Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Effect of Administering Serially Diluted Suprecur and Motilium (Dopamine Blocker) on the Breeding Performance of Clarias gariepinus

This study was designed to determine the effect of using serially diluted Buserelin acetate (Suprecur), which is a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) with dopamine antagonist (Motilium) on the latency period, fecundity, percentage fertilization and percentage hatching of Clarias gariepinus. Treatments administered include 50ug/l, 40ug/l, 20ug/l and 10ug/l of Suprecur in tandem with 5mg/kg of Motilium. Metrics obtained include egg numbers, latency period, fertilization rate, hatching rates, and survival to first feeding. The results obtained demonstrated that the use of Suprecur (LHRHa) together with dopamine antagonist (Motilium) successfully induced ovulation in the experimental Clarias gariepinus broodfish. The highest fecundity was from the treatment T40 There was no significant difference in egg weights stripped from each treated group. The application of 50 µg/kg of Suprecur with 5mg/kg of Motilium resulted in earlier synchronization of ovulation (Latency period; 12 hours). Results of the fertilization percentage indicated that an increase in the dose of LHRHa did not significantly affect the fertilization rate in treated groups of broodfish. Overall superiority of 50 µg/kg of Suprecur plus 5mg/kg of Motilium in spawning induction was proved by significantly high hatchability, 83.56%. Broodstock used for the 40µg/kg dose had the highest fecundity. There was no significant correlation (p>0.05) between the water quality parameters and the breeding parameters. In conclusion, the result obtained clearly indicates an overall superiority of using 50 µg/kg of Suprecur together with 5mg/kg of Motilium to induce spawning with regard to the recorded high hatchability percentage.

Prevalence and Degree Trematoda Infection in Dairy Cattle Friesian Holstein at Koperasi Usaha Tani Ternak Suka Makmur Pasuruan

Trematode worm infections in dairy cattle have not been widely reported in various regions in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the prevalence and degree of trematode worm infection in Friesian Holstein dairy cattle at KUTT Suka Makmur, Pasuruan. The research design used survey study and cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in July-September 2023. The number of samples taken was 100, which were selected from proportional random sampling of four sub-districts, namely Grati, Nguling, Lekok, and Lumbang, with the age ranges under a year, 1-2 years, and above 2 years. The sample were examined using the sedimentation method and Flukenfinder® method. Positive samples were further examined using the McMaster method to determine the number of worm eggs per gram of feces. The results of this study obtained a prevalence of 54% with low and moderate degrees of infection. The trematode worm species found through fecal examination were Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum cervi. The results of chi square statistical analysis showed that sample examination method and age were related to the prevalence of trematode worms, yet location was not related to the prevalence of trematode worms. The results of kruskal wallis statistical analysis showed that age and location influence the degree of trematode worm infection.

Prevalence and Infection’s Degree of Gastrointestinal Nematode Worm in Friesian Holstein Dairy Cows at KUTT Suka Makmur Pasuruan Regency

This study aims to determine the type, prevalence, and infection’s degree of gastrointestinal Nematode worm in Friesian Holstein Dairy Cows at KUTT Suka Makmur, Pasuruan Regency. The study was conducted in July – September 2023. One hundred of feces samples were collected from four districts at KUTT Suka Makmur working area. Samples were examined by sedimentation and floating methods. Positive samples were further examined by McMaster methods to determine the number of worm eggs per gram feces. The type of worms were Oesophagostomum sp. (24%), Haemonchus sp. (20%), Mecistocirrus sp. (13%), Trichuris sp. (8%), Ostertagia sp. (6%), Trichostrongylus sp. (6%), Nematodirus sp. (3%), and Strongyloides sp. (3%). The prevalence of gastrointestinal Nematode worm was 66% with mild and severe degrees of infection. The Chi Square test results showed that age had no effect on the prevalence and infection’s degree of gastrointestinal Nematode worm in Friesian Holstein dairy cows at KUTT Suka Makmur. While location had effect on the prevalence but had no effect on the infection’s degree.

Biology of brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenes) under laboratory condition

In 2022-23 a laboratory study was conducted at Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (IAS)[20.288596,85.764828], SOA-DU, Bhubaneswar to study about the biology of brinjal shoot and fruit borer biology or lifecycle. The parameters including egg, different instars of larvae, pupae and adults were highest in the last generation that was held in the month of Dec- Jan and the lowest of the parameters were recorded in the second generation held in the month of Aug – Sep. These changes in the parameters depending on the month were due to the variation in temperature. Likewise, the length of time spent in various developmental phases was noted. Recorded period includes egg (3-5 days), larva (12-18 days), pupa (8-12 days) and total developmental period (32-37 days) respectively. The average lifespan of male moths was 4.60 ± 1.00 days with a range of 3 to 7 days, while female moths had an average lifespan of 5.60±1.16 days with a range of 4 to 8 days. The average number of eggs laid by female moths was 69.53±9.35 eggs/female, with a range of 49 to 82 eggs. Key words: Brinjal shoot and fruit borer, biology, Leucinodes orbonalis

Juvenile responses to immune challenges are not carried through to subsequent life stages in an insect

Environmental variability can significantly impact individual survival and reproduction. Meanwhile, high population densities can lead to resource scarcity and increased exposure to parasites and pathogens. Studies with insects can offer valuable insights into eco-immunology, allowing us to explore the connections between these variables. Here we use the moth Anticarsia gemmatalis to examine how increases in population density and immunological challenge during the larval stage shape its investment in immune defence and reproduction. Larvae reared at a high population density exhibited greater lytic activity against bacteria compared to those reared at low density, whilst bacterial challenge (i.e. bacteria-immersed needles) also increased lytic activity. There was no interaction between the variables population density and bacterial challenge, indicating that these are independent. Surprisingly, neither increase in lytic activity carried through to activity in prepupal haemolymph. Rearing of larvae at a high density delayed pupation and decreased pupal weight. The immunological stimulus did not significantly influence pupal development. Lower population density as a larva resulted in greater adult weight, but did not significantly influence lytic activity in the eggs or the number of eggs laid. Negative correlations were found between lytic activity in the eggs and the number of eggs, as well as between adult weight and the number of eggs. Overall, this study demonstrates that high population density and immune challenge trigger increased lytic activity in caterpillars, but this effect is transient, not persisting into later stages. The trade-offs observed, such as delayed pupation and reduced prepupal weights under high density, suggest a balancing act between immune investment and developmental aspects. The findings hint at a short-term adaptive response rather than a sustained strategy. The implications of delayed pupation and smaller adult moths could influence the moth's life history strategy, impacting its role in the ecosystem. Further research tracking larval immune investment and subsequent reproductive success will unveil the evolutionary dynamics of this relationship in changing environments.

Molecular characterization and CRISPR/Cas9 validation of the precursor of egg yolk protein gene, vitellogenin of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Vitellogenin (Vg), a yolk protein precursor, plays an important role in the oocyte development of insects and is an important target of genetic pest management. Vg is synthesized in the fat body, transported through haemolymph and accumulates in developing oocytes. In this regard, the eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major pest in South and South East Asia and a serious concern for farmers. Therefore, in the present study, we have cloned and characterized Vg from L. orbonalis (LoVg) for further applications. The cloned Vg consisted of 5,370 base pairs encoding 1,790 amino acid residues long protein. Further, sequence alignment revealed that LoVg has three conserved domains: a Vitellogenin N domain (LPD-N), a domain of unknown function protein families (DUF1943), and a von Willebrand factor type D domain (VWD). Using phylogenetic analysis, it was found that LoVg evolved alongside homologous proteins from different insects. The real-time expression levels of LoVg were significantly greater in female adults followed by the pupal stage. This suggests that Vg production and absorption in L. orbonalis occurs in the later pupal stage. Our studies showed that editing LoVg using CRISPR/Cas9 did not affect the total number of eggs laid but affected egg hatchability. These studies help us to design newer approaches in insect pest management through genetic suppression for sustainable pest management.

Development of germline progenitors in larval queen honeybee ovaries.

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are a keystone species for managed pollination and the production of hive products. Eusociality in honeybees leads to much of the reproduction in a hive driven by the queen. Queen bees have two large active ovaries that can produce large numbers of eggs if conditions are appropriate. These ovaries are also active throughout the long lives of these insects, up to 5 years in some cases. Recent studies have indicated that the germline precursors of the adult honeybee queen ovary are organized into 8-cell clusters, joined together by a polyfusome; a cytoplasmic bridge. To understand the origin of these clusters, and trace the development of the honeybee queen ovary, we examined the cell types and regionalization of the developing larval and pupal queen ovaries. We used established (nanos and castor), and novel (odd skipped) gene expression markers to determine regions of the developing ovary. Primordial germline cells develop in the honeybee embryo and are organized into ovary structures before the embryo hatches. The ovary is regionalized by larval stage 3 into terminal filaments and germaria. At this stage, clusters of germline cells in the germaria are joined by fusomes and are dividing synchronously. The origin of the 8-cell clusters in the adult germarium is therefore during larval stages. On emergence, the queen ovary has terminal filaments and germaria but has not yet developed any vitellaria, which are produced after the queen embarks on a nuptial flight. The lack of germaria, and the storing of germline progenitors as clusters, may be adaptions for queen bees to endure the metabolic demands of a nuptial flight, as well as rapidly lay large numbers of eggs to establish a hive.

Chitosan-ricobendazole complex: Synthesis, characterization and anthelmintic activity

Synthesis, characterization and assessment of therapeutic efficacy of chitosan-ricobendazole complex were carried out for the first time in this work. Study of physico-chemical properties revealed the optimal ratio of chitosan: ricobendazole (30:4). Quantum chemical modeling set the optimal parameters for the formation of the chitosan-ricobendazole molecular system (E = −3765.26 kcal/mol, η = 0.127 eV), which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed spherical particles of chitosan-ricobendazole complex ranging in size from 100 to 200 μm. Study of therapeutic efficiency was conducted on sheep with dicroceliosis. Notably, the therapeutic efficiency of the chitosan-ricobendazole complex (4 mg/kg of ricobendazole) reached 89 %, while the therapeutic efficiency of the commercial preparation ricazole (8 mg/kg of ricobendazole) was 92 %. Biochemical blood test indicated equivalent normalization of hematological parameters in sheep after treatment with ricazole and the chitosan-ricobendazole complex. Histological examination of infected sheep liver revealed that treatment with the chitosan-ricobendazole complex leads to a decrease in the number of helminth eggs with subsequent therapeutic effect on the severity of the disease. This proves the enhanced solubility of ricobendazole at a dosage of 4 mg/kg, active interaction of the components and relatively high bioavailability without increasing the release rate of ricobendazole.

Role of a medicinal plant in attracting Chrysopidae predators and controlling Leucopteracoffeella

Intercropping in agricultural systems can enhance biological pest control, yet selecting the appropriate companion plants remains challenging. This study investigated the potential of Varronia curassavica Jacq. (Cordiaceae), a medicinal aromatic plant, to improve the biological control of the coffee leaf miner, Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) by Chrysopidae predatory species. We assessed the survival of Ceraeochrysa cubana (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae and adults, and the survival and reproduction of L. coffeella adults in the presence of V. curassavica inflorescences. Additionally, we evaluated whether V. curassavica in its vegetative stage, when associated with coffee plants, would influence the oviposition of another related Chrysopidae species, Chrysoperla externa, and L. coffeella. Our findings indicated that C. cubana larvae had increased survival in the presence of V. curassavica inflorescences, whereas the survival of C. cubana and L. coffeella adults was unaffected. However, the intrinsic growth and oviposition rates of L. coffeella were reduced in the presence of V. curassavica inflorescences. Furthermore, in a greenhouse experiment, the number of eggs laid by C. externa was higher when coffee plants were intercropped with V. curassavica in the vegetative stage, while the oviposition of L. coffeella was unaffected. These results suggest that V. curassavica can enhance populations of Chrysopidae predators in coffee crops and negatively impact the fitness of L. coffeella or provide no benefit to this pest. Therefore, incorporating V. curassavica into coffee cropping systems appears promising for managing L. coffeella populations by pulling in Chrysopidae predators.

A High-Throughput Method for Quantifying Drosophila Fecundity.

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an experimentally tractable model system that has recently emerged as a powerful "new approach methodology" (NAM) for chemical safety testing. As oogenesis is well conserved at the molecular and cellular level, measurements of Drosophila fecundity can be useful for identifying chemicals that affect reproductive health across species. However, standard Drosophila fecundity assays have been difficult to perform in a high-throughput manner because experimental factors such as the physiological state of the flies and environmental cues must be carefully controlled to achieve consistent results. In addition, exposing flies to a large number of different experimental conditions (such as chemical additives in the diet) and manually counting the number of eggs laid to determine the impact on fecundity is time-consuming. We have overcome these challenges by combining a new multiwell fly culture strategy with a novel 3D-printed fly transfer device to rapidly and accurately transfer flies from one plate to another, the RoboCam, a low-cost, custom-built robotic camera to capture images of the wells automatically, and an image segmentation pipeline to automatically identify and quantify eggs. We show that this method is compatible with robust and consistent egg laying throughout the assay period and demonstrate that the automated pipeline for quantifying fecundity is very accurate (r2 = 0.98 for the correlation between the automated egg counts and the ground truth). In addition, we show that this method can be used to efficiently detect the effects on fecundity induced by dietary exposure to chemicals. Taken together, this strategy substantially increases the efficiency and reproducibility of high-throughput egg-laying assays that require exposing flies to multiple different media conditions.

TEKNIK PEMBENIHAN IKAN KOMET (CARASSIUS AURATUS) DI UNIT PENGEMBANGAN BALAI BENIH IKAN AIR TAWAR (UPBBIAT) GONTORAN LOMBOK BARAT

One species from the Cyprinidae family that is very popular and highly developed in Indonesia is the comet fish (Carassius auratus). The main obstacle in comet fish production is the limited number of superior seeds. These obstacles are caused by improper handling of seeds related to larval rearing, such as air quality management, appropriate feed and fish mouth clearance as well as handling pests and diseases. The aim of this research is to understand and determine the process of hatching comet fish (Carassius aurataus) at the Freshwater Fish Seed Development Unit (UPBBIAT) Gontoran, West Lombok.The data obtained from Field Work Practice activities is explained descriptively, that is, it can be presented clearly and in detail. The number of eggs produced was 1,770. The number of eggs that successfully hatched was 1536 with a HR (Hatcing Rate) percentage of 81% and a final SR (Survival Rate) percentage of 84%.

Effectiveness of Plant Oils for Bio-intensive Control of Uzi Fly Infestation in Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori): A Comparative Study

A study was carried out to assess the effect of plant oils against the uzi fly (Exorista sorbillans Weidemann) and the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori Louis), at three different concentrations: 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 percent. Among the treatments, 0.8 % of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil recorded reduced number of eggs laid (fecundity) (40.33), egg hatchability (46,00 %), and maggot recovery (34.00 %), followed by karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil (54.00, 52,67 and 50.00%, respectively) and was statistically superior to control (114.33, 93.00% and 92%) and Nesolynx thymus (107.67, 90.00 and 89.00%). Significantly higher maggot (larvae) mortality was observed with 0.8 per cent neem oil (65.33 %), followed by karanj oil (35.33 %) compared to castor oil (24.67 %), and control treatment (11.00%). Spraying plant oil from neem and karanj, also drastically reduced the pupation rate %, adult emergence%, adult longevity, and fecundity of the uzi fly.

Application of a new approach method to assess the hazard of complex legacy contaminated groundwater mixtures on fathead minnows in outdoor mesocosms

Assessing the environmental risks of contaminated groundwater presents significant challenges due to its often-complex chemical composition and to dynamic processes affecting exposure of organisms in receiving surface waters. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of groundwater collected from a legacy contaminated industrial site, in fish under environmentally relevant conditions. A 21-day fish short-term reproduction assay was conducted in outdoor wetland mesocosms by exposing adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to graded concentrations of groundwater (1 %, 3 %, and 6 %). Offspring were held in mesocosms up to four days post-hatch to apply a new approach method (NAM), the EcoToxChip™, to explore whether traditional apical endpoints could be predicted using an alternative mechanistic approach. None of the groundwater concentrations used in this study were lethal to fish. There was greater cumulative number of eggs produced at the highest concentration of exposure. However, no abnormal histological appearance was observed in the liver and gonads of fish and no significant effect was observed in the relative expression of genes, tubercle counts, and erythrocyte micronuclei counts compared to the negative control. Food availability in the mesocosms was also assessed and the abundance of zooplankton increased in all groundwater-treated mesocosms. Fathead minnow findings are in contrast to those obtained from previous controlled laboratory studies that revealed significant genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reprotoxicity of the same mixtures. Several factors could explain these observations, including the aging of groundwater in mesocosms before fish addition resulting in photo- and biodegradation and binding to sediments of toxic components. Our static exposure scenario likely underestimated realistic exposure scenarios where groundwater inflow to surface water is generally semi-continuous. Nevertheless, focused transcriptome analysis using EcoToxChips also observed greater toxicity during previous laboratory tests compared to mesocosm scenarios, and thus, our results support the use of this NAM in the ecological risk assessment of contaminated groundwater.

Evaluation Of Mung Bean (Vigna Radiata) Varieties For Resistance To Bruchid (Callosobruchus Spp) Infestation Using The “No Choice Test"

Mung beans (Vigna radiata) commonly known as green grams, are an important legume crop cultivated for food and as a source of income. Mung bean seeds are highly susceptible to infestation by bruchids (Callosobruchus spp), which can cause significant post-harvest losses, hence impacting on the global food security. Bruchid infestation control remains a priority, and overreliance on chemical pesticides contributes to environmental concerns due to the potential harm to non-target species such as soil and water quality. Investigating natural resistance mechanisms in mung beans can contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly pest management practices. This study aimed at identifying mung bean varieties resistant to storage bruchids using the 'No Choice' test by determining the seed damage. Twenty-three mung bean varieties, both wild and local, were obtained from KALRO Katumani and evaluated against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) under laboratory conditions. Fifty seeds of each test sample were placed in separate petri dishes. Five male and female pairs of 0–24-hour-old adults of the beetle were released into each petri dish, covered to prevent insect escape and allow air circulation. The observations were made after 72 hours on oviposition preference by determining the number of eggs laid and percentage seed damage by counting the seeds with one or more holes from the total. The mung bean variety V100-35226 exhibited the highest resistance to bruchid infestations, with minimal seed damage. Other varieties with slight resistance included AMVU-1612, AMVU-1601, AMVU-1603, and V100-1802. The results highlighted significant differences in resistance levels among the mung bean varieties, indicating that some varieties possess natural resistance mechanisms to bruchid infestation

Environmental constraints can explain clutch size differences between urban and forest blue tits: Insights from an egg removal experiment.

Urban environments present novel ecological challenges to wild species. In birds, urban populations generally exhibit reduced clutch sizes compared to forest populations. However, whether smaller urban clutches are adaptive or a result of environmental constraints is unclear. To investigate these two hypotheses, we quantified the ability of urban and non-urban blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to lay new eggs after an experimental manipulation aimed to increase egg production. We removed the first four eggs laid by urban and forest birds to test their ability to produce new eggs. If the urban environment imposes constraints on egg production, we predicted that urban birds would not lay new eggs. If the small clutches of urban birds are an adaptive response, we predicted they would lay new eggs to reach the optimal clutch size for the environment. Consistent with the environmental constraint hypothesis, our results suggest that urban females do not lay new eggs to the same extent as forest birds following egg removal. Forest birds laid approximately two new eggs after our experimental manipulation, while urban birds laid approximately 0.36 new eggs following egg removal. Our manipulation resulted in a brood reduction in the urban experimental nests, yet there was no difference in the number of fledged offspring between urban control and experimental nests. This suggests that females might be misjudging urban habitat quality and produce a clutch with more eggs than nestlings they can rear. Overall, our results suggest that environmental constraints could limit the number of eggs that urban females lay, generating urban versus non-urban differences in this trait.

Effects of the symbiotic bacteria, Caballeronia insecticola, on the life history parameters of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) and their implications for the host population growth.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of symbiosis on the life history of host insects and address their implications at the host population level. We evaluated the effects of symbiotic bacteria Caballeronia insecticola on its host Riptortus pedestris (Fabricus) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) from cohorts for nymphal development, adult survivorship, and female reproduction. Then, life table parameters were compared between symbiotic and apo-symbiotic groups, and the effects of symbiosis on the abundance of R. pedestris were simulated for varying proportions of symbiotic individuals in host populations. We found that symbiosis significantly accelerated the nymphal development and reproductive maturation of females. However, symbiosis incurred survival cost on adult females, reducing their longevity by 28.6%. Nonetheless, symbiotic females laid significantly greater numbers of eggs than the apo-symbiotic during early adult ages. This early reproductive investment negated the adverse effect of their reduced longevity, resulting in the mean lifetime fecundity to not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Indeed, total cohort fecundity of the symbiotic group was 1.3-fold greater than that of the apo-symbiotic group. Life table analysis demonstrated shorter generation time and greater population growth rate in the symbiotic population. Finally, the simulation model results indicate that an increase in the proportion of symbiotic R. pedestris favored the population growth, increasing the population size by 1.9 times for every 25% increase in the proportion of symbiotic individuals. Our study demonstrates that symbiont-mediated changes in the life history parameters of host individuals favor the host population growth, despite substantial reduction in the female longevity.

Strategic approaches to mitigating Hookworm infection: An optimal control and cost-effectiveness analysis

Human hookworm infection remains a serious threat to public health, particularly in highly endemic regions. The high mortality rate associated with this infection emphasizes the urgent need for effective control measures and intervention strategies to curb its spread. A nonlinear deterministic hookworm model with saturated incidence is investigated in this paper. The model exhibits a unique disease-free and endemic equilibria, and the reproduction number is computed and explained. Sensitivity analysis shows that increasing the transmission rate, β, the hatching rate, α, the number of eggs excreted within the environment, Ne, and the rate of excretion of the eggs, γ, significantly increases the reproduction number. Based on this analysis, we extend the model to consider optimal control in the presence of three time-dependent controls namely: sanitation, preventative chemotherapy, and shoe-wearing. We define an objective function to be minimized and the conditions necessary for the optimal control are established and proved using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. We present a one-way analysis of variance to evaluate the impact of constant implementation of the control measures on the number of infected individuals. Numerical simulations also show that hookworm infection can be contained in the presence of all control measures. However, a cost-effectiveness analysis shows that combining shoe-wearing control with preventative chemotherapy is the most cost-effective measure for controlling hookworm infection. The results presented hold substantial implications for public health policy, especially in low-income regions.

Reproduction of Cernuella virgata (Da Costa, 1778) (Gastropoda: Geomitridae) in its natural environment in Southeast Turkey

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the reproductive characteristics of Cernuella virgata (Da Costa, 1778) from Diyarbakır, Southeast Turkey. From October 2023 to February 2024, the reproductive activities of over 300 individuals were monitored in Yeniköy Cemetery in Diyarbakır. The snails were first observed mating on 18 October 2023, after the autumn rains, with the first egg laying observed on 3 November 2023. The last mating observation occurred on 8 January 2024. A total of 225 individuals were noticed mating during this period. The number of eggs per clutch ranged from 36 to 114, with an egg hatching time between 18 and 32 days. Eggs were deposited amidst damp mosses, beneath decomposing vegetation, or on the damp soil surface. The spawning period lasts 12–13 weeks. Egg weights varied from 0.60 to 1.20 mg, and egg diameters ranged from 1.10 to 1.42 mm. Hatchling snails had shells with 1.5–2 whorls (protoconch), weighing between 1.15 and 1.72 mg on. The height of the hatchling’s shells ranged from 0.75 to 0.94 mm, and the width ranged from 1.21 to 1.38 mm. This study offers a detailed insight into the reproductive biology of C. virgata and marks the first record of the species in the region.

Expression profiling and single nucleotide polymorphism of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 MAP3K8 in white muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)

A previous study on ovarian and hypothalami transcriptome analysis in white Muscovy duck revealed that MAP3K8 gene participated in MAPK signaling pathway that influence egg production. Additionally, MAP3K8 was predicted as a target gene of miRNA-509-3p that promotes the secretion of oestradiol which is an important hormone in egg ovulation. This suggested that MAP3K8 might have a functional role in the reproductive performance “egg production” of white Muscovy ducks. Herein, we focused on expression level of MAP3K8 in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues of highest (HP) and lowest (LP) egg producing white Muscovy ducks and identified the polymorphism in MAP3K8 and its association with three egg production traits; Age at first egg (AFE), number of eggs at 300 days (N300D) and 59 weeks (N59W). The results of expression level indicated that mRNA of MAP3K8 was significantly (p < 0.01) expressed in the oviduct than in the ovary and hypothalamus. Seven synonymous SNPs were detected, and association analysis showed that g.148303340 G>A and g.148290065 A>G were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with N300D and N59W. The results of this study might serve as molecular marker for marker-assisted selection of white Muscovy ducks for egg production.

The concentration McMaster method for diagnosis of patent Ascaris and Trichuris infections in humans

In tropical and subtropical regions, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms have a significant impact on public health. Globally, A. lumbricoides infects approximately 0.8 billion people, while T. trichiura infects around 500 million. This study involved a comparison of three diagnostic methods, Kato-Katz and two flotation methods (concentration McMaster, and simple McMaster), for the detection of Ascaris and Trichuris in human faeces. We conducted a comparison of the number of eggs in faeces (or faecal egg counts (FECs)) obtained with these methods using freshly collected samples that were positive for T. trichiura and spiked with a known quantity of Ascaris sp. eggs. Additionally, for the concentration McMaster method we assessed FECs after storing the samples at 5 °C for up to 21 days. The concentration McMaster method demonstrated superiority over the simple McMaster method in terms of higher detection levels for both helminths, while the Kato-Katz method yielded FEC values very close to the ’true’ spiking values. Importantly, the concentration McMaster method was considerably easier to read compared with the Kato-Katz method, and it allowed for sample storage at 5 °C for up to 14 days without affecting FEC results. Consequently, we conclude that the concentration McMaster method is an effective and user-friendly alternative for diagnosis of Ascaris and Trichuris infections in humans. Furthermore, it offers the advantage of sample storage before analysis, enhancing flexibility in the workflow.