Bacteriological Assessment of Smoked-Dried White Shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus Aurivillius, 1898) Sold in Calabar, Nigeria

Aim: Enumeration of bacterial counts is an important index of assessing the safety and quality of food products. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in white shrimp samples obtained from major markets serving consumers in Calabar. Study Design: This study was a cross sectional study conducted between April 2017 and April 2018. Methodology: One hundred and twenty (120) samples of smoked dried Nematopalaemon hastatus (white shrimp) were analyzed for the presence of bacterial pathogens. Bacterial loads and identification of isolated organisms was determined using standard microbiological methods. Results: The results showed that 66.7% of the analyzed shrimps had aerobic bacterial counts exceeding the upper permissible limit (<1.0x106Cfu/g) and 56.7% had unsatisfactory (?20Cfu/g) Vibrio counts. The study revealed the presence of different bacteria genera namely Klebsiella, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Vibrio, Citrobacter, Proteus, Aeromonas, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Enterobacter and Bacillus. Predominant organism was Salmonella spp (26.7%), followed by Vibrio spp (21.7%) while the least isolated organisms were Bacillus spp and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (1.7%) each. The occurrence of high counts of pathogens in seafood may cause food poisoning; especially in individuals who consume this seafood raw, or lightly or insufficiently cooked. Conclusion: Hence, seafood should be processed and packaged under standard hygienic conditions to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. In addition, public health awareness campaign targeted at consumers and vendors should be optimized with frequent monitoring by regulatory agencies.

Validación de un método mul-tirresiduo para la determinación de medicamentos veterinarios en trucha y langostino

Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de desarrollar y validar un método para la determinación de 30 medicamentos veterinarios en muestras de trucha y langostino. El método utiliza extracción en fase sólida dispersiva (dSPE) con C18 y detección por cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Se determinó linealidad, veracidad (porcentaje de recuperación), repetitividad y reproducibilidad intralaboratorio (porcentaje de desviación estándar relativa (% RSD)), límites de detección (LoD), límites de cuantificación (LoQ), selectividad e incertidumbre. La recuperación varió de 70 a 120% y la repetibilidad y la reproducibilidad fueron menores de 20% de la desviación estándar relativa. La selectividad fue adecuada, sin picos interferentes. Las relaciones iónicas cumplieron con los criterios de confirmación. Los coeficientes de determinación (R2) fueron mayores de 0,99, con excepción de la sulfaquinoxalina en langostino (R2 = 0,97). Los LoD y los LoQ variaron entre 0,6 µg/kg y 12,8 µg /kg y los valores de incertidumbre entre 6 µg/kg y 49 µg/ kg. Se analizaron adicionalmente 6 muestras de diferentes mercados de Lima y se detectaron trazas de algunos medicamentos incluidos en el ensayo. El método es adecuado para el análisis de residuos de medicamentos veterinarios y se recomienda su aplicación en los programas nacionales de monitoreo de la inocuidad de truchas y langostinos provenientes de acuicultura.

The study was aimed at developing and validate an analysis method to determine residues of 30 veterinary drugs in rainbow trout and shrimp specimens. The method involves extraction in dispersive solid phase with C18 and the subsequent detection through liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Validation was done through determination of linearity, trueness (% of recovery), repeatability and intralaboratory reproducibility, limits of detection (LoD), limits of quantification (LoQ) selectivity and uncertainty. Recovery ranged from 70 to 120% and repeatability and intralaboratory reproducibility were lower than 20%. Selectivity was adequate, without interference peaks. Likewise, the ionic relationships met the confirmation criteria. The linearity was adequate, with determination coefficients (R2) above 0.99, except for sulfaquinolaxin in shrimp specimens (R2 = 0,97). LoD and LoQ varied from 0,6 µg /kg to 12,8 µg / kg. Limits of uncertainty ranged from 6 µg /kg to 49 µg /kg. The method was used to analyze 6 samples from different markets in Lima (Peru), identifying traces of some drugs included in the study. Our results show that the method is adequate for the analysis of veterinary drug residues and allow us to recommend its application in national monitoring programs, to assess the safety of rainbow trout and shrimp specimens from aquaculture.

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de desenvolver e validar um método para a determinação de 30 medicamentos veterinários, em amostras de truta e camarão. O método utiliza extração dispersiva em fase sólida com C18 e detecção por cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas. Foram determinados a linearidade, a veracidade (recuperação percentual), a repetibilidade, a reprodutibilidade intra-laboratorial, os limites de detecção (LoD) e de quantificação (LoQ), a linearidade, a selectividade e a incerteza. A recuperação variou de 70 a 120%, a repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade estiveram abaixo do 20% do desvio padrão relativo. A selectividade fio adequada, sem picos de interferentes. As proporções de íons atenderam aos critérios de confirmação. Os coeficientes de determinação (R2) foram superiores a 0,99, com excepção da sulfanoxalina em camarão (R2 = 0,97). LoD e LoQ variavam entre 0,6 µg /kg e 12,8 µg /kg e valores de incerteza entre 6 µg /kg e 49 µg / kg. Seis amostras de mercados do Lima foram adicionalmente analisadas e foram detectados vestígios de alguns medicamentos incluídos no estudo. O método é adequado para o análise de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários e sua aplicação é recomendada em programas nacionais de controlo da segurança da truta e do camarão provenientes da aquicultura.

Bacterial diversity on wild shrimp post larvae in a mangrove biodiversity hotspot

Aims@#This study aims to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on shrimp microbiome in a biodiverse mangrove forest ecosystem, along the Merbok River, Kedah, Malaysia.@*Methodology and results@#To assess the impacts, a microbiome study of wild post larvae shrimps along the river was conducted as a health indicator of the shrimp hosts which in turn would reflect the river conditions. A 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the wild post larvae shrimp microbiomes sampled across areas of varying human activities was conducted. Samples were obtained from four sites ranging from upstream river habitat to downstream brackish water towards the marine coast. Individuals detected from the sequence were then counted and their relative abundance of bacterial diversity were compared. All abundances are up to 100% and the diversity indices were calculated using proportions of each species. The Operational Taxonomy Unit (OTUs) were obtained by using USEARCH and UPARSE software. Twenty-eight bacterium phyla were detected, dominated by phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at each site. Eighteen families were dominant at each site with Streptomycetaceae being the major abundant. At the genus level, the most abundant genera were Streptomyces sp., Mesorhizobium sp., Rhizobium sp., Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In general, the diversity of opportunistic and coliform bacteria was low. Thus, despite being exposed to various levels of human activities, the Merbok River and its mangrove surroundings still serve as a good spawning and nursery sites of shrimps and presumably other inhabitants.

Cassia oleoresin Mediated Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles and Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay

Cassia oleoresin is an extract isolated from dried barks of Cinnamomum cassia Blume (family Lauracea). The plant has been reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertriglyceridemic effect, mainly due to its phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and volatile compounds. Cinnamon also helps in arthritis, fibromyalgia and psoriasis. The aim of this study was to prepare magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Cassia oleoresin and to evaluate the cytotoxic effect on Brine shrimp. The magnesium oxide nanoparticle was prepared from magnesium chloride and Cassia oleoresin and was confirmed by UV- Visible Spectroscopy and morphology was confirmed by TEM. Brine shrimps lethality bioassay was carried out to investigate the cytotoxicity of Cassia oleoresin mediated magnesium oxide nanoparticles. Ten brine shrimp nauplii were placed in each well of the Eliza plate and filled with 5 μL ,10 μL ,15 μL ,20 μL ,25 μL of Cassia oleoresin mediated magnesium oxide nanoparticles After 24 hours of incubation, the wells were observed and the number of surviving brine shrimp nauplii were counted to assess the cytotoxicity. The UV -Visible spectroscopy showed a peak at 400 peak and TEM analysis showed a particle size of 70 nm. After 24 hours incubation of the brine shrimps in the nanoparticle solution, all 10 brine shrimps survived in 5μL and 10 μL concentrations. 3 brine shrimps nauplii survived in 15μL conc. 1 brine shrimp nauplii survived in 20μL and 25μL concentrations each. Within the limits of this study it can be concluded that at low concentrations the prepared nanoparticle was safe and may be used for biomedical application.

Crustáceos (Decapoda y Stomatopoda) del R.V. Skimmer y R.V. Victor Hensen en el Golfo de Nicoya, Pacífico, Costa Rica / Crustaceans (Decapoda and Stomatopoda) from the R.V. Skimmer and R.V. Victor Hensen in the Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific, Costa Rica

Resumen El acceso a datos actualizados, sobre los nombres y distribución de las especies de crustáceos presentes en un área en particular, es un primer paso para evaluar cambios debidos a factores locales, regionales o globales, como la sobrepesca, la contaminación y el cambio climático. Los datos en este estudio están basados en las expediciones de los buques de investigación Skimmer (20 estaciones, 1979-1980) y Victor Hensen (1993-1994, 12 estaciones) en el estuario del Golfo de Nicoya. Los crustáceos fueron recolectados mediante redes de arrastre tipo Otter (Skimmer, malla 3.5 cm) y por tipos Otter y Beam (V. Hensen, mallas de 2.5 cm y 1.9 cm) a profundidades entre 10 y 228 m. Datos en dos estudios posteriores aportaron información para una zona de entre-mareas en la región superior del Golfo y para estaciones en la boca del estuario, lo que incrementa el ámbito de profundidad de 0 a 350 m. Se revisaron las publicaciones originales y se hicieron 32 actualizaciones de los nombres de las especies con base en la literatura reciente y en la página de red World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). El total de especies para ambas expediciones fue de 131, del que 119 fueron decápodos y 12 fueron estomatópodos. Los datos en los otros dos estudios, así como la revisión de las colecciones en el Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Costa Rica, incrementó en 43 el número de registros, para un total de 174 especies en los sedimentos del estuario. Para el Skimmer el número mínimo de especies en una estación fue de cuatro (tres estaciones) y el máximo de 27, con un promedio de 12.3 especies / estación. Para el V. Hensen el mínimo de especies en una estación fue de ocho, con un máximo de 27 y un promedio de 17 especies / estación. Las especies presentes en 50 % o más de las 20 estaciones de la expedición del Skimmer, fueron: Callinectes arcuatus, Rimapenaeus faoe, Penaeus brevirostris, Achelous asper y Hepatus kossmanni. Para la expedición del V. Hensen las especies presentes en más del 50 % de las 12 estaciones, fueron: A. asper, Sicyonia disdorsalis, S. picta y Persephona subovata. Durante el estudio del Skimmer, un total de 15 especies fueron encontradas en solo una estación, mientras que para el V. Hensen el número fue de 26. Se digitalizaron dos matrices de datos de presencia-ausencia de las especies en las estaciones y con base en los nombres actualizados de las especies recolectadas por el Skimmer (57 especies x 20 estaciones) y V. Hensen (82 especies x 12 estaciones) se les aplicó un Análisis No Métrico Dimensional de Escala (NMDS) para obtener una distribución de las estaciones en un espacio bi-dimensional. Los resultados revelaron unos grupos heterogéneos de estaciones. Algunos sub-grupos de tres o cuatro estaciones concuerdan con su proximidad geográfica. Las cuatro estaciones del V. Hensen en la boca del estuario a profundidades mayores a los 60 m fueron separadas más claramente de las otras, y podrían indicar una transición, desde aguas estuarinas hacia aguas profundas, en la composición de la fauna de crustáceos. Evaluaciones futuras de la diversidad de crustáceos del Golfo de Nicoya deben de considerar la amplia distribución espacial de algunas especies y la restringida de otras. La variabilidad temporal es también importante en el estuario, tal como lo evidenció la oscilación de la población de Pinnixulala valerii en un periodo de tres años.(AU)

Abstract The access to updated data on the names of the crustacean species and their distribution in a given area is a first step to evaluate changes due to local, regional and global factors such as overfishing, pollution, and climatic change. Data in this study are based on the expeditions of the RV Skimmer (20 stations, 1979-1980) and RV Victor Hensen (1993-1994, 12 stations) in the Gulf of Nicoya estuary. The crustaceans were collected by means of an Otter trawl (Skimmer, mesh 3.5 cm) and by Otter and Beam trawls (V. Hensen, mesh 2.5 cm and 1.0 cm, respectively) at depths from 10 m to 228 m. Data from two later studies were also included, one from an intertidal flat in the upper Gulf and the other from stations at the mouth of the estuary, which expand the depth range from 0 to 350 m. The list of species in the original publications were updated and 32 corrections were made based on recent literature and the web page, World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). The total number of species for both surveys was 131, of which 119 were decapods and 12 were stomatopods. Data from the other two studies and from the crustacean collection deposited at the University of Costa Rica Zoology Museum added 43 records for a total of 174 species collected in sediments from the estuary. For the Skimmer, the minimum number of species found in one station was four (three stations) and the maximum was 27, with an average of 12.3 species / station. For the V. Hensen, the minimum of species found in one station was eight, with a maximm of 27 and an average of 17 species / station. The species present in 50 % or more of the 20 stations of the Skimmer expedition, were: Callinectes arcuatus, Rimapenaeus faoe, Penaeus brevirostris, Achelous asper and Hepatus kossmanni. For the V. Hensen expedition, the species present in 50 % or more of the 12 stations, were: A. asper, Sicyonia disdorsalis, S. picta, and Persephona subovata. During the Skimmer survey a total of 15 species were found at only one station, while for the V. Hensen the number was 26. Two presence-absence matrices based on the updated names of the crustaceans collected by the Skimmer (57 species x 20 stations) and V. Hensen (82 species x 12 stations) were analyzed by Non Metric Dimensional Scaling (NMDS) to display the distribution of stations in a two-dimensional space. The results revealed heterogeneous groups of stations. Several sub-groups of two or three stations agreed with their geographical proximity. The four V. Hensen stations, located at the mouth of the estuary at depths greater than 60 m, were separated more clearly from the others and may indicate a transition, from estuarine to deep waters, in the composition of the crustacean fauna. Future evaluations of the crustacean diversity of the Gulf of Nicoya must take into account the wide spatial distribution of some species and the patchy distribution of others. Temporal variability is also important in the estuary as evidenced by the population oscilallations of Pinnixulala valerii over a three year period.(AU)

Weight-length relationships of six shrimp species caught off the Madeira Archipelago, Northeastern Atlantic / Relações peso-comprimento de seis espécies de camarão capturados ao largo do arquipélago da Madeira, Atlântico Nordeste

Abstract Length and weight relationships and descriptive statistics are reported for six shrimp species caught off the Madeira archipelago between 1983 and 2014 using bottom and floating traps from depths ranging from 50 to 1,300 m. The parameter b ranged between 2.36 for Plesionika ensis and 2.97 for Plesionika williamsi. All species showed a pattern of negative allometric growth. To the authors' knowledge all weight-length relationships presented herein are recorded for the first time from the Madeira area, and in the cases of Ligur ensiferus and Plesionika ensis are the first references worldwide.

Resumo As relações peso-comprimento e a estatística descritiva foram estimadas para seis espécies de camarões, capturados ao largo do arquipélago da Madeira, entre 1983 e 2014, usando armadilhas de fundo e alvoradas entre os 50 e 1.300 metros de profundidade. O parâmetro b variou entre 2,36 para Plesionika ensis e 2,97 para Plesionika williamsi. Todas as espécies evidenciaram um padrão de crescimento alométrico negativo. De acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, todas as relações peso-comprimento são aqui apresentadas pela primeira vez para a área da Madeira e no caso de Ligur ensiferus e Plesionika ensis são a primeira referência mundial.

Distribution and abundance of freshwater decapods in an Atlantic rainforest catchment with a dammed future / Distribuição e abundância de decápodes de água doce e sua associação com variáveis ambientais em uma bacia hidrográfica de Mata Atlântica que será represada

Abstract Variations in physical characteristics along the course of a river influence habitat availability which reflects in species distribution. Knowledge of ecology and diversity of lotic species is important for evaluating how river ecosystems will respond to environmental impacts. Freshwater decapods are a group of high ecological and economic importance, but the knowledge about factors influencing their distribution is scarce in Brazil. We performed a survey of decapods to describe their abundance and distribution as well as to study their relationships with stream physical variables and especially their association with different substrates types. We studied 23 sites located in 15 tributaries of Guapiaçú River, RJ, where we collected decapods in different substrates types and measured a set of physical variables. We found five decapods species, including amphidromous and non-amphidromous shrimps and crabs. Decapods were strongly associated with leaf-litter substrates and their abundance was related to a multivariate axis describing longitudinal changes in stream characteristics. We concluded that decapods occurring in the Guapiaçú catchment inhabit mainly small streams with preserved riparian forests where they find shelter and potential prey of invertebrates. The ongoing project to build a dam on the Guapiaçú River will have negative consequences to migrating shrimps and we strongly recommend that mitigating actions, such the construction of structures to allow the passage of migrating fauna, should be taken.

Resumo Variações nas características físicas de um rio ao longo do seu curso influenciam a disponibilidade de habitas e dessa forma a distribuição de espécies. O conhecimento sobre a ecologia e diversidade de espécies lóticas é importante para avaliar como esses ecossistemas responderão a impactos ambientais. Decápodes de água doce são um grupo de grande importância ecológica e econômica, contudo o conhecimento sobre fatores influenciando sua distribuição ainda é escasso no Brasil. Nós realizamos um levantamento de decápodes para descrever sua abundância e distribuição, bem como estudar sua relação com características físicas dos rios, especialmente sua associação com tipos diferentes de substrato. Nós estudamos 23 localidades distribuídas em 15 rios tributários do Rio Guapiaçú, RJ, onde coletamos decápodas em diferentes tipos de substratos e medimos um conjunto de variáveis físicas. Nós encontramos cinco espécies de decápodas incluindo camarões anfídromos e não anfídromos e caranguejos. Esses organismos foram fortemente associados a substratos de folhiço alóctone e sua abundância foi relacionada com um eixo PCA que descreve as mudanças nas características físicas longo do curso do rio. Nós concluímos que os decápodas que ocorrem na bacia do Rio Guapiaçú habitam principalmente pequenos córregos com mata ciliar preservada, onde podem encontrar abrigo e um potencial campo de caça onde predam invertebrados. O projeto atualmente em curso para a construção de uma represa no Rio Guapiaçú irá afetar negativamente a fauna de camarões anfídromos, assim nós recomendamos fortemente que ações mitigadoras, como a construção de estruturas para permitir a passagem da fauna migrante sejam tomadas.

Weight-length relationships of six shrimp species caught off the Madeira Archipelago, Northeastern Atlantic

Abstract Length and weight relationships and descriptive statistics are reported for six shrimp species caught off the Madeira archipelago between 1983 and 2014 using bottom and floating traps from depths ranging from 50 to 1,300 m. The parameter b ranged between 2.36 for Plesionika ensis and 2.97 for Plesionika williamsi. All species showed a pattern of negative allometric growth. To the authors knowledge all weight-length relationships presented herein are recorded for the first time from the Madeira area, and in the cases of Ligur ensiferus and Plesionika ensis are the first references worldwide.

Resumo As relações peso-comprimento e a estatística descritiva foram estimadas para seis espécies de camarões, capturados ao largo do arquipélago da Madeira, entre 1983 e 2014, usando armadilhas de fundo e alvoradas entre os 50 e 1.300 metros de profundidade. O parâmetro b variou entre 2,36 para Plesionika ensis e 2,97 para Plesionika williamsi. Todas as espécies evidenciaram um padrão de crescimento alométrico negativo. De acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, todas as relações peso-comprimento são aqui apresentadas pela primeira vez para a área da Madeira e no caso de Ligur ensiferus e Plesionika ensis são a primeira referência mundial.

Crustáceos decápodos de la cuenca del río sinú, córdoba, colombia / Decapod Crustaceans of the Sinu River Basin, Cordoba, Colombia

Para evaluar la composición, abundancia y distribución de los crustáceos decápodos en la cuenca del río Sinú, departamento de Córdoba (Colombia), se estudiaron ocho localidades: cuatro en el río Sinú y cuatro en el complejo cenagoso del bajo Sinú. Para ello, se realizaron seis muestreos entre abril de 2005 y mayo de 2006. En total se registraron 458 crustáceos decápodos distribuidos en tres familias, seis géneros y ocho especies. La familia mejor representada fue Trichodactylidae con cuatro géneros y cuatro especies, seguida de Palaemonidae con un género y tres especies, mientras que de la familia Atyidae solo registró una especie. Especies como Macrobrachium carcinus y M. acanthurus, presentaron el rango más amplio de distribución, siendo características tanto para el río Sinú como para el CCBS. Entre las especies identificadas, Atya crassa en el río Sinú y Trichodactylus quinquedentatus en el CCBS son nuevos registros para el departamento de Córdoba.

To review the composition, abundance and distribution of decapod crustaceans in the Sinu river basin, Department of Cordoba (Colombia) eight locations were studied: four on the Sinu River and four in the Low Complex Swampy Sinu. For that, six samplings between April 2005 and May 2006 were made. In total 458 decapod crustaceans were recorded distributed into three families, six genus and eight species. The family best represented was Trichodactylidae with four genus and four species, followed by Palaemonidae with one genus and three species, while family Atyidae recorded only one species. Species such as Macrobrachium carcinus and M. acanthurus presented the wider range of distribution for both the Sinu River as the Low Complex Swampy Sinu. Among the identified species Atya crassa in the Sinu River and Trichodactylus quinquedentatus in the Low Complex Swampy Sinu are new records for the Department of Cordoba.

Liposoluble vitamins in Crustacean feed: Metabolic and Histological responses.

Vitamins are vital for normal growth and survival of living organisms and they are distributed in feedstuffs in small quantities. This review is focused on the liposoluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) in the diets and metabolic responses of the Argentine penaeoid shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris, distributed along the South American coast line. Growth, survival and histological analyses serve as indicators of the nutritional value derived from vitamin deficiency. Liposoluble vitamins are also related to stress, antioxidant defense and immune response of shrimps. Effective diet for shrimp culture that provide not only macronutrients including protein and lipid but also micronutrients such as vitamins for optimal growth is an ever improving subject. This review may help formulating suitable feeds for shrimps.

Molecular Docking Analyses of Cynodon Dactylon Derived Phytochemicals Against White Spot Syndrome VIRUS (WSSV) Structural Protein VP26.

White spot disease is a major infectious disease of penaeid shrimps caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The viral structural proteins are responsible for binding virus to the cellular membranes of the host that is being systematically infected. An In silico attempt was made to identify the potential drug to inhibit the WSSV spread of diseases. For that an effort, was made to deduce the antiviral potentiality of Cynodon dactylon derived phytochemicals with docking technique. To stimulate the structure based drug design the, 3D structure of the VP26 (PDB-ID: 2EDM), a tegument protein thought to be involved in the entry of WSSV nucleocapsid into the host nucleus, is retrieved from PDB database and docking studies are carried out with the sketched phytochemical structures using GOLD software. Among the phytochemicals screened, luteolin and apigenin shows the best binding affinity with binding energies of 42.51 and 38.92 K.cal/mol exhibiting the potential to block VP26 (2EDM) protein of WSSV. This study will be helpful in developing novel antiviral drugs from plant sources against aquatic important pathogens.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of extracts from medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in Kagera and Lindi regions, Tanzania.

A number of medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria in Tanzania have been documented, but information on their safety and efficacy is still based on traditional knowledge accumulated over years and not on pre-clinical and clinical evaluation. The present study aimed to assess the cytotoxic activity of extracts of selected plant species used for treatment of malaria in Tanzania. Ethanol extracts were evaluated for cytoxicity by using MTT assay on LLC-MK2 cells and by brine shrimp lethality assay. Forty five (93.75%) out of 48 crude extracts assessed using LLC-MK2 cells were non-cytotoxic while three extracts (6.25%) were cytotoxic with CC50 <30 μg/mL (cut-off point). In the brine shrimp assay 30 (65.2%) out of 46 extracts tested were non-toxic while 16 extracts (34.8%) were toxic (LC50 <100 μg/mL). Antiaris toxicaria stem bark extract was the most cytotoxic to mammalian cells. This study demonstrates that, most of the antimalarial plants tested were non-toxic. These observations corroborate with traditional healers’ claims that the herbal medicines used in their areas are safe. However, further studies using different toxicity models are suggested to further confirm their claims.

Reproducción del camarón rosado Farfantepenaeus notialis (Decapoda: Penaeidae) en el Caribe colombiano / Reproduction of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus notialis (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in the Colombian Caribbean

The shallow water pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus notialis) is among the socioeconomically most important resources of the Caribbean. The lack of biological and fishery information is of great concern for the fisheries management authorities. The presented study therefore aimed at the investigation of the reproductive cycle, the size composition and the size at first maturity of this species as a basis for the ordination and management of this resource. The study was conducted from June 2012 to May 2013 off the coast of the Caribbean Sea of Colombia. A total of 5 356 individuals were collected, identified, classified and preserved for their subsequent analysis in the laboratory. Size, weight, sex and gonad stage were recorded for each specimen. Significant differences were found in sex ratio in all months sampled with a clear predominance of females. Mature females were found year-around, but two reproductive peaks were identified during the periods October-December and April-June. The mean catch total length size (MCS) for females and males was 148.00mm and 122.54mm, respectively. The mean size at maturity (LT50%) was 129.34mm for females and 97.77mm for males. MCS was always above LT50% for both sexes. Considering the large reduction in fishing effort in the Colombian Caribbean Sea over the last years, we could expect that the shrimp population is in a rebuilding process or perhaps it may be already restored.

El camarón de aguas someras, es uno de los recursos de mayor importancia socioeconómica en la región Caribe. La falta de información biológica pesquera, es una preocupación de los administradores pesqueros. Por tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer la época reproductiva, la estructura de tallas y la talla media de madurez del camarón de aguas someras (Farfantepenaeus notialis) como insumo para la ordenación y manejo pesquero en el Caribe colombiano. El estudio se llevó a cabo desde junio del 2012 hasta mayo del 2013 en el Caribe colombiano. Se recolectaron 5 356 individuos, los cuales fueron identificados, clasificados y conservados para su análisis en el laboratorio, donde se analizaron las muestras tomando datos de talla, peso, sexo y estadio gonadal. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la razón de sexo durante todos los meses muestreados, con una mayor proporción de hembras. Se presentaron hembras maduras durante todo el año, pero con dos picos reproductivos de máximo desove, uno entre octubre y diciembre y el otro entre abril y junio. La talla media de captura (TMC) durante todo el muestreo para las hembras fue de 148.0mm de longitud total (LT) y para los machos fue de 122.5mm LT. La talla media de madurez (LT50%) para las hembras y machos fue de 129.34mm LT y 97.77mm LT, respectivamente. La TMC siempre fue mayor que la LT50% para ambos sexos. Debido a la gran disminución del esfuerzo pesquero en el Caribe colombiano durante los últimos 10 años, se espera que este recurso se encuentre en una fase de recuperación o ya esté recuperado.

Screening, isolation and optimization of anti-white spot syndrome virus drug derived from marine plants

Objective: To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various marine floral ecosystems and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host–pathogen interaction model.Methods:ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti-WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. By means of chemical processes, the purified anti-WSSV plant isolate, MP07X was derived. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug.Results:Thirty species of marine plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, formulated showing 85% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of MP07X required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 1000 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 85%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection.Conclusions:Nine plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug MP07X thus The drug MP07X derived from Rhizophora mucronata is a potent anti-WSSV drug.

Screening, isolation and optimization of anti-white spot syndrome virus drug derived from terrestrial plants

Objective: To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various terrestrial plants and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host–pathogen interaction model.Methods:Thirty plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti–WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. The best anti–WSSV plant isolate, TP22C was isolated and further analyzed. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug.Results: Seven plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug TP22C thus formulated showed 86% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of TP22C required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 750 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 86%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection.Conclusions:The drug TP22C derived from Momordica charantia is a potent anti-white spot syndrome virus drug.

Phytochemical and toxicological investigations of crude methanolic extracts, subsequent fractions and crude saponins of Isodon rugosus

BACKGROUND: Isodon rugosus is used traditionally in the management of hypertension, rheumatism, tooth-ache and pyrexia. Present study was arranged to investigate I. rugosus for phytoconstituents, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities to explore its toxicological, pharmacological potentials and to rationalize its ethnomedicinal uses. Briefly, qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts were carried out for the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, oils, glycosides, anthraquinones, terpenoids, sterols and tannins. Plant crude methanolic extract (Ir.Cr), its subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Ir.Hex), chloroform (Ir.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ir.EtAc), aqueous (Ir.Aq) and saponins (Ir.Sp) in different concentrations were tested for phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities using radish seeds and brine shrimps (Artemia salina) respectively. The phytotoxic activity was determined by percent root length inhibition (RLI) and percent seeds germination inhibition (SGI) while the cytotoxicity was obtained with percent lethality of the brine shrimps. RESULTS: Ir.Cr was tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, oils, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones. Among different fractions Ir.Sp, Ir.Chf, Ir.EtAc, and Ir.Cr were most effective causing 93.55, 89.32, 81.32 and 58.68% inhibition of seeds in phytotoxicity assay, with IC50 values of 0.1, 0.1, 0.1 and 52 µg/ml respectively. Similarly, among all the tested samples, Ir.Sp exhibited the highest phytotoxic effect causing 91.33% root length inhibition with IC50 of 0.1 µg/ml. Ir.Sp and Ir.Chf were most effective against brine shrimps showing 92.23 and 76.67% lethality with LC50 values of 10 and 12 µg/ml respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It may be inferred from the current investigations that I. rugosus contains different secondary metabolites and is a potential source for the isolation of natural anticancer and herbicidal drug molecules. Different fractions exhibited phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities, thus providing pharmacological basis for ethnomedicinal uses of this plant.

Screening, isolation and optimization of anti-white spot syndrome virus drug derived from marine plants

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various marine floral ecosystems and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host-pathogen interaction model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty species of marine plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti-WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. By means of chemical processes, the purified anti-WSSV plant isolate, MP07X was derived. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug MP07X thus formulated showing 85% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of MP07X required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 1 000 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 85%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The drug MP07X derived from Rhizophora mucronata is a potent anti-WSSV drug.</p>

Screening, isolation and optimization of anti-white spot syndrome virus drug derived from terrestrial plants

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various terrestrial plants and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host-pathogen interaction model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti-WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. The best anti-WSSV plant isolate, TP22C was isolated and further analyzed. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug TP22C thus formulated showed 86% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of TP22C required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 750 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 86%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The drug TP22C derived from Momordica charantia is a potent anti-white spot syndrome virus drug.</p>

PRUEBAS DE TOXICIDAD AGUDA CL (I) 50 EN CAMARONES MARINOS (Litopenaeus schmitti Y L. vannamei) UTILIZANDO EFLUENTES INDUSTRIALES A LA BAHÍA DE CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA / ACUTE TOXICITY TESTS CL (I) 50 IN MARINE SHRIMP (Litopenaeus schmitti AND L. vannamei) USING INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS IN THE BAY OF CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Se efectuaron pruebas de toxicidad con dos efluentes de ALCO Ltda. (Cospique que descarga desechos industriales y Casimiro donde se vierten aguas de enfriamiento), para analizar su efecto en los camarones Litoenaeus schmitti y L. vannamei en un tiempo de 24, 48, 72 y 96 horas de exposición, con sistemas estáticos y sin recambio. En los análisis estadísticos se realizan regresiones por mínimos cuadrados ordinarios para determinar el tiempo letal medio y las curvas de toxicidad, se hallan los valores de la CL (I) 50 con sus límites de confianza bajo el método PROBIT. Con el efluente Cospique los porcentajes (%) y el tiempo de exposición que se encontraron CL (I) 50 fueron de 6,43 en 24 horas, 6,29 en 48 horas, 6,11 en 72 horas y 5,66 en 96 horas sobre L. vannamei; para 24 horas de 7,02; 48 horas de 6,9; 72 horas de 6,92 y 96 horas de 6,71 en L. schmitti. Por tanto, el efluente Cospique es de mayor letalidad, demostrando el efecto inmediato. Para el caso de los efluentes de ALCO Ltda. se encontró que a mayor concentración hay mayor mortalidad y menor tiempo letal medio. Los efluentes industriales estudiados son considerados inestables por la formación de complejos químicos resultado de sus compuestos alcalinos.

Toxicity tests were carried out with two effluents of ALCO Ltda. (effluent Cospique which discharges industrial wastes, and effluent Casimiro into which the cooling water is discharged) in order to analyze their effect on Litopenaeus schmitti and L. vannamei shrimp during an exposure period of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours within static systems and without replacement. Regressions by ordinary minimum quadratic were carried out in the statistical analyses to determine the median lethal time and the toxicity curves. The values for LC (I) 50 and their confidence limits were found using the PROBIT method. With the Casimiro effluent the percentages (%) and the exposure time found LC (I) 50 were 6.43 in 24 hours, 6.29 in 48 hours, 6.11 in 72 hours, and 5.66 in 96 hours for L. vannamei. For L. schmitti the results were 7.02 in 24 hours, 6.9 in 48 hours, 6.92 in 72 hours, and 6.71 in 96 hours of exposure respectively. The above results indicate that effluents Cospique is of a higher lethality, demonstrating its immediate effects. In the case of ALCO Ltda. Effluents it was found that to higher concentrations was highest the mortality and lesser the lethal median time. The industrial effluents studied are considered unstable because of the formation of chemical complexes resulting from their compounds.

Fecundidad y fertilidad de Macrobrachium amazonicum (Héller 1862) (Decápoda, Palaemonidae) del Piedemonte Llanero Colombiano / Fecundity and fertility of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Héller 1862) (Decápoda, Palaemonidae) of Colombian Piedemonte Llanero

Objetivo. Determinar la fecundidad y fertilidad de Macrobrachium amazonicum del Piedemonte llanero. Materiales y métodos. Los animales fueron capturados en una granja piscícola del municipio de Restrepo-Meta, Colombia y llevados a la estación piscícola del Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidad de los Llanos. Se utilizaron hembras ovígeras a las cuales se les determinó el peso corporal (g) y longitud total (mm), así como su fecundidad (número de huevos/ hembra) y fertilidad (número de larvas/hembra). En los huevos se midieron el diámetro y longitud, para calcular su volumen. Resultados. La fecundidad varió entre 120 a 549 huevos con una media de 331 ± 93. Con respecto a la fertilidad, las hembras evaluadas tuvieron 287 ± 19 larvas, con un intervalo entre 102 a 703. Tanto para fecundidad como para fertilidad se observó que existe una relación lineal positiva significativa (r2 entre 0.85 y 0.91) con respecto al peso corporal y la longitud total de las hembras (p< 0.001). El diámetro de los huevos fue de 750.7 ± 2.9 μm (rango: 500 – 1000 μm) y el largo 974.2 ± 3.6 μm (525 – 1200 μm). El tamaño de los huevos fue de 296.2 ± 9.7 μm3. Conclusiones. Los valores de la fecundidad y fertilidad para Macrobrachium amazonicum en el Piedemonte llanero son inferiores a los resultados obtenidos en otros estudios; sin embargo, el tamaño de sus huevos es mayor. Los resultados permiten inferir que la especie se reproduce durante todo el año y que su fácil manejo permitiría su cultivo en cautiverio.

Objective. To determine the fecundity and fertility of Macrobrachium amazonicum (freshwater shrimp) of the Piedemonte llanero. Materials and methods. The animals were caught at a fish farm, in the municipality of Restrepo, Meta, Colombia and transported to the fish station of the Institute of Aquaculture of the University of the Llanos. The body weight (g), and total length (mm) of mature females and the fecundity and fertility (number of eggs and larvae/female, respectively) were determined. The diameter and the length of the eggs were determined to calculate their volume. Results. The fecundity varied from 120 to 549 eggs with an average of 331 ± 93. Regarding fertility, the females showed 287 ± 19 larvae, with an interval between 102 and 703. A highly positive lineal regression (r2 between 0.85 and 0.91) was observed between fecundity and fertility, and body weight and total length (p < 0.001). The egg diameter was 750.7 ± 2.9 µm (range: 500 - 1000 µm) and egg length of 974.2 ± 3.6 µm (525-1200 µm). The egg size was 296.2 ± 9.7 µm3. Conclusions. The determination of fecundity and fertility for Macrobrachium amazonicum in the Piedemonte Llanero was lower to the results obtained in other studies; however, the size of the eggs was higher. The results could infer that the species breeds throughout the year and allows easy handling and farming in captivity.