Mohd Effendy Abd Wahid

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) protein hydrolysate represents a promising functional and sustainable alternative to fishmeal in aquafeeds. This study evaluated the effects of dietary Rhizopus oligosporus-hydrolysed BSFL protein (BSFL-RH) on hematological status, antioxidant defense, non-specific immunity, liver histomorphology, and gut microbiota of juvenile hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂. Fish were fed five isonitrogenous diets in which fishmeal protein was replaced with BSFL-RH at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% for 60 days. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained unaffected by dietary treatment, whereas blood glucose was significantly higher at 20-40% replacement. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase generally increased with BSFL-RH inclusion and were highest at 30% replacement. Similarly, serum total protein, lysozyme, total peroxidase, and respiratory burst activities were enhanced, with the most favorable responses generally observed at BSFL-RH30. Liver architecture was largely preserved up to 30% replacement, whereas more evident hepatocellular vacuolation occurred at 40%. BSFL-RH also progressively modulated the gut microbiota, with higher inclusion levels associated with increased microbial diversity and enrichment of potentially beneficial bacterial taxa, particularly Bacillus. Overall, 30% fishmeal protein replacement with BSFL-RH provided the most favourable balance of antioxidant, innate immune, hepatic, and gut microbial responses, supporting its potential as a functional protein ingredient for juvenile hybrid grouper aquafeed.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is emerging as a global public health concern due to its nature of spread. There are limited treatment options, as the sole drug for treatment is lacking, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. The use of computer-aided drugs discovery such as molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and post-simulation analysis are important tools in identifying potential compounds that can target specific proteins of the virus, such as DNA polymerase to stop virus replication. This study employed molecular docking and molecular simulation with the aim to identify potential inhibitors for MPXV treatment from the ZINC Database. Molecular docking was performed using PyRx 0.8 version after virtual screening of the ZINC database using the Tranches tool; then, toxicity prediction of the selected compounds was performed using the ProTox-3.0 web server. Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted using GROMACS version 4.5 to evaluate the structural stability and dynamic behavior of the protein–ligand complex for the best interacting compound. Furthermore, post-simulation analysis was conducted using standard GROMACS utilities for visualizing time-dependent properties from MD simulations. A total of 16 compounds were shortlisted based on their molecular docking scores and interaction profiles with the monkeypox virus DNA polymerase (PDB ID: 8HG1). The leading compound, ZINC000019418450, demonstrated strong binding affinity (−7.4 kcal/mol). According to post-simulation analysis, all top compounds formed between one and five hydrogen bonds and up to eleven hydrophobic contacts with residues within the active site, thus providing strong geometric and energetic evidence for binding stability. Notably, our identification of ZINC000104288636 as a Class 6 compound with an LD₅₀ of 23,000 mg/kg adds translational value by highlighting candidates with low predicted acute toxicity. Overall, this study lays a solid foundation for the rational design of next-generation monkeypox antiviral therapeutics. Future work is needed for experimental validation of prioritized compounds to assess their biochemical efficacy and pharmacological potential.

Measurement of methane emissions is necessary in proving mitigations of enteric methane emissions in ruminants as well as for greenhouse gas inventory purposes. A simple portable accumulation chamber (PAC) was set up to measure methane emissions of Red Sokoto goats and Yankasa sheep. A four spot sampling protocol was used to measure daily methane production in the two types of small ruminants. Additionally, a one spot sampling protocol was conducted with sheep and compared with the four spot sampling protocol. Samples were collected at 7am before feeding, 1pm, 7pm and 1am after feeding for the four spot sampling protocol. An additional sample was collected at 1pm for the one spot sampling protocol in sheep. Simple descriptive statistics and linear mixed model were used to analyse data on methane emissions in goats and sheep respectively. Mean values of daily methane emission, methane emissions per body weight and methane yield for Red Sokoto goats were 13.5 g/Day, 0.57 g/kg and 19.5 g/kg DMI, respectively. Methane emissions varied throughout the day being highest at 1pm and 7pm after feeding while being lowest at 7am before feeding and 1am after feeding. In sheep, methane measurements made using single spot sampling protocol had a higher (P < 0.01) methane values (23.1 g/Day, 27.5 g/kg DMI) compared to four spot sampling protocol (19.7 g/Day, 24.4 g/kg DMI). It was concluded that the simple PAC used in the current study is promising and was able to effectively measure methane emissions from the two types of small ruminants.

Antibiotic resistance is considered a widespread problem with global health implications, leading to increased patient morbidity and impacting the selection of effective antibiotics, consequently influencing patient recovery. This study aimed to assess antibiogram resistance patterns of bacterial records at the Islamic Hospital in Jordan using a retrospective study during the period 2020-2022. A total of 9369 samples obtained from different patients were cultured. Data were processed and analyzed with SPSS v.23.0. The results showed that 2841 (30.3%) samples were positive for bacterial infections. Microbial profiles of positive samples indicated the highest proportion for Escherichia coli, 39%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 12% were the most frequent Gram-negative bacterial isolates, whereas Staphylococcus aureus 13% and Streptococcus pneumoniae 4% were the most common Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Interestingly, multidrug-resistant bacteria comprised 61.7% of the isolates. The percentage of multi-drug resistance in isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 68.7%, 73.1%, and 72%, respectively. Escherichia coli was most resistant to ampicillin (89%) and most sensitive to imipenem (100%). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed a 100% sensitivity to meropenem but 49% resistance to ceftriaxone. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive to amikacin and colistin (86% and 100%, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus isolates have resistance rates of 78% for ciprofloxacin, 35.6% for clindamycin and an overall resistance rate of 68.7%. These findings indicate multiple resistance for isolated bacteria. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance should be monitored continuously, and patients should be treated based on anti-microbial susceptibility tests.

Introduction: Marine habitats harbor the gram-negative, halophilic Vibrio alginolyticus. Usually connected with aquatic life, it poses a serious health risk to humans, especially seafood and marine workers. Marine economic animals like prawns, fish, and shellfish can develop serious illnesses with rapid progression and significant fatality rates. Pathogenic relatives such as Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which carry genes for several virulence factors, have inherited its virulence, thereby increasing its clinical importance. No effective treatments exist to stop V. alginolyticus dissemination and infection; therefore, studying its virulence mechanisms is crucial to understanding its pathogenicity and improving prevention and therapy. Objectives: To analyze the virulence factors and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of Vibrio alginolyticus to improve prevention and control strategies for managing infections in aquaculture and public health settings. Methods: This study is a literature review synthesising findings from recent research on V. alginolyticus. Sources include peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, and microbiological research focusing on virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. Data collection involved searching databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, filtering for studies on V. alginolyticus’s virulence mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, and impacts on public health and aquaculture. We selected key studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic characteristics and resistance profiles of the bacterium. Results: The results show that V. alginolyticus uses many ways to be strong, like quorum sensing, making virulence proteins, secreting haemolysin, and making biofilms, which make it more dangerous to humans and marine animals. Several resistance genes and efflux systems contribute to its antibiotic resistance, thereby impeding the effectiveness of treatment. Studies also show that biofilm formation and quorum sensing facilitate survival in hostile environments, making infections more challenging to manage. Conclusions: Understanding the virulence factors and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of Vibrio alginolyticus is crucial for developing effective control strategies. This bacterium’s rapid spread and severe impact on marine life and human health necessitate new approaches in aquaculture management and clinical interventions. Enhanced monitoring and targeted research are essential to curb its spread and prevent infection, ultimately improving aquaculture productivity and reducing public health risks associated with this pathogen.