An In Vitro System Mimics the Intestinal Microbiota of Striped Beakfish (Oplegnathus fasciatus) and Inhibits Vibrio alginolyticus by Limosilactobacillus reuteri-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are functional substances secreted by microbes and host cells, and it has been discovered that they participate in the interactions between different microorganisms. Our recent findings indicate that Limosilactobacillus reuteri-derived EVs have the potential to improve the intestinal microbiota of Oplegnathus fasciatus fish and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Previous research has reported that the host intestinal cells play a regulatory role in the intestinal microbiota. This suggested that to investigate the mechanisms through which L. reuteri-derived EVs regulate the intestinal microbiota, a system that excludes interference from host intestinal cells should be established. In this study, an in vitro cultured intestinal bacteria system, without host factors, was used to simulate the intestinal microbiota of O. fasciatus fish. After adding L. reuteri-derived EVs to the system, the changes in the microbiota were analyzed. The results showed that L. reuteri-derived EVs effectively reduced the abundance of Vibrio spp. In the results of the in vitro experiments, it was also observed that L. reuteri-derived EVs have the ability to inhibit Vibrio alginolyticus. We further sequenced the small RNA contained in L. reuteri-derived EVs and found that these small RNAs can interfere with genes (LysR, pirin, MIpA/OmpV, CatB, and aspartate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase) related to the growth of V. alginolyticus. Taken together, the results indicate that in the absence of host involvement, the small RNAs present in L. reuteri-derived EVs have the function of inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and exhibit the potential to regulate the intestinal microbiota.

Effects of Taiwanese indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) leaf hot-water extract on nonspecific immune responses, resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, nonviable cells, and haemocyte subpopulations in white shrimp (Penaeusvannamei).

This study investigated the effects of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf hot-water extract (CLWE) on nonspecific immune responses and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Firstly, a cell viability assay demonstrated that the CLWE is safe to white shrimp heamocytes in the concentration of 0-500 mg L-1. Haemocytes incubated in vitro with 10 and 50 mg L-1 of CLWE showed significantly higher response in superoxide anion production, PO activity, and phagocytic activity. In the in vivo trials, white shrimp were fed with 0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 g kg-1 CLWE supplemented feeds (designated as CLWE 0, CLWE 0.5, CLWE 1, CLWE 5, and CLWE 10, respectively) over a period of 28 days. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CLWE 0.5 feeding group resulted in the highest total haemocyte count, superoxide anion production, phenoloxidase activity, and phagocytic activity. Moreover, CLWE 0.5 supplemented feed significantly upregulated the clotting system, antimicrobial peptides, pattern recognition receptors, pattern recognition proteins, and antioxidant defences in white shrimp. Furthermore, the shrimp were infected with V. parahaemolyticus injections after 14 days of feeding as challenge test. Based on the challenge test result, both CLWE 0.5 and CLWE 5 demonstrated a strong resistance to V. parahaemolyticus. These two dosages effectively reduced the number of nonviable cells and activated different haemocyte subpopulations. These findings indicated that treatment with CLWE 0.5 could promote nonspecific immune responses, immune-related gene expression, and resistance to V. parahaemolyticus in white shrimp.

Low depth sequencing reveals the critically endangered Batagur kachuga (Red-crowned roofed turtle) mitochondrial genome and its evolutionary implications.

The Batagur kachuga (B. kachuga), commonly known as the Red-crowned roofed turtle, is a critically endangered species native to India and its neighboring countries like Bangladesh, and Nepal. The present study is the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome of B. kachuga (16,517 bp) construed via the next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach from eggshell DNA. There are 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and one putative control region (CR/D-loop) in the mitogenome. The CR region from the current study reveals conserved TAS, CD, and CSB domains and two AT-rich tandem repeat regions. Most genes are encoded in the heavy strand except the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) gene and seven tRNA genes. Most PCGs start with the initiation codon ATG, except the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit-I) gene, which starts with the GTG codon. The present investigation also predicts the distinctive cloverleaf structures of tRNAs except for tRNA-Ser1 and tRNA-Ser-2, which lack a DHU arm. The comparative analysis of Ka/Ks with other 33 species from Order Testudines, in relation to B. kachuga, revealed negative selection in most PCGs, indicating a process of preservation and purification that aids in eliminating undesirable or detrimental substitutes. Phylogenetic analysis of this species has been analysed using the complete mitogenome of 33 turtle species. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree strongly supports each family in different clades and also reveals a close relationship between the Pangashura and Batagur genera. Our study suggests the generation of genome-wide molecular data, in terms of mitogenomes, SNPs, and SSRs, is needed to improve the understanding of this species and their phylogenetics and evolutionary relationships, which will help to improve the conservation efforts of this species.

Robotic Nanomanipulation Based on Spatiotemporal Modulation of Optical Gradients.

Robotic nanomanipulation emerges as a cutting-edge technique pivotal for in situ nanofabrication, advanced sensing, and comprehensive material characterization. In this study, we develop an optical robotic platform (ORP) for the dynamic manipulation of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs). The ORP incorporates a human-in-the-loop control mechanism enhanced by real-time visual feedback. This feature enables the generation of custom optical landscapes with adjustable intensity and phase configurations. Based on the ORP, we achieve the parallel and reconfigurable manipulation of multiple NPs. Through the application of spatiotemporal phase gradient-reversals, our platform demonstrates capabilities in trapping, binding, rotating, and transporting NPs across custom trajectories. This presents a previously unidentified paradigm in the realm of in situ nanomanipulation. Additionally, the ORP facilities a "capture-and-print" assembly process, utilizing a strategic interplay of phase and intensity gradients. This process operates under a constant laser power setting, streamlining the assembly of NPs into any targeted configuration. With its precise positioning and manipulation capabilities, underpinned by the spatiotemporal modulation of optical gradients, the ORP will facilitate the development of colloid-based sensors and on-demand fabrication of nanodevices.

Feasibility of using Vis-NIR spectroscopy and PXRF spectrometry to estimate regional soil cadmium concentration.

Conventionally, soil cadmium (Cd) measurements in the laboratory are expensive and time-consuming, involving complex processes of sample preparation and chemical analysis. This study aimed to identify the feasibility of using sensor data of visible near-infrared reflectance (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) to estimate regional soil Cd concentration in a time- and cost-saving manner. The sensor data of Vis-NIR and PXRF, and Cd concentrations of 128 surface soils from Yunnan Province, China, were measured. Outer-product analysis (OPA) was used for synthesizing the sensor data and Granger-Ramanathan averaging (GRA) was applied to fuse the model results. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were built using Vis-NIR data, PXRF data, and OPA data, respectively. Results showed that: (1) ANN model based on PXRF data performed better than that based on Vis-NIR data for soil Cd estimation; (2) Fusion methods of both OPA and GRA had higher predictive power (R2) = 0.89, ratios of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ) = 4.14, and lower root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.06, in ANN model based on OPA fusion; R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 0.06, and RPIQ = 3.53 in GRA model) than those based on either Vis-NIR data or PXRF data. In conclusion, there exists a great potential for the combination of OPA fusion and ANN to estimate soil Cd concentration rapidly and accurately.

Assessment of fish protein hydrolysate as a substitute for fish meal in white shrimp diets: Impact on growth, immune response, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

This study investigated the effects of fish protein hydrolysate derived from barramundi on growth performance, muscle composition, immune response, disease resistance, histology and gene expression in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). In vitro studies demonstrated FPH enhanced mRNA expressions of key immune-related genes and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytic activity in shrimp hemocytes. To evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal with FPH in vivo, four isoproteic (43 %), isolipidic (6 %), and isoenergetic diets (489 kcal/100 g) were formulated with fish meal substitution levels of 0 % (control), 30 % (FPH30), 65 % (FPH65), and 100 % (FPH100). After 8-week feeding, the growth performance of FPH65 and FPH100 were significantly lower than that of control and FPH30 (p < 0.05). Similarly, the midgut histological examination revealed the wall thickness and villi height of FPH100 were significantly lower than those of control (p < 0.05). The shrimps were received the challenge of AHPND + Vibrio parahaemolyticus at week 4 and 8. All FPH-fed groups significantly enhanced resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus at week 4 (p < 0.05). However, this protective effect diminished after long-period feeding. No significant difference of survival rate was observed among all groups at week 8 (p > 0.05). The expressions of immune-related genes were analyzed at week 4 before and after challenge. In control group, V. parahaemolyticus significantly elevated SOD in hepatopancreas and Muc 19, trypsin, Midline-fas, and GPx in foregut (p < 0.05). Moreover, hepatopancreatic SOD of FPH65 and FPH100 were significantly higher than that of control before challenge (p < 0.05). Immune parameters were measured at week 8. Compared with control, the phagocytic index of FPH 30 was significantly higher (p < 0.05). However, dietary FPH did not alter ROS production, phenoloxidase activity, phagocytic rate, and total hemocyte count (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that FPH30 holds promise as a feed without adverse impacts on growth performance while enhancing the immunological response of white shrimp.

Effects of Nutrient Source, Temperature, and Salinity on the Growth and Survival of Three Giant Clam Species (Tridacnidae).

The habitats of giant clams are undergoing environmental changes, and giant clam populations are declining. The present study was conducted to facilitate clam conservation. We conducted three 18-week trials to investigate the effects of nutrient, temperature, and salinity on the growth performance and survival rates (SRs) of juvenile Tridacna noae, adult Tridacna crocea, and subadult Tridacna derasa, respectively. Regarding nutrient sources, no significant differences were observed in shell length gain, specific growth rate, or SR between clams fed with Chaetoceros muelleri or commercial feed (hw nanotip) and those in a control group (juvenile phototrophs). Regarding temperature, clams cultivated at 27 °C exhibited significantly better growth performance and SR than did those cultivated at 19 °C or 31 °C (p < 0.05). By week 6, all clams in the 19 °C and 31 °C groups had died, indicating that suboptimal growth temperatures have severe adverse effects. Regarding salinity, clams cultivated at 34‱ exhibited significantly higher length gains and specific growth rates than did those cultivated at 20‱ or 25‱ (p < 0.05). SR was not significantly affected by salinity. Understanding how environmental factors affect giant clam populations may help researchers devise effective clam conservation strategies.

Optoelectronically navigated nano-kirigami microrotors.

With the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication technologies, the concept of transformable kirigami has been applied for device fabrication in the microscopic world. However, most nano-kirigami structures and devices were typically fabricated or transformed at fixed positions and restricted to limited mechanical motion along a single axis due to their small sizes, which significantly limits their functionalities and applications. Here, we demonstrate the precise shaping and position control of nano-kirigami microrotors. Metallic microrotors with size of ~10 micrometers were deliberately released from the substrates and readily manipulated through the multimode actuation with controllable speed and direction using an advanced optoelectronic tweezers technique. The underlying mechanisms of versatile interactions between the microrotors and electric field are uncovered by theoretical modeling and systematic analysis. This work reports a novel methodology to fabricate and manipulate micro/nanorotors with well-designed and sophisticated kirigami morphologies, providing new solutions for future advanced optoelectronic micro/nanomachinery.

Application of nZnO supported with nanoclay for improving shrimp immunity.

This study discloses the nanoscale silicate platelet-supported nZnO (ZnONSP) applied as novel feed additives in aquaculture. The preparation of the nanohybrid (ZnO/NSP = 15/85, w/w) was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The effects of ZnONSP on growth, zinc accumulation, stress response, immunity and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) were \demonstrated. To evaluate the safety of ZnONSP, shrimps (2.0 ± 0.3 g) were fed with ZnONSP containing diets (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) for 56 days. Dietary ZnONSP did not affect the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, zinc accumulation, and the expression of heat shock protein 70 in tested shrimps. To examine the immunomodulatory effect of ZnONSP, shrimps (16.6 ± 2.4 g) were fed with the same experimental diets for 28 days. Dietary ZnONSP improved the immune responses of haemocyte in tested shrimps, including phagocytic rate, phagocytic index, respiratory burst, and phenoloxidase activity, and upregulated the expression of several genes, including lipopolysaccharide, ß-1,3-glucan binding protein, peroxinectin, penaeidin 2/3/4, lysozyme, crustin, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, clotting protein and α-2-macroglobulin. In the challenge experiment, shrimps (17.2 ± 1.8 g) were fed with ZnONSP containing diets (400 and 800 mg/kg) for 7 days and then infected with Vibrio alginolyticus. Notably, white shrimps that received ZnONSP (800 mg/kg) showed significantly improved Vibrio resistance, with a survival rate of 71.4 % at the end of 7-day observation. In conclusion, this study discovers that ZnONSP is a new type of immunomodulatory supplement that are effective on enhancing innate cellular and humoral immunities, and disease resistance in white shrimp.

Assessment of Bacillus subtilis fermented Caulerpa microphysa byproduct as feed additive on the growth performance, immune regulation and disease resistance of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

In this study, the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of fermented Caulerpa microphysa byproduct (FCMB) by Bacillus subtilis was evaluated, and its potential as a feed additive for white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was explored. In vitro experiments showed that the FCMB supernatant contained polysaccharides, polyphenols and flavonoids, and exhibited antioxidant properties as assessed by various antioxidant assays. Additionally, the FCMB supernatant was found to increase the production rate of reactive oxygen species and the activity of phenoloxidase in hemocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the results of the in vivo feeding trial showed that dietary 5 g kg-1 FCMB significantly improved the weight gain and specific growth rate of white shrimp after 56 days of feeding. Although there were no significant differences in total hemocyte count, phagocytosis, superoxide anion production rate, and phenoloxidase activity among the experimental groups, upregulation of immune-related genes was observed, particularly in the hepatopancreas and hemocytes of shrimps fed with 5 g or 50 g FCMB per kg feed, respectively. In the pathogen challenge assay, white shrimp fed with 5 % FCMB exhibited a higher survival rate compared to the control group following Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge. Therefore, it is concluded that the fermented byproduct of C. microphysa, FCMB, holds potential as a feed additive for enhancing the growth performance and disease resistance against V. parahaemolyticus in white shrimp.

Creating tunable lateral optical forces through multipolar interplay in single nanowires.

The concept of lateral optical force (LOF) is of general interest in optical manipulation as it releases the constraint of intensity gradient in tightly focused light, yet such a force is normally limited to exotic materials and/or complex light fields. Here, we report a general and controllable LOF in a nonchiral elongated nanoparticle illuminated by an obliquely incident plane wave. Through computational analysis, we reveal that the sign and magnitude of LOF can be tuned by multiple parameters of the particle (aspect ratio, material) and light (incident angle, direction of linear polarization, wavelength). The underlying physics is attributed to the multipolar interplay in the particle, leading to a reduction in symmetry. Direct experimental evidence of switchable LOF is captured by polarization-angle-controlled manipulation of single Ag nanowires using holographic optical tweezers. This work provides a minimalist paradigm to achieve interface-free LOF for optomechanical applications, such as optical sorting and light-driven micro/nanomotors.

Optimizing inorganic carbon and salinity for enhanced biomass and pigment production in Colaconema formosanum: Implications for sustainable carbon sequestration and stress responses.

This study investigates a cultivation strategy for the macroalga Colaconema formosanum by determining optimal inorganic carbon concentration and salinity for maximizing biomass and photosynthetic pigment production while also facilitating carbon sequestration. The response surface method was used with a central composite design (CCD-RSM) to determine the optimal conditions. Results showed that adding 1.2 g/L of carbon increased the specific growth rate to 18%-19% per day. The maximum amount of pigment, including phycobiliprotein and chlorophyll, was achieved by adjusting both carbon content and salinity. This strategy enables mass pigment production and offers an eco-friendly approach to carbon sequestration while reducing culture period. This study also sheds light on algal mechanisms against enriched inorganic carbon and salinity content, contributing to an enhanced understanding of these vital processes.

Modulation of immune genes in the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues of cobia by Sarcodia suae extract.

Rachycentron canadum (cobia) is a marine fish species of high economic value in aquaculture due to its fast growth rate and good feed conversion efficacy. Regrettably, the industry has been affected by significant setbacks from high mortality due to diseases. Consequently, an improved perception of innate immunity correlated to each mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in teleost fish is necessary to understand hosts' response towards infections better. The utilization of polysaccharides in seaweed to stimulate the immune system has gathered unprecedented attention. The present study examined the immunostimulatory effects of Sarcodia suae water extracts (SSWE) on in vivo gill-, gut- and skin-associated lymphoid tissues (GIALT, GALT, and SALT) via immersion and oral ingestions. The GIALT genes (TNF-α, Cox2, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 A/F1-3, IL-11, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, MHCIa, IgM, and IgT) except IL-10 recorded positive upregulations in a dose-dependent manner post 24 h immersion in SSWE, indicating the algae extract contained bioactive compounds that could stimulate the immune genes. The upregulation of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 in the gills and hindgut post-SSWE immersion indicated that the extract could promote Th1-related responses in the MALTs. The modulation of immune gene expressions in the feeding trial was less potent than in the SSWE immersion. These findings indicated that the SSWE stimulated robust immune responses in both the GIALT and GALT of cobia. This suggests that the SSWE could be further explored as an effective immersive stimulant for fish, enhancing their immune system against pathogens.

Effect of nanoclay supported nanosilver on the growth inhibition of aquatic pathogens and immunomodulatory effect in Penaeusvannamei.

Hybrid of nanosilver and nanoscale silicate platelet (AgNSP) is a safe, non-toxic nanomaterial which has been applied in medical use due to its strong antibacterial activity. The application of AgNSP in aquaculture was first proposed in the present study by evaluating the in vitro antibacterial activities against four aquatic pathogens, in vitro effects toward shrimp haemocytes as well as the immune responses and disease resistance in Penaeus vannamei fed with AgNSP for 7 days. For evaluating the antibacterial activities of AgNSP in culture medium, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were 100, 15, 625 and 625 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the inhibition of pathogen growth over a period of 48 h could be achieved by the appropriate treatment of AgNSP in culturing water. In freshwater containing bacterial size of 103 and 106 CFU/mL, the effective doses of AgNSP against A. hydrophila were 12.5 and 450 mg/L, respectively while the effective doses against E. tarda were 0.2 and 50 mg/L, respectively. In seawater with same bacterial size, the effective doses against V. alginolyticus were 150 and 2000 mg/L, respectively while the effective doses against V. parahaemolyticus were 40 and 1500 mg/L, respectively. For the in vitro immune tests, the superoxide anion production and phenoloxidase activity in haemocytes were elevated after in vitro incubation with 0.5-10 mg/L of AgNSP. In the assessment of dietary supplemental effects of AgNSP (2 g/kg), no negative effect on the survival was found at the end of 7 day feeding trail. In addition, the gene expression of superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and glutathione peroxidase were up-regulated in haemocytes taken from shrimps received AgNSP. The following challenge test against Vibrio alginolyticus showed that the survival of shrimp fed with AgNSP was higher than that of shrimp fed with control diet (p = 0.083). Dietary AgNSP improved the Vibrio resistance of shrimp by increasing 22.7% of survival rate. Therefore, AgNSP could potentially be used as a feed additive in shrimp culture.

Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from kefir enhances immune responses and survival of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) challenged with Vibrio alginolyticus.

Lactobacillus plantarum is known for its probiotics benefit to host, although the effects vary among strains. This study conducted a feeding experiment of three Lactobacillus strains, MRS8, MRS18 and MRS20, which were isolated from kefir and incorporated into the diets of shrimp to evaluate the effects of non-specific immunity, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) against Vibrio alginolyticus. To prepare the experimental feed groups, the basic feed was mixed with different concentrations of L. plantarum strains MRS8, MRS18, and MRS 20, which were incorporated at 0 CFU (control), 1 × 106 CFU (groups 8-6, 18-6, and 20-6), and 1 × 109 CFU (groups 8-9, 18-9, and 20-9) per gram of diet for an in vivo assay. During the rearing period for 28 days of feeding each group, immune responses, namely the total hemocyte count (THC), phagocytic rate (PR), phenoloxidase activity, and respiratory burst were examined on days 0, 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28. The results showed that groups 20-6, 18-9 and 20-9 improved THC, and groups 18-9 and 20-9 improved phenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst as well. The expression of immunity-related genes was also examined. Group 8-9 increased the expression of LGBP, penaeidin 2 (PEN2) and CP, group 18-9 increased the expression of proPO1, ALF, Lysozyme, penaeidin 3 (PEN3) and SOD, and group 20-9 increased the expression of LGBP, ALF, crustin, PEN2, PEN3, penaeidin 4 (PEN4) and CP (p < 0.05). Groups 18-6, 18-9, 2-6, and 20-9 were further used in the challenge test. After feeding for 7 days and 14 days, Vibrio alginolyticus was injected into white shrimp and observed the shrimp survival for 168 h. The results showed that compared to the control, all groups improved the survival rate. Especially, feeding group 18-9 for 14 days improved the survival rate of white shrimp (p < 0.05). After the challenge test for 14 days, the midgut DNA of survival white shrimps was extracted to analyze the colonization of L. plantarum. Among the groups, (6.61 ± 3.58) × 105 CFU/pre shrimp of L. plantarum in feeding group 18-9 and (5.86 ± 2.27) × 105 CFU/pre shrimp in group 20-9 were evaluated by qPCR. Taken together, group 18-9 had the best effects on the non-specific immunity, the immune-related gene expression, and the disease resistance, which might be due to the benefit of the probiotic colonization.

Heat inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto regulate Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intestine microbiota and metabolites involved in the intestine phagosome response.

In this study, we evaluated the intestinal microbiota, intestinal and fecal metabolites production and the intestinal RNA-seq analysis of the Nile tilapia intestine after feeding with 105and 107 of the inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto. First, we assessed the influence of heat inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the growth performance, biochemical blood analysis, and evaluated the liver/body, spleen/body and intestine/body ratio. This evidence was known feeding with inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto was able to improve the growth performance after 4 weeks, but not to affect the inflammatory biochemical blood parametres total protein (T-pro), albumin (Alb), Alb/T-pro ratio, creatine-phospho-kinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Further, in the intestine microbiota, the Lactobacillaceae, Firmicutes, Chromatiales, and Rhodobacteria, was significantly higher than the control and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B), which was indicated with a significantly increased. The intestine tissue metabolites OPLS-DA analysis indicated that the prominent bioactive metabolites changed. The peonidin-3-glucoside, l-Tyrosine, 1-Deoxy-1-(N6-lysino)-d-fructose was significantly increased. The feces metabolite OPLS-DA analysis indicated that the palmitelaidic acid, 5-KETE, tangeritin was significantly increased. In the transcriptome, the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was found to enhance the intestine intestinal immune network. Combine of these evidence, feeding of the heat inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto exactly improved the O. niloticus growth performance and regulation of the microbiota to promote the metabolites. In the transcriptome analysis, it was found to involve in the intestine immune phagosome response. Summarized of this study, the heat inactive Bacillus subtilis var. natto was reported to affect Nile tilapia intestine microbiota, and could positively regulate the intestine and fecal metabolites production to improve the intestine immune network.

Evaluation of Immune Modulation by ß-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fungi-derived ß-glucan, a type of glucopolysaccharide, has been shown to possess immune-modulatory properties in clinical settings. Studies have indicated that ß-glucan derived from Ganoderma lucidum (commonly known as Reishi) holds particular promise in this regard, both in laboratory and in vivo settings. To further investigate the efficacy and safety of Reishi ß-glucan in human subjects, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among healthy adult volunteers aged 18 to 55. Participants were instructed to self-administer the interventions or placebos on a daily basis for 84 days, with bloodwork assessments conducted at the beginning and end of the study. The results of the trial showed that subjects in the intervention group, who received Reishi ß-glucan, exhibited a significant enhancement in various immune cell populations, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes, as well as an improvement in the CD4/CD8 ratio and natural killer cell counts when compared to the placebo group. Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in serum immunoglobulin A levels and natural killer cell cytotoxicity between the intervention and placebo groups. Notably, the intervention was found to be safe and well tolerated, with no statistically significant changes observed in markers of kidney or liver function in either group. Overall, the study provides evidence for the ability of Reishi ß-glucan to modulate immune responses in healthy adults, thereby potentially bolstering their defense against opportunistic infections.

Improving red-color performance, immune response and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus on white shrimp Penaeus vannamei by an engineered astaxanthin yeast.

Astaxanthin (AST), a super antioxidant with coloring and medical properties, renders it a beneficial feed additive for shrimp. This study conducted a white shrimp feeding trial of 3S, 3'S isoform AST, which was derived from metabolic-engineered Kluyveromyces marxianus fermented broth (TB) and its extract (TE) compared to sources from two chemically synthetic ASTs (Carophyll Pink [CP] and Lucantin Pink [LP]), which contain 3S, 3'S, 3R, 3'S (3S, 3'R) and 3R, 3'R isoforms ratio of 1:2:1. The effects on red coloration, immune parameters and resistance to Vibrio infection were evaluated. Four AST sources were incorporated into the diets at concentrations of 0 (control), 100 mg kg-1 (TB100, TE100, CP100, and LP100), and 200 mg kg-1 (TB200, TE200, CP200, and LP200). Results revealed that in week 4, shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds, especially TB100, TB200, and TE200, significantly increased redness (a*) values. Immune responses including phagocytosis activity, superoxide-anion production, phenoloxidase activity, and immune-related genes were examined on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Generally, shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds exhibited higher immune responses on days 7 and 14 than the control feed. Gene expression levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly upregulated on days 7 and 14 in shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds, while genes of penaeidins, antilipopolysaccharide factor, and lysozyme were upregulated on days 4, 7, and 14, especially received TB200 and TE200. Furthermore, shrimps that received TB100, TE100, CP100, and LP100 7 days were then challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the result demonstrated higher survival rates especially TB100 at 168 h than the control feed. In conclusion, incorporating AST into the diets enhanced shrimp red coloration, immune parameters, and resistance against V. parahaemolyticus infection. The K. marxianus-derived AST exhibited higher performance than did chemical AST to be a potential feed additive in shrimp aquaculture.

Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric septic shock in pediatric intensive care units from hospitals of different levels / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the differences in clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric septic shock in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) among hospitals of different levels. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 368 children with septic shock treated in the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital, Henan Children's Hospital, and Baoding Children's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Their clinical data were collected, including the general information, location of onset (community or hospital-acquired), severity, pathogen positivity, consistence of guideline (the rate of standard attainment at 6 h after resuscitation and the rate of anti-infective drug administration within 1 h after diagnosis), treatment, and in-hospital mortality. The 3 hospitals were national, provincial, and municipal, respectively. Furthermore, the patients were divided into the tumor group and the non-tumor group, and into the in-hospital referral group and the outpatient or emergency admission group. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results: The 368 patients aged 32 (11, 98) months, of whom 223 were males and 145 females. There were 215, 107, and 46 patients with septic shock, with males of 141, 51, and 31 cases, from the national, provincial, and municipal hospitals, respectively. The difference in pediatric risk of mortality Ⅲ (PRISM Ⅲ) scores among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (26(19, 32) vs.19(12, 26) vs. 12(6, 19), Z=60.25,P<0.001). The difference in community acquired septic shock among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (31.6%(68/215) vs. 84.1%(90/107) vs. 91.3%(42/46), χ2=108.26,P<0.001). There were no significant differences in compliance with guidelines among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The main bacteria detected in the national group were Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.4% (12/78)) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4% (12/78)); in the provincial group were Staphylococcus aureus (19.0% (12/63)) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7% (8/63)), and in the municipal group were Streptococcus pneumoniae (40.0% (10/25)) and Enteric bacilli (16.0% (4/25)). The difference in the proportion of virus and the proportion of 3 or more initial antimicrobials used among the national,provincial and municipal group was statistically significant (27.7% (43/155) vs. 14.9% (13/87) vs. 9.1% (3/33), 22.8%(49/215) vs. 11.2%(12/107) vs. 6.5%(3/46), χ2=8.82, 10.99, both P<0.05). There was no difference in the in-hospital mortality among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Regarding the subgroups of tumor and non-tumor, the national group had higher PRISM Ⅲ (31(24, 38) vs. 22 (21, 28) vs.16 (9, 22), 24 (18, 30) vs. 17(8, 24) vs. 10 (5, 16), Z=30.34, 10.45, both P<0.001), and it was the same for the subgroups of in-hospital referral and out-patient or emergency admission (29 (21, 39) vs. 23 (17, 30) vs. 15 (10, 29), 23 (17, 29) vs. 18 (10, 24) vs. 11 (5, 16), Z=20.33, 14.25, both P<0.001) as compared to the provincial and municipal group. There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality among the 2 pairs of subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: There are differences in the severity, location of onset, pathogen composition, and initial antibiotics of pediatric septic shock in children's hospitals of different levels, but no differences in compliance with guidelines and in-hospital survival rate.

Observation of full-parameter Jones matrix in bilayer metasurface.

Metasurfaces, artificial 2D structures, have been widely used for the design of various functionalities in optics. Jones matrix, a 2×2 matrix with eight parameters, provides the most complete characterization of the metasurface structures in linear optics, and the number of free parameters (i.e., degrees of freedom, DOFs) in the Jones matrix determines the limit to what functionalities we can realize. Great efforts have been made to continuously expand the number of DOFs, and a maximal number of six has been achieved recently. However, the realization of the ultimate goal with eight DOFs (full free parameters) has been proven as a great challenge so far. Here, we show that by cascading two layer metasurfaces and utilizing the gradient descent optimization algorithm, a spatially varying Jones matrix with eight DOFs is constructed and verified numerically and experimentally in optical frequencies. Such ultimate control unlocks opportunities to design optical functionalities that are unattainable with previously known methodologies and may find wide potential applications in optical fields.