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The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most widespread viral infections of humans. HBV causes acute and chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis leads to hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a significant cause of death. DNA-based immunization programs to control the spread of Hepatitis B in developing countries are costly and require special storage and transportation. The alternative way is to express Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in plants to develop oral vaccines. In this study, HBsAg gene was isolated, cloned, and then transformed in tomato plants. The transgenic tomato plants were confirmed through RT-qPCR. HBsAg expression was analysed in mature green and red stages of tomato fruit through quantitative real-time PCR. It was observed that expression of HBsAg was high in matured red tomato as compared to mature green. The present study is the first step to developing Solanum lycopersicum as an edible vaccine production system in this world region.

A detailed taxonomic study of fossil ruminants from three localities of the Chinji Formation, Lower Siwaliks of the Siwalik Group, Pakistan has been carried out. These fossil sites; Dhok Bun Ameer ...

In an epoch of escalating number of antibiotic-resistance bacteria, there is a dire need to develop efficient and novel feeding strategies for animal nutrition as alternatives to antibiotics. Here, implicating nutrigenomic approach, phytobiotics and organic acids were used to evaluate ghrelin gene expression levels, gut microflora composition, performance parameters and intestinal histomorphological changes in broiler chickens. One-day-old chicks (n = 315) were reared for 42 days and distributed randomly into five experimental groups; each with three replicates (21 birds per replicate). Experimental groups were control: basal diet only, antimicrobial growth promoter: 40 g/metric ton of basal diet (virginiamycin), organic acids: 4 kg/metric ton of basal diet, phytobiotics: 3 kg/metric ton of basal diet, combination: 7 kg/metric ton of basal diet (organic acids 4 kg and phytobiotics 3 kg metric ton of feed). Growth performance, histological and ghrelin gene expression analysis were executed on 21 and 42 days while, quantitative bacterial analysis of cecum and ileum was performed on day 42. Increased feed intake and body weight (p

The cytotoxicity in freshwater fishes due to different industrial dyes in industrial effluents is a major worldwide issue. Hematoxylin dye has a wide range of uses in textile industries and laboratories. This study was aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of hematoxylin's sublethal effect in vitro in Cirrhinus mrigala. The fish was exposed to different grading concentrations of dye in the aquarium. Fish were sacrificed and dissected to remove the kidney after exposure to hematoxylin dye for specific time intervals. Nephrotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by this dye were detected through histopathology by using the paraffin wax method. Immediate mortality of fish was noticed against the exposure to 0.08 g/L (LC50) concentration of dye, but at 0.008 mg/L and 0.018 mg/L, it showed tremendous tissue damage in the kidneys, significant reduction in fish growth. This dye induced many alterations in the kidney such as tubular degeneration, vacuolation, shrinkage of a glomerulus, reduced lumen, congestion in the kidney, glomerulonephritis, absence of Bowmen space, necrosis of the hematopoietic interstitial tissues, clogging of tubules, necrosis in the glomerulus and increased space between glomerulus and bowmen's capsule. Although this dye has a wide range of biological and industrial applications, a minute amount of hematoxylin released in effluents is quite toxic to aquatic fauna.

This study presents ethanol's fabrication by fermenting the golden trumpet flower (Allamanda schottii L) with the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The changes in different parameters during fermentation were studied and optimized while producing the ethanol and the end product was subjected to emission test study by blending petrol and ethanol. The Allamanda floral substrate contains 65% polysaccharides. The strain S. cerevisiae was obtained in the form of baker’s yeast from a domestic shop. For 100 ml of slurry, the highest bioethanol yield recorded was about 18.75 ml via optimization of different culture conditions, including a 1:8 ratio for slurry preparation, maintained under 35 ⁰C, 5.5 pH, 72 h. old inoculum with a quantity of 3.75 g 100 ml−1, fermented for120 h. The highest yield of bioethanol was acquired under the addition of urea. This technique & design is capable of industrial-scale fabrication of bioethanol by using A. schottii floral substrates. This research was conducted to fabricate ethanol by fermentation (A. schottii L) floral substrate with S. cerevisiae. The optimum physiochemical parameters required to obtain the highest yield of bioethanol from A. schottii flower by fermentation was studied. The immobilization strategy with a cheap agricultural substrate and magnetic nanoparticles were also studied. The engine performance and emission studies were done with different blends of petrol and bio-ethanol.

Pollution is severely threatening the wetland habitats. Heavy metals are one among of the major pollutants in wetland habitats. The cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn), were assessed in the water, sediment, benthic species (polychaetes, mollusc and crustaceans), prawn and fishes. The assessment of heavy metals was done by using double-beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Hg, Cr and Co were greater in sediment, Ni and Cd were higher in polychaetes and molluscs respectively. However, the Cu and Pb greater in crabs and the Zinc was greater in fishes. The concentration of metals showed significant differences among the various sources examined (P 0.05). The inter-correlational analysis among the metals assessed from the various sources showed that the Cr and Pb not correlated among the eight metals examined. However, the Cu and Co were correlated with Hg (r = 0.307) and (r = 0.788) respectively. The nickel was correlated with Hg (r = 0.367), Cu (r = 0.362) and Co (r = 0.432). The Zinc was correlated with the Cd (r = 0.331) and Hg (r = 0.737). However, correlation of metals among the different sources shown that the metals of polychaetes correlated with sediment r = 0.637, the metals of crabs correlated with the sediment and polychaetes r = 0.630 and r = 842 respectively, the metals of molluscs was also correlated with sediment (r = 0.636), polychaetes (r = 0.889) and crabs (r = 0.894). In addition to that the metals of prawns was correlated with the polychaetes (r = 839), crabs (r = 0.628) and molluscs (r = 0.634). The metals of fishes correlated with polychaetes (r = 0.529), crabs (r = 0.710), molluscs (r = 0.493) and prawns (r = 0.593). Indeed the multiple regression model explained that the metals of sediments influence the accumulation of metals in biotic species such as polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans, prawns and fishes with 84% (F = 21.079; p Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu > Cd. The study found that the level of heavy metals at various sources in the sanctuary is showing considerable warning and the sanctuary is required intensive assessment on various aspects of pollution since the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is supporting several species of migratory and endangered shorebirds seasonally.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a Potential nephrotoxin that causes severe and prolonged chemical toxicity. Investigations have been accomplished on numerous species of genus Artemisia, but the plant Artemisia brevifolia has hardly been used in this respect. The present study was considered to ascertain the effects of “Artemisia brevifolia plant extract” against CCl4 prompted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were allocated into eight groups containing 6 rats in each. Group I was the control group. Group II was given dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (1 ml/kg) orally. Group III was treated with dissolved CCl4 in olive oil (1 ml/kg). Group IV was given CCl4 + Silymarine. Group V and VI were administered with Artemisia brevifolia extract (150 and 300 mg/kg respectively) + CCl4. Group VII and VIII were provided with only 150 and 300 mg/kg extract of Artemisia brevifolia respectively. Results displayed that CCl4 administration significantly (p

Metals are major toxic elements and cause various diseases and damage shorebirds. The study envisaged the heavy metals content in the feathers of shorebirds, prey, water, and sediment from Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF). Primary feathers of shorebirds species such as Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Painted Stork were collected and analyzed the following metals viz., Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn. The levels of Hg, Cr, Pb and Ni varied significantly among the metals studied (p Eurasian Curlew > Curlew sandpiper. However, in the habitat, Cd, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zi varied significantly between water and sediment (p

The entomofauna survey and its toxicity of Blumea mollis (Asteraceae) leaf aqueous extract-mediated (Bm-LAE) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were assessed against selected human vector mosquitoes (HVMs). A total of 1800 individuals of 29 species belongs to 7 genera were identified. Month-wise and Genus-wise abundance of HVMs larval diversity were calculated and one-way ANOVA statistically analyzed the average physico-chemical characteristics. The relationship between physicochemical characteristics and HVMs larvae in KWS was interpreted. The total larval density and container index were 23530.18 and 1961.85 examined against 10 different containers. Various spectroscopic and microscopic investigation characterized Bm-AgNPs.The Bm- AgNPs tested against HVMs larvae, the predominant LC50/LC90 values of 18.17/ 39.56, 23.45/42.49 and 21.82/40.43 μg/mL were observed on An. subpictus Cx. vishnui and Ae. vittatus, respectively. The findings of this investigation, improperly maintained drainages, containers and unused things in study sites, are engaged to HVMs development. This will be essential for designing and implementing HVMs control. The larval toxic potentiality of Bm- AgNPs had a prompt, inexpensive and compelling synthesis of multi-disperse action against HVMs.

Aedes mosquitoes are the most important group of vectors that transmit pathogens, including arboviruses, and cause human diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya. Biosynthesis and the use of green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a vital step to identify reliable and eco-friendly controls for these vectors. In this study, Aedes (Ae.) aegypti larvae (2nd and 3rd instar) were exposed to leaf extracts of Ricinus communis (Castor) and AgNPs synthesized from the extract to evaluate their larvicidal potential. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XRD). Ae. aegypti larvae were treated with different concentrations (50–250 ppm) of the leaf extract and synthesized AgNPs. There were five replicates per treatment, in addition to a positive (temephos) and negative control (dechlorinated water). Mortality was recorded after 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and the data were subjected to Probit analysis. The nanoparticles were more toxic (LC50 = 46.22 ppm and LC90 = 85.30 ppm) than the plant extract (106.24 and 175.73 ppm, respectively). The leaf extracts of Ricinus communis were subjected to HPLC analysis to identify their chemical constituents. This study suggests that plant extracts and synthesized nanoparticles are excellent alternatives to hazardous chemical pesticides used to control vector mosquitoes. This is a potentially useful technique that can reduce aquatic toxicity from insecticide use.

The investigations on the role of dietary micronutrient(s), such as selenium, has recently emerged as the fixate of researchers, notably in aquaculture. Our study aimed at investigation of the impact of dietary selenium on growth and digestive enzymes (DE) activity in juvenile tilapia. Three iso-nitrogenous diets with a sequential increase of selenium doses viz. 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 8 (T3) mg/kg of fish feed, and selenium-deficient (T4) feed were dispensed in independent treatments. The juvenile fish growth and enzyme activities showed direct links to selenium dose. The T1 illustrated significantly higher (P

Bio-fabrication of metal nanocrystals can be achieved using eco-friendly and cost-effective routes with plants as reducing and capping mediators. A rapid and simple method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the plant Alstonia venenata (R. Br.) (Family: Apocynaceae) was investigated. The mosquito larvicidal potential and the effect of the A. venenata aqueous leaf extract and AgNPs on non-target fish and insects were evaluated. The AgNPs were studied using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM, and XRD analysis. The larvicidal effectiveness on early third instar larvae was higher for the AgNPs than the plant extract; this was observed by testing on Anopheles stephensi (LC50 = 12.28 µg/mL), Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 13.49 µg/mL), and Culex quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 14.50 µg/mL). Furthermore, the plant extract and AgNPs were found to be safe for the environment-friendly Gambusia affinis fish, and Anisops bouvieri and Diplonychus indicus aquatic insects. This study confirmed that A. venenata is a potential bio-resource for the fabrication of nanocrystals as an effective mosquito control tool with negligible harmful on aquatic fish and insects in the environment.

Bioengineered green approaches of metal nanomaterials plays an extensive role against current environmental affairs and clinical pathogens. In the current exploration, biomolecule loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were engineered by microwave irradiation mode using the leaf extracts of Ludwigia octovalvis and characterized by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. FTIR revealed feasible biomolecules available in capping and bioreduction of AgNPs. XRD result clearly pinpoints the crystallinity of the synthesized AgNPs. FESEM analysis taped that AgNPs were found to be polyhedrons in nature with average size 28–50 nm. The antimicrobial properties of AgNPs was investigated against different bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus epidermidis). A potential anti-biofilm activity of phytocompounds loaded AgNPs against P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis were recorded. As well, the enhanced decolouration action of AgNPs were detected against deadly pollutant dyes Alizarin red, Congo red, Methylene blue and Rhodamine b. The outcome undoubtedly indicated that the AgNPs may be considered as an successful nano based therapeutic drug for various diseases caused by pathogens and vigorous catalytic agent against toxic dyes.

The main objective of the present study is to determine lead toxicity on various sizes of zebra fish in soft and hard water. Lead toxicity analysis was carried out in the laboratory trials for four days at various concentrations for the determination of LC50 value. Zebra fish was grouped into various sizes (G1-G4) and treated with lead for 96 h. Lead induced toxicity and induced various behavioural changes in Zebra fish. In the case of G1 (1.5 ± 0.2 cm length) fish the LC50 values ranged from 27.2 ± 1.8 mg/L to 9.7 ± 1.3 mg/L. In G2 (2.0 ± 0.2 cm length) fish, the LC50 value was 37.01 ± 2.3 mg/L and it reduced as 32.03 ± 3.4 mg/L after 48 h. In G3 group (2.5 ± 0.2 cm length fish), LC50 value was 38.78 ± 2.4 mg/L after 24 h treatment and this value decreased as 33.18 ± 1.1 mg/L after 48 h. After 72 h, LC50 value was 27.2 ± 2.1 mg/L and this value decreased considerably after 96 h (18.3 ± 2.1 mg/L) in G4 (3.0 ± 0.2 cm length) fish. Further, G4 fish was treated with lead in hard water and LC50 value was analyzed. LC50 value was observed as 28.62 ± 2.7 mg/L in hard water and the same fish group (G4) showed 18.3 ± 2.1 mg/L after 96 h. Toxicity analysis revealed that lead is less toxic in hard water than in soft water. Keywords: Lead, Toxicity, Water hardness, Zebra fish

Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a satisfactory potential candidate for controlling Parthenium hysterophorus L. The study was conducted in order to evaluate the bio-control potential of Z. bicolorata to satisfactory reduced the density of parthenium weed in natural field conditions. Therefore, beetles were released in the twelve study sites @ 12 adults and/or larvae/m2 in their respective sites on 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th day after initial field releases. Observations were made on defoliation by the beetle, perthenium plant height, plant biomass, leaf injury rating and soil seed reservoir. Present study showed that field releases of Z. bicolorata considerably lowering down the parthenium density at all treated sites. At larval release sites by the 60th day of observation a complete defoliation was noted, however at adult release sites it took 80 days for complete defoliation. Moreover, significantly higher number of developmental stages i.e. eggs, larvae and adults were noted in the adults released sites than to larval released sites and the controls. It was also noted that plant height and its density, flowers & leaves production, biomass of parthenium plant and seed reservoir in soil was negatively affected in treated sites as compared to untreated sites. Thus, we have concluded that adults can be utilized in biocontrol program because population build-up was greater in those sites where adults were released.

In this study, 104 bacteria were isolated from the gut of Penaeus indicus. The morphologically different bacterial isolates were screened for probiotic properties. The strain D5 showed potent activity against various bacteria. The isolated strain Bacillus subtilis showed 17 mm zone of inhibition against Bacillus sp., 19 mm against Pseudomonas sp., 22 mm against Vibrio sp., and 22 mm against Micrococcus sp. The bacterial growth and bacterocin production in relation with incubation time was evaluated. Bacteriocin production was found to be high at the stationary phase and reduced considerably after fifth day. Bacterial growth and bacterocin production was maximum at pH 7.0 and optimum between pH 6.0 and 8.0. Incubation temperature is one of the important factors which significantly influences on the growth and production of bacteriocin. Bacterial growth and bacterocin production (17 ± 2 mm) were maximum at 30 °C. Glucose stimulated growth and bacterocin production (21 ± 3 mm). Among the supplemented nitrogen sources, glycine positively influenced on growth and metabolite production. In this study, bacteriocin supplemented diet enhanced the growth than control shrimp Bacteriocin was administered at various doses ranged between 10 and 50 mg/100 gm level. Shrimp length was 3.3 ± 0.13 cm and shrimp weight was 9.7 ± 0.12 g in 100 mg. The present finding revealed enhanced growth at high bacteriocin concentration. At 2 × 102 CFU/100 g probiotics in feed, the juvenile shrimp attained 16.8 ± 0.11 g after 40 days. The weight gain was 16.8 ± 0.11 CFU/100 g at 10 × 102 CFU/100 g probiotic concentration. Keywords: Shrimp gut, Bacillus subtilis, Probiotics, Penaeus indicus, Feed conversion ratio

This study utilized genetic and morphometric approaches to assess the molecular and morphometric differentiation among commercially important species of mud crab. Molecular investigations were derived from 542 bp mitochondrial DNA COI on 249 individuals within genus Scylla from nine states in Malaysia represents four marine regions; South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Straits of Singapore and Straits of Malacca. Four specimens were obtained from Indonesia to give a robust analysis in this study. For species delimitation, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) method on a web interface was employed. Analysis on phylogenetics was implemented utilizing Neighbour joining (NJ) and Maximum Parsimony (MP) methods. The inter- and intraspecies genetic distances (Ds) was computed using Kimura 2-parameter distance and executed in MEGA version 5.05. All samples were genetically and morphologically identified and clustered into four distinct species. Among the species, S. olivacea was the most abundant (n = 111), on the other hand the occurrence of S. paramamosain in Malaysia was very low (n = 29). No single individual of S. serrata from Malaysia was recorded in this study. Both genetic distance and phylogenetic approaches exhibited a correlative monophyletic association among all specimens analysed. This present study is crucial as it reports the reassessment of all species within genus Scylla in Malaysia, eventually could be employed as a reference source for subsequent research mainly on mariculture and other conservation efforts for the species. Keywords: Scyla spp., Mud crab, Morphological identification, Molecular identification, COI

The population genetics study is crucial as it helps in understanding the epidemiological aspects of dengue and help improving a vector control measures. This research aims to investigate the population genetics structure of two common species of Aedes mosquitoes in Penang; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) marker. Molecular investigations were derived from 440 bp and 418 bp mtDNA COI on 125 and 334 larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus respectively, from 32 locations in Penang. All samples were employed in the BLASTn for species identification. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis were conducted in DnaSP version 5.10.1. AMOVA analysis was conducted in ARLEQUIN version 3.5 and the phylogenetic reconstructions based on maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) methods were implemented in MEGA X. The relationships among haplotypes were further tested by creating a minimum spanning tree using Network version 4.6.1. All samples were genetically identified and clustered into six distinct species. Among the species, Ae. albopictus was the most abundant (67.2%), followed by Ae. aegypti (25.2%) and the rest were counted for Culex sp. and Toxorhynchites sp. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus show low nucleotide diversity (π) and high haplotype diversity (h), while the neutrality test shows a negative value in most of the population for both species. There are a total of 39 and 64 haplotypes recorded for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus respectively. AMOVA analysis revealed that most of the variation occurred within population for both species. Mismatch distribution analysis showed bimodal characteristic of population differentiation for Ae. aegypti but Ae. albopictus showed unimodal characteristics of population differentiation. Genetic distance based on Tamura-Nei parameter showed low genetic divergent within population and high genetic divergent among population for both species. The maximum likelihood tree showed no obvious pattern of population genetic structure for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from Penang and a moderate to high bootstrap values has supported this conclusion. The minimum spanning network for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus showed five and three dominant haplotypes respectively, which indicates a mixture of haplotypes from the regions analysed. This study revealed that there is no population genetic structure exhibited by both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Penang. Mutation has occurred rapidly in both species and this will be challenging in controlling the populations. However, further analysis needed to confirm this statement. Keywords: Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Dengue, Molecular identification, COI, Phylogenetic

The current study was aimed to evaluate the seasonal variation in bioaccumulation of metals (Pb, Cu and Ni) in the gills, kidney, liver and muscle of Oreochromis niloticus. Sixty fish samples (average wet body weight 460.77 ± 6.22 g) were collected from the freshwater reservoir Wadi Namar Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in winter, summer, spring and autumn seasons. The heavy metals were assessed through atomic absorption. The findings of this study revealed seasonal variation in bioaccumulation of metals. In winter season minimum concentration of Pb, Cu and Ni was recorded while the highest was recorded in summer season. The order of bioaccumulation of Pb and Ni in organs was: liver > kidney > muscle > gills in and liver > gills > kidney > muscle in winter and summer, respectively. The bioaccumulation order of Cu as kidney > liver > gills > muscle and gills > kidney > liver > muscle in winter and summer, respectively. The heavy metals concentration was crossing the permissible limits suggested by WHO. Histopathological examination in kidney exhibited congestion, dilation in bowman capsule space, necrosis. Liver of the fish exhibited cytoplasmic vacuolation, necrosis, sinusoid dilation. It has been concluded that this river is heavily contaminated due to the discharge of untreated waste from industry and domestic sewage from the city and there is a dire need to control this increasing contamination. Keywords: River, Histopathology, Kidney, Liver, Heavy metals, Fish

Field isolates of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were subjected to polypeptide analysis using SDS-PAGE. On electrophoresis the NDV proteins were settled into several peptide components related to structural elements of the virus. The field isolates of NDV were recovered from different outbreaks in commercial chicken flocks. The virus grew well into 9th day old embryonated chicken eggs. The presence of virus in harvested allantoic fluids was assessed by Haemagglutination Test (HA). The HA titer of virus ranged from 1:512 to 1:1024. All the field isolates were purified by chloroform extraction method. Same quantities of samples were loaded on 12.5% discontinuous SDS-PAGE system. There were 6 to 13 polypeptides recorded with a molecular weight ranged from 12 KDa to 160 KDa. The results of SDS-PAGE denoted that the indigenous isolates of NDV are almost identical and comparable with vaccines. SDS-PAGE, using 12.5 percent gel is a simple, economical, and easy way for the characterization of NDV and other viruses. Furthermore, the potency of the vaccines can easily be checked through this technique and comparison can be made between field and vaccine ND viruses. It is recommended that more work should be done at the molecular level of local isolates of NDV to confirm the molecular nature of these isolates. Keywords: Newcastle disease virus, Chicken, SDS-PAGE, Molecular weights

The present study was conducted to prepare cost effective and environment friendly zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) by using ZnSO4·7H2O and extract of sesame seeds. Zn NPs were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction and antibacterial potential was checked by using disc diffusion method. Solution colour turned yellow which ultimately confirmed the formation of Zn NPs and seed extract was used as a reducing agent. Crystalline size of the NPs was revealed by XRD spectra i.e. 9.07 nm. Functional groups were identified by the FTIR. SEM analysis given idea about the spherical shape of NPs. Antibacterial activity of the Zn NPs against different bacteria (S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus) was measured by inhibition zone which ranged from 3.3 to 12.6 mm. Keywords: Zinc nanoparticles, Characterization, Antibacterial activity, FTIR, XRD

The issue of male sexual dysfunction arises due to numerous complications linked with sperm motility, imbalance of antioxidant enzymes and hormonal levels. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used as a standard toxin to induce chemical injury and toxicity. A lot of research has been performed on many species of the genus Nepeta in vitro and in vivo but the plant Nepeta paulsenii have been rarely used in this aspect. The current research was designed to explore the impacts of methanolic extract of the Nepeta paulsenii plant on CCl4 induced testicular impairment in male albino rats. Forty-eight rats were distributed equally into 8 groups; Control, Vehicle control, CCl4 treated (1 ml/kg), CCl4 + Silymarine treated, CCl4 + Nepeta paulsenii (200 mg/kg) treated, CCl4 + Nepeta paulsenii (400 mg/kg), Nepeta paulsenii (200 mg/kg) and Nepeta paulsenii (400 mg/kg) treated. Blood and testicles were obtained and analyzed. To check antioxidant enzymes, hormonal concentrations, daily sperm production (DSP), protein content and histopathology various analyses were performed. CCl4 exposure resulted in adverse morphological changes and significant (p

The study was implemented to actuate the qualitative and quantitative phyto constituents of Iresine herbstii extracts and its antiviral efficacy against avian ND virus. Among four tested solvents, the ethanolic extract of Iresine herbstii revealed the presence of highest quantity of all tested phytochemicals while petroleum ether extract showed the least. Folin-Ciocalteu method assessed the range of TPC extended from 81.01 ± 0.67 to 126.35 ± 0.45 µg GAE/mg. Acetonic extract showed the highest amount among all extracts and petroleum ether possessed the lower quantity. TFC ranged from 54.37 ± 0.45 to 88.12 ± 0.26 µg QE/mg followed by colorimetric method. From all extract ethanolic extract showed highest quantity and petroleum ether revealed the lower. HPLC analysis of ethanolic extract of I. herbstii confesses the presence six bioactive components by using the HP5-MS column. To check the antiviral potential of plants, different prepared treatments of plant extract and live virus were inoculated at 9 days old SPF embryonated chicken eggs. Results exposed that all plant extracts produce antiviral activity against NDV in ovo according to their potential and phytochemical profile. The highest survival rate was observed in the ethanolic extract at 400 µg/mL and acetonic extract at 300 µg/mL as it controls the NDV activity completely, evidence of absence of embryo death and HA titre. Dichloromethane and petroleum ether could not inhibit the virus completely. 600 µg/mL concentration was proved as toxic in all extracts except petroleum ether extract which showed a dose dependent pattern. Keywords: Iresine herbstii, Phytochemicals, Antiviral activity, In ovo, Newcastle disease virus

The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. W. attu showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes. Keywords: Pollution, Xenobiotics, Fish, Micronucleus, Histopathology

Taxonomic characterization of bacterial 16S rRNA gene has become an accepted norm for inference of complex microbial communities and ecological shifts in gut. Recently, 16S rRNA gene sequences has emerged as a taxonomic marker to investigate crosstalk between gut bacteria and host via variations in feed. Here, broiler chickens (n = 240) were subjected to dietary modulation approach to substitute antibiotics with natural plant-derived products. Five experimental groups were control, antibiotic growth promoter, organic acids, phytogenic feed additives and combination (organic acids + phytogenic feed additives). Bacterial DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene was amplified through polymerase chain reaction using universal primers followed by observation through gel electrophoresis and then, confirmation by direct DNA sequencing. The sequence data was analyzed for homology search, multiple sequence alignment, and construction of phylogenetic clades using software BLASTn, CLUSTAL W and MEGA 7.0. respectively. Based on the phenetic relationship, bacterial phylotypes from organic acid and phytogenic feed additive groups belongs to Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis in both cecum and ileum. The bacterial isolate obtained from antibiotic feeding group characterized as Escherichia coli. Furthermore, sequences of probiotic bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis) were retrieved from online repositories (GenBank and RDP) and aligned with indigenously isolated strains of this study. Comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence similarities (99%) of Enterococcus faecalis KIBGE AB-6 and Enterococcus faecalis KIBGE AB5 with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433, and Enterococcus faecalis DD28 respectively. Hence, under the appropriate conditions of current investigation, these bacterial strains might serve as potential candidates for probiotics in animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Pakistan depicting taxonomic classification of chicken gut bacterial diversity from cecal and ileal samples linked with dietary modulation. Keywords: 16S rRNA gene, Broiler chicken, Gut microbiota, Probiotic bacteria, Taxonomy

Here, we explored cold‐shock‐induced haploid androgenesis in Japanese pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) and analysed chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in sex determination locus and microsatellite genotypes to verify all‐male inheritance. We also observed early embryonic development to have an insight into the cytological mechanism of cold‐shock‐induced gynogenesis. The chromosome number of control group was diploid (2n = 44), while in cold‐shock group haploid (1n = 22) and triploid (3n = 66) embryos were detected. Cellular DNA content flow cytometry showed that the rate of haploid induction was 90%. One signal of nucleolar organizing region (NOR) was detected by silver nitrate staining and FISH using rDNA probe in androgenetic haploids from cold‐shock group. SNP analysis revealed that about half of haploid embryos examined had the G genotype indicating male‐specific Y chromosome. Microsatellite genotyping showed that 26 out of 29 haploid embryos from cold‐shock group exclusively inherited paternally derived genotypes. Cytological observation revealed that both second polar body and egg nucleus were located on the blastodisc surface at 60 min post fertilization in cold‐shock group, suggesting simultaneous extrusion of both nuclei.

Fish kidneys are sensitive to chemical changes in the freshwater ecosystem because they are directly and constantly exposed to chemicals dissolved in the water. This study evaluated nephrotoxicity in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala harvested from the Chenab River in an area of industrial and sewage waste disposal. Induced histological alternation data were correlated to the severity of environmental degradation in order to determine whether this biological system can be used as a tool for environmental monitoring programs. Kidneys from two fish species occupying different niches were collected and stored for 24 h in 10% formalin. Control fish were collected upstream of the polluted river area. Specimens were processed using topical histological methods. The major histological alterations observed in both species were renal tubule myxospora, hyperemia, glomerulonephritis, degeneration of renal tubule cells, dilation of glomerular capillaries, presence of pycnotic nuclei in the hematopoietic tissue, epithelial hypertrophy, vacuolization, reduced lumen of renal tubules, and shrinkage of glomeruli. Renal tubular atrophy, degeneration due to extensive degranulation, necrosis of glomeruli, glomerular expansion, absence of Bowman’s space, hypertrophied nucleus, necrosis and hyalinization of the interstitium, clogging of tubules, and regeneration of tubules was also observed. Wallago attu exhibited the maximum incidence of moderate to severe changes and was defined as having the highest “histopathologic alteration index”. These severe alterations were found to be related to environmental degradation, indicating the presence of stressors in freshwater. Control groups showed normal tissue morphology in the kidneys. Keywords: Fish, Histopathological, Pollution, Nephrotoxicity, Necrosis

Introduction: Nanoparticles (NPs) have become very important owing to their various uses. In this research, an environmentally friendly biological technique was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles with Coriandrum sativum L. The objective of this research to use the source for the fabrication of silver NPs from C. sativum L., and to check the activity of the fabricated silver NPs was determined versus a couple of gram negative and a couple of gram positive bacteria in the presence of antibiotic viz. gentamicin to judge their impact. Methodology: A silver nitrate solution, which served as the reducing and capping agent, was mingled with coriander leaf extract. The solution’s temperature and pH were maintained at 75 °C and 8.6, respectively. The observed mean particle size (z-average) and polydispersity index were 390.2 nm and 0.452, respectively. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using different techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) analysis. The globular shape of the silver nanoparticles was depicted in SEM illustrations. Results: XRD data revealed the mean size of the particles was 11.9 nm. The FTIR analysis showed the existence of various functional groups, including CO and OH. When their antibacterial ability was tested, it was found that the fabricated Ag NPs inhibited Bacillus subtilis, Pasteurella multocida, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, with a greater effect against B. subtilis and P. multocida compared to E. aerogenes and S. aureus. Conclusion: It has been concluded small silver NPs benefited from a higher surface area ratio, as shown by the results of experiments where smaller particles had a better bactericidal proficiency than large silver-based NPs. Silver-based NPs infiltrate bacterial cells, as well as interfere with their exterior membrane. Silver ions also have the potential to interact with bacterial DNA, inhibiting the reproductive system of the cell. Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Coriander leaf extract, Antimicrobial activity

This study was conducted to assess the effect of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Sn) on the fatty acid profiles of Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala collected from two polluted sites in the Chenab River and Jhelum River (non-polluted site). The heavy-metal levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the levels of Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Sn in the river water exceeded the permissible limits recommended by various international agencies. Some important fatty acids were not detected in the muscle samples of the fish species collected from the highly polluted site (HPS). Caprylic acid (C8:0) and lauric acid (C12:0) were undetectable in Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala. Palmitoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were present in Catla catla alone, and they were not found in Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala harvested from a less polluted site (LPS). More saturated fatty acids and less fatty acids were detected in the muscle samples of Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala collected from HPS than in those collected from LPS. The untreated discharge of domestic and industrial waste probably causes a reduction in the fatty acids in the biomass of microalgae and zoobenthos and, ultimately, adversely affects the upper links of the food chain in the river.

Genetic variation in fish stocks decreasing due to water pollution in the freshwater rivers, streams and canals. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and polymorphism in Oreochromis niloticus collected from the Wadi Hanefah Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by using RAPD-PCR. Total thirty fish specimens were harvested from each of four pre-determined locations of the reservoir which were designated as H1, H2, H3, and H4. Five random decamer primers were used to assess the diversity in the stock of O. niloticus. In this fish stock 48 bands were polymorphic and 12 were monomorphic. The maximum polymorphism (100%) was recorded in the fish samples procured from H4, followed by 88.75, 87.33 and 76.12% of the tilapia collected from H3, H2, and H4, respectively. Nei’s genetic distance value was ranged as 0.0005 to 0.1006. Maximum and minimum genetic distance was recorded as 0.1006 and 0.005 in tilapia harvested from H1 and H2 locations. Average heterozygosity was ranged from 0.3009 to 0.3744. This information about the genetic polymorphism of O. niloticus may be used by the concerned authorities to evolve strategies to conserve the diversity of tilapia in the country. Keywords: Genetic diversity, Tilapia, Primers, RAPD

This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information’s regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

The study is intended to deliver the incidence of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds from two important Central Asian Flyway (CAF) migratory shorebirds wintering sites such as the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) and Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF), India. Feathers of fifteen species of shorebirds and seven different metals viz., Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn were analyzed. Zn was highest in Dunlin, Little-ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, and Common sandpiper, Ni showed highest in Little ringed plover, and Common sandpiper, Co, Cr, and Cu were maximum in Little stint, Marsh sandpiper, and Dunlin, respectively. The Hg was higher in Black-winged stilt, Common redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian curlew, Lesser Sand-plover, Temminck’s stint, Kentish plover, Spotted redshank, and Wood sandpiper, the Pb found highest in Kentish plover, Painted stork, Spotted redshank, Wood sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Lesser sand-plover. The concentration of metals showed significant variations among the species of shorebirds studied (P Ni > Co > Cr > Cu > Pb > Hg. Nevertheless, the current study revealed that the level of metals in the shorebirds is alarming; since the PWLS and PMF are located along the CAF routes, it needs intensive studies on various pollutions to manage both the resident as well as migratory shorebirds.

Anglerfishes are a highly diverse group of species with unique characteristics. Here, we report the first chromosome-level genome of a species in the order Lophiiformes, the yellow goosefish (Lophius litulon), obtained by whole genome shotgun sequencing and high-throughput chromatin conformation capture. Approximately 97.20% of the assembly spanning 709.23 Mb could be anchored to 23 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 164.91 kb. The BUSCO value was 95.4%, suggesting that the quality of the assembly was high. A comparative gene family analysis identified expanded and contracted gene families, and these may be associated with adaptation to the benthic environment and the lack of scales in the species. A majority of positively selected genes were related to metabolic processes, suggesting that digestive and metabolic system evolution expanded the diversity of yellow goosefish prey. Our study provides a valuable genetic resource for understanding the mechanisms underlying the unique features of the yellow goosefish and for investigating anglerfish evolution.

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized using Manilkara zapota leaf extract. The synthesis of the nanoparticle was primarily visualized when the colour of the reaction mixture turned into reddish-brown. Biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM and EDX. The UV spectra showed maximum absorption at 584 nm. FT-IR studies showed stretching frequency at 592.76 cm−1, which is the fingerprint region for Cu-O bond. The crystallinity of the synthesized copper nanoparticles (Mz–Cu NPs) was revealed through XRD analysis. The synthesized Mz–Cu NPs were spherical with an average size of 18.9–42.5 nm and it was shown by SEM analysis. EDX analysis displayed that the nano sample contains 58 % of copper. The antimicrobial property of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against fungal plant pathogens Rhizoctonia solani (MTCC 12232), Sclerotium oryzae (MTCC 12230) and bacterial species, namely Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 23857), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Vibrio harveyi (ATCC 35084), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC 33845). In in-vitro haemolytic assay, the particle showed 5.73, 3.34, 0.5 % hemolysis at 100, 50, 25 μg/mL concentration respectively. In the antiproliferative assay, the IC50 values of MCF7 and Vero cells were found to be 53.89 and 883.69 μg/μl. The particle degraded Methyl violet, Malachite green and Coomassie brilliant blue by 92.2, 94.9 and 78.8 %, within 50, 40 and 60 min, respectively, through its photocatalytic activity.

Study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing fish meal with different levels of full fat soybean meal (FFSBM) on growth and digestive enzyme activities in the stomach, Liver and intestine for Clarias gariepinus. Four diets (D1, D2, D3 and D4) were formulated with 0, 15, 20 and 20 g 100-1 protein + DL-methionine by alternating FFSBM with fish meal. The growth of C. gariepinus was found to be significantly decreased when FFSBM replacement increased. Final body weight was 89.69, 79.70, 70.82 and 68.29 g for fish fed on D1, D2, D3 and D4, respectively, with significant differences between treatments. Specific growth rate (SGR) ranged between 3.11 to 2.78%. Proteolytic activity was higher only with alkaline pHs, whereas only very low activity was shown with acidic. Results of liver showed approximately similar results at acid and alkaline. In contrast, higher proteolytic activity in the stomach was observed at acid pHs 3.0 and 4.0 μg tyrosine-1 minute-1 mg-1 protein) whereas lower values were observed at neutral pH 7.0 g tyrosine-1 minute-1 mg-1 protein for catfish fed on the experimental diets. Moreover, trypsin activity was higher for the stomach, followed by the intestine and liver. However, higher amount of amylase observed in the liver than intestine and stomach. Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição da farinha de peixe por diferentes níveis de farelo de soja integral (FSI) sobre o crescimento e atividades de enzimas digestivas no estômago, fígado e intestino de Clarias gariepinus. Quatro dietas (D1, D2, D3 e D4) foram formuladas com 0, 15, 20 e 20 g 100-1 proteína + DL-metionina, alternando FSI com farinha de peixe. O crescimento de C. gariepinus foi significativamente reduzido quando aumentou a substituição de farinha de peixe por FSI . O peso corporal final foi de 89,69, 79,70, 70,82 e 68,29 g para peixes alimentados com D1, D2, D3 e D4, respectivamente, com diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos. Taxa de crescimento específico (TCE) variou entre 3,11 a 2,78%. A atividade proteolítica foi maior apenas com pHs alcalinos, enquanto que atividades muito baixas foram somente mostradas com ácido. Os resultados no fígado mostraram valores aproximadamente semelhantes tanto em meio ácido quanto alcalino. Em contraste, observou-se maior atividade proteolítica no estômago em pH ácido (3,0 e 4,0 g de tirosina-1 minuto-1 mg-1 de proteína), ao passo que valores mais baixos foram observados em pH neutro (7,0 g de tirosina-1 minuto-1 mg-1 de proteína) para os bagres que se alimentaram com as dietas experimentais. Além disso, a atividade da tripsina foi maior para o estômago, seguida pelo intestino e pelo fígado. No entanto, observou-se maior quantidade de amilase no fígado,intestino e estômago.

This study explored the effects of natural growth promoters (phytogenic feed additives and organic acids) on animal performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, gut microflora composition, and microbe–host interactions in broiler chickens over a 42-day feeding period. Two-hundred-fifty-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: (i) control diets (CON); (ii) control diets + 40 g/tons antibiotic growth promoter (AB); (iii) control diets + 3 kg/tons organic acids (ORG); (iv) control diets + 3 kg/tons phytogenic feed additives (PHY); (v) control diets + 3 kg/tons organic acids + phytogenic feed additive combination (COM). A non-significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in broiler performance among treatments at 21 days of age; however, a gradually increasing body weight gain and reduced feed conversion ratio were observed at 42 days in treatments versus control group. Biochemical indices were non-significant (p > 0.05) except for decreased cholesterol (p

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of fermented poultry by-product meal (FPBM) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, innate immunity, and antioxidant capacity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A basal diet containing fish meal and soybean meal was considered as a control (Con), and four other diets were produced by inclusion of 10, 20, 30, or 40% FPBM (FPBM10, FPBM20, FPBM30, and FPBM40 diets). The experiment was done in triplicates (20 fish per replicate) and the fish were fed the test diets to visual satiety twice daily for 8 weeks. The groups of fish fed the FPBM10 and FPBM20 diets showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher weight gain and specific growth rate, and lower feed conversion ratio than those fed the Con and FPBM40 diets. Moreover, inclusion of 40% FPBM led to significant reduction of feed intake compared to the other treatments. FPBM at all the tested levels improved intestinal protease activity and lipase activity was enhanced at 10–30% inclusion levels. Furthermore, the FPBM10 and FPBM20 groups revealed significantly higher amylase activity than the other treatments. The FPBM10 group exhibited significantly higher phagocytic activity than the control group and phagocytic index was enhanced by dietary inclusion of 10–30% FPBM. However, inclusion of over 30% FPBM led to significant reduction of lysozyme, phagocytic, and bactericidal activities compared to the control group. Further, FPBM10 and FPBM20 diets increased the serum IgM levels, while NBT was significantly increased by feeding FPBM10 diet compared with FPBM30 and FPBM40 groups (P < 0.05). The group fed the FPBM30 diet showed significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity than the control group. According to the analysis of the data by the polynomial regression, the inclusion of FPBM at 11.17–25.14% can be applied effectively in the diets of tilapia for better growth performance and health condition.

This investigation is aimed to study an impact of habitat degradation on proximate composition and amino acid (AAs) profile of Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala collected from polluted, non-polluted area (upstream) and a commercial fish farm. The amino acid profile was estimated by the amino acid analyzer. C. catla collected from the polluted environment had highest lipid, protein and ash contents (12.04 ± 0.01, 13.45 ± 0.01 and 0.93 ± 0.03%, respectively). The high protein content (14.73 ± 0.01 and 14.12 ± 0. 01%) was recorded in C. catla procured from non-polluted (upstream) wild habitat of River Chenab and controlled commercial fish farm. Farmed fish species showed comparatively higher moisture contents followed by upstream and polluted area fishes. C. mrigala showed significant differences in amino acid and proximate composition collected from a polluted site of the river Chenab. C. catla collected from non-polluted site of the river showed an excellent nutrient profile, followed by L. rohita (wild and farmed) and C. mrigala (polluted area), respectively. All fishes from the polluted areas of the River Chenab indicated a significant decrease in the concentration of some AAs when compared to farmed and wild (upstream) major carps. Omitting of some important AAs was also observed in the meat of fish harvested from polluted habitat of this river. C. mrigala and L. rohita exhibited a significant increase in the concentration of some of non-essential amino acids such as cysteine in their meat. The results indicated that wild fish (upstream) and farmed fish species had highest protein contents and amino acid profile and hence appeared to be the best for human consumption. The proximate composition and AAs profiles of fish harvested from the polluted area of the river clearly indicated that efforts shall be made for the restoration of habitat to continue the requirement of high quality fish meat at a low cost to the human population. Keywords: Habitat, Polluted, Non-polluted fish, Commercial, Amino acids

Owing to white meat production Labeo rohita have vast economic importance, but its population has been reduced drastically in River Chenab due to pollution. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed a merciless toxicity level of Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Sn and Hg. Comet assay results indicated significant (p

Recently, medicinal plants are achieving great interest because of their use in ethno medicine treatment of different common diseases and also other medicinal assertions are now reinforced by comprehensive scientific evidence. Almost 82 research articles and abstracts published, so far, were screened for evaluating antiviral efficiency of various plant samples and 23 different plants were found to be traditionally used against Newcastle disease (ND). ND is a most transmissible viral disease of avian species caused by virulent strain of Avula virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. The first epidemic of ND was perceived in Java, Indonesia and England in year 1926. ND causes great economic loses to the commercial poultry farmers around the world. Medicinal plants are traditionally used in the control of viral or other diseases and infections. Plants have been found useful in treating many microbial diseases in man and animals caused by bacteria and viruses. The ability to synthesize compounds retaining antiviral potential by secondary metabolism makes plants a vital source of pharmaceutical and therapeutic products, which can reduce chemotherapeutic load in birds. Current studies signify that the natural products posses a rich potential source of new antiviral compounds. Further ethnobotanical studies and laboratory investigations are established to identify species having potential to improve ND control.

Flatfish metamorphosis denotes the extraordinary transformation of a symmetric pelagic larva into an asymmetric benthic juvenile. This unique process involves eye migration, a 90° rotation in posture, and asymmetrical pigmentation for adaptation to a benthic lifestyle. In the present study, we used genetics to map a metamorphosis-related locus (q-10M) in the male linkage group (LG10M), a small interval of 0.9 cM corresponding to a 1.8 M-bp physical area in chromosome 9 in the Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Combined with single-marker analysis, ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (rps6kb2) a member of the family of AGC kinases was identified as a novel metamorphosis-related candidate gene. Its expression pattern during metamorphosis was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis. rps6kb2 gene was significantly expressed in metamorphic climax stage larvae and distributed in all the tissues transforming during metamorphosis, including tail, jaw, eye and skin of larvae. The results suggest that rps6kb2 has a general role in tissue transformations during flatfish metamorphosis including tail changes, skull remodeling, eye migration, and asymmetrical pigmentation.

Feed efficiency is an economically important trait in aquaculture, which can be measured traditionally as feed conversion ratio (FCR). Because of the difficult measurement, genome-wide selection using quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting FCR may be an alternative for genetic improvement. In the present investigation, QTLs for FCR based on two mapping panels (mirror carp and hybrid carp panels) were found in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). After that, candidate genes were identified by comparative genomics. A total of nine QTLs, two genome-wide and seven linkage group-wide, were detected in eight linkage groups (LGs) in the mirror carp panel (FAM-A, n = 68) and nine QTLs, four genome-wide and five linkage group-wide, were detected on eight linkage groups of the hybrid carp panel (FAM-B, n = 92). Two genome-wide QTLs affecting FCR were identified in two LGs (Lg1 and Lg21) in FAM-A, which explained 32.3% and 35.6% of the phenotypic variation respectively; four genome-wide QTLs affecting FCR were detected in four LGs (LG5, LG21, LG24, and LG33) in FAM-B which explained 29.3%–33.4% of the phenotypic variation. All of eight QTL regions from FAM-A were aligned to the high-resolution linkage map with whole genomic scaffold and all genes mapped on, and 18 genes associated with growth or metabolic function were identified using the whole-genomic browser on http://www.carpbase.org/gbrowse.php . We believe that these 18 genes are valuable candidate genes affecting feed efficiency, that might be used in MAS programs to improve performance in common carp. Statement of relevance All animal experiments was carried out in accordance with the National Institutes of Health guide for the care and use of Laboratory animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978) and it is hereby clearly indicated that such guidelines had been followed.

This study was conducted to assess water pollution by examining DNA fragmentation in selected fish organs (kidney, liver, gills, and muscle tissue) from Wallago attu, Sperata sarwari, Vulgaris vulgaris, and Labeo rohita collected from a known polluted section of the Chenab River, Pakistan, and from a control site. The fish were caught using a gill net and were assigned to three different weight groups (W1, W2, and W3) to study the degree of variation in DNA fragmentation in relation to body weight. In fish from the polluted site, DNA fragmentation was higher in kidney, liver, gills, and muscles, compared to the control. No significant DNA fragmentation was observed in fish collected from the control site. Highly significant (P < 0.01) relationship between body weight and DNA fragmentation was found in the organs of fish procured at the contaminated site. DNA fragmentation in body organs was found to be affected by the concentrations of lead, copper, nickel, and cadmium in W. attu, S. sarwari, L. rohita, and V. vulgarus harvested from Chenab River. DNA fragmentation in different freshwater fish species is therefore a reliable biomarker of water pollution. Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a poluição da água examinando a fragmentação do DNA em órgãos de peixes selecionados (rim, fígado, brânquias e tecido muscular) de Wallago attu, Sperata sarwari, Vulgaris vulgaris e Labeo rohita coletados de uma conhecida área poluída do rio Chenab, Paquistão e de um local de controle. Os peixes foram capturados usando uma rede branquial e foram divididos em três grupos de pesos diferentes (W1, W2 e W3) para estudar o grau de variação na fragmentação do DNA em relação ao peso corporal. Nos peixes do local poluído, a fragmentação do DNA foi maior nos rins, fígado, brânquias e músculos, em comparação ao controle. Não foi observada fragmentação significativa do DNA em peixes coletados no local de controle. Relação altamente significativa (P

The phylogeny of Isopoda, a speciose order of crustaceans, remains unresolved, with different data sets (morphological, nuclear, mitochondrial) often producing starkly incongruent phylogenetic hypotheses. We hypothesized that extreme diversity in their life histories might be causing compositional heterogeneity/heterotachy in their mitochondrial genomes, and compromising the phylogenetic reconstruction. We tested the effects of different data sets (mitochondrial, nuclear, nucleotides, amino acids, concatenated genes, individual genes, gene orders), phylogenetic algorithms (assuming data homogeneity, heterogeneity, and heterotachy), and partitioning; and found that almost all of them produced unique topologies. As we also found that mitogenomes of Asellota and two Cymothoida families (Cymothoidae and Corallanidae) possess inversed base (GC) skew patterns in comparison to other isopods, we concluded that inverted skews cause long-branch attraction phylogenetic artifacts between these taxa. These asymmetrical skews are most likely driven by multiple independent inversions of origin of replication (i.e., nonadaptive mutational pressures). Although the PhyloBayes CAT-GTR algorithm managed to attenuate some of these artifacts (and outperform partitioning), mitochondrial data have limited applicability for reconstructing the phylogeny of Isopoda. Regardless of this, our analyses allowed us to propose solutions to some unresolved phylogenetic debates, and support Asellota are the most likely candidate for the basal isopod branch. As our findings show that architectural rearrangements might produce major compositional biases even on relatively short evolutionary timescales, the implications are that proving the suitability of data via composition skew analyses should be a prerequisite for every study that aims to use mitochondrial data for phylogenetic reconstruction, even among closely related taxa.

This research work was carried out to determine the effects of water contamination on the fatty acid (FA) profile of periphyton, zoobenthos, two Chinese carps and a common carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharygodon idella and Cyprinus carpio), captured from highly polluted (HP), less polluted (LP), and non-polluted (NP) sites of the Indus river. We found that the concentration of heavy metals in the river water from the polluted locations exceeded the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fatty acid profiles in periphyton, zoobenthos, H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio in the food web of river ecosystems with different pollution levels were assessed. Lauric acid and arachidic acids were not detected in the biomass of periphyton and zoobenthos from HP and LP sites compared to NP sites. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosadienoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid were not recorded in the biomass samples of periphyton and zoobenthos in both HP and LP sites. Caprylic acid, lauric acid, and arachidic acid were not found in H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio captured from HP. In this study, 6 and 9 omega series FAs were identified in the muscle samples of H. molitrix, C. idella and C. carpio captured from HP and LP sites compared to NP sites, respectively. Less polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed in the muscle samples of H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio collected from HP than from LP. The heavy metals showed significant negative correlations with the total FAs in periphyton, zoobenthos, and fish samples.

The present study aimed to assess the appropriate level of replacement of fish meal (FM) with alternative plant sources in the feed fed to Oreochromis niloticus to evaluate the growth performance. Three isoproteinious (40% crude protein) diets were prepared from different ingredients viz., fish meal, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten meal, and bagasse kenna meal. O. niloticus showed a maximum increase in weight as 9.70, 11.09, 8.53 and 8.32 g during the 2nd, 2nd, 3rd and 2nd fortnight with feeding treatment A, B, C and D, respectively. The growth performance of the fish in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fish fed with 20% replacement of fishmeal in diet B. The worst growth performance was observed in fish fed with commercial diet, designated as diet D. It was concluded that the fish meal can be replaced up to 20 percent with other plant protein sources without any negative impact on fish health. The replacement of fish meal with local plant sources (corn gluten meal, wheat gluten meal, soybean meal and bagasse kenna mix) will not only be beneficial to achieve better growth performance in O. niloticus, it will be a value addition as well. Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o nível adequado de substituição de farinha de peixe (FM) com fontes alternativas de plantas na alimentação alimentada a Oreochromis niloticus para avaliar o desempenho do crescimento. Três dietas isoproteiniosas (proteína de 40% de proteína bruta) foram preparadas a partir de diferentes ingredientes, como farinha de peixe, farinha de glúten de milho, farinha de glúten de trigo e farinha de bagaço de bagaço. O. niloticus apresentou um aumento máximo de peso como 9,70, 11,09, 8,53 e 8,32 g durante a 2ª, 2ª, 3ª e 2ª quinzena com o tratamento de alimentação A, B, C e D, respectivamente. O desempenho de crescimento do peixe em termos de ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento específico, razão de conversão alimentar e relação de eficiência protéica foi significativamente maior (P

Specimens of Heteropneustes fossilis were treated with various levels of malathion and its 96 h LC50 value was determined. The effects of sub-lethal concentrations of insecticide on hematological and biochemical profile of Heteropneustes fossilis were also registered. The 96 h LC50 value obtained was 8.81 mg/l. Exposure of sub-lethal doses (0.44, 0.88 and 1.76 mg/l which are 5, 10 and 20% of the LC50) of malathion to Heteropneustes fossilis for 3 weeks demonstrated that the toxicant had a detrimental effect on the blood profile of fish. Blood cell (Erythrocyte and leucocytes) counts (from 1.66 to 1.44 cell × 106 × mm3 and 37.93 to 30.24 cell × 103 × mm3; respectively), haemoglobin (Hb) level (from 6.21 to 3.54 g/dl) and haematocrit (Ht) estimates (from 34.26 to 30.52%) were reduced in the fishes exposed to malathion. Elevated level (from 46.25 to 92.45 mg/100 ml) of glucose and decreased quantity (29.95 to 24.25 g/dl) of protein in plasma was registered. Glycogen content in muscle and liver was also decreased. The activity of enzymes glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were high in the fish treated with pesticide. The possible causes for variations in the different parameters were identified and discussed.