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Increasing plastic contamination poses a serious threat to marine organisms. Microplastics (MPs) ingestion can represent a risk for the organism itself and for the ultimate consumer. Through the analysis of the gastrointestinal tract, coupled with stable isotope analysis on the muscle tissue, this study provides insights into the relationship between MPs pollution and ecology in two commercial marine species caught in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea: Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Parapenaeus longirostris . Stable isotope analysis was conducted to determine the trophic position and the trophic niche width. The gastrointestinal tracts were processed, and the resultant MPs were analysed under FT-IR spectroscopy to estimate the occurrence, abundance, and typology of the ingested MPs. The trophic level of the species was similar ( P. longirostris TP = 3 ± 0.10 and A. foliacea TP = 3.1 ± 0.08), with an important trophic niche overlap, where 38% and 52% of P. longirostris and A. foliacea has ingested MPs, respectively. Though species-level differences may not be evident regarding MP's abundance per individual, a high degree of dissimilarity was noted in the typologies of ingested particles. This research provides valuable insights into how MPs enter marine trophic webs, stressing that isotopic niche analysis should be combined with other methods to explain in detail the differences in MPs ingestion.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a threat to human health and one of the leading bacterial causes of seafood-borne infection worldwide. This pathogen is autochtonous in the marine environment and is able to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms, which is a global concern. However, the emergence of AMR V. parahaemolyticus strains in seafood is still understudied, as interpretation criteria for this species for antimicrobial susceptibility tests are limited in the literature. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility profiles to clinically important antibiotics and the associated genetic determinants of V. parahaemolyticus isolates cultured from imported shrimps. Based on the analysis of the resistance phenotypes of 304 V . parahaemolyticus isolates, we have defined experimental epidemiological cutoff values (CO WT ) for 14/15 antibiotics tested. We observed that 19.1% of the bacterial isolates had acquired resistance to at least one antibiotic class. The highest number of resistance was associated with tetracycline (14.5% of the strains) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (3.6%). Moreover, seven strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR, resistant to at least three antibiotic classes). The most frequently identified genes in these strains were aph(3″)-Ib / aph(6)-Id (aminoglycoside resistance), sul2 (sulfonamide), tet(59 ) (tetracycline), and floR (chloramphenicol). The SXT/R391 family ICE and class 1 integron-integrase genes were detected by PCR in three and one MDR V. parahaemolyticus strains, respectively. Consequently, V. parahaemolyticus in seafood can act as a reservoir of AMR, constituting a health risk for the consumer.IMPORTANCEOur study on "Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Genetic Determinants of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates from Imported Shrimps" addresses a critical gap in understanding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in this seafood-associated pathogen. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major cause of global seafood-borne infections, and our research reveals that 19.1% of isolates from imported shrimps display resistance to at least one antibiotic class, with multidrug resistance observed in seven strains. Importantly, we establish experimental epidemiological cutoff values for antibiotic susceptibility, providing valuable criteria specific to V. parahaemolyticus . Our findings underscore the potential risk to consumers, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and intervention strategies. This study significantly contributes to the comprehension of AMR dynamics in V. parahaemolyticus , offering crucial insights for global public health. The dissemination of our research through Microbiology Spectrum ensures broad accessibility and impact within the scientific community and beyond., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

This study employs a comprehensive approach combining metagenomic analysis and bacterial isolation to elucidate the microbial composition, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factors (VFGs) present in shrimps from market and supermarket. Metagenomic analysis of shrimps revealed a dominance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes with Firmicutes notably enriched in some samples. On the other hand, the dominant bacteria isolated included Citrobacter portucalensis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Vibrio species and Klebsiella pneumonaie. Metagenomic analysis unveiled a diverse spectrum of 23 main types and 380 subtypes of ARGs in shrimp samples including many clinical significant ARGs such as bla KPC , bla NDM , mcr, tet(X4) etc. Genomic analysis of isolated bacterial strains identified 14 ARG types with 109 subtype genes, which complemented the metagenomic data. Genomic analysis also allowed us to identify a rich amount of MDR plasmids, which provided further insights into the dissemination of resistance genes in different species of bacteria in the same samples. Examination of VFGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in both metagenomic and bacterial genomes revealed a complex landscape of factors contributing to bacterial virulence and genetic mobility. Potential co-occurrence patterns of ARGs and VFGs within human pathogenic bacteria underlined the intricate interplay between antibiotic resistance and virulence. In conclusion, this integrated analysis for the first time provides a comprehensive view and sheds new light on the potential hazards associated with shrimp products in the markets. The findings underscore the necessity of ongoing surveillance and intervention strategies to mitigate risks posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the food supply chain using the novel comprehensive approaches., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

There is increasing global concern regarding microplastics. Rivers play a key role in the transportation and storage of microplastics on the Earth's surface. Here, we aimed to investigate the spatial-temporal variations in the distribution of microplastics in water as well as in the dominant species of the macrobenthic fauna Exopalaemon modestus and Macrobrachium nipponense in the river system of Chongming Island by setting up 16 fixed sampling sites. We found that the abundance of microplastics in the water of the rivers on the Chongming Island was 0.48 ± 0.10 n/L. There was no significant difference among different reaches. The abundance of microplastics in the major rivers was significantly higher in summer than in the other seasons. Detection rates of microplastics in Exopalaemon modestus and Macrobrachium nipponense were 50.12 % and 64.58 %, with mean abundances of 1.92 ± 0.52 n/g and 1.49 ± 0.30 n/g, respectively. The composition characteristics of the microplastics in shrimps were affected by the microplastics in the aquatic environment. The microplastic content in the shrimps and water were linearly correlated in terms of the same characteristics (shape, color, and polymer). Shrimps showed a stronger feeding preference {Target Group Index (TGI) > 1} for microplastics with fibrous shapes, transparent and green colors, rayon (RA) and polyethylene (PE) polymers, and relatively small sizes (<400 μm). These results indicate that shrimps prefer to consume microplastics that have similar appearance to their prey. Their benthic dwelling habits may limit their feeding space to the bottom of the water, which in turn leads to an increase in the feeding probability on microplastics of greater densities (e.g., RA). The catabolism of microplastics in shrimps may lead to an overestimation of their feeding preference for smaller sizes. Further controlled experiments should be carried out to obtain deeper insights into the preferences of shrimp for microplastics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aquaculture assumes a pivotal role in meeting the escalating global food demand, and shrimp farming, in particular, holds a significant role in the global economy and food security, providing a rich source of nutrients for human consumption. Nonetheless, the industry faces formidable challenges, primarily attributed to disease outbreaks and the diminishing efficacy of conventional disease management approaches, such as antibiotic usage. Consequently, there is an urgent imperative to explore alternative strategies to ensure the sustainability of the industry. In this context, the field of epigenetics emerges as a promising avenue for combating infectious diseases in shrimp aquaculture. Epigenetic modulations entail chemical alterations in DNA and proteins, orchestrating gene expression patterns without modifying the underlying DNA sequence through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA molecules. Utilizing epigenetic mechanisms presents an opportunity to enhance immune gene expression and bolster disease resistance in shrimp, thereby contributing to disease management strategies and optimizing shrimp health and productivity. Additionally, the concept of epigenetic inheritability in marine animals holds immense potential for the future of the shrimp farming industry. To this end, this comprehensive review thoroughly explores the dynamics of epigenetic modulations in shrimp aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on its pivotal role in disease management. It conveys the significance of harnessing advantageous epigenetic changes to ensure the long-term viability of shrimp farming while deliberating on the potential consequences of these interventions. Overall, this appraisal highlights the promising trajectory of epigenetic applications, propelling the field toward strengthening sustainability in shrimp aquaculture.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of microplastic (MP, polystyrene, 1.1 μm) exposure through diet at two different levels (40 and 400 μg MP/kg of ration) in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei for seven days. After the exposure period, oxidative stress parameters, histological alterations, and MP accumulation in different shrimp tissues (gut, gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle) were also evaluated. The results showed that MP was detected in the gills, muscles, and hepatopancreas. In addition, in the gut, gills, and hepatopancreas, disruption in redox cells was observed. Also, lipid and DNA damage was evident in the hepatopancreas. Histopathological analysis revealed edema in the intestine, hepatopancreas, and in the muscle. Granuloma formation with infiltrated hemocytes occurred in the intestine and hepatopancreas. These results show that MP exposure can affect the health and welfare of L. vannamei and may also affect the final consumers once MP is accumulated., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Listeria monocytogenes , a bacterium that is transmitted by tainted food, causes the infection listeriosis. In this study, quercetin was tested for its antibacterial properties and effectiveness as a food additive in preventing the growth of L. monocytogenes cocktail (ATCC19117, ATCC19113, and ATCC15313) biofilms on crabs and shrimps. Quercetin showed the least bactericidal activity and no discernible microbial growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 µg/mL. The biofilm inhibition was performed at sub-MICs (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 MIC). There was no quercetin added to the control group. Additionally, the present work examines the expression of various genes related to biofilm formation and quorum sensing ( flaA, fbp, agrA, hlyA, and prfA ). The levels of target genes were all significantly down-regulated. Quercetin (0-125 µg/mL) on the surfaces of the crab and shrimp was studied; its inhibitory effects were measured as log reductions at 0.39-2.31 log CFU/cm 2 and 0.42-2.36 log CFU/cm 2 , respectively ( p < 0.05). Quercetin reduced the formation of biofilms by disrupting cell-to-cell connections and causing cell lysis, which led to the deformation of the cells, evidenced by FE-SEM (field-emission scanning electron microscopy). These findings emphasize the significance of using natural food agents to target bacteria throughout the entire food production process.

Methods to induce analgesia and anesthesia for research purposes, handling, transport, or stunning have been used in 71 species of crustaceans. A non-systematic literature search was conducted on crustacean anesthetic methods. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of drugs and non-chemical methods used to provide analgesia and anesthesia in many crustacean species rather than just decapod crustaceans. This information allows users to select an appropriate method or agent for their species of interest. We prepared an on-line tool based on datasette, a no-code open-source solution for simple web-based database frontends that allows exploration and downloading data by method, analgesic/anesthetic, species, life stage, or sex, as well as other data including environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, light), route of administration, dosage, and induction and recovery times. These values can be selected to filter the dataset and export it to CSV or JSON formats. Currently, several techniques and chemicals are, in our opinion, unsuitable for use as anesthetics in crustaceans, and the basis for these opinions are presented. Given the evidence of a pain-like experience in crustaceans, we propose that researchers should treat crustaceans humanely, applying the principles of good handling, care, and the management of stress and pain to safeguard their welfare.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that is widely conserved across animal genomes. It is widely accepted that DNA methylation patterns can change in a context-dependent manner, including in response to changing environmental parameters. However, this phenomenon has not been analyzed in animal livestock yet, where it holds major potential for biomarker development. Building on the previous identification of population-specific DNA methylation in clonal marbled crayfish, we have now generated numerous base-resolution methylomes to analyze location-specific DNA methylation patterns. We also describe the time-dependent conversion of epigenetic signatures upon transfer from one environment to another. We further demonstrate production system-specific methylation signatures in shrimp, river-specific signatures in salmon and farm-specific signatures in chicken. Together, our findings provide a detailed resource for epigenetic variation in animal livestock and suggest the possibility for origin tracing of animal products by epigenetic fingerprinting., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press.)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus, is the causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS), which has been linked to cultured shrimp mass mortality in many countries. Therefore, the development of anti-WSSV agents is among the top priorities of the aquaculture sector. Here, we describe the preparation of polyamine-modified carbon quantum dots (polyamine CQDs) for the treatment of WSSV. Moreover, in vivo experiments were conducted in shrimp to confirm the anti-WSSV effect of the proposed CQD-based strategy., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study aimed to compare the changes in the quality characteristics of air-fried (AF) shrimp meat and deep-fried (DF) shrimp meat at different frying temperatures (160, 170, 180, 190°C). Results showed that compared with DF, the moisture and fat content of air-fried shrimp meat (AFSM) was lower, while the protein content was higher. At the same frying temperature, the fat content of the AFSM was 4.26-6.58 g/100 g lower than that of the deep-fried shrimp meat (DFSM). The smell of the AFSM and DFSM was significantly different from that of the control group. The results of the electronic tongue showed that each of the two frying methods had its flavor profile. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) identified 48 compounds, and the content of volatile compounds detected in AFSM was lower than that in DFSM. Among them, the highest level of volatile compound content was found in the DF-190. E-2-pentenal, 2-heptenal (E), and methyl 2-methyl butanoate were identified only in DFSM. In addition, a total of 16 free amino acids (FAAs) were detected in shrimp meat. As judged by sensory evaluation, the AFSM at 170°C was the most popular among consumers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Zhou, Shi, Deng, Wang, Qiao, Xiong, Wang, Wu, Shi and Ding.)

The many ecological niches present in an organism harbor distinct microorganisms called microbiota. Different factors can influence the establishment of these commensal microbial communities. In a previous article, we have concluded that some bacterial lineages associated with the early larval stages of the Pacific blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris could be acquired from the breeders via a potential vertical transmission. The present study was conducted in order to investigate this hypothesis. Using HiSeq sequencing of the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene, we analyzed the active microbiota associated with the eggs and the nauplii of L. stylirsotris as well as with the reproductive organs of their breeders. Microbial communities associated with the rearing water were also considered to discriminate environmental microbial lineages. Using these analyses, we highlight a set of core bacterial families present in all samples and composed of members of Colwelliaceae , Alteromonadaceae , Pseudoalteromonadaceae , Saccharospirillaceae , Oceanospirillaceae , Vibrionaceae , Burkholderiaceae , Rhodobacteraceae , Flavobacteraceae , and Corynebacteriaceae ; showing the importance of the environment in the establishment of the larval microbiota. We also present specific bacteria affiliated to the Arcobacteraceae , Rhodobacteraceae , Comamonadaceae , and Colwelliaceae families, which were only found in the breeders and their offspring strengthening the hypothesis of a potential vertical transmission shaping the active microbiota of the eggs and the nauplii of L. stylirostris ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Giraud, Callac, Boulo, Lam, Pham, Selmaoui-Folcher and Wabete.)

Oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between production of oxidants and antioxidants in the body leads to the development of different ailments. The bioactive compounds derived from marine sources are considered to be safe and appropriate to use. Astaxanthin possesses antioxidant activity about 100-500 times higher than other antioxidants such as α-tocopherol and β-carotene. It has numerous health benefits and vital pharmacological properties for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, ischemia, neurological disorders, and potential role in liver enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase which has significance in medicine as a diagnostic marker. The primary source of astaxanthin among crustaceans is shrimps and the presence of astaxanthin protects shrimps from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Conclusively, astaxanthin derived from shrimps is very effective against oxidative stress which can lead to certain ailments., (© 2021 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Microbial communities associated with animals are known to be key elements in the development of their hosts. In marine environments, these communities are largely under the influence of the surrounding water. In aquaculture, understanding the interactions existing between the microbiotas of farmed species and their rearing environment could help establish precise bacterial management., Method: In light of these facts, we studied the active microbial communities associated with the eggs and the nauplii of the Pacific blue shrimp ( Litopenaeus stylirostris ) and their rearing water. All samples were collected in September 2018, November 2018 and February 2019. After RNA extractions, two distinct Illumina HiSeq sequencings were performed. Due to different sequencing depths and in order to compare samples, data were normalized using the Count Per Million method., Results: We found a core microbiota made of taxa related to Aestuariibacter , Alteromonas , Vibrio , SAR11 , HIMB11 , AEGEAN 169 marine group and Candidatus Endobugula associated with all the samples indicating that these bacterial communities could be transferred from the water to the animals. We also highlighted specific bacterial taxa in the eggs and the nauplii affiliated to Pseudomonas , Corynebacterium , Acinetobacter , Labrenzia , Rothia , Thalassolituus , Marinobacter , Aureispira , Oleiphilus , Profundimonas and Marinobacterium genera suggesting a possible prokaryotic vertical transmission from the breeders to their offspring. This study is the first to focus on the active microbiota associated with early developmental stages of a farmed shrimp species and could serve as a basis to comprehend the microbial interactions involved throughout the whole rearing process., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2021 Giraud et al.)

Edible insects are considered as a promising and sustainable alternative protein source for humans, although risk assessments, with particular reference to the allergic potential of insect proteins, are required. Considering that insects are likely to be consumed after processing, it is crucial to assess how processing can influence allergenicity. In our study, we investigated how boiling and frying affect the IgE cross-recognition of proteins from five edible insects (mealworm, buffalo worm, silkworm, cricket and grasshopper). We considered three groups of Italian patients allergic to shrimps and to house dust mites, who had never consumed insects before and two subjects with occupational allergy and food sensitization to mealworm. Our data suggest that thermal processing may change the solubility of proteins, thereby resulting in a protein shift from water-soluble fractions to water-insoluble fractions. Immunoblot and LC-MS/MS analyses have shown that tropomyosin may play an important role as a cross-allergen for house dust mite and shrimp allergic patients, while larval cuticle protein seems to play a major role in the cross-reactivity of patients primarily sensitized to mealworm. On the basis of our results, the effects of processing appear to be protein-, species- and treatment-specific. Therefore, house dust mite, shrimp and mealworm allergic patients should consume insects with caution, even after thermal processing., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Post-harvest shrimp losses are a big problem due to the proliferation of spoilage bacteria. Presence and multiplication of these bacteria promotes the emergence of food-borne diseases. This study was carried out to characterize some spoilage bacteria from tropical brackish water shrimps and black tiger shrimps stored in ambient temperature (25 °C)., Results: 22 isolates of Bacillus spp; 09 isolates of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS) and 04 isolates of enterobacteria such as Pantoea spp (01); Serratia plymutica (01) and Serratia rubidaea (02) have been identified. Resistance and virulence genes were then detected. All isolates expressed resistance to at least three of antibiotics tested. 03 isolates of enterobacteria were susceptible to cetfazidim and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Bacillus spp showed total susceptibility to cefixim, ertapenem and cetfazidim. Staphylococci were susceptible to clindamycin. Pantoea spp was resistant to all antibiotics but exhibited intermediate susceptibility to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. 04 isolates of Staphylococci were positive to mecA resistances genes. All the enterobacteria harbor no tetracycline resistance genes. All the isolates of Bacillus exhibited the presence of enterotoxin genes. Also, a high prevalence of 21 isolates to hemolytic enterotoxins was noted. 17 isolates from them kept ability to cell-lyse factor production like sphingomyelinase activities. The majority of Bacillus isolates identified by the present study poses a potential risk of food poisoning due to the prevalence of toxin genes found.

Aim: The current study was conducted to determine the incidence, antibiotic resistance and virulence genes of Vibrio strains isolated from ready-to-eat shrimps in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria., Methods and Results: A total of 1440 ready-to-eat shrimp samples were obtained from open markets from November 2016 to October 2017 and analysed using standard culture-based procedures. Overall, our result showed that the ready-to-eat shrimp samples had high mean aerobic mesophilic bacterial count between 3·543 and 7·489 log 10 CFU per gram. Vibrio cell densities ranged between 0·663 and 6·761 log 10 CFU per gram. From the total samples, 1343/1440 (93·3%) were positive for Vibrio species where 120 Vibrio isolates were randomly selected and confirmed using genus- and species-specific PCR approach. The PCR identification revealed the presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus 46 (38·33%), Vibrio vulnificus 14 (11·67%), Vibrio fluvialis 12 (10%), Vibrio alginolyticus 8 (6·67%), Vibrio cholerae 2 (1·67%), Vibrio mimicus 10 (8·33%), Vibrio harveyi 3 (2·5%) and other Vibrio sp. 25 (20·83%). All Vibrio isolates were sensitive to colistin and gentamycin with varying percentage of resistance to other antibiotics used in the study. Multiple antibiotic-resistant (MAR) index ranged from 0·08 to 0·83. The tcp, tdh and trl virulence genes were identified in 95 (79·2%), 92 (76·7%) and 95 (79·2%) of the examined isolates respectively. Antibiotic-resistant genes also revealed the presence of class 1 integrase 75 (62·5%), sul2 87 (72·5%), strB 94 (78·3%) and catB3 68 (56·7%)., Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the ready-to-eat shrimps may serve as potential reservoirs and medium in the dissemination of prospective MAR pathogens to the consumers and thus constitute a potential risk to public health., Significance and Impact of the Study: The findings from this study represent the first comprehensive report of Vibrio isolates from ready-to-eat shrimps in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. Incessant monitoring of Vibrio strains and their predisposition to antimicrobials is a necessity to guarantee seafood safety and guarantee the best treatment regimen for patients with gastroenteritis., (© 2020 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Bacterial communities and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) profile of deepwater rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) stored at 0 °C (ice) and 4 °C were investigated using 16S amplicon based sequencing and Solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) - Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), respectively. The shelf-life of shrimps determined by sensory assessment was 5 and 2 days at 0 °C and 4 °C, respectively. Based on 16S analysis (culture-independed), the initial microbiota of shrimps mainly consists of Photobacterium, Candidatus Hepatoplasma, Psychrobacter, Acinetobacter and Delftia. Psychrobacter and Carnobacterium dominated during storage at both temperatures. Psychrobacter was the most dominant taxon at the end of shelf-life of chill-stored shrimps. A minor microbial population composed by Brevundimonas, Stenotrophomonas, Staphylococcus, Legionella, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella was also detected. Those taxa may be originated from the environment due to an inadequate hygienic practice during fishing, handling and icing. VOCs such as ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, indole etc., were found to be associated with shrimps at 4 °C, while acetone and dimethyl sulfide with shrimps in ice. Some VOCs, from microbial or chemical origin, increased in shrimps either at 0 °C (i.e. 1-octen-3-ol, trans-2-octenal) or at 4 °C (i.e. 3-methyl-1-butanol, indole), while 2-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanal increased in both temperatures. A positive correlation between Psychrobacter with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and Carnobacterium with 3-methyl-1-butanol was also observed. Concluding, we suggest the reinforcement of Good Hygiene Practices on fishing boats during fishing/handling, the rapid onboard icing and keeping shrimps iced avoiding even small increase of storage temperature that affects quality parameters (e.g. microbial population level, synthesis of microbiota, VOCs profile) in order to provide a product of the highest quality and safety in the market., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

DNA barcoding is a useful tool to identify the components of mixed or bulk samples, as well as to determine individuals that lack morphologically diagnostic features. However, the reference database of DNA barcode sequences is particularly sparsely populated for marine invertebrates and for tropical taxa. We used samples collected as part of two field courses, focused on graduate training in taxonomy and systematics, to generate DNA sequences of the barcode fragments of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and mitochondrial ribosomal 16S genes for 447 individuals, representing at least 129 morphospecies of decapod crustaceans. COI sequences for 36% (51/140) of the species and 16S sequences for 26% (37/140) of the species were new to GenBank. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery identified 140 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) which largely coincided with the morphospecies delimitations. Barcode identifications (i.e. matches to identified sequences) were especially useful for OTUs within Synalpheus , a group that is notoriously difficult to identify and rife with cryptic species, a number of which we could not identify to species, based on morphology. Non-concordance between morphospecies and barcode OTUs also occurred in a few cases of suspected cryptic species. As mitochondrial pseudogenes are particularly common in decapods, we investigate the potential for this dataset to include pseudogenes and discuss the utility of these sequences as species identifiers (i.e. barcodes). These results demonstrate that material collected and identified during training activities can provide useful incidental barcode reference samples for under-studied taxa., (Dagoberto E. Venera-Pontón, Amy C. Driskell, Sammy De Grave, Darryl L. Felder, Justin A. Scioli, Rachel Collin.)

Rapid analytical methods for screening irradiated foods are required to comply with the approved standards for international trade. Dried shrimps irradiated at 1-7 kGy with gamma rays, electron beam (E-beam), and X-rays were screened with an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue). The data were compared with those from European standard methods (photostimulated luminescence, PSL) and direct epifluorescent filter technique/aerobic plate count, DEFT/APC). All irradiated shrimp samples were clearly discriminated from the non-irradiated control based on PSL photon count measurements and DEFT/APC microbial enumeration. The volatile patterns and taste attributes of the irradiated (>1 kGy from three sources) and control samples could be distinguished by the E-nose and E-tongue analyses through principal component analysis. Verification through electron spin resonance and thermoluminescence analyses validated screening results. The results indicate that E-sensing techniques showed potential for the rapid screening of irradiated foods like dried shrimps., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although sulfites are widely used in shrimp processing, the contents of residual sulfite need to be strictly controlled due to their potential toxicity. In this paper, a novel method was developed for determination of the free and total sulfites in shrimps. Major procedures of the method includes separation of free and total sulfites with ultrasound-assisted extraction and pH adjustment for 20 min, then a precolumn derivatization was conducted by 2,2'-Dithiobis (5-nitropyridine) and verified by LC-MS, and finally HPLC coupled with an ultraviolet (UV) detector was carried out. Results indicated that the UV absorption wavelength shifted from 213 (sulfites) to 320 nm (new disulfide compounds), significantly reducing the interference of natural occurring compounds and solvents in the matrix. The standard curves exhibited a good linear range of 3.2-51.2 mg/L ( R  = 0.9996). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3 and 1.0 mg/L, respectively. The contents of free and total sulfite in frozen shrimps were 26.58 ± 0.48 and 31.44 ± 0.83 mg/kg calculated by SO 2  = 0.9996). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3 and 1.0 mg/L, respectively. The contents of free and total sulfite in frozen shrimps were 26.58 ± 0.48 and 31.44 ± 0.83 mg/kg calculated by SO 2  > 0.05) to the data obtained by the method of ion chromatography. In conclusion, the new developed method has been proved to be a reliable and economic method for effective determination of free and total sulfites in the shrimps, and the method could be expanded in determination of the sulfites in other food products.p  > 0.05) to the data obtained by the method of ion chromatography. In conclusion, the new developed method has been proved to be a reliable and economic method for effective determination of free and total sulfites in the shrimps, and the method could be expanded in determination of the sulfites in other food products., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

A paradigm shift in our understanding of shrimp immunity offers the potential to develop novel disease-control strategies. We summarize cutting-edge findings on the phenomenon of trained immunity in shrimps and discuss how it may contribute to new avenues for controlling disease in these aquaculturally important animals., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to characterise a potential bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacterial strain isolated from a raw pink shrimp (Palaemon serratus) and evaluate its safety aspect. The strain designated as 4CP3 was noted to display antibacterial activities (P < 0.05) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and some filamentous fungi (e.g. Aspergillus niger A79). Phenotypic and molecular techniques as well as phylogenetic analysis identified the isolate 4CP3 as Enterococcus lactis. Its produced antimicrobial substance was determined as a bacteriocin that was stable over a wide range of pH (2-10) and after heating at 100 °C for 15 min. The maximum bacteriocin production was 1400 AU/ml recorded after 12 h of incubation in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth medium at 30 °C. The mode of action of the bacteriocin produced by 4CP3 strain was identified as bactericidal against L. monocytogenes EGDe 107776 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. By specific PCR amplifications, E. lactis 4CP3 was shown to produce the enterocins A, B and P. To our knowledge, this feature is newly described for E. lactis strain isolated from raw shrimps. Regarding safety aspect of E. lactis 4CP3, it has been demonstrated that this strain was not haemolytic, gelatinase negative, sensitive to vancomycin, and free of common antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Therefore, it may be useful as a safe natural agent in preservation of foods or as a new probiotic strain in food and feed., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The ingestion of heavy metals through contaminated seafood can causes significant outcomes on human health. In recent years, consume fishes and shrimps has increased in Iran, and several study about heavy metals content in fishes and shrimps from Persian Gulf were carried out to check their food safety. The aims of these systematic reviews and meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence on the relation of the intakes of Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) levels, based on the origin and sub-groups of shrimp species consumed, Hence that we can estimate the risk of oral cancer induced by Pb and As in these groups of shrimp from the persian gulf. We carried out a search of all suitable studies published between 1995 and 2017 in Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science databases. Since the heterogeneity among studied was significant, we used the random effect model (REM) to perform meta-analysis of data. Data were obtained from 9 articles (14 studies), with 511 samples, and it was reported that pooled levels of As and Pb in the muscle shrimps were 1.37 (95% CI: 0.66-2.08 mg/kg d.w.) and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.33-0.82 mg/kg d.w.), respectively. This pooled levels in muscle shrimps were higher than safe dose reported on Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization guidelines (FAO/WHO). The rank order of shrimps species based on As was Panulirus homarus > Penaeus semisulcatus and for the Pb levels was Litopenaeus vannamei > Panulirus homarus > Fenneropenaeus indicus > Metapenaeus affinis. The lowest and highest risk levels of oral cancer, divided by consumers age groups, were respectively 45-54 (6.94E-04) and 15-24 (8.42E-04) for the Pb, and 45-54 (2.87E-01) and 15-24 (3.51E-01) for arsenic. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) of Pb and As was higher than 10-4 and 10-3, respectively. All groups (age) of consumers are subject to the cancer risk of due to the consumption of shrimps contaminated by Pb and As, therefore, should be started a control plan for the reduction of the heavy metal bioaccumulation levels in shrimps of the Persian Gulf coupled to a capillary food safety communication., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The larvae of the deep-sea pandalid shrimp Plesionika grandis Doflein, 1902 were successfully reared in the laboratory for the first time. The larvae reached the eighth zoeal stage in 36 days, both of which are longest records for the genus. Early larval stages of P. grandis bear the general characters of pandalid shrimps and differ from the other two species of Plesionika with larval morphology known in the number of spines on the anteroventral margin of carapace, number of tubercles on antennule, endopod segmentation in antenna, and third maxilliped setation. Although members in Plesionika are often separated into species groups, members of the same species group do not necessarily have similar early larval morphology. Since the zoea VIII of P. grandis still lacks pleopods and fifth pereiopod, this shrimp likely has at least 12 zoeal stages and a larval development of 120 days.

Species within Gennadas differ from each other largely only in male (petasma) and female (thelycum) copulatory characters, which were restudied in scanning electron microscopy and used as a basis for phylogenetic analyses. Twenty-six petasma characters and 49 thelycum characters were identified. All 16 recognized species of Gennadas and Aristaeomorpha foliacea (outgroup) were included as terminals. Four robust monophyletic clades were retrieved, described and diagnosed as new species groups. The thelycum characters had greater impact on tree topology and supported deeper nodes than did the petasma characters. We hypothesize that features of the thelycum evolved first followed by aspects of the petasma. Relatively more conservative characters include parts of the sternites of the thelycum and of the petasma, while the scuti and protuberances on the thelycum and the shape and subdivisions of the petasma lobes are evolutionarily plastic. We identified two groups of copulatory characters, which are likely coupled functionally and interlinked evolutionarily: (i) the external part of the petasma and the posterior part of the thelycum and (ii) the internal part of the petasma and anterior part of the thelycum. We reconstruct possible mating position during copulation for each of the new species groups presented here. We also present an updated key to genera of Benthesicymidae and key to species of Gennadas ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Three chromatographic stability-indicating methods were developed for determination of 4-hexylresorcinol in pure form and in a pharmaceutical formulation. Method A was based on a gradient elution liquid chromatographic HPLC determination of 4-hexylresorcinol, its related impurities and in presence of its degradation products. UPLC-MS/MS (Method B) was described for determination of the cited drug in presence of its degradation products. Method C was a thin- layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometry method for the separation and determination of the active ingredient, one of its related impurities and in presence of its degradation products. The mechanism of alkali, oxidative and photodegradation of 4-hexylresorcinol was studied according to ICH guidelines. The degradation products were characterized by the LC-MS/MS method. Methods A and B were applicable for determination of 4-hexylresorcinol residues in shrimp meat. The studied drug was easily degraded in alkali medium giving toxic compounds. The results obtained by the proposed methods were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained by applying a reported method., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The coastal population in East Africa is growing rapidly but sewage treatment and recycling facilities in major cities and towns are poorly developed. Since estuarine mangroves are the main hotspots for pollutants, there is a potential for contaminants to accumulate in edible fauna and threaten public health. This study analysed trace metals in muscle tissues of the giant mud crabs (Scylla serrata) and the giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) from the Tanzanian coast, in order to determine the extent of bioaccumulation and public health risks. A total of 180 samples of muscle tissues of S. serrata and 80 of P. monodon were collected from nine sites along the coast. Both species showed high levels of trace metals in the wet season and significant bioaccumulation of As, Cu and Zn. Due to their burrowing and feeding habits, mud crabs were more contaminated compared to tiger prawns sampled from the same sites. Apart from that, the measured levels of Cd, Cr and Pb did not exceed maximum limits for human consumption. Based on the current trend of fish consumption in Tanzania (7.7 kg/person/year), the measured elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) are not likely to present health risks to shellfish consumers. Nevertheless, potential risks of As and Cu cannot be ruled out if the average per capita consumption is exceeded. This calls for strengthened waste management systems and pollution control measures.

The phylogenetic analysis of Sergestoidea based on 253 morphological characters and encompassing all 99 valid species confirmed all previously recognized genus-level clades. Analysis retrieved five major robust clades that correspond to families Luciferidae, Sergestidae, Acetidae fam.n., Sicyonellidae fam.n. and Petalidiumidae fam.n. Synonymy, emended diagnoses and composition of revealed family-level clades are provided. Three types of morphological characters were important in the phylogeny of the Sergestoidea: general external characters, copulatory organs, and photophores. Novel metrics to quantify the contribution of these character types were tested. General external characters were significant in supporting the major clades (80% of the families and nearly half of the genera). Copulatory organ characters and photophores greatly supported the medium-level clades: Lucifer, Belzebub , Petalidium, Neosergestes, Challengerosergia (copulatory organ characters) and Lucensosergia , Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia , Phorcosergia (photophores). An evolutionary model of the Sergestoidea showing their pathways into their principal biotopes is proposed: the major clades evolved in a vertical direction (from epi- to bathypelagic); further divergence at the genus level occurred within vertical zones in a horizontal direction, with the invasion of the benthopelagic and neritic (shelf and estuarine) habitats and speciation within these domains., Competing Interests: The author declares no competing interests.

Host-parasite relationships can be best understood at the level of protein-protein interaction between host and pathogen. Such interactions are instrumental in understanding the important stages of life cycle of pathogen such as adsorption of the pathogen on host surface followed by effective entry of pathogen into the host body, movement of the pathogen across the host cytoplasm to reach the host nucleus and replication of the pathogen within the host. White Spot Disease (WSD) is a havoc for shrimps and till date no effective treatment is available against the disease. Moreover information regarding the mechanism of entry of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) into shrimps, as well as knowledge about the protein interactions occurring between WSSV and shrimp during viral entry are still at very meagre stage. A cumulative and critically assessed information on various viral-shrimp interactions occurring during viral entry can help to understand the exact pathway of entry of WSSV into the shrimp which in turn can be used to device drugs that can stop the entry of virus into the host. In this context, we highlight various WSSV and shrimp proteins that play role in the entry mechanism along with the description of the interaction between host and pathogen proteins., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A switchable hydrophilicity solvent membrane-based microextraction (SHS-MME) strategy for simple and highly-available sample pretreatment of complex matrices has been proposed. The SHS-MME procedure based on extraction of target analytes from an aqueous sample into a porous hydrophobic membrane impregnated with a switchable hydrophilicity solvent (SHS) followed by SHS ionization and back-extraction of the analytes in alkaline acceptor solution. The medium-chain fatty acids were investigated as SHS for the SHS-MME of fluoroquinolones (fleroxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin). The SHS-MME was successfully coupled with a HPLC-FLD for the determination of fluoroquinolones in shrimp samples with no further sample pretreatment. The calibration graphs were linear over the concentration ranges of 3-1500 μg L -1 for ofloxacin, 10-1000 μg L -1 for norfloxacin, 15-1500 μg L -1 for lomefloxacin and fleroxacin. The limits of detection, calculated from a blank test based on 3σ, were 1 μg L -1 for ofloxacin, 3 μg L -1 for norfloxacin and 5 μg L -1 for lomefloxacin and fleroxacin. The SHS ionization can be considered as new potential fields in analytical application of membrane-based liquid phase microextraction., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Screening for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fresh shrimp samples (Penaeus vannamei) collected from retail seafood markets in the Tunisian's coast, resulted in the isolation of an Enterococcus strain termed Q1. This strain was selected for its antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactococcus garvieae and against fungi (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium equiseti). The Q1 strain was characterised using standard morphological and biochemical tests, growth assays at different temperatures, pH and salinity. 16S rRNA, rpoA and pheS gene sequencing, as well as the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer analyses, were combined to identify strain Q1 as a strain of Enterococcus lactis. The bacteriocin produced by E. lactis Q1 is thermostable, active in the pH range from 4.0 to 9.0 and has a bactericidal mode of action. The enterocin P structural gene was detected by specific PCR in strain E. lactis Q1, which is in good agreement with SDS-PAGE data of the purified bacteriocin. A lack of significant antibiotic resistance genes and virulence determinants was confirmed by specific PCRs. This work provides the first description of an enterocin P producer E. lactis strain isolated from a fresh shrimp. Based on its safety properties (absence of haemolytic activity, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes), this strain has the potential to be used as a natural additive or adjunct protective culture in food biopreservation and/or probiotic culture.

Background: Whole mitochondrial DNA is being increasingly utilized for comparative genomic and phylogenetic studies at deep and shallow evolutionary levels for a range of taxonomic groups. Although mitogenome sequences are deposited at an increasing rate into public databases, their taxonomic representation is unequal across major taxonomic groups. In the case of decapod crustaceans, several infraorders, including Axiidea (ghost shrimps, sponge shrimps, and mud lobsters) and Caridea (true shrimps) are still under-represented, limiting comprehensive phylogenetic studies that utilize mitogenomic information., Methods: Sequence reads from partial genome scans were generated using the Illumina MiSeq platform and mitogenome sequences were assembled from these low coverage reads. In addition to examining phylogenetic relationships within the three infraorders, Axiidea, Gebiidea, and Caridea, we also investigated the diversity and frequency of codon usage bias and mitogenome gene order rearrangements., Results: We present new mitogenome sequences for five shrimp species from Australia that includes two ghost shrimps, Callianassa ceramica and Trypaea australiensis , along with three caridean shrimps, Macrobrachium bullatum , Alpheus lobidens , and Caridina cf. nilotica . Strong differences in codon usage were discovered among the three infraorders and significant gene order rearrangements were observed. While the gene order rearrangements are congruent with the inferred phylogenetic relationships and consistent with taxonomic classification, they are unevenly distributed within and among the three infraorders., Discussion: Our findings suggest potential for mitogenome rearrangements to be useful phylogenetic markers for decapod crustaceans and at the same time raise important questions concerning the drivers of mitogenome evolution in different decapod crustacean lineages., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

This study aimed to quantify the environmental fate of antimicrobials applied in Fenneropenaeus chinensis aquaculture production in China and to assess their potential risks for surrounding aquatic ecosystems, for the promotion of antimicrobial resistance in target and non-target bacteria and for consumers eating shrimp products that contain antimicrobial residues. For this, we first used the results of an environmental monitoring study performed with the antimicrobial sulfamethazine to parameterize and calibrate the ERA-AQUA model, a mass balance model suited to perform risk assessments of veterinary medicines applied in aquaculture ponds. Next, a scenario representing F. chinensis production in China was built and used to perform risk assessments for 21 antimicrobials which are regulated for aquaculture in China. Results of the model calibration showed a good correspondence between the predicted and the measured sulfamethazine concentrations, with differences within an order of magnitude. Results of the ecological risk assessment showed that four antimicrobials (levofloxacin, sarafloxacin, ampicillin, sulfadiazine) are expected to have adverse effects on primary producers, while no short-term risks were predicted for invertebrates and fish exposed to farm wastewater effluents containing antimicrobial residues. Half of the evaluated antimicrobials showed potential to contribute to antimicrobial resistance in bacteria exposed to pond water and farm effluents. A withdrawal period of three weeks is recommended for antimicrobials applied via oral administration to F. chinensis in order to comply with the current national and international toxicological food safety standards. The results of this study indicate the need to improve the current regulatory framework for the registration of aquaculture antimicrobials in China and suggest compounds that should be targeted in future aquaculture risk assessments and environmental monitoring studies.

A mechanistic, prey surface-dependent model was expanded to describe the course and rate of gastric evacuation in predatory fishes feeding on crustacean prey with robust exoskeletons. This was accomplished by adding a layer of higher resistance to the digestive processes outside the inner softer parts of a prey cylinder abstraction and splitting up the prey evacuation into two stages: an initial stage where the exoskeleton is cracked and a second where the prey remains are digested and evacuated. The model was parameterized for crustaceans with different levels of armour fed to Atlantic cod Gadus morhua or whiting Merlangius merlangus and recovered from the stomachs at different post-prandial times. The prey species were krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica; shrimps and prawns Crangon crangon, Pandalus borealis, Pandalus montagui and Eualus macilentus; crabs Liocarcinus depurator and Chionoecetes opilio. In accordance with the apparent intraspecific isometric relationship between exoskeleton mass and total body mass, the model described stage duration and rate of evacuation of the crustacean prey independently of meal and prey sizes. The duration of the first stage increased (0-33 h) and the evacuation rate of both stages decreased (by a half) with increasing level of the crustacean armament in terms of chitin and ash. A common, interspecific parameterization of the model within each of the categories krill, shrimp and crab can probably be used if the contents of chitin and ash are similar among prey species per prey category. The model offers a simple way for estimating evacuation rates from stomach content data in order to obtain food consumption rates of wild fishes, provided that information about digestion stage of crustacean prey is available., (© 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

This study compares the antioxidant and antimicrobial transcriptional expression of blue shrimps reared according to two different systems, BioFloc Technology (BFT) and Clear sea Water (CW) and their differential responses when facing an experimental sublethal hydrogen peroxide stress. After 30 days of rearing, juvenile shrimps were exposed to H2O2 stress at a concentration of 30 ppm during 6 h. The oxidative stress caused by H2O2 was examined in the digestive glands of the shrimp, in which antioxidant enzyme (AOE) and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that rearing conditions did not affect the expression of genes encoding AOEs or AMPs. However, H2O2 stress induced a differential response in expression between shrimps from the two rearing treatments (BFT and CW). Comparative analysis of the expression profiles indicates that catalase transcripts were significantly upregulated by H2O2 stress for BFT shrimps while no change was observed for CW shrimps. In contrast, H2O2 caused down-regulation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase transcripts and of the three AMP transcripts studied (penaeidin 2 and 3, and crustin) for CW shrimps, while no effect was observed on BFT shrimp transcript levels. These results suggested that BFT shrimps maintained antioxidant and AMP responses after stress and therefore can effectively protect their cells against oxidative stress, while CW shrimp immune competence seems to decrease after stress., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) is banned from food production. Besides being a medicinal product, CAP is also a natural product, produced by Streptomyces Venezuelae. The lack of scientific data hampers setting of an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Consequently, a maximum residue limit (MRL) in food could not be established. This was then translated into a zero tolerance using the so-called Minimum Required Performance Limit (MRPL) level, viz. the achievable detection limit in food, to guide the zero tolerance policy. The MRPL is clearly not relevant to food safety and human health but is solely related to analytical technological capabilities. The increase in the latter enables detection at ever-lower levels and ignores toxicological relevance. We here provide arguments to use a Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for CAP that can accommodate developing toxicological insights., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various marine floral ecosystems and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host-pathogen interaction model., Methods: Thirty species of marine plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti-WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. By means of chemical processes, the purified anti-WSSV plant isolate, MP07X was derived. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug., Results: Nine plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug MP07X thus formulated showing 85% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of MP07X required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 1 000 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 85%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection., Conclusions: The drug MP07X derived from Rhizophora mucronata is a potent anti-WSSV drug.

Objective: To screen, isolate and optimize anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) drug derived from various terrestrial plants and to evaluate the efficacy of the same in host-pathogen interaction model., Methods: Thirty plants were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using water, ethanol, methanol and hexane as solvents. The 120 plant isolates thus obtained were screened for their in vivo anti-WSSV property in Litopenaeus vannamei. The best anti-WSSV plant isolate, TP22C was isolated and further analyzed. The drug was optimized at various concentrations. Viral and immune genes were analysed using reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm the potency of the drug., Results: Seven plant isolates exhibited significant survivability in host. The drug TP22C thus formulated showed 86% survivability in host. The surviving shrimps were nested PCR negative at the end of the 15 d experimentation. The lowest concentration of TP22C required intramuscularly for virucidal property was 10 mg/mL. The oral dosage of 750 mg/kg body weight/day survived at the rate of 86%. Neither VP28 nor ie 1 was expressed in the test samples at 42nd hour and 84th hour post viral infection., Conclusions: The drug TP22C derived from Momordica charantia is a potent anti-white spot syndrome virus drug.

In shrimps the treatment with sulphiting agents is currently the best option for controlling Melanosis, which is a visual defect of the products that compromises marketability. However, sulphites may cause pseudo-allergic reactions in humans. In this study, 210 samples of shrimps were analysed in order to assess the residual levels of sulphiting agents. A quantifiable sulphites concentration was detected in 76 samples, and these concentrations were higher than the legal limits in eight samples. Considering the important pseudo-allergenic effects caused by these food additives, the non-negligible percentage of 3.8% and the high levels registered in non-compliant samples (up to 1174.1 mg kg(-1)), a strong contrast action based on permanent controls is necessary. Moreover, the levels measured in whole samples were up to four times higher than in the edible parts. These results suggest to consider the introduction of legal limits, related to sulphurous anhydride in the whole product.

Headwater populations of the common shrimp Paratya australiensis were sampled to examine the factors influencing egg and clutch size. Much of the spatial variation in these reproductive traits was associated with differences in altitude, with upper sites having larger eggs and smaller clutches. Mean egg size at high-altitude sites was higher than that previously reported for this species. Temporal variation in egg and clutch size was also observed, with significant increases in egg size during the breeding season. At most sites, this increase was accompanied by a decrease in clutch size. The combined effect of the reciprocal patterns in egg volume and clutch size resulted in relatively little spatial and temporal variation in reproductive effort. In a field experiment, using a unique genetic marker, shrimps were translocated between two sites with significantly different egg sizes. After one generation (18 months), the mean egg size of translocated females was the same as that of females from the `source' population. In contrast, clutch size changed towards that of the resident females. This suggests that egg size is under strong genetic control, while clutch size is influenced by the environment.