The microbiota-gut-brain axis: A crucial immunomodulatory pathway for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis' resilience against LPS treatment in neonatal rats.

An imbalanced gut microflora may contribute to immune disorders in neonates due to an immature gut barrier. Bacterial toxins, particularly, can trigger the immune system, potentially resulting in uncontrolled gut and systemic inflammation. Previous research has revealed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) could protect against early-life pathogen infections by enhancing the gut barrier. However, the effects of B. lactis on a compromised immune system remain uncertain. Hence, this study concentrated on the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of B. lactis in neonatal rats intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin and inflammatory mediator. First, B. lactis significantly alleviated the adverse effects induced by LPS on the growth, development, and body temperature of neonatal rats. Second, B. lactis significantly reduced the immune responses and damage induced by LPS, affecting both systemic and local immune responses in the peripheral blood, gut, and brain. Notably, B. lactis exhibited extra potent neuroprotective and neurorepair effects. Our research found that pre-treatment with B. lactis shaped the diverse gut microecology by altering both microbial populations and metabolic biomolecules, closely linked to immunomodulation. Overall, this study elucidated the multifaceted roles of B. lactis in neonatal hosts against pathogenic infection and immune disorder, revealing the existence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Study on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composites.

In this study, carbon fiber composite laminates were modified by carbon nanotube films. In-plane and out-of-plane compression tests were carried out in a wide strain rate range (10-3-103/s). Results display that the out-of-plane compressive properties are improved by CNT interlaminar toughening because CNT can hinder the propagation of interlayer cracks; however, the dynamic in-plane compression performance is decreased due to the lack of resin in CNT film that leads to delamination inside of CNT film in advance. To optimize the material preparation process, two methods were used to prepare the mode I fracture test: (a) curing the prepreg by autoclave process; and (b) curing of resin preform by vacuum resin-transmitted molding (VARTM). Results showed that CNT prolonged the crack propagation path and improved the interlaminar fracture properties when the preform was infiltrated with resin and cured by VARTM. In addition, it was found that the interlaminar thickness was almost linear with the number of CNT layers.

Assessment of the role and mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis isolated from neonates' feces in protecting neonatal rats from Salmonella infection.

OBJECTIVES: It is now well known that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis), an important early-life colonizer of the gut, provides immune-related benefits to infants. The aim of the work is to explore the intraspecific resistance to Salmonella infection of B. lactis isolated from neonatal feces, and to learn more insights into how B. lactis mediates beneficial roles in early-life infection resistance. METHODS: Five strains of B. lactis (NFBAL11/NFBAL23/NFBAL44/NFBAL63/NFBAL92) were screened from fecal samples of neonates born within fifteen days and pretreated neonatal rats prior to infection with Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) SL1344. The survival rate, fecal occult blood, diarrhea and hepatosplenomegaly were detected to assess the ability of B. lactis to prevent S. typhimurium infection. Furthermore, the structure of mucus layer, gene expression, cytokine levels, antioxidant levels and intestinal microflora composition were detected to explore the mechanism. RESULTS: All strains showed activity against S. typhimurium, with B. lactis NFBAL23 being the most active, followed by NFBAL63 and NFBAL92. And these advantages weren't attained by enhancing physical growth and development. Mechanistically, the neonatal rats treated with B. lactis (NFBAL23/NFBAL63/NFBAL92) had improved intestinal barrier function involving physical, chemical, immune and biological barriers in the face of challenges posed by S. typhimurium. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed the intraspecific difference, beneficial roles and mechanisms of action of B. lactis against Salmonella infection early in life, which highlighted the necessity of supplementing appropriate B. lactis, and provided several potential B. lactis candidates for Salmonella infection treatment.

Highly conductive PEDOT:PSS threaded HKUST-1 thin films.

Highly conductive PEDOT:PSS threaded HKUST-1 thin films with high porosity were prepared. The highest conductivity of these films was 13 S cm-1, nine orders of magnitude greater than that of pristine HKUST-1. A PEDOT:PSS threaded HKUST-1 thin film with 20 wt% PEDOT:PSS exhibits 300 times enhancement of the electrochemical performance of pristine HKUST-1 when applied as an electrode for thin-film-like supercapacitors.