Surface ultrastructure of the adult and juvenile stages of the trematode Astiotrema impletum (Looss, 1899) Looss 1900 (incertae sedis) from the Nile puffer, Tetraodon lineatus Linnaeus, 1758

Summary A scanning electron microscope study was performed on the surface of the trematode Astiotrema impletum (Looss, 1899) Looss 1900 from the Nile puffer, Tetraodon lineatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Syn. Tetraodon fahaka) for the first time. Adult A. impletum have a markedly large, sub-terminal oral sucker and a small ventral sucker. As with most trematodes, tegumental spines are concentrated anteriorly and are absent just anterior the ventral sucker. Spines have serrated tips on a short, tongue–shaped body. At the level of the ventral sucker the base of each spine exhibits a three bulbous-like structure that can be partially or completely withdrawn into the tegument. Sensory papillae are concentrated around the oral and ventral suckers and genital pores. Papillae are conical or knob-like, either ciliated or non-ciliated; some are protruded and others are embedded inside the tegument. In the juvenile stage, spines are smaller, less well-developed and tightly packed. The cytoplasmic processes of the posterior quarter of body show brain-like velvety appearance on the adult and small cobblestone-like on the juvenile.

Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle

Widisuputri NKA, Lastuti NDR, Suprihati E, Hastutiek P, Plumeriastuti H, Mufasirin, Puspitasari H, Suwanti LT. 2021. Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle. Biodiversitas 22: 1514-1518. Blastocystis sp is a protozoan parasite commonly detected in the intestinal tract of humans and various animals that causes zoonotic blastocystosis. The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis is still being evaluated, some Blastocystis sp are completely pathogenic, while others can be considered commensal and hypothetical, related to the role of the surface coat of Blastocystis sp. This study aimed to compare the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. in cattle with diarrhea and non diarrhea by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Four Blastocystis sp. isolates were selected from the faeces of four positives cattle which consisted of two diarrhea and two non-diarrhea cattle. The result showed that Blastocystis sp. in cattle appeared in round shape and reproduced by binary fission. The surface cell of Blastocystis sp. isolates from diarrhea cattle had a rough surface while organism of non diarrhea cattle isolates was very smooth. Bacteria were seen attached to the surface of Blastocystis sp. from diarrhea cattle faeces. In conclusion, the features of the surface structure of Blastocystis sp. correlated with symptomatic appearance. The surface structure of Blastocystis sp. isolates from cattle with diarrhea was rougher than non diarrhea.

The ultrastructure of the nictitating membrane of the little penguin (Eudyptula minor, Aves)

The ultrastructure of the nictitating membrane in the little penguin Eudyptula minor was studied using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy to improve our understanding of the function of ocular adnexa in diving birds. Following euthanasia, eyes were enucleated and immersion fixed in Karnovsky's fixative. The nictitating membrane and conjunctiva were embedded in araldite and semi- or ultra-thin sections were stained and photographed using compound and transmission electron microscopes, respectively. Ultrastructural dimensions were measured directly from digital photographs. Surface ultrastructure was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The transparent nictitating membrane consists of a dense stroma surrounded by epithelia on both the external (conjunctival) and internal (bulbar) surfaces. The conjunctival surface of the membrane near the leading edge is covered by microvilli, which transition to microplicae and finally to microridges in the periphery. Beneath the epithelial cells, there is a well-developed basement membrane. Scattered throughout this epithelium are a few goblet cells. The surface of the bulbar epithelium is covered by microvilli near the leading edge, which become denser peripherally. The stroma consists of densely-packed collagen fibrils, which are randomly oriented in bundles near the leading edge but are aligned in the same direction parallel with the epithelial and corneal surfaces and with the leading edge, when the membrane is extended. The ultrastructure of the nictitating membrane in the little penguin differs from other birds and its function is predominantly protective, while preserving clear vision in both water and air.

Portulaca oleracea aggregate (Portulacaceae) from the Chernivtsi Region (Ukraine)

At the results of investigation of micromorphology features of seed surface of the Portulaca oleracea aggr. (Portulacaceae Juss.) from Chernivtsi Region (Ukraine) six morphotypes of this taxa were recorded. Some peculiarities of the seed morphology of Portulaca L., and features of the ultrastructure of seed surface of the P. oleracea aggr. morphotypes, based on the results of micromorphological studies with using electronic scanning microscope was described. The general for the representative of the genus (e.g. globous, ovate or almost reniform shaped of seeds; black or dark brown color) and specify for the morphological types (star-shaped, isodiametric or elongate cells of seed surface with central part and long or short rays; smooth surface of seed or with knobs (from 0,03 mm in diameter) or papillae (0,01–0,02 mm), etc.) peculiarities are determined. The original scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs of seed surface ultrastructure of the studied morphological types and key fragment for its determination are suggested. According to our investigation six morphotypes of Portulaca oleracea aggr. are presented in Chernivtsi Region. Some of them are new for studied territory (P. granulatostellulata (Poelln.) Ricceri & Arrigoni, P. papillatostellulata (Danin & H.G. Baker) Danin), and other (Portulaca nitida (Danin & H.G. Baker) Ricceri & Arrigoni, P. trituberculata Danin, Domina & Raimondo, P. tuberculata (Danin & H.G. Baker) Danin) – new floristic records for Ukraine, and one of them (P. oleracea) – was known before also. The maps of distribution of this morphotypes in the region are presented. At the results of morphotypes distribution the most common is P. granulatostellulata and P. oleracea – rare in studied region like as in Europe also.

Histoanatomy and surface ultrastructure of the olfactory organ of the freshwater tank goby, Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822)

Characteristic features of histology and fine morphology of the olfactory organ in the tank goby, Glossogobius giuris (Perciformes, Gobiidae, Gobiinae), were investigated with light and scanning electron microscopy. The olfactory cavity contained single lamellae that were exposed to the aquatic environment by small anterior and posterior nostrils. Typical olfactory rosettes were not observed. Histologically, each lamella consisted of two layers of epithelium; wrapping the central core that was composed of connective tissue stroma with nerve fibers and blood capillaries. The mucosal lining of lamella was merged with sensory and non-sensory olfactory cells, identified on the basis of structural characters, surface specializations, and staining features. The principal sensory elements were ciliated receptor cells that were characterized by apical dendritic processes expanded from cell soma and microvillous receptor cells equipped with multiple tiny dendrons on the mucosal surface. The bead-like appearance of several labyrinth cells, mucous cells with secreted mucin, scattered lymphatic cells, stratified epithelial cells bearing microfolds, and condensed ciliated supporting cells were observed in the non-sensory epithelia. Undifferentiated basal cells were embedded in the deeper zone of the epithelium above the basement membrane. The cellular organization of the olfactory lining was interpreted with chemoreception of the fish concerned.

Portulaca cypria Danin, P. granulatostellulata (Poelln.) Ricceri & Arrigoni, P. papillatostellulata (Danin & H. G. Baker) Danin (Portulacaceae Juss.) – new for the Ukrainian flora taxa from the territory of Transcarpathia

The results of studying of seeds of the Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae Juss.) from Transcarpathia (Ukraine) are presented in the publication. The seed surface ultrastructure of taxa of the P. oleracea-aggr. based on the results of micromorphological studies with using electronic scanning microscope was described. The general for the representative of the genus (e.g. globous, ovate or almost reniform shaped of seeds; dark) and specify for the morphological types (star-shaped, isodiametric or elongate cells of seed surface with central part and long or short rays; smooth surface of seed or with knobs (from 0,03 mm in diameter) or papillae (0,01–0,02 mm in diameter), etc.) peculiarity are determined. The original figures of seed surface ultrastructure of the studied morphological types and key for its determination are prepared. As a results of investigation the new for the Ukrainian flora taxa, P. cypria Danin, P. granulatostellulata (Poelln.) Ricceri & Arrigoni and P. papillatostellulata (Danin & H.G. Baker) Danin, from Transcarpathia are presented. All studied species are: kenophytes according time of immigration; xenophytes, according way of distribution; and ephemerophytes, according degree of naturalization. The map of distribution of the taxa in the region is presented.