Morphometric and meristic characteristics of Spotted snakehead Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) in a wetland ecosystem (NW Bangladesh) using multi-linear dimensions

1442-1446This research work affirms the morphometric characters and meristic counts of Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) in a wetland ecosystem (Gajner Beel) from the northwestern Bangladesh. A sum of 307 specimens of C. punctata were sampled intermittently from the Gajner Beel during July 2017 to December 2018, using different established fishing gears (cast net, gill net and square lift net with mesh size ranges: 1.50-2.50 cm, 1.50-2.00 cm, & ~2.00 cm, respectively). Fin rays were counted by a magnifying glass. Seven diverse morphometric lengths were assessed and BW (body weight) was weighted for each specimen. The fin formula was: dorsal, D. 30-32; pectoral, P1. 15-17; pelvic, P2.5; anal, A. 19-21; and caudal, C. (ii -iv/12-14). Minimum and maximum sizes were 5.80 and 23.00 cm in total length (TL), whereas BWs were1.96 and 126.90 g, respectively. All length-weight relationships (LWRs) were greatly significant (p < 0.001) with r2 ≥ 0.986. Based on r2 value, BW = 0.0112*(TL)2.98 was the most appropriate model among seven equations. Besides, based on r2 values, length-length relationships (LLRs) by TL vs. SL was the finest model among six equations. These findings will help for species identification and further stock/ biomass estimation of C. punctata in the Gajner Beel or connected ecosystems

Murine mesothelin: characterization, expression, and inhibition of tumor growth in a murine model of pancreatic cancer

Background Mesothelin has attracted much interest as a tumor specific antigen; it has been reported to promote tumor development and to be a good target for cancer treatment. Most studies to date have used human mesothelin in immunocompromised mice. Since these models do not allow for study of the natural immune response to mesothelin expressing tumors, we have undertaken the characterization of mouse mesothelin so the effects of this protein can be assessed in immunocompetent mouse strains. Methods We analyzed mouse mesothelin expression, tissue distribution, shedding and biochemistry. In addition we constructed stable mesothelin overexpressing lines of the pancreatic cancer line Panc02 by two methods and tested them for growth and tumorigencity in vitro and in vivo. Results We show here that mouse mesothelin is similar to human mesothelin in biochemical characteristics, tumor expression and tissue distribution, suggesting the mouse may be a suitable model for study of mesothelin. Stable overexpression of mesothelin in a pancreatic cancer cell line did not increase cell proliferation or anchorage-independent growth in vitro, suggesting that mesothelin is not necessarily a tumor progression factor. Surprisingly overexpression of mesothelin inhibited tumor formation in vivo in immunocompetent mice. Conclusion The mouse may be a good model for studying mesothelin in the context of an intact immune response. Mesothelin is not necessarily a tumor progression factor, and indeed mesothelin overexpression inhibited tumor growth in immunocompetent mice