Comparison of Some Biological Parameters between Young Grass Carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1884) fed on Artificial Diet and Alfalfa inEarthen Ponds at Basrah, Iraq

The current study aims to compare the relationships of some biological parameters of young grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) fed on artificial diet and alfalfa in earthen ponds. These parameters included length-weight relationship, relative length and weight of the alimentary canal, condition factor and survival rate. Results of lengthweight relationship showed that no significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded for the t-test for the ideal value of 3 for fishes fed on artificial diet or alfalfa plant. The condition factor of young grass carp fed on artificial diet ranged between 0.021 to 1.074, while for fishes fed on alfalfa plant was 0.023 to 1.270 for allometric and Fulton’s condition factor, respectively. Also, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) for fishes fed on both diets in all biological parameters, the relative length of the alimentary canal for fishes fed on artificial diet (1.65) and on alfalfa plant (1.69), while the relative weight of the alimentary canal were 0.0285 and 0.0218 for fishes fed on both diets, respectively. Results also showed that the Zihler coefficient were 7.43 and 7.62, respectively. The survival rate was 100% for both treatments.

Microscopic Characterization of the Mucous Cells and Their Mucin Secretions in the Alimentary Canal of the Blackmouth Catshark Galeus melastomus (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii)

Sharks belong to the most primitive group of jawed vertebrates and have some special structural and functional features such as a cartilaginous skeleton, a spiral intestinal valve, and a rectal gland for osmoregulation. In January 2020, ten specimens of Galeus melastomus, the Blackmouth catshark, were collected from the Gulf of Asinara (North Sardinia, Italy) and the entire alimentary canal was studied using histochemical reactions to characterize the mucous cell types. In the alimentary canal of G. melastomus, mucous cells mainly secrete a mixture of acidic and neutral mucins. Of the acidic mucins, only the carboxylated type was present in mucous cells of the stomach, while the sulfated type predominated in the esophagus and the intestines. The use of lectins revealed a distribution of sugar residues in mucins related to cellular activities of the different regions of the catshark alimentary canal. The current study is the first report to characterize the intestinal mucous cells of G. melastomus and to provide quantitative data on their different populations in the alimentary canal.

MUKHA KRIYAKALPA - PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ORAL CAVITY DISORDERS

Mukha (oral cavity) is considered as a gateway for the alimentary canal, health of the oral cavity reflects the body health as healthy oral cavity aids in proper digestion of the food consumed. The oral cavity also takes part in bodi- ly functions like respiration and speech. It also contributes to the beauty and confidence of an individual. Mukha is comprised of Osta (lips), Dantamula (Gums), Danta (Tooth), Jinhva (Tongue), Taalu (Palate), Gala (Throat). Since the Oral cavity is constantly exposed to the external environment, there are more chances of trauma and infections. Hence to avoid the chances of oral cavity diseases it is very important to maintain good oral hygiene. Kriyakalpa is the therapeutic procedure applied locally and are considered under bahirparimarjana chikitsa. Ka- vala, Gandusha and Pratisarana are kriyakalpas explained for good oral hygiene. These can be used as a daily regimen to maintain good oral hygiene and in mukharoga as therapeutic procedures. These mukha kriyakalpa- due to their cleaning action and by increasing defence mechanism, promotes oral health and prevents many oral disorders. Various formulations for mukha kriyakalpa are available for a healthy person based on prakriti and for treatment based on vitiated dosha avastha. Keywords: Mukha kriyaklpa, Oral hygiene, kavala, Gandusha, Pratisarana.

Gastric duplication cyst: rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a young adult, with a review of literature

Duplication cyst along the alimentary canal is a congenital anomaly which is rare and usually incidentally found at endoscopy or radiological imaging. It can develop anywhere along the alimentary canal with only 4% occurrence in the stomach. Only few cases of gastric duplication cysts were reported to be symptomatic along with its complications. Diagnostic modalities include oesophageo-gastroduodenoscopy (OGDS), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the best option to confirm the diagnosis is complete resection of the lesion. We are reporting about a teenage girl whereby she presented with sudden episodes of hematemesis, which led to a syncopal attack. She also complained of intermittent central abdominal pain for a month prior to her presentation. Physical examination was unremarkable. However, her blood investigation showed a significant drop in hemoglobin. The patient had an endoscopy during which a submucosal lesion at the greater curvature was identified and the provisional diagnosis we had was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). CT scan of the abdomen was also done showing an endoluminal cystic gastric lesion measuring approximately 2×2×2 cm. The lesion was confined to the stomach with no local infiltration of the adjacent structures. Decision was made to proceed with a laparoscopic wedge resection after outweighing the risk and benefits of surgery. Gastric duplication cyst is a rare anomaly. Despite its rarity, it should be included as a differential when we encounter a submucosal lesion due to its tendency for malignant transformation and other complications.

May the palps be with you – new insights into the evolutionary origin of anterior appendages in Terebelliformia (Annelida)

Background Head appendages in Annelida contribute significantly to the immense morphological diversity in this spiralian taxon. Nevertheless, the evolutionary origin of annelid antennae, palps, cirri and tentacles are part of vast theories and debates that took place over decades. One of these heavily discussed groups are the Terebelliformia, which bear numerous anterior tentacles originating from different regions of the head. The question, whether these tentacles are homologous to feeding palps in other annelids or if these structures evolved convergently in terebellids and the remaining taxa, has been highly debated in the past. Results By using morphological methods including immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, Azan-stained serial sections and 3D-visualisation, we are able to shed new light and a fresh look on the old question of the evolutionary origin of the buccal tentacles and their associated head structures in Terebelliformia. Our investigations show that the brains of the ampharetid Hypania invalida and the aulophora larvae of Lanice conchilega (Terebellidae) consist of a dorsal, more prominent and a more slender, ventral brain region. Neurite bundles innervating the buccal tentacles split off from the ventral and dorsal root within the ventral brain region and thus originate from the dorsal and ventral root of the circumoesophageal connectives. Hence, the observed neurite bundles fulfil the morphological criteria for the innervating neurite bundles of feeding palps known from Paleoannelida. Conclusions We disagree with former conclusions that buccal tentacles are part of the alimentary canal. Based on the presented data, the buccal tentacles of terebelliform taxa are innervated by neurite bundles and can be homologized with peristomial feeding palps of other Annelida. Our comparative investigations reveal important insights into morphological changes during the evolution of anterior head appendages in Terebelliformia and Annelida in general. Nevertheless, our analyses also illustrate the gaps in knowledge and that more investigations throughout the annelid tree are necessary to explain and understand the huge diversity of annelid anterior appendages.

First Record of Two Parasitic Helminths from Cobia Rachycentron canadum (L.) (Carangiformes, Rachycentridae) from Iraqi Marine Waters

A total of 14 specimens of Cobia Rachycentron canadum (L.) were caught from Iraqi marine waters during the period from October 2019 till May 2020. Two parasitic helminths (One species each of nematode and acanthocephalan) were isolated from alimentary canal of the cobia. These are the adults of Iheringascaris inquies (Linton, 1901) Deardorff & Overstreet, 1980 and Serrasentis sagittifer Linton, 1889. The record of these worms, from this fish, is considered as the first record in Iraq. Adequate description of both I. inquies and adult S. sagittifer from cobia for the first time in the Arabian Gulf is given.

Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Their Characterization, Bio-Control Properties and New Perspectives

The insect parasitoid nematodes are a means boon to agronomy and serve as important bio-pesticides for controlling crop damaging insect pests. These nematodes inhabit moist soils and have been to exist in all the continents excluding Polar Regions. These nematodes have 3rd larval stage infective which is the only free living stage existing outside the host. These infective stages are mutually associated with bacteria which reside in their alimentary canal and duo are responsible for mortality of the insect host. These nematodes are currently given great attention by scientific community because of their insect killing properties and can be used to replace hazardous pesticides. These nematodes include various species belonging to genus Heterorhabditis and Steinernema, and members of insectivorous group of genus Oscheius. Before their use as bio-control agents, these nematodes need to be properly identified. Currently, these nematodes are characterized by using morphological and morphometrical parameters and advanced molecular tools including cross hybridization and scanning electron microscope studies. Their associated bacterial partners are studied through advanced molecular and biochemical techniques. The properly characterized nematodes having more entomopathogenic properties can be easily mass produced through in vitro and in vivo methods. They can be formulated in various carrier materials and supplied to farmers for effective control of damaging insect pests. Several countries have formulated various useful products of entomopathogenic nematodes which are available in markets for use by the farmer community and some have given very effective results. India is still at the early stage in the use of these nematodes for bio-control of insects in agronomy. More research in this field needs to be carried, especially in India to produce effective indigenous nematode products which may prove a boon for agriculture.

On the question of dysphagia

That section of the alimentary canal, where, in our opinion, only purely mechanical work takes place to carry and push the food mass from the oral cavity into the stomach, the esophagus, in relation to the study of its other functions, attracts relatively little attention from both physiologists and clinicians.

​The Histopathology of Alimentary Canal of Stinging Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794), Susceptible for Trematodes Incursion

Background: Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) is one of the popular freshwater fish known for its food quality and nutritional value. This study was undertaken with an aim to find out histopathological changes in the intestine of freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis, host of trematode parasite Masenia vittatusia Agarwal, 1963. Methods: The intestine of uninfected fish used to determine normal anatomy, while infected intestine to determine pathological changes. The normal histological procedure was followed, which included fixing, rinsing, dehydrating and embedding of tissue. Tissue was cut in 4-6 µm thick sections using a rotary microtome. Haematoxylin and eosin stains were used. Result: The highest damage was observed in the mucosal layer with ruptured and fused microvilli, hyperplasia of villi, damaged columnar epithelium layer and spread of loose connective tissue into the lumen. Other degenerative modifications included hypertrophy of blood vessels in mucosa and muscularis part, some of them ruptured might be the cause of haemorrhage inside the layers. Other changes include variation in the routine shape of all three layers. The mucosal layer showed aggregation of lymphocytes and mast cells as well.

STUDY OF GIT RELATED KOSHTHANGA W.S.R. TO PAKWASHAYA

Human anatomy is the science where human body structures are designed to enable complete physiological action thus establishing homeostasis of the human body. Acharya Sushruta had a keen observation about the human body reflecting that without the absolute knowledge of Rachana Sharir. Chikitsak cannot be considered an expert. In Ayurveda, the part of G.I.T. is mentioned in Koshthanga by various Acharya. These Koshthanga are Aamashaya, Pakwashaya, Purishdhara, Uttarguda, Adharguda, Kshudrantra etc. which are situated within the koshtha. In modern anatomy, G.I.T. or Alimentary canal includes all the structures between the mouth and anus, forming a continuous passageway that includes the main organ of digestion, namely the stomach small intestine and large intestine, each part of the Gastric intestinal tract is adapted to its specific function. The 'oesophagus' function primarily to conduct food rapidly from the pharynx to the stomach mixing along with the digestive juic- es, carrying out partial digestion and then propelling the food into the duodenum is the function of the stomach small intestine is designed for complete digestion and absorption of nutrients. Absorption of water and electrolyte from the chyme to form solid faeces is the function of the large intestine. Pakwashaya is the main organ related to the site of Vata Dosha, Purishvaha srotas, Purishdhara kala, Koshthanga and Aashaya. Pakwashaya plays an important role in formation of urine and digestion of food. Keywords: Pakwashaya, Purish