Hybrid Group Research Articles

Machine learning-based screening of fuel properties for SI and CI engines using a hybrid group extraction method

The design of high-performance fuels is crucial for achieving clean and efficient combustion of engines. In the current study, a framework for machine learning (ML) model-based fuel design is presented to identify compounds with desired properties for internal combustion engine (ICE) applications. Descriptors computed from newly proposed structural and positional-based group extraction method in this study are used as input in ML models due to the simplicity and computational-efficiency. The ML models were trained and validated using publically available experimental data for up to 1135 compounds. The results demonstrated a high level of predictive accuracy, with R2 values generally exceeding 0.99 for 11 physicochemical properties including melting point, boiling point, enthalpy of vaporization, surface tension, dynamic viscosity, low heating value, liquid density, yield sooting index, cetane number, research octane number and motor octane number. Furthermore, by employing the developed ML models to predict new data, a Fuel Property Database containing 1135 fuels with 12 fuel properties is established, enhanced by an interface for a user-friendly Fuel Physicochemical Properties Prediction Tool that facilitates swift property predictions and database expansion. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) approach is subsequently employed to assess the correlation between descriptors and predicted or experimental properties. The strong agreement between the correlations affirms the effective predictive performance of the ML models within the calibrated data range. Additionally, a PCC analysis is conducted to reveal the individual effects of influential factors and their interactions, highlighting significant features like molecular weight size, degree of branching, and functional group content that influence physical and chemical properties, thereby providing valuable insights for fuel design and optimization. Finally, a initial comprehensive data-driven screening was carried out to identify potential fuel candidates that meet the key property limits for combustion applications in both spark-ignition (SI) and compression-ignition (CI) engines.

Fruit Agronomic and Quality Traits of Tomato F1 Hybrids Derived from Traditional Varieties

The high genetic diversity of the tomato and its high micronutrient content make this fruit very interesting from an economic and nutritional point of view. The genetic erosion suffered by this crop, due to breeding objectives based on yield and marketing, makes it necessary to return to the origins in search of the nutritional and organoleptic quality lost in traditional varieties. In this study, the agronomic, physical, organoleptic, and nutritional characteristics of eighteen F1 hybrids, obtained by crossing fourteen traditional varieties, previously selected for their quality, were studied in order to select genotypes of superior quality that could be candidates for new varieties. All the parameters studied were strongly influenced by genotype, with a wide range between varieties. Most of the experimental hybrids showed higher quality scores than the commercial hybrids used as controls, due to the extensive selection process carried out on the parents in previous work. Principal component analysis revealed the characteristics of each hybrid that distinguished it from the others. Some hybrids (H1, H2, and H4) stood out for their high concentration of active compounds, others (H14, H13, H8, H15, H7, and H9) for their agronomic performance and high β-carotene content, and H3 was the only one to contain chlorophyll in its ripe fruits. Finally, the evaluation index allowed the selection of five hybrids with interesting characteristics, combining good yield performance and high quality. The results of this work have allowed for the selection of a group of hybrids with high organoleptic and nutritional quality which will be used as parents in a breeding programme, in which their characteristics will be fixed and their resilience will be increased through the introduction of virus resistance.

Suitable dietary Myo-inositol supplementations improve growth, immunity and antioxidant properties of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus. fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) fed low-fishmeal diets

A six-week feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of different dietary Myo-inositol (MI) levels on growth, feed efficiency, immunity, and antioxidant properties of juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) fed low-fishmeal diets. Seven experimental diets were made to contain 50, 100, 169, 241, 309, 386, and 459 mg/kg of MI (analyzed values, dry matter basis), being abbreviated as MI-50, MI-100, MI-169, MI-241, MI-309, MI-386, and MI-459, and each MI treatment had three replicates. Twelve fish (average initial body weight: 18.7 ± 0.1 g) were allocated to each replicate, being hand-fed their diets to apparent satiation on 8:00 am and 16:30 pm. The results indicated that within the range of 50–241 mg/kg dietary inositol, weight gain percentage (WG%), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were increased with the increasing of MI, and above the 241 mg/kg, they were dropped, especially at 386 and 459 mg/kg. According to the broken-line regression analysis conducted to assess the relationship between WG% and dietary MI levels, the optimum MI dose was 267.9 mg/kg (dry weight) in the low-fishmeal diet of hybrid grouper. Condition factor (CF), viscerosomatic index (VSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and intestinal index (ISI) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary MI levels, varying with a similar trend as WG%. Fish fed MI-241 had the highest values of serum lysozyme (LZM), hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) as well as the relative mRNA level of hepatic insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) among all treatments. In conclusion, optimum dietary MI requirement for the maximal growth of hybrid grouper was 267.9 mg/kg, and suitable dietary MI supplementations improve growth, immunity, and antioxidant properties of juvenile hybrid grouper fed low-fishmeal diets.

Reemplazo total de cadera en pacientes menores de 50 años: ¿tiene la fijación no cementada mejores resultados?

BackgroundCementless fixation for hip arthroplasties has increased in the last decades, particularly in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results three different types of fixations in patients under 50years old. MethodsCemented, hybrid and cementless fixations were assessed in patients under 50years old with a minimum follow-up of 8years. Loosening, demarcation, complications, and prosthesis survival were assessed. Functional analysis was performed with the modified Harris Hip Score and Visual analogue scale was collected. ResultsFinal series consisted in 222 patients. Significant improvement was observed regarding mHHS and VAS score in each group. We observed statistically significant difference regarding demarcation between the groups (P<.001). The higher rate of acetabular and femoral stem loosening was observed in the cemented (20.0%) and hybrid (18.9%) group. The lowest prosthesis survival rate after 16 years was observed in hybrid group (P<.001). ConclusionTotal hip replacement has good long-term clinical and functional outcomes. The lowest rate of prosthesis survival was observed in hybrid group with 84.2% after 16years.

Transitioning Virtual-Only Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorder Patients to a Hybrid Model.

Telehealth is associated with a myriad of benefits; however, little is known regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outcomes when participants join group therapy sessions in a combination in-person and virtual setting (hybrid model). We sought to determine if treatment completion rates differed. Policy changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic created a naturalistic, observational cohort study at seven intensive outpatient (IOP) programs in rural Minnesota. Virtual-only delivery occurred 6/1/2020-6/30/2021, while hybrid groups occurred 7/1/2021-7/31/2022. Data was evaluated retrospectively for participants who initiated and discharged treatment during the study period. Participants were IOP group members 18 years and older who had a SUD diagnosis that both entered and discharged treatment during the 26-month period. A consecutive sample of 1502 participants (181-255 per site) was available, with 644 removed: 576 discharged after the study conclusion, 49 were missing either enrollment or discharge data, 14 transferred sites during treatment, and 5 initiated treatment before the study initiation. Helmert contrasts evaluated the impact of hybrid group exposure. A total of 858 individuals were included. Data was not from the medical chart and was deidentified preventing specific demographics; however, the overall IOP sample for 2020-2022, from which the sample was derived, was 29.8% female, and 64.1% were 18-40 years of age. For completed treatment, hybrid group exposure relative to virtual-only had a univariate odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI: 1.50-2.41, p < 0.001). No significant difference was seen across IOP sites. These results describe a novel hybrid group approach to virtual care for SUDs with outcome data not previously documented in the literature. While virtual treatment delivery can increase access, these results suggest a benefit is derived from including an in-person option. Further research is needed to identify how an in-person component may change dynamics and if it can be replicated in virtual-only models.

A Cohort Based Case Series: Learnings from an Iterative Group Therapy Model to Support Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Patients with a Terminal Diagnosis

IntroductionWhile much is known about psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals, little is known about the experience of participants in a group psilocybin therapy model.ObjectivesIn an attempt to bridge this gap in the literature, a program development and quality improvement effort was launched.MethodsThirty-one psychedelic-assisted therapy (PaT) sessions were provided for 25 participants within four iterative cohorts over the span of one year. This article reports participant feedback in an effort to inform the benefits and challenges of group-administered PaT.ResultsSix to eight once-weekly group resilience-based community of practice (CoP) sessions were combined with one psilocybin-assisted therapy session for patients experiencing distress related to a terminal health condition. The virtual hybrid group therapy model is research informed, with a curriculum that provides knowledge-based content, combined with the relational elements necessary to successfully deliver group-administered psilocybin-assisted therapy.Twenty one of the twenty five participants (84%) completed the program. Based on participant feedback, the following themes emerged: 1) Improvement of pre-treatment preparation sessions; 2) PaT Benefits: Gaining perspective, peace, non-attachment, authenticity, honesty, relational capacity; 3) The community of practice (CoP) as the primary conduit for connection and regulation 4) Population specific curriculum with a greater focus on how to navigate death, pain and loss; 5) PaT session Challenges; 6) The interpersonal and support capacity of the team as critical for the overall experience.ConclusionsWhile more research is needed, results suggest that psilocybin can be delivered safely in a group setting, and that a virtual CoP is effective across the spectrum of set, setting and integration Our findings also suggest that there is much to learn - and improve upon - in this novel area of service delivery.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Study protocol for the implementation of Centering Patients with Fibroids, a novel group education and empowerment program for patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Black women and people with uteri have utilized collectivistic and relational practices to improve health outcomes in the face of medical racism and discrimination for decades. However, there remains a need for interventions to improve outcomes of uterine fibroids, a condition that disproportionately impacts Black people with uteri. Leveraging personalized approaches alongside evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of social and peer support on health outcomes, we adapted from CenteringPregnancy, an evidence based group prenatal care intervention, for the education and empowerment of patients with uterine fibroids. The present report provides an overview of the study design and planned implementation of CPWF in cohorts at Boston Medical Center and Emory University / Grady Memorial Hospital. After receiving training from the Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI), we adapted the 10-session CenteringPregnancy curriculum to an 8-session hybrid group intervention called Centering Patients with Fibroids (CPWF). The study began in 2022 with planned recruitment of six cohorts of 10-12 participants at each institution. We will conduct a mixed methods evaluation of the program using validated survey tools and qualitative methods, including focus groups and 1:1 interviews. To date, we have successfully recruited 4 cohorts at Boston Medical Center and are actively implementing BMC Cohort 5 and the first cohort at Emory University / Grady Memorial Hospital. Evaluation of the program is forthcoming.

A simple transformer-based baseline for crowd tracking with Sequential Feature Aggregation and Hybrid Group Training

Tracking pedestrians in crowded scenes is a challenging task. Existing transformer-based tracking methods integrate detection and tracking into a unified model, which simplifies the tracking process. However, these methods also introduce complicated attention mechanisms that increase the model complexity and cost. To address this issue, we propose SOTTrack, a simple online transformer-based method for crowd tracking. Our method enhances feature learning and training strategies without sacrificing simplicity and efficiency. Specifically, we introduce the Sequential Feature Aggregation (SFA) module and the Hybrid Group Training (HGT) approach. The SFA module fuses features from sequential images to improve the temporal consistency of visual features within short time intervals. The HGT approach assigns different queries to multiple guided tasks, such as label assignment and de-noising, which are only used during training and do not incur any inference cost. We evaluate our method on the MOT17 and MOT20 datasets and demonstrate its competitive performance.

Strain-Specific Benefits of Bacillus Probiotics in Hybrid Grouper: Growth Enhancement, Metabolic Health, Immune Modulation, and Vibrio harveyi Resistance.

In the realm of modern aquaculture, the utilization of probiotics has gained prominence, primarily due to their ability to enhance growth, boost immunity, and prevent diseases in aquatic species. This study primarily investigates the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis strains, both host-derived and from other sources, in influencing fish growth, immunity, lipid metabolism, and disease resistance. Employing a 42-day feeding trial, we divided hybrid grouper into four distinct groups: a control group on a basal diet and three experimental groups supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/g of different Bacillus subtilis strains-BS, 6-3-1, and HAINUP40. Remarkably, the study demonstrated that the 6-3-1 and HAINUP40 groups exhibited significant enhancements across key growth parameters: final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency ratio (FER), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The investigation into lipid metabolism revealed that the 6-3-1 strain upregulated seven metabolism-related genes, HAINUP40 affected four metabolism-related genes, and the BS strain influenced two metabolism-related genes, indicating diverse metabolic impacts by different strains. Further, a notable reduction in liver enzymes AST and ALT was observed across all supplemented groups, implying improved liver health. Noteworthy was the BS strain's superior antioxidative capabilities, positively affecting all four measured parameters (CAT, GSH-Px, MDA). In the sphere of immune-related gene expression, the BS strain significantly decreased the expression of both inflammation and apoptosis-related genes, whereas the HAINUP40 strain demonstrated an upregulation in these genes. The challenge test results were particularly telling, showcasing improved survival rates against Vibrio harveyi infection in the BS and 6-3-1 groups, unlike the HAINUP40 group. These outcomes highlight the strain-specific nature of probiotics and their varying mechanisms of action within the host. In conclusion, this study reveals that probiotic strains, varying by source, demonstrate unique, strain-specific effects in promoting growth and modulating immunity in hybrid grouper. This research highlights the promise of tailored probiotic applications in improving aquaculture practices. Such advancements contribute to more sustainable and efficient fish farming methods.

Comparative proteome analysis revealed potential biomarkers and the underlying immune mechanisms in Vibrio-resistant hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂.

Vibrio alginolyticus is the causative agent of vibriosis, a common bacterial infection in grouper aquaculture that is associated with the development of haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic ulcerations on the fish. In the present study, comparative proteome analysis was performed on serum samples from Vibrio-resistant and Vibrio-susceptible grouper. Samples were analysed using high-throughput LC-MS/MS and identified 2770 unique peptides that corresponded to 344 proteins. Subsequent analysis identified 21 proteins that were significantly up-regulated in the resistant group compared to the control and the susceptible groups. Those proteins are associated with immunostimulatory effects, signalling and binding cascade, metabolism, and maintaining tissue integrity and physiological condition. Besides, potential protein biomarkers related to the immune system were identified, which could be associated with the disease-resistant phenotype. These data provide insights into the underlying immune mechanism of hybrid groupers upon Vibrio sp. infection.

PEMELIHARAAN LARVA HYBRID KERAPU CANTIK (Epinephelus sp) DI CV. JAYA UTAMA ABADI DESA KALIASEM, KECAMATAN BANJAR, KABUPATEN BULELENG, SINGARAJA BALI

Hatchery technology for producing grouper seeds has developed widely and massively, one of which is to produce hybrid larvae. To produce beautiful hybrid grouper larvae, there are many factors that must be considered because they greatly influence the success of larvae production, including food management, water quality management and others. The purpose of writing this Final Practical Scientific Work Report is to find out the activities for rearing beautiful hybrid grouper larvae resulting from a cross between male batik grouper and female tiger grouper. Activities include egg handling, larval rearing, feed management, water quality management, grading and harvesting. Observations were carried out at the CV hatchery unit. Jaya Utama Abadi for 3 months from 15 February to 15 May 2021. Data obtained from survey activitieswith an apprenticeship pattern, namely taking part in rearing activities for beautiful hybrid grouper larvae. Primary data is collected through interviews and direct observation in the field, while secondary data is obtained through data or activity reports and other supporting literature, then processed.and analyzed quantitatively descriptively. Observation result The fertilized hybrid eggs are then hatched in a larval rearing tank using a volume of 6 m3 water of 5 unitswith a total number of eggs spread of 50,000 eggs/tub, or a total of 250,000 eggs, it produces an average hatchability of 54.4%, until they develop into 136,000 larvae and succeed in achieving a harvest with an average size of 3 cm/head of 11,900 eggs and a level of SR 88 %.

Shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded with primer-incorporated orthodontic adhesives and unpolymerized 3-dimensional printing materials on 3-dimensional-printed crowns

The use of 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques in fabricating crowns has increased the demand for bracket bonding onto these surfaces. The objective was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded onto 3D-printed crowns using primer-incorporated orthodontic adhesives and 3D printing materials as orthodontic adhesives. A total of 160 crowns were printed with two 3D printing materials, DentaTOOTH (Asiga, Sydney, Australia) (group A) and NextDent C&B Micro Filled Hybrid (3D Systems, Soesterberg, Netherlands) (group N). Each group was randomly divided into 4 adhesive subgroups (n= 20): Transbond XT (for groups A [ATX] and N [NTX]; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), Ortho Connect (for groups A [AOC] and N [NOC]; GC Corporation., Tokyo, Japan), Orthomite LC (for groups A [AOM] and N [NOM]; Sun Medical, Co Ltd, Moriyama, Shiga, Japan), and unpolymerized liquid state of 3D printing resin (for groups A [AA] and N [NN]). SBS was measured with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The adhesive remnant index and the mode of failure were analyzed under the microscope. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of α= 0.05. When used as adhesives (AA and NN), 3D printing materials showed no statistically significant difference in SBS compared with Transbond XT (ATX and NTX, respectively). In group N, NN showed a significantly higher SBS than primer-incorporated orthodontic adhesives (NOC and NOM; P<0.001). Adhesive failures were only observed in primer-incorporated orthodontic adhesives (AOC, NOC, AOM, and NOM). Primer-incorporated orthodontic adhesives, as well as unpolymerized 3D printing materials employed as orthodontic adhesives on 3D-printed crowns, exhibited comparable bonding strength to Transbond XT without surface modification. Despite variations in adhesive-related factors, all measurements stayed within clinically acceptable ranges, highlighting the potential of these materials for orthodontic bonding on 3D-printed crowns, simplifying clinical procedures without compromising bond strength.

Acute hypoxia and reoxygenation alters glucose and lipid metabolic patterns in Hulong hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂)

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is crucial for fish's biological functions, affecting metabolism, growth, and survival. Intensive aquaculture and live fish transportation, prevalent in the growing live fish market, often expose Hulong hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) to acute hypoxic stress. This study explores the impact of acute hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation on these groupers, focusing on their metabolic response and the underlying mechanisms in different tissues. By inducing acute hypoxic stress until mobility loss and then allowing recovery to normal DO levels, we comprehensively assessed glycolipid metabolism using RNA-seq to map regulatory networks in stress and recovery phases. This revealed significant transcriptional regulation related to hypoxic stress and glycolipid metabolism, with pathways like Insulin, HIF-1, FoxO, and cAMP playing key roles. Gill and brain tissues showed rapid changes, with significant upregulation in genes like irs, pi3k, hif-1α, and hk, whereas the liver had a more subdued response, upregulating genes linked to glycolipid metabolism like gdpd5 and amy1. During reoxygenation, lipid metabolism genes were downregulated in gills and brain, while the liver showed enhanced lipid oxidation, upregulating genes like apoa1 and fabp3, suggesting a metabolic shift from anaerobic to aerobic processes. These findings illuminate the molecular mechanisms of grouper adaptation to DO fluctuations, offering insights to mitigate acute hypoxia damage in aquaculture.

Niche and phenotypic differentiation in fern hybrid speciation, a case study of Pteris fauriei (Pteridaceae).

Niche differentiation is a critical issue in speciation. Although it has a well-known role in adaptive processes of hybrid angiosperms, it is less understood in hybrid ferns. Here we investigate whether an intermediate ecological niche of a fern hybrid is a novel adaptation that provides insights into fern hybrid speciation. Pteris fauriei (Pteridaceae) is a natural hybrid fern, occurring environments between its parent species. The maternal P. minor is found in sunny areas, but the habitat of the paternal P. latipinna is shady. We combined data from morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthetic traits to explore adaptation and differentiation, along with measuring the environmental features of their niches. We also performed experiments in a common garden to understand ecological plasticity. The hybrid P. fauriei is intermediate between the parent species in stomatal density, leaf anatomical features, and photosynthetic characteristics in both natural habitats and a common garden. Interestingly, the maternal P. minor showed significant environmental plasticity and was more similar to the hybrid P. fauriei in the common garden, suggesting that the maternal species experiences stress in its natural habitats but thrives in the environments similar to the hybrid's. Based on the similar niche preferences of the hybrid and parents, we propose hybrid superiority. Our results indicate that the hybrid P. fauriei exhibits greater fitness and can compete with and occupy the initial niches of the maternal P. minor. Consequently, we suggest that the maternal P. minor has experienced a niche shift, elucidating the pattern of niche differentiation in this hybrid group. These findings offer a potential explanation for the frequent occurrence of hybridization in ferns and provide novel insights into fern hybrid speciation, enhancing our understanding of fern diversity.

Distinct functional neutrophil phenotypes in sepsis patients correlate with disease severity.

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous syndrome with distinct phenotypes that impact immune function and response to infection. To develop targeted therapeutics, immunophenotyping is needed to identify distinct functional phenotypes of immune cells. In this study, we utilized our Organ-on-Chip assay to categorize sepsis patients into distinct phenotypes using patient data, neutrophil functional analysis, and proteomics. Following informed consent, neutrophils and plasma were isolated from sepsis patients in the Temple University Hospital ICU (n=45) and healthy control donors (n=7). Human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) were cultured in the Organ-on-Chip and treated with buffer or cytomix ((TNF/IL-1β/IFNγ). Neutrophil adhesion and migration across HLMVEC in the Organ-on-Chip were used to categorize functional neutrophil phenotypes. Quantitative label-free global proteomics was performed on neutrophils to identify differentially expressed proteins. Plasma levels of sepsis biomarkers and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were determined by ELISA. We identified three functional phenotypes in critically ill ICU sepsis patients based on ex vivo neutrophil adhesion and migration patterns. The phenotypes were classified as: Hyperimmune characterized by enhanced neutrophil adhesion and migration, Hypoimmune that was unresponsive to stimulation, and Hybrid with increased adhesion but blunted migration. These functional phenotypes were associated with distinct proteomic signatures and differentiated sepsis patients by important clinical parameters related to disease severity. The Hyperimmune group demonstrated higher oxygen requirements, increased mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU length of stay compared to the Hypoimmune and Hybrid groups. Patients with the Hyperimmune neutrophil phenotype had significantly increased circulating neutrophils and elevated plasma levels NETs. Neutrophils and NETs play a critical role in vascular barrier dysfunction in sepsis and elevated NETs may be a key biomarker identifying the Hyperimmune group. Our results establish significant associations between specific neutrophil functional phenotypes and disease severity and identify important functional parameters in sepsis pathophysiology that may provide a new approach to classify sepsis patients for specific therapeutic interventions.

Strain-Specific Benefits of Bacillus on Growth, Intestinal Health, Immune Modulation, and Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress Resilience in Hybrid Grouper.

In the dynamic field of intensive aquaculture, the strategic application of probiotics has become increasingly crucial, particularly for enhancing resistance to environmental stressors such as ammonia-nitrogen. Over a 42-day period, this study investigated the effects of different probiotic strains-Bacillus subtilis (BS, 6-3-1, and HAINUP40)-on the health and resilience of hybrid groupers. Each strain, distinct in its origin, was assessed for its influence on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune gene expressions, and ammonia-nitrogen stress response in the hybrid grouper. The experimental design included a control group and three experimental groups, each supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/g of the respective probiotic strains, respectively. Our results demonstrated notable differences in growth parameters, including final body weight (FBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The 6-3-1 strain, originating from grouper, exhibited significant improvements in growth, oxidative capacity, and intestinal health. Conversely, the BS strain achieved the highest survival rates under ammonia-nitrogen stress, indicating its superior ability to regulate inflammatory responses despite its less pronounced growth-promoting effects. The HAINUP40 strain was distinguished for its growth enhancement and improvements in intestinal health, though it also showed significant activation of inflammatory genes and decreased resistance to ammonia-nitrogen stress after extended feeding. The uniqueness of this study lies in its detailed examination of the strain-specific effects of probiotics on fish in the context of ammonia-nitrogen stress, a significant challenge in contemporary aquaculture. The research revealed that host-derived probiotics, particularly the 6-3-1 strain, provided more comprehensive benefits for growth performance and stress resilience. In contrast, the BS and HAINUP40 strains exhibited varying efficiencies, with BS excelling in stress resistance and HAINUP40 promoting growth and gut health. In conclusion, this study underscores the complex roles of different probiotic strains in aquaculture, contributing to the understanding of probiotic applications and presenting new approaches to address the challenges of intensive farming.

DIA-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals MYOZ2 as a Key Protein Affecting Muscle Growth and Development in Hybrid Sheep.

Hybridization of livestock can be used to improve varieties, and different hybrid combinations produce unique breeding effects. In this study, male Southdown and Suffolk sheep were selected to hybridize with female Hu sheep to explore the effects of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of offspring. Using data-independent acquisition technology, we identified 119, 187, and 26 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between Hu × Hu (HH) versus Southdown × Hu (NH), HH versus Suffolk × Hu (SH), and NH versus SH crosses. Two DAPs, MYOZ2 and MYOM3, were common to the three hybrid groups and were mainly enriched in muscle growth and development-related pathways. At the myoblast proliferation stage, MYOZ2 expression decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. At the myoblast differentiation stage, MYOZ2 expression promoted myoblast fusion and enhanced the level of cell fusion. These findings provide new insights into the key proteins and metabolic pathways involved in the effect of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of hybrid offspring in sheep.

An In Vitro Investigation of the Role of Implant Abutment Materials on the Fracture Resistance and Failure Mode of Implant-Supported Restorations.

Implant-supported restorations have gained popularity in modern dentistry, and the choice of abutment material is crucial for their long-term success. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure mode of implant-supported restorations using different abutment materials. Ninety standardized implant-supported restorations were included in the study. Abutments made of titanium, zirconia, and a hybrid material (titanium base with a zirconia veneer) were evaluated. Standardized abutments were fabricated, and screw-retained restorations were fabricated using a resin-based composite material. Cyclic loading was applied using a universal testing machine to simulate masticatory forces. Fracture resistance was measured in terms of the number of cycles to failure (NCF), and failure modes were analyzed. The findings indicate that zirconia abutments exhibited higher fracture resistance compared to titanium and hybrid abutments. Longer implants demonstrated higher fracture resistance, suggesting improved stability and resistance to mechanical forces. Increased loading angles resulted in decreased fracture resistance of implant-supported restorations, emphasizing the need for proper occlusal adjustment. Central loading showed higher fracture resistance than lateral and posterior loading locations. The distribution of failure modes varied among the abutment materials, with bulk prosthesis fracture being the most common in the titanium group, while abutment fracture was predominant in the zirconia and hybrid groups. This in vitro study demonstrated that the choice of abutment material significantly influenced the fracture resistance and failure mode of implant-supported restorations. Zirconia abutments exhibited the highest fracture resistance, followed by hybrid and titanium abutments. The failure mode analysis revealed different patterns of failure for each abutment material.

Effects of Dietary Aflatoxin B1 on Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) Growth, Intestinal Health, and Muscle Quality.

This study investigated the effects of varying doses of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the growth, intestinal health, and muscle quality of hybrid grouper. Four diets with varying AFB1 concentrations (0, 30, 445, and 2,230 μg kg-1) were used. Elevating AFB1 concentrations led to a decline in growth indexes, specifically the weight gain rate and the specific growth rate, although the survival rate remained unchanged. Morphological indicators showed a dose-dependent decline with AFB1 exposure. Intestinal MDA content and hindgut reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased, while antioxidant indexes and digestive enzymes decreased with higher AFB1 levels. AFB1 negatively influenced hindgut tight junction protein and antioxidant-related gene expression while promoting inflammation-related gene expression. The presence of AFB1 in the experiment led to a decrease in beneficial intestinal bacteria, such as Prevotella, and an increase in harmful intestinal bacteria, such as Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. Muscle lipid and unsaturated fatty acid content significantly decreased, while muscle protein and liver AFB1 content increased dramatically with higher AFB1 concentrations. AFB1 caused myofibrillar cleavage and myofilament damage, leading to increased spaces between muscle fibers. In conclusion, diets with AFB1 levels exceeding 30 μg kg-1 inhibited hybrid grouper growth, while levels surpassing 445 μg kg-1 resulted in hindgut ROS accumulation, inflammation, elevated intestinal permeability, reduced digestive enzyme activity, and compromised muscle quality.

Combined effects of hypoxia and ammonia-N exposure on the oxygen consumption, glucose metabolism and amino acid metabolism in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂).

This study evaluated the influence of hypoxia and ammonia-N co-exposure on oxygen consumption, glucose metabolism and amino acid metabolism in hybrid grouper. The results showed that elevated expression of GLUT1, MCT1, PFK, HK and LDH were induced by co-exposure to hypoxia and ammonia. In addition, co-exposure to hypoxia and ammonia reduced the tolerance of hybrid grouper to ammonia-N. Furthermore, ammonia-N exposure caused an increase in oxygen consumption in hybrid grouper. After ammonia-N exposure for 96h, 10 amino acids contents and activities of AST and ALT elevated in hybrid grouper muscle. The study revealed that combined exposure to hypoxia and ammonia-N significantly increased glucose metabolism, oxygen consumption and amino acid metabolism in hybrid grouper, and presented significant synergistic effects.