Effects of autochthonous strains mixture on gut microbiota and metabolic profile in cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

The fish immune system is a topic or subject that offers a unique understanding of defensive system evolution in vertebrate heredity. While gut microbiota plays several roles in fish: well-being, promoting health and growth, resistance to bacterial invasion, regulation of energy absorption, and lipid metabolism. However, studies on fish gut microbiota face practical challenges due to the large number of fish varieties, fluctuating environmental conditions, and differences in feeding habits. This study was carried out to evaluate the impacts of supplemented three autochthonous strains, Bacillus sp. RCS1, Pantoea agglomerans RCS2, and Bacillus cereus RCS3 mixture diet on cobia fish (Rachycentron canadum). Also, chromatography, mass spectrometry and high throughput sequencing were combined to explore composition and metabolite profile of gut microbiota in juvenile cobia fed with supplemented diet. In the trial group, juvenile cobia received diets supplemented with 1 × 1012 CFU mL-1 autochthonous strains for ten weeks and a control diet without supplementation. Juvenile cobia receiving diets supplementation exhibited significantly improved growth than those without additives (control). Haematological indices, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin, were higher in the supplemented group. Similarly, digestive enzymes (trypsin, lipase, amylase, pepsin and cellulose, activities) activities were higher in supplemented diet with an indigenous isolates mixture. Serum biochemical parameters albumin, globulin, and total protein were significantly higher, while triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol showed no significant difference. On the other hand, glucose was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the group without supplementation. On gene expression in the midgut, Immunoglobulin, Colony-stimulating factor receptor 1, major histocompatibility complex 1 were up-regulated by native isolates while T cell receptor beta, and Major histocompatibility complex 2 showed no significant difference. Gut bacterial composition was altered in fish receiving supplemented diet with autochthonous strains. Metabolomics also revealed that some metabolic pathways were considerably enriched in fish fed with supplemented diet; pathway analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed that differentially expressed metabolites were involved in galactose metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, purine metabolism, and ABC transporters. Functional analysis of bacterial community showed that differences in enriched metabolic pathways generally comprised carbohydrate and its metabolites, nucleotide and its metabolites, amino acid and its metabolites, heterocyclic compounds, and tryptamines, cholines, pigments. The current investigation results showed that autochthonous strains mixture has significantly enhanced the growth, survival, and innate and adaptive immunities of juvenile cobia.

Identification and expression analysis of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) liver-related miRNAs under hypoxia stress.

At present, due to the influence of global warming, seasonal change, diurnal variation, and eutrophication of the water body, hypoxia has become one of the major factors limiting the stable development of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) culture. In this study, the miRNAs involved in hypoxia stress were screened, and the target genes of miRNAs were annotated and analyzed. The results showed that a total of 184 conservative microRNA (miRNA) and 121 newly predicted miRNA were obtained by sequencing the liver of control (C) and hypoxic (dissolved oxygen, DO (2.64 ± 0.25) mg/L; 3 h) (S) groups. The pathways involved in energy metabolism included starch and sucrose metabolism (ko00500), glycosaminoglycan degradation (ko00531), and galactose metabolism (ko00052). The results indicate that the body maintains physiological activities by regulating some important pathways at the transcriptional level under hypoxia stress, such as the conversion of aerobic metabolism and anaerobic metabolism, the reduction of energy consumption, and the promotion of red blood cell proliferation to maintain the homeostasis of the body.

Cloning of Mn-SOD gene and its mRNA expression difference and antioxidant enzyme activities under hypoxia stress of cobia Rachycentron canadum.

BACKGROUND: Environmental hypoxia affects the survival and development of organisms. It is also an important environmental factor that leads to oxidative damage. Hypoxia is a condition in which tissues are deprived of oxygen; reoxygenation is the phenomenon in which hypoxic tissues are exposed to oxygen. Hypoxia-reoxygenation is vital in pathogenesis, where the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant disparity significantly contribute to disease progression, and it is one of the most common physiological stressors in the aquaculture industry. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the full length of complementary DNA (cDNA) of the manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) gene of healthy cobia Rachycentron canadum was analysed using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to measure the expression levels of Mn-SOD mRNAs in various tissues (heart, muscle, brain, liver, kidney, gill, intestine, and spleen). The 2-ΔΔCT method was used to performed the expression analysis. The experimental data were analysed using SPSS ver. 19.0 ( https://spss.software.informer.com/19.0/ ). P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 were set as significant differences. The values were articulated as mean ± standard deviation. The Mn-SOD gene cDNA sequence was 1209 bp long, including a 684 bp open reading frame, 42 bp 5'UTR and 483 bp 3'UTR, encoding 227 amino acids. Under hypoxia-reoxygen stress, the expression of Mn-SOD in brain tissue was significantly lower than in the control group after 8 h of reoxygenation and higher than the control group after 24 h. Hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation triggered a disturbance in antioxidant homeostasis, displayed in the modification of GPx expression/activity in the liver: GPx was improved. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide valuable information on the role of Mn-SOD regulation in oxidative stress caused by hypoxia.

Characteristics of expanded polystyrene microplastics on island beaches in the Pearl River Estuary: abundance, size, surface texture and their metals-carrying capacity.

While expanded polystyrene (EPS) microplastics have been widely recognized as one of the most important components of plastic litter in the intertidal zones of the global ocean, our understanding of their environmental fate on island beaches is insufficient. In this study, we intended to reveal that the latest EPS microplastic pollution status on 5 island beaches in the Pearl River Estuary, China, by comprehensively assessing the abundance, distribution, size, surface texture and carrying capacity of heavy metals (Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Mn, Fe, Al). High level of EPS microplastic abundance ranged from 328 to 82,276 particles m-2 was found, with the highest abundance at Guishan Island and the lowest at Dong'ao Island. Spatial distribution of EPS microplastic abundance was significantly different among different islands. EPS microplastics in the size range of 1-2 mm were the most abundant. The content of heavy metals in EPS microplastics collected on the beaches was greater than that in the new EPS products. The average concentrations of heavy metals in EPS microplastics from 5 islands are Cd (0.27 ± 0.19 µg g-1), As (5.50 ± 3.84 µg g-1), Cr (14.9 ± 8.25 µg g-1), Cu (15.0 ± 7.66 µg g-1), Ni (17.2 ± 17.6 µg g-1), Pb (24.8 ± 7.39 µg g-1), Mn (730 ± 797 µg g-1), Fe (8340 ± 4760 µg g-1), and Al (9624 ± 6187 µg g-1), respectively. The correlation between heavy metals in EPS microplastics and sediments was better than that between heavy metals in EPS microplastics and seawater. The study results indicated that EPS microplastics could act as a carrier for the transport of heavy metals, which might pose a threat to biological and human health.

Flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for renal stones 2 cm or greater: A single institutional experience.

With improvements in endoscopy and laser technology, flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) has been a viable treatment option for large renal stones. Here, we share our experience of the FURS treatment for renal stones 2 cm or greater.We evaluated 251 consecutive patients who underwent FURS and holmium laser lithotripsy for renal stones 2 cm or greater between January 2015 and April 2019. Stone size was defined as the longest axis on non-contrast computed tomography. Data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records. Patient demographics, stone clearance rates and perioperative complications were evaluated.There were 165 male patients and 86 female patients with an average age of 46.9 years (range 22-80 years). Mean stone size was 2.7 cm and the average number of procedures was 1.4 (range 1-5). The stone-free rate at the end of the first, second and third procedure was 61.9%, 82.9%, and 89.5%, respectively. The final stone-free rate decreased as stone size grows, and it was only 58.3% for kidney stones larger than 4 cm after an average of 2.3 procedures. The lowest clearance rates were observed in lower calyx calculi (87.2%) and multiple calyx calculi (83.5%). The overall complication rate was 15.1%, and the most common complication was postoperative fever (9.6%). One patient required blood transfusion, owing to postoperative coagulation disorders induced by urosepsis.Single or staged FURS is a practical treatment option for the renal stones sized 2 to 4 cm with acceptable efficacy and safety. Stone clearance rate of FURS treatment is mainly affected by stone size and location.

Profiling the urinary microbiome in men with calcium-based kidney stones.

BACKGROUND: The dogma that urine is sterile in healthy individuals has been overturned by recent studies applying molecular-based methods. Mounting evidences indicate that dysbiosis of the urinary microbiota is associated with several urological diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the urinary microbiome of male patients with calcium-based kidney stones and compare it with those of healthy individuals. RESULTS: The diversity of the urinary microbiota in kidney stone patients was significantly lower than that of healthy controls based on the Shannon and Simpson index (P < 0.001 for both indices). The urinary microbiota structure also significantly differed between kidney stone patients and healthy controls (ANOSIM, R = 0.11, P < 0.001). Differential representation of inflammation associated bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter) and several enriched functional pathways were identified in the urine of kidney stones patients. Meanwhile, we found the species diversity, overall composition of microbiota and predicted functional pathways were similar between bladder urine and renal pelvis urine in kidney stone patients. CONCLUSIONS: A marked dysbiosis of urinary microbiota in male patients with calcium-based kidney stones was observed, which may be helpful to interpret the association between bacteria and calcium-based kidney stones.

Occurrence of microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts and gills of fish from Beibu Gulf, South China Sea.

Microplastics are widespread across the global oceans, yet the potential risks of the ubiquitous environmental contaminant to marine organisms has been less known. Accumulation of microplastics and associated contaminants in marine fish, may pose adverse impacts to human health via seafood consumption. This study evaluated microplastic contamination in 24 fish species collected from Beibu Gulf, one of the world's largest fishing grounds in South China Sea. Microplastics were detected in 12 fish species at an abundance of 0.027-1.000 items individual-1 and found in fish stomach, intestines and gills with the count percentage of 57.7%, 34.6% and 7.7%, respectively. Transparent fibers were observed as the predominant microplastics, which might be ingested accidently by fish or transferred through other animals at lower trophic levels. Majority of microplastics were identified as polyester (44%) and nylon (38%), whereas polypropylene (6%), polyethylene (6%), and acrylics (6%) were also found. Relatively, higher microplastic abundances were found in demersal fish compared to the pelagic species. Overall, the abundance of microplastics was documented as relatively low in the commercial fish collected from the open water of Beibu Gulf, South China Sea.

Microplastic accumulation in fish from Zhanjiang mangrove wetland, South China.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in marine and estuarine environments, but the contamination of MPs in mangrove wetlands is relatively unknown. Here, we quantify the presence of MPs in fish collected from Zhanjiang mangrove wetland, the largest mangrove in South China, which provide baseline data on MPs accumulation in fish in mangrove environment as the first evidence in China. MPs were found in 30 out of 32 fish species at an average abundance of 2.83 ±â€¯1.84 items individual-1, ranged from 0.6 to 8.0 items individual-1 in each species. MPs were detected in gills, stomach and intestine, and not found in muscles and livers. Positive relationship was found between MPs abundance and body length or weight of mangrove fish. The dominant polymers identified by micro-FTIR were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and cellophane. MPs consisted primarily of fibers and with the prominent size range of 0.02-1 mm. The body sizes, living habitats and feeding habits of fish are important factors affecting MPs accumulation in different fish species. This study revealed the wide presences of MPs in fish species within a mangrove wetland.

Effect of Nitrite and Nitrate Concentrations on the Performance of AFB-MFC Enriched with High-Strength Synthetic Wastewater.

In order to study the effect of nitrite and nitrate on the performance of microbial fuel cell, a system combining an anaerobic fluidized bed (AFB) and a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was employed for high-strength nitrogen-containing synthetic wastewater treatment. Before this study, the AFB-MFC had been used to treat high-strength organic wastewater for about one year in a continuous flow mode. The results showed that when the concentrations of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were increased from 1700 mg/L to 4045 mg/L and 545 mg/L to 1427 mg/L, respectively, the nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen removal efficiencies were both above 99%; the COD removal efficiency went up from 60.00% to 88.95%; the voltage was about 375 ± 15 mV while the power density was at 70 ± 5 mW/m(2). However, when the concentrations of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were above 4045 mg/L and 1427 mg/L, respectively, the removal of nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, COD, voltage, and power density were decreased to be 86%, 88%, 77%, 180 mV, and 17 mW/m(2) when nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were increased to 4265 mg/L and 1661 mg/L. In addition, the composition of biogas generated in the anode chamber was analyzed by a gas chromatograph. Nitrogen gas, methane, and carbon dioxide were obtained. The results indicated that denitrification happened in anode chamber.

Performance evaluation and bacteria analysis of AFB-MFC enriched with high-strength synthetic wastewater.

In order to study the performance and bacterial communities of an anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell (AFB-MFC) system, the 16S rDNA gene sequencing was applied, and high-strength synthetic wastewater was treated by the AFB-MFC system. The high-strength synthetic wastewater, in which the concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrite nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen were above 19,000, 2,516-3,871 and 927-1,427 mg/L, was treated by the AFB-MFC system. The removal efficiency of COD, nitrite nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen reached 70-89, 98 and 98%, while the maximum voltage was 394 mV. The bacteria analysis revealed the presence of Alistipes putredinis, Carnobacterium sp., Victivallis vadensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Thauera sp., Parabacteroides merdae, Parvimonas micra, Parabacteroides sp., and Desulfomicrobium baculatum in the anode chamber. In addition, the Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed to have the capability of organic degradation and electricity generation, while the Thauera sp. has the capability of denitrification.

[Clinical research of immediate restoration implant with mini-implants in edentulous space].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effective of immediate restoration with Osstem MS mini-implant in the edentulous space of 5-6 mm. METHODS: The sample consisted of 36 consecutively treated partially edentulous patients who had a total of 36 Osstem MS mini-implants, which were 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm in diameter and placed in 5-6 mm gap. The chair-side-made or laboratory-made provisional crowns for implants were fabricated at the time of fixtures placed. The final restorations were fabricated with gold alloy-fused-porcelain crown 3 to 5 months later. During the mean 21.3 months (12-37 months) follow-up time since fixtures placement, all implants were examined clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: No implant failed before restoration. One implant led an adjacent tooth pulp necrosis after the implantation, but the natural tooth and implant were successfully retained by root canal therapy. 36 implants in 36 patients who were followed-up were successful and their aesthetic results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Immediate loaded implant with Osstem MS mini-implant has good clinical prosthetic effects in the edentulous space of 5-6 mm.

[Immediate implant-support and overdenture retained by conical crowns: three cases report].

Completed denture or immediate completed dentures were manufactured before operation to three patients with edentulous mandible and maxillary or severe chronic periodontitis. The remnant teeth of patients were extracted. Four Ankylos implants were implanted in mandible, and six implants were implanted in maxillary. SynCone conical bases were placed into implants, prefabricated conical crowns were inserted into conical bases, and temporary dentures were completed. After 3-12 months, temporary dentures were replaced by overdenture with casting frame. Except that one implant had been lost and was replaced by a new implant after 1 month of treatment, the rest implants had no obvious frontal resorption in 12-24 months of follow-up.

Partitioning characteristics and particle size distributions of heavy metals in the O2/RFG waste incineration system.

This study applies the oxygen/recycled flue gas (O(2)/RFG) combustion technology for waste incineration and investigates the effects of different RFG rates on the concentrations of gas pollutants as well as the partitioning characteristics and particle size distributions of five heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd). Experimental results show that the combustion efficiency can be improved and the concentration of CO(2) is increased by appropriately controlling the RFG rate in the O(2)/RFG incineration system. The partitioning characteristics and size distributions of heavy metals in O(2)/RFG combustion system are different from those in general air combustion system. Under O(2)/RFG combustion system, the partitioning percentages of heavy metals in sand bed, bottom ash, and collected ash are increased. The particle size distributions of heavy metals display the triple-peak curves. As the RFG rate rises, the concentrations of volatile heavy metals are increased in small-size (<1 microm) fly ash, decreased in medium-size (1-10 microm) fly ash and increased in large-size (>10 microm) fly ash. These phenomena will benefit to increase the overall control efficiency of heavy metals in the incineration system.

[Immediate loading of implants in fully edentulous jaws: two cases report].

Thirty-six implants were placed into 2 patients with fully edentulous jaws. Provisional prosthesis were placed into 34 of 36 implants which implant stability quotient (ISQ) was larger than 60 at the time of fixture placement. After 3 months, osseointegration of implants completed and permanence reparations were made. None implant lost among 18 months to 26 months since the immediate restoration was loaded. The average accumulate bone loss was 0.41 mm.

[Clinical application of maxillary sinus lift with Summers osteotome].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and evaluate the procedure and the effect of maxillary sinus lift with closed technique by Summers osteotome, bone grafting and simultaneous implant placement. METHODS: 66 cases with severely resorbed alveolar bone in maxillary posterior region received sinus lift with Summers osteotome, simultaneously bone grafting and implants placement. The final restoration was finished at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The operation procedure were eventless in the 66 cases, the sinus floor were elevated by 2-5 mm, three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT scan pictures showed the smooth dome profile of the lifting sites and no signs of laceration on the membrane, and there were no maxillary antritis after operation. After 6 months, no significantly bone graft resorption and good osseointegration were noticed in X-ray imaging. The final restoration was finished at this time. 12-24 months after the restoration, all implants inserted were remain, the hard and soft tissue were healthy, prosthesis were stable and functioned. X-ray showed good osseointegration in the lifting sites, the vertical resorption around the implants were less than 1 mm. CONCLUSION: With properly use of Summers osteotome, scraps of the bone in the implant sockets can be pushed into the sinus, these autogenous bone scraps were in favor of the osseogenesis and the sinus floor can be easily elevated by the method with very infrequent complications. It enlarged indication of dental implants and avoided operation of harvesting autogenous bone in other site. The method is simple and valuable to clinical application.

Emission characteristics of coal combustion in different O2/N2, O2/CO2 and O2/RFG atmosphere.

This study investigates the emission characteristics of CO(2), SO(2) and NOx in the flue gas of coal combustion by varying the compositions and concentrations of feed gas (O(2)/CO(2)/N(2)) and the ratios of recycled flue gas. The differences between O(2)/recycled flue gas (O(2)/RFG) combustion and general air combustion are also discussed. Experimental results indicate that the maximum concentration of CO(2) in O(2)/CO(2) combustion system is 95% as the feed gas is 30% O(2)/70% CO(2). The average concentration of CO(2) in the flue gas of O(2)/CO(2) coal combustion system is higher than 90% and much higher than that of O(2)/N(2) coal combustion system. This high concentration of CO(2) is beneficial for the separation of CO(2) from the flue gas by adsorption or absorption technologies. The maximum concentration of CO(2) in O(2)/N(2) combustion system is only 34% at the feed gas 50% O(2)/50% N(2), the concentration of CO(2) is increased with the concentration of O(2) in feed gas. By O(2)/CO(2) combustion technology, higher concentration of SO(2) is produced as the feed gas is 30% O(2)/70% CO(2) or 40% O(2)/60% CO(2), while higher concentration of NOx is produced as the feed gas is 20% O(2)/80% CO(2) or 50% O(2)/50% CO(2). The mass flow rates of CO(2), SO(2) and NOx in the flue gas are all increased with the ratio of recycled flue gas except for the feed gas 20% O(2)/80% CO(2). The enhanced mass flow rates of air pollutants in such O(2)/RFG combustion system are also beneficial for improving the control efficiencies of air pollution control devices. By O(2)/N(2) combustion technology, higher concentrations of SO(2) and NOx are produced as the feed gas is 21% O(2)/79% N(2). The results also indicate that the formation of NOx in general air combustion system is higher than that in O(2)/RFG or O(2)/CO(2) combustion system.

[Clinical study of autotransplanting of impacted anterior tooth and premolar].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of autotransplantation of impacted anterior tooth and premolar. METHODS: Nineteen teeth of 19 patients were made autotransplantation. Fifteen impacted anterior teeth were transplanted to their normal positions. Four premolars were transplanted into missing anterior spaces. Four weeks after surgical procedure, root canal therapy was underwent. Clinical and radiographic examintation of 19 transplanted teeth were carried out after 18-months to 5-years. RESULTS: Nineteen teeth were stable with no sign of inflammatory resorption or periapical lesion. CONCLUSION: Autotransplantation may be a better treatment method to impacted tooth and missing anterior when they can't be treated by orthodontic method.

[Dental implants in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a clinical study.].

PURPOSE: The oral rehabilitation by dental implants in patients with diabetes remains a controversial issue.The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical results of implantation in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This study group consisted of 21 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who received 52 implants. RESULTS: There were 5 failures.The success rate was 90.4% with a follow up period of 12 to 37 months. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcome of dental implants in selected group of patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus is satisfying and encouraging.Further investigations and clinical trials over a longer period of time are needed to determine the long-term survival of implants in diverse of patients with diabetes mellitus.

[Single-tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone with immediate provisionalization].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of immediate loading of a single anterior implant. METHODS: 8 Frialit-2 implants were placed into anterior sites. Provisional prosthesis were placed at the time of fixture placement. RESULTS: No fixture has been lost since the immediate restoration was delivered, the minimum being 7 months and the maximum 14 months. CONCLUSION: Clinical studies on the placement of immediate restoration in anterior implant have revealed predictable results.