Ultrastructural and SEM-EDX Analysis Characterizations of the Pecten Oculi of the Eurasian Stone-Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus): New Insights to Its Migratory Adaptations With Northern Egyptian Coast.

Our study represents the first attempts to describe the ultrastructure features in addition to SEM-EDX analysis of the pecten oculi of the nocturnal, visually active Eurasian stone-curlew. The present study was carried out on 10 normal pecten oculi from the migrant Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) that was captured from the Northern Egyptian coast, Edku Lake, Edku, Behera, Egypt. The intraocular folded quadrilateral fan black pecten oculi was observed on the posteroinferior wall of the eyeball. The pecten oculi had 18-20 pleats, with narrow spaces in-between. Our SEM findings showed a tortuous, coiled pecteneal surface due to numerous blood capillaries. The apical part was oriented toward the ciliary body, but the basal part was derived from the retina, just behind the optic nerve. The outer pleat surfaces are covered by the vitreopecteneal limiting membrane, which carries numerous hyalocyte cells on the outer pleat surface. The transverse sections revealed numerous blood capillaries surrounded by numerous melanin granules. Each basal part was surrounded by a thin, elevated ridge. Our SEM-EDX analysis revealed that carbon is the highest (half percent), oxygen represents about one-third, and nitrogen is one-fifth percent of all elements. The lowest elements are sulfate at the apical part and phosphorus in the middle and basal parts. In conclusion, our findings reveal that the number of pecteneal pleats is related to the nocturnal active visual pattern and the lifestyle of this migratory bird.

Gross and scanning electron microscopic features of the oral cavity (palate, tongue, and sublingual floor) of the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auratus aegyptius).

The study was focused on the anatomical characteristics of the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog's oral cavity by using gross and scanning electron microscopic examinations. The upper lip had an elongated T-shaped snout-like structure. The hard palate had a triangular rostral part (which had a semicircular area and a caudal ridged area with the first 3 or 4 ridges) and a caudal part (which contained seven or eight slightly oblique ridges with raphae). The diamond-incisive papilla is flanked on both sides by a groove and a fissure. The hard palate surface had glandular openings and a microplicae system. The uneven, soft palate's surface had multiple grooves and folds with 12-16 Gemmal papillae. The Gemmal papillary surface had three to four taste pores with microplicae and glandular openings. The dorsal lingual surface had six filiform subtypes: pointed (on the tip, rostral border, and median apical region), triangular (on the lateral apical and circumvallate regions), bifurcated (on the median tip only), leaf-like (on the median body region), branched (on the lateral root region), and small pointed papillae (on the median root). There were two fungiform subtypes: ovals (on the rostral border and lateral region) and rounds (on the median apical region and body). The caudal root part had a triangular arrangement of three circumvallate papillae. In conclusion, the finding confirmed its oral cavity adaptation with its insectivorous feeding habits and Egyptian environment.

Analyzing the morphology and avian ß-defensins genes (AvßD) expression in the small intestine of Cobb500 broiler chicks fed with sodium butyrate.

BACKGROUND: Sodium butyrate is a potential antibiotic growth promoter and has had advantageous effects on the poultry industry. METHODS: Evaluating the effect of sodium butyrate on the intestinal villi and the humoral part of innate immunity of the male Cobb 500 broiler using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, the control group and treated group of Cobb 500 with SB supplemented received water containing 0.98 mg sodium butyrate. RESULTS: The administration of sodium butyrate changed the villi characters, as the shape changed from tongue to long tongue. They were mainly parallel to each other and long finger-like at the duodenum. The tips of the villi in the control group appeared thin-slight curved with a prominent center in the duodenum, thin rectangular in the jejunum, and ileum in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group, they changed to thick rectangular in the duodenum and ileum zigzag shape in the jejunum. The epithelium lining of the duodenal villi showed a dome shape, the jejunal villi showed a polygonal shape, and the ileal villi appeared scales-like. The epithelium lining showed irregular microfolds and many different-sized pores, and the treatment group showed islands of long microvilli in the duodenum and solitary long microvilli in the ileum. Real-time PCR of AvBD 1, 2, 10, and 12 significantly (P < 0.01). The better expression of AvBD 1, 2, and 12 was determined in the duodenum, while AvBD 10 was in the jejunum. CONCLUSION: Sodium butyrate enhanced the chicks' growth and small intestine parameters, modified the morphology of the intestinal villi, and improved the humoral part of innate immunity.

Head of Zebu cattle (Bos Taurus indicus): sectional anatomy and 3D computed tomography.

The research was designed to use computed tomography (CT) with 3D-CT reconstruction imaging techniques and the various anatomical sections-plana transversalia, frontalis, and dorsalia-to describe the anatomical architecture of the Zebu cattle head. Our study used nine mature heads. The CT bone window created detailed images of cranial bones, mandibles, teeth, and hyoid bones. All of the head cavities were evaluated, including the cranial, orbital, oral, auricular, and nasal cavities with their paranasal and conchal sinuses. The septum nasi, attached to the vomer and maxillary bones, did not reach the nasal cavity floor caudally at the level of the second premolar teeth, resulting in a single median channel from the choanae to the nasopharynx. The positions, boundaries, and connections of the paranasal sinuses were clearly identified. There were four nasal conchal sinuses (that were named the dorsal, middle, ethmoidal, and ventral) and five paranasal sinuses that were described as the following: sinus frontalis, maxillaris, palatinorum, and lacrimalis, as defined in the different anatomical sections and computed tomographic images. The complicated sinus frontalis caused the pneumatization of all bones that surrounded the cranial cavity, with the exception of the ethmoidal and body of basisphenoid bones. The sinus maxillaris was connected to the sinus lacrimalis and palatinorum through the maxillolacrimal and palatomaxillary openings, and to the middle nasal meatus through the nasomaxillary opening. Our findings provide a detailed anatomical knowledge for disease diagnosis to internal medicine veterinarians and surgeons by offering a comprehensive atlas of the Zebu cattle anatomy.

Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of modified Elnady's plastinated tissue compared to non-plastinated tissue: Highlighting its relevance for teaching and research.

The present study aims to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological properties of Modified Elnady's plastinated tissue after a period compared to non-plastinated tissue. The plastination technique is utilized in research and teaching due to the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to formalin. The tissues and organs are permanently dried during plastination and can be used for further anatomical, histopathological and surgical educational purposes. This method involves drying tissue and allowing synthetic materials like glycerin to permeate it. The study compared non-plastinated and plastinated tissue post-plastination to determine if structural alterations differed from those linked to plastination. The study examined the histopathological examination of dogs' skin, muscles, liver, lung, and intestine using formalin-fixed organs for paraffin embedding and previously plastinated organs for a plastinated group. The study examined non-plastinated and plastinated tissues, their histological composition and biometric parameters revealing typical structures in the non-plastinated group. Plasmodiumted tissues exhibited a compacted appearance, volume changes, nuclear clarity, and cytoplasmic hypereosinophilia, with statistical differences between the two groups. The study reveals that plastinated tissues, after 5 years of plastination, maintain their histological architecture well, with some exceptions. Plastinated tissues can be utilized in future microscopic and immunological studies and will be beneficial for teaching and research.

Histology, histochemistry and fine structure of the lacrimal gland in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Our research aimed to provide complete histological, histochemical and ultrastructural features of the lacrimal gland of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) as well as novel insights into its adaptability to the Egyptian desert. Our study was applied to 20 fresh lacrimal glands collected from 10 camels instantly after their slaughtering. The results revealed that the gland was a compound tubulo-acinar gland, and its acini were enclosed by a thick connective tissue capsule that was very rich in elastic and collagen fibres. The gland acini had irregular lumens and were composed of conical to pyramidal cells. The nuclei of secretory cells were found in the basal part, and the cytoplasm was eosinophilic and granular. The glandular tissue consisted of serous and mucous acini and seromucous secretory cells. Histochemically, there was a significant amount of neutral mucopolysaccharides in the acini in which mucous cells had a significant periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive reaction, whereas seromucous cells had a mild PAS-positive reaction. Ultrastructurally, the lacrimal cells had numerous secretory vesicles with contents of moderately to highly electron-dense cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope consisted of two prominent membranes surrounding the peri-nuclear cisterna. The acinar cells had numerous electron-lucent and moderately electron-dense secretory granules, mainly situated on the apical surface, and secreted their contents into the lumen. The luminal surface of the mucous secretory cells represents the remains of secretory granules discharged by the merocrine mechanism. In conclusion, the mucous secretion is believed to aid in the washing and moistening of the eyeball, particularly in dry, hot and dusty environments.

Anatomical studies on the PES region of Zebu cattle (Bos Taurus indicus) with special references to 3D computed tomography imaging technique.

The 3D render volume reconstruction CT (3D-RVCT) produced detailed images of the PES region, determining its relationships with the surrounding structures. Despite extensive research in veterinary studies on the PES through gross anatomy and CT, there is a lack of studies on the PES of zebu cattle. The study aimed to analyze the PES of Zebu cattle using gross cross-sectional, radiographic, CT, and morphometric methods, with the use of 3D-RVCT to provide anatomical guidance for surgeons and students. The study was performed on sixteen PES regions to provide hard and soft tissues in CT images. Three are five tarsal bones and two large fused (III and IV) metatarsal bones that were completely fused except for their distal extremities, which were divided distally by the intertrochlear notch. The cortical thickness of the metatarsal bone was equal on both sides. The bony septum divided the medullary cavity between the two fused large metatarsal bones in the proximal distal half only and disappeared in the middle part. The reconstruction showed similar sizes in the right and left limbs, confirming the pes bones. The radiographic and CT images could be used as a normal reference for the interpretation of some clinical diseases in the PES. The 3D CT reconstruction of the pes bones was described by various CT oblique dorsal and plantar views. The study focuses on diagnosing PES disorders using CT imaging, improving medical interventions, improving Zebu cattle health outcomes, and empowering students to contribute to veterinary medicine research and advancements.

Scanning electron microscopic characterizations of the tongue of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus): A specialized focus on its papillary system adaptation to Egyptian environmental conditions.

The current investigation was focused on describing the gross and scanning electron features of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) tongue, with new insights into its papillary adaptation to the Egyptian environment. The elongated tongue had a rostral free and the caudal fixed. The ventral apical surface is classified into the smaller rostral papillary region on the tip and the larger non-papillary region by the U-line of filiform papillae. Functionally, there are two papillary types: mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform in addition to the longitudinal row of large conical papilla on the lateral of the body) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). Filiform papillae were densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and on the lateral apical border and lateral surface of the body and root, in addition to the ventral surface of the tip. This filiform papillary system gives a raspy appearance to the dorsal surface. The conical and lentiform papillae were limited to the torus linguae. Circumvallate papillae are surrounded by an annular groove and slightly vallum. The lingual root was devoid of any papillae. Lingual papillary subtypes are filiform papillae (elongated and triangular), conical papillae (elongated and oval) and fungiform papillae (round and ovoid). The investigated Nubian goat may have developed a specialized papillary system due to regional differences in the distribution, structure and subtypes of the system, allowing it to adapt to the dried grasses and leaves of trees and bushes that are available in Upper Egypt's dry, hot climate.

Morphological features of the Egyptian Ossimi sheep tongue: New scanning electron microscopic insights into its papillary system adaptations to Egyptian ecological conditions.

The current study aims to illustrate the gross and scanning electron microscopic characterizations and ultrastructural adaptation of the lingual papillary system of Egyptian Ossimi sheep to Egyptian ecological conditions. The tongue had three regions: the apex (with a slightly bifurcated tip), the body (subdivided into rostral and caudal parts) and the root (subdivided into rostral papillary and caudal non-papillary parts). Torus linguae had two parts: the triangular rostral part (the caudal part of the body) and the quadrilateral wide part (the rostral part of the root). The lingual papillary system had mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) types. Filiform papillae were heavily scattered on the dorsal surface of the apex, the rostral part of the body and the ventral surface of the papillary region of the tip. Filiform papillae had five subtypes (ventral and dorsal processed, triangular, leaf-like and triangular-processed papillae), while the conical papillae had three subtypes: two lingual (small, large) and one paralingual (elongated pointed), and the fungiform had two subtypes: the high-density ovoid (on the ventral surface of the tip) and round papillae (on the dorsal surface) that possessed a high number of taste pores, not previously described. They ranged from 5 to 10 for ovoid and 25 to 25 for round papillae. Each circumvallate papilla had an ovoid bulb (with 2-5 taste pores) encircled by an annular groove and two pads (i.e. not described previously). The papillary system's regional divergence was specialized for their harsh and semi-harsh diet.

Scanning electron microscopic and histological features of the oral cavity of the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni).

This investigation was led to depict the structural and functional adaptations of the oral cavity of herbivorous Egyptian tortoises using scanning electron and light microscopes. The SEM showed that the triangular papillary tongue possessed three conical papillary subtypes: the rectangular conical on the tip, the round conical on the rest of the dorsal lingual surface and the elongated conical on the caudal portion of the lingual wing. The presence of the serrated lips with their valves compensated for the absence of the teeth. The rostral part had a vomeronasal opening while the middle part had the choana, but the caudal part had numerous openings of the salivary glands. There are three palatine folds: a single median palatine fold, two peripheral palatine folds and the choanal fold. The current histological results show the keratinized dorsal lingual surface, in which the keratinized layer extended to cover the papillae. Two types of lingual glands, according to their position, are papillary superficial and deep lingual glands. Papillary or superficial glands open in the interpapillary spaces via narrow openings, while the deep glands are surrounded by well-developed muscles and open via wide openings on the dorsal lingual surface. An entoglossal cartilaginous structure of hyaline cartilage was found in the mid- and hindtongue, with numerous chondrocytes lodged within the lacunae. Our results conclude that the oral cavity of the herbivorous Egyptian tortoise was adapted to the dietary and vigorous demands of the Egyptian fauna.

Genetic Relationship between Salmonella Isolates Recovered from Calves and Broilers Chickens in Kafr El-Sheikh City Using ERIC PCR.

A prevalent bacterial intestinal infection with severe economic damage is salmonellosis. Our study was carried out to diagnose Salmonella from chickens and calves, to determine its resistance to antimicrobials' phenotypic and genotypic characterization of integrons and ß lactamase genes in the multidrug resistance of different Salmonella serotypes, and to detect the genetic relationship between Salmonella isolates collected from different origins using an ERIC PCR. In total, 200 samples from diseased chicken and diarrheic calves were obtained from 50 various farms from Kafr El-sheikh, Egypt. Salmonella poultry isolates were characterized as S. Typhimurium (3/8), S. Enteritidis (3/8), and S. Kentucky (2/8), but Salmonella isolates from cattle were S. Enteritidis (1/2) and S. Kentucky (1/2). When antibiotic susceptibility testing was completed on all of the isolates, it showed that there was multidrug resistance present (MDR). A PCR was applied for identifying the accompanying class 1 integrons and ESBLs from MDR Salmonella isolates (two isolates of S. Kentucky were divided as one from calf and one from poultry). Our results detected blaTEM and class 1 integron, but were negative for bla IMP, bla VIM, and bla SHV. An ERIC PCR was conducted for understanding the clonal relation between various ß-lactamase-producing MDR Salmonella isolates. The same four previously mentioned isolates were also tested. The two isolates of S. Enteritidis isolated from poultry and calves had 100% similarity despite indicating that there were interactions between broilers and calves living on the same farm that caused infection from the same Salmonella strains, while the other two isolates of S. Kentucky showed only 33% serovarities.

Biological features of the pecten oculi of the European wild quail (Coturnix coturnix): Adaptative habits to Northern Egyptian coast with novel vision to its SEM-EDX analysis.

The present investigation was prepared to give a complete ultrastructural characterization of the pecten oculi of the diurnal European wild Quail to describe their adaptation habits to the Northern Egyptian coast. Our work declares the first endeavor is the elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to show the migration effect on their eye. The intra-ocular quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The pecten oculi consist of three parts: the basal, body, and apical. The basal part originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The coiled surface refers to numerous capillary vessels. The smooth head of each pleat was kidney-like, strongly attached to a bridge. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. The thick basal part of each pleat had numerous thick longitudinal microfolds that refer to the numerous blood capillaries attached to the retina as supporting roots. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half), while oxygen represents about one-third. In the meantime, the lowest element is the phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate. Finally, the pecten oculi are thought to be a reflection of the avian lifestyle and ecological adaptations. HIGHLIGHTS: Our work is the first description of the elemental analysis using SEM-EDX to show the migration effect on their eye. The quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with cranio-caudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The basal part of the pecten oculi originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half percent), while oxygen represents about one-third of the element's percent meanwhile, the lowest element is phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate.

Gross, ultrastructural, and histological characterizations of pecten oculi of the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus): New insights into its scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

The current study shows the first attempts to clarify the gross, ultrastructure, and histological properties of the pecten oculi of the diurnal, visually active glossy ibis, as well as scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) image analysis (Plegadis falcinellus). The pecten oculi was found on the eyeball's posteroinferior wall, adjacent to the optic nerve in both the craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions. The plicated quadrilateral black pigmented pecten oculi consisted of a base, 10-12 pleats, and an apex. The base was joined by an elevated ridge and derived from the non-vascular retina, while the apex was not a fused part and was found neighboring the gelatinous vitreous body. The limited interpleat spaces were somewhat wider at the base of the pecten oculi. The outer surface of each highly vascular pecten pleat revealed a tortious coiled formation due to the existence of a considerable number of capillary vessels. The outer pleat surfaces had a vitreopecteneal limiting membrane that segregated the pecten pleats from the vitreous body. The high SEM magnification revealed that there are considerable plentiful hyalocyte cells on the outer surface of the pleats. The SEM-EDX analysis of the elementary formatting of the pecten oculi (at apex, middle, and base) clarified that the carbon represents the highest and a half percent. Furthermore, oxygen represents one-third of all elemental composition in the three regions, while the lowest percentage is calcium. Finally, the pecten oculi characterizations of this migratory bird on the Northern Egyptian shore were associated with their adaptive dietary strategies.

Ultrastructural focus on the oral cavity roof of the juvenile and adult white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus): Novel view of its development with carnivorous adaptation.

The present study aims to characterize the ultrastructural roof of the oral cavity roof in juvenile and adult Epinephelus aeneus using SEM. The investigation used 10 roofs of the oral cavity of juvenile and adult stages of age. The results in both age groups showed that the roof had five tooth bands, an upper valve, and a palatine region. The upper lip was divided into the anteriorly median and two lateral parts. The posterior margin of the anterior labial part is not attached to the incisive or canine teeth. The anterior surface of the canine teeth was attached to the transverse part of the upper incisive ridge that was separated from the posterior labial part by a deep groove. The semilunar upper velum showed two surfaces, two borders, and two parts. The median part of the oral surface of the velum carried the extension of the longitudinal part of the upper incisive ridge that had some variation among the two examined age stages. In addition, the median part of the oral surface of the upper velum had two rough areas located laterally on each side of the longitudinal part of the upper incisive ridge. The oral surface had several slightly elevated fungiform papillae with taste buds. The palatine region was divided into the peripheral semilunar part and the wide median part, by palatine teeth and the palatine groove laterally and by vomer teeth anteriorly. The results provided important data for the aquaculture in Egypt in relation to their diet.

Lingual papillary system of the Egyptian mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii): New insights to its feeding strategies using scanning electron microscope, and immunohistochemical analysis of keratin.

The current investigation described the ultrastructural and histological features of the lingual papillary system in 14 adult Rhinopoma hardwickii using scanning electron and light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining of keratin. Three types of lingual papillae were recognized; one filiform mechanical and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) of three directions: posterior, posteromedian, and median. Five filiform papillae subtypes were observed in four regions. The lingual tip had numerous giant filiform papillae. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary and a posterior non-papillary region that had only three circumvallate papillae in a triangular pattern. Histologically, the papillae exhibited detached thick keratin that spread over the dorsal epithelial surface. The dorsal surface of the root had stratified keratinized circumvallate papillae. Concerning the pan-cytokeratin (CK) antibody staining, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the apical lingual mucosa. While the superficial corneal cell layer in both body and root exhibited increasing of CK antibody. Morphometrically, there was a significantly increased, region-specific number of triangular, pointed filiform papillae, which were relatively increased in length and width. However, the round conical blunt filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were sparse. We concluded that our results showed distinguished adaptations in the lingual structure and its different papillae established on the nutritional and energetic demand of this bat species. This lingual adaptation is summarized in number, position, taste buds, direction, ultrastructural features, and histological that concerned with its ability in eating during the night flight. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three types of lingual papillae; one mechanical (filiform) and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) in which there were three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part of the lingual root in a triangular arrangement with an irregular surface, but the filiform papillae had five subtypes arranged in four regions. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary region and a posterior non-papillary region that only had three circumvallate papillae. Concerning staining with a pan-cytokeratin (CK) antibody, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the lingual mucosa of the tongue apex while the superficial corneal cell layer of the body and root exhibited increased expression of the CK antibody compared to the lingual apex.

Morphological adaptations on the eye of the golden gray mullet (Chelon aurata): Using light and scanning electron microscopical study.

The present investigations were designed to describe the ultrastructural properties of the eye of the golden gray mullet (Chelon aurata). For this purpose, the eyes were examined grossly, and by light and electron microscope. The external layer consists of the cornea and the sclera. Three layers compose the cornea; the anterior stratified cuboidal epithelial; the anterior limiting (Bowman) membrane; and the thick dermal layer of the stroma. The mucoidal layer has small collagen fiber bundles embedded in the CT layer and located between the anterior portion of the scleral cornea and the dermal stroma, (or "substancia propria"). The iridescent layer is thin at the center and thick at the periphery. It contains a pigmented layer with many ossicles. SEM analysis reveals that the cornea consists of undetermined shaped cells joined together by numerous thread-like micro-ridges, with several micro-tubercles on the external surface. The photoreceptor layer had two types of cells: the rod-shaped and the cone-shaped cells. The cone cells differentiate into two types of cells: single and double cells. SEM analysis of the retina showed that rod cells appear as thin long uniform rod-like, while the cone cells appear as rod cells with ovoid bases. SEM analysis demonstrates that the inner side of the retinal epithelium appears to be wrapped around itself. The morphological appearance of the eye adapts to life in superficial aquatic conditions. In conclusion, the current findings provide morphologic evidence to better understand the mechanism of fish vision adaptation to environmental conditions. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The transparent cornea composed of three layers; anterior stratified cuboidal epithelial, Bowman's membrane, and a thick dermal stromal layer. The mucoidal layer is formed from small collagen fibers bundles embedded in the CT layer and located between the anterior portion of the scleral cornea and the dermal stroma. There are two types of photoreceptor cells: rod and cone cells. Cone cells can be single and double cells.

Ultrastructural adaptation of the oropharyngeal cavity of the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus): Specific adaptive dietary implications.

The present investigation represents the first morphological description of the oropharyngeal cavity of Eurasian common moorhen. Nine oropharyngeal cavities were examined grossly and by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. The tongue had a rounded apex with multiple acicular processes on its rostral and lateral borders. The dorsal lingual surface of the apex and body had a median sulcus. The papillary crest carried four caudally directed triangular conical papillae on its median part and four triangular conical papillae on each lateral part. The filiform papillary system; small papillae on apex and long papillae on the rostral part of the body while broad papillae on the caudal part of the body. The lingual root had a special appearance by presence of three areas: mucosal fossa, two lateral ridges, and rhomboidal elevated central part. The caudal border of the mound carried heart-shaped pharyngeal papillae that possessed three papillary rows. The palate had a median palatine ridge rostrally that surrounded by two lateral palatine ridges. The choanae had two equal parts: rostral tapering and wide caudal. The rostral tapering choanal part was surrounded by two longitudinal rows of caudally directed conical papillae, one on each side. There was a single transverse row of conical papillae on each side of the caudal part of the rostral tapering choanal part. The caudal wide choanal part did not encircle by any papillae. Our conclusion exhibited unique structural and functional specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity with the tongue that evident with nutritional behavior.

Snout cutis of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758): Using light and transmission electron microscopy.

The current study was designed to give microscopic view on the snout skin of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) to clear its adaptations with the function of exploring for the food and pushing the objects. This study carried out on the snout skin of apparently healthy 1 year five pigs (Sus Scrofa) and examined under the light and transmission electron microscopy. Our results clarify that the snout skin cutis composed of the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis consisted of stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The stratum corneum and the stratum spinosum appeared thicker than other parts. The dermis consisted of a reticular and a papillary dermis. For tightness junction between the dermis and the epidermis, the hemidesmosomes were observed, while the desmosomes were presented in abundant numbers at the level of stratum basale to ensure the adhesion between the keratinocytes. The merocrine sweat glands were observed in abundant numbers to provide the wetness of the snout to avoid its injury from friction during food exploring or pushing of the objects. We concluded that the adaptation of the snout skin with the environmental condition surrounding the studied domestic pig.

Cellular architecture of the testis of Egyptian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in young and adult age.

Testicular parenchyma is split into lobules, each lobule contains convoluted seminiferous tubules surrounded by myoid cells and the interstitial tissue contains groups of Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules are lined by two groups of cells the first one is the spermatogenic cells and the second one is Sertoli cells.

Visual adaptation and retinal characterization of the Garganey (Anas querquedula): Histological and scanning electron microscope observations.

The present study was designed to provide a complete morphological description of the eye of the migratory Garganey duck (Anas querquedula) and its visual adaptation with the different surrounding environmental conditions during its migration journeys using a stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and light microscope. The current work depends on six adult Garganey ducks that were captured from the area near and on the shores of Edku city. The obtained results revealed that the eye of the migratory Garganey duck has the features of both diurnal and nocturnal birds. The histological examination reveals that the pigmented epithelium of the retina has long prolongations filled with melanin. The cone is the dominant photoreceptor, but simple rods are present. The inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers are thick. SEM examination shows that the arrangement of the collagen fibrils on the external surface was reticular in shape. The radial folds present as pledged structures on the pigmented epithelium covered with circular structures. The main lens body has flat with hexagonal outlines fibers. The edges and surfaces of these hexagonal fibers were studded with protrusions or elevations (balls) and depressions (sockets). The sockets and balls were either rounded or ellipsoid in shape. The balls were more on the edges and the sockets on the surface. In conclusion, our findings indicated a higher degree of functional adaptation between the morphological structure of the eye and the surrounding environmental conditions.