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  1. J Vis Exp, 2023 May 26.
    PMID: 37235796 DOI: 10.3791/6561
    An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated. The forth sentence in the third paragraph of the Introduction has been updated from: The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully sedated crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.  to: The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully anesthetized crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.  The start of the Protocol has been updated from: This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia. The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978). Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab S. olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66'62''N, 102°72'33''E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1. to: This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia and was approved by the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Research Ethics Committee (Animal ethics approval number: UMT/JKEPHMK/2023/96). The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab Scylla olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66'62''N, 102°72'33''E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1. Section 4 of the Protocol has been updated from: 4. Cold-shock anesthesia Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1). Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for cold shock anesthesia. Prepare 2 L of 4 °C to 1 °C seawater (20 ppt) in a transparent plastic aquarium. Maintain the temperature using (-20 °C) ice bags for cold shock anesthesia. NOTE: Check the temperature with a digital thermometer. Immerse the crab in the 4 °C seawater until sedated (about 3-5 min). Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. The legs and chelipeds joints will still show minor movements when touched with forceps. to: 4. Anesthesia Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1). Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for anesthesia. After 5 min of acclimatization period, add 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) at 2 mL/L into each aquarium and allow 15 min of anesthesia treatment. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from: 5. Eyestalk ablation Cauterization technique Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle. Have tissue paper ready for use. NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely. CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red. Cover the anesthetized (sedated) crab with a wet cotton towel. NOTE: Cover all the tentacles of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10-15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time. NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting. Surgery technique Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker. Prepare the tincture of iodine solution in a dropper bottle. NOTE: Tincture of iodine (iodine tincture or weak iodine solution) is made up of 2%-7% elemental iodine and potassium iodide, or sodium iodide, dissolved in ethanol and water. Wear thick cotton gloves. Hold the sedated crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors. NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse. Apply two to three drops of iodine tincture to the wounded part of the eyestalk immediately after cutting it off. NOTE: Tincture of iodine is used for healing and to prevent infection. to: 5. Eyestalk ablation Cauterization technique Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle and keep it away from any fire-related sources, such as blow torch and red hot screwdriver. Have tissue paper ready for use. NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely. CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red. Cover the anesthetized crab with a wet cotton towel. NOTE: Cover the antennae of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10-15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. Be careful when conducting this step to avoid damage to adjacent structures.  NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs. NOTE: Only perform this step at least waiting for 5 min after the eyestalk ablation procedure to ensure the forceps are cooled down before disinfection using 70% ethanol to prevent potential fire hazards. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time. NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting. Surgery technique Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker. Wear thick cotton gloves. Hold the anesthetized crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors. NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse. Step 7.2.2 of the Protocol has been updated from: Sedate the females individually with the cold shock anesthesia method. to: Anesthetize the females individually with the 2-PE immersion anesthesia method. The Discussion has been updated from: This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production. The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11 , 12 , 13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25 , 32 , 33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25 , 31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3). The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21 , 40 , 41. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18 , 21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH). The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29 , 30 , 42. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29 , 30 , 42 , 43. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29 , 44. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique requires an additional step of disinfection using iodine. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30 , 35 , 45 , 46. Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. The application of a tincture of iodine can prevent infection of the wounded part. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection. Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33. Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14 , 15 , 17 , 47. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37 , 48 , 49. Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique. Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7 , 50 , 51. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8 , 52. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34. The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread. to: This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production. The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11 , 12 , 13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25 , 32 , 33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39. Anesthesia via immersion in 2-phenoxyethanol was used as it is comparable to the use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) in arthopods but cheaper and does not require the use of additional buffer40. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25 , 31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3). The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21 , 41 , 42. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18 , 21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH). The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29 , 30 , 43. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29 , 30 , 43 , 44. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29 , 45. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique takes time for the wound to heal and this would allow for chance of infection. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30 , 35 , 46 , 47. Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection. Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33. Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14 , 15 , 17 , 48. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37 , 49 , 50. In addition, future research on pain assessment following eyestalk ablation on mud crabs is recommended to highlight the change in behaviours associated with pain and stress, as evident in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum51. Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique. Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7 , 52 , 53. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8 , 53. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34. The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread. The References have been updated from: Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998). Fazhan, H. et al. 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Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020). Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017). Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021). Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019). Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000). Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010). Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000). Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007). Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018). Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009). Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016). Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013). Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016). Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017). Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018). Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019). Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007). Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016). Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022). Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018). Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018). Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015). Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007). Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022). to: Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998). Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010). Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010). Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017). Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020). Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020). Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021). Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020). Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006). Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011). Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978). Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019). Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012). Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021). Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992). Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004). Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022). Nagaraju, G. P. C. Reproductive regulators in decapod crustaceans: an overview. Journal of Experimental Biology. 214 (1), 3-16 (2011). Kornthong, N. et al. Characterization of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and the effect of 5-HT on its expression. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 185, 28-36 (2013). Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019). Liu, C. et al. VIH from the mud crab is specifically expressed in the eyestalk and potentially regulated by transactivator of Sox9/Oct4/Oct1. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 255, 1-11 (2018). Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019). Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018). Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017). Wilder, M. N. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 6-10 (2019). Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003). Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000). Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020). Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017). Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021). Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019). Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000). Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010). Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000). Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007). Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018). Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009). Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016).  Archibald, K. E., Scott, G. N., Bailey, K. M., Harms, C. A. 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) immersion anesthesia of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 50 (1), 96-106 (2019). Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013). Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016). Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017). Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018). Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019). Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007). Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016). Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022). Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018). Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018). Diarte-Plata, G., Sainz-Hernandez, J. C., Aguiñaga-Cruz, J. A., Fierro-Coronado, J. A., Polanco-Torres, A., Puente-Palazuelos, C. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012).  Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015). Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007). Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022).
  2. Wong JE, Zainal N, AbuBakar S, Tan KK
    J Vis Exp, 2023 May 05.
    PMID: 37212555 DOI: 10.3791/64887
    Endothelial cells line the inner surface of all blood and lymphatic vessels, creating a semi-permeable barrier regulating fluid and solute exchange between blood or lymph and their surrounding tissues. The ability of a virus to cross the endothelial barrier is an important mechanism that facilitates virus dissemination in the human body. Many viruses are reported to alter endothelial permeability and/or cause endothelial cell barrier disruption during infection, which is able to cause vascular leakage. The current study describes a real-time cell analysis (RTCA) protocol, using a commercial real-time cell analyzer to monitor endothelial integrity and permeability changes during Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The impedance signals recorded before and after ZIKV infection were translated to cell index (CI) values and analyzed. The RTCA protocol allows the detection of transient effects in the form of cell morphological changes during a viral infection. This assay could also be useful for studying changes in the vascular integrity of HUVECs in other experimental setups.
  3. Tan JY, Wong JE, Zainal N, AbuBakar S, Tan KK
    J Vis Exp, 2023 Apr 07.
    PMID: 37092849 DOI: 10.3791/64578
    Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. ZIKV infection has been associated with congenital brain abnormalities and potentially Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Research on ZIKV to understand the disease mechanisms is important to facilitate vaccine and treatment development. The method of quantifying viruses is crucial and fundamental in the field of virology. The focus forming assay (FFA) is a virus quantification assay that detects the viral antigen with antibodies and identifies the infection foci of cells using the peroxidase immunostaining technique. The current study describes the virus propagation and quantification protocol using both 24-well and 96-well (high throughput) formats. Compared with other similar studies, this protocol has further described foci size optimization, which can serve as a guide to expand the use of this assay for other viruses. Firstly, ZIKV propagation is performed in Vero cells for 3 days. The culture supernatant containing ZIKV is harvested and quantitated using the FFA. Briefly, the virus culture is inoculated onto Vero cells and incubated for 2-3 days. Foci formation is then determined after optimized staining processes, including cell fixation, permeabilization, blocking, antibody binding, and incubation with peroxidase substrate. The stained virus foci are visualized using a stereo microscope (manual counting in 24-well format) or software analyzer (automated counting in 96-well format). The FFA provides reproducible, relatively fast results (3-4 days) and is suitable to be used for different viruses, including non-plaque-forming viruses. Subsequently, this protocol is useful for the study of ZIKV infection and could be used to detect other clinically important viruses.
  4. Asmat-Ullah M, Rozaimi R, Fazhan H, Shu-Chien AC, Wang Y, Waiho K
    J Vis Exp, 2023 Mar 31.
    PMID: 37067269 DOI: 10.3791/65039
    Mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are commercially important crustacean species that can be found throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. During culture, the induction of ovarian maturation is important to meet the consumer demand for mature mud crabs and hasten seed production. Eyestalk ablation is an effective tool to enhance ovarian maturation in mud crabs. However, there is no standard protocol for the eyestalk ablation of mud crabs. In this study, two eyestalk ablation techniques are described: cauterization (the use of hot metal to ablate the eyestalk of an anesthetized crab) and surgery (the removal of the eyestalk using surgical scissors). Before eyestalk ablation, sexually mature females (CW > 86 mm) were anesthetized using an ice bag (-20 °C) with seawater. When the water temperature reached 4 °C, the ice bag was removed from the water. Flowing seawater (ambient temperature: 28 °C) was used for recovery from the anesthesia immediately after eyestalk ablation. Mortality did not occur during or after the process of eyestalk ablation. The eyestalk ablation protocol presented here accelerated the ovarian maturation of the mud crabs.
  5. Abd Aziz M, Hamzaid NA, Hasnan N
    J Vis Exp, 2022 Nov 11.
    PMID: 36440840 DOI: 10.3791/63149
    Execution of Sit-to-Stand (SitTS) in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients involves motor function in both upper and lower extremities. The use of arm support, in particular, is a significant assistive factor while executing SitTS movement in SCI population. In addition, the application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) onto quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles is one of the prescribed management for incomplete SCI to improve muscle action for simple lower limb movements. However, the relative contribution of upper and lower extremities during SitTS has not been thoroughly investigated. Two motor incomplete SCI paraplegics performed repetitive SitTS to fatigue exercise challenge. Their performance was investigated as a mixed-method case-control study comparing SitTS with and without the assistance of FES. Three sets of SitTS tests were completed with 5-min resting period allocated in between sets, with mechanomyography (MMG) sensors attached over the rectus femoris muscles bilaterally. The exercise was separated into 2 sessions; Day 1 for voluntary SitTS and Day 2 for FES-assisted SitTS. Questionnaires were conducted after every session to gather the participants' input about their repetitive SitTS experience. The analysis confirmed that a SitTS cycle could be divided into three phases; Phase 1 (Preparation to stand), Phase 2 (Seat-off), and Phase 3 (Initiation of hip extension), which contributed to 23% ± 7%, 16% ± 4% and 61% ± 6% of the SitTS cycle, respectively. The contribution of arms and legs during SitTS movement varied in different participants based on their legs' Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle grade. In particular, the applied arm forces start to increase clearly when the leg forces start to decline during standing. This finding is supported by the significantly reduced MMG signal indicating leg muscle fatigue and their reported feeling of tiredness.
  6. Ealam Selvan M, Lim KS, Teo CH, Lim YY
    J Vis Exp, 2022 Oct 21.
    PMID: 36342167 DOI: 10.3791/64565
    Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are formed via back-splicing. These circRNAs are predominantly studied for their roles as regulators of various biological processes. Notably, emerging evidence demonstrates that host circRNAs can be differentially expressed (DE) upon infection with pathogens (e.g., influenza and coronaviruses), suggesting a role for circRNAs in regulating host innate immune responses. However, investigations on the role of circRNAs during pathogenic infections are limited by the knowledge and skills required to carry out the necessary bioinformatic analysis to identify DE circRNAs from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. Bioinformatics prediction and identification of circRNAs is crucial before any verification, and functional studies using costly and time-consuming wet-lab techniques. To solve this issue, a step-by-step protocol of in silico prediction and characterization of circRNAs using RNA-seq data is provided in this manuscript. The protocol can be divided into four steps: 1) Prediction and quantification of DE circRNAs via the CIRIquant pipeline; 2) Annotation via circBase and characterization of DE circRNAs; 3) CircRNA-miRNA interaction prediction through Circr pipeline; 4) functional enrichment analysis of circRNA parental genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). This pipeline will be useful in driving future in vitro and in vivo research to further unravel the role of circRNAs in host-pathogen interactions.
  7. Md Hamzah N, Lim SM, Vijayanathan Y, Lim FT, Abdul Majeed AB, Tan MP, et al.
    J Vis Exp, 2021 Dec 28.
    PMID: 35037659 DOI: 10.3791/63355
    The limitations of current treatments in delaying dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) raise the need for alternative therapies that can restore these neurons. Much effort is currently directed toward a better understanding of neuroregeneration using preclinical in vivo models. This regenerative capability for self-repair is, however, inefficient in mammals. Non-mammalian animals like zebrafish have thus emerged as an excellent neuroregenerative model due to its capability to continuously self-renew and have a close brain homology to humans. As part of the effort in elucidating cellular events involved in neuroregeneration in vivo, we have established the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced adult zebrafish-based PD model. This was achieved through the optimized intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of 99.96 mM 6-OHDA to specifically ablate dopaminergic neurons (DpN) in the ventral diencephalon (Dn) of zebrafish brain. Immunofluorescence indicated more than 85% of DpN ablation at day three postlesion and full restoration of DpN at lesioned site 30 days postlesion. The present study determined the impairment and subsequent recovery of zebrafish swimming behavior following lesion by using the open field test through which two parameters, distance traveled (cm) and mean speed (cm/s), were quantified. The locomotion was assessed by analyzing the recordings of individual fish of each group (n = 6) using video tracking software. The findings showed a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in speed (cm/s) and distance traveled (cm) of lesioned zebrafish 3 days postlesion when compared to sham. The lesioned zebrafish exhibited full recovery of swimming behavior 30 days postlesion. The present findings suggest that 6-OHDA lesioned adult zebrafish is an excellent model with reproducible quality to facilitate the study of neuroregeneration in PD. Future studies on the mechanisms underlying neuroregeneration as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors that modulate the process may provide important insight into new cell replacement treatment strategies against PD.
  8. Zaidi NE, Shazali NAH, Chor ALT, Osman MA, Ibrahim K, Jaoi-Edward M, et al.
    J Vis Exp, 2019 12 14.
    PMID: 31885381 DOI: 10.3791/60281
    Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been identified as an important component for tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to cancer therapies. However, tumor-associated macrophages can be harmful to the tumor depending on the tumor microenvironment and can reversibly alter their phenotypic characteristics by either antagonizing the cytotoxic activity of immune cells or enhancing anti-tumor response. The molecular actions of macrophages and their interactions with tumor cells (e.g., phagocytosis) have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the interaction between immune cells (M1/M2-subtype TAM) and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment is now a focus of cancer immunotherapy research. In the present study, a live cell coculture model of induced M1 macrophages and mouse mammary 4T1 carcinoma cells was developed to assess the phagocytic activity of macrophages using a time-lapse video feature using phase-contrast, fluorescent, and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. The present method can observe and document multipoint live-cell imaging of phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of 4T1 cells by M1 macrophages can be observed using fluorescent microscopy before staining 4T1 cells with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE). The current publication describes how to coculture macrophages and tumor cells in a single imaging dish, polarize M1 macrophages, and record multipoint events of macrophages engulfing 4T1 cells during 13 h of coculture.
  9. Mashimo Y, Yoshioka M, Tokunaga Y, Fockenberg C, Terada S, Koyama Y, et al.
    J Vis Exp, 2018 09 07.
    PMID: 30247461 DOI: 10.3791/57377
    Cellular microenvironments consist of a variety of cues, such as growth factors, extracellular matrices, and intercellular interactions. These cues are well orchestrated and are crucial in regulating cell functions in a living system. Although a number of researchers have attempted to investigate the correlation between environmental factors and desired cellular functions, much remains unknown. This is largely due to the lack of a proper methodology to mimic such environmental cues in vitro, and simultaneously test different environmental cues on cells. Here, we report an integrated platform of microfluidic channels and a nanofiber array, followed by high-content single-cell analysis, to examine stem cell phenotypes altered by distinct environmental factors. To demonstrate the application of this platform, this study focuses on the phenotypes of self-renewing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here, we present the preparation procedures for a nanofiber array and the microfluidic structure in the fabrication of a Multiplexed Artificial Cellular MicroEnvironment (MACME) array. Moreover, overall steps of the single-cell profiling, cell staining with multiple fluorescent markers, multiple fluorescence imaging, and statistical analyses, are described.
  10. Nordin N, Yusof NA, Radu S, Hushiarian R
    J Vis Exp, 2018 06 03.
    PMID: 29912194 DOI: 10.3791/56585
    Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common foodborne pathogen that contributes to a large proportion of public health problems globally, significantly affecting the rate of human mortality and morbidity. Conventional methods for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus such as culture-based methods, immunological assays, and molecular-based methods require complicated sample handling and are time-consuming, tedious, and costly. Recently, biosensors have proven to be a promising and comprehensive detection method with the advantages of fast detection, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. This research focuses on developing a rapid method of detecting V. parahaemolyticus with high selectivity and sensitivity using the principles of DNA hybridization. In the work, characterization of synthesized polylactic acid-stabilized gold nanoparticles (PLA-AuNPs) was achieved using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). We also carried out further testing of stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the PLA-AuNPs. We found that the PLA-AuNPs formed a sound structure of stabilized nanoparticles in aqueous solution. We also observed that the sensitivity improved as a result of the smaller charge transfer resistance (Rct) value and an increase of active surface area (0.41 cm2). The development of our DNA biosensor was based on modification of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with PLA-AuNPs and using methylene blue (MB) as the redox indicator. We assessed the immobilization and hybridization events by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). We found that complementary, non-complementary, and mismatched oligonucleotides were specifically distinguished by the fabricated biosensor. It also showed reliably sensitive detection in cross-reactivity studies against various food-borne pathogens and in the identification of V. parahaemolyticus in fresh cockles.
  11. Sung TC, Li HF, Higuchi A, Ling QD, Yang JS, Tseng YC, et al.
    J Vis Exp, 2018 02 03.
    PMID: 29443075 DOI: 10.3791/57314
    The effect of physical cues, such as the stiffness of biomaterials on the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, has been investigated by several researchers. However, most of these investigators have used polyacrylamide hydrogels for stem cell culture in their studies. Therefore, their results are controversial because those results might originate from the specific characteristics of the polyacrylamide and not from the physical cue (stiffness) of the biomaterials. Here, we describe a protocol for preparing hydrogels, which are not based on polyacrylamide, where various stem, cells including human embryonic stem (ES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, can be cultured. Hydrogels with varying stiffness were prepared from bioinert polyvinyl alcohol-co-itaconic acid (P-IA), with stiffness controlled by crosslinking degree by changing crosslinking time. The P-IA hydrogels grafted with and without oligopeptides derived from extracellular matrix were investigated as a future platform for stem cell culture and differentiation. The culture and passage of amniotic fluid stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, human ES cells, and human iPS cells is described in detail here. The oligopeptide P-IA hydrogels showed superior performances, which were induced by their stiffness properties. This protocol reports the synthesis of the biomaterial, their surface manipulation, along with controlling the stiffness properties and finally, their impact on stem cell fate using xeno-free culture conditions. Based on recent studies, such modified substrates can act as future platforms to support and direct the fate of various stem cells line to different linkages; and further, regenerate and restore the functions of the lost organ or tissue.
  12. Nielsen SSE, Siupka P, Georgian A, Preston JE, Tóth AE, Yusof SR, et al.
    J Vis Exp, 2017 09 24.
    PMID: 28994773 DOI: 10.3791/56277
    The aim of this protocol presents an optimized procedure for the purification and cultivation of pBECs and to establish in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models based on pBECs in mono-culture (MC), MC with astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM), and non-contact co-culture (NCC) with astrocytes of porcine or rat origin. pBECs were isolated and cultured from fragments of capillaries from the brain cortices of domestic pigs 5-6 months old. These fragments were purified by careful removal of meninges, isolation and homogenization of grey matter, filtration, enzymatic digestion, and centrifugation. To further eliminate contaminating cells, the capillary fragments were cultured with puromycin-containing medium. When 60-95% confluent, pBECs growing from the capillary fragments were passaged to permeable membrane filter inserts and established in the models. To increase barrier tightness and BBB characteristic phenotype of pBECs, the cells were treated with the following differentiation factors: membrane permeant 8-CPT-cAMP (here abbreviated cAMP), hydrocortisone, and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, RO-20-1724 (RO). The procedure was carried out over a period of 9-11 days, and when establishing the NCC model, the astrocytes were cultured 2-8 weeks in advance. Adherence to the described procedures in the protocol has allowed the establishment of endothelial layers with highly restricted paracellular permeability, with the NCC model showing an average transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) of 1249 ± 80 Ω cm2, and paracellular permeability (Papp) for Lucifer Yellow of 0.90 10-6 ± 0.13 10-6 cm sec-1 (mean ± SEM, n=55). Further evaluation of this pBEC phenotype showed good expression of the tight junctional proteins claudin 5, ZO-1, occludin and adherens junction protein p120 catenin. The model presented can be used for a range of studies of the BBB in health and disease and, with the highly restrictive paracellular permeability, this model is suitable for studies of transport and intracellular trafficking.
  13. Hassan MI, McSorley FR, Hotta K, Boddy CN
    J Vis Exp, 2017 06 27.
    PMID: 28715370 DOI: 10.3791/55187
    Co-expression of multiple proteins is increasingly essential for synthetic biology, studying protein-protein complexes, and characterizing and harnessing biosynthetic pathways. In this manuscript, the use of a highly effective system for the construction of multigene synthetic operons under the control of an inducible T7 RNA polymerase is described. This system allows many genes to be expressed simultaneously from one plasmid. Here, a set of four related vectors, pMGX-A, pMGX-hisA, pMGX-K, and pMGX-hisK, with either the ampicillin or kanamycin resistance selectable marker (A and K) and either possessing or lacking an N-terminal hexahistidine tag (his) are disclosed. Detailed protocols for the construction of synthetic operons using this vector system are provided along with the corresponding data, showing that a pMGX-based system containing five genes can be readily constructed and used to produce all five encoded proteins in Escherichia coli. This system and protocol enables researchers to routinely express complex multi-component modules and pathways in E. coli.
  14. Muraoka M, Susuki N, Yamaguchi H, Tsuji T, Yamamoto Y
    J Vis Exp, 2016 Mar 21.
    PMID: 27023374 DOI: 10.3791/53956
    Methane hydrates (MHs) are present in large amounts in the ocean floor and permafrost regions. Methane and hydrogen hydrates are being studied as future energy resources and energy storage media. To develop a method for gas production from natural MH-bearing sediments and hydrate-based technologies, it is imperative to understand the thermal properties of gas hydrates. The thermal properties' measurements of samples comprising sand, water, methane, and MH are difficult because the melting heat of MH may affect the measurements. To solve this problem, we performed thermal properties' measurements at supercooled conditions during MH formation. The measurement protocol, calculation method of the saturation change, and tips for thermal constants' analysis of the sample using transient plane source techniques are described here. The effect of the formation heat of MH on measurement is very small because the gas hydrate formation rate is very slow. This measurement method can be applied to the thermal properties of the gas hydrate-water-guest gas system, which contains hydrogen, CO2, and ozone hydrates, because the characteristic low formation rate of gas hydrate is not unique to MH. The key point of this method is the low rate of phase transition of the target material. Hence, this method may be applied to other materials having low phase-transition rates.
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