Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica).

The conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non-destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde-fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10-12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p > .05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.

Toxicity of palm oil mill effluent on the early life stages of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758).

Harmful effects of several pollutants have been reported on early life stages of fish. However, the effects of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on fish early life stages are still unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this present study was to elucidate the impact of POME on the early life stages of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fertilized eggs of Nile tilapia were exposed to four concentrations of POME (0, 1.565, 2.347, and 3.130 mg/L) in 20 plastic funnels. Each of the control and treatment groups was maintained in five replicates. The cumulative hatching rate, malformation rate, body length, and deformities of larvae were analyzed. Results showed that hatching rate and survival rate of Nile tilapia larvae significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of POME. In contrast to, malformation rate and heart rate were significantly increased. Furthermore, results showed several malformations of Nile tilapia larvae including lordosis, kyphosis, and curved tail when exposed to 1.565 mg/L, 2.347 mg/L, and 3.130 mg/L of POME concentrations. Further research is required to understand the physiological mechanisms of different endpoints in the early stages of Nile tilapia induced by the toxicity of POME.