The effect of Penaeus merguiensis densovirus on Penaeus merguiensis production in Queensland, Australia.

Penaeus merguiensis densovirus (PmergDNV) is currently present on several Queensland prawn farms culturing Penaeus merguiensis. Densoviruses have been linked to mortality and stunting that has caused significant financial loss to prawn farms in Asia. A histopathological study for PmergDNV was initially undertaken to compare broodstock to grow out factors from 60 broodstock animals from each of 22 ponds.

Attempts at producing a hybridised Penaeus mondon cell line by cellular fusion.

The lack of a standardised system for the isolation, identification and purification of prawn viruses, is a major obstacle to the control of viruses in penaeid aquaculture. To date, spontaneous and induced transformation of somatic penaeid cells has failed. Hybrid cells with the aim of supporting the growth of penaeid viruses were created using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated fusion with two immortal cell lines, Epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) and Spodoptera frugiperda pupal ovarian cells (Sf9), fused with Penaeus monodon haemocytes.

Attempts at immortalization of crustacean primary cell cultures using human cancer genes.

Primary cell cultures from crustacea have been initiated since the 1960s, yet no permanent cell line is available. Primary cells have a limited proliferative capacity in culture due to cellular senescence, which is regulated by a group of dominant senescence genes. The aim of this research was to manipulate cell cycle regulation by transfecting Cherax quadricarinatus primary cells with oncogenes, in an effort to induce a permanent cell line.

OIE white spot syndrome virus PCR gives false-positive results in Cherax quadricarinatus.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is an intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) that is a serious, notifiable crustacean pathogen. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) PCR protocol for WSSV uses primer sets initially developed by Lo et al. (1996).

Methods to enhance the intensity of intranuclear bacilliform virus infection in Cherax quadricarinatus.

Many studies have examined the morphology, pathology and epizootiology of the intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) of Cherax quadricarinatus, but little research has been conducted to acquire specific knowledge of the virus. This is partly due to difficulties in detecting the virus and in obtaining sufficient material for viral isolation and purification. As quantified by light microscopy, we significantly (p < 0.

Breaking the cycle of dependency: dual diagnosis and AFDC families.

This paper proposes that a comprehensive, long-term program with a case-management focus will produce better outcomes and be more cost-effective than the current approach to managing the illnesses of women on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (or TANF, formerly known as AFDC) who are afflicted with both drug dependency and mental illness, i.e. a dual diagnosis.