Shell Color Research Articles

Manual Shelling of Preconditioned Cashew Nut Using Handtool and Its Impact on Occupational Health of Workers

India is the second-leading country in production of cashew nut. Cashew nut are roasted or steamed before shelling. The study was conducted in cashew nut processing industries situated in Selsella and Mankachar blocks of Meghalaya and Assam. The purpose of this study was to compare the cutting strength of cashew nut shells influenced by roasting and steaming. The impact of manual shelling of cashew nut on occupational health of workers was also assessed by using ergonomic tools. The moisture content, colour, and hardness of cashew nut shell were measured. The processing of cashew nut influenced the cutting strength of cashew nut significantly. Steamed cashew nut shell was stronger than the roasted cashew nut shell. Hence, manually shelling of steamed cashew nut shell required more force compared to with that of roasted cashew nut shell. Four cashew nut processing industries, two each from Selsella and Mankachar block of Meghalaya and Assam, respectively were selected purposively. A group of 10 female workers from each industry were selected randomly as sample for this study. Ergonomic parameters: working Heart Rate, energy expenditure, rated perceived exertion, hand grip measurements, RULA and REBA analysis were used to assess occupational health of workers. The results of the study showed that the workers of cashew nut industries were exposed to high occupational health and safety risk due to poor working environment, awkward working posture, repetitive and tedious job.

Outer fold is sole effective tissue among three mantle folds with regard to oyster shell colour

Molluscs constitute the second largest phylum of animals in the world, and shell colour is one of their most important phenotypic characteristics. In this study, we found among three folds on the mantle edge of oyster, only the outer fold had the same colour as the shell. Transcriptome and mantle cutting experiment indicated that the outer fold may be mainly reflected in chitin framework formation and biomineralisation. There were obvious differences in SEM structure and protein composition between the black and white shell periostraca. The black shell periostraca had more proteins related to melanin biosynthesis and chitin binding. Additionally, we identified an uncharacterized protein gene (named as CgCBP) ultra-highly expressed only in the black outer fold and confirmed its function of chitin-binding and CaCO3 precipitation promoting. RNAi also indicated that CgCBP knockdown could change the structure of shell periostracum and reduce shell pigmentation. All these results suggest that the mantle outer fold plays multiple key roles in shell periostraca bioprocessing, and shell periostracum structure affected by chitin-binding protein is functionally correlated with shell pigmentation. The investigation of oyster shell periostracum structure and shell colour will provide a better understanding in pigmentation during biological mineralisation in molluscs.

Growth, survival and color segregation of F2 hybrids between selected “Haida no.1” and Orange-shell lines of the Pacific oyster

In aquatic breeding work, much attention has been paid to the performance of the F1 hybrids. However, fewer studies have been conducted on the characteristics of F2 and Fn hybrids, especially in the intraspecific hybridization of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. In this study, the two purebreds, F1 hybrid families and F2 hybrid families was developed utilizing “Haida No.1” line (HH), Orange-shell line (OO) and their reciprocal hybrids (HO and OH) of C. gigas as the parents. The growth (shell height and wet weight), survival and shell color traits of the six groups were systematically investigated. Our results demonstrated the two F1 hybrid families exhibited significantly heterosis in shell height and wet weight compared to the purebred groups, with mid-parental heterosis at 9.85–36.49% and − 16.50–50.07%, respectively. Moreover, the traits of two F2 hybrid families were gradually inferior to F1 hybrid families from 6th month. Two F2 hybrid families exhibited inbreeding depression in wet weight compared to F1 hybrid families through the whole grow-out stage, with the values from −13.13% to −7.34%. However, the growth and survival advantages were existed in F2 hybrid families compared to their two parental counterparts. Meanwhile, the survival rate of the F2 hybrid families were greater than those of the parental groups during the grow-out stage, with superiority rate of 1.55–19.59%. Furthermore, some orange-shell and purple-shell individuals were detected in the F2 hybrid families. The rates of orange-shell individuals to non-orange shell individuals and purple-shell individuals to non-purple shell individuals were both 1:3. Surprisingly, the growth traits of orange-shell and purple-shell individuals in the F2 hybrid families were significantly superior than those of their corresponding controls (Orange-shell line and wild population). Through this comprehensively comparison analysis, we confirmed that F2 hybrids of C. gigas had obvious advantages in terms of shell height, wet weight and survival rate compared to the purebred lines, and the orange and purple individuals obtained from the F2 hybrid families have great potential to be used for the development for new strains.

Correlation of morphometric properties to meat yield and fatness index in the red strain of the saltwater hard clam Meretrix meretrix.

To determine the relevance of morphometric properties attributed to the meat yield and fatness index of the saltwater hard clam Meretrix meretrix. A new strain of M. meretrix with red shell color was produced after five generations of selection within a family of full-sibs. 7 morphometric traits, including shell length (SL), shell height (SH), shell width (SW), ligament length (LL), projection length (PL), projection width (PW), and live body weight (LW), and 2 meat characteristics, including meat yield (MY) and fatness index (FI) were measured from 50 individuals of three-year-old M. meretrix. The correlation coefficients, path coefficients, determination coefficients among attributes were analyzed. The results indicated that correlation achieved very significant levels (P<0.01). In addition, the multiple regression equations were formulated by considering the meat yield and fatness index as the dependent variables, respectively, and 7 other morphometric traits as independent variables. The correlation indices (R2) of morphometric traits against the meat yield and fatness index of clams were 0.901 and 0,929, respectively, indicating that the live body weight and shell length were the common main factors influencing the meat characteristics. By testing the significance of partial regression coefficient and gradually removing the non-significant morphometric traits, a multiple regression equation was established to estimate the relationship between shell length (SL, mm), live body weight (LW, g), ligament length (LL, mm) and meat yield (MY, %), fat index (FI, %): MY (%) = 0.432SL+0.251LW and FI (%) = 0.156SL+0.067LL+0.42LW-3.533. The study draws a conclusion that live body weight and shell length have a predominant direct effect on the meat yield and fatness index, which provides theoretical information for the breeding of M. meretrix.

Effect of Dietary Casein Phosphopeptide Addition on the Egg Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Eggshell Ultrastructure of Late Laying Hens.

(1) Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary casein phosphopeptide (CPP) supplementation on the egg production performance of late laying hens and the resulting egg quality and eggshell ultrastructure. (2) Methods: A total of 800 laying hens aged 58 weeks were randomly assigned into 5 groups with 8 replicates of 20 hens each. The hens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control, T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3), 1.5 (T4), and 2.0 (T5) g/kg CPP for 9 weeks. (3) Results: Dietary CPP supplementation was found to be beneficial for improving eggshell quality. The spoiled egg rate of the experimental groups was lower than that of the control group (linear and quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The yolk color in the T2, T3, and T4 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The shell thickness in the T4 group was higher than that in the T1 and T2 groups (linear effect, p < 0.05). The shell color in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control group (linear and quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The effective thickness in the T3-T5 groups (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) and the number of papillary nodes in the T2 and T3 groups were higher than those in the T1 group (quadratic, p < 0.05). The calcium content in the T2 and T3 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The iron content in the T2 and T3 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: In summary, 0.5-1.0 g/kg CPP supplementation reduced the spoiled egg rate, enhanced the yolk and eggshell colors, increased the thickness of the effective layer, and the calcium and iron contents in the eggshell.

The Effect of Housing Environment on Physical Egg Quality of White Egg Layers

Currently, the egg industry is experiencing a shift in demand for eggs from cage-free environments. This study aims to evaluate the egg quality parameters of white eggs laid in several different housing environments utilized in the industry. Egg quality parameters from battery cages, barren colony cages, enriched colony cages and cage-free pens were compared. Overall, most egg quality parameters were found to be different across housing environments. Battery cages produced the heaviest eggs and eggs with the highest Haugh unit (p &lt; 0.05). Cage-free hens produced eggs with the darkest yolks, lowest Haugh units, strongest shells and highest solids percentage compared to other environments (p &lt; 0.05). This study did not detect differences between any housing environment in shell color, shell elasticity, vitelline membrane strength or vitelline membrane elasticity (p &gt; 0.05). Moreover, this study did not detect any differences in egg quality parameters between enriched and barren colony cages (p &gt; 0.05). It appears that white egg-laying hens had superior egg quality performance in caged environments and that cage-free pens only improved yolk color. Furthermore, it appears that simply adding enrichments to cages does not affect any egg quality parameters. From the results of our study, we believe that current intensive environments, such as cages, are the most beneficial for white egg layer egg quality and that as the industry moves toward cage-free, new strategies will need to be developed to preserve egg quality. More research is needed, particularly evaluating free-range environments.

Variability character of conchological features in the mollusc Gibbulinopsis signata (Mousson, 1873) (Gastropoda: Pupillidae) in Northwestern Uzbekistan

Analysis of the results shows that mollusc of the species Gibbulinopsis signata (Mousson, 1873) from the northwestern region of Uzbekistan exhibits significant variability in conchological characteristics, including variability in shell size, shape, and colour, as well as variations in aperture shape and fittings. Among these characteristics, shell height is found to be the most variable and is recognised as an ecological and biological indicator of mollusc’s adaptability to habitat conditions. The results of molecular analysis, using the sequences of the gene 18S of ribosomal DNA showed that all three populations belonged to the same species.

Genome-wide phylogeography reveals cryptic speciation in the circumglobal planktonic calcifier Limacina bulimoides.

Little is known about when and how planktonic species arise and persist in the open ocean without apparent dispersal barriers. Pteropods are planktonic snails with thin shells susceptible to dissolution that are used as bio-indicators of ocean acidification. However, distinct evolutionary units respond to acidification differently, and defining species boundaries is therefore crucial for predicting the impact of changing ocean conditions. In this global population genomic study of the shelled pteropod Limacina bulimoides, we combined genetic (759,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) and morphometric data from 161 individuals, revealing three major genetic lineages (FST = 0.29-0.41): an "Atlantic lineage" sampled across the Atlantic, an "Indo-Pacific lineage" sampled in the North Pacific and Indian Ocean, and a "Pacific lineage" sampled in the North and South Pacific. A time-calibrated phylogeny suggests that the lineages diverged about 1 million years ago, with estimated effective population size remaining high (~10 million) throughout Pleistocene glacial cycles. We do not observe any signatures of recent hybridization, even in areas of sympatry in the North Pacific. While the lineages are reproductively isolated, they are morphologically cryptic, with overlapping shell shape and shell colour distributions. Despite showing that the circumglobal L. bulimoides consists of multiple species with smaller ranges than initially thought, we found that these pteropods still possess high levels of genetic variability. Our study adds to the growing evidence that speciation is often overlooked in the open ocean, and suggests the presence of distinct biological species within many other currently defined circumglobal planktonic species.

Evolutionary history of inshore oceanic island land snails diversified in shell colour

AbstractAimOceanic islands provide an excellent opportunity to study the mode and tempo of phenotypic evolution of terrestrial organisms. Many studies have focused on oceanic islands far from the mainland. Oceanic islands near the mainland may provide distinct perspectives on phenotypic evolution, but a comprehensive understanding is still lacking. To address this gap, this study aimed to reveal when a land snail species inhabiting a volcanic archipelago within 40 km of the mainland diverged and how their shell colours evolved.LocationSouthern Izu Peninsula and five Izu Islands (Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikine and Kozu), Japan.Taxon Euhadra peliomphala simodae. MethodsDouble‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq) was conducted using 117 individual snails. Molecular phylogenetic and population genomic analyses were performed, including approximation Bayesian computation (ABC). We then examined whether the island area, elevation, distance from the surrounding landmasses and historical event (bottleneck) explain the shell colour diversity on each island using a phylogenetic generalised linear mixed model (PGLMM).ResultsSnails could be genetically categorised according to the island they inhabited, and on Niijima, their genetic structure was further divided within the island. The divergence times among the extant populations of the snail dated back to 2.1 million years ago (Ma), which is older than that of other animals occurring in this region. Additionally, island elevation positively affected shell colour diversity, and populations with similar shell colour profiles were phylogenetically different.Main conclusionsIsland land snails diversified early in the ecosystem of the Izu Islands. This suggests that proximity to the mainland, immobility and the physiological tolerance of passive dispersal in land snails were the main causes of early diversification. Moreover, our study proposes that environments covarying with elevation would determine shell colour diversity on each island through natural selection.

Growth, survival and gonad development of diploids, triploids and tetraploids of ‘Haida No. 3’ line of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Selection and polyploidization are two practical tools for improving productive traits of oysters. To evaluate the aquaculture traits of diploids, triploids and tetraploids of ‘Haida No. 3’ line of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, four mating combinations (HD- diploid ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♀ × diploid ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♂, HTR- diploid ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♀ × tetraploid ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♂, HTE- tetraploid ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♀ × tetraploid of ‘Haida No. 3’ line ♂, WD- wild diploid ♀ × wild diploid ♂) were established. At both Rongcheng and Rushan sites, HD had a larger shell height and wet weight than WD. HTR outperformed HD in growth and survival, with a consistently positive value of triploid advantage (TA). On the day 480 at Rushan site, the triploid advantages in terms of shell height, wet weight and cumulative survival were 20.70%, 40.28% and 29.27%, respectively. HTE were the lowest in growth and survival compared to the other three groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that HTR were partial highly sterile, indicating its gonadal atrophy and gamete abnormalities. In contrast, HD and HTE were fully fertile and contained functional gametes. During the whole culture period, HTR remained 100% triploid rate while HTE maintained a tetraploid rate of over 80%. HTR and HTE exhibited rapid growth and stable black shell color, suggesting that these traits were stably inherited by the ploidy change. Overall, our results demonstrated that polyploidization based on selective line had favorable performance for aquaculture, which would have vital practical interest for oyster culture in northern China.

Consumer preferences for oyster trait attributes in China: A choice experiment

Consumers are the ultimate value realizers of aquatic germplasm resources. Their choice preferences for a species trait are the endogenous driving force for constructing a long-term utilization mechanism for marine resources. So, this study gauges customer preferences and willingness to pay for various aquatic oyster trait qualities to provide marketable information for oyster breeding. We collected primary data from selected major cities in Shandong Province, China. Based on the choice experiment method, the data were analyzed using a mixed logit model and a latent category model to identify consumer preferences and willingness to pay for oyster trait attributes (shell shape, size, thickness, and color). We find that customer preferences for oyster characteristics vary widely. The highest willingness to pay was for the shell size trait, and the results were still significant after the information intervention. Next, the consumers' preferences for oyster trait attributes also differed between the low-market-value base consumers (70.5%) and the high-market-value market consumers (29.5%). In conclusion, this research offers recommendations from several angles to give breeders focused and practical references in identifying and protecting aquatic germplasm resources.

The-raw shell color determines cooked color and carotenoid profiles of the freshwater prawnMacrobrachium rosenbergii(De Man, 1879) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)

AbstractOne of the most important criteria in consumer acceptance is the color of the prawn, which has long been linked with its excellent quality. The goal of this study was to compare the shell (exoskeleton) color parameters lightness (L), redness (a), yellowness (b), color difference (dE), and carotenoid content in farmed prawns in ponds between dark- blue and light-yellow varieties of the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879), and the relationship among raw-shell color parameters, cooked shell color parameters, and carotenoid profiles of the prawn. The raw shell of dark-blue prawns recorded a substantially lower b value than light-yellow prawns (P = 0.003), whereas a value was significantly higher in the cooked shell of dark-blue individuals (P = 0.000). Dark-blue had considerably greater total carotenoids (P = 0.006) and astaxanthin (P = 0.002) content in comparison to light-yellow individuals; b of the raw shell was substantially associated with a of the cooked (r = –0.496, P = 0.001); b of raw shell had a significantly negative correlation with total carotenoids (r = –0.674, P = 0.001), astaxanthin (r = –0.689, P = 0.001), and β-carotene (r = –0.658, P = 0.002); but a of cooked shell had a significantly positive correlation with total carotenoids (r = 0.634, P = 0.003), astaxanthin (r = 0.683, P = 0.001), and β-carotene (r = 0.636, P = 0.003). Our findings provide a better understanding on how the raw-shell color influences the carotenoid profiles and cooked color in M. rosenbergii.

Sample size for the evaluation of selection traits of nuts in hazelnut varieties

Planning works on the study of coblnut (hazelnut) requires establishing the sample size, taking into account the magnitude of the error and the significance of the results. Such studies have not been carried out in full with regard to plant varieties, taking into account modern requirements. The purpose of the research is to determine the sample size for calculating the value of selection traits of nuts in hazelnut varieties with different error rates and significance levels. For this purpose 12 main economically valuable breeding traits of nuts have been studied in 8 varieties – taste, weight, indestructibility, kernel yield, the presence of husks on it, strength and color of the shell, nut weight, one-dimensionality of fruits in size and shape, overall score. A well-known method has been used to calculate the sample size for evaluating each indicator with different relative and absolute errors for different levels of significance. The largest contribution to the overall maximum score of 59 points is made by the core indicators: taste – 25.42%, weight – 22.29%, indestructibility – 16.9%, yield – 11.31%. The share of other features is estimated at 2.25 – 6.78%. For a relative estimate of 5% accepted in Biology the estimated sample size for weight indicators was at a significance level of α = 0.05 / α = 0.1: walnut weight 30/21, kernel weight – 43/30 nuts; scoring indicators: shell color – 18/13, shell strength – 22/16, presence of husks on the kernel – 137/95, indestructibility of the kernel – 27/19, taste of the kernel – 25/17, total score of the selection category – 11/7 nuts. For indicators expressed as a percentage for α = 0.05: kernel yield with an error of 1% – 98, damaged by diseases, pests with an error of 10% – 62, one-dimensional in size with an error of 10% – 57, one-dimensional in shape – with 10%, error – 54 hazelnuts.

Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Prolife Analysis of Tyrosinase Genes: Insights into Black Shell Formation in Cyclina sinensis

Shell colors that exhibit a positive relationship with excellent traits can be employed as marker colors for breeding new varieties of bivalves. The clam Cyclina sinensis is an economically important marine bivalve that has three main colors: black, white, and purple. In the present study, we cloned and analyzed the full-length cDNA of the tyrosinase gene (TYR), which is the key gene for melanin synthesis, to explore the formation mechanism of black shells. The full-length cDNA of TYR was cloned by RACE-PCR, and the results showed that the full-length cDNA of TYR was 2993 bp, including a 2262 bp open reading frame encoding 753 amino acids. The results of functional domain prediction showed that deduced TYR protein contains a typical functional domain of tyrosinase, the common central domain. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood methods, and the results indicated that the evolutionary positions of C. sinensis and Meretrix meretrix were closest. The qRT‒PCR results showed that TYR mRNA was highly expressed in the outer edge of the mantle, which suggested that TYR was involved in the synthesis of melanin in the mantle of C. sinensis and might play an important regulatory role in the formation of melanin in black clam shells.

The Effect of Storage Periods on the Internal and External Quality Characteristics of White and Brown-Shell Table Eggs in Saudi Arabia

Background: The eggs of hens are an essential source of protein, a food that meets human needs and provides the body with amino acids, metallic elements and vitamins that promote its health. The research aims to study the influence of storage period and strain and the interaction between them on components and internal and external quality traits of commercially produced brown and white-shell eggs. Methods: A total of 180 eggs were randomly collected from both types. It was kept for 0, 15 and 30 days at temperatures ranging from 5±2°C to a humidity level of 60%. All eggs were broken to measure the egg coefficient, egg weight, egg weight loss and depth of the air chamber. shell thickness, shell density, shell cleanliness, shell surface area, shell weight relative to shell area unit, egg specific density, Haugh unit values, yolk color, presence of flesh and blood spots, white weight, shell weight, yolk weight, shell integrity, white weight percentage, percentage of shell weight, yolk weight ratio and yolk weight ratio. Result: White eggs weighed more than brown eggs and storage periods had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on the Haugh unit, specific density, air chamber depth and shell thickness. It has a positive effect on shell density and shell weight for both brown and white-shelled eggs. The storage period also led to a significant increase in weight loss, a significant decrease in white, yolk and shell and significant changes in all parts of the egg because the shell color changed.

Phenotypic markers and history of the introduction of white-lipped snail Cepaea hortensis (Gastropoda, Helicidae) in western regions of Ukraine

The dependence of the introduction history of Cepaea hortensis in the western regions of Ukraine and the phenotypic variability of this species, concerning the shell and body colouration, is analysed. In areas inhabited by descendants of the primary introduction (most likely, the second half of the 20th century, but not later than the 1970s) no more than three main variants of shell colouration are observed: yellow or white unbanded, white banded. There is also no variability in the body colouration; all snails have a light body, without gray or reddish pigment. The most characteristic feature of such colonies, which can serve as a phenotypic marker, is the presence of dark spiral bands only on white shells. An analysis of photographs from different parts of the present range of C. hortensis, significantly expanded due to anthropochory, made it possible to find out that shells with a white ground colour and especially white banded shells are found in different countries of Europe and North America. However, white is not the only colouration variant of the banded shells there. Conversely, yellow banded shells are one of the typical colouration variants in different parts of the range of C. hortensis. Recently, at some sites of Western Ukraine, colonies of C. hortensis with a different phenotypic composition have begun to be found, formed as a result of repeated introductions of this species, which pass through various garden centres. Such colonies are characterized by the presence of yellow banded and sometimes also pink shells as well as by a more or less pronounced variability in body colouration. The most interesting is the presence at some sites of Lviv and its environs of a rare hereditary trait that is only locally found in the natural range of C. hortensis, namely, the dark lip in some adults. At sites with the presence of such a feature, all pink and single yellow shells have a dark lip. We found out that the spreading of carriers of this trait occurs through the garden centre "Club of Plants", located near Lviv (Pidbirtsi). At the same time, at some sites of Lviv and its environs, where pink shells were also found, all of them had a light lip, characteristic of C. hortensis. This indicates that repeated introductions of C. hortensis, even within the same Lviv, not only pass-through different garden centres, but also have different origins.

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Evolutionary ApplicationsVolume 16, Issue 2 p. i-i COVER IMAGEOpen Access Cover Image First published: 13 February 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13395AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Graphical Abstract Photo caption and photo credit Caption (upper left): View of the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, host site for the Linnaeus Centre for Marine Evolutionary Biology. Photo credits: Anna-Lena Lundqvist, Göteborgs Universitet Caption (upper right): Tenellia gotlandica sp. nov. holotype (a species of nudibranch Molluscs new to science), described in this issue. Photo credit: Klas Malmberg Caption (middle left): Polymorphism of shell color in a population of the marine snail Littorina saxatilis (rough periwinkle). Photo credit: Juan Gefaell Caption (middle right): The Maroon Anemonefish (Amphiprion biaculeatus), on an Indo-Pacific reef. Photo credit: Leon Green Caption (lower left): Acropora tenuis (kenti). Photo credit: Dr. Tom Bridge, Queensland Museum/James Cook University Caption (lower right): Underwater picture showing a mixture of native and invasive species in on a port seawall. Photo credit: Wilfried Thomas, French National Center for Scientific Research, Biological Station of Roscoff Volume16, Issue2Special Issue: Marine Evolutionary BiologyFebruary 2023Pages i-i RelatedInformation

Transcriptome analysis of growth and shell color between two genetic variants of Corbicula fluminea with different shell colors

To clarify the molecular mechanism of the black and yellow shell coloration, we performed a transcriptome analysis of whole tissue of Corbicula fluminea in Hongze Lake (Jiangsu Province, China). After assembly, 335,247 unigenes were obtained, and 136,804 unigenes were functionally identified using public databases (NR, GO, KEGG, eggnog, and Swissprot). 1567 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected through pairwise comparisons, of which 941 DEGs were up-regulated and 626 were down-regulated in the black-shelled clam. We compared the DEGs between two clams and identified some coloration-related genes. Notably, the black-shelled clam was larger than the yellow-shelled. We speculated that higher digestion and anabolic ability of black-shelled clam might lead to this phenomenon. In contrast, the yellow-shelled clam appeared to be more sensitive to environmental stress. The metabolic energy of the yellow-shelled clam was depleted to maintain or recover from stress, and provide less energy for growth. In summary, our finding provides a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of pigmentation and the difference of somatotype in bivalve, as well as promotes the future breeding of more elite varieties.

Trans-cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion wash inactivates Salmonella Enteritidis on shelled eggs without affecting egg color

Salmonella Enteritidis is a major foodborne pathogen that causes enteric illnesses in humans, primarily through the consumption of contaminated poultry meat and eggs. Despite implementation of traditional disinfection approaches to reduce S. Enteritidis contamination, egg-borne outbreaks continue to occur, raising public health concerns and adversely affecting the popularity and profitability for the poultry industry. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status phytochemicals such as Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) have previously shown to exhibit anti-Salmonella efficacy, however, the low solubility of TC is a major hurdle in its adoption as an egg wash treatment. Therefore, the present study investigated the efficacy of Trans-cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions (TCNE) prepared with emulsifiers Tween 80 (Tw.80) or Gum Arabic and lecithin (GAL) as dip treatments, at 34°C, for reducing S. Enteritidis on shelled eggs in presence or absence of 5% chicken litter. In addition, the efficacy of TCNE dip treatments in reducing trans-shell migration of S. Enteritidis across shell barrier was investigated. The effect of wash treatments on shell color were evaluated on d 0, 1, 7, and 14 of refrigerated storage. TCNE-Tw.80 or GAL treatments (0.06, 0.12, 0.24, 0.48%) were effective in inactivating S. Enteritidis by at least 2 to 2.5 log cfu/egg as early as 1 min of washing time (P < 0.05). In presence of organic matter, nanoemulsions (0.48%) reduced S. Enteritidis counts by ∼ 2 to 2.5 log cfu/egg as early as 1 min, (P < 0.05). Nanoemulsion wash also inhibited trans-shell migration of S. Enteritidis, as compared to control (P < 0.05). The nanoemulsion wash treatments did not affect shell color (P > 0.05). Results suggest that TCNE could potentially be used as an antimicrobial wash to reduce S. Enteritidis on shelled eggs, although further studies investigating the effect of TCNE wash treatments on organoleptic properties of eggs are necessary.

Gastropod Microhabitat Associations and Niches in Seagrass Ecosystems on Donrotu Island, South Jailolo District, West Halmahera Regency

Gastropods are included in the mollusk phylum which is known to be well-associated with seagrass ecosystems. The gastropod community is an important component in the food chain in seagrass beds and ecologically seagrass beds have an important role in the ecosystem. Seagrass ecosystems are habitats and food sources for fish and other aquatic biota. One of the biota commonly found in seagrass beds is Gastropods. This study was conducted to know the composition of gastropod species, types of gastropod associations, and gastropod microhabitat niches in seagrass ecosystems on Donrotu Island. Gastropod sampling was carried out at low tide. The gastropod samples found were then put into a plastic bag that already contained a label. Furthermore, the gastropod samples were brought ashore to count the number of individuals of each type and determined based on morphological characteristics such as shell shape, shell color, shell mouth opening, and spiral circle based on Dharma (1992) instructions. Based on the results of the study, the composition of the types of gastropods found in the seagrass ecosystem on the island of Donrotu was as many as 13 species. There were 13 pairs of gastropod types that had positive associations and 65 pairs of no associations. The type of gastropod that has the widest habitat niche is Cypraea tigris and the narrowest are Naticarius coillei and Pseudovertagus aluco.