Artemia Fransiscana Research Articles

Ecotoxicity studies reveal that organic cations in dicamba-derived ionic liquids can pose a greater environmental risk than the herbicide itself

The following research provides novel and relevant insights into potential environmental consequences of combination of various organic cations with commercial systemic herbicide (dicamba), in accordance with a ‘herbicidal ionic liquids’ (HILs) strategy. Toxicity assays of five dicamba-based HILs comprising different hydrophobic and hydrophilic cations, namely choline [CHOL][DIC], ethyl betainate [BETC2][DIC], decyl betainate [BETC10][DIC], hexadecyl betainate [BETC16][DIC] and didecyldimethylammonium [DDA][DIC]), have been tested towards bacteria (Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis), algae (Chlorella vulgaris), fresh and marine water crustaceans (Daphnia magna, Artemia franciscana). The structure of respective substituents in the cation emerged as a decisive determinant of toxicity in the case of tested species. In consequence, small ions of natural origin ([CHOL] and [BETC2]) demonstrated toxicity numerous orders of magnitude lower compared to fully synthetic [DDA]. These results emphasize the role of cations' hydrophobicity, as well as origin, in the observed acute toxic effect. Time-dependent toxicity assays also indicated that betaine-type cations comprising an ester bond can rapidly transform into less harmful substances, which can generally result in a reduction in toxicity by even several orders of magnitude. Nonetheless, these findings challenge the concept of ionic liquids with herbicidal activity and give apparent parallels to adjuvant-dependent toxicity issues recently noted in typical herbicidal formulations.

Effects of utilization of Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaseus as probiotic to improve quality of west white leg shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) postlarvae

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaseus on growth performances, survival, digestive enzymes activity and environmental stress tolerance of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae. Four experimental treatments including control (C), L. lactis (L), P. pentosaseus (P) and co-administration of both probiotics (LP) were performed in triplicate. Probiotics were administrated via enriched Artemia fransiscana nauplii within 16-day trial period from Mysis III to PL14. According to the results, growth performance and digestive enzymes activity were not significantly different among the treatments (p < 0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in survival rate between the LP group with L and P and between L and P group with C group. The highest survival rate was observed in LP group. The postlarvae fed by probiotic-enriched Artemia was significantly resistant to environmental stressors (p < 0.05) and the LP group showed the lowest mortality rate in the salinity and formalin challenge tests. To conclude, the use of Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaseus as probiotic can have positive effects on the survival rate and resilience to environmental stressors of Vannamei postlarvae and this study showed the co-administration of these probiotics had greater effects on improving these indices.

Determination of optimal prey for rearing tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus (Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae)

Larval feeding studies of both ornamental and consumable fish species are important for formulating successful management, and culture strategies for conservation purposes. In the present study, we evaluated prey selectivity for the tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus in the larval stage (first 8 weeks) using the zooplankton Artemia fransiscana, Daphnia pulex and Moina macrocopa as prey following the hypothesis that prey selection of the fish species is related not only to prey species preferences but to the difference in prey densities present in the environment. Functional responses were tested at prey densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 ind. mL-1 and analyzed using Manly’s α. For prey selectivity, we used the three zooplankton species at three different densities. In these two experiments the fish larvae were allowed to feed for 45 min. To quantify feeding behavior (encounters, attacks, captures, ingestions, rejections) we used a density of 1 ind. mL-1 using each prey species based on 10 minutes of direct observation. Our results showed a functional response Type II for A. tropicus preying mostly on A. franciscana and M. macrocopa. The Manly’s α index showed that M. macrocopa and A. franciscana are the most preys selected. The values for encounters for the three prey species were relatively constant during the eight weeks. Encounter values for the cladocerans were low in comparison to A. franciscana; however, high success in capture and ingestion was observed for all prey species used. Our results from the functional response experiments supports the hypothesis that A. tropicus is an active predator presenting a functional response of a carnivorous fish and the shift in prey selection suggests that even at low prey availability, A. tropicus is able to manipulate and feed on zooplankton of wide range in size. Also, according to our results, we suggest the use of a mix of A. franciscana and M. macrocopa to feed A. tropicus in culture systems in concentrations ≈ 2 ind. mL-1 during the first 3 weeks of age and then shift to M. macrocopa from the 4 week. Our results, in conjunction with studies on the survivorship of the juveniles would aid in conservation efforts and improve the production of gars in aquaculture.

GC-MS headspace analysis of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts which inhibit Bacillus anthracis growth

Background: Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is an endemic Australian plant with an extremely high antioxidant capacity. The fruit has long been used by the first Australians as a nutritional food and as a medicine and recent studies have reported its potent growth inhibitory activity against a broad panel of bacteria. Despite this, T. ferdinandiana extracts are yet to be tested for the ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus anthracis. Materials and Methods: Solvent extracts were prepared using both the fruit and leaf of Kakadu plum. The ability to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis was investigated using a disc diffusion assay. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. The most potent extracts were investigated using non-targeted GC-MS head space analysis (with screening against a compound database) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in the crude plant extracts. Results: Solvent extractions of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf displayed good growth inhibitory activity in the disc diffusion assay against B. anthracis. Fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts were particularly potent growth inhibitors, with MIC values of 451 and 377μg/mL respectively. The fruit methanolic and chloroform extracts, as well as the aqueous leaf extracts also were good inhibitors of B. anthracis growth, albeit with lower efficacy (MIC values of 1800 and 1414 μg/mL respectively).The aqueous fruit extract and leaf chloroform extracts had only low inhibitory activity. All other extracts were completely devoid of growth inhibitory activity. Furthermore, all of the extracts with growth inhibitory activity were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values >1000 μg/mL. Non-biased GC-MS phytochemical analysis of the most active extracts (fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf) putatively identified and highlighted several compounds that may contribute to the ability of these extracts to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis. Conclusions: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts, as well as their potent growth inhibitory bioactivity against B. anthracis, indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of anthrax.

An examination of the medicinal potential ofPlanchonella queenslandica: toxicity, antibacterial, and antiviral activities

Planchonella queenslandica (family Sapotaceae) is an Australian native plant with a history of indigenous Australian medicinal usage. Its antimicrobial activity was investigated by disc diffusion assays against a bacterial panel. Antiviral activity was determined using an MS2 bacteriophage plaque reduction model system. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Methanol, water and ethyl acetate leaf extracts displayed antibacterial activity. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts had the broadest specificity, inhibiting the growth of 9 of the 14 bacteria tested (64 %) respectively. The water extract inhibited the growth of 6 of the 14 bacteria tested (43 %). All extracts were more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts each inhibited the growth of 100 % of the Gram-positive species tested and 5 of the 9 (56 %) Gram-negative bacteria. The water extract inhibited 3 of the 4 (75 %) Gram-positive bacteria and 3 of the 9 (33 %) of the Gram-negative bacteria tested. The methanol, water and ethyl acetate extracts also displayed antiviral activity in the MS2 plaque reduction assay, inhibiting 90.8 ± 2.4 %, 50.7 ± 5.8 and 71.7 ± 4.4 % of MS2 plaque formation respectively. All extracts were also shown to be non-toxic or of low toxicity in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. The low toxicity of the P. queenslandica extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity in the MS2 bacteriophage reduction bioassay and against a panel of bacteria validate Australian Aboriginal usage as an antiseptic agent and confirms their medicinal potential.

Inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes growth by native Australian plants: New approaches towards the management of impetigo, pharyngitis and rheumatic heart disease

Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes can cause a variety of diseases including streptococcal pharyngitis, impetigo and rheumatic heart disease, dependant on which tissue it infects. Many Australian plants have documented therapeutic properties as general antiseptics, but are yet to be tested for the ability to inhibit S. pyogenes growth. Methods: Solvent extracts were prepared using Australian plants with documented ethnobotanical usage to treat bacterial infections, or published antibacterial activity. The extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay for the ability to inhibit the growth of a clinical strain of S. pyogenes. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: S. pyogenes growth was inhibited by 24 of the 34 extracts tested. The Eucalyptus spp. extracts were particularly potent. MIC values of 341 and 88 μg/ mL were determined for the aqueous and methanolic E. baileyana extracts respectively. Similarly, MIC values of 134 and 53 μg/mL were determined for the aqueous and methanolic E. major extracts respectively. The methanolic wattle seed extract, aqueous and methanolic lemon aspen extracts, aqueous native thyme extract, methanolic river mint extract and the methanolic native basil extract were similarly potent growth inhibitors, with MIC values ≤1000 μg/mL. Several other extracts (methanolic native tamarind, bush tomato, desert lime, native thyme, native sage and the T. stipitata leaf extracts, as well as the aqueous river mint, native basil, T. stipitata leaf extracts) displayed moderate growth inhibitory activity (MIC=1000-5000 μg/mL). All other extracts were either low potency S. pyogenes growth inhibitors or were devoid of inhibitory activity. The E. baileyana and E. major methanolic extracts, as well as the E. baileyana aqueous extract induced significant mortality in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values substantially 1000 μg/mL. Conclusion: The potent growth inhibitory bioactivity of the Eucalyptus spp., lemon aspen, wattle seed, native basil and river mint extracts against S. pyogenes demonstrates their potential for the treatment and prevention of S. pyogenes induced disease. However, the toxicity of the Eucalyptus spp. extracts may limit their use to topical treatments for pharyngitis and impetigo. As the lemon aspen, wattle seed, native basil and river mint extracts were nontoxic, they may also have wider uses in treating systemic illnesses such as rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and cellulitis.

Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity Evaluation of Indian Terminalia spp. Against the Pharyngitis Causing Pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes.

Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes is a gram positive pathogenic bacterium which cause a variety of diseases including streptococcal pharyngitis, impetigo and rheumatic heart disease, depending on which tissue it infects. Many Terminalia spp. have documented therapeutic properties as general antiseptics, inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of bacterial species. Methods: Solvent extracts were prepared using Indian Terminalia spp. with documented ethnobotanical usage to treat bacterial infections, or published antibacterial activity. The extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay for the ability to inhibit the growth of aclinical strain of S. pyogenes. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: T. arjuna, T. catappa and T. chebula methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts displayed potent antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay against S. pyogenes. The T. catappa and T. chebulaethyl acetate extracts were particularly potent, with MIC values of 225 and 205 µg/mL respectively. All methanolic extracts were also potent growth inhibitors with MIC values of 268 µg/mL (T. arjunamethanolic extract), 425 µg/mL (T. catappa methanolic extract) and 300 µg/mL (T. chebula methanolic extract). The T. catappa hexane extract was also a potent S. pyogenesgrowth inhibitor (MIC 768 µg/mL). All other extracts were either ineffective or were of only low efficacy. Furthermore, all of the Indian Terminalia spp. extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values >1000 µg/mL. Conclusion: The potent growth inhibitory bioactivity of the methanolic and ethyl acetate T. arjuna, T. catappa and T. chebula extracts against S. pyogenes demonstrates their potential for the treatment and prevention of pharyngitis, impetigo and rheumatic heart disease. All extractswere nontoxic indicating their safety for therapeutic use.

Growth Inhibitory Activity of Kakadu Plum Extracts Against the Opportunistic Pathogenclostridium Perfringens: New Leads in the Prevention and Treatment of Clostridial Myonecrosis.

Introduction: Clostridium perfringens is the etiological agent of clostridial myonecrosis and enteritis necroticans. Infections result in exotoxin production, tissue necrosis and unless promptly treated, may result in death. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit has documented therapeutic properties as a general antiseptic agent. Fruit extracts have been reported to inhibit the growth of an extensive panel of pathogenic bacteria. Leaf extracts have also been shown to block the growth of several bacterial species associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Methods: T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf solvent extracts were investigated for growth inhibitory activity by disc diffusion assay against a clinical strain of Clostridium perfringens. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Active extracts were analysed by non-targeted HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in the crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic and aqueous T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts, as well as the leaf ethyl acetate extract, displayed growth inhibitory activity in the disc diffusion assay against C. perfringens. The leaf extracts were generally more potent growth inhibitors than the corresponding fruit extracts, although the aqueous fruit extract had substantially greater efficacy than the aqueous leaf extract. The methanolic and ethyl acetate leaf extracts were particularly potent growth inhibitors, with MIC values of 206 and 117 μg/ml respectively. The fruit methanolic extract also displayed good efficacy, with an MIC of 716 μg/ml. In contrast, the chloroform and hexane extracts of both fruit and leaf were completely devoid of growth inhibitory activity. All T. ferdinandiana extracts were either nontoxic or of low toxicity in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the methanolic and ethyl acetate leaf extracts revealed the presence of high relative levels of a diversity of galloand ellagi- tannins. Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana extracts and the potent growth inhibitory bioactivity of the leaf methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts against C. perfringens indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of clostridial myonecrosis and enteritis necroticans. Metabolomic profiling studies indicate that these extracts contained a diversity of tannins.

The prevention of fish spoilage by high antioxidant Australian culinary plants: Shewanella putrefaciens growth inhibition

SummaryShewanella putrefaciens is a marine bacterium and a major microbial cause of spoilage in low temperature stored seafood. A survey of fruits and culinary herbs was undertaken on Australian plants with high antioxidant capacities. Twenty‐eight extracts from thirteen plant species were investigated for the ability to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth. Of these, eight extracts (28.6%) substantially inhibited S. putrefaciens growth. The muntries (Kunzea pomifera), lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) and desert lime (Citrus glauca) extracts were efficient anti‐S. putrefaciens agents, with MIC values ≤3000 μg mL−1. Of these, the muntries methanolic extract was the most potent growth inhibitor (MIC = 2240 μg mL−1). The aqueous desert lime extract was also an effective growth inhibitor (MIC of 3857 μg mL−1), whilst the methanolic bush tomato (Solanum aviculare), aqueous muntries and Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens) extracts displayed moderate S. putrefaciens growth inhibition. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values (&gt;1000 μg mL−1). Nontargeted HPLC‐QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified twenty compounds that were present in both inhibitory muntries extracts. The low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against S. putrefaciens indicates their potential as natural fish and seafood preservatives.

Cytotoxicity of certain seed extracts against Artemia fransiscana

The chloroform and methanolic extracts of seed coat and seed kernel of Mucuna pruriens, Terminalia. bellirica, Syzygium cumini and Myristica fragrans were tested against the brine shrimp, Artemia fransiscana nauplii for mortality at 24h post exposure. All the test extracts were found to be effective. The toxicity of the chloroform extracts of seed coat could be arranged in the order: T. bellirica &gt; M. pruriens &gt; S. cumini &gt; M. fragrans. In case of seed kernel extracts (chloroform) the results could be arranged in the following order: S. cumini &gt; M. fragrans &gt; T. bellirica &gt; M. pruriens. For methanolic extracts of seed coat and seed kernel the results could be arranged in the following order: M. fragrans &gt; T. bellirica &gt; S. cumini &gt; M. pruriens, and T. bellirica &gt; S. cumini &gt; M. fragrans &gt; M. pruriens. The brine shrimp bioassay is a simple, reliable and convenient method for the assessment of bioactivity of medicinal plants and lends support for their use in traditional medicine.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(2): 133-139, 2014

Effect of weaning age and the use of different sized Artemia nauplii as first feed for jade perch Scortum barcoo

The first days of exogenous feeding are crucial for larval recruitment. A correct first prey item and the determination of the optimal weaning age, can reduce labor cost and fish mortality to a great extent. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of small and regular Artemia fransiscana (AF and EG Artemia, Inve, Belgium) as first feed for jade perch Scortum barcoo, and to determine the minimum required duration of this life feed phase before transition to dry feed can occur. Therefore, we compared first feeding of 3 days AF nauplii instar I with 3 days of EG nauplii instar I and evaluated whether the optimal weaning age for jade perch larvae was at 7, 10, 13 or 16 days post-hatching (DPH). The study was performed in 25-L tanks in a recirculating system and lasted for 21 days (4–24 DPH). Growth, survival and tissue fatty acid composition of the larvae in the different treatments were analyzed. Results indicate that, after the start of exogenous feeding at 4 days DPH, jade perch larvae require a minimum of 9 days of live feed until 12 DPH. Co-feeding ideally starts on 10 DPH. Larvae fed AF Artemia for the first 3 days showed a significantly faster growth than larvae fed EG Artemia, although their survival was lower. Gape width of larvae at 3 and 6 DPH was measured, and implications for prey size are discussed.

Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts as inhibitors of Giardia duodenalis proliferation: a new treatment for giardiasis.

Giardisis is a debilitating disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites of the genus Giardia. High-antioxidant T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to block Giardia duodenalis growth. Methanolic and aqueous extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity (IC50 values of approximately 700 and 140μg/ml, respectively). Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts also inhibited G. duodenalis growth, albeit with lower potency. The hexane extract was completely devoid of G. duodenalis growth inhibitory activity. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Nontargeted HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified 17 compounds in all of the inhibitory extracts but not in the inactive hexane extract. The low toxicity of the Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory bioactivity indicate their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease.

GC-MS and LC-MS analysis of Kakadu plum fruit extracts displaying inhibitory activity against microbial triggers of multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which can be triggered in genetic susceptible individuals by Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit has documented therapeutic properties as a general antiseptic agent. Extracts prepared from the leaves have also been shown to block several microbial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. This study examines the ability of Kakadu plum fruit extracts to inhibit some microbial triggers of multiple sclerosis. Methods: T. ferdinandiana fruit solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay against reference and clinical strains of A.baylyi and P. aeruginosa. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Active extracts were analysed by non-targeted HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases) and by GC-MS (with screening against 1 compound databases) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts displayed potent antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay against the bacterial triggers of multiple sclerosis (A.baylyi and P. aeruginosa). The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity, with MIC values less than 1000 µg/ ml against A. baylyi and P. aeruginosa (both reference and clinical strains). In comparison, the water extract was substantially less potent. Neither the chloroform nor hexane extracts inhibited the growth of any of the bacterial strains tested. All T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed only low levels of the tannins gallic acid and chebulic acid and no other tannins. Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent inhibitory bioactivity against the bacterial triggers of multiple sclerosis indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Phytochemical studies indicate that this activity is likely to be due to phytochemicals other than tannins.

Tannin components and inhibitory activity of Kakadu plum leaf extracts against microbial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases

Introduction: Autoimmune inflammatory diseases can be triggered by specific bacteria in susceptible individuals. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) has documented therapeutic properties as a general antiseptic agent. However, the high ascorbic acid levels in Kakadu plum fruit may interfere with this activity. Methods: T. ferdinandiana leaf solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay against a panel of bacteria known to trigger autoimmune inflammatory diseases.Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies.Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Non-targeted HPLC separation of crude extracts coupled to high resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy with screening against 3 compound databases was used for the identification and characterisation of individual components in crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate T. Ferdinandiana leaf extracts displayed potent antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay against the bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and multiple sclerosis. The ethyl acetate extract had the most potent inhibitory activity, with MIC values less than 120 µg/ml against P. mirabilis and A. baylyi (both reference and clinical strains). The ethyl acetate extract had similar potency against K. pneumonia (both reference and clinical strains), but had higher MIC values (2733 µg/ml) against P. aeruginosa. The methanolic extract was also a potent inhibitor of bacterial growth, with MIC values generally < 1000 µg/ml. In comparison, the water, chloroform and hexane leaf extracts were all substantially less potent antibacterial agents, with MICs values generally well over 1000 µg/ml. All T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were either nontoxic or of low toxicity in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay.Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of high levels of tannins (exifone (4-galloylpyrogallol), ellagic acid dehydrate, trimethylellagic acid, chebulic acid, corilagin, punicalin, castalagin and chebulagic acid). Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts and their potent inhibitory bioactivity against the bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory disorders indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of these diseases.

Comparison of the Artemia salina and Artemia fransiscana bioassays for toxicity of Indian medicinal plants

Objective: To evaluate leaves extract of Azima tetracantha and Gmelina asiatica for lethality to brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina and Artemia fransiscana). Methods: The plant materials were extracted based on polarity gradients of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol. The extracts were investigated for their cytotoxic potential. Results: In the brine shrimp lethality assay of all extracts, exception of acetone, ethanol and petroleum ether extracts Gmelina asiatica displayed 100% mortality at 1 000 μg/mL by Artemia salina and Artemia fransiscana. Chloroform extract was the most potent and presented the highest percentage of mortality with the lowest LC50 values by both assay too. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest the presence of photochemical possessing cytotoxic agents.

The potential of tasmannia lanceolata as a natural preservative and medicinal agent: antimicrobial activity and toxicity

Introduction: Tasmannia lanceolata is an endemic Australian plant with a history of use by indigenous Australians as a food and as a medicinal agent. Methods: T. lanceolata solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay against a panel of bacteria and fungi and their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: All T. lanceolata extracts displayed antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay. The berry methanolic extract had the broadest antibacterial range, inhibiting the growth of all 18 of the bacteria tested (100%). The berry water and ethyl acetate, extracts were also good antibacterial agents inhibited the growth of 17 (94.4%) and 15 (83.3%) of the 18 bacteria tested respectively. Strong inhibitory activity was detected with MIC values as low as 4.8 µg/ml against some bacteria, although many of the measured MIC's were several orders of magnitude higher than this. All extracts were equally effective at inhibiting the growth of both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, only the T. lanceolata peppercorn extracts were effective as antifungal agents (albeit with limited antifungal ranges), inhibiting the growth of 2 of the 4 fungal species tested each (50%). All T. lanceolata extracts were non-toxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay with LC 50 values greatly in excess of 1000 µg/ml. Conclusions: The lack of toxicity of the T. lanceolata extracts and their potent broad spectrum inhibitory bioactivity against bacteria and fungi indicates their potential as natural food preservatives and as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of microbial diseases.

Effects of Feeding Enriched Artemia Fransiscana with HUFA, Vitamin C and E on Growth Performance, Survival and Stress Resistance of Yellowfin Seabream Larvae

Effects of feeding highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA), vitamins E and C enriched Artemia fransiscana nauplii on growth, survival and stress resistance of yellowfin seabream, A. latus were investigated. Larvae at first exogenous feeding with 53 ± 5 mg body weight were fed with HUFA+5%, 10% and 15% vitamin C-enriched Artemiai (C1, C2 and C3 groups, respectively), HUFA+5% and 10% vitamin E-enriched Artemia (E1 and E2 groups, respectively), HUFA+2.5% (W/W) vitamin C and E enriched Artemia (CE2 group), HUFA+5% (W/W) vitamin C and E-enriched Artemia (CE1 group), HUFA without vitamin (HUFA group) and non-enriched Artemia (control) in 3 replicates. Enriched Artemia feeding for all treatments was initialized on day 17 and finished on day 23 post hatch. After the period of enrichment, the larvae were fed with Coppens diet from day 23 to 36 and then, the sampling was done. Larvae resistance to osmotic and temperature stresses was performed with submersion in fresh water (0.5-1 ppt) and cold water (15°C) for 1h, respectively. Larvae growth factors except for DGR were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). Fish fed non-enriched Artemia had significantly higher DGR (0.63 ± 0.04) (p<0.05). Mortality rate was significantly different between control and other groups from day 17 (p<0.05). Stress tolerance, cortisol and total protein were not significantly different among the groups. Glucose was only significantly different between C3 and CE2. Results indicate that enrichment of Artemia fransiscana with HUFA and vitamins E and C increases survival in yellowfin seabream larvae at its first feeding.

Effect of adding probiotics into the rearing tanks of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for the exploitation of Artemia urmiana, Artemia fransiscana and Artemia parthenogenetica Nauplii

Bacillus spp. are Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria used commercially as probiotics in the larviculture of fish. Bacillus spp. can act positively on cultured organisms by enhancing their survival and growth, stimulating their digestive and immune systems, and improving water quality. In this present study, grass carp larvae were fed on Artemia urmiana, Artemia fransiscana and Artemia parthenogenetica nauplii. In probiotic trials, the combination of Bacillus circulans and Bacillus licheniformis was also added to rearing tanks of grass carp at 1×106 CFU/L. Final body weight, specific growth rate, thermal growth coefficient, daily growth coefficient and relative gain rate were all affected by the addition of probiotic Bacillus spp. (P

Stimulation of Hatching Efficiency in Capsulated Cysts of Artemia fransiscana Using 890 nm Diode Laser

Artemia fransiscana is one of the most important live food for commercial larval aquaculture. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 890 nm diode laser irradiation on Artemia capsulated cysts using (1-10) minutes exposure time, and 2.26x10-3 J/cm2 Fluence. The Artemia samples were obtained from two locations: Dyalaa and Basraa. After irradiation, hatching percentage (H %) and hatching efficiency(HE) of Artemia were measured after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The results of the effect of laser light on the capsulated cysts from Dyalaa showed that the optimum dose for enhancing (H %) after 24 hours of incubation is using 10 minutes exposure time, while after 48 hours of incubation the (H %) enhancement can be achieved using 6 minutes exposure time. The optimum exposure times for (HE) enhancement after 24 and 48 hours of incubation were 5 and 7 minutes. The results of the effect of laser light on the capsulated cysts from Basraa showed that after 24 hours of incubation, the optimum exposure times for enhancement (H%) was 9 minutes, while after 48 hours of irradiation the best exposure times was 5 minutes . Very effective enhancement of (HE) was noticed after 24 hours of irradiation at 3 minutes exposure time using 2.26x10-3 J/cm2 Fluence. No enhancement was observed after 48 hours of irradiation In conclusion, 890 nm diode laser irradiation can be used successfully for increasing Hatching percentage (H %) and Hatching Efficiency (HE) of Artemia capsulated cysts using certain energy density and certain exposure times

Stimulation of Hatching Efficiency in Capsulated Cysts of Artemia fransiscana Using 890 nm Diode Laser

Artemia fransiscana is one of the most important live food for commercial larval aquaculture. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 890 nm diode laser irradiation on Artemia capsulated cysts using (1-10) minutes exposure time, and 2.26x10-3 J/cm2 Fluence. The Artemia samples were obtained from two locations: Dyalaa and Basraa. After irradiation, hatching percentage (H %) and hatching efficiency(HE) of Artemia were measured after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The results of the effect of laser light on the capsulated cysts from Dyalaa showed that the optimum dose for enhancing (H %) after 24 hours of incubation is using 10 minutes exposure time, while after 48 hours of incubation the (H %) enhancement can be achieved using 6 minutes exposure time. The optimum exposure times for (HE) enhancement after 24 and 48 hours of incubation were 5 and 7 minutes. The results of the effect of laser light on the capsulated cysts from Basraa showed that after 24 hours of incubation, the optimum exposure times for enhancement (H%) was 9 minutes, while after 48 hours of irradiation the best exposure times was 5 minutes . Very effective enhancement of (HE) was noticed after 24 hours of irradiation at 3 minutes exposure time using 2.26x10-3 J/cm2 Fluence. No enhancement was observed after 48 hours of irradiation In conclusion, 890 nm diode laser irradiation can be used successfully for increasing Hatching percentage (H %) and Hatching Efficiency (HE) of Artemia capsulated cysts using certain energy density and certain exposure times