The biochemical composition of seaweed from the Persian Gulf and the effect of seaweed extract on the growth and composition of two microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros muelleri cultured as live food for Penaues indicus larvae

The biochemical composition of three groups of seaweeds; green (Ulva lactuca and Enthromorpha intestinalis), brown (Sargassum illicifolium and Colpomenia sinuosa) and red (Hypnea valentiea and Gracilaria corticata) from the Persian Gulf and the effects of seaweed extracts (SWE) either as a supplement or as an alternative media to the f/2 medium on the growth and composition of two microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros muelleri cultured as live food for Penaeus indicus larvae were investigated. Results showed that seaweeds were relatively high in carbohydrate and ash, but low in lipid. Lipid content in green seaweed was significantly higher than both the red and brown seaweed (PMg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Co. The study clearly showed that the two microalgae I. galbana and C. muelleri could be successfully cultured using the various SWE either as a supplement or as an alternative to the f/2 medium. Since no major changes were found in most of the measured growth parameters, proximate composition, important polyunsaturated fatty acids and mineral content following culture of the microalgae with SWE as an alternative media, it was concluded that the SWE evaluated in the present study are able to provide the necessary nutrients for microalgae growth and could be used as a low cost nutritive media in establishing microalgal populations for use in aquaculture operations. The present study found that when shrimp larvae were fed on microalgae (exclusively or mixed) that had been cultured with SWE as a supplement media, they molted faster to mysis 2 (MII) stage compared to larvae fed on microalgae cultured with conventional f/2 media (Control). Maximum final total length, survival rate and specific growth rate were recorded for shrimp larvae fed on microalgae diets that included SWE as a supplement in the culture media compared to shrimp larvae fed the control diet. The overall growth performance clearly showed that P. indicus larvae were successfully reared using microalgae diets tested, and the shrimp larvae fed on mixed microalgae (I. galbana + C. muelleri) showed better larval growth, survival and development than those that were fed on single microalgal diet. Furthermore, similar larval growth, survival and development were obtained when shrimp larvae were fed with microalgae cultured with SWE as a substitute media to f/2 medium. In conclusion, microalgae cultured with SWE could potentially be used as a low-cost alternative method in producing live food for the hatchery production of shrimp larvae

Zinc Deficiency in Low and Middle Income Countries: Prevalence and Approaches for Mitigation

This review addresses the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and assesses the available strategies for its alleviation. The paucity of national level data on the zinc deficiency in LMICs is partially due to the lack of a reliable biomarker. Zinc deficiency appears to be a public health problem in almost all the LMICs irrespective of the recommended indicators (plasma zinc concentration, dietary zinc adequacy and stunting prevalence) used. Based on plasma/serum zinc concentration (PZC), the most appropriate indicator at present, the prevalence of zinc deficiency in LMICs are of concern. Among the 25 countries for which national PZC data were available, 23 had a zinc deficiency prevalence of >20% for at least one physiological group. Zinc supplementation is largely restricted as an adjunct therapy for diarrhoea management in children, but the best platform and the most effective way of preventive zinc supplementation delivery needs to be determined. Impact assessment for current zinc fortification programmes in LMICs and the effectiveness of zinc supplementation as part of a multi-micronutrient powder is to be ascertained. Dietary diversification, though promising for LMICs, is in nascent stages of development at present. Inclusion of meat and animal products can be an important way to improve zinc status. Programmatic experience with the promotion of home processing techniques to increase absorbable zinc in the diet is lacking. Conventional biofortification techniques are gaining recognition in LMICs, however transgenic biofortification as a strategy remains controversial

Antibacterial peptidomimetic and characterization of its efficacy as an antibacterial and biocompatible coating for bioceramic-based bone substitutes

Infection of orthopedic devices by pathogenic bacteria, coupled with the development of bacterial resistance against major antibiotics, have caused severe physical and emotional trauma to patients and posed economic challenges to healthcare institutes and governments worldwide. Antimicrobial peptidomimetics have emerged as promising new candidates to fight the rise of bacterial resistance. Conjugation of these peptidomimetics to bone implant materials has become a viable strategy to combat orthopedic device related infections. In this paper, we report on the synthesis of an anthranilamide-based antibacterial peptidomimetic. The compound, which could possibly be acting through the depolarization of bacterial cell membrane, demonstrated a higher toxicity towards S. aureus compared to E. coli. We further demonstrated the ability of this compound to disrupt pre-formed biofilms. Coating of the compound on hydroxyapatite discs was achieved via physical interactions between the charged hydroxyapatite surface and the peptidomimetic. This was confirmed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The compound imparted antibacterial property to the discs as determined via antibacterial assays and imaging, while rendering the discs mildly cytotoxic towards human fetal osteoblast cells. This journal i