Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a marine finfish with good potential for mariculture. This study analyzes the effects of probiotic Bacillus spp. on the performance of cobia larvae reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Larvae were stocked into two independent RAS for 26 days after hatching. One of the systems (Probiotic treatment) received the addition of a commercial probiotic consisting of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. pumilus directly into the water and by live feed. Survival, final weight and water quality were not affected by probiotics. Results showed larvae of the probiotic treatment demonstrated a greater resistance to salinity stress. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a higher expression of CD4 in probiotic treatment. These results suggest that Bacillus spp. probiotics used in RAS have a potential stimulating impact on immune system differentiation and increases salinity stress resistance of cobia larvae.

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) es una especie de pez marino con buen potencial para la maricultura. Este estudio analiza los efectos del probiótico Bacillus spp. sobre el desempeño de las larvas de cobia criadas en un sistema de recirculación de agua (RAS). Las larvas fueron sembradas en dos RAS independientes durante 26 días después de la eclosión. Uno de los sistemas (tratamiento experimental) recibió la adición de un probiótico comercial que consiste en B. subtilis, B. licheniformis y B. pumilus directamente en el agua y por alimento vivo. La sobrevivencia, peso final y calidad del agua no se vieron afectados por los probióticos. Los resultados mostraron que las larvas del tratamiento probiótico presentaron una mayor resistencia al estrés por estrés salino. El análisis inmunohistoquímico mostró una mayor expresión de CD4 en el tratamiento probiótico. Estos resultados sugieren que estos probióticos utilizados en las larvas de cobia en RAS tienen un potencial impacto estimulante sobre la diferenciación del sistema inmunológico y aumenta la resistencia al estrés de las larvas de cobia.

This review concerns the definitions and appropriate analytical characterisations of herbal reference standards within the framework of regulatory requirements. It describes currently applicable rules and regulations, as well as future issues relating to the European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopoeia. It provides an update on the use and availability of pharmacopoeial (EP and USP) herbal reference standards since our last review was published in 2009. The continuing challenges facing manufacturers, suppliers and analysts are discussed on the basis of exemplary reference substances for herbal products in medicinal and food products. The article also reviews the special aspects of Brazilian stipulations (Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, Anvisa) by comparison with European regulations. The term herbal products as used throughout this article refers to herbal drugs, herbal preparations and finished herbal medicinal products unless a different meaning is obvious from the context. More specific terms are used where necessary.