Data on growth performance and nutritional composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry fed with Chlamydomonas sp.

A feeding trial spanning two months was conducted to evaluate the effects of Chlamydomonas sp. on growth performance, water quality, survival, proximate composition and biochemical profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) where fishmeal was partially replaced using Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet. Twenty uniform-sized common carp fries were distributed into triplicate groups and placed in 40-liter rectangular glass tanks. Chlamydomonas sp. was added at different levels in the diet: 0 % (control), 5 % (C5), 10 % (C10), 15 % (C15) along with the commercial feed (CMF). After the experiment, random sampling of fish was performed to conduct all the analyses. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were found in the chemical water quality parameters. The highest survival rate was recorded from C15 (81.67 %) followed by C10 (71.67 %), CMF (63.33 %) and C5 (58.33 %) respectively compared with the control (43.2 %). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) observed among all the treatments in terms of Average Daily Gains (ADG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and length increments. Protein content ranged the highest and the lowest in C15 (35.6 %) and control (24.8 %) respectively. The C15 group showed the highest lipid content (15.7 %) and the control group showed the lowest lipid (8.4 %). The inclusion of Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet had a significant positive impact on the fatty acid and amino acid profile of whole common carp. Present data revealed that substituting a portion of fishmeal with Chlamydomonas sp. powder could provide higher growth performance, offering both nutritional benefits and higher survival rate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Quality evaluation of improved and traditionally dried Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) through biochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic analysis.

The study was conducted to compare the quality and shelf life of traditionally dried (collected from the local markets) Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) with improved dried products (produced using a newly developed fish dryer) to assess its suitability. The quality of these products was evaluated through organoleptic, water reconstitution, nutritional, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. The organoleptic quality of improved dried fish was excellent while those produced traditionally were with grayish and dark brown color, rancid odor, and soft and fragile texture with insect infestation. The water reconstitution properties of the improved dried sample were 75.71% and 89.39% at room temperature and 80 °C, respectively, which were comparatively higher than the traditional dried products. The protein, ash, and contents were significantly higher in improved dried fish products while the lipid and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) content were much lower than those of market-dried samples. The total viable counts (TVC) of bacteria were significantly higher in the traditional products which indicated poor quality. To find out the best storage method, dried fish was kept at three different conditions: in the open air at room temperature, in a sealed pack at room temperature, and a sealed pack at refrigeration temperature (4 °C). The shelf life of the products in different storage conditions was evaluated by estimating their moisture, protein, lipid, ash, TVB-N, and TVC values. The products kept at 4 °C temperature was found almost unaltered in terms of their nutritional properties after 4-months storage period. Results indicated that the newly developed fish dryer produced high-quality dried fish products with longer shelf life can be expected if the dried fish is stored at 4 °C refrigeration temperature. Our findings will be a valuable tool for the fish processors to ease the fish drying process and its storage that will enable them to commercially supply good quality dried Harpodon nehereus in the market chain at a low-cost.

Microbial sensitivity of the common pathogens for UTIs are declining in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients in Bangladesh: An institution-based retrospective study.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most recurrent infections in the community and healthcare settings. Although many studies related with microbial sensitivity (MS) of uropathogens (UPs) to antibiotics have been done in Bangladesh, no conclusive study has compared antibiotic sensitivity (AS) to UPs in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The aim of the study is to find out whether there is a difference in AS in common UPs between diabetic and non-diabetic UTI patients. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 833 patients. The data was collected from different diagnostic centers located within Dhaka city in Bangladesh, and the data was analyzed using convenient statistical tools. Results: We have studied a total of 833 UTI patients. Out of 833 patients, 664 were diabetic and 169 were non-diabetic patients respectively. Among the studied population, females were found to be more inclined to have UTIs as compared to males. E. coli was found to be the leading UPs in our study. Patients within the age of 20-34 were more vulnerable to UTI in both groups. Imipenem and meropenem showed 100% sensitivity against E. coli, Staphylococcus and Klebsiella in non-diabetic patients, while both antibiotics showed lower sensitivity to the same organisms in diabetic patients. Antibiotics like nitrofurantoin (p ≤ 0.0002), ceftazidime (p ≤ 0.0124) and ceftriaxone (p ≤ 0.0168) showed less sensitivity to E. coli in diabetic UTI patients as compared to non-diabetic UTI patients. Overall sensitivity patterns elucidated that all the studied antibiotics, except ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, showed lower sensitivity against UPs in diabetic while compared to non-diabetic UTI patients (p= <0.05 to 0.0001). Conclusion: We found significant difference in microbial sensitivity in patients with diabetes compared to non-diabetic UTI patients. Diabetes changes the pathophysiological state of the uropathogens leading to the declining sensitivity of the antibiotics in diabetic patients with UTIs.

Data on growth performance, proximate composition, and fatty acid content of edible oyster (Crassostrea spp.), farmed on shellstring along Cox's Bazar Coast.

Data on growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of Edible oysters (Crassostrea spp.) were collected to evaluate the spatial variation in growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of oyster. The oyster was farmed on shellstring for 120 days in the three sites: Nunia chara, Chowfoldandy and Sonadia Island. Oysters were marked into six different age classes: T1: 31-45 days; T2: 46-60 days; T3: 61-75 days; T4: 76-90 days; T5: 91-105 days and T6: 106-120 days. Data on environmental variables were collected in every 15 days. Oysters were collected for physical measurements and biochemical analysis after 120 days. Data on growth performance showed spatial variation. Withal, data on proximate composition and fatty acid content were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three sites. This data could contribute in oyster aquaculture development.

Identifying hotspots for antibiotic resistance emergence and selection, and elucidating pathways to human exposure: Application of a systems-thinking approach to aquaculture systems.

Aquaculture systems are highly complex, dynamic and interconnected systems influenced by environmental, biological, cultural, socio-economic and human behavioural factors. Intensification of aquaculture production is likely to drive indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat or prevent disease and increase productivity, often to compensate for management and husbandry deficiencies. Surveillance or monitoring of antibiotic usage (ABU) and antibiotic resistance (ABR) is often lacking or absent. Consequently, there are knowledge gaps for the risk of ABR emergence and human exposure to ABR in these systems and the wider environment. The aim of this study was to use a systems-thinking approach to map two aquaculture systems in Vietnam - striped catfish and white-leg shrimp - to identify hotspots for emergence and selection of resistance, and human exposure to antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. System mapping was conducted by stakeholders at an interdisciplinary workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam during January 2018, and the maps generated were refined until consensus. Thereafter, literature was reviewed to complement and cross-reference information and to validate the final maps. The maps and component interactions with the environment revealed the grow-out phase, where juveniles are cultured to harvest size, to be a key hotspot for emergence of ABR in both systems due to direct and indirect ABU, exposure to water contaminated with antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and duration of this stage. The pathways for human exposure to antibiotics and ABR were characterised as: occupational (on-farm and at different handling points along the value chain), through consumption (bacterial contamination and residues) and by environmental routes. By using systems thinking and mapping by stakeholders to identify hotspots we demonstrate the applicability of an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to characterising ABU in aquaculture. This work provides a foundation to quantify risks at different points, understand interactions between components, and identify stakeholders who can lead and implement change.

[6]-Gingerol, from Zingiber officinale, potentiates GLP-1 mediated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion pathway in pancreatic ß-cells and increases RAB8/RAB10-regulated membrane presentation of GLUT4 transporters in skeletal muscle to improve hyperglycemia in Leprdb/db type 2 diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: [6]-Gingerol, a major component of Zingiber officinale, was previously reported to ameliorate hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice. Endocrine signaling is involved in insulin secretion and is perturbed in db/db Type-2 diabetic mice. [6]-Gingerol was reported to restore the disrupted endocrine signaling in rodents. In this current study on Leprdb/db diabetic mice, we investigated the involvement of endocrine pathway in the insulin secretagogue activity of [6]-Gingerol and the mechanism(s) through which [6]-Gingerol ameliorates hyperglycemia. METHODS: Leprdb/db type 2 diabetic mice were orally administered a daily dose of [6]-Gingerol (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. We measured the plasma levels of different endocrine hormones in fasting and fed conditions. GLP-1 levels were modulated using pharmacological approaches, and cAMP/PKA pathway for insulin secretion was assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA in isolated pancreatic islets. Total skeletal muscle and its membrane fractions were used to measure glycogen synthase 1 level and Glut4 expression and protein levels. RESULTS: 4-weeks treatment of [6]-Gingerol dramatically increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and improved glucose tolerance. Plasma GLP-1 was found to be significantly elevated in the treated mice. Pharmacological intervention of GLP-1 levels regulated the effect of [6]-Gingerol on insulin secretion. Mechanistically, [6]-Gingerol treatment upregulated and activated cAMP, PKA, and CREB in the pancreatic islets, which are critical components of GLP-1-mediated insulin secretion pathway. [6]-Gingerol upregulated both Rab27a GTPase and its effector protein Slp4-a expression in isolated islets, which regulates the exocytosis of insulin-containing dense-core granules. [6]-Gingerol treatment improved skeletal glycogen storage by increased glycogen synthase 1 activity. Additionally, GLUT4 transporters were highly abundant in the membrane of the skeletal myocytes, which could be explained by the increased expression of Rab8 and Rab10 GTPases that are responsible for GLUT4 vesicle fusion to the membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study reports that GLP-1 mediates the insulinotropic activity of [6]-Gingerol, and [6]-Gingerol treatment facilitates glucose disposal in skeletal muscles through increased activity of glycogen synthase 1 and enhanced cell surface presentation of GLUT4 transporters.

Study of antimicrobial activities of chitinases from a potato prototype cultivated in Bangladesh

Chitinases (designated as SPCs) were isolated from „Shilbilati‟ potatoes, a potato prototype cultivated in Bangladesh by affinity chromatography on a chitin column. SPCs agglutinated rat erythrocytes at the minimum concentration of 7 μg/mL and showed toxicity against brine shrimp nauplii with the LC50 value of 20 μg/mL. The chitinases also agglutinated seven bacterial strains among the twelve as studied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi were the most sensitive towards the SPCs and were agglutinated at 1.2, 2.5 and 5.0 μg/mL protein concentrations respectively. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that SPCs showed inhibitory activity against the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi. Antifungal activity was investigated by the disc diffusion method. Five fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium vasinfectum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus) and two fungal genus (Penicillium and Mucor sp.) were examined in the assay. SPCs showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Fusarium vasinfectum and Penicillium sp.

Anti-edema effects of brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) extract on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced mouse ear inflammation.

The brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, urination problems, lumps and swelling, and as a dietary supplement for post-childbirth women. We examined the anti-inflammatory activities of the seaweed. The methanol extract of the seaweed was active against mouse ear edema induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), with an IC(50) of 10.3 mg/ml. The extract reduced the edema to a half-maximal level when applied at the concentration of 40 mg/ml within 3 hours before or 2 hours after application of PMA. Extract taken from the blade section of the seaweed demonstrated the highest activity. The Northern form of U. pinnatifida was more active than the Southern form. In the analgesic test, the methanol extract suppressed the acetic acid-induced writhing response, with an IC(50) of 0.48 g/kg body weight. The extract also demonstrated antipyretic activity in yeast-induced hyperthermic mice. Activity-related constituents were arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and stearidonic acids.

Purification and Characterization of Intracellular Cellulase from Aspergillus oryzae ITCC-4857.01

Purification and characterization of intracellular cellulase produced by A. oryzae ITCC-4857.01 are reported. The enzyme was purified by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose followed by Gel filtration. The purification achieved was 41 fold from the crude extract with yield of 27%. The purified enzyme showed single band on poly acrylamide gel. The molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration was 38 KDa and 38.6 KDa respectively and contained only one subunit. The enzyme is glycoprotien as nature and contained 0.67% neutral sugar. The apparent Km value of the enzyme against cellulose was 0.83%. The enzyme showed the highest relative ativities on CMC followed by avicel, salicin and filter paper. The optimum pH of activity was 5.5 and very slight activity was observed at or above pH 7.5 as well as bellow pH 3.5. The optimum tempreture of the activity was 45degrees C and the highest activity was exhibited in 35 to 45degrees C. The enzyme lost their activities almost completely (95~100%) at 80 degrees C or above and as well as bellow 25degrees C.

Effects of the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida on erythematous inflammation assessed using digital photo analysis.

The brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar produced potent inhibition of erythematous inflammation assessed using digital photo analysis. The analysis technique was validated by laser speckle flowgraphy and blood vessel contraction. The methanol extract suppressed erythema by 50% when applied within 1 h before or 15 min after application of phorbol myristate acetate. Erythema reduction to half-maximal values took 12 h with the extract, compared with 25 h with the vehicle. The blade part of the thallus showed the highest activity, while the northern type of U. pinnatifida had slightly higher activity than the southern type. The active constituents were stearidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These findings reinforce the claims of the health care industry and indigenous medicine that U. pinnatifida can be used as a health food and remedy for inflammation-related symptoms.

Isolation of two anti-inflammatory and one pro-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida.

Two anti-inflammatory omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of stearidonic acid (SA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and one pro-inflammatory omega-6 PUFA of arachidonic acid (AA) were isolated from the edible brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida. SA was active against mouse ear inflammation induced by phorbol myristate acetate, with IC50 values of 160, 314, and 235 microg per ear for edema, erythema, and blood flow, respectively. EPA was also active against edema, erythema, and blood flow, with IC50 values of 230, 462, and 236 microg per ear, respectively. Although AA at low concentrations showed anti-inflammatory activities when measured 10 h later, AA doses of more than 243 microg per ear induced inflammatory symptoms 1 h later. Mature thalli generally had larger amounts of PUFAs than young thalli. The algal blade contained more omega-3 PUFAs than were found in other parts, while the holdfast contained extremely high amounts of AA. Late-season thalli showed increased amounts of PUFAs, especially AA.