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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which small RNA molecules (such as small interfering RNAs or siRNAs) bind to specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to its degradation and inhibition of protein synthesis. Our studies have shown that RNAi can effectively silence genes involved in the replication of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in cells. However, these investigations were performed only in laboratory settings and have yet to be tested in human clinical trials. Researchers need to conduct more research to determine the safety and efficacy of RNAi-based therapies as a therapeutic agent to treat viral infections. In this review, the history of evolution of siRNA as an inhibitor of protein synthesis, along with its current developments, is discussed based on our experience. Moreover, this review examines the hurdles and future implications associated with siRNA based therapeutic approaches.

Abstract Fish silage is a brown liquefied product achieved by the action of enzymes when finely grounded whole/parts of either single or mixed fish types are subjected to acidification. This study made a comparative assessment of biochemical and nutritive properties, especially the amino acid composition in supernatant phase of formic acid silages prepared from two fish types, Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and false travely (Lactarius lactarius) representing fat fish (FF, fat content > 5%) and lean fish (LF, fat content

The freshwater fish fauna of the Indrayani River, a northern tributary of the Krishna River system in the Western Ghats of India was studied. A total of 57 species of freshwater fish belonging to 18 families and 39 genera were recorded. However, based on the previous literature it is possible that the Indrayani River harbours around 67 species. Out of the 57 species in the present collection, 12 are endemic to the Western Ghats while six are endemic to the Krishna River system. Neotropius khavalchor, an endemic fish of the Krishna River system, was recorded for the first time from the northern tributaries. The fish fauna of the Indrayani River is threatened due to seven introduced species and anthropogenic activities such as deforestation leading to siltation, tourism, sand mining, over fishing and organic and inorganic pollution. Since the Indrayani River hosts endemic and threatened species, including Glyptothorax poonaensis, conservation measures to ensure habitat protection in the river are essential.

Mosquito midgut plays a crucial role in its vector susceptibility and pathogen interaction. Identification of the sustainable microflora of the midgut environment can therefore help in evaluating its contribution in mosquito-pathogen interaction and in turn vector competence. To understand the bacterial diversity in the midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, we conducted a screening study of the gut microbes of these mosquitoes which were either collected from fields or reared in the laboratory "culture-dependent" approach. This work demonstrated that the microbial flora of larvae and adult Ae. aegypti midgut is complex and is dominated by gram negative proteobacteria. Serratia odorifera was found to be stably associated in the midguts of field collected and laboratory reared larvae and adult females. The potential influence of this sustainable gut microbe on DENV-2 susceptibility of this vector was evaluated by co-feeding S. odorifera with DENV-2 to adult Ae. aegypti females (free of gut flora). The observations revealed that the viral susceptibility of these Aedes females enhanced significantly as compared to solely dengue-2 fed and another gut inhabitant, Microbacterium oxydans co-fed females. Based on the results of this study we proposed that the enhancement in the DENV-2 susceptibility of Ae. aegypti females was due to blocking of prohibitin molecule present on the midgut surface of these females by the polypeptide of gut inhabitant S. odorifera.