Group S1 Research Articles

Preparation of drilling cuttings-coal fly ash based ceramic proppants: The roles of barite

This study presents the feasibility of preparing ceramic proppants (CPs) using drilling cuttings (DCs) and coal fly ash (CFA) via high-temperature sintering. The reaction behavior of barite in ceramic proppant precursors originating from DCs during the sintering process was investigated. The breakage ratio of the CPs (optimal group S3) met the requirements of Chinese standard SY/T 5108-2014 (2 K grade). The primary chemical reactions (7–8 in Table 4) between the barite and silica/alumina components resulted in a reduction of the eutectic point of the mixtures and the formation of aluminosilicates containing barium. However, these interactions also released gases (SO2 and O2), which created pores and weakened the CPs strength. The ideal temperature range for sintering is between 1170 and 1200 °C, during which there should be a gradual weight loss and minimal gas generation. This range will also ensure that the appropriate amount of liquid phase is present, which will have a moderate viscosity and aid in the densification of the ceramic proppants, as well as the formation of a dense enamel layer. The composite reactions of barite in the S3 sample follow a one-and-a-half-order chemical reaction mechanism within the temperature range of 950–1200 °C. The average activation energy and pre-exponential factor were 583.304 kJ mol−1 and 5.81 × 1020 min−1, respectively. The kinetic and reaction rate equations for the composite reactions were (1 − α)−1/2–1 = (5.81 × 1020 × e−5.83 × 10^5/RT) × t and dα/dt = (2(1 − α)3/2) × (5.81 × 1020 × e−(5.83 × 10^5)/RT)), respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis and guidelines for large-scale production of CPs using DCs and CFA.

Administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BB-12® in healthy children: characterization, functional composition, and metabolism of the gut microbiome.

The consumption of probiotics may influence children's gut microbiome and metabolome, which may reflect shifts in gut microbial diversity composition and metabolism. These potential changes might have a beneficial impact on health. However, there is a lack of evidence investigating the effect of probiotics on the gut microbiome and metabolome of children. We aimed to examine the potential impact of a two (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii; S2) vs. three (S2 + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BB-12) strain-supplemented yogurt. Included in this study were 59 participants, aged one to five years old, recruited to phase I of a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, after the intervention, and at twenty days post-intervention discontinuation, and untargeted metabolomics and shotgun metagenomics were performed. Shotgun metagenomics and metabolomic analyses showed no global changes in either intervention group's gut microbiome alpha or beta diversity indices, except for a lower microbial diversity in the S2 + BB12 group at Day 30. The relative abundance of the two and three intervention bacteria increased in the S2 and S2 + BB12 groups, respectively, from Day 0 to Day 10. In the S2 + BB12 group, the abundance of several fecal metabolites increased at Day 10, including alanine, glycine, lysine, phenylalanine, serine, and valine. These fecal metabolite changes did not occur in the S2 group. In conclusion, there were were no significant differences in the global metagenomic or metabolomic profiles between healthy children receiving two (S2) vs. three (S2 + BB12) probiotic strains for 10 days. Nevertheless, we observed a significant increase (Day 0 to Day 10) in the relative abundance of the two and three probiotics administered in the S2 and S2 + BB12 groups, respectively, indicating the intervention had a measurable impact on the bacteria of interest in the gut microbiome. Future research using longer probiotic intervention durations and in children at risk for gastrointestinal disorders may elucidate if functional metabolite changes confer a protective gastrointestinal effect.

An investigation on the respiratory mechanics of mechanically ventilated patients during spontaneous breathing trials with enhanced low-level pressure support ventilation.

Low-level pressure support ventilation (PSV) is most commonly adopted in spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs), and some have proposed setting the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to 0cmH2 O in order to shorten the observation time of SBTs. This study aims to investigate the effects of two PSV protocols on the patients' respiratory mechanics. A prospective randomized self-controlled crossover design was adopted in this study, which involved enrolling 30 difficult-to-wean patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2019 and September 2021. Patients were subjected to the S group (pressure support: 8cmH2 O, PEEP: 5cmH2 O) and S1 group (PS: 8cmH2 O, PEEP: 0cmH2 O) for 30 min in a random order, and respiratory mechanics indices were dynamically monitored via a four-lumen multi-functional catheter with an integrated gastric tube. Among the 30 enrolled patients, 27 were successfully weaned. The S group showed higher airway pressure (Paw), intragastric pressure (Pga) and airway pressure-time product (PTP) than the S1 group. The S group also showed a shorter inspiratory trigger delay, (93.80 ± 47.85) versus (137.33 ± 85.66) ms (P = 0.004); and fewer abnormal triggers, (0.97 ± 2.65) versus (2.67 ± 4.48) (P = 0.042) compared with the S1 group. Stratification based on the causes of mechanical ventilation revealed that under the S1 protocol, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had a longer inspiratory trigger delay compared to both post-thoracic surgery (PTS) patients and patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite providing greater respiratory support, S group led to significant reductions in inspiratory trigger delay and less abnormal triggers compared to S1 group, especially among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These findings suggest that the zero PEEP group was more likely to induce a higher number of patient-ventilator asynchronies in difficult-to-wean patients.

Effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on growth indicators and physiological characteristics of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn leaves

ABSTRACT As a kind of medicinal plant, Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn has been over-harvested in the wild population, which leads to its artificial cultivation. The present study aims to analyze the effects of different plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth and physiological characteristics of P. Praeruptorum leaves. Compared with the CK, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was drastically reduced in the leaves of P. Praeruptorum in different treatment groups (P < 0.05), and with S6 showing the most significant reduction in MDA content (content was only about 1/3 that of the CK). The indicators of leaf area, length and width were found to be the highest in group S9, reaching a level that is 3.75, 3.08 and 1.48 times higher than those in group CK, respectively. Group S8 has the largest plant height, which is 1.22 times higher than that in group CK. S2 has the largest stem diameter, which is 1.69 times higher than that in group CK. Group S1 has the largest petiole length, which is 1.74 times higher than that in group CK. Group S6 has the largest chlorophyll content, which is 1.63 times higher than that in group CK. Group S2 has the highest content of soluble sugar and soluble protein, which are 2.02 times and 3.82 times higher than those in group CK. Group S9 exhibits the strongest CAT activity, which is 3.71 times higher than that in group CK. S5 exhibits the strongest SOD activity, which is 2.32 times higher than group CK. Group S1 exhibits the strongest POD activity, which is 5.94 times higher than that in group CK. In conclusion, the inoculation with PGPR is effective in improving the growth of P. Praeruptorum leaves and their physiological indicators, which provides guidance on the application of PGPR to achieve the high quality and yield of P. Praeruptorum.

One-year outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the latest-generation SAPIEN balloon-expandable valve: the S3U registry.

Initial data about the performance of the new-generation SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) valve are highly promising. However, evidence about the longer-term performance and safety of the S3U is scarce. We aimed to investigate the 1-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the S3U compared with its predecessor, the SAPIEN 3 valve (S3). The SAPIEN 3 Ultra registry included consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at 12 European centres with the S3U or S3 between October 2016 and December 2020. One-to-one propensity score (PS) matching was performed to account for differences in baseline characteristics. The primary outcomes of interest were all-cause death and the composite of all-cause death, disabling stroke and hospitalisation for heart failure at 1 year. The overall study cohort encompassed 1,692 patients treated with either the S3U (n=519) or S3 (n=1,173). The PS-matched population had a total of 992 patients (496 per group). At 1 year, the rate of death from any cause was 4.9% in the S3U group and 6.3% in the S3 group (p=0.743). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the rates of the primary composite outcome (9.5% in the S3 group and 6.6% in the S3U group; p=0.162). The S3U was associated with lower rates of mild paravalvular leak (PVL) compared with the S3 (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.44 to 0.88; p<0.01). No significant differences in transprosthetic gradients were observed between the two groups. Compared with the S3, the S3U transcatheter heart valve was associated with similar 1-year clinical outcomes but reduced rates of mild PVL.

Is lactational Sertraline exposure safe for maternal health and the reproductive/neurobehavioral development of the descendants? A study in rats.

Although sertraline is considered one of the safest antidepressants in the lactation period, there are still few studies that assess its impact on child development. Therefore, this experimental study aimed to clarify the effect of sertraline on the neurobehavioral and reproductive development of male rats. Thus, 30 lactating rats were divided into 3 experimental groups (n=10/group): CO- received filtered water, S10 and S20 groups that received, respectively, 10 and 20mg/kg/day of sertraline. Treatment was performed by gavage, from postnatal days (PND) 1 to 20. During this period, the reflex and somatic development of rats were observed, as well as maternal behavior. On PND 21, mothers were euthanized and the organs were weighed. On PND 21, 45, and 100, one male from each litter was euthanized for histological and immunohistochemical (PCNA and WT1) analysis of the reproductive organs. The growth of body weight, the anogenital distance (AGD), the time to puberty, sperm quality, sexual behavior, neurobehavior, and natural fertility were also verified. Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test (p≤0.05). The results showed that mothers in the S20 group had an increase in thyroid weight. The male offspring exposed to sertraline had lower body weight (PND 7), lower AGD (PND 7 and 14), and delay in reflex development, in addition to histological alterations in the testis (PND 21). In adulthood, sperm quality was altered, without compromising natural fertility. Therefore, the present study found important alterations in the reflex and reproductive development of male rats exposed to sertraline during lactation.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Long Noncoding RNAs in Porcine Intestine during Weaning Stress.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in various biological processes, and they are considered to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases. However, the role and expression of lncRNAs in intestinal damage during weaning stress remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the expression profiles of jejunal tissue from weaning piglets at 4 and 7 d after weaning (groups W4 and W7, respectively) and from suckling piglets on the same days (groups S4 and S7, respectively). Genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs was also performed using RNA sequencing technology. A total of 1809 annotated lncRNAs and 1612 novel lncRNAs were obtained from the jejunum of piglets. In W4 vs. S4, a total of 331 lncRNAs showed significant differential expression, and a total of 163 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) was identified in W7 vs. S7. Biological analysis indicated that DElncRNAs were involved in intestinal diseases, inflammation, and immune functions, and were mainly enriched in the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, inflammatory bowel disease, T cell receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway and intestinal immune network for IgA production. Moreover, we found that lnc_000884 and target gene KLF5 were significantly upregulated in the intestine of weaning piglets. The overexpression of lnc_000884 also significantly promoted the proliferation and depressed apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells. This result suggested that lnc_000884 may contribute to repairing intestinal damage. Our study identified the characterization and expression profile of lncRNAs in the small intestine of weaning piglets and provided new insights into the molecular regulation of intestinal damage during weaning stress.

Clinical outcome of ulcerative colitis with severe onset in children: a multicenter prospective cohort study.

As best practices for treating children with severe-onset ulcerative colitis remain controversial in the era of biologic agents, we prospectively investigated treatments and outcomes in a multicenter cohort. Using a Web-based data registry maintained in Japan between October 2012 and March 2020, we compared management and treatment outcomes in an S1 group defined by a Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index of 65 or more points at diagnosis with those in an S0 group defined by an index value below 65. Three hundred one children with ulcerative colitis treated at 21 institutions were included, with follow-up for 3.6 ± 1.9years. Among them, 75 (25.0%) were in S1; their age at diagnosis was 12.3 ± 2.9years, and 93% had pancolitis. Colectomy free rates in S1 were 89% after 1year, 79% after 2, and 74% after 5, significantly lower than for S0 (P = 0.0003). Calcineurin inhibitors and biologic agents, respectively, were given to 53% and 56% of S1 patients, significantly more than for S0 patients (P < 0.0001). Among S1 patients treated with calcineurin inhibitors when steroids failed, 23% required neither biologic agents nor colectomy, similarly to the S0 group (P = 0.46). Children with severe ulcerative colitis are likely to require powerful agents such as calcineurin inhibitors and biologic agents; sometimes colectomy ultimately proves necessary. Need for biologic agents in steroid-resistant patients might be reduced to an extent by interposing a therapeutic trial of CI rather than turning to biologic agents or colectomy immediately.

Effects of Macleaya cordata extract supplementation on digestive parameters of ponies

ABSTRACT High amounts of grains in the equine diet led to high starch intake, causing gut alterations. Aimed at reducing harmful effects, Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is a phytogenic additive that stands out for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects proven in different species. However, there is no useful information for horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of the inclusion of commercial MCE on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), total apparent digestibility (AD) of nutrients, faecal pH and fermentative products, on ponies fed a high-starch diet. Eight healthy gelding Mini Horse ponies were used. The study design was contemporary double Latin-square 4 × 4 in the experimental unit, with the animal inside each experimental period (n = 8 experimental units per group). The experiment was conducted over four 20-d periods. Basal diet attended 1.75% BW dry matter daily and starch intake was 2.2 g/kg BW/meal. The experimental groups were as follows: control – without food additive; S1–1 mg/kg BW MCE; S1.5–1.5 mg/kg BW MCE and S2–2 mg/kg BW MCE. The data were analysed by PROC MIXED of SAS (p < 0.05). Tendency was considered when 0.05 < p < 0.1. Our results showed higher ether extract (EE) AD for S2 group (63.75%) when compared with the control (54.55%) (p = 0.0377). Lactate was lower (p = 0.0391) in S1 (3.27 mmol/l) and S2 (3.24 mmol/l) groups, although pH was not different between groups. Iso-valerate was greater in S1 group (2.29 mmol/l; p = 0.0289), and a tendency of higher butyrate values was found for S1 and S2 groups (p = 0.0980). We concluded that MCE supplementation probably positively influences equine resident microbiota, improving EE AD and increasing iso-valerate concentration. It can also minimise harmful high-starch impact. We recommend further studies using MCE in horses for a better understanding of its local activity and possible benefits.

Water quality assessment and reuse potential of groundwater combined saline solution for irrigation

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the water quality and reuse potential of groundwater combined with a saline solution for irrigation. The brine dilution process was done by adding groundwater by determining the total dissolved salts (TDS) value according to the irrigation criteria and then by calculating the amount of groundwater to be added using the law of concentrations to obtain the water mixture, as the TDS value decreased from 4922 and 3810 mg/l to 2587 and 2200 mg/l, respectively. The assessment aimed to determine the suitability of the water for irrigation, and the quality indices used were sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium hazard ratio percentage, sodium percentage, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, Kelly index, and irrigation water quality index. The results indicated that the water after mixing is suitable for irrigation. The USSL diagram was used to evaluate the post-mixing water at two stations, Touggourt and El-Oued, and the results showed that the post-mixing water at Touggourt falls in the C4–S1 group (extremely high salinity with low sodium), and the post-mixing water at El-Oued falls in the C4–S2 group (very high salinity with medium sodium).

Abstract P1-03-01: Eribulin versus S-1 as first- or second- line chemotherapy to assess Health-related Quality of Life and overall survival in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (RESQ study): a non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Eribulin is a chemotherapeutic drug that prolongs overall survival (OS) in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC), mainly in third-line or later chemotherapy (ChT) [1]. However, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and efficacy in patients who receive eribulin as first- or second-line therapy is not well known. In contrast, S-1, an oral 5-fluorouracil derivative, shows similar OS to taxanes as first-line ChT and better HRQOL, based on a large phase III trial conducted in Japan [2]. Here, we compared the effect on HRQOL and efficacy of eribulin and S-1 in MBC patients in a first- or second-line ChT setting. Methods We planned an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled phase III study at 50 hospitals in Japan. We enrolled patients with HER2-negative MBC who had no or one previous ChT for MBC regardless of prior administration of anthracyclines and taxanes. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either eribulin (1.4 mg/m² administered on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day) or S-1 (40–60 mg twice daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break). Randomization was stratified by institution, age, treatment line, hormone receptor status, and time from surgery to recurrence. HRQOL assessment was conducted using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 questions (QLQ-C30) every six weeks until week 24, and then every nine weeks until week 42 after baseline assessment. The primary outcome measure was the global health status (GHS) score of EORTC QLQ-C30, with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 10% for a difference in the proportion of patients experiencing deterioration at one year. Clinically meaningful deterioration was defined as a ≥ 10-point decrease from baseline GHS score or death. Secondary outcomes were OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events. We estimated that the study needed 330 patients to obtain 80% power for non-inferiority. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network, Japan (protocol ID 000021398). Results Between June 2016 and October 2019, 302 patients were enrolled, with 152 assigned to eribulin and 148 to S-1. The full analysis set for HRQOL assessment included 134 and 136 patients, while that for efficacy consisted of 141 and 144 patients, respectively. Overall compliance with the questionnaire was 85.6 %. Among the full analysis set for efficacy, 28 (19.9%) and 31 (21.5%) cases were triple negative, respectively. Eribulin and S-1 were administered as first-line ChT in 99 (70.2%) and 101 (70.1%) patients, respectively. Risk difference of GHS deterioration through one year for the eribulin versus S1 group was -0.66% (95% CI -12.47 to 11.16; P non-inferiority =0.077). Median time to first deterioration in GHS score was 5.64 months (95% CI 3.51–8.00) and 5.28 months (95% CI 3.28-7.80) (HR 1.07 [95% CI 0.79–1.45]; P =0.667); median OS was 35.0 months (95% CI 27.2-41.0) and 27.8 months (95% CI 24.6-33.5) (HR 0.69 [95% CI 0.50-0.95]; P=0.023); and median PFS was 6.07 months (95% CI 5.48-7.80) and 6.66 months (95% CI 5.48-7.77), respectively (HR 0.90 [95% CI 0.68-1.18]; P=0.427). No previously unrecognized adverse events were observed. Conclusions We found a marginal non-inferiority in HRQOL for eribulin, albeit that the difference was not statistically significant owing to the smaller than planned sample size. Time to first clinically meaningful deterioration was almost identical between the two arms, whereas OS was significantly extended with eribulin. These findings indicate that eribulin in first- or second-line ChT is acceptable as a standard regimen in this patient population. [1] Lancet 2011; 377: 914–23 [2] Lancet Oncol 2016; 17: 90–98 Citation Format: Yuichiro Kikawa, Kosuke Kashiwabara, Naruto Taira, Tsuguo Iwatani, Kojiro Shimozuma, Shoichiro Ohtani, Tetsuhiro Yoshinami, Junichiro Watanabe, Masahiro Kashiwaba, Ken-ichi Watanabe, Masahiro Kitada, Koichi Sakaguchi, Yuko Tanabe, Tomohiko Aihara, Hirofumi Mukai, Masato Takahashi. Eribulin versus S-1 as first- or second- line chemotherapy to assess Health-related Quality of Life and overall survival in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (RESQ study): a non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-03-01.

Effectiveness of Sufentanil-Based Patient-Controlled Analgesia Regimen in Children and Incidence of Adverse Events Following Major Congenital Structure Repairs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesia effectiveness and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)-related adverse events. The children who received sufentanil-based PCA following major surgery to repair congenital hip dislocation and hypospadias were divided into 3 groups: sufentanil 4 µg/kg + tramadol 10 mg/kg (ST; n = 301), sufentanil 4 µg/kg (S4; n = 211), and sufentanil 5 µg/kg (S5; n = 451). Analgesics with granisetron 0.2 mg/kg were diluted in 0.9% saline to 100 mL and infused continuously at a basal infusion rate of 1mL/h. A total of 963 children whose average age was 4 years were investigated. The incidence of moderate to severe postoperative pain during rest was significantly lower in the S5 group (0.2%) and ST group (0.3%) compared with the S4 group (3.3%) within 72 hours after surgery (P < .05), and the incidence of moderate to severe pain during activity within 72 hours was also significantly lower in the S5 group (3.5%) compared with the other 2 groups (ST, 21.9%; S4, 33.2%; P < .001). A significant difference was identified among the 3 groups in the total number of PCA administrations, but there was no statistical difference of total usage of opioids among the 3 groups. In terms of PCA-related adverse events, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the S5 group was lower compared with the ST group within 72 hours after surgery (P < .001), and there was no significant difference compared with the S4 group (P = .254). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of pruritus and dizziness among the 3 groups. Sufentanil-based PCA can be effectively and safely used in children after major congenital structural malformation repair surgeries. The sufentanil 5 µg/kg dosage in the PCA regimen is superior to sufentanil 4 µg/kg alone or combined with tramadol in lowering moderate to severe pain.

Effect of goal-directed fluid therapy based on plasma colloid osmotic pressure on the postoperative pulmonary complications of older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

BackgroundAs an important component of accelerated rehabilitation surgery, goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT) is one of the optimized fluid therapy strategies and is closely related to perioperative complications and mortality. This article aimed to study the effect of combining plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) with stroke volume variation (SVV) as a target for intraoperative GDT for postoperative pulmonary complications in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.MethodsIn this study, older patients (n = 100) undergoing radical resection of gastroenteric tumors were randomized to three groups: Group C (n1 = 31) received a conventional infusion regimen, Group S1 (n2 = 34) received GDT based on SVV, and Group S2 (n3 = 35) received GDT based on SVV and COP. The results were recorded, including the lung injury score (LIS); PaO2/FiO2 ratio; lactic acid value at the times of beginning (T0) and 1 h (T1), 2 h (T2), and 3 h (T3) after liquid infusion in the operation room; the total liquid infusion volume; infusion volumes of crystalline and colloidal liquids; urine production rate; pulmonary complications 7 days after surgery; and the severity grading of postoperative pulmonary complications.ResultsThe patients in the S2 group had fewer postoperative pulmonary complications than those in the C group (P < 0.05) and the proportion of pulmonary complications of grade 1 and higher than grade 2 in S2 group was significantly lower than that in C group (P <0.05); the patients in the S2 group had a higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio than those in the C group (P < 0.05), lower LIS than those in the S1 and C groups (P < 0.05), less total liquid infusion than those in the C group (P < 0.05), and more colloidal fluid infusion than those in the S1 and C groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of our study show that intraoperative GDT based on COP and SVV can reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications and conducive to shortening the hospital stay in older patients after gastrointestinal surgery.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial. no. ChiCTR2100045671. Registry at www.chictr.org.cn on April 20, 2021.

Effects of soybean oligosaccharides instead of glucose on growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity and intestinal flora of crucian carp cultured in biofloc system

This study aimed to investigate the effects of soybean oligosaccharide-cultured biofloc on the growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora of crucian carp. Glucose as a carbon source was used as the control group (Con), and glucose was replaced with soybean oligosaccharides by 1 % (S1), 5 % (S5), 10 % (S10), and 100 % (S100) with C: N of 15 as the experimental group with six replicates. Compared with the Con group, the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the turbidity (T·d) of water increased significantly in the S100 group. The biofloc volume (FV), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the feed coefficient (FCR) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the S1 group. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the S10 and S100 groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Intestinal amylase in S10 and S100 groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the lipase was significantly increased in the S10 group (P < 0.05), and the trypsin was significantly increased in the S1 and S5 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the Chao index of intestinal microbial species richness was significantly increased in the S1 group (P < 0.05). The abundance of Pseudomonas and Vibrio decreased significantly in the S5 and S10 groups (P < 0.05). The pathways related to metabolic activities in intestinal flora in the experimental groups were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Our results showed that the growth and digestion capacity of crucian carp could be improved in the biofloc system cultured by 1–5 % soybean oligosaccharides replacement of glucose, the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Actinobacteriota in the intestine could be increased, and the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Vibrio could be decreased.

Effects of Dietary Steroid Saponins on Growth Performance, Serum and Liver Glucose, Lipid Metabolism and Immune Molecules of Hybrid Groupers (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatu) Fed High-Lipid Diets.

High-lipid diets are attributed to excessive lipid deposition and metabolic disturbances in fish. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of steroidal saponins on growth performance, immune molecules and metabolism of glucose and lipids in hybrid groupers (initial weight 22.71 ± 0.12 g) fed high-lipid diets. steroidal saponins (0%, 0.1% and 0.2%) were added to the basal diet (crude lipid, 14%) to produce three experimental diets, designated S0, S0.1 and S0.2, respectively. After an 8-week feeding trial, no significant differences were found between the S0 and S0.1 groups in percent weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein deposition rate (p > 0.05). All those in the S0.2 group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Compared to the S0 group, fish in the S0.1 group had lower contents of serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose (p < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher, and malondialdehyde contents were significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group (p < 0.05). Hepatic triglyceride, total cholesterol and glycogen were significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group (p < 0.05). Activities of lipoprotein lipase, total lipase, glucokinase and pyruvate kinase, and gene expression of lipoprotein lipase, triglyceride lipase and glucokinase, were significantly higher in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group. Interleukin-10 mRNA expression in the S0.1 group was significantly higher than that in the S0 group, while the expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α genes were significantly lower than those in the S0 group. In summary, adding 0.1% steroidal saponins to a high-lipid diet not only promoted lipolysis in fish livers, but also activated glycolysis pathways, thus enhancing the utilization of the dietary energy of the groupers, as well as supporting the fish's nonspecial immune-defense mechanism.

EDNA metabarcoding revealed the seasonal and spatial variation of phytoplankton functional groups in the Chai river and their relationship with environmental factors

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding permits a new measurement to monitor biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This study utilized eDNA metabarcoding to examine the seasonal and spatial distribution of phytoplankton and their relationship with environmental factors in the Chai River, Kunming, China, in the dry, and wet seasons. The process detected 108 genera of phytoplankton, which were members of 11 phyla, 41 orders, and 60 families. Distinct differences in seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of phytoplankton diversity, including community structure, α-diversity, and representative functional groups, were observed. In the dry season, Pseudanabaena, Microcystis, and Synechococcus were the predominant genera in Cyanophyta, and Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta and Euglenophyta were predominant in the eukaryotic phytoplankton. While in the wet season, Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis, and Planktothrix predominated in the Cyanophyta, and Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta predominated in the eukaryotic phytoplankton. Significant differences were shown by a principal coordinate analysis and PERMANOVA test among the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the phytoplankton communities except for the cyanobacterial community structure between the upper and lower reaches at the wet season (p > 0.05). The representative functional groups of phytoplankton varied from A, D, E, LM, L0, N, S1, MP, P, TB, TC, U, W0, W1, Xph, Y, and Z in the dry season to A, B, D, E, F, J, MP, LM, S1, SN, TC, P, W0, W1, X2, and Y in the wet season. Significant differences in the water temperature (WT), pH, chemical oxygen demand, oxygen consumed, nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and chlorophyll a were exhibited between the dry and wet seasons (p < 0.05). In the dry season, WT, NO3-N, and pH had a substantial influence on the functional groups LM, N, and L0 of the cyanobacteria. The EC and total nitrogen (TN) had a substantial influence on the functional groups A and Y of the eukaryotic phytoplankton. In the wet season, the electrical conductivity (EC), TN, and dissolvable total phosphorus (DTP) primarily affected the functional groups LM and S1, while EC, DPI, and soluble reactive phosphorus had a substantial influence on the functional groups A and Y. This study provides insights on the conservation of phytoplankton diversity and healthy management of the Chai River.

The distribution of geodesics on the cube surface

AbstractWe establish a Kronecker–Weyl type result, on time‐quantitative equidistribution for a natural non‐integrable system, geodesic flow on the cube surface. Our tool is the shortline‐ancestor method developed in Beck, Donders, and Yang [Acta Math. Hungar. 161 (2020), 66–184] and Beck, Donders, and Yang [Acta Math. Hungar. 162 (2020), 220–324], modified in an appropriate way to embrace all slopes. The method is further enhanced by the symmetry of the cube through the use of the irreducible representations of the symmetric group S4 which makes the determination of the irregularity exponent substantially simpler.

On the structure group of an infinite dimensional JB-algebra

We extend several results for the structure group of a real Jordan algebra V, to the setting of infinite dimensional JB-algebras. We prove that the structure group Str(V), the cone preserving group G(Ω) and the automorphism group Aut(V) of the algebra V are embedded Banach-Lie groups of GL(V), and that each of the inclusions Aut(V)⊂G(Ω)⊂Str(V) are of embedded Banach-Lie subgroups. We give a full description of the components of Str(V) via cones, isotopes and central projections. We apply these results to V=B(H)sa the special JB-algebra of self-adjoint operators on an infinite dimensional complex Hilbert space, describing the groups Str(V),G(Ω),Aut(V), their Banach-Lie algebras and their connected components. We show that the action of the unitary group of H on Aut(V) has smooth local cross sections, thus Aut(V) is a smooth principal bundle over the unitary group, with structure group S1.

Effect of sevoflurane delayed-postconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effect, effective time window, and mechanism of protection of sevoflurane post-conditioning and late sevoflurane post-conditioning on heart muscle ischemiareperfusion (I/R) lesion in isolated rat heart.Methods: Langendorff isolated perfusion model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After 15 min of stabilization, the rats were assigned to 10 groups, based on the treatments given: control group (TTC), I/R group, sevoflurane post-processing group (SpostC), 0.5 min-, 1 min-, 5 min-, 10 min-, 20 min-, 30 min- delayed sevoflurane post-processing group (S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10, and S20). The levels of mitochondrial membrane permeability, area of myocardial infarction, myocardial apoptosis, and p-GSK3 beta level were determined.Results: Myocardial infarction areas in Spost, S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10 and S20 groups were significantly than in I/R group (p &lt; 0.05), while expression levels of myocardial p-Akt were significantly higher in Spost, S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10, S20, and S30 groups than in I/R group (p &lt; 0.05). GSK-3 phosphorylation level was significantly higher in Spost, S1, S10, S20, and S30 groups than in I/R group (p &lt; 0.05). Expression of p-GSK-3β in S30 group decreased, relative to that in Spost group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Sevoflurane post-conditioning and delayed sevoflurane post-conditioning mitigates I/R lesions in isolated rat hearts. The protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury is related to the levels of phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. Thus, this treatment approach may be useful in the management of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of thermal treatment on the microbial shelf-life and quality stability of wet instant cooked noodles during storage

Pasteurization, acidification followed by pasteurization, and autoclave extended the shelf-life of cooked noodles (groups S1, S2 and S3) to 3, 180 and 180 days, respectively. Pasteurization increased the hardness of cooked noodles from 53.60 to 58.01 N. However, the growth of thermoduric bacteria caused a decrease in pH, coloration, and hardness of group S1 during storage. Meanwhile, the pH and hardness of group S2 decreased to 4.42 and 39.22 N respectively, while hardness and chewiness increased during storage. In addition, physicochemical-textural characteristics of group S3 are maintained throughout storage. The hardness of groups S1 and S2 is related to the gluten structure. The compact gluten network formed after pasteurization. Meanwhile, acidification inhibited the polymerization of glutenin and gliadin. The starch melted after autoclave, masking the impact of the gluten network and decreasing hardness. During storage, hydrolysis of protein and starch by bacteria resulted in the deterioration of group S1. Recrystallization of starch resulted in the stiffening of group S2. The absence of metabolism of bacteria and presence of stable gluten in group S3 contributed to the stable starch structures, inducing its stable quality. Thermal treatment can be recommended as an effective additional treatment for producing shelf-stable wet instant cooked noodles.