Perception, integration and response of the salmonid epithelial cell line RTgill-W1 to infectious and pro-inflammatory agents in vitro

The burden of disease is a major issue in aquaculture production. The fish gill is a significant portal of entry for pathogens in fish. To investigate epithelial integrity and innate immune responses in gill epithelia the salmonid gill cell line RTgill-W1 was stimulated with diverse pro-inflammatory and infectious agents. Epithelial integrity in polarised cells expressed as transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) immediately increased after stimulation with different PAMPs (pathogen associated molecular patterns). In parallel tight junction and innate immune gene expression was modulated with bacterial PAMPs, LPS and MDP, internalized through actin dependent and independent endocytic pathways. The salmonid alphavirus subtype 2 (SAV-2) was used as an infectious agent in RTgill-W1 cells and was found to multiply at a low level. TER was found to be disturbed at an early stage of infection although tight junction related gene expression was not modulated. However, a strong PAMP-driven antiviral response was observed including upregulation of the expression of Rig-like receptor (RLRs) and several interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Barrier function of trout gill epithelium against infection was also investigated. A bacterial invasion assay using A. salmonicida highlighted the capacity of PAMP pre-treatment to reduce bacterial invasion. At the level of signal transduction of the phosphoproteome of RTgill-W1 cells in steady state and under poly(I:C) and MDP stimulation was conducted where poly(I:C) stimulated cells presented a higher number of phosphoproteins (360 unique phosphoproteins). These results provide an untargeted view of the key signaling pathways that are rapidly activated in response to PAMP stimulation. The findings of the present study highlight an integrated response to viral infection and PAMP challenge in fish epithelia that could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic avenues for fish health management in aquaculture

GENETSKA RAZLIČITOST AZIJSKOG MASLINASTOG CIPRINIDA (Systomus sarana, Hamilton, 1822) IZ NEKOLIKO RAZLIČITIH LOKACIJA U BANGLADEŠU

Olive barb (Systomus sarana) was collected from three different locations viz. Kuliarchar, Bhairab and Bikrampur in Bangladesh to elucidate genetic diversity by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Six arbitrary oligonucleotide RAPD primers were used to amplify the DNA from each population. A total of 52 bands were produced in 3 olive barb populations where 28 bands were polymorphic indicating 53.84% polymorphisms in those three populations with an average of 9 bands per primer. The molecular size of the amplified DNA fragments ranged between 300 and 2300 bp. 12 unique RAPD bands were observed in the three populations. The bands are specific and stable and thus could be used to characterize each germplasm. The values of pair-wise genetic distances ranged between 0.5232 and 0.8109 with some degrees of genetic variation among the populations. The highest genetic distance (0.8109) was observed between olive barb collected from Kuliarchar and Bikrampur, while the lowest (0.5232) was found between olive barb collected from Kuliarchar and Bhairab. The UPGMA dendrogram segregated three samples of olive barb into two major clusters C1 and C2. The Kuliarchar-Bhairab population pair of olive barb was genetically closer than that of Kuliarchar- Bikrampur. Therefore, RAPD analysis can be used to identify the genetic diversity in olive barb. This information may be used for improved breeding programme and conservation of native olive barb.Analizirani su uzorci Azijskog maslinastog ciprinida (Systomus sarana) s tri različite lokacije Kuliarchar, Bhairab i Bikrampur u Bangladešu radi utvrđivanja genetske raznolikosti putem slučajno amplificirane DNA pomoću lančane reakcije polimeraze (PCR-RAPD). Šest proizvoljnih oligonukleotida RAPD početnica korišteno je za amplifikaciju DNA iz svake populacije. Ukupno 52 benda su producirana na 3 populacije S. sarana, od čega je 28 bendova bilo polimorfno, što ukazuje na 53,84% polimorfizma u te tri populacije, s prosjekom od 9 bendova po početnici. Veličina amplificiranih fragmenta DNA kretala se u rasponu između 300 i 2300 bp. Uočeno je 12 jedinstvenih RAPD bendova u tri populacije. Bendovi su specifični i stabilni te stoga mogu biti korišteni za karakterizaciju svake germplazme. Vrijednosti genetskih udaljenosti bila je u rasponu između 0,5232 i 0,8109 s određenim stupnjem genetske varijacije između populacija. Najveća genetska udaljenost (0,8109) zabilježena je između S. sarana prikupljenih iz provincija Kuliarchar i Bikrampur, dok je najniža genetska udaljenost (0,5232) pronađena između jedinki prikupljenih iz provincija Kuliarchar i Bhairab. UPGMA dendrogram razdvaja tri uzoraka S. sarana u dva glavna klastera C1 i C2. Populacije Kuliarchar-Bhairab su genetski bliže nego Kuliarchar-Bikrampur. Stoga se RAPD analiza može koristiti za identifikaciju genetske raznolikosti vrste S. sarana. Ovi podaci se također mogu koristiti za poboljšanje uzgojnog programa i očuvanje populacija u otvorenim vodama

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from freshwater fishes

Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic microorganism. It is a secondary biological agent that contributes to the occurrence of fish diseases and its deterioration. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of A. hydrophila in some freshwater fishes collected from three different fish markets of Dhaka City and to test their antibiotic susceptibility. Total bacterial count and total aeromonas on different aeromonas selective media were enumerated using serial dilution technique. Bacterial isolates were characterized to identify A. hydrophila using biochemical tests and with comparison to reference strain (ATCC 7966). The lowest Aeromonas count was detected to be 2.83±0.40×102 cfu/g in Anabas testudineus and the highest was 1.03±0.153×103 cfu/g in Oreochromis mossambicus. On market basis highest aeromonas count was found in Anando Bazar (8.10±1.09×102 cfu/g) and lowest in Hatirpool Bazar (5.63±0.90×102 cfu/g) with no significant difference. Maximum susceptibility to amikacin and gentamicin was observed whereas all of the isolates were found resistant to a commonly used antibiotic amoxycillin. The obtained results point that antimicrobial susceptibility was more or less similar regardless of the origin of the samples collected. All the fishes investigated in this study contained A. hydrophila in their different organs

Broad targeting of resistance to apoptosis in cancer

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is natural way of removing aged cells from the body. Most of the anti-cancer therapies trigger apoptosis induction and related cell death networks to eliminate malignant cells. However, in cancer, de-regulated apoptotic signaling, particularly the activation of an anti-apoptotic systems, allows cancer cells to escape this program leading to uncontrolled proliferation resulting in tumor survival, therapeutic resistance and recurrence of cancer. This resistance is a complicated phenomenon that emanates from the interactions of various molecules and signaling pathways. In this comprehensive review we discuss the various factors contributing to apoptosis resistance in cancers. The key resistance targets that are discussed include (1) Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins; (2) autophagy processes; (3) necrosis and necroptosis; (4) heat shock protein signaling; (5) the proteasome pathway; (6) epigenetic mechanisms; and (7) aberrant nuclear export signaling. The shortcomings of current therapeutic modalities are highlighted and a broad spectrum strategy using approaches including (a) gossypol; (b) epigallocatechin-3-gallate; (c) UMI-77 (d) triptolide and (e) selinexor that can be used to overcome cell death resistance is presented. This review provides a roadmap for the design of successful anti-cancer strategies that overcome resistance to apoptosis for better therapeutic outcome in patients with cancer

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from freshwater fishes

Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic microorganism. It is a secondary biological agent that contributes to the occurrence of fish diseases and its deterioration. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of A. hydrophila in some freshwater fishes collected from three different fish markets of Dhaka City and to test their antibiotic susceptibility. Total bacterial count and total aeromonas on different aeromonas selective media were enumerated using serial dilution technique. Bacterial isolates were characterized to identify A. hydrophila using biochemical tests and with comparison to reference strain (ATCC 7966). The lowest Aeromonas count was detected to be 2.83±0.40×102 cfu/g in Anabas testudineus and the highest was 1.03±0.153×103 cfu/g in Oreochromis mossambicus. On market basis highest aeromonas count was found in Anando Bazar (8.10±1.09×102 cfu/g) and lowest in Hatirpool Bazar (5.63±0.90×102 cfu/g) with no significant difference. Maximum susceptibility to amikacin and gentamicin was observed whereas all of the isolates were found resistant to a commonly used antibiotic amoxycillin. The obtained results point that antimicrobial susceptibility was more or less similar regardless of the origin of the samples collected. All the fishes investigated in this study contained A. hydrophila in their different organs

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from freshwater fishes

Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic microorganism. It is a secondary biological agent that contributes to the occurrence of fish diseases and its deterioration. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of A. hydrophila in some freshwater fishes collected from three different fish markets of Dhaka City and to test their antibiotic susceptibility. Total bacterial count and total aeromonas on different aeromonas selective media were enumerated using serial dilution technique. Bacterial isolates were characterized to identify A. hydrophila using biochemical tests and with comparison to reference strain (ATCC 7966). The lowest Aeromonas count was detected to be 2.83±0.40×102 cfu/g in Anabas testudineus and the highest was 1.03±0.153×103 cfu/g in Oreochromis mossambicus. On market basis highest aeromonas count was found in Anando Bazar (8.10±1.09×102 cfu/g) and lowest in Hatirpool Bazar (5.63±0.90×102 cfu/g) with no significant difference. Maximum susceptibility to amikacin and gentamicin was observed whereas all of the isolates were found resistant to a commonly used antibiotic amoxycillin. The obtained results point that antimicrobial susceptibility was more or less similar regardless of the origin of the samples collected. All the fishes investigated in this study contained A. hydrophila in their different organs

Ethnolinguistic associations and genetic diversity of rice landraces in Nagaland, India

Societal Impact Statement Preserving and conserving crop landraces, tended by indigenous farming communities, is crucial for future food security. This research focused on rice landrace diversity in the north‐eastern Himalayan region of Nagaland, India, where Naga communities cultivate rice according to their dietary and cultural preferences. Rice diversity is closely linked to the region's ethnolinguistic and ecological variety. On‐farm conservation, in collaboration with indigenous communities, is imperative to protect these germplasm resources. Involving these communities actively in conservation efforts will safeguard their traditional knowledge, endorse sustainable farming practices, and enhance the resilience of local agricultural systems. Summary Understanding the genetic diversity and cultural significance of crop landraces is crucial for their conservation and sustainable utilization. This study focused on rice landraces from Nagaland in north‐eastern India to assess their genetic diversity and explore their associations with ethnolinguistic groups. We collected 78 rice landraces from Nagaland and a small part of Manipur and conducted microsatellite genotyping for genetic analysis. We integrated social anthropology and population genetics analyses of rice landraces to glean insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and ethnolinguistic history of rice cultivation in Nagaland. The study revealed the rich cultural significance of rice landraces among the Nagas. Farmers practiced small‐scale subsistence farming, maintaining diverse rice landraces. Naming conventions were based on factors such as seed source, color, grain type, and ecological suitability. Rice landraces played important roles in ethnic cultures, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Genetic analysis identified significant diversity, with 277 alleles across 69 loci and a moderate gene diversity of 0.57. Two distinct sub‐populations were identified, with one dominated by Chakhesang and Angami Nagas and the other by Sümi and Lotha accessions. Differentiation was observed between lowland and upland cultivars, with one sub‐population comprising exclusively lowland varieties. Cultural factors and cultivation practices influenced population differentiation, with ethnicity and ecotype having a significant impact. The study also highlighted the correlation between ethnolinguistic differentiation and the indica–japonica structuring of rice landraces. Different ethnic groups in Nagaland had distinct cultivation practices, contributing to genetic differentiation. Overall, this research emphasizes the need to preserve rice landraces and associated traditional knowledge for future improvements and cultural heritage conservation. It provides insights into genetic diversity, cultural significance, and the relationship between genetic diversity, cultural practices, and agricultural traditions

Association of Antibacterial Susceptibility Profile with the Prevalence of Genes Encoding Efflux Proteins in the Bangladeshi Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

Expelling antibiotic molecules out of the cell wall through multiple efflux pumps is one of the potential mechanisms of developing resistance against a wide number of antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the antibiotic susceptibility profile and the prevalence of different efflux pump genes i.e., norA, norB, norC, mepA, sepA, mdeA, qacA/B, and smr in the clinical isolates of S. aureus. Sixty clinical isolates were collected from a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. The disc diffusion method using ten antibiotics of different classes was used to discern the susceptibility profile. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to observe the resistance patterns and to detect the presence of plasmid and chromosomal encoded genes. Among the clinical isolates, 60% (36 out of 60) of the samples were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), whereas 55% (33 out of 60) of the bacterial samples were found to be multi-drug resistant. The bacteria showed higher resistance to vancomycin (73.33%), followed by ciprofloxacin (60%), cefixime (53.33%), azithromycin (43.33%), and amoxicillin (31.67%). The prevalence of the chromosomally-encoded efflux genes norA (91.67%), norB (90%), norC (93.33%), mepA (93.33%), sepA (98.33%), and mdeA (93.33%) were extremely high with a minor portion of them carrying the plasmid-encoded genes qacA/B (20%) and smr (8.33%). Several genetic combinations of efflux pump genes were revealed, among which norA + norB + norC + mepA + sepA + mdeA was the most widely distributed combination among MRSA and MSSA bacteria that conferred resistance against ciprofloxacin and probably vancomycin. Based on the present study, it is evident that the presence of multiple efflux genes potentiated the drug extrusion activity and may play a pivotal role in the development of multidrug resistance in S. aureus

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Aquaculture Production and Profitability in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Analysis

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spread across Bangladesh, affecting various sectors, including aquaculture. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects on aquaculture production and profitability in the country. The present study addresses this gap and investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using a convenience questionnaire survey utilising face-to-face and telephonic interviews with 499 fish farmers from five prominent fish-culture regions (Satkhira, Khulna, Madaripur, Bhola, and Mymensingh) in Bangladesh from April to August 2020. The results show aquaculture production losses averaging 29.1 % during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the farmers reported a profit of USD3813 per hectare, which turned into a loss of USD2565.4 per hectare during the pandemic period. The standard multiple linear regression analysis indicated that large farms experienced a more significant impact on aquaculture production loss and economic loss during the pandemic period compared to small farms [β = 0.15, P = 0.029]. The causes for the production loss were identified by rank based quotient (RBQ), indicating that increased fish transportation costs and prices of seed and feed dominated during the lockdown. The lockdown and movement restrictions also reduced selling prices because of fewer buyers. The government provided financial support to the fish farmers, but only onethird (36 %) of the respondents received financial aid. The study suggests implementing medium and long-term measures, such as strengthening communication networks, digital marketing strategies and developing strategic planning initiatives to improve disaster management and resilience to mitigate the effects of the pandemic

Association of Antibacterial Susceptibility Profile with the Prevalence of Genes Encoding Efflux Proteins in the Bangladeshi Clinical Isolates of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Expelling antibiotic molecules out of the cell wall through multiple efflux pumps is one of the potential mechanisms of developing resistance against a wide number of antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the antibiotic susceptibility profile and the prevalence of different efflux pump genes i.e., norA, norB, norC, mepA, sepA, mdeA, qacA/B, and smr in the clinical isolates of S. aureus. Sixty clinical isolates were collected from a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. The disc diffusion method using ten antibiotics of different classes was used to discern the susceptibility profile. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to observe the resistance patterns and to detect the presence of plasmid and chromosomal encoded genes. Among the clinical isolates, 60% (36 out of 60) of the samples were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), whereas 55% (33 out of 60) of the bacterial samples were found to be multi-drug resistant. The bacteria showed higher resistance to vancomycin (73.33%), followed by ciprofloxacin (60%), cefixime (53.33%), azithromycin (43.33%), and amoxicillin (31.67%). The prevalence of the chromosomally-encoded efflux genes norA (91.67%), norB (90%), norC (93.33%), mepA (93.33%), sepA (98.33%), and mdeA (93.33%) were extremely high with a minor portion of them carrying the plasmid-encoded genes qacA/B (20%) and smr (8.33%). Several genetic combinations of efflux pump genes were revealed, among which norA + norB + norC + mepA + sepA + mdeA was the most widely distributed combination among MRSA and MSSA bacteria that conferred resistance against ciprofloxacin and probably vancomycin. Based on the present study, it is evident that the presence of multiple efflux genes potentiated the drug extrusion activity and may play a pivotal role in the development of multidrug resistance in S. aureus