Effect of kelp powder on the resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila in the gut of hybrid snakeheads (Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂).

To assess the level of oxidative stress, expression of immune-related genes, histomorphology, and changes in the intestinal tract of hybrid snakeheads(Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂) under stress from kelp powder in place of flour against Aeromonas hydrophila. We set up experimental diets: a control (C) diet of 20% flour, an experimental (MR) diet of 10% kelp powder and 10% flour, and an experimental (FR) diet of 0% starch and 15% kelp powder. The experimental fish in each group were infected with Aeromonas hydrophila after 60 days of feeding. For this experiment, some of the experimental fish in group C were injected with PBS as a negative control group (PBS). The results showed that the C group had significantly higher SOD, CAT, and T-AOC activity and expression of TAK1, IKKß, IL-1ß, and TNF-α genes in the MyD88 pathway than the PBS group. CAT activity and the expression of TAK1, IL-1ß and TNF-α genes in the MyD88 pathway were significantly lower in the MR group than in the C group. Furthermore, the number of goblet cells in the MR group was significantly higher than in the C group. Furthermore, microorganisms such as Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota were significantly lower in the C group than in the PBS and FR groups, as were beneficial bacteria such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Sphingomonas. Replacing flour with kelp powder increases hybrid snakehead gut resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila.

Combined Interventions for Severe Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Experience from 350 Patients.

PURPOSE: To summarize the clinical features and effective therapy of severe COVID-19 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, multicenter study, the medical records of COVID-19 patients in Hunan, from January 21, 2020 to February 19, 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 350 COVID-19 patients, 13.7% were severe cases. On admission, compared with non-severe patients, more severe patients had a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio > 3 (58.3% vs 33.8%, P=0.001), D-dimer > 1 mg/L (41.7% vs 13.6%, P<0.0001), higher level of CRP (39.1 mg/L, IQR18.1-75.9 vs 13.4 mg/L, IQR5.0-32.8, P<0.0001), and multiple pneumonia on CT (77.1% vs 18.2%, P<0.0001). All severe patients received oxygen support. 95.8% of them received antivirals, and the most frequent therapy was lopinavir and ritonavir plus human interferon-α2b. Moxifloxacin was used in 70.8% severe patients. The total dosage of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was 640 mg (IQR 360-960) in severe patients, and the duration of use was 8.5 days (IQR 6.8-11.3). The total dosage of immunoglobulin was 80 g (IQR, 60-140) in severe patients, and the duration was 8.0 days (IQR, 6.0-11.5). As of March 15, 2020, 95.8% of the severe patients had been discharged and only two deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: The rate of severe cases and mortality of COVID-19 in Hunan are lower than those in Wuhan. In addition to antivirals and oxygen support, timely interventions including corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, and antibiotics, contribute to improving the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients.