Organoruthenium metallocycle induced mutation in gld-1 tumor suppression gene in JK1466 strain and appreciable lifespan expansion

Four Ru(II) complexes (A2-A5) were synthesized from the reaction of coumarin Schiff base ligands (7da2-tsc, 7da3-mtsc, 7da4-etsc and 7da5-ptsc) with [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3]. The compounds were characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR, mass spectrometry and crystallographic analysis. Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) binding studies revealed the intercalative mode of binding of the complexes with DNA. The results of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies established the interaction between BSA followed static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxic effects of the complexes and the ligands were evaluated against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and lung carcinoma cell lines (A549 and NCI-H460) using MTT assay. Complex A4 demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects on both breast and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, morphological observations and FACS analysis showed the decrease in cell density by complex A4 by induced morphological changes and apoptotic body formation and cell death in both breast and lung cancer cells. Moreover, the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans was employed to assess the in vivo anticancer activity of compound A4. The findings indicated that the treatment with A4 reduced tumor development and significantly extended organismal lifespan by 64 % in the tumoral strain JK1466 without adversely affecting essential physiological functions of the worm. Additionally, A4 demonstrated an upregulation of two crucial antioxidant defense genes. Overall, these results suggested that the compound A4 can be a potential candidate with novel chemotherapeutic applications.

Effect of ruthenium(II) complexes on MDA-MB-231 cells and lifespan/tumor growth in gld-1mutant, Daf-16 TF and stress productive genes: A perspective study

Pincer type coumarin based N-substituted semicarbazone ligands HL1-4 and their corresponding ruthenium(II) complexes (1-4) were synthesized, analyzed and confirmed by various spectro analytical techniques. The molecular structure of the ligand HL3 and complex 3 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The stoichiometry of complexes 1, 2 and 4 was confirmed by high resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). The binding affinity of the compounds with CT-DNA (Calf Thymus DNA) and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) was established by absorption and emission titration methods. The results of In vitro cytotoxicity showed the significant cytotoxic potential of the complexes against MDA-MB-231 cells (TNBC- Triple-negative breast cancer). Among the complexes, 1 and 4 have shown appreciable results. Further, antimigratory activity against the MDA-MB-231 cells was studied for the complexes 1 and 4. The percentage cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and necrosis were explored by flow cytometry. The in vivo anti-tumor activity of the complexes 1 and 4 using C. elegans as model organism was established by using the tumoral C. elegans strain JK1466 (gld-1(q485)), which bears a mutation in the gld-1 tumor suppressor gene. We have determined the effect of our complexes on tumor gonad reduction and found to be non toxic to the JK1466 worms and they have prolonged their mean lifespan with potential antioxidant ability by overcoming stress responses. Overall, our study reported herein demonstrated that the complexes 1 and 4 could be established as potential metallo-drugs substantiating further exploration.

DNA vaccine incorporated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres offer enhanced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Encapsulation of DNA vaccines onto carriers enhances the immunogenicity of an antigen. Specifically, biodegradable polymers offer sustained release of vaccines which is crucial for any targeted delivery approach. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres were used to load a DNA vaccine having a targeted gene of outer membrane protein (OMP) of Aeromonas hydrophila to clone and construct a DNA vaccine using a eukaryotic expression vector system (pVAX1-OMP DNA) and delivery in Carassius auratus against A. hydrophila infection. PLGA microspheres were prepared by emulsion technique oil-in-water and characterized by a High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM). The results of PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA microspheres shows that average of 100-150 μm particle size and a loading efficiency (LE) of 68.8 %. Results indicate that C. auratus fed with PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA microspheres revealed a significant improvement in innate immune response, which includes, myeloperoxidase activity, respiratory burst and total immunoglobulin level compared with control group fish. The immune-related gene, IL1β, IL10, TGF, c-type, and g-type lysozyme also showed significantly higher expression after immunization. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of the PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA (G III) group exhibited a significantly higher survival rate (78 %) than the control group of fish. These results help us to understand the of mechanism of DNA vaccine administrated feed through PLGA nanoparticles resistance to infection by regulating systemic and innate immunity in Carassius auratus.

Differential Corticospinal Excitability and Cortical Functional Connectivity Modulation by Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation-based Motor Training versus Motor Training alone in Able-bodied and SCI participants: A Multiple Case Study

Spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) has shown its potential for boosting motor, sensory, and autonomic function recovery after a spinal cord injury. Despite the demonstrated benefits, little is known about the exact neuromodulatory mechanisms triggered by scTS and the cortex involvement in the beneficial effects observed. Here, we examine the effects of scTS-based motor training and motor training alone on sensorimotor cortical functional connectivity and corticospinal excitability in able-bodied and SCI participants.Clinical Relevance- The results show preliminary evidence of differential cortical involvement and modulation by scTS-based motor training in uninjured and spinal-cord injured individuals. A better understanding of scTS mechanisms of action could help optimize the intervention design and potentiate its benefits.

Improved Gait symmetry with spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury

A previous study by our group showed preliminary results showcasing the usage of optimal and individualized spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) parameters during overground gait training to facilitate more repeatable gait kinematics profiles for one participant with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of this study was to use the combined targeted scTS and training to improve spatial and temporal parameters to achieve a symmetrical gait profile after completing activity-based training (ABT) (stepping and stand training) and exoskeleton training with and without scTS. Our data indicates that stimulation with optimal and individualized parameters can lead to more effective, stable and symmetric gait patterns in participants with varied levels of SCI.Clinical Relevance- This analysis will enable us to better understand the combined effect of exercise based training and tonic scTS on improving the quality and symmetry of gait pattern in participants with incomplete SCI.

Patient Satisfaction with Anaesthesia: Perioperative Questionnaire versus Face-to-face Survey

Introduction: Factors favouring patient satisfaction in anaesthesia are availability of services based on institutional facilities, mutual between with anaesthesiologist and patients, skill of health care experts and patient requirements. When one wishes to improve response rates and raise the calibre of the data captured, face-to-face surveys are among the greatest methods for gathering data. It can be challenging to quantify subject satisfaction in anaesthesia since subjective indications vary by person, culture and background. Patients rating of their own satisfaction can estimate the care given during procedure which cannot be easily assessed in any other way. Aim: To assess patient satisfaction regarding the care provided during anaesthesia and to find out whether dissatisfactions are better elicited through face-to-face interviews or questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery under general or regional anaesthesia at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India, from November 2021 to February 2022. Estimated sample size was 74. As per American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grades 1 and 2, adults in the age group of 18–65 years were divided into two groups using chits. In group A, face-to-face interview was done on postoperative day 2 by anaesthesiology resident. In group B, questionnaire was given on postoperative day 2 by anaesthesiology resident. The questions on anaesthesia-related dissatisfaction were posed in a semi dichotomous scale (no/yes-mild, moderate, severe); the questions on satisfaction with anaesthesia care were given on a 4-item scale (extremely satisfied/satisfied/ neutral/dissatisfied). The data was analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0, and R environment version 3.2.2 and Microsoft word and Excel have been used to generate graphs and tables. Results: Patient population included in study was 74, among which 63 (85.1%) patients were extremely satisfied with the care given by Anaesthesia Department in general, seven (9.5%) were satisfied, four (5.4%) were neutral, and no one were dissatisfied. Among questionnaire group 36 (97.3%) patients were extremely satisfied with anaesthesia care in general while 27 (73%) of face-to-face group were extremely satisfied with anaesthesia care in general. Among anaesthesia related dissatisfactions 65 (87.8%) of patients did not complain of postoperative nausea and vomiting. In this study 52 (70.3%) patients were extremely satisfied with pain relief after surgery. Conclusion: Face-to-face interview identifies more patients who report lower degree of satisfaction with anaesthesia, it can be concluded that interviewing is better suited for detecting quality problems with anaesthesia care than written questionnaire.

The impact of engineered nanomaterials on the environment: Release mechanism, toxicity, transformation, and remediation

The presence and longevity of nanomaterials in the ecosystem, as well as their properties, account for environmental toxicity. When nanomaterials in terrestrial and aquatic systems are exposed to the prevailing environmental conditions, they undergo various transformations such as dissociation, dissolution, and aggregation, which affects the food chain. The toxicity of nanomaterials is influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental factors and its physico-chemical characteristics. Bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biomagnification are the mechanisms that have been identified for determining the fate of nanomaterials. The route taken by nanomaterials to reach living cells provides us with information about their toxicity profile. This review discusses the recent advances in the transport, transformation, and fate of nanomaterials after they are released into the environment. The review also discusses how nanoparticles affect lower trophic organisms through direct contact, the impact of nanoparticles on higher trophic organisms, and the possible options for remediation.

Diosgenin derivatives developed from Pd(II) catalysed dehydrogenative coupling exert an effect on breast cancer cells by abrogating their growth and facilitating apoptosis via regulating the AKT1 pathway

Palladium metallates containing 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde derived ONS donor Schiff bases were synthesized and their efficacy was tested in the direct amination of diosgenin - a phyto steroid. Based on the pharmacological importance of diosgenin, the obtained derivatives were exposed to study their effect on breast cancer cells where they significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells and left non-malignant breast epithelial cells unaffected. Among the derivatives, D3, D4 and D6 showed a better anti-proliferative effect and further analysis revealed that the D3, D4 and D6 derivatives markedly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by attenuation of the AKT1 signalling pathway.

Evaluation of individual and ensemble probabilistic forecasts of COVID-19 mortality in the United States

Short-term probabilistic forecasts of the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States have served as a visible and important communication channel between the scientific modeling community and both the general public and decision-makers. Forecasting models provide specific, quantitative, and evaluable predictions that inform short-term decisions such as healthcare staffing needs, school closures, and allocation of medical supplies. Starting in April 2020, the US COVID-19 Forecast Hub (https://covid19forecasthub.org/) collected, disseminated, and synthesized tens of millions of specific predictions from more than 90 different academic, industry, and independent research groups. A multimodel ensemble forecast that combined predictions from dozens of groups every week provided the most consistently accurate probabilistic forecasts of incident deaths due to COVID-19 at the state and national level from April 2020 through October 2021. The performance of 27 individual models that submitted complete forecasts of COVID-19 deaths consistently throughout this year showed high variability in forecast skill across time, geospatial units, and forecast horizons. Two-thirds of the models evaluated showed better accuracy than a naïve baseline model. Forecast accuracy degraded as models made predictions further into the future, with probabilistic error at a 20-wk horizon three to five times larger than when predicting at a 1-wk horizon. This project underscores the role that collaboration and active coordination between governmental public-health agencies, academic modeling teams, and industry partners can play in developing modern modeling capabilities to support local, state, and federal response to outbreaks.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of bimaxillary and mandibular setback surgery on pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position in skeletal class III patients

Background

To compare the effects of bimaxillary surgery ( Maxillary advancement and mandibular setback) and mandibular setback surgery (Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy) on the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) and the hyoid bone position in a skeletal class III patients.

Material and Methods

Thirty four subjects (21 males, 13 females, mean age 26.5 ± 8 years) with skeletal class III pattern (ANB angle of -2° to -6°) were divided into two groups of equal sizes. Group A consisted of 17 individuals who underwent Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)and Group B consisted of 17 individuals who underwent bimaxillary surgery. In both the group, lateral cephalograms were taken, traced and analyzed for the specified parameters at 3 intervals, pre treatment (C1), post surgical (C2), and post orthodontic treatment (C3). Changes in PAS was evaluated at 3 levels i.e, nasopharynx (Upper PAS), oropharynx (Middle PAS) and hypopharynx (Lower PAS). Changes in hyoid bone position were evaluated in anteroposterior and vertical direction at all the 3 intervals.

Results

There was a significant constriction of airway at oropharyngeal and hypo-pharyngeal level at C2 and C3 in both the groups. However, the reduction at the oropharyngeal airway was greater in group A. In group B, there was significant increase in the airway at the level of nasopharynx, Hyoid bone was positioned more posteriorly post-surgery in group A which did not return to its original position post treatment. In group B hyoid bone was positioned postero-inferiorly post surgically which came back to its original position by the end of orthodontic treatment.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery showed a significant increase in the airway at the level of nasopharynx. Hyoid bone returned to its original position by the end of orthodontic treatment in the bimaxillary surgery group. This study suggested that while treating a skeletal class III malocclusion it is advised to perform maxillary advancements along with mandibular setback surgery.

Key words:Bimaxillary surgery, Hyoid bone, Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy, Pharyngeal airway space.

Palladium-mediated C–O bond activation of benzopyrone in 4-oxo-4H-chromone-3-carbaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazone: synthesis, structure, nucleic acid/albumin interaction, DNA cleavage, antioxidant and cytotoxic studies

Palladium ion-mediated C–O activation at the C2 carbon of the benzopyrone moiety of 3-formylchromone-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazone (HL1–4) has been observed in square-planar palladium(ii) complexes.

Space time analysis of dengue fever diagnosed through a network of laboratories in India from 2014-2017

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India, have established Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network (VRDLN) to strengthen the laboratory capacity in the country for providing timely diagnosis of disease outbreaks. Fifty-one VRDLs were functional as on December 2017 and had reported about dengue fever across Indian states. The objectives of the study were to detect space time clusters and purely temporal clusters of dengue using Kulldorff's SaTScan statistics using patient level information; and to identify regions at greater risk of developing the disease using Kriging technique aggregating at district level.

METHODS

A total of 211,432 patients from 51 VRDLs were investigated for IgM antibodies or NS1 antigen against dengue virus during the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017 and among them 60,096 (28.4%) were found to be positive. Kulldorff's space time analysis was used to identify significant clusters over space and time. Kriging technique was used to interpolate dengue data for areas not physically sampled using the relationship in the spatial arrangement of the data set. Maps obtained using both the methods were overlaid to identify the regions at greater risk of developing the disease.

RESULTS

Kulldorff Space time Scan Statistics using the Bernoulli model with monthly precision revealed eight statistically significant clusters (P <0.001) for the time period, 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. Eight significant clusters identified were districts of Nagpur, Jhunjhunu, Gadag, Dakshin Kannada, Kancheepuram, Sivaganga, Ernakulam and Malda. The purely temporal clusters occurred during the last quarter of 2015 and 2016. The Kriging technique identified north eastern part of the country (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur) and Gujarat.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Dengue fever has spread in all directions in the country. Hence, it is need of the hour to perform an in-depth investigation.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Based on Laboratory Surveillance Data-India, 2014-2017

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses (HAV and HEV) are the most common etiologies of viral hepatitis in India. To better understand the epidemiology of these infections, laboratory surveillance data generated during 2014-2017, by a network of 51 virology laboratories, were analyzed. Among 24,000 patients tested for both HAV and HEV, 3,017 (12.6%) tested positive for HAV, 3,865 (16.1%) for HEV, and 320 (1.3%) for both HAV and HEV. Most (74.6%) HAV patients were aged ≤ 19 years, whereas 76.9% of HEV patients were aged ≥ 20 years. These laboratories diagnosed 12 HAV and 31 HEV clusters, highlighting the need for provision of safe drinking water and improvements in sanitation. Further expansion of the laboratory network and continued surveillance will provide data necessary for informed decision-making regarding introduction of hepatitis-A vaccine into the immunization program.

Distribution and Biology of Mallada desjardinsi (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in India and Its Predatory Potential Against Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

In this study, we report the prevalence of Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) in seven geographical regions of India and provide the first report of its kind outlining the preying of all stages of the spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, by M. desjardinsi Sampling was conducted in seven regions of two provinces in India, Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu), which demonstrated that M. desjardinsi populations were most dense at the former and least at the later. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind outlining observations regarding the biology and feeding potential of M. desjardinsi on A. dispersus under laboratory conditions. It was observed that the second nymphal stadium of A. dispersus was most preferred prey for M. desjardinsi and the least preferred was the A. dispersus adult. It was also seen that the third stadium of M. desjardinsi consumed more A. dispersus individuals than any other life stages. The longevity of female and the total developmental period of M. desjardinsi were computed as 27.6 ± 1.69 and 24.1 ± 0.99 d, respectively. The average total number of eggs laid by the M. desjardinsi female was 211.1 ± 6.35 eggs. M. desjardinsi was observed to be extremely efficient in terms of prey searching and predatory potential with respect to A. dispersus The results of this study indicate strongly that M. desjardinsi has the potential to be used for the control of A. dispersus.

Effect and Mechanism of Virechana Karma (Therapeutic Purgation) Over Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Panchakarma (biopurification methods) is one of the modes of ayurveda to treat disorders of the body. Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation), one among the Panchakarma, is a purification process that is commonly used to treat metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes mellitus. Hence this study was planned to provide evidence through animal experiments.

METHODS

Albino rats were subject to Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation) to evaluate the influence of therapy and its mechanism over fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Results show that Virechana is effective in the management of the metabolic syndrome with decrease in the fecal fat content, fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, and reduced fatty changes in liver, heart, and kidney in comparison with the positive control group.

CONCLUSION

Experimental evaluation showed decrease in fatty acid in the storage like liver, kidney, heart, and muscle adipose tissue can indirectly increase the insulin sensitivity in insulin receptor present at skeletal muscles.

Designing of potential inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus sortase A: Combined analogue and structure based approach with in vitro validation

Staphylococcus aureus sortase A is an attractive target of Gram-positive bacteria that plays a crucial role in anchoring of surface proteins to peptidoglycan present in bacterial cell wall. Inhibiting sortase A is an elementary and essential effort in preventing the pathogenesis. In this context, in silico virtual screening of in-house database was performed using ligand based pharmacophore model as a filter. The developed pharmacophore model AAHR 11 consists of two acceptors, one hydrophobic and one ring aromatic feature. Top ranked molecule KKR1 was docked into the active site of the target. After profound analysis, it was analyzed and optimized based on the observations from its binding pose orientation. Upgraded version of KKR1 was KKR2 and has improved docking score, binding interactions and best fit in the binding pocket. KKR1 along with KKR2 were further validated using 100 ns molecular dynamic studies. Both KKR1 and KKR2 contain Indole-thiazolidine moiety and were synthesized. The disk diffusion assay has good initial results (ZI of KKR1, KKR2 were 24, 38 mm at 10 μg/mL and ZI of Ampicillin was 22 at 10 μg/mL) and calculated MICs of the molecules (KKR1 5.56±0.28 μg/mL, KKR2 1.32±0.12 μg/mL, Ampicillin 8±1.1 μg/mL) were in good agreement with standard drug Ampicillin. KKR1 has shown IC50 of 1.23±0.14 μM whereas the optimized lead molecule KKR2 show IC50 of 0.008±0.07 μM. Results from in silico were validated by in vitro studies and proved that indole-thiazolidine molecules would be useful for future development as lead molecules against S. aureus sortase A.

Clinical, morphologic, and immunohistochemical features of canine orbital hibernomas

Hibernomas are uncommon benign tumors of brown fat that occur in humans and various animal species. They have not been observed in the orbit of dogs, humans, or other animals. Here we report clinical, light and electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of a series of 7 hibernomas arising in the orbital region of dogs. These neoplasms occurred in adult dogs with no breed predilection. The mean age of the affected dogs was 10.4 years (range, 8-13 years). All neoplasms presented as soft lobular masses composed of predominantly round or polygonal neoplastic cells with granular eosinophilic and vacuolated cytoplasm resembling adipocytes. The cytoplasm contained large numbers of pleomorphic mitochondria with dense matrices and indistinct cristae. Immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed positive labeling of neoplastic cells from all cases with uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) consistent with brown fat differentiation. Interestingly, rare neoplastic cells also expressed myogenin and myoD, possibly suggesting a common progenitor cell for neoplastic brown adipose and skeletal muscle cells.

In vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Combination of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers on Controlled Release Zidovudine Matrix Tablets

The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize controlled-release matrix tablets of zidovudine using hydrophilic HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 alone or in combination with hydrophobic ethyl cellulose. Release kinetics was evaluated by using USP XXIV dissolution apparatus No.2 (paddle) type. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the effect of dissolution medium on matrix tablet surface. The in vitro results of controlled – release zidovudine tablets were compared with conventional marketed tablet Zidovir. The in vitro drug release study revealed that HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 preparation was able to sustain the drug release near to 6 hours. Combining HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 with ethyl cellulose sustained the drug release for nearly 12 h. The in vitro evaluation showed that the drug release may be by diffusion along with erosion. Results suggest that the developed controlled-release tablets of zidovudine could perform therapeutically better than marketed dosage forms, leading to improve efficacy, controlling the release and better patient compliance.

Clearance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV) and immunological changes in experimentally injected Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Macrobrachium rosenbergii was experimentally challenged with Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV) to study the clearance of these viruses and consequent changes in various immunological parameters. The healthy animals were injected MrNV and XSV intramuscularly and various organ samples such as gill tissue, head soft tissue, pleopods and intestine were collected at different time intervals of 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100d post-infection (p.i.) to study the viral clearance. Tissue tropism and clearing of MrNV and XSV were confirmed by RT-PCR, nested RT-PCR and bioassay. These 2 viruses failed to cause mortality or clinical signs of disease in injected adult prawns during the experimental period of 100 days. The result of RT-PCR analysis revealed that all the organs showed positive for both viruses by single step RT-PCR on 3, 5 and 10 d p.i., positive by nested RT-PCR on 15 and 20 d p.i. and all the organs became negative at 25 d p.i. onwards. The viral inoculum prepared from the tissue of MrNV and XSV-injected M. rosenbergii at 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 d p.i. caused 100% mortality in post-larvae of M. rosenbergii at 9, 8, 7, 10 and 10 d p.i., respectively whereas the inoculum prepared at 25, 50 and 100 d p.i. failed to cause significant mortality in post-larvae of prawn. Immunological parameters such as proPO, superoxide anion, SOD, THC, clotting time and oxyhemocyanin were determined in MrNV and XSV-injected prawns and significant differences in some of the immunological parameters were found in the early days p.i. and became insignificant in the later days p.i.

Clearance of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and immunological changes in experimentally WSSV-injected Macrobrachium rosenbergii

A time course experimental challenge of WSSV was carried out to examine the clearance of WSSV in Macrobrachium rosenbergii and the consequent immunological changes. The experimental animals were injected with WSSV and the samples of gills, pleopods, head soft tissue and hemolymph were collected at different intervals of 1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 days post infection (p.i.). WSSV infection and clearing were confirmed by single step PCR, nested PCR and bioassay. At 3 days p.i., M. rosenbergii became lethargic and stopped feeding in contrast to the control prawns that behaved and fed normally. However, the WSSV-injected prawns suffered no mortality during the experimental period and recovered without any further gross signs of disease or any mortality over a period of 100 days p.i. The single step PCR analysis showed positive at 1, 3 and 5 days p.i. in gills, head soft tissue, pleopods and hemolymph, and all the organs showed negative at 10 days p.i. onwards. The nested PCR results showed that all organs were positive for WSSV from 3 days p.i. and extended up to 25 days p.i. At 50 days p.i, head soft tissue sample alone showed WSSV-positive while all other organs were negative by nested PCR. All the organs at 75 and 100 days p.i. showed nested PCR negative for WSSV as observed in the control prawn. The hemolymph collected from experimentally infected M. rosenbergii at 1, 3 and 5 days p.i. caused 100% mortality at 40 h p.i., 55 h p.i. and 72 h p.i, respectively in Penaeus monodon whereas hemolymph collected at 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 days p.i. failed to cause mortality in shrimp. The moribund shrimp showed WSSV-positive and surviving shrimp showed negative by PCR. Immunological parameters such as proPO, O(2)(-) and clotting time in WSSV-injected M. rosenbergii were found to be significantly higher than those of the control groups, whereas THC and superoxide dismutase were significantly lower when compared to control groups.