Antibacterial proteins and peptides in nurse shark ( Ginglymostoma cirratum) peripheral blood leukocytes

In many vertebrate and invertebrate species mediators of innate immunity include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as peptide fragments of histones and other proteins with previously ascribed different functions. Shark AMPs have not been described and this research examines the antibacterial activity of nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) peripheral blood leukocyte lysates. Screening of lysates prepared by homogenizing unstimulated peripheral blood leukocytes identified muramidase (lysozyme-like) and non-muramidase antibacterial activity. Lysates were tested for lysozyme using the lysoplate assays, and antibacterial (AB) activity was assayed for by a microdilution growth assay that was developed using Planococcus citreus as the target bacterium. Fractionation of crude lysates by ion exchange and affinity chromatography was followed by a combination of SDS-PAGE with LC/MS-MS and/or N-terminal sequence analysis of low molecular weight protein bands (<20 kDa). This yielded several peptides with amino acid sequence similarity to lysozyme, ubiquitin, hemoglobin, human histones H2A, H2B and H4 and to antibacterial histone fragments of the catfish and the Asian toad. Not all peptide sequences corresponded to peptides potentially antibacterial. The correlation of a specific protein band in active lysate fractions was accomplished by employing the acid-urea gel overlay assays in which AB activity was seen as zones of growth inhibition on a lawn of P. citreus at a position corresponding to that of the putative AB protein band. This study is the first to describe putative AMPs in the shark and their potential role in innate immunity.^

Estratégias tróficas do peixe traíra, Hoplias malabaricus e do peixe cascudo, Hypostomus pusarum do açude Marechal Dutra, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The fish, Hoplias malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae) and armored catfish, Hypostomus pusarum (Loricariidae) are of freshwater origin from the neotropical region, and are considered ecologically and economically of important. This work investigated the trophic strategies, the morphology and histology of the digestive tract of these fish captured from the Marechal Dutra reservoir, Acari, the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A total of 133 individuals of H. malabaricus and 118 specimens of H. pusarum were analyzed. The two study species occupy different levels in the food chain and spatial distribution in the water column of the reservoir. The results of this study are presented in the form of four scientific papers. The first article describes the morphology and histology of the digestive tract and the feeding habits of H. malabaricus (Bloch, 1794). This fish has a short intestine, with an intestinal coefficient of 0.72 ± 0.09. The dietary importance index indicates that H. malabaricus feeds preferentially on animal matter, especially on fish (72.8%) and prawns (27.2%). The histology of its digestive tract confirms the carnivorous feeding habit. The second article discusses about the pioneering work on the feeding strategy and the characterization of anatomy and histology of the digestive tract of H. pusarum. The intestine of this fish is long, with an intestinal coefficient of 10.8±0.7. The dietary importance index indicates that H. pusarum feeds preferentially on organic matter in decomposition (88.7%) and on filamentous microalgae and diatoms (11.3%). The third article compares the morphological aspects of the digestive tract of H. malabaricus and H. pusarum, in relation to their food habits. The arrangement of the digestive organs in both species is directly related to the shape of the peritoneal cavity and the form of the body. The short intestine of H. malabaricus and the long intestine of H. pusarum are associated with their feeding habits. The morphology of the digestive tracts of H. malabaricus and H. pusarum confirm their food habits, carnivorous and detritivorous / herbivorous, respectively. The fourth article discusses the food and reproductive aspects (length and weight, length-weight relationship, type of growth and sex ratio) of H. pusarum. This species has a negatively allometric growth, with the predominance of females in the sampled population. H. malabaricus inhabits the pelagic environment and is a carnivore, while H. pusarum, lives in the benthic environment and is characterized as a detritivore/herbivore. Each species studied shows a very different diet, without trophic competition between them. The morphological and anatomical structures of the digestive tract reflect their feeding strategy.

Noradrenergic modulatoins of odor learning and odor representation in the rat

How experience alters neuronal ensemble dynamics and how locus coeruleus-mediated norepinephrine release facilitates memory formation in the brain are the topics of this thesis. Here we employed a visualization technique, cellular compartment analysis of temporal activity by fluorescence in situ hybridization (catFISH), to assess activation patterns of neuronal ensembles in the olfactory bulb (OB) and anterior piriform cortex (aPC) to repeated odor inputs. Two associative learning models were used, early odor preference learning in rat pups and adult rat go-no-go odor discrimination learning. With catFISH of an immediate early gene, Arc, we showed that odor representation in the OB and aPC was sparse (~5-10%) and widely distributed. Odor associative learning enhanced the stability of the rewarded odor representation in the OB and aPC. The stable component, indexed by the overlap between the two ensembles activated by the rewarded odor at two time points, increased from ~25% to ~50% (p = 0.004-1.43E⁻4; Chapter 3 and 4). Adult odor discrimination learning promoted pattern separation between rewarded and unrewarded odor representations in the aPC. The overlap between rewarded and unrewarded odor representations reduced from ~25% to ~14% (p = 2.28E⁻⁵). However, learning an odor mixture as a rewarded odor increased the overlap of the component odor representations in the aPC from ~23% to ~44% (p = 0.010; Chapter 4). Blocking both α- and β-adrenoreceptors in the aPC prevented highly similar odor discrimination learning in adult rats, and reduced OB mitral and granule ensemble stability to the rewarded odor. Similar treatment in the OB only slowed odor discrimination learning. However, OB adrenoceptor blockade disrupted pattern separation and ensemble stability in the aPC when the rats demonstrated deficiency in discrimination (Chapter 5). In another project, the role of α₂-adrenoreceptors in the OB during early odor preference learning was studied. OB α2-adrenoceptor activation was necessary for odor learning in rat pups. α₂-adrenoceptor activation was additive with β-adrenoceptor mediated signalling to promote learning (Chapter 2). Together, these experiments suggest that odor representations are highly adaptive at the early stages of odor processing. The OB and aPC work in concert to support odor learning and top-down adrenergic input exerts a powerful modulation on both learning and odor representation.

Building Jobs in Iowa: New Deal Dams of the Wapsipinicon River Watershed in Northeast Iowa, February 4, 2015

The Wapsipinicon River, affectionately known as the “Wapsi,” flows nearly 300 miles through northeastern Iowa to the Mississippi. Strung throughout its drainage basin is a series of dams that are highly valued by their communities as places of recreation and scenic beauty. The Wapsipinicon has long had a reputation as a fishing stream, known for catfish, northern pike, carp, sunfish, walleye, and smallmouth bass. It is not uncommon to find anglers of all ages gathered at one of the Wapsipinicon’s dams to enjoy a day of fishing and possibly take home a prize catch. As time passes, however, a dam may outlive its original function, impede fish passage, and pose a safety hazard. But the idea of demolishing an outdated dam often rallies the community in an attempt to preserve the landmark.

Lagoa mirim: caracterização da pesca artesanal e composição da captura

Os ambientes aquáticos continentais da metade sul do RS são caracterizados por uma ampla planície costeira, onde destaca-se a Lagoa Mirim, com uma área total binacional (Brasil e Uruguai) de 3.750 Km². Nesta região, a pesca é uma importante atividade sócio-econômica, porém, a economia da região baseia-se no cultivo do arroz e na criação de gado. A proposta deste trabalho foi realizar um diagnóstico preliminar desta atividade na L. Mirim. A metodologia foi baseada na aplicação de formulários aos pescadores artesanais (perfil sócio-econômico e características da pesca) e na identificação das espécies que compunham a captura proveniente do desembarque pesqueiro no entorno da L. Mirim (Jaguarão, Santa Isabel e Santa Vitória do PalmarPorto e Curral Alto). Os dados de captura total de pescado foram provenientes de fontes independentes e complementares. O estudo sugere um perfil do pescador artesanal composto por 71% de indivíduos de sexo masculino, entre 20 e 65 anos de idade que costumam ficar de uma semana a quinze dias embarcados. A maioria (71%) dos pescadores artesanais entrevistados possui somente ensino fundamental e seus familiares geralmente estão envolvidos na atividade pesqueira. Foram identificados 28 locais de pesca e as principais espécies capturadas pela pesca artesanal foram: traíra Hoplias malabaricus, jundiá Rhandia aff. quelen, pintado Pimelodus maculatus, peixerei Odontesthes spp, viola-cascuda Loricariichthys anus e tambico Oligosarcus spp. A traíra foi a espécie mais representativa em peso (> 40%). Estas espécies apresentaram flutuações na composição das capturas ao longo do ano; os menores valores foram registrados entre julho e setembro (meses frios), exceto para o peixe-rei. A análise dos dados também aponta uma variação interanual dos valores totais de pescado e alguns fatores que podem estar associados à diminuição da captura são os prolongados períodos de seca na região, o uso da água na orizicultura e a falta de fiscalização da atividade pesqueira. Estudos baseados em estimativas de pescarias e conhecimento sobre a biologia das espécies capturadas podem fornecer subsídios para o correto manejo dos recursos pesqueiros, para tanto, são necessárias pesquisas que investiguem aspectos do uso sustentado das espécies de importância econômica na região e os possíveis efeitos da atividade pesqueira sobre a estrutura e a biodiversidade do ecossistema. Assim, para garantir a sustentabilidade da Lagoa Mirim, faz-se necessário envolver os pescadores artesanais e suas estratégias de pesca, em função de seus conhecimentos ecológicos, nas pesquisas que integram a elaboração das políticas públicas.

Fishers’ perception on livelihood strategies, adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with changes in climate variables around Lake Wamala, Uganda

Fisheries support livelihoods but are threatened by climate variability and change which intensified since the 1970s. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the extent to which fishers around Lake Wamala in Uganda were copying with perceived changes in climate variables and the impacts on their livelihoods, to generate knowledge to enable the fishers increase resilience and sustain their livelihoods. Fishers were aware of changes in climate manifested by unpredictable seasons, floods and droughts. Fishing was the main livelihood activity. The African catfish had replaced Nile tilapia as the dominant fish species. There was damage and loss of gear, boats, landing sites and lives, and changes in fish catches and sizes, income and fish consumption during the perceived floods and droughts. The fishers adapted to the changes through increasing time on fishing grounds and changing target species and fishing gears but innovative ones diversified to high value crops and livestock which increased their income beyond what was earned from fishing thus acting as an incentive for some of them to quit fishing. Diversification to non-fishery activities as a form of adaptation was enhanced by membership to social groups, weekly fishing days, fishing experience and age of fishers but its benefits were not equally shared among men and women. Mitigation measures included planting trees, mulching gardens and protecting wetlands. Adaptation and mitigation measures were constrained by limited credit, awareness and land. The required interventions included improving access to credit, irrigation facilities and appropriate planting materials and raising awareness. The study showed that the fishers were aware of changes in climatic variables and the impacts on their livelihoods. There were also adaptation and mitigation measures practiced by the fishers which if promoted and their constraints addressed, could increase resilience of fishers to climatic change and sustain their livelihoods.

Características tecnológicas de espécies de pescado com potencial de criação na região sudoeste do Paraná

The fish meat has a particular chemical composition which gives its high nutritional value. However, this food is identified for being highly perishable and this aspect is often named as a barrier to fish consumption. The southwestern Paraná region, parallel to the country's reality, it is characterized by low fish consumption; and one of the strategies aimed at increasing the consumption of this important protein source is encouraging the production of other species besides tilapia. Within this context, it is necessary to know about the meat characteristics. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the technological potential of pacu, grass carp and catfish species. To do so, at first, it was discussed the chemical and biometric assessment under two distinct descriptive statistical methods, of the three species; and it was also evaluated the discriminating capacity of the study. In a second moment, an evaluation of effects done by two different processes of washing (acid and alkaline) regarding the removal of nitrogen compounds, pigments and the emulsifying ability of the proteins contained in the protein base obtained. Finally, in the third phase, it was aimed to realize the methodology optimization in GC-MS for the analysis geosmin and MIB (2-metilisoborneol) compounds that are responsible for taste/smell of soil and mold in freshwater fish. The results showed a high protein and low lipid content for the three species. The comparison between means and medians revealed symmetry only for protein values and biometric measurements. Lipids, when evaluated only by the means, overestimate the levels for all species. Correlations between body measurements and fillet yield had low correlation, regardless of the species analyzed, and the best prediction equation relates the total weight and fillet weight. The biometric variables were the best discriminating among the species. The evaluation of the washings, it was found that the acidic and basic processes were equally (p ≥ 0.05) efficient (p ≤ 0.05) for the removal of nitrogen compounds on the fish pulps. Regarding the extraction of pigments, a removal efficiency was recorded only for the pacu species, the data were assessed by the parameters L *, a *, b *. When evaluated by the total color difference (ΔE) before and after washing for both processes (acid/alkaline) the ΔE proved feasible perceived by naked eye for all species. The catfish was characterized as the fish that presents the clearest meat with the basic washing considered the most effective in removing pigments for this species. Protein bases obtained by alkaline washes have higher emulsifying capacity (p ≤ 0.05) when compared to unwashed and washed in acid process pulps. The methodology applied for the quantification of MIB and geosmin, allowed to establish that the method of extraction and purification of analytes had low recovery and future studies should be developed for identification and quantification of MIB and geosmin on fish samples.

Survey of parasitic infection of Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) and Silurus glanis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Aras reservoir with emphasizes of monogenean parasites

The parasites fauna of 491 specimens of Sander lucioperca, Linnaeus 1758 (246 specimens) and catfish, Silurus glanis, Linnaeus 1758 (245 specimens) in different size from Aras Reservoir situated in North —west of the Iran was investigated. During 2006-2007 Totally 16 parasite species were recorded. The most various parasites was found in catfish (10 species) while the lowest number was recorded in Sander lucioperca (6 species). Among them, however three genera of protozoa (Trichodina, Vorticella, Ichthyophthirius), two genera of Monogenea (Gyrodactylus, Silurodiscoides), Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda, Acanthocephala and Annelida one species each (Diplostomum, Protocephalus, Eustrongylides, Neoechinorhynchus, Pisicola) and two crustacean genera (Argulus and Lernea) recorded and we can come to conclusion in comparison with the earlier data the actual parasite fauna of two hosts has been greatly improved. According to the present study the prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of parasites species of both hosts were highly influenced by seasons of the year. Some species found, however show a tendency to be more abundant ides Trichodina sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Silurodiscoides vistolensis, Protocephalus osculatus respectively. Most parasites species live in gills and skin, where is highly sensitive to some pathogens parasites species (Trichodina, Vorticella, Ichthyophthirius, Pisicola geometra, Argulus foliaceus; Lernea) and While some are specialist (Silurodiscoides vistolensis and Silurodiscoides siluri) other more or less generalist (ichthyophthirius).

Summary study of gill ectoparasite infections and their histopathologic effects in four species of freshwater ornamental fishes

Ornamental fish are more expensive in comparison with the other fish. It especially highlights in non-breeding fish (in imported one for importation costs). But of course, with entering the new and unhealthy fishes to aquarium or ponds, they may transmit a pathogen to others (interfere with Iran ornamental fish parasitic fauna). In this study (Dec. 2008- Sep. 2009), 400 fish gill arch from 4 species of ornamental fish (within focus on imported fish); namely, i.e. Goldfish (Carassius auratus), platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus), Dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia) and Catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) were inspected for gill ectoparasites and then pathologic effects (but in high- affected gill). In this study, seven protozoan and ten metazoan species, indeed seventeen parasite species were identified. Protozan parasites consist of: Trichodina spp. and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis were found in four fish species; Ichthyobodo necatrix (Costia necator/C. necatrix) and Cryptobia branchialis, were respectively found in Dwarf gourami and goldfish. The highest prevalence belongs to Ichthyophthirius (47%) in platyfish. Metazoan parasites consist of: Ancyrocephalus sp. (Dwarf gourami), Ancylodiscoides spp. (catfish and platyfish), Dactylogyrus vastator, D. baueri, D. formosus (only in goldfish) and Gyrodactylus spp. (in four fish species). The highest prevalence was related to Dactylogyrus vastator(82%) in goldfish. Histological effects in case with high prevalence of parasite were also observed, e.g., hypertrophy, Lamellar hyperplasia and fusion. In high-parasitized gill, there is dysfunction of gill.

Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)

The Striped Catfish can be recognized by its striped coloration, barbels around the mouth, and its body shape which tapers to a point posteriorly. Small juveniles are black and large adults may be less distinctly striped. Plotosus lineatus can reach a maximum length of 32 cm (13 in) and about 40cm in Persian Gulf. The body is brown with cream-colored or white longitudinal bands. The most striking feature of this species is in the fins; in fact the second dorsal, caudal and anal are fused together as in eels. In the rest of the body is quite similar to a freshwater catfish: the mouth is surrounded by four pairs of barbells, four on the upper jaw and four on the lower jaw. The first dorsal and each of the pectoral fins have a highly venomous spine. They may even be fatal. Juveniles of P. lineatus form dense ball-shaped schools of about 100 fish, while adults are solitary or occur in smaller groups of around 20 and are known to hide under ledges during the day. Adult P. lineatus search and stir the sand incessantly for crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and sometimes fish. Striped eel catfish is an oviparous fish; this species has demersal eggs and planktonic larvae. This species has evolved long ampullary canals in its electrosensory organs.

New species of Harttia (Loricariidae, Loricariinae) from the Rio Sao Francisco Basin

A new species of the mailed catfish genus Harttia is described from the Sao Francisco River drainage, States of Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the combination of an abdominal region covered by small bony plates; plates 3-4 times in eye diameter; interorbital width 3.1-4.0 in head length and greater than eye diameter; body width at anal fin origin 6.3-8.3 in standard length; margins of the head and pectoral fin spine of mature males with elongate and conspicuous odontodes; anal fin of males longer than of females. A key to Harttia species and a comparison with other species are provided.

Metacromasia para identificação de basófilos sanguíneos em surubim híbrido: contribuição metodológica

Padua S.B. & Ishikawa M.M. [Metachromasia for blood basophils identification in hybrid surubim catfish: methodological contribution]. Metacromasia para identificacao de basofilos sanguineos em surubim hibrido: contribuicao metodologica. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 33(3):147-150, 2011. Centro de Aquicultura da Unesp/Jaboticabal Rod. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n Bairro Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, SP. Brasil. E-mail: santiagopadua@live.comDifferent protocols of fixation and hydrolysis of blood smears of hybrid surubim catfish for metachromasia to marking blood basophils were evaluated. For this reason, methanol, acid-alcohol and formalin vapor were tested as fixatives. For hydrolysis of blood smears, HCl, citric acid and 2-Mercaptoethanol + Urea + NaCl solutions was evaluated. After procedures, the blood smears was stained with toluidine blue (0.025%) diluted in McIlvaine buffer (pH 4). The different protocols for fixation and hydrolysis of blood smears for metachromasia influenced the quality of the reaction. Hydrolysis with 2-Mercaptoethanol + Urea + NaCl solutions provided negative results when using methanol and acid-alcohol as fixatives. The fixation with acid-alcohol associated with citric acid hydrolysis provides highest quality reason.

Identificação morfológica de organismos semelhantes à anaplasmataceae em monócitos de surubim híbrido (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x P. corruscans) – relato de caso

The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae-like organisms in monocytes from the hybrid surubim catfish. During the hematological evaluation of fish infected by Pseudomonas sp. in a fish farm located in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul we observed into the monocytes the presence of numerous pleomorphic inclusions of various sizes, rough in appearance which presented basophilic staining. These inclusions were similar to elementary bodies, initial bodies and morule of the bacteria from Anaplasmataceae family, often diagnosed in domestic mammals. This is the first report of its occurrence possibly belonging to the family of Anaplasmataceae in cultured fish in Brazil. Additional studies are necessary for molecular characterization of this bacteria, pathogenic potential, life cycle and impact on the intensive production of fish.

Eugenol como anestésico para jundiá (Rhamdia voulezi) em diferentes pesos

The study aimed to find the better concentration of eugenol for anesthesia of silver catfish (Rhamdia voulezi) with different weights. Were used 240 catfish distributed in randomized blocks in factorial scheme (5x4) total 20 treatments, in others words, five different weights: 32,5; 75; 150; 300 e 450g and four eugenol concentrations: 50, 75, 100 e 125 mg.l(-1). For each treatment were used 12 fish randomly chosen and exposed individually for each concentration. After of anesthesia the fish were transferred for net-cage with 0,7m(3), being fed and observed by 96 hours for monitoring of mortality. The eugenol was efficient for anesthesia in silver catfish all concentrations and weights and after of 96 hours no mortality have been verified. At these experimental conditions the best concentration of eugenol for anesthetic inducing and recuperation of silver catfish with weight varying from 32,5 and 450 g is 50 mg.l(-1).

Maturidade do ovário no cascudo Hypostomus strigaticeps (Siluriformes, Loriicaridae)

This work studied the ovarian development of the armored catfish Hypostomus strigaticeps. Between July 2002 and June 2005, 332 females were collected monthly from the Corumbatai River, São Paulo State [long dash] Brazil. The ovaries were processed using routine histological techniques [long dash] paraffin inclusion and 5 pm thick sections stained in hematoxylin-cosin. Six types of oocytes were observed: Chromatin-nucleolus, Perinncleolar, Cortical-alveolus, Vitellogenic, Ripe and Atresic. Four maturity stages were created based on macroscopic and microscopic morphological observations, as well as on analysis of the gonadossomatic index (GSI): Rest, Maturation, Ripe and Spawned.