aix sponsa</em>) and Hooded Mergansers (<em>Lophodytes cucullatus</em>) for nest sites. Little is known about Whistling-Duck breeding biology, and estimates of clutch characteristics and rates of conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism (CBP and IBP, respectively) are lacking. We monitored Whistling-Duck nests in Louisiana to describe nesting chronology, clutch size of parasitized and unparasitized (normal) nests, and hatchability (i.e., the portion of eggs that hatched) for clutches of different sizes and types. We monitored a total of 558 nest boxes between 2020–2021 and determined the presence of brood parasitism for 231 Whistling-Duck nests. CBP was detected in 73 (31.6%) nests, and IBP was observed in 51 (22.1%) nests parasitized by Wood Ducks, two (0.9%) nests parasitized by Hooded Mergansers, and one nest contained eggs from all three species. Normal clutches were smaller (15.4 ± 4.4 eggs) than CBP clutches (26.1 ± 8.8 eggs) and mixed clutches (22.2 ± 5.3 eggs; clutches containing Wood Duck or Hooded Merganser eggs; all pairwise P < 0.0001). However, within clutch repeatability, estimates for egg morphology data (i.e., length, width, and mass) were low (< 0.40) for normal clutches, suggesting CBP went undetected. Of 180 fated nests used to determine hatchability, 66 (36.7%) were successful, 49 (27.2%) were abandoned, 64 (35.6%) were depredated, and one (0.6%) was nonviable. Considering successful nests, hatchability was high for all clutch size bins ranging from 67.4% (41–45 eggs) to 81.6% (11–15 eggs). Our study is the first to document Whistling-Ducks successfully hatching mixed-species broods, and such high productivity could be contributing to Whistling-Duck range expansion.

Stenozygum coloratum (Klug, 1845) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)’un Spermateka ve Yumurta Morfolojisi

The spermathecae and egg morphology of Stenozygum coloratum (Klug, 1845) were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy, and their external morphology was characterized in detail (egg chorion surface, operculum, and aero-micropylar processes, and spermatheca morphology). Eggs barrel-shaped; operculum round and the hatching line can be easily distinguished in the scanning electron photograph. The egg batches usually consist of 12 eggs. Because of the thick egg chorion, embrionic development was not visible from the outside. The eggs of S. coloratum are usually laid in two rows and are glued to the Capparis spinosa (Capparacea) plants. The egg burster is highly sclerotized, thick and T shaped. It is clearly observed in the hatched egg. Egg-burster is remains attached with the inside lateral surface of the egg. The well-marked operculum intersects the ring of 18–20 short pipe shaped micropylar projections that are found between the tubercles around the hatching line. In S. coloratum, the spermathecae has a semi-oblong spermathecal bulb. The spermathecal duct, pumping region, dilation of spermathecal duct and distal and proximal ducts. The pumping region has distal and proximal flanges. The balloon-like median spermathecal dilation has sclerotized rod and is narrowed distally and tipped. The proximal area of the spermathecal duct is close to the vagina opening. Two V-shaped sclerites and two ring sclerites are localized on the genital chamber (vagina) wall in to which opens the spermathecae. Egg and spermathecae structures in insects differ from species to species. In this study, spermathecae and egg structures of this species, which have not been studied before, were examined in detail, and it was aimed to contribute to systematic and taxonomic studies.

First Records of Conspecific Brood Parasitism in Two Species of Small Passerines: Lesser Whitethroat and Common Linnet

We provide the first records of possible conspecific brood parasitism in the lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca and the common linnet Linaria cannabina, two species of small passerines. In 2018 we found two unusually large clutches, one for each species (8 and 9 eggs, respectively), both containing two distinct egg morphs differing in coloration. Further detailed analysis of egg morphology and brood phenology (in the whitethroat) suggested that the eggs in each nest had been laid by different females. Surprisingly, two seemingly full sized clutches were laid in both nests, a pattern that is unusual in conspecific brood parasitism in passerines, whose nests are typically parasitized with single eggs. Alternatives to conspecific brood parasitism are therefore discussed. We argue that traditional field-based methods, when carefully used, may be sufficient to document brood parasitism recorded during occasional observations. We finally conclude that enlarged broods, resulting from conspecific brood parasitism, are probably more frequent than expected, but they may be often overlooked.

Mycoplasma tauri sp. nov. isolated from the bovine genital tract

Since 2006, a Mycoplasma species unidentifiable to the species level has been regularly isolated from the semen and prepuce of apparently healthy bulls, and occasionally from cattle displaying inflammatory disease of the genital tract. Seven of these Mycoplasma isolates were subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. The strains investigated grew well in modified Hayflick’s medium and colonies on agar exhibited typical fried egg morphology and produced ‘film and spots’. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a cell morphology characteristic of mycoplasmas with spherically shaped cells bounded by a bi-layered cell membrane. The strains studied neither produced acid from sugar carbon sources nor did hydrolyse arginine or urea, and genome annotation indicated that organic acids (pyruvate, lactate) are used as energy sources. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region, and partial rpoB gene and protein sequences placed the strains within the Mycoplasma (M.) bovis cluster of the Hominis group with M. primatum, M. agalactiae, and M. bovis being their closest relatives. Genomic information including whole-genome similarity metrics (ANIb, ANIm, TETRA, dDDH, AAI) and phylogenomics, proteomic features revealed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry as well as serological reactions and polar lipid profiling strongly indicated that the strains examined were representatives of a hitherto unclassified species of genus Mycoplasma, for which the name Mycoplasma tauri sp. nov. with type strain Zaradi2T (=ATCC BAA-1891T = DSM 22451T) is proposed.

Morphological and genomic characterisation of the Schistosoma hybrid infecting humans in Europe reveals admixture between Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis

Schistosomes cause schistosomiasis, the world’s second most important parasitic disease after malaria in terms of public health and social-economic impacts. A peculiar feature of these dioecious parasites is their ability to produce viable and fertile hybrid offspring. Originally only present in the tropics, schistosomiasis is now also endemic in southern Europe. Based on the analysis of two genetic markers the European schistosomes had previously been identified as hybrids between the livestock- and the human-infective species Schistosoma bovis and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Here, using PacBio long-read sequencing technology we performed genome assembly improvement and annotation of S. bovis, one of the parental species for which no satisfactory genome assembly was available. We then describe the whole genome introgression levels of the hybrid schistosomes, their morphometric parameters (eggs and adult worms) and their compatibility with two European snail strains used as vectors (Bulinus truncatus and Planorbarius metidjensis). Schistosome-snail compatibility is a key parameter for the parasites life cycle progression, and thus the capability of the parasite to establish in a given area. Our results show that this Schistosoma hybrid is strongly introgressed genetically, composed of 77% S. haematobium and 23% S. bovis origin. This genomic admixture suggests an ancient hybridization event and subsequent backcrosses with the human-specific species, S. haematobium, before its introduction in Corsica. We also show that egg morphology (commonly used as a species diagnostic) does not allow for accurate hybrid identification while genetic tests do.

The IRM cell adhesion molecules Hibris, Kin of irre and Roughest control egg morphology by modulating ovarian muscle contraction in Drosophila

The Irre Cell Recognition Module (IRM) is an evolutionarily conserved group of transmembrane glycoproteins required for cell–cell recognition and adhesion in metazoan development. In Drosophila melanogaster ovaries, four members of this group – Roughest (Rst), Kin of irre (Kirre), Hibris (Hbs) and Sticks and stones (Sns) – play important roles in germ cell encapsulation and muscle sheath organization during early pupal stages, as well as in the progression to late oogenesis in the adult. Females carrying some of the mutant rst alleles are viable but sterile, and previous work from our laboratory had identified defects in the organization of the peritoneal and epithelial muscle sheaths of these mutants that could underlie their sterile phenotype. In this study, besides further characterizing the sterility phenotype associated with rst mutants, we investigated the role of the IRM molecules Rst, Kirre and Hbs in maintaining the functionality of the ovarian muscle sheaths. We found that knocking down any of the three genes in these structures, either individually or in double heterozygous combinations, not only decreases contraction frequency but also irregularly increases contraction amplitude. Furthermore, these alterations can significantly impact the morphology of eggs laid by IRM-depleted females demonstrating a hitherto unknown role of IRM molecules in egg morphogenesis.

Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in sympatric mammals in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon.

Background and Aim:Gastrointestinal parasites identified in the wild can negatively affect host fitness, lower performance, and growth. On the other side, sympatric mammals that share habitat and resources may also cross-transmit parasites, which are often zoonotic and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in mammalian hosts in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park.Materials and Methods:We screened a total of 25 fecal samples collected from nine wild mammalian species, namely, western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans), African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), bay duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), and red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) as well as people working as trackers (Homo sapiens) using direct microscopic observations following a sedimentation technique to concentrate the fecal material.Results:Of the total 25 fecal samples screened, 15 (60%) were positive for parasitic gastrointestinal infection. Based on the morphology of parasite eggs and cysts, we identified a rich diversity of nematodes, protozoans, trematodes, and cestodes, including unidentified strongyles (73%), Oesophagostomum spp. (53%), Ancylostoma spp. (27%), Trichuris spp. (13%), Ascaris spp. (13%), Mammomonogamus spp. (13%), Strongyloides spp. (47%), Balantidium coli (20%), Entamoeba coli (20%), Endolimax nana (6%), Fasciola hepatica (6%), Paramphistomum spp. (13%), and Taenia spp. (6%).Conclusion:All parasites were found at least once in one of the hosts, and most were potentially zoonotic and responsible for several diseases of public health concern. Because of the small sample size, our findings should not be considered conclusive. Nevertheless, they highlight the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in this area.

Holomorphology and neotype designation of Microperla retroloba (Wu, 1937).

Microperla retroloba (Wu, 1937) is a poorly described species from Gansu Province of China and the types of which were apparently lost. Herein, a neotype of M. retroloba is designated based on new material from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region adjacent to Gansu Province. Male, female, larva and egg morphology of M. retroloba are described, illustrated and compared with all congeners.

Hubungan morfologi telur dengan bobot telur dan bobot DOC dengan bobot badan ayam Kampung F1

This study aims to determine the relationship between egg morphology and egg weight and DOC weight with body weight of Kampung F1 chickens. The research material was 174 free-range chickens from hatching 315 eggs. The method used: experimental method. Data collected: egg size, egg weight, body weight, body weight gain, and body size. Data on egg size, egg weight, body weight, body weight gain and body size were analyzed using a t-test. The relationship between variables was analyzed regression and correlation analysis. Characteristics of body size and shape were analyzed principal component analysis. The results showed that egg size, egg weight, body weight, body weight gain and body size of male Kampung chickens were different (P &lt;0.05) higher than females. Egg size affects egg weight, and DOC weight affects body weight at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. Egg size was positively correlated with male and female egg weights. DOC weight was positively correlated with body weight of Kampung chickens aged 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The closest correlation between egg size and egg weight was egg circumference (0.913), and DOC weight with body weight was weight at 4 weeks of age (0.936). In conclusion, the relationship between egg size and egg weight, DOC weight and body weight were linear and had appositive values.

Deep learning enhanced terahertz imaging of silkworm eggs development

SummaryTerahertz (THz) technology lays the foundation for next-generation high-speed wireless communication, nondestructive testing, food safety inspecting, and medical applications. When THz technology is integrated by artificial intelligence (AI), it is confidently expected that THz technology could be accelerated from the laboratory research stage to practical industrial applications. Employing THz video imaging, we can gain more insights into the internal morphology of silkworm egg. Deep learning algorithm combined with THz silkworm egg images, rapid recognition of the silkworm egg development stages is successfully demonstrated, with a recognition accuracy of ∼98.5%. Through the fusion of optical imaging and THz imaging, we further improve the AI recognition accuracy of silkworm egg development stages to ∼99.2%. The proposed THz imaging technology not only features the intrinsic THz imaging advantages, but also possesses AI merits of low time consuming and high recognition accuracy, which can be extended to other application scenarios.

Aedesaegypti: egg morphology and embryonic development

BackgroundThe diseases for which Aedes aegypti is a vector are worrisome. The high vector competence of this mosquito, as well as its anthropophilia and ability to adapt to the urban environment, allows it to exploit many habitats, making its prevention an arduous task. Despite current disease control measures focused on the mosquito, the effectiveness in containing its dispersion still requires improvement; thus greater knowledge about this insect is fundamental.MethodsAedes aegypti egg morphology and embryonic development were analyzed from eggs of the insectary of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo. Optical (light and confocal) and electronic (transmission and scanning) microscopy were used to analyze the morphological and ultrastructural features of the eggs. Embryos were observed in the initial (0–20.5 h after egg-laying), intermediate (20.6–40.1 h after egg-laying), and final (40.2–61.6 h) stages of development, and kept at a temperature of 28 °C ± 1 °C until collection for processing.ResultsEggs of Ae. aegypti were whitish at the time of oviposition, and then quickly became black. The egg length was 581.45 ± 39.73 μm and the width was 175.36 ± 11.59. Access to the embryo was difficult due to the egg morphology, point of embryonic development, and difficult permeability of the exochorion (mainly in fixation). Only about 5% of the collected eggs were successfully processed. In the initial stage of embryonic development, characteristics suggestive of intense cellular activity were found. In the intermediate stage, the beginning of the segmentation process was evident. In the final phase, it was possible to differentiate the cephalic region and the thoracic and abdominal segments.ConclusionThe chorion was found to be an important protective barrier and a limiting factor for the evaluation of the embryos and mosquito embryonic cells, indicating that further studies need to be carried out to identify the reason that this occurs.Graphical abstract

EFFECT OF COATING ON THE PHYSICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FRESH HEN EGG DURING STORAGE

&lt;p&gt;Hen egg is the most consumed animal food due to its high nutritional content, affordable and easy to obtain. However, eggs have the disadvantage for their short shelf life of about 7 days at room temperature. An effort to extend the shelf life of eggs including storing at low temperatures and/or coating. The research objective was to determine changes in the physical quality and morphology of chicken eggs coated with two material coating stored at room (25–29 °C) and AC/low (18–22 °C) temperature. The treatments tested were two kinds of coatings, namely gelatin and lime solution, and two storage temperature conditions, namely room and low temperature for 30 days. The study was conducted with three replications, each replication was observed on 5 eggs. The parameters observed were weight loss, Egg white index, Egg yolk index, air cavity, Haugh Unit and surface morphology. The results showed that at the end of storage for 30 days the eggs quality still met the SNI standards I to III. AC storage temperature was better than room temperature. The egg treated with coating produced better quality than without coating. The longer the storage, the lower the weight loss, HU, IPT and IKT. The best treatment was gelatin coating stored at AC temperature.&lt;/p&gt;

Metrological support in the quality management system of a poultry enterprise

The article deals with the issues of metrological support of business processes of a poultry enterprise within the framework of the quality management system (QMS). On the basis of the systematization of international and national QMS standards and relevant methods, an industry-wide integrated model of QMS business processes has been developed, their characteristics are given, indicating their interaction. The role of the business process “Metrological support” in the efficiency of the functioning of the life processes of the QMS has been substantiated. A map and an algorithm for this process has been developed, which forms its regulations with an illustration of the main parameters of the presented schemes. The role of devices characterizing the quality of incubation and food eggs with the use of appropriate technical means and devices, indicating the results of research, the morphology of eggs in comparison with standard parameters, from which it can be seen that the existing individual violations of their values are not associated with metrological support, is highlighted.

Comparative ultrastructure and proteomics of two economic species (common carp and grass carp) egg envelope

Progressive morphological and cytochemical processes occur in the egg after fertilization in which the egg envelope changes dramatically. However, the biochemical and structural alterations of egg envelope between common carp adhesive eggs and grass carp semi-buoyant eggs remain poorly understand. Here, this study found that compared with grass carp semi-buoyant eggs, common carp adhesive eggs possess a smaller egg diameter and a thicker egg envelope, and the difference was most significant at 1 h postfertilization. After fertilization, an adhesive layer was found and gradually thickened in common carp eggs, especially at 1 h postfertilization. The surface of fertilized adhesive egg of common carp was covered by a dense adhesive layer which gradually grew to be thickened after fertilization. While grass carp semi-buoyant eggs did not possess an adhesive layer after fertilization and the surface of grass carp semi-buoyant egg was smoother. Moreover, proteomic changes of egg envelopes between common carp adhesive eggs and grass carp semi-buoyant eggs at 1 h postfertilization showed that a rapid fold change of cytoskeleton-associated proteins (including actin, filamin-A, α-actinin, cytoskeleton-associated protein 5, and ezrin) was observed in common carp egg envelope after fertilization, which might be conductive to maintaining cell morphology and fish egg morphology. Significant upregulation of proteins such as a coagulation factor XIII A protein, zona pellucida proteins and cystatin in the fertilized egg of common carp might be responsible for inducing the process of egg envelope hardening in order to the protection of embryonic development. Obviously up-regulated level of alpha-2-macroglobulin-like protein in the fertilized egg of common carp could reflect the potentials of the effective immune defense in fertilized adhesive eggs of common carp. In conclusion, this study is the first to present the ultrastructure and protein composition in the egg envelope of common carp adhesive eggs and grass carp semi-buoyant eggs. Extensive changes in the abundance of proteins of egg envelope would throw some new lights on the biochemical processes underlying the early developmental processes after fertilization.

Going deeper, darker and further: Observations charting an egg nursery, a range and depth extension for the deep-sea spiny tailed skate Bathyraja spinicauda, first records from the Mid Atlantic Ridge

A range extension for the spiny tailed skate, Bathyraja spinicauda is presented here, evidenced by an egg nursery observed atop a ridge on the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone along the Mid Atlantic Ridge. The species identification used an integrated taxonomic approach based on egg morphology and mtCOI barcoding of intact embryos. The egg nursery was mapped, and key environmental descriptors characterised: sedimentation, substrate type and predation risk. This egg nursery was recommended for classification as an essential fish habitat (EFH).

Life History of Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis Fairmaire, 1849 in Kolkata area, India and descriptions of the immature stages (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Epuraeinae)

Sap beetle, Epuraea ocularis Fairmaire usually lays eggs and breeds on fermenting overripe fruits, and larvae pass through different instars before pupating on soil. In laboratory condition, mating pairs of adults copulated and females laid eggs in clusters; larva hatched out in 1 to 2 days, passed through four instars; mature larva migrated to soil for pupation. Larval development took about 12 to 17 days; and adult hatched out of pupa in about 4 to 5 days. Detailed morphology of egg, larva and pupa is presented herein, and significance of larva in taxonomy of beetles has been indicated.

Morphology of egg and larva of the lawn cutworm Spodoptera depravata (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera depravata (Butler) is an important lawn pest in northeastern Asian countries, and its larvae mainly target the leaves of Gramineae crops. However, the morphological traits of egg and larva of this species have not been well elucidated. In this study, we examined the external morphology and ultrastructure of egg and larva of S. depravata using light and scanning electron microscopy. The egg is subspherical and covered with abundant female hair silk (modified scales). The upper exochorion sculpture consists of a dense network of irregular contiguous polygonal cells, with 2–3 micropyles at the top. Three types of sensilla were observed on larval antenna and maxilla: sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica and sensilla styloconica. The larva, eruciform, bears three pairs of thoracic legs, and five pairs of prolegs on abdominal segment III to VI and X (anal prolegs), respectively. The crochets of prolegs are arranged in uniordinal mesal penellipse, and protected by membranous stripes. Besides, the head and body chaetotaxy of S. depravata were illustrated and described in detail. This study also briefly discussed the application of morphological traits of eggs and larvae to classification and systematic studies on Spodoptera species.

Modifikasi Larutan Buah Bit (Beta vulgaris l.) sebagai Alternatif Pengganti Zat Warna Eosin 2% pada Pemeriksaan Telur Cacing STH (Soil Transmitted Helminths)

Helminthiasis is one of the infections caused by parasites. World Health Organization (WHO) data in 2018 reported 24% of the world's population was infected by Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). Worms of this group need soil to be in their infective stage. Eosin 2% is a stain used in the examination of worm eggs. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the plants widely used as a natural dye. Beetroot contains betacyanin which produces red pigment. This study aimed to identify the feasibility of beetroot as a substitute for eosin to stain worm eggs. This research was true experimental with a static group comparison design. The results showed that the concentration of beetroot solution proportional to the quality of 2% eosin is with a concentration of 95%. Beetroot solution produces color quality with a contrasting background so that the morphology of eggs can be clearly observed. Beetroot extract lasts for 7-day storage at cold temperature.

A new genus and species of tachinid flies from Iran (Diptera, Tachinidae, Goniini)

Susamyia Ziegler &amp; Gilasian gen. nov. and its type species Susamyia mira Ziegler &amp; Gilasian gen. et sp. nov. are described from southwestern Karkheh National Park and southeastern Jazmourian Wetland of Iran. Drawings of terminalia and head of the male as well as images of habitus, head and egg are provided. Susamyia gen. nov. is incorporated into the identification key to the Palearctic tachinid genera of Tschorsnig &amp; Richter (1998). The systematic position of Susamyia gen. nov. in the tribe Goniini (Exoristinae) is discussed in light of molecular analyses based on the ribosomal genes 16S, 18S and 28S, and the egg type of females. The morphology of the microtype eggs was studied and compared with that of other Goniini, but proved too unreliable to be included in the phylogenetic analysis. Susamyia gen. nov. is believed to be most closely related to the goniine genera Gymnophryxe Villeneuve, 1922, Palesisa Villeneuve, 1929 and Prosopodopsis Townsend, 1926.

Effect Of Bioinsecticide Granule Mixture Of Sugar Apple Seed (Annonae Squamosa) And Betel Leaf (Piper Betle) On Morphology Of Eggs Aedes Aegypti

Introduction: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an important public health problem in Indonesia because its morbidity and mortality are quite high. Prevention by vector control methods with chemical insecticides adversely affects the environment. Research on granular bioinsectide mixture of betel leaf extract and sugar apple seeds against Aedes aegypti is expected to be used to break the chain of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes starting from the juvenile stage (eggs) as an effort to control the vector population naturally. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of granule bioinsecticide mixture of sugar apple seed extract and betel leaf on changes in the morphology of Aedes aegypti eggs. Methods: This study is a true-experimental study with a Post test Only Control Group Design design. The treatment group will be given a granular bioinsecticide, a mixture of sugar apple seed extract and betel leaf, positive control will be given abate while negative control will be given aquades. Each group uses 25 eggs with 3 repetitions. On day 3, all eggs will be observed using a stereo microscope to determine morphological changes. The data obtained will be analyzed using ordinal regression test. Results: the ordinal regression test got the value of ρ in the Wald test between (0.012 - 0.955)&gt; α = 0.01. Conclusion: there is no effect of mixed granules of betel leaf and sugar apple seeds on the mortality of Aedes aegypti eggs. Further research is needed on new formulations using other natural ingredients to increase the effect of ovicides on Aedes aegypti.