Phage P2-71 against multi-drug resistant Proteus mirabilis: isolation, characterization, and non-antibiotic antimicrobial potential.

Proteus mirabilis, a prevalent urinary tract pathogen and formidable biofilm producer, especially in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, has seen a worrying rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This upsurge calls for innovative approaches in infection control, beyond traditional antibiotics. Our research introduces bacteriophage (phage) therapy as a novel non-antibiotic strategy to combat these drug-resistant infections. We isolated P2-71, a lytic phage derived from canine feces, demonstrating potent activity against MDR P. mirabilis strains. P2-71 showcases a notably brief 10-minute latent period and a significant burst size of 228 particles per infected bacterium, ensuring rapid bacterial clearance. The phage maintains stability over a broad temperature range of 30-50°C and within a pH spectrum of 4-11, highlighting its resilience in various environmental conditions. Our host range assessment solidifies its potential against diverse MDR P. mirabilis strains. Through killing curve analysis, P2-71's effectiveness was validated at various MOI levels against P. mirabilis 37, highlighting its versatility. We extended our research to examine P2-71's stability and bactericidal kinetics in artificial urine, affirming its potential for clinical application. A detailed genomic analysis reveals P2-71's complex genetic makeup, including genes essential for morphogenesis, lysis, and DNA modification, which are crucial for its therapeutic action. This study not only furthers the understanding of phage therapy as a promising non-antibiotic antimicrobial but also underscores its critical role in combating emerging MDR infections in both veterinary and public health contexts.

Perspectives: Light Control of Magnetism and Device Development.

Accurately controlling magnetic and spin states presents a significant challenge in spintronics, especially as demands for higher data storage density and increased processing speeds grow. Approaches such as light control are gradually supplanting traditional magnetic field methods. Traditionally, the modulation of magnetism was predominantly achieved through polarized light with the help of ultrafast light technologies. With the growing demand for energy efficiency and multifunctionality in spintronic devices, integrating photovoltaic materials into magnetoelectric systems has introduced more physical effects. This development suggests that sunlight will play an increasingly pivotal role in manipulating spin orientation in the future. This review introduces and concludes the influence of various light types on magnetism, exploring mechanisms such as magneto-optical (MO) effects, light-induced magnetic phase transitions, and spin photovoltaic effects. This review briefly summarizes recent advancements in the light control of magnetism, especially sunlight, and their potential applications, providing an optimistic perspective on future research directions in this area.

Highly Ordered Nanotube-Like Microstructure on Titanium Dental Implant Surface Fabricated via Anodization Enhanced Cell Adhesion and Migration of Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Background: Titanium (Ti) surface with nanotubes array via anodization has been used in dental implants to enhance bone regeneration but little research was carried out to evaluate whether the presence of highly ordered or disorderly distributed nanotubes array on titanium surface would have an effect on cell behaviors of gingival fibroblasts. Methods: The present study fabricated nanotubes arrays with varied topography under different constant voltage of electrochemical anodization in fluorine-containing electrolyte. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from extracted third molar were harvested and co-cultured with titanium disks with different nanotubes topography. Then cell behaviors of gingival fibroblasts including cell proliferation, adhesive morphology and cell migration were estimated to investigate the influence of titanium nanotubes on cell biology. Besides, gene and protein expression of adhesion molecule (integrin ß1/ß4/α6, fibronectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and collagen type I) were detected to evaluate the influence of different surfaces on cell adhesion. Results: Highly ordered arrays of nanotubes with pore diameter of 60 nm and 100 nm were fabricated under 30 and 40 V of anodization (TNT-30 and TNT-40) while disorderedly distributed nanotube arrays formed on the titanium surface under 50 V of anodization (TNT-50). Our results demonstrated that compared with raw titanium surface and disorderly nanotubes, surface with orderly nanotubes array increased cell area and aspect ratio, as well as cell migration ability in the early phase of cell adhesion (p<0.05). Besides, compared with raw titanium surface, gene and protein expression of adhesion molecules were upregulated in nanotubes groups to different extents, no matter whether in an orderly or disorderly array. Conclusion: Within the limitations of our study, we conclude that compared with raw titanium surface, the presence of nanotubes array on titanium surface could enhance cells adhesion and cell migration in the early phase. And compared with disorderly distributed nanotubes, highly ordered nanotubes array might provide a much more favorable surface for gingival fibroblasts to achieve a tight adhesion on the materials.

Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in Escherichia coli isolated from captive black bears.

The objective of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) characteristics produced by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and gene cassettes in Escherichia coli isolated from the feces of captive black bears. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using the disk diffusion method, and both MGEs and integron gene cassettes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that 43.7% (62/142) of the isolates were multidrug resistant strains and 97.9% (139/142) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The highest AMR phenotype was observed for tetracycline (79.6%, 113/142), followed by ampicillin (50.0%, 71/142), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (43.7%, 62/142) and cefotaxime (35.9%, 51/142). However, all isolates were susceptible to tobramycin. tetA had the highest occurrence in 6 ARGs in 142 E. coli isolates (76.8%, 109/142). Ten mobile genetic elements were observed and IS26 was dominant (88.0%, 125/142). ISECP1 was positively associated with five ß-lactam antibiotics. ISCR3/14, IS1133 and intI3 were not detected. Seventy-five E. coli isolates (65 intI1-positive isolates, 2 intI2-positive isolates and 8 intI1 + intI2-positive isolates) carried integrons. Five gene cassettes (dfrA1, aadA2, dfrA17-aadA5, aadA2-dfrA12 and dfrA1-aadA1) were identified in the intI1-positive isolates and 2 gene cassettes (dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1 and dfrA1-catB2-sat1-aadA1) were observed in the intI2-positive isolates. Monitoring of ARGs, MGEs and gene cassettes is important to understand the prevalence of AMR, which may help to introduce measures to prevent and control of AMR in E. coli for captive black bears.

Characteristics of MDR E. coli strains isolated from Pet Dogs with clinic diarrhea: A pool of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence-associated genes.

The increasing number of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in companion animals poses a threat to both pet treatment and public health. To investigate the characteristics of MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) from dogs, we detected the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of 135 E. coli isolates from diarrheal pet dogs by disc diffusion method (K-B method), and screened antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence-associated genes (VAGs), and population structure (phylogenetic groups and MLST) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 74 MDR strains, then further analyzed the association between AMRs and ARGs or VAGs. Our results showed that 135 isolates exhibited high resistance to AMP (71.11%, 96/135), TET (62.22%, 84/135), and SXT (59.26%, 80/135). Additionally, 54.81% (74/135) of the isolates were identified as MDR E. coli. In 74 MDR strains, a total of 12 ARGs in 6 categories and 14 VAGs in 4 categories were observed, of which tetA (95.95%, 71/74) and fimC (100%, 74/74) were the most prevalent. Further analysis of associations between ARGs and AMRs or VAGs in MDR strains revealed 23 significant positive associated pairs were observed between ARGs and AMRs, while only 5 associated pairs were observed between ARGs and VAGs (3 positive associated pairs and 2 negative associated pairs). Results of population structure analysis showed that B2 and D groups were the prevalent phylogroups (90.54%, 67/74), and 74 MDR strains belonged to 42 STs (6 clonal complexes and 23 singletons), of which ST10 was the dominant lineage. Our findings indicated that MDR E. coli from pet dogs carry a high diversity of ARGs and VAGs, and were mostly belong to B2/D groups and ST10. Measures should be taken to prevent the transmission of MDR E. coli between companion animals and humans, as the fecal shedding of MDR E. coli from pet dogs may pose a threat to humans.

Distribution and associations for antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance genes of Escherichia coli from musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) in Sichuan, China.

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and integrons in 157 Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains isolated from feces of captive musk deer from 2 farms (Dujiang Yan and Barkam) in Sichuan province. Result showed that 91.72% (144/157) strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 24.20% (38/157) strains were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The antibiotics that most E. coli strains were resistant to was sulfamethoxazole (85.99%), followed by ampicillin (26.11%) and tetracycline (24.84%). We further detected 13 ARGs in the 157 E. coli strains, of which blaTEM had the highest occurrence (91.72%), followed by aac(3')-Iid (60.51%) and blaCTX-M (16.56%). Doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone resistance were strongly correlated with the presence of tetB, floR and blaCTX-M, respectively. The strongest positive association among AMR phenotypes was ampicillin/cefuroxime sodium (OR, 828.000). The strongest positive association among 16 pairs of ARGs was sul1/floR (OR, 21.667). Nine pairs positive associations were observed between AMR phenotypes and corresponding resistance genes and the strongest association was observed for CHL/floR (OR, 301.167). Investigation of integrons revealed intl1 and intl2 genes were detected in 10.19% (16/157) and 1.27% (2/157) E. coli strains, respectively. Only one type of gene cassettes (drA17-aadA5) was detected in class 1 integron positive strains. Our data implied musk deer is a reservoir of ARGs and positive associations were common observed among E. coli strains carrying AMRs and ARGs.

An Analysis of Honeybee Population Dynamics.

Colony Collapse disorder (the CCD) is the term used to describe the global decline in bee populations. The research mission of this article is to identify which factors contribute to the CCD and understand how these factors contribute to the decline of bee populations, which may provide methods for restoring global bee populations. Two parts of the study will be mentioned in this article. The first half of our study was to understand such collective intelligence (and habits such as seasonal behavioral change) and use a mathematical model to simulate it. We then input the variables that we used to simulate honeybee collective intelligence into a time-dependent model to predict the population of a honey colony over time. In this model, we excluded the factors that might cause the CCD on purpose, so we could use it as a controlled set of honeybee natural population dynamics. We compared the results of this population model to experimental data we found, and they matched within certain degrees. The second half of our study was to perform a sensitivity analysis by introducing back the three factors that might cause the CCD to the population model including climate change, pesticides, and habitat destruction. The paper further discussed the strength and weaknesses of the mathematical model and used this model to predict how many honeybee hives were needed to support the pollination of a 20-acre parcel of land containing crops that benefit from pollination. Additionally, an infographic of our method was illustrated.

Distribution and association of antimicrobial resistance and virulence characteristics in Enterococcus spp. isolates from captive Asian elephants in China.

Enterococcus spp., as an opportunistic pathogen, are widely distributed in the environment and the gastrointestinal tracts of both humans and animals. Captive Asian elephants, popular animals at tourist attractions, have frequent contact with humans. However, there is limited information on whether captive Asian elephants can serve as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to characterize AMR, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence-associated genes (VAGs), gelatinase activity, hemolysis activity, and biofilm formation of Enterococcus spp. isolated from captive Asian elephants, and to analyze the potential correlations among these factors. A total of 62 Enterococcus spp. strains were isolated from fecal samples of captive Asian elephants, comprising 17 Enterococcus hirae (27.4%), 12 Enterococcus faecalis (19.4%), 8 Enterococcus faecium (12.9%), 7 Enterococcus avium (11.3%), 7 Enterococcus mundtii (11.3%), and 11 other Enterococcus spp. (17.7%). Isolates exhibited high resistance to rifampin (51.6%) and streptomycin (37.1%). 50% of Enterococcus spp. isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with all E. faecium strains demonstrating MDR. Additionally, nine ARGs were identified, with tet(M) (51.6%), erm(B) (24.2%), and cfr (21.0%) showing relatively higher detection rates. Biofilm formation, gelatinase activity, and α-hemolysin activity were observed in 79.0, 24.2, and 14.5% of the isolates, respectively. A total of 18 VAGs were detected, with gelE being the most prevalent (69.4%). Correlation analysis revealed 229 significant positive correlations and 12 significant negative correlations. The strongest intra-group correlations were observed among VAGs. Notably, we found that vancomycin resistance showed a significant positive correlation with ciprofloxacin resistance, cfr, and gelatinase activity, respectively. In conclusion, captive Asian elephants could serve as significant reservoirs for the dissemination of AMR to humans.

Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolomics to Reveal the Mechanism of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treating Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a late-stage process observed in various chronic liver diseases with bile and retinol metabolism closely associated with it. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have shown significant therapeutic potential in treating LF. In this study, the transplantation of ADMSCs was applied to a CCl4-induced LF model to investigate its molecular mechanism through a multi-omics joint analysis. The findings reveal that ADMSCs effectively reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), thereby mitigating liver lesions, preventing liver parenchymal necrosis, and improving liver collagen deposition. Furthermore, 4751 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 270 differentially expressed metabolites (DMs) were detected via transcriptome and metabolomics analysis. Conjoint analysis showed that ADMSCs up-regulated the expression of Cyp7a1, Baat, Cyp27a1, Adh7, Slco1a4, Aldh1a1, and Adh7 genes to promote primary bile acids (TCDCA: Taurochenodeoxycholic acid; GCDCA: Glycochenodeoxycholic acid; GCA: glycocholic acid, TCA: Taurocholic acid) synthesis, secretion and retinol metabolism. This suggests that ADMSCs play a therapeutic role in maintaining bile acid (BA) homeostasis and correcting disturbances in retinol metabolism.

Natural Products as Mite Control Agents in Animals: A Review.

Mites have been a persistent infectious disease affecting both humans and animals since ancient times. In veterinary clinics, the primary approach for treating and managing mite infestations has long been the use of chemical acaricides. However, the widespread use of these chemicals has resulted in significant problems, including drug resistance, drug residues, and environmental pollution, limiting their effectiveness. To address these challenges, researchers have shifted their focus towards natural products that have shown promise both in the laboratory and real-world settings against mite infestations. Natural products have a wide variety of chemical structures and biological activities, including acaricidal properties. This article offers a comprehensive review of the acaricidal capabilities and mechanisms of action of natural products like plant extracts, natural compounds, algae, and microbial metabolites against common animal mites.

Isolation, characterization, and pathogenicity assessment of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains from alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in China.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes lymphadenitis in humans, livestock, and wildlife. In this study, C. pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains were isolated from three alpacas. Antibiotic susceptibility tests and pathogenicity tests were also conducted. Moreover, one strain was sequenced using DNBSEQ and Oxford Nanopore technology. The three strains exhibited resistance to aztreonam, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin. The median lethal doses (LD50) of strains G1, S2 and BA3 in experimentally infected mice was 1.66 × 105 CFU, 3.78 × 105 CFU and 3.78 × 105 CFU, respectively. The sequencing of strain G1 resulted in the assembly of a chromosomal scaffold comprising 2,379,166 bp with a G + C content of 52.06%. Genome analysis of strain G1 revealed the presence of 48 virulence genes and 5 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Comparative genomic analysis demonstrates a high degree of genetic similarity among C. pseudotuberculosis strains, in contrast to other Corynebacterium species, with a clear delineation between strains belonging to the two biovars (ovis and equi). The data of the present study contribute to a better understanding of the properties of C. pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains and the potential risk they pose to alpacas and other livestock, as well as the necessity of ongoing surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases in animals.

Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots May Provide a Novel Potential Treatment for Antibiotic-Resistant Streptococcus agalactiae in Lama glama.

Streptococcus agalactiae is a significant pathogen that can affect both human beings and animals. The extensive current use of antibiotics has resulted in antibiotic resistance. In our previous research, we found that zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) had inhibitory effects on antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In this study, a strain of Streptococcus agalactiaeWJYT1 with a broad antibiotic-resistant spectrum was isolated and identified from Lama glama at Sichuan Agricultural University Teaching Animal Hospital. The genome for the resistance and virulence genes was analyzed. Additionally, the antibacterial effects and anti-virulence mechanism of ZnO QDs for S. agalactiaeWJYT1 were investigated. The results showed that the genome of S. agalactiaeWJYT1 is 1,943,955 bp, containing 22 resistance genes and 95 virulence genes. ZnO QDs have a good antibacterial effect against S. agalactiaeWJYT1 by reducing bacterial growth and decreasing the expression of virulence genes, including bibA, hylB, sip, and cip, which provides a novel potential treatment for S. agalactiae.

Protective Effects of Bacillus subtilis HH2 against Oral Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Beagles.

This study evaluated the protective effect of Bacillus subtilis HH2 on beagles orally challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). We assessed the physiological parameters and the severity of diarrhea, as well as the changes in three serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), plasma diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate (D-LA), and the fecal microbiome. Feeding B. subtilis HH2 significantly reduced the severity of diarrhea after the ETEC challenge (p < 0.05) and increased serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM (p < 0.01). B. subtilis HH2 administration also reduced serum levels of DAO at 48 h after the ETEC challenge (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed in D-LA (p > 0.05). Oral ETEC challenge significantly reduced the richness and diversity of gut microbiota in beagles not pre-fed with B. subtilis HH2 (p < 0.05), while B. subtilis HH2 feeding and oral ETEC challenge significantly altered the gut microbiota structure of beagles (p < 0.01). Moreover, 14 days of B. subtilis HH2 feeding reduced the relative abundance of Deinococcus-Thermus in feces. This study reveals that B. subtilis HH2 alleviates diarrhea caused by ETEC, enhances non-specific immunity, reduces ETEC-induced damage to the intestinal mucosa, and regulates gut microbiota composition.

Deterministic Magnetization Reversal in Synthetic Antiferromagnets using Natural Light.

Traditional current-driven spintronics is limited by localized heating issues and large energy consumption, restricting their data storage density and operation speed. Meanwhile, voltage-driven spintronics with much lower energy dissipation also suffers from charge-induced interfacial corrosion. Thereby finding a novel way of tuning ferromagnetism is crucial for spintronics with energy-saving and good reliability. Here, a visible light tuning of interfacial exchange interaction via photoelectron doping into synthetic antiferromagnetic heterostructure of CoFeB/Cu/CoFeB/PN Si substrate is demonstrated. Then, a complete, reversible magnetism switching between antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) states with visible light on and off is realized. Moreover, a visible light control of 180° deterministic magnetization switching with a tiny magnetic bias field is achieved. The magnetic optical Kerr effect results further reveal the magnetic domain switching pathway between AFM and FM domains. The first-principle calculations conclude that the photoelectrons fill in the unoccupied band and raise the Fermi energy, which increases the exchange interaction. Lastly, a prototype device with visible light control of two states switching with a 0.35% giant magnetoresistance ratio change (maximal 0.4%), paving the way toward fast, compact, and energy-efficient solar-driven memories is fabricated.

Manipulations of Spin Waves by Photoelectrons in Ferromagnetic/Non-Ferromagnetic Alloyed Film.

Spin waves are considered to be an alternative carrier with great promise for information sensing. The feasible excitation and low-power manipulation of spin waves still remain a challenge. In this regard, natural light enablings spin-wave tunability in Co60 Al40 -alloyed film is investigated. A reversible shift of the critical angle (from 81° in the dark to 83° under illumination) of the body spin-wave is achieved successfully Meanwhile, an eye-catching shift (817 Oe) of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) field is obtained optically, leading to changes in magnetic anisotropy. Based on the modified Puszkarski's surface inhomogeneity model, the control of spin-wave resonance (SWR) by sunlight can be understood by an effective photoelectron-doping-induced change of the surface magnetic anisotropy. Furthermore, the body spin wave is modulated stably with natural light illumination, confirming a non-volatile, reversible switching behavior. This work has both practical and theoretical importance for developing future sunlight-tunable magnonics/spintronics devices.

Vitamin C injection improves antioxidant stress capacity through regulating blood metabolism in post-transit yak.

Transportation stress is one of the most serious issues in the management of yak. Previous studies have demonstrated that transport stress is caused by a pro-oxidant state in the animal resulting from an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant status. In this context, vitamin C has the ability to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and alleviate oxidative stress. Although this effect of vitamin C is useful in pigs, goats and cattle, the effect of vitamin C on the mitigation of transport stress in yaks is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to better assess the metabolic changes induced by the action of vitamin C in yaks under transportation stress, and whether these changes can influence antioxidant status. After the yaks arrived at the farm, control or baseline blood samples were collected immediately through the jugular vein (VC_CON). Then, 100 mg/kg VC was injected intramuscularly, and blood samples were collected on the 10th day before feeding in the morning (VC). Relative to the control group, the VC injection group had higher levels of VC. Compared with VC_CON, VC injection significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the blood concentrations of ALT, AST, T-Bil, D-Bil, IDBIL, UREA, CRP and LDH. However, VC injection led to greater (P < 0.05) AST/ALT and CREA-S relative to VC_CON. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in GGT, ALP, TBA, TP, ALBII, GLO, A/G, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, GLU and L-lactate between VC_CON and VC. The injection of VC led to greater (P < 0.05) concentration of MDA, but did not alter (P > 0.05) the serum concentrations of LPO and ROS. The injection of VC led to greater (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of POD, CAT and GSH-PX. In contrast, lower (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of SOD, POD and TPX were observed in VC relative to VC_CON. No difference (P > 0.05) in GSH, GSH-ST and GR was observed between VC_CON and VC. Compared with the control group, metabolomics using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry identified 156 differential metabolites with P < 0.05 and a variable importance in projection (VIP) score > 1.5 in the VC injection group. The injection of VC resulted in significant changes to the intracellular amino acid metabolism of glutathione, glutamate, cysteine, methionine, glycine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, alanine and aspartate. Overall, our study indicated that VC injections were able to modulate antioxidant levels by affecting metabolism to resist oxidative stress generated during transport.

Virulence-related factors and antimicrobial resistance in Proteus mirabilis isolated from domestic and stray dogs.

Introduction: Proteus mirabilis is a multi-host pathogen that causes diseases of varying severity in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Proteus mirabilis is resistant to multiple antibiotics and has acquired the ability to produce expanded spectrum of ß-lactamases, leading to serious public health problems. However, the available information on P. mirabilis isolated from feces of dogs, is still poorly understood, as is the correlation between its virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Method: In this study, we isolated 75 strains of P. mirabilis from 241 samples, and investigated the swarming motility, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), distribution of VAGs and ARGs, as well as the presence of class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in these isolates. Results: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of intensive swarming motility and strong biofilm formation ability among P. mirabilis isolates. Isolates were primarily resistant to cefazolin (70.67%) and imipenem (70.67%). These isolates were found to carry ureC, FliL, ireA, zapA, ptA, hpmA, hpmB, pmfA, rsbA, mrpA, and ucaA with varying prevalence levels of 100.00, 100.00, 100.00, 98.67, 98.67, 90.67, 90.67, 90.67, 90.67, 89.33, and 70.67%, respectively. Additionally, the isolates were found to carry aac(6')-Ib, qnrD, floR, blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-2, blaOXA-1, blaTEM, tetA, tetB and tetM with varying prevalence levels of 38.67, 32.00, 25.33, 17.33, 16.00, 10.67, 5.33, 2.67, 1.33, and 1.33%, respectively. Among 40 MDR strains, 14 (35.00%) were found to carry class 1 integrons, 12 (30.00%) strains carried class 2 integrons, while no class 3 integrons was detected. There was a significant positive correlation between the class 1 integrons and three ARGs: blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaCTX-M-2. This study revealed that P. mirabilis strains isolated from domestic dogs exhibited a higher prevalence of MDR, and carried fewer VAGs but more ARGs compared to those isolated from stay dogs. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between VAGs and ARGs. Discussion: Given the increasing antimicrobial resistance of P. mirabilis, veterinarians should adopt a prudent approach towards antibiotics administration in dogs to mitigate the emergence and dissemination of MDR strains that pose a potential threat to public health.

Single-Crystalline BaZr0.2 Ti0.8 O3 Membranes Enabled High Energy Density in PEI-Based Composites for High-Temperature Electrostatic Capacitors.

Dielectric capacitors are promising for high power energy storage, but their breakdown strength (Eb ) and energy density (Ue ) usually degrade rapidly at high temperatures. Adding boron nitride (BN) nanosheets can improve the Eb and high-temperature endurance but with a limited Ue due to its low dielectric constant. Here, freestanding single-crystalline BaZr0.2 Ti0.8 O3 (BZT) membranes with high dielectric constant are fabricated, and introduced into BN doped polyetherimide (PEI) to obtain laminated PEI-BN/BZT/PEI-BN composites. At room temperature, the composite shows a maximum Ue of 17.94 J cm-3  at 730 MV m-1 , which is more than two times the pure PEI. Particularly, the composites exhibit excellent dielectric-temperature stability between 25 and 150 °C. An outstanding Ue  = 7.90 J cm-3  is obtained at a relatively large electric field of 650 MV m-1  under 150 °C, which is superior to the most high-temperature dielectric capacitors reported so far. Phase-field simulation reveals that the depolarization electric field generated at the BZT/PEI-BN interfaces can effectively reduce carrier mobility, leading to the remarkable enhancement of the Eb and Ue over a wide temperature range. This work provides a promising and scalable route to develop sandwich-structured composites with prominent energy storage performances for high-temperature capacitive applications.

Deterministic Magnetic Switching in Perpendicular Magnetic Trilayers Through Sunlight-Induced Photoelectron Injection.

Finding an energy-efficient way of switching magnetization is crucial in spintronic devices, such as memories. Usually, spins are manipulated by spin-polarized currents or voltages in various ferromagnetic heterostructures; however, their energy consumption is relatively large. Here, a sunlight control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in Pt (0.8 nm)/Co (0.65 nm)/Pt (2.5 nm)/PN Si heterojunction in an energy-efficient manner is proposed. The coercive field (HC ) is altered from 261 to 95 Oe (64% variation) under sunlight illumination, enabling a nearly 180° deterministic magnetization switching reversibly with a 140 Oe magnetic bias assistant. The element-resolved X-ray circular dichroism measurement reveals different L3 and L2 edge signals of the Co layer with or without sunlight, suggesting a photoelectron-induced redistribution of the orbital and spin moment in Co magnetization. The first-principle calculations also reveal that the photo-induced electrons shift the Fermi level of electrons and enhance the in-plane Rashba field around the Co/Pt interfaces, leading to a weakened PMA and corresponding HC decreasing and magnetization switching accordingly. The sunlight control of PMA may provide an alternative way for magnetic recording, which is energy efficient and would reduce the Joule heat from the high switching current.

Effects of inoculation with active microorganisms derived from adult goats on growth performance, gut microbiota and serum metabolome in newborn lambs.

This study evaluated the effects of inoculation with adult goat ruminal fluid on growth, health, gut microbiota and serum metabolism in lambs during the first 15 days of life. Twenty four Youzhou dark newborn lambs were selected and randomly distributed across 3 treatments (n = 8/group): autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL sterilized normal saline (CON), autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL fresh ruminal fluid (RF) and autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL autoclaved ruminal fluid (ARF). Results showed that RF inoculation was more effective at promoting recovery of body weight. Compared with CON, greater serum concentrations of ALP, CHOL, HDL and LAC in the RF group suggested a better health status in lambs. The relative abundance of Akkermansia and Escherichia-Shigella in gut was lower in the RF group, whereas the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group tended to increase. Metabolomics analysis shown that RF stimulated the metabolism of bile acids, small peptides, fatty acids and Trimethylamine-N-Oxide, which were found the correlation relationship with gut microorganisms. Overall, our study demonstrated that ruminal fluid inoculation with active microorganisms had a beneficial impact on growth, health and overall metabolism partly through modulating the gut microbial community.