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The culinary quality of carioca beans is related to their market value and consumer acceptability. The depreciation of the cooking/technological quality of the product occurs mainly because of the integument browning and the longer cooking time of the grains, which are influenced by the storage time and conditions. The loss of culinary quality reduces the market value of carioca beans because consumers reject darkened grains that are attributed to a longer cooking time. As a result, cooking time (resistance to cooking), the color of the integument, and the texture of the cooked beans are determinant factors in the acceptance of carioca bean cultivars. The browning of the grain integument and the cooking time mainly depends on the environmental conditions, storage time, the tegument of each genotype, and the chemical and physical properties of the cotyledons. Therefore, this review aims to survey the scientific literature on the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect the culinary quality of carioca beans.

The musculature architectonics of the body, the attachment organs, and the genital ducts of Gyrocotyle urna is described. It is shown that the lateral folds of the body and the rosette blades are characterized by the least amount and variety of musculature. In the integument, the position of each spine is regulated by three muscle groups. Most of the genital ducts are surrounded by a muscular plexus. The sucker-like organ is characterized by an extreme concentration of musculature. It is distinguished from the suckers of flukes by its inverse proportionality in the degree of development of the radial muscles, on the one hand, and other muscle groups, on the other. The functional load of various muscle groups and the mechanisms of helminth fixation and locomotion are discussed.

A graviola, Annona muricata L., produz sementes que podem apresentar dormência ocasionada pela impermeabilidade do tegumento à água, necessitando assim de métodos para superação desta. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de tratamentos pré-germinativos na emergência e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de graviola. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com 13 tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental composta de 50 sementes. As sementes foram submetidas aos tratamentos com imersão por 30 minutos, os quais foram: água (26 °C testemunha), solução de giberelina a 1.000, 2.000, 3.000 e 4.000 mg.L-1, água com gelo em ponto de fusão (0 °C), congelador por 6 horas (-10 °C), geladeira por 24 horas (10 °C), água em ponto de ebulição (100 °C), solução de NaCl 9 g.L-1, solução de KCl 5 g.L-1, água de coco e suco de laranja. A semeadura ocorreu em tubetes 280 mL contendo substrato composto por solo+eterco bovino. Trinta dias após a semeadura (DAS) avaliou-se a porcentagem, índice de velocidade e tempo médio de emergência das plântulas. Sessenta dias após a semeadura foram avaliados: número de folhas; altura da planta; diâmetro do coleto; comprimento da raiz; massa verde foliar; massa seca foliar; massa verde e massa seca da raiz. O tratamento com giberelina de 4.000 mg.L-1 de GA3 foi o tratamento mais eficiente para induzir a emergência e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de graviola. Palavras-chave: Annona muricata. Giberelina. Propagação. Abstract Soursop, Annona muricata L., produces seeds that may present dormancy caused by the impermeability of the integument to water, thus requiring methods to overcome it. The objective was to evaluate the effect of pre-germinative treatments on the emergence and initial development of soursop seedlings. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, with 13 treatments and four replications, each experimental unit consisting of 50 seeds. The seeds were submitted to immersion treatments for 30 minutes, which were: water (26°C control), 1.000 gibberellin solution, 2.000, 3.000 e 4.000 mg.L-1, water with ice at melting point (0 °C), freezer for 6 hours (-10 °C), refrigerator for 24 hours (10 °C), boiling water (100°C), NaCl 9 g.L-1 solution, KCl 5 g.L-1 solution, coconut water and orange juice. Sowing took place in 280 mL tubes containing substrate composed of soil + bovine manure. Thirty days after sowing (DAS), the percentage, speed index and mean seedling emergence time were evaluated. Sixty days after sowing the following items were evaluated: number of leaves; plant height; collar diameter; root length; leaf green mass; leaf dry mass; green mass and dry mass of the root. The treatment with gibberellin of 4.000 mg.L-1 of GA3 was the most efficient treatment to induce the emergence and initial development of soursop seedlings. Keywords: Annona muricate. Gibberellin. Propagation.

portuguesPithecellobium diversifoliumBenth. e um arbustonativo com vasta ocorrencia nos estados do Nordeste brasileiro.O crescente interesse na propagacao e no cultivo de especies florestais nativas demanda informacoes basicas sobre as caracteristicas biometricae germinativas das suas sementespara sua propagacao.Com isso,oobjetivo dotrabalho foi caracterizar as sementeseavaliar o processo germinativo de P. diversifoliumsubmetidos ametodos de superacao de dormencia.Oexperimento foi conduzido no Laboratorio de Producao Vegetal do Instituto Federal de Alagoas, localizado nomunicipio de Piranhas-AL, onde foram coletadas as sementes. Foi realizada a caracterizacao fisica das sementes, determinando-se o teor de agua, o peso de 1.000 sementes, e o comprimento, largura e espessuradas sementes.Foram utilizados cinco tratamentos para superacao de dormencia:(T1)intactas; (T2)escarificacao mecânica com lixa d’agua no 80; (T3)fragmentacao do tegumento;(T4)imersao em agua a 90 °Cpor 1 min;e (T5)imersao em agua por 24 horas. As avaliacoes do teste de germinacao foram feitas diariamente, durante 26 dias. Os parâmetros avaliados foram primeira contagem de germinacao; porcentagem de germinacao; indicede velocidade de germinacao; comprimento da parte aereae da raiz principal; massa seca da parte aereae raiz. Odelineamento experimental utilizado foi o Inteiramente Casualizadocom quatro repeticoesde 50 sementes por tratamento. Dessa forma, as sementespossuem variabilidadeem suas caracteristicas biometricas avaliadas, e a escarificacao mecânica com lixa d’agua e o metodo recomendado para superar a dormencia das sementes de P.diversifolium. EnglishPithecellobium diversifolium Benth. it is a native shrub with wide occurrence in the states of Northeast Brazil. The growing interest in the propagation and cultivation of native forest species demands basic information about the biometric and germinative characteristics of their seeds for their propagation. With that, the objective of the work was to characterize the seeds and evaluate the germinative process of P. diversifoliumsubmitted to dormancy overcoming methods.The experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Production Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Alagoas, located in the municipality of Piranhas-AL, where the seeds were collected. The physical characterization of the seeds was carried out, determining the water content, the weight of 1.000 seeds, and the length,width and thickness of the seeds.Five treatments were used to overcome dormancy: (T1) intact; (T2) mechanical scarification with sandpaper no80; (T3) fragmentation of the integument; (T4)immersion in water at 90 °C for 1 min; and (T5) immersion in water for 24 hours. The germination test evaluations were performed daily, for 26 days.The parameters evaluated were first germination count; germination percentage; germination speed index; shoot and main root length; dry mass of shoot and root. The completely randomized design was used with four replications of 50 seeds per treatment.In this way, the seeds have variability in their evaluated biometric characteristics, and mechanical scarification with sandpaper is the recommended method to overcome the dormancy of P. diversifolium seeds.

Fossil records of vertebrate integuments are relatively common in both rocks, as compressions, and amber, as inclusions. The integument remains, mainly the Mesozoic ones, are of great interest due to the panoply of palaeobiological information they can provide. We describe two Spanish Cretaceous amber pieces that are of taphonomic importance, one bearing avian dinosaur feather remains and the other, mammalian hair. The preserved feather remains originated from an avian dinosaur resting in contact with a stalactite-shaped resin emission for the time it took for the fresh resin to harden. The second piece shows three hair strands recorded on a surface of desiccation, with the characteristic scale pattern exceptionally well preserved and the strands aligned together, which can be considered the record of a tuft. These assemblages were recorded through a rare biostratinomic process we call “pull off vestiture” that is different from the typical resin entrapment and embedding of organisms and biological remains, and unique to resins. The peculiarity of this process is supported by actualistic observations using sticky traps in Madagascar. Lastly, we reinterpret some exceptional records from the literature in the light of that process, thus bringing new insight to the taphonomic and palaeoecological understanding of the circumstances of their origins.

New examples of convergences in the architectonics of trematode musculature are described. These include the complete reduction of the diagonal muscles in the sedentary areas of the integument, the peculiarities of distribution of the dorsoventral muscles within the ventral deepening of the body, the presence of radial parenchymal muscles in the hollow radially symmetrical areas of the body, the spatial distribution of the pharyngeal protractors, the removal of the peripheral layers of the muscles of the oral sucker, the formation of chordal muscles in the oral sucker, and some others. The validity of separating the concepts of convergence and parallelism is discussed. The disadvantages of separation criteria such as the degree of kinship of phylogenetic groups, the occupation of adaptive zones of different scales, and the formation of analogous or homologous organs on the basis of evolution are named. Raising parallelism to the rank of an independent evolutionary phenomenon is estimated as unreasonable.

Under a single field application, the long-term effect of a chitin synthesis inhibitor, Chlorfluazuron (Topron 5% EC) on spiny bollworm, Earias insulana (Boisd.) was evaluated through histological investigation on the integument as it an essential background to the action of that insecticide. After two weeks off use, samples of large-sized larvae (12 - 15 days age-old approximately) under the effect of the procedure were to represent the criterion of the long-term for the tested compound. The microscopic examination of the treated sections showed distinct changes in the tissue components of integument compared to the untreated specimens. The treated sections showed an increase in the thickness of the epidermis layer with noting that there is no new layer of cuticle or show any other signs of further development. Various specimens of the treated larval sections revealed the presence of an individual layer of cuticle, which looked thick, and the spines were rough, extra-long, and tanned. Also, in many sections, the cuticle had been seen shrinkage from the epidermis. The current study confirms and suggests that the long-term impact must be considered for such compounds when evaluated under field conditions.

Phylogenetic relationships in Styracaceae are well understood, but embryological characters and the ontogeny of integument(s) are still uncertain in many species. The goals of this study are to evaluate the systematic implications of embryological characters in Styracaceae, clarify the character evolution of the number of integuments and suggest a mechanism for the transition between unitegmic and bitegmic ovules. We examined the embryological characters of four genera and five species of Styracaceae, most of which were shared across taxa. However, Styrax has specific embryological features including bitegmic ovules, a multiplicative and sclerotic outer mesotesta and vascular bundles in the testa, all possible autapomorphies. The other three genera of Styracaceae share a unitegmic ovule, a parenchymatous mesotesta and a seed coat without vascular bundles, possible plesiomorphies with Diapensiaceae and Symplocaceae. The transition from a unitegmic to a bitegmic condition can be interpreted to be caused by a downwards shift of the boundary between the inner and outer integument, due to reduced activity in the subdermal initials and increased activity in the dermal initials of the outer integument at its base.

Introduction: Ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to the skin and can create serious problems when a protective substance or equipment is not used regularly, for this reason the present study set out to evaluate the photoprotective effect of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the integument of the red and black varieties of pop beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Materials and Method: The extracts were obtained by macerating the tegument of the two varieties of pop beans, black and red, in an ethanol/water (80:20) solution. The thin-layer chromatographic method was used to observe anti-tyrosinase activity, using the 0.05% kojic acid standard as a positive control. The photoprotective effect was evaluated in female mice of seven-week-old, Mus musculus Balb/c, with shaved back and exposed to UV-C radiation for 30 minutes once a day for thirty days to induce photo-damage in the skin. The treatments consisted in the application of extracts at 2% and 5% W/V in gel on the shaved area. Only the gel formulation, sunscreen or no treatment at all was used for the control group. Acute photodamage was quantified using the Draize scale, measuring the degree of erythema and edema; and the degree of photoaging using the Glogau scale at 7 days and 30 days. Results: It was found that the ethanolic extracts of the integument of both varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris, red and black, are practically non-toxic in mice by oral and dermal routes at a limit dose of 5000 mg/kg. The anti-tyrosinase effect at a qualitative level, evaluated by thin layer chromatography, showed the black variety were more active than the red one and both can be compared to the activity of the kojic acid. The two extracts of the two varieties showed photoprotective effect, however the extracts in 5% gel to a greater degree. Conclusions: It was concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of the pop black beans tegument at 5% in gel has photoprotective effect.

A new genus and species, Geminispermum virginiense, is described based on a well-preserved coalified cupulate reproductive unit recovered from the Early Cretaceous (early–middle Albian) Puddledock locality, Virginia, U.S.A. The reproductive unit is bisymmetrical and consists of an axis that bifurcates into two cupule-bearing stalks, each in the axil of a bract. Each cupule stalk bears a single non-valvate cupule recurved towards the center of the reproductive unit. The cupule opens distally by a short transverse slit with a distinct upper margin. Each cupule almost completely encloses a single orthotropous seed that is free from the cupule except at the base. The nucellus is also free from the integument except at the basal point of attachment. Geminispermum combines features of the ovulate structures of Caytoniales, Umkomasiales (= Corystospermales, including Doyleales) and Petriellales, but cannot be included in any of these existing orders as they are currently understood. The recurved, closed, non-valvate cupules are particularly similar to those of Caytonia, Petriellaea and Reymanownaea in external morphology, but differ in being one-seeded. The cupules of Geminispermum differ from the one-seeded cupules of Umkomasiales in being non-valvate and in having only a single cupule per bract. Geminispermum is perhaps most similar to the one- or two-seeded non-valvate cupules of Ktalenia from the Early Cretaceous of Argentina, but Ktalenia is poorly preserved, details of cupule architecture are uncertain, and the cupules appear to be associated with a single strongly dissected bract. Geminispermum is currently the only unequivocal seed plant cupule recovered from the Early Cretaceous Potomac Group and is distinct from all previously described cupulate reproductive structures.

In order for entomopathogenic fungi to colonize an insect host, they must first attach to, and penetrate, the cuticle layers of the integument. Herein, we explored the interactions between the fungal pathogen Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 4556 and two immunologically distinct morphs, melanic (M) and non-melanic (NM), of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. We first interrogated the cuticular compositions of both insect morphs to reveal substantial differences in their physiochemical properties. Enhanced melanin accumulation, fewer hydrocarbons, and higher L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase activity were evident in the cuticle of the M larvae. This “hostile” terrain proved challenging for M. brunneum – reflected in poor conidial attachment and germination, and elevated expression of stress-associated genes (e.g., Hsp30, Hsp70). Lack of adherence to the cuticle impacted negatively on the speed of kill and overall host mortality; a dose of 107 conidia killed ~30% of M larvae over a 12-day period, whereas a 100-fold lower dose (105 conidia) achieved a similar result for NM larvae. Candidate gene expression patterns between the insect morphs indicated that M larvae are primed to “switch-on” immunity-associated genes (e.g., phenoloxidase) within 6–12 h of conidia exposure and can sustain a “defense” response. Critically, M. brunneum responds to the distinct physiochemical cues of both hosts and adjusts the expression of pathogenicity-related genes accordingly (e.g., Pr2, Mad1, Mad2). We reveal previously uncharacterized mechanisms of attack and defence in fungal-insect antibiosis.

— Gulls (Aves: Larinae) are among the best-studied of birds, yet prior attempts to reconstruct gull relationships have met with little success. In the present study I use 117 characters from the skeleton and 64 from the integument to test gull monophyly and estimate gull phylogeny. One shortest tree, requiring 9747 unweighted changes and having a CI of 0.267, wasLarusis polyphyletic. Although the tree is fully resolved, support for many of the inferred clades is poor. In a comparison of osteological and integumentary evidence, I found that incongruence between the osteological and integumentary character sets accounts for only a minority of the total incongruence observed, and suggest that low between-set incongruence may be a consequence of the low signal-to-noise ratio in each set of characters. I also found that osteological evidence is particularly important for determining higher-level structure, whereas integumentary evidence is important for resolving lower-level relationships within the gull group. Finally, I found that integumentary characters are not dramatically more homoplasious than osteological characters, and argue that casual dismissal of integumentary characters as “too labile” is unwarranted.

The species Pinus taeda is largely used in intensive silviculture worldwide. This species has propagation through seeds, which requires determining seeds viability for their commercialization. The germination test recommended for this species usually requires up to 63 days to provide results on the quality of freshly harvested seeds, delaying commercialization and favoring contamination during the conduction of the test. The authors of this study aimed to establish the developmental stages of P. taeda seedlings to determine a criterion for interpreting the germination test with greater speed and efficiency to obtain results. The seeds were sown in transparent plastic boxes on two sheets of blotting paper and placed in a germinator at 22 °C with constant lighting. Five morphological stages of seedling development were defined with daily counts of the number of normal seedlings for each criterion, distribution in time, and the accumulated percentage of normal seedlings adjusted to time-to-event nonlinear regression. The new interpretation criterion proposed in this study is efficient, and P. taeda seedlings can be considered normal when cotyledon leaves differ by approximately 3 mm between the integument and hypocotyl, reducing the time to conduct the germination test by up to ten days compared to the criterion usually used in the routine analysis of seed laboratories. Made available in DSpace on 2022-07-05T15:19:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ScientiaAgricola-2022PinusTaedaSeedsGermination.pdf: 1065280 bytes, checksum: 6aaef2c61393f74c3953e52cee9607bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2022

Resume- En plus des keratinocytes, l'epiderme contient des cellules residentes de morphologie dendritique. Ce sont principalement la cellule de Langerhans, la cellule de Merkel et le melanocyte. Ces cellules ont des fonctions diverses dans le tegument. Le melanocyte assure la pigmentation cutanee et la protection contre les radiations U.V., et pourrait intervenir egalement dans la modulation de l'inflammation cutanee. La cellule de Langerhans intervient dans la surveillance immunologique des surfaces corporelles ecternes. La cellule de Merkel a des fonctions neuroendocrines. Cet article donne un apercu de la structure et de la fonction de ces trois importantes populations cellulaires dans la peau. [Resident dentritic cells in the epidermis: Langerhans cells, Merkel cells and melanocytes (Cellules dentritiques residentes de l'epiderme: cellules de Langerhans, cellules de Merkel et melanocytes). Resumen- La epidermis contiene, ademas de los queratinocitos, celulas residentes de morfologia dendria dendritica. Estas son principalmente las celulas de Langerhans, las celulas de Merkel y los melanocitos. Estas celulas tienen varias funciones en el integumento. Los melanocitos se encargan de la pigmentacion y proteccion de la piel contra la radiacion ultravioleta y tarrtbien participan en la regulacion de la inflamacion cutanea. Las celulas de Langerhans ayudan en la regulacion inmunologica en la superficie externa. Las celulas de Merkel tienen funciones neuroendocrinas. Esta revision da un repaso general a la estructura y funcion de tres importantes celulas de la piel. [Resident dendsuitic cells in the epidermis: Langerhans cells, Merkel cells and Melanocytes (Celulas residentes en la epidermis: celulas de Langerhans, celulas de Merkel y melanocitos). Abstract- In addition to the keratinocytes, the epidermis contains resident cells of dendritic morphology. These are principally the Langerhans cell, Merkel cell and melanocyte. These cells have a number of different functions in the integument. The melanocyte is responsible for skin pigmentation and protection against UV radiation, and may also play a role in the modulation of cutaneous inflammation. The Langerhans cell aids in the immunological monitoring of the body's external surfaces. The Merkel cell has neuroendocrine functions. This review gives an overview of the structure and function of these three important cells of the skin.

A prepupa is a non-feeding stage that occurs between the final feeding larval instar and the pupa. It is less common in Lepidoptera because most species pass relatively directly from feeding cessation to pupation. This paper describes the occurrence of such a stage in the thyridid moth, Calindoea trifascialis (Moore). The prepupa is primarily a functional designation based on attributes associated with an extended wandering phase. The distinctness of this stage was demarcated by observed changes in the integument at the transition point to the prepupa. It was also corroborated by morphometric comparisons of length and mass with the final feeding instar. Measures of head capsule width indicated a potential stage-based departure from the Brooks-Dyar rule. The model fit changed with the number of instars assigned to the life cycle and depending on whether the prepupa was considered as a distinct instar. In the latter case the deviation was marked; but with the prepupa excluded, the growth curves still hinted at compensatory adjustments to growth increment prior to the non-feeding period. Molting was cryptic as a result of the use of leaf shelters and the consumption of exuviae after ecdysis.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:29:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-06-01 Four species of pumpkin toadlets are currently recognized by the extreme condition of hyperossification in the skull and vertebral column within the genus Brachycephalus. In addition to their larger body size, relative to other congeneric species, Brachycephalus darkside, Brachycephalus ephippium, Brachycephalus garbeanus, and Brachycephalus margaritatus share remarkable osteological features, such as the large paravertebral plates forming an ornamented dorsal bone shield, visible through the integument. We add to the current knowledge of this group by analyzing its diversity and describing a new hyperossified species from some important Atlantic Forest remnants in southeastern Brazil, including those bordering São Paulo, the largest and most populous city in South America. The new species is diagnosed by a combination of morphological, osteological, and bioacoustic characters, with further evidence of mtDNA sequences to confirm its distinction from the other congeners. The parotic and paravertebral bone plates externally bordered with a rough and pale contour can readily distinguish the new species from the other hyperossified species within Brachycephalus. The new species is widely distributed along the Serra do Mar mountain range, including the regionally named Serra de Paranapiacaba, in elevations from 700 to 1000 m above sea level (a.s.l.), in the central coast of the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. We discuss valuable morphological characters within this group of species, reinforce the need for further studies, and highlight the relevance of protected areas for biodiversity conservation in metropolitan regions. Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica (INMA) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP) Fundacao Para A Conservacao e A Producao Florestal Do Estado de Sao Paulo Parque Estadual da Serra Do Mar Núcleo São Sebastião Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos Www.cbro.org.br Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Laboratório de Herpetologia Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP)

In late April 2015, the River Dee Trust informed Marine Scotland Science, Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), that there had been observations of dead and moribund European eels on the River Dee. Later in May, the Spey Fishery Board also reported a number of moribund European eels in a rotary screw smolt trap on the River Spey. In total, 10 cases involving moribund eels were investigated in 2015 and one case in 2016. In addition, a health screen was conducted to investigate the potential presence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in healthy eels and Atlantic salmon from the River Dee in 2015. Externally, the diseased eels demonstrated white patches in different locations of the body. In all cases, F. psychrophilum was detected by bacterial isolation and/or molecular methods. Three isolates were further characterized by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as belonging to sequence type 15 (ST15). Histological examination of diseased European eels revealed lesions at the level of the integument. The pathogen screen for F. psychrophilum in wild healthy fish tested negative by PCR. Further investigation is required to understand the pathogenicity of this bacterium on the health of eels and the potential impact on the wild salmonid population.

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) from a research colony presented with multifocal, white chalky to gray skin lesions, a diffuse whitish to blue hue to the integument, and friable gill filaments. Skin scrapings and wet mounts revealed Chilodonella, Ichthyobodo, and a trichodinid species. The average overall burden (that is, all 3 species) per axolotl ranged from 0 to 25 parasites per 40 × field (p40f; mean ± 1 SD, 2.6 ± 5.5), with a prevalence of 12%, 60%, and 48%, respectively. Concurrent with husbandry modifications, axolotls were treated with an 8-h static immersion bath that contained 0.025 mL/L 37% formaldehyde. Chilodonella organisms were no longer observed after the initial treatment, and Ichthyobodo decreased from 2.4 ± 5.6 to 0.6 ± 1.8 organisms p40f. However, the average overall burden increased 4-fold to 10.5 ± 9.8 parasites p40f, and the trichodinid organisms increased 13-fold from 0.8 ± 2.3 to 10.4 ± 9.2 organisms p40f. A second treatment consisted of an 8-h immersion bath that contained 0.05 mL/L 37% formaldehyde on 2 consecutive days. A significant change was noted in the average overall burden of 0.5 ± 1.1 parasites p40f, a greater than 5- and 21-fold decrease from pretreatment and after the initial treatment, respectively. No significant change between the first and second treatment was observed for Ichthyobodo, with 0.6 ± 1.2 organisms p40f, but this number represented a significant decrease from pretreatment. After the second treatment, the trichodinid organism was detected in only one axolotl, with a low overall burden of 0.2 ± 0.4 organisms p40f and resulting in a significant decrease in the trichodinid count to 0.01 ± 0.04 organisms p40f. Treatment with formalin (37% formaldehyde), in conjunction with husbandry improvements, was effective in significantly reducing ectoparasite burden and eliminating clinical symptoms in axolotls but did not fully eliminate all protozoa.

The morphology of the body wall is described for five trematode species belonging to four families of the order Paramphistomatida. In all the species under study, the thickness of the outer plate of the tegument is minimal in the sucker cavities and is constant in other areas of the integument, the number and sequence of the muscle layers (circular, longitudinal, and diagonal) coincide. The layers consist either of individual muscle fibers or of muscle bundles. The longitudinal parenchimal muscles, topographically close to the integument, can be mistakenly assigned as the peripheral musculature. The thickness and sparseness of the circular and longitudinal layers vary considerably in different parts of the integument. Diagonal muscles are characterized by an oblique angle of intersection, high regularity of location, and slight changes in thickness.

Facultative air-breathing fish can exchange respiratory gases using an air-breathing organ (ABO), such as the oral cavity of the integument, during environmental hypoxia. The goby Gobionellus oceanicus inhabits areas subject to environmental hypoxia; however, its ABO is unknown. To investigate the respiratory potential of G. oceanicus, the gill and integument surface area, diffusion capacity, and their diffusion barrier thickness were measured. Our results show that although gill surface area is smaller than observed in other facultative air-breathing fish, but it has all features necessary to perform aquatic gas exchange. Additionally the integument of the palate has a short diffusion barrier thickness and a large calculated O2 -diffusion capacity suggesting that it functions as the ABO.

Anomalous pigmentations have been reported in several groups of reptiles. Among these, albinism is one of the most striking aberrations of body coloration. This pigmentary anomaly is caused by the absence of melanin in the integument. Many cases of albinism have been reported in snakes, primarily in species with cryptozoic habits, and several reports are available for the Dipsadidae family from South America. Geophis is one of the most diverse genera in this family, with 50 species distributed mainly in Mesoamerica. The Yellow-bellied Earth Snake (Geophis godmani) is known only from the mountain ranges of Costa Rica and western Panama. In September, 2020 we encountered an albino individual of the Yellow-bellied Earth Snake at Palmira de Zarcero, Alajuela province, Costa Rica. Here we report on this finding and discuss possible consequences of albinism in snakes. Snakes affected by albinism have red eyes and a yellow or pink coloration due to the presence of xanthophores and erythrophores. As a result, aspects such as thermoregulation can be affected, and jeopardize the snake's survival. However, some individuals can have traits that potentially preclude the negative effects of albinism. These characteristics would allow for the survival of individual snakes to the adult stage, such as the albino individual of Geophis godmani we found in central Costa Rica.

Objective: to study the anthelmintic properties of medicinal plants from the literatureand make a list of such plants (wild and cultivated) that are common in Ukraine.Material and methods. The material was Domestic and foreign scientific publications,processed using the methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, systematization andgeneralization, served as the material of studying.. The lists of plants with anthelminticproperties are compiled on the basis of an analysis of reference information fromspecial pharmacognostic reports.Results. The anthelmintic activity of medicinal plants is due to the presence of terpenes, phenols, nitrogen-containing compounds in their composition, that can negatively affectthe functioning of the integument, the digestion of parasitic worms, their mobility, growthand reproduction. The natural and cultivated flora of Ukraine has more than 50 speciesof medicinal plants with an anthelmintic effect.Conclusions. Herbal preparations with an anthelmintic effect have a number ofadvantages over synthetic ones (effectiveness, relative safety, availability, low cost),however, experimental studies of such drugs are needed for their possible negative effectson the human body.

Metastasis is generally considered a characteristic of malignant tumors. Herein, we describe a patient with more than one hundred discrete Spitz nevi scattered all over her skin. Molecular analysis from three of the lesions identified a ROS1 fusion oncogene with identical genomic breakpoints, indicating that the nevi arose from a single transformed melanocyte and then disseminated throughout the integument. The demonstration of widespread distribution of a benign tumor with limited proliferative capability indicates that metastatic dissemination is not contingent on full malignant transformation. Thus, eruptive Spitz nevus is a striking example of benign metastasis, demonstrating that metastasis can occur before malignant transformation.

The constant association of bacteria with the cuticular formations of the integument and those of the digestive tract of Leptosynapta galliennei was displayed by means of transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electronic microscopy. It is the first time such an association is brought up in an holothurian. A cuticle consisting of two layers of filamentous material and of an external mucous coat is located at the top of the microvillies of the epithelial cells of the integument and of certain parts of the digestive tract. A subcuticular space is formed between the inside of the cuticle and the apex of the cells. Bacteria of two morphological types are associated with the integument. In the digestive tract, two similar morphological types can be observed in the pharynx and the oesophagus, a third type occurs within the cuticle itself. The distribution of the bacteria is heterogenous, they are generally observed in the subcuticular space, though some of them can be found in the external mucous coat. Some hypothesis on the functions of the cuticle and on the association holothurian/ bacteria are considered.

International audience; The skin of the foot provides the interface between the bird and the substrate. Thefoot morphology involves the bone shape and the integument that is in contact withthe substrate. The podotheca is a layer of keratinized epidermis forming scales thatextends from the tarsometatarsus to the toe extremities. It varies in size, shape,amount of overlap and interacts with the degree of fusion of the toes (syndactyly). Astudy of toe shape and the podotheca provides insights on the adaptations ofperching birds. Our analysis is based on micro-CT scans and scanning electronmicroscopy images of 21 species from 17 families, and includes examples with differentorientations of the toes: zygodactyl (toes II and III forward), anisodactyl (toes II,III, and IV forward), and heterodactyl (toes III and IV forward). We show that in thesethree groups, the skin forms part of a perching adaptation that involves syndactyly todifferent degrees. However, syndactyly does not occur in Psittacidae that use theirtoes also for food manipulation. The syndactyly increases the sole surface and mayreinforce adherence with the substrate. Scale shape and toe orientation are involvedin functional adaptations to perch. Thus, both bone and skin features combine toform a pincer-like foot.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are agricultural pests of increasing significance in the North Central Region of the United States, posing a threat to major crops such as soybean. Biological control can reduce the need for insecticides to manage these pests, but the parasitism of stink bugs by Tachinidae (Diptera) is poorly characterized in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of parasitism of stink bugs by tachinids over 2 yr from nine states across the North Central Region. Parasitism was assessed by quantifying tachinid eggs on the integument of stink bug adults. Parasitism rates (i.e., percent of adult stink bugs with tachinid eggs) were compared across stink bug species, states, stink bug sex, and years. The mean percent parasitism of stink bugs by tachinids was about 6% across the region and did not differ among stink bug species. Mean percent parasitism was significantly higher in Missouri than in northern and western states. In addition, male stink bugs had significantly higher mean percent parasitism than females. Stink bug species commonly found in soybean in the region showed some parasitism and are therefore potentially vulnerable to oviposition by these parasitoids. This is the first study to characterize the level of parasitism of stink bugs by tachinids across the North Central Region.

Amphibians' integument is a multifunctional organ offering protection from the exterior surroundings and facilitating the physiological change of gas, water and salts with the environment, which is a natural biomaterial with multifunctional features. Interspecies comparison of biomechanical characters and microstructure possibly related to them were performed on the integument of three species of amphibians, two anurans(Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis) and one urodeles(Ambystoma mexicanum) using tensile testing and morphological characterization. It was found that the integument of Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis was covered by polygonal epidermal cells, while the trunk surface of Ambystoma mexicanum presented irregular microstructure with the lack of keratinization. The integument of Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis exhibited good performance on stiffness and strength, which showed quite high mean elastic modulus, 931MPa and 1048MPa,respectively.

High temperature, moisture content and radiation conditions, common in the tropics, accelerate the physiological post-harvest disorders in beans, affect integument color and bean hardness. This study explored the darkening and hardening mechanisms in carioca type beans during storage. The contrasting genotypes for bean darkening and hardening (BRS Estilo and BRS Pontal: rapid darkening and hardening; BRSMG Madreperola and CNFC 10467: slow darkening and partially resistant to hardening; and a Canadian genotype of the Pinto Bean type resistant to darkening (negative control)) were evaluated right after harvest and after six months storage at 20.3 ± 0.2 °C and 78.9 ± 6.0% RH, with respect to their physicochemical, biochemical and morphological attributes. All the samples hardened with time, but the velocity of darkening did not always parallel the degree of hardening of the beans (that increase linearly with time), which indicates that the color of the bean integument was not a safe indicator to predict the culinary quality of carioca beans. During storage, the SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity and LP (lipid peroxidation) in the cotyledon increased, and the increase was more significant in the integument of the rapid-darkening genotypes. The oxidative stress detected in the beans apparently started in the green bean formation phase, continuing during post-harvest, especially for the rapid-darkening beans. Quantification of the bivalent ions in the bean fractions, together with the degree of membrane damage was positively associated with bean darkening, independent of the group. Thus, aging of the carioca beans could be triggered by a complex mechanism involving diverse intrinsic factors in different degrees according to the genotype and the post-harvest period, but some parameters could serve as indicators, as cooking time, hardness and color, to differentiate between rapid and slow darkening beans.

Our recent goal for the Plant Ontology (PO) is to have it integrated with the Gene Ontology (GO). The simplest aspect of this is to link morphological and anatomical images of structures for PO terms with genes involved in the development of those structures (GO terms). This, also, would include images of expression analyses by in situ hybridization. By using a process of reciprocal illumination, we will be able to clarify and/or redefine PO terms. In particular, an example of this is the integument development during ovule maturation in seed plants. Gymnosperms have one integument; whereas, Angiosperms (flowering plants) have two integuments, i.e., an inner integument surrounded by an outer integument. The question that arises is which of the two integuments in the Angiosperms is the equivalent of the single integument in the gymnosperms? In Angiosperms, the gene INNER NO OUTER (INO) is involved in the proper development of the outer integument but not in the inner integument and in ino mutants there is no outer integument. INO genes are angiosperm specific as no orthologs have been found in gymnosperms. Thus, it appears that the inner integument of the Angiosperms is equivalent –homologous- to the single integument of the gymnosperms and the PO terms can be revised accordingly. Keywords: Angiosperm, Gene ontology, Gymnosperm, Integument, Ontology, Ovule, Plant ontology

The ovuliferous organs Trisquama valentinii Gordenko et Broushkin, gen. et sp. nov. from the Bathonian deposits of the Mikhailovskii Rudnik locality (Kursk Region) are described. The ovuliferous organs consist of three scales fused at the base. The long scale, together with the stalk of ovuliferous organ compose a sterile structure, which is vascularized by C-shaped in section collateral vascular bundle, and bears a lobed fertile structure of ovuliferous organ on its anatomically abaxial side. The latter consists of two short scales and an outgrowth between them, and is vascularized by concentric amphicribral vascular bundle, which is divided in its distal part into three separate collateral plates. These plates are associated with the lobes of fertile structure and three small orthotropous seeds situated from xylem side of these vascular bundles. Seeds are ellipsoidal, with not protruding micropyle; the integument is sclerified, megaspore membrane is thick. The ovuliferous organs under description possess unique features, which preclude their assignment to any large group of gymnosperms; authors place them in a separate order, Trisquamales ordo. nov., systematic position of which within Gymnospermae is uncertain.

The possibility of analyzing the structure and the developmental stage of small parasites as exemplified by Demodex mites is considered. The analysis is based on the method of hyperspectral holography in the near infrared region. It is shown that the optical density of the mite structure can be registered in the wavelength range ≥0.7 μm. The amplitude–phase distribution of the structure in the short wavelength spectral region is obtained. Registration of the amplitude–phase information in the shorter wavelength range is complicated by the diffuse structure of the integument, which leads to image speckling.

SUMMARYThe macroevolutionary transition from terra firma to obligatory inhabitance of the marine hydrosphere has occurred twice in the history of Mammalia: Cetacea and Sirenia. In the case of Cetacea (whales, dolphins, porpoises), molecular phylogenies provide unambiguous evidence that fully aquatic cetaceans and semiaquatic hippopotamids (hippos) are each other’s closest living relatives. Ancestral reconstructions further suggest that some adaptations to the aquatic realm evolved in the common ancestor of Cetancodonta (Cetacea+Hippopotamidae). An alternative hypothesis is that these adaptations evolved independently in cetaceans and hippos. Here, we focus on the integumentary system and evaluate these hypotheses by integrating new histological data for cetaceans and hippos, the first genome-scale data for pygmy hippopotamus, and comprehensive genomic screens and molecular evolutionary analyses for protein-coding genes that have been inactivated in hippos and cetaceans. We identified ten skin-related genes that are inactivated in both cetaceans and hippos, including genes that are related to sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and epidermal differentiation. However, none of these genes exhibit inactivating mutations that are shared by cetaceans and hippos. Mean dates for the inactivation of skin genes in these two clades serve as proxies for phenotypic changes and suggest that hair reduction/loss, the loss of sebaceous glands, and changes to the keratinization program occurred ~16 million years earlier in cetaceans (~46.5 Ma) than in hippos (~30.5 Ma). These results, together with histological differences in the integument and prior analyses of oxygen isotopes from stem hippopotamids (“anthracotheres”), support the hypothesis that aquatic adaptations evolved independently in hippos and cetaceans.

The molluscicidal effect of the aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) on the land snail Eobanica vermiculate was tested. Snails showed morphological alterations, such as swollen of the snail body due to water retention, which led to slow motion of snails, protrude of tentacles and foot due to their enlargement. Abnormal bully-like structure appeared at the head region (a swollen part of the skin filled with aqueous material). Samples of the integument, bully-like structure, mantle edge, digestive gland and gonads were dissected out and prepared for histological examination under light microscope. Some morphological tissue abnormalities were recorded. The highest mortality rate (83.3%) was recorded at concentration 12.5%. The estimated LC30,LC50 and LC90 were 5.832, 8.029 and 13.398 respectively. The plant extract used was chemically analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine its active ingredients. The first five ingredients that have the highest concentrations were 2-Bromo dodecane, 3-methylindole, n-Tricosane, Octadecanedioic acid and Tetradecanedioic acid dimethyl ester.

Feather and skin diseases, especially parasitism, are common reasons for poultry owners to contact a veterinary surgeon. Feather and skin disorders are often accorded an importance out of proportion with their clinical significance. This chapter discusses the management of feather and skin disorders, including conditions of the wattle, beak, feet and claws.

In the ovule evolution, the integument is the most attention point in discussion as a morphologic character of the seed plants. There are several theories and hypotheses about the origin of the integument were presented in the history. However, the development and function of the ovule envelopes are not so clear until now. The development of thehe basal gymnosperms Cycas and Zamia were to investigated, especially of the integument to complement the existing knowledge in seed plants. The development of ovules of seed plant is documented with morphological and anatomical using LM and SEM.The nucellar beak found in Zamia is a structure that has not been recorded previously. It protrudes from the micropyle at pollination and may be the primary acceptor for pollen. There are striking similarities to the lagenostom or salpinx in Lyginopteridatae. There may be an evolutionary way to interpret the pollination drop existing in the Lyginopteridatae. Probably the nucellar beak of Cycads, even Ginkgoales have the same function with the lagenostom or salpinx of the Lyginopteridatea. Unfortunately, pollen and transport inside the pollination chambers have not been observed. Further analysis of this unusual structure seems to be very important.

A new species, Tropidion flechtmanni, is described, illustrated, and included in a previous key. Rhinotragus marginatus Perty, 1832 (currently considered a subspecies of R. dorsiger), Rhinotragus dorsiger var. collaris Melzer, 1930, Rhinotragus dorsiger var. vittatus Melzer, 1930, Rhinotragus dorsiger var. amparensis Melzer, 1930, and Rhinotragus apicalis Guérin-Méneville, 1844 are formally synonymized with R. dorsiger Germar, 1823. Variation in pubescence pattern in Pirangoclytus purus (Bates, 1870) is reported, and the species is recorded for the first time in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Variation in the color of the integument and pubescence in Hemicladus thomsonii Buquet, 1857 is reported, and the species is recorded for the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. New state records are provided for Amorupi fulvoterminata (Berg, 1889), Eclipta vitticollis (Bates, 1873), Steirastoma stellio Pascoe, 1866, Cicuiara nitidula (Bates, 1866), Hesycha inermicollis (Breuning, 1940), and Polyrhaphis gracilis Bates, 1862.

This article focuses on exoskeleton repair in invertebrates presented due to physical trauma with impairment of the integument and often with hemolymph loss. Invertebrates, especially the larger-bodied arthropods, can severely damage their exoskeleton if dropped or if they are handled during ecdysis. Clinicians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the basic first-aid techniques for invertebrate exoskeleton repair. With simple techniques and using items found in most homes, clients can be guided through basic first-aid procedures to prevent fatalities from hemolymph loss until the animal can be properly attended by a clinician.

Sperchon fuxiensis Zhang, 2017 was published as a new species based on females alone. Two males of Sperchon were found in the same locality during our recent collection. The males resemble S. fuxiensis female in the integument pattern, excretory pore and the palps shape, but the chitinous plates of both dorsum and venter differ greatly. The males were paired with the female of S. fuxiensis using DNA barcoding, revealing unusual sexual dimorphism in the species. Descriptions and illustrations of the male of S. fuxiensis are given in the present study. Species identification based on the full-length DNA barcoding (658bp) of COI in water mites is also discussed.

O feijão-espada (Canavalia gladiata) é uma leguminosa cujas sementes apresentam dormência tegumentar, o que afeta o estabelecimento da cultura e a determinação da sua qualidade fisiológica. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho consistiu em estudar pré-tratamentos das sementes conducentes à quebra de dormência das sementes, pela germinação e desempenho das plântulas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com doze tratamentos e quatro repetições por modalidade e 25 sementes por repetição. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por: escarificação mecânica; imersão em ácido sulfúrico concentrado (10, 50, 90 e 130 minutos); imersão em água a 60°C (60 e 120 segundos); imersão em água a 100°C (30 e 60 segundos); imersão em álcool (30 e 60 minutos); e testemunha. Foram avaliadas a germinação e o vigor (índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento e massa seca de parte aérea e raiz). Entre os tratamentos para a quebra de dormência, destacou-se a imersão em água a 100°C durante 30 segundos. As avaliações de índice de velocidade de germinação, massa seca de parte aérea e raiz detectaram diferenças no vigor das sementes de feijão-espada., Revista de Ciências Agrárias, vol. 40 n.º 4 (2017)

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry is equipped to perform several important functions. One of these functions is the protection of the underlying structures of the entire digestive tract and minimization of the translocation of materials that may be inimical to the health of the bird. The GIT also plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and houses a vast array of microbiota with the potential to impact gut health. Strengthening the GIT involves early and proper establishment of the gut's physical, microbiological, secretory and immunological components to build strong intestinal barriers against potentially harmful organisms. As such, a strong and healthy gut, characterized by proper intestinal functionality, integrity and immunity, is essential for superior performance and overall well-being of the bird. To meet this goal, timely and balanced nutrition is important and is essential early in the life of the birds. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the impact of nutrition on the health of the GIT of poultry. Nutrition approaches for fostering a healthy gut include the maintenance of a healthy mucous layer throughout the GIT. Research has shown that adequate supply of dietary protein (amino acid) and specific carbohydrates are important for a healthy mucous layer. Also, early nutrition, both in ovo feeding and access to feed within the first 24 h post-hatch, has been shown to quicken the development and the establishment of the GIT and its associated organs. A healthy inside is a reflection of the integrity and functionality of the tight junction proteins that selectively allow the passage of nutrients across the intestinal epithelium layer into the mucosal layer while excluding agents that may be harmful to the bird. Research continues to show that cultivating a healthy microbial population in the GIT is important for the bird to thrive. Feed supplements such as pre- and probiotics have been supplemented to poultry diets for this purpose. However, the total withdrawal of antibiotics from poultry feed creates new challenges as well as more opportunities for cutting-edge research on the best approaches for improving gut health without the use of antibiotics.

Seed coat plays an important role in the embryo protection and seed germination. This study aimed to characterize the anatomical structure, histochemical and physicochemical aspects of the seed coat of Araucaria angustifolia Kuntze. Light and scanning microscopy usual procedures, and histochemical tests were used to describe and characterize seed layers, as well as to determine their extractive contents. Functional groups of the integument coat layers were observed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Color analyses were performed in CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space. Wettability of the layers was evaluated by contact angle analysis. The anatomical and chemical features observed in the seed layers include the rucose cuticle and the presence of many layers of sclerenchyma in the mesotesta; and the chromaticity due to extractive content and phenolic compounds in the endotesta. The wettability varied among layers according to their structure. These features information contribute to a better understanding on the services provided by the Araucaria angustifolia seed coat.

The skin as the biggest organ of human body plays the crucial role in protection and defence. Any kind of the skin injury leads to functional imbalance, whereas severe damage can be associated with human disability or even death. At the same time, the skin injury initiates the mechanisms of curbing damage and subsequently inducing repair. Repair of the skin wounds is a complex multiphase process that comprises the dynamic series of overlapping phases and involves numerous cell subsets, inflammatory mediators, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteolytic enzymes and other signal molecules aimed at the closure of the skin defect and, as a result, the restoration of the integrity of the integument. The process of wound healing goes through several phases: inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. These phases are orchestrated by the interplay of the cells participating in each phase and molecules produced by these cells. Due to the growing body of scientific research, plenty of information about the cellular and molecular regularities of the healing process is available. However this does not reduce the number of patients with delayed healing or non-healing chronic wounds. That is why wound healing violation is still the actual problem of current medicine. The aim of this work was to assess the current data concerning the cellular determinants, and molecular mechanisms of the wound healing. In addition to discussing the mechanisms of the cell populations’ exchange, the authors address questions of the ability to predict and manage the wound healing. The new strategies, including biotechnologies and cellular technologies in particular are discussed. Further investigation of the kinetics of different cell lines will allow detailing the role and mechanisms of different intercellular cooperation that is a prerequisite for the development of a new process of wound management strategy.

The essential diagnostic characters of the adults and larvae of four Xylomya species are discussed. The female of X. sordida (Pl.) is redescribed based on the holotype. The previously unknown larva and female of X. yasumatsui (Nag. et Tan.) are described, and the descriptions of X. maculata (Meig.), X. moiwana Mats., and X. czekanovskii (Pl.) are supplemented. The structure of the antenna and frontal pubescence are shown to be the main diagnostic characters for the adults. For the larvae, these are the structure and coloration of the integument and the morphology of the plate of the posterior spiracular cleft. Keys to the larvae and adults are given for four species of the Russian fauna.

A detailed protocol for chemical clearing of bee specimens is presented. Dry specimens as well as those preserved in liquid media can be cleared using this protocol. The procedure consists of a combined use of alkaline solution (KOH or NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by the boiling of the cleared specimens in 60–70% EtOH. Clearing is particularly useful for internal skeletal morphological research. This procedure allows for efficient study of internal projections of the exoskeleton (e.g., apodemes, furcae, phragmata, tentoria, internal ridges and sulci), but this process makes external features of the integument, as some sutures and sulci, readily available for observation as well. Upon completion of the chemical clearing process the specimens can be stored in glycerin. This procedure was developed and evaluated for the preparation of bees and other Apoidea, but modifications for use with other insect taxa should be straightforward after some experimentation on variations of timing of steps, concentration of solutions, temperatures, and the necessity of a given step. Comments on the long-term storage, morphological examination, and photodocumentation of cleared specimens are also provided. Keywords: Apidae, Apoidea, Comparative morphology, Hymenoptera, Internal morphology

The gynoecium and ovule morphogenesis in Cerasus, Microcerasus and Amygdalus was studied. Pseudomonomerous gynoecium consists of two carpels: a large carpel is fertile (4 ovules are formed in it, two ovules only develop, whereas the others stay at primordial stage) and a small sterile carpel (the ovules do not arise). The gynoecium in Cerasus, Microcerasus and Amygdalus may be determined as syncarpous. The ovule is hemi-anatropous, crassinucellate, unitegmic, characterized by short funiculus, massive raphe, mesochalase and hypostase. The integument is of dermal-subdermal origin. The postament and podium in the nucellus in species were studied for a first time. Embryo sac develops by Polygonum-type. Refs 26. Figs 3.