Trammel net size-selectivity for Hipposcarus harid (Forsskål, 1775) and Lethrinus harak (Forsskål, 1775) in coral reef fisheries of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The present study estimated the size-selectivity of Hipposcarus harid and Lethrinus harak caught in monofilament trammel nets of 50, 56, and 62 mm inner-panel mesh sizes. Fishing was carried out in the coral reef fisheries of Jeddah during the period from June 2013 to March 2014. The selectivity parameters were calculated using the SELECT method implemented in Pasgear 2 software. The normal location, normal scale, log-normal, gamma and bi-modal selectivity models were fitted to the data to estimate the selectivity curves. Results indicated that the log-normal model provided the best fit based on the lowest deviance value. Modal lengths estimated from the log-normal selectivity curves are: 19.73, 22.10, and 24.46 cm for H. harid, 18.41, 20.62, and 22.83 cm for L. harak caught with 50, 56 and 62 mm inner-panel mesh sizes, respectively. The length–girth relationship was estimated and described by the linear equation: G = 0.480 + 0.70 L (r2 = 0.95) for H. harid, and G = 0.73 L − 0.65 (r2 = 0.96) for L. harak. For proper management of H. harid and L. harak, the minimum inner-panel mesh size should be 62 mm to catch fish sizes larger than the length at maturity for both species

Stock assessment of the lizardfish Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795) in Jizan fisheries, Saudi Arabia

To evaluate the current stock status of the lizardfish Saurida tumbil in Jizan fisheries, growth parameters, mortality coefficients and size at first capture were determined. Otoliths collected from 623 specimens were used for age determination and back calculations of lengths at ages. The growth parameters of von Bertalanffy were estimated and found to be L∞ = 52.98 cm, K = 0.27 yr−1, and to = -0.84 yr. The mortality coefficients were estimated to be 1.365, 0.403 and 0.962 yr−1 for the total 'Z', natural 'M', and fishing 'F' mortality coefficient, respectively. The current exploitation rate 'Ecur' was 0.705 yr−1. The length at first capture 'Lc' was determined to be 25.1 cm. The relative yield and biomass per recruit were estimated, and the results showed that the exploitation rate is currently higher than Emax = 0.685 yr−1 and E0.1 = 0.551 yr−1 as biological reference points, which indicates that the stock of Saurida tumbil in Jizan fisheries is currently overexploited

A novel technique for an integrated optical wavelength demultiplexer

In this paper we propose a new technique for optical wavelength demultiplexing (DEMUX) relaying on two phenomena: Goos–Haenchen (GH) shift and continuous refraction at a graded-index medium interface. In the first case, two light beams are totally reflected at a plane interface separating two dielectric lossless media. The reflected beams suffer different lateral shifts (GH shifts) depending on the wavelength; thus accomplishing the required spatial beam separation. In the second case, the two light beams have different “turning points” inside the graded index medium; hence, the “back-refracted” beams are spatially separated. In this paper, we optimized the conditions of operation of such demultiplexing technique. This makes possible the integration of such technique in “planar integrated-optics” structures which can be used reliably in optical fiber communication networks

Identification of natural antiviral drug candidates against Tilapia Lake Virus: Computational drug design approaches.

Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) is a disease that affects tilapia fish, causing a high rate of sudden death at any stage in their life cycle. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective antiviral drugs or vaccines to prevent or control the progression of this disease. Researchers have discovered that the CRM1 protein plays a critical function in the development and spreading of animal viruses. By inhibiting CRM1, the virus's spread in commercial fish farms can be suppressed. With this in mind, this study intended to identify potential antiviral drugs from two different tropical mangrove plants from tropical regions: Heritiera fomes and Ceriops candolleana. To identify promising compounds that target the CRM1 protein, a computer-aided drug discovery approach is employed containing molecular docking, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) analysis, toxicity assessment as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. To estimate binding affinities of all phytochemicals, molecular docking is used and the top three candidate compounds with the highest docking scores were selected, which are CID107876 (-8.3 Kcal/mol), CID12795736 (-8.2 Kcal/mol), and CID12303662 (-7.9 Kcal/mol). We also evaluated the ADME and toxicity properties of these compounds. Finally, MD simulation was conducted to analyze the stability of the protein-ligand complex structures and confirm the suitability of these compounds. The computational study demonstrated that the phytochemicals found in H. fomes and C. candolleana could potentially serve as important inhibitors of TiLV, offering practical utility. However, further in vivo investigations are necessary to investigate and potentially confirm the effectiveness of these compounds as antiviral drugs against the virus TiLV

Bacterial Assessment and Isolation of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria from the Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita

A bacteriological study of fish is critical to protecting people from potential hazards and serving as an indicator of water contamination. The study was carried out to investigate microorganisms from the Labeo rohita. A total bacterial load was measured in the skin, gills, and intestine. It had a total bacterial load (TBL) of 1.54×109 CFU/g on average. The intestine had the highest average TBL of 2.09×109 CFU/g, while the gill had the lowest average TBL of 1.08×109 CFU/g. Isolated bacteria were grouped based on colony characteristics and then subjected to morphological, physiological, and biochemical analysis for identification up to the genus or species level. Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio spp. were identified as the two microorganisms. After a thorough examination and PCR analysis, the two bacteria, S. aureus and Vibrio spp., were isolated. S. aureus was detected in skin samples from R3 and R5 fish. S. aureus was isolated from R3, R4, and R5 in the gills. S. aureus was found in intestinal samples R2, R3, R4, and R5. The presence of Vibrio spp. was found in the intestines of all fish samples tested, as well as the skin of R4 and R5, and the gills of R2, R3, R4, and R5. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified in all S. aureus isolates, while the Tox-R gene was amplified in all Vibrio spp isolates. The isolated S. aureus and Vibrio tested positive for the 16s rRNA and Tox-R genes, respectively. An antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that the majority of S. aureus and Vibrio spp were susceptible to azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline but resistant to amoxicillin and streptomycin

Epigenetics and Probiotics Application toward the Modulation of Fish Reproductive Performance

Fish represent an excellent source of animal protein as well as a biomedical research model as a result of their evolutionary relatedness and similarity with the human genome. Commercial and ornamental fish culture has achieved popularity, but reproductive dysfunctions act as a limiting factor for quality fry production, interfering with the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Fish reproduction is crucial for any species’ existence, and reproductive performance can potentially be improved through applications of epigenetics and probiotics. Epigenetics is a highly sensitive molecular approach that includes chromatin structure and function alteration, DNA methylation, and modification of non-coding RNA molecules for the transfer of desired information from parents to offspring. DNA methyltransferase improves reproductive cyp11a1, esr2b, and figla gene expression and feminizes zebrafish (Danio rerio). Moreover, epigenetics also contributes to genome stability, environmental plasticity, and embryonic development. However, methylation of specific genes can negatively affect sperm quality, resulting in poor fertilization. Probiotic administration is able to induce responsiveness of incompetent follicles to maturation-inducing hormones and can change oocyte chemical composition during vitellogenic development. The positive role of probiotics on testicular cells is validated by upregulating the transcription levels of leptin, bdnf, and dmrt1 genes facilitating the spermatogenesis. This review not only discusses the effects and mechanism of epigenetics and probiotics for improving fish reproduction, but also presents an overview of the causal factors and current techniques used to eradicate dysfunction. Moreover, key genes and hormones related to fish reproduction along with research gaps and future prospects are also considered. This review provides an overview of necessary information for students, scientists, researchers, and breeders to resolve fish reproduction-related problems to ensure profitable and sustainable aquaculture

Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study

Objectives Studies have demonstrated high rates of mortality in people with proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, but there is limited published data on the factors that influence mortality for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This study aims to report the 30-day mortality associated with perioperative infection of patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fractures and to examine the factors that influence mortality in a multivariate analysis. Setting Prospective, international, multicentre, observational cohort study. Participants Patients undergoing any operation for a proximal femoral fracture from 1 February to 30 April 2020 and with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (either 7 days prior or 30-day postoperative). Primary outcome 30-day mortality. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results This study reports included 1063 patients from 174 hospitals in 19 countries. Overall 30-day mortality was 29.4% (313/1063). In an adjusted model, 30-day mortality was associated with male gender (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13, p80 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.31, p=0.013), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.16, p=0.005), kidney disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55, p=0.005) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.48, p=0.025). Mortality at 30 days was lower in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 (0.42 to 0.85), p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality in patients with an increase to delay in surgery (p=0.220) or type of anaesthetic given (p=0.787). Conclusions Patients undergoing surgery for a proximal femoral fracture with a perioperative infection of SARS-CoV-2 have a high rate of mortality. This study would support the need for providing these patients with individualised medical and anaesthetic care, including medical optimisation before theatre. Careful preoperative counselling is needed for those with a proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, especially those in the highest risk groups

Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study

Objectives Studies have demonstrated high rates of mortality in people with proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, but there is limited published data on the factors that influence mortality for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This study aims to report the 30-day mortality associated with perioperative infection of patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fractures and to examine the factors that influence mortality in a multivariate analysis. Setting Prospective, international, multicentre, observational cohort study. Participants Patients undergoing any operation for a proximal femoral fracture from 1 February to 30 April 2020 and with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (either 7 days prior or 30-day postoperative). Primary outcome 30-day mortality. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results This study reports included 1063 patients from 174 hospitals in 19 countries. Overall 30-day mortality was 29.4% (313/1063). In an adjusted model, 30-day mortality was associated with male gender (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13, p80 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.31, p=0.013), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.16, p=0.005), kidney disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55, p=0.005) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.48, p=0.025). Mortality at 30 days was lower in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 (0.42 to 0.85), p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality in patients with an increase to delay in surgery (p=0.220) or type of anaesthetic given (p=0.787). Conclusions Patients undergoing surgery for a proximal femoral fracture with a perioperative infection of SARS-CoV-2 have a high rate of mortality. This study would support the need for providing these patients with individualised medical and anaesthetic care, including medical optimisation before theatre. Careful preoperative counselling is needed for those with a proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, especially those in the highest risk groups. Trial registration number NCT0432364