Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology最新文献

The morphology and morphometry of the small intestine of the Adult African pied crow in a tropical habitat was studied. Fifteen African pied crows used in this study revealed modification of the jejunum into centripetal and centrifugal cone shaped spiral coils. The weight and length of jejunum was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those of duodenum and ileum respectively. Histologically, the tunica mucosa in all the segments was modified into villi which showed wavy and anastomosing configurations in the jejunum. Each villus was lined by simple columnar epithelium with numerous goblet cells. The length, population and surface area of villi in the jejunum was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the duodenum and ileum respectively while the population of goblet cells were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ileum compared to the duodenum and jejunum. The bases of the villi were modified into the crypts of lieberkuhn which together with numerous mucosal glands are located in the connective tissue of the lamina priopria. The lamina muscularis mucosae separated the lamina propria from the thin submucosa in the walls of the three segments. The tunica muscularis was significantly thicker (p < 0.05) in the jejunum than in the ileum and duodenum respectively. The morphological modifications probably maximize space for efficient absorption and reduction of digestive load.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities, hypertension and angina pectoris. The present study investigates the effect of bee venom against verapamil embryotoxicity, bee venom (BV) is characterized with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatoid, pain-relieving and neuroprotective agents. The current study was carried out on 70 pregnant female mice which were divided into two main groups, the first main group divided into three subgroups, control, treated with single and twice dose daily of verapamil (40 mg/kg) that was treated from zero day of gestation to scarification of females at E10. The second main group that was treated from the seventh day of gestation was divided into four subgroups, control, treated with single dose daily of verapamil (40 mg/kg), injected with bee venom (150 μg/kg/BW) and treated with verapamil combined with bee venom, the females were sacrificed at E14 and E17. The results of this study showed that verapamil treated groups once or twice daily in the first main experiment showed abortion and resorption of uteri embryos. In the second main experiment, developing liver and kidney at E14 and E17 in verapamil treated group showed abnormal architecture of histological picture and alterations of immunohistochemical expression of heat shock protein and BAK that were associated with ultrastructure abnormalities at E17. Bee venom treated group showed the similar structure as control, verapamil combined with bee venom treated group exhibited amelioration against verapamil embryotoxicity. In conclusion, bee venom could be considered as a therapeutic agent and it has a curative effect against the toxicity of verapamil during development of liver and kidney.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that belongs to the phenylalkylamine group. It has been clinically used for various diseases such as combating hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, supraventricular antiarrhythmic and tycolysis. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of verapamil on selected pro- and apoptotic factors during prenatal retinal differentiation of mice at E14 and E17 of gestation. The pregnant females were classified into two groups, the first is the control and the second receives SC injection of repeated doses of verapamil (40 mg/kg) at the 7th day of gestation. The pregnant females were sacrificed at E14 and at E17 of pregnancy and their ocular regions were separated. The retina of mentioned ages were examined at histological and immunohistochemistry of Cytochrome C, Caspase-3 as a pro-apoptotic; Bak and TNFα R2 as apoptotic factors that engaged in proper normal development. The present findings revealed that verapamil-treatment exhibited comparative thinning of inner plexiform layer and reduction of nuclear in E14 and missing of the ganglion layer and comparative decrease of nuclear cells of E17 comparing to the control. Also, the expression of Cytochrome C, Caspase-3, Bak and TNFα R2 in the developing retina was obviously inhibited in verapamil-treatment at E17 compared to the control group. The study concluded that verapamil, as a calcium channel blocker, has the ability to alter the histology of the retina and suppress the studied markers resulting in disorganization of the eye during prenatal development.

The structure of the pigment epithelium, photoreceptors and the cornea in the eye of a teleost, Sardinella aurita was examined by light and electron microscopy. The retinal pigment epithelium forms a single layer of cells joined laterally by cell junctions. Centrally in the retina these cells are columnar, while more peripherally they become cuboidal in shape. The basal (scleral) border of the pigment epithelial cells is not infolded but is relatively smooth. Phagosomes containing lysosome-like bodies are also common features of the retinal pigment epithelium. Numerous melanosomes (pigment granules) are abundant throughout the epithelial cells. These melanosomes probably absorb light which has passed through the photoreceptor layer. Four photoreceptor cells were identified; rods, long single cones, short single cones and double cones. The presence of these types suggests a diversity of photoreceptor function. Square mosaic pattern of cones and well-developed choroid gland are also main features of the eye. The inner segment of rods and cones were rich in organelles indicating much synthetic activity. Calycal processes projecting from cone outer segments are also observed. The cornea includes an epithelium with a complex pattern of surface microplicae, a basement membrane, dermal stroma, an iridescent layer, scleral stroma, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium. The autochthonous layer which is seen in some teleosts has not been observed in the cornea of this species. These and other observations were discussed in relation to the photic environment and habits of this fish.

The avian viscerocranium has been described by several investigators. It was perceived that a review on the ontogeny of the avian viscerocranium would be very useful to enrich the knowledge on this subject. The present article casts light on the avian viscerocranium starting from the early stages up to fairly late ones.

To investigate the silver nanoparticles synthesis using leaves aqueous extract of Manihot esculenta against two important mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were monitored by UV–vis spectrophotometer and further characterized by XRD, FESEM and HRTEM. Aqueous extract of M. esculenta appeared to be effective against A. aegypti (LC₅₀ = 66.14 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 172.41 mg/mL) and C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 61.60 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 184.80 mg/mL). The aqueous silver nitrate 1 Mm solution tested was third instar of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 76.96 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 230.88 mg/mL and LC₅₀ = 84.06 mg/L; LC₉₀ = 252.78 mg/mL). The 0.5 mM synthesized Ag PNs against A. aegypti (LC₅₀ = 4.53 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 13.59 mg/mL); C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 3.46 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 10.38 mg/mL). The 1 mM silver solution synthesized Ag NPs tested were A. aegypti (LC₅₀ = 3.08 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 9.84 mg/mL) C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 3.21 mg/mL; LC₉₀ = 11.24 mg/mL). The control showed nil mortality in the concurrent assay. This is a perfect ecological and inexpensive approach for the control of mosquito larvae.

The effect of chlorfluazuron (IGR) on land snail, Eobania vermiculata, was studied under laboratory and field conditions. Snails were treated with different concentrations of chlorfluazuron as contact and bait techniques. LC₅₀ value was calculated after 7 days of treatment. The effect of LC₅₀ value of the compound was studied on the reproductive system of snails after 7 days of treatment. The effect of the compound was evaluated as a spray under field conditions compared with methomyl (MALR recommended compound). The results revealed that chlorfluazuron was more toxic when used as a contact than as bait. LC₅₀ for the contact was 1528.0 ppm and 1992.5 ppm for the bait. On the other side, chlorfluazuron induced malformation on the organs of reproductive system of snails compared with untreated animals. It caused severe swelling in the size of penis, vagina, sperm oviduct and albumen gland, and in the ovotestis the eggs were absent. Under field conditions, the compound achieved good results as it gave 78.7% reduction in snail population. Although this value was less than methomyl (94.4%), chlorfluazuron could be considered satisfied compound to be used in control programs of land snails.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles has the potential to be utilized as a good, eco-friendly approach for the control of mosquito population. In the present study, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using isoamyl acetate isolated from Annona squamosa against mosquito larvae was carried out. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized by UV, XRD, FTIR and FESEM. The FESEM analyses were clearly spherical and cluster shaped. First to fourth instar mosquito larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of isoamyl acetate and synthesized Ag NPs for 24 h. The highest mortality was observed in synthesized Ag NPs against first to fourth instars of (LC₅₀ = 2.50, 2.78, 3.02, 3.05 μg/ml LC₉₀ = 7.52, 8.34, 9.06, 9.15 μg/ml) and Culex quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 2.75, 3.00, 3.21, 3.48 μg/ml; LC₉₀ = 8.25, 9.01, 9.63, 10.44 μg/ml), respectively. The colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles was found to exhibit mosquito larvicidal activity against dengue and filariasis vector.

This research aims to study the acute and sub-chronic effects of the plant extracts on fingerlings and juveniles of Clarias gariepinus as they are used as potential drugs against the parasites. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the extracts of seven plants; Piper guineense, Aframomum melegueta, Moringa oleifera, Gongronema latifolium, Azadirachta indica, Garcinia kola and Xylopia aethiopica and their potencies against C. gariepinus, helminth parasites and microorganisms were investigated. The study revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and terpenoids. A 96 h acute toxicity of the extracts on fish juveniles was determined. Parasites were recovered from 60 samples of C. gariepinus obtained from Lekki lagoon. The low observed effect concentration of the extracts was also tested against the parasites, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard methods. Average Survival Time (AST) for the parasites was estimated. Relative Toxicity Factors (RTFs) of the extracts at Low Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) – 96 h LC₅ mg/l occurred in this trend; X. aethiopica (RTF, 1.0) < G. latifolium (RTF, 2.0) < A. indica (RTF, 2.0) < G. kola (RTF, 2.0) < M. oleifera (RTF, 2.0) < P. guineense (RTF, 5.0) < A. melegueta (RTF, 8.0). Parasites recovered from C. gariepinus include cestode (Wenyonia minuta), and nematode (Procamallanus longus). It was observed that only A. melegueta and A. indica slightly inhibited the growth of S. flexneri and P. aeruginosa. The potency of the extracts and Average Survival Time (AST) of intestinal parasites occurred in this trend; X. aethiopica < G. latifolium < A. indica < G. kola < M. oleifera < P. guineense < A. melegueta. A 95 h LC_2.5 of A. melegueta (32 mg/l) being the most toxic extract was used to carry out histopathology on the fish gills. The gills exposed showed some pathological effects. This study confirms that the extracts of the seven plants exert anthelminthic property, but choice of extract and its toxicological risk on the fish host is highly essential.

The distribution of earthworms is usually diverse and their numbers fluctuate in relation to the different abiotic factors and land use patterns of the soil. The aim of the present study is to determine the biodiversity, distribution and relative abundance of earthworms under different land use pattern and its relation to abiotic factors (physico-chemical properties) of the soil. Earthworms were collected from different sites on the basis of various environment niches like agriculture fields, gardens, nurseries, along the river and road side etc. by hand sorting method. Physico-chemical analysis of the soil was also done to know the important factors affecting earthworm biodiversity and distribution. Total five species of earthworms belonging to the families Megascolecidae and Octochaetidae were identified: Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritti, Amynthas morissi, Eutyphoeus waltoni and Eutyphoeus incommodus. M. posthuma was the most abundant species and found in all the collection sites while other four species were abundantly found in gardens and nurseries. Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Margalef species richness and Pielou’s evenness was ranged from 0.11 to 0.37, 0 to 0.6 and 0 to 0.53 respectively. Principal component analysis also proved that the abiotic factors like pH, moisture, soil texture and OC has strong positive effect on the distribution of earthworm. Earthworm biodiversity and distribution have been found to be positively correlated with type of vegetation and moisture content at the different collection sites and also varied according to soil habitat, soil tillage and land used pattern.