Group S1 Research Articles

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 < 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 < 0.05). GSK-3 phosphorylation level was significantly higher in Spost, S1, S10, S20, and S30 groups than in I/R group (p < 0.05). Expression of p-GSK-3β in S30 group decreased, relative to that in Spost group (p < 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.

Influence of Different Sevoflurane Concentrations on Postoperative Cognitive Function in Aged Rats.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction may be associated with neuroinflammation, and sevoflurane suppresses surgery-induced inflammation. We hypothesized that low concentrations of sevoflurane would result in more impaired postoperative cognitive function compared to high concentrations. Aged male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 21, 17-22 months) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (C), sevoflurane 2% (S2), and sevoflurane 4% (S4). Rats in the S2 and S4 groups underwent open femoral fracture and intramedullary fixation of the left hind limb under 2 hours of sevoflurane anesthesia. Neurological outcomes were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and histopathological outcomes were assessed 28 days after surgery. The S2 group showed prolonged swimming latency compared to S4 on day 7 (difference of means, 34.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.57-66.3; P = .031) and compared to the C group on day 9 (difference of means, -33.4; 95% CI, -65.3 to -1.55; P = .037). The intact CA1 cells in the S2 group were significantly less than those in the C and S4 groups (H statistic, 10.87; P = .006 versus C; P = .033 versus S4). We found that low concentrations of sevoflurane prolonged the swimming latency of the MWM compared to high concentrations and reduced intact CA1 hippocampal neurons in aged rats. These results suggest that low-concentration sevoflurane anesthesia may be more detrimental than high concentration for spatial cognitive function and postoperative impairment of hippocampal CA1 cells in aged rats.

Effect of straw particle size in high grain complete pelleted diet on growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood and carcass indices of fattening male goats

The study aimed to elucidate the effects of straw particle size of complete pelleted diet (CPD) on feed intake, growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, selected blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and carcass attributes of fattening male goats. Sixteen male Beetal goats, averaging 27.0 ± 2.84 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 male goats /treatment); 1) S4 (CPD having oat straw ground at 4 mm); 2) S8 (CPD having oat straw ground at 8 mm). The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric with forage to concentrate ratio of 15:85, and were designed to achieve low NDF contents of 20% by adding 63% corn grains. The experiment lasted for 16 weeks; 2 weeks of receiving and diet adaptability period, 13 weeks of data collection, and last one week for nutrient digestibility. Animals were housed individually and fed the corresponding diet and water ad libitum. Feeding behavior was recorded on day 30, 60, and 90 of the study. Blood samples were collected weekly, whereas, rumen samples were collected on a bi-weekly basis. Total tract nutrient digestibility was performed at the end of the experiment. All goats were slaughtered to determine changes in the carcass attributes. Results revealed that DMI and ADG were higher (P < 0.0001) in the S8 group compared with the S4 group. The feed-to-gain ratio (F: G), however, was lower (P = 0.047) in the S8 group compared with that of the S4 group. Ruminal pH was higher (P < 0.0001) in S8 than S4 only at the beginning of the trial, with no later differences (P > 0.05). There was a significant treatment × week interaction (P < 0.05) for rumen pH during weeks 2 and 4 which remained below 6.0 in the S4 compared with the S8. The odds for diarrhea were 5 times lower in the S8 compared to the S4 male goats. Animals fed on CPD with the straw ground at 8 mm had higher (P ≤ 0.05) rumination time, DMI intake, NDF intake, and drinking time than those fed on CPD with the straw ground at 4 mm. Furthermore, the dressing percentage and marbling score was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the S8 compared with the S4. The findings of this study suggested that the use of oat straw ground at 8 mm in a complete pelleted diet improved growth performance and carcass yield by improving the feeding behavior and stabilizing the rumen environment.

Effects of atorvastatin in suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of atorvastatin calcium on pulmonary vascular remodeling, the authors explored the regulatory mechanism of Histone Deacetylation Enzyme-2 (HDAC2) in rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and provided a new direction for drug treatment in the progression of vascular remodeling. MethodsEighteen female SD rats were randomly divided into control (Group S1), COPD (Group S2), and atorvastatin calcium + COPD (Group S3) groups. A COPD rat model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal injection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Victoria Blue + Van Gibson staining were used to observe pathological changes in the lung tissue. The pulmonary vascular inflammation score was calculated, and the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling was evaluated. The ratio of Muscular Arteries in lung tissue (MA%), the ratio of the vessel Wall Area to the vessel total area (WA%), and the ratio of the vessel Wall Thickness to the vascular outer diameter (WT%) were measured using imaging software. The expression of HDAC2 was measured using western blotting, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and qPCR (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the control group, the degree of pulmonary vascular inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling increased in rats with COPD. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores increased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissue decreased, and the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the lung tissues increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the COPD group, the lung tissues from rats in the atorvastatin group had fewer inflammatory cells, and the vascular pathological changes were significantly relieved. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores decreased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissues increased, and the level of VEGF in the lung tissues decreased (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe present study revealed that atorvastatin calcium could regulate the contents and expression of HDAC2 in serum and lung tissues and inhibit the production of VEGF, thereby regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model with COPD.

Effect of nonthermal atmospheric plasma on bond strength of composite resin using total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on the bond strength of composite resin following plasma application at different steps of dentin bonding in total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems. Ninety extracted third molars were taken, and the occlusal surfaces were removed until the exposure of the dentin. Samples were distributed into two main groups: Group T: total-etch adhesive system and Group S: self-etch adhesive system. Groups are further subdivided (n = 10) based on plasma application at different steps of dentin bonding. T1: surface etching with 37% phosphoric acid and bonding agent application. T2: plasma application and bonding agent application. T3: plasma application, etching, and bonding agent application. T4: etching, plasma application, and bonding agent application. T5: etching, plasma application, bonding agent application, and again plasma application. S1: self-etch bonding agent application. S2: plasma application and bonding agent application. S3: Bonding agent application and plasma application. S4: plasma application, bonding agent application, and again plasma application. For all the samples, composite resin buildup was done, and shear bond strength (SBS) was measured. The contact angle was measured at different steps of dental adhesive systems. Two-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey's test were used for analysis, regarding P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Among all groups of total-etch and self-etch adhesives, Group T4 (48.81 Mpa) and Group S2 (36.59 Mpa), respectively, have demonstrated significantly greater bond strength values than the corresponding control groups. NTAP enhanced the composite resin's SBS when plasma treatment was done before bonding agent application and significantly reduced the contact angles of the distilled water.

Comparative Study of Total Intravenous Anaesthesia Using Propofol with or without Sufentanil in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies

Background: Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a ideal substitute to inhalation anaesthesia because ofhemodynamic complications. TIVA with suitable combination of anaesthetic drugs will have good post-operativeresults.Method: 60 patients aged between 18 to 65 years undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies were studied. Sixtypatients classified in three groups, 20 patients in each group. GroupsS1 and S2 received propofol with sufentaniladded at 1μgml and 2 μg ml concentration respectively while group P received propofol without sufentanil.Additional sufentanil boluses (10 μg) were when there is an increase in the hemodynamic parameters, recoverytimes, and post-operation analgesia g were compared in all three groups of patients.Results: Hemodynamic parameters (HR, SBP, DBP) were not significantly different in all three groups. Fewer S2patients required additional sufentanil boluses to maintain proper hemodynamic status. S2 group had better postoperativeanalgesia (p&lt;0.001) but prolonged recovery time as compared to other two groups.Conclusion: Sufentanil mixed with propofol provides better hemodynamic stability in laparoscopiccholecystectomies where more chances of pneumothoraxdue to fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters whichmay lead to morbidity and mortality.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Action Mechanism of Leather Industrial Sludge Aggregate Baking-Free Bricks

Taking an industrial sludge and its preparation of sludge wrap shell aggregates (WSAs) instead of sand to prepare baking-free brick as the research object, the development law of mechanical properties and the influence mechanism of macro and micro characteristic parameters of the bricks under different sludge and WSAs replacement rates were studied through the macroscopic mechanical properties test, with the help of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy-energy spectrum and other testing technology and pores and cracks analysis system (PCAS) software. The results showed that the compressive strength of each sample decreased with the increase of sludge content. When the sludge content was less than 30%, it was mainly affected by the water-binder ratio. When the sludge content was more than 30%, it was mainly affected by the sludge content. At the age of 7 days, with the increase in replacement rate of WSAs, the compressive strength of the S10 and S30 groups was higher than that of the control group. The compressive strength of the S50 experimental group was 30.38 MPa, and the loss of compressive strength was slight compared with the control group. The water absorption rate of the 28 days S100 experimental group increased by 10.71% compared with the control group. When the content of WSAs was less than 50%, the holes above 0.1 μm in the brick can be reduced and transformed into smaller holes, with a decreasing trend of the plane porosity of the brick. The microscopic results of the baking-free brick showed that the three-phase system of WSAs-interface transition area-mortar was poorly bonded and delaminated compared with the gravel aggregate-interface transition area-mortar system, and damage was more likely to occur in the WSAs and interface transition area. The above results show that it is feasible to use sludge and WSAs instead of sand for the preparation of baking-free bricks. This technology not only solves the problem of sludge disposal, but also protects the over-exploitation of mineral resources, and the technology has a broad application prospect and market value.

Comparative study of different combinations of mirabegron and antimuscarinics in treatment for overactive bladder syndrome in elderly patients.

To compare the therapeutic efficacy, adverse events (AEs), and patient preference in elderly patients with overactive bladder (OAB) receiving different combinations of mirabegron and solifenacin. Elderly OAB patients received mirabegron 25 mg (M25) daily for 1 month (1M) followed by randomization to receive M25 (Group 1), mirabegron 50 mg (M50, Group 2), solifenacin 5 mg (S5, group 3); or M25 plus S5 (Group 4) for further 2 months. Efficacy and AEs were evaluated. At the end of 3M, patients' preferred option for future treatment was investigated. A total of 168 patients were enrolled, and 100 completed 3-month treatment. At 1M, all parameters improved significantly except postvoid residual (PVR), 23 (13.7%) patients had no symptom, 16 (9.5%) had no improvement, and 10 (6.0%) withdrew from the trial. Compared parameters at 3M with 1M revealed that quality of life, Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition scores, and voided volume improved significantly in group 1; the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS) increased in group 2; mean PVR and Global Response Assessment (GRA) deteriorated in group 3; and the OABSS and GRA improved in group 4. At 3M, the AEs prevalence increased significantly in group 3. Only 38.1% in group 4 preferred long-term usage of combination therapy. M25 daily is effective and safe in treating elderly OAB patients. Dose escalation to 50 mg or shifting to S5 does not increase the therapeutic efficacy. Combining M25 with S5 provides better treatment efficacy but is associated with lower patient compliance than M25 alone.

Effects of preoperative nasal spray esketamine on separation anxiety and emergence agitation in pediatric strabismus surgery: A randomized clinical trial

To investigate the effects of preoperative nasal spray esketamine on separation anxiety and postoperative emergence agitation in pediatric strabismus surgery. Ninety children aged 3 to 6 years who underwent elective strabismus surgery were randomly divided into 3 groups that received 0.5 mg/kg (group S1), 1 mg/kg of esketamine (group S2), and the same volume of normal saline (group C) by nasal spray 10 minutes before surgery. The observation indicators of this test include the Ramsay sedation score, separation anxiety score, mask induction score, and the incidences of postoperative emergence agitation. Patient's heart rate, blood oxygen, post anesthesia care unit stay time, and any adverse events were recorded. The Ramsay sedation score was significantly lower in group C than those in groups S1 and S2 (P < .001). The separation anxiety scores and the mask induction scores were significantly higher in group C than those in groups S1 and S2 (P < .001). The incidences of emergence agitation in groups S1 and S2 were significantly lower than that in C group (P < .001). No obvious clinical complication was observed. Preoperative nasal spray esketamine reduced the preoperative separation anxiety and decrease emergence agitation in pediatric strabismus surgery.

Effect of introducing Lamarine Saldonum into the diets of cows during dry period and period of lactation on their productivity and reproductive ability

The article presents the data on the effect of the Lamarin Saldonum additive on reproductive function and milk productivity of cows when used in different periods: 30 days and 60 days before calving (groups S1 and S2), beginning from the day of calving (group S3) compared with the control (group C4). Highly productive black and white Holstein breed cows were used in the experiment. The additive was fed at a dose of 0.4 g per 1 kg of live weight during 60 days. It was found that S2 group had significantly shorter duration of pregnancy than S1 and C4 groups by 6.2 and 8.2 days, respectively, remaining within the limits of the physiological norm. The shortest indifference-period compared to C4 was observed in groups S1 and S3, the significant difference being 15.25 % and 18.39 %, respectively. The least number of days from calving to fruitful insemination was recorded in group S1, compared to control the statistically significant differences were 37.16 %, compared to groups S2 and S3 – 28.82 % and 27.67 %, which reliably reduced the period of infertility by 57.33 % relative to the values of group C4, as well by 47.90 % and 46.49 % relative to the indicators of groups S2 and S3. The highest average daily milk yields were recorded in group S1: in the first month of lactation, the difference with groups S2, S3 and C4 was 5.74 %, 14.01 % and 17.06 % (psecond (at p0.05), 14.53 %, 16.52 %, 15.19 %, in the third 9.57 % (p0.05), 13.06 %, 10.94 % (p0.05), in the first 100 days of lactation 11.90 %, 16.86 % (p0.05) and 13.28 % (p0.01), respectively. Thus, the most optimal scheme of application of Lamarin Saldonum for stimulation of reproductive function and milk productivity of cows is 30 days before the expected calving.

Morphological and biochemical studies of Salvia guaranitica St. Hil. under simulated deposition with different amounts of dust

The collection of many environmental pollutants from road dust is harmful to living things and their surroundings. Previous studies have confirmed that road dust affects plant pigmentation, pollination, and biochemical properties. However, there are no comprehensive studies on multi-level dust pollution levels and multifaceted physiological properties of plants, and more importantly, there are no studies on atmospheric dust pollution monitors. In this experiment, the effect of road dust on the morphology and biochemistry of Salvia guaranitica St.Hil.was investigated by simulated deposition of different amounts of dust, and the changes of their physiological morphology under different pollution levels were also explored. A control group CK (0.00 g/plant), four experimental groups S1 (0.015 g/plant), S2 (0.030 g/plant), S3 (0.045 g/plant) and S4 (0.060 g/plant) were sprayed with the same dust samples every other day for 30 days. It was found that after 30 days of dust exposure, different degrees of morphological changes and damage occurred in Salvia. The different pollution levels also resulted in different degrees of biochemical characteristics of Salvia. With the increase of pollution, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic and evaporation rates decreased significantly, but the activity of SOD and the content of MDA increased significantly in different experimental groups. Especially, the experiments also revealed that severe road dust pollution caused damage and deformation to stomata, as well as a significant reduction in stomatal and glandular density. In addition, the regression curves of the different physiological responses of Salvia to road dust can be used as a preliminary basis for plant monitoring of dust pollution degrees, thus provided a scientific basis for the use of plant biomonitors in the field of pollution biology.

Effects of different phosphate content on the quality of wheat bran chicken sausage

Introduction. The addition of phosphates improves the emulsifying and gelling properties of meat proteins as well as overall product quality. The effect of phosphate addition on the properties of low-fat chicken sausages containing wheat bran was studied in this article. Materials and methods. Cooking loss, emulsification stability, water distribution, texture and sensory characteristics of wheat bran chicken sausage added with different amounts of complex phosphate were determined. Results and discussion. The positive influence of phosphate addition on technological and textual properties of meat products is known, however taking into account consumer’s acceptability, determination of phosphate content in sausages ensuring their high quality but not but not exceeding this value is needed. Low–fat chicken sausages with increased dietary fiber content due to inclusion in the sausage formulation of wheat bran were used as the object of the study. Comparative characteristics of wheat bran chicken sausage added with different amounts of complex phosphate, namely, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g to 400 g of ground chicken meat were determined. It was shown that the minimum cooking water and fat losses were observed when addition of 1.5 g of complex phosphate was used. Thus, addition of 1.5 g of complex phosphate to 400 g of ground chicken meat ensured better retaining of water and fat, lowest cooking loss and highest emulsifying stability than in cases when 1.0 or 2.0 g of complex phosphate were added. At the same time, the results showed that the sausage containing 1.5 g phosphate per 400 g of ground chicken had the highest hardness, elasticity and chewiness, and the highest overall acceptability score of sensory evaluation, but the difference was not significant (P&gt;0.05). Addition of 1.5 g phosphate per 400 g of ground chicken reduced the fluidity of free water in the sausage, and thus enhanced the water-retaining ability of chicken sausage. In addition, the results of the pseudo-color map showed that the semi-bound water of the S2 and S3 treatment groups increased significantly. Conclusions. Addition of complex phosphate, 0.2 %, in formulation of low-fat wheat bran chicken sausages decreases cooking, moisture and fat losses, and improves the texture and sensory properties of the final product.

Analysis of Macrophage Chemotactic Activity and TLR9 Signaling Pathway in the Mouse Model of Viral Acute Lung Injury.

This study focused on the chemotactic activity of macrophages and the role of the TLR9 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of viral Acute Lung Injury (ALI). For this purpose, a total of 40 male SPF mice were used, aged 5-8 weeks. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was further divided into S1 and S2, and the control group was further divided into D1 and D2, with 10 in each. The different groups were detected for the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the expression of alveolar macrophages. Results showed that as for the weight, survival status, arterial blood gas analysis, lung index and wet-to-dry value of lung tissue, and lung histopathological analysis results, the S2 group showed more obvious changes versus the D2 group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). S2 had higher levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and the chemokine CCL3 in the BALF supernatant versus the D2 Group, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). S2 had higher expression levels of chemokines CCR5, TLR9, and JMJD1A mRNA versus the D2 group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, the establishment of a mouse ALI model induced by poly l:C was successful; AM has a certain chemotactic activity on CCL3; polyI:C can promote the expression activity and chemotactic activity of macrophages CCR5 through signal pathways, such as TLR9.

Designing of novel chimeric PvpA-pMGA protein of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, applicable for indirect ELISA

BackgroundMycoplasma gallisepticum is the primary agent of chronic respiratory disease in chickens creating important economic losses in poultry industry. pMGA and pvpA genes encode major surface proteins in M. gallisepticum containing pathogenic, antigenic, and immune evasion characteristics. The objective of the present study was to design, express, and purify the recombinant chimeric PvpA-pMGA protein from M.gallisepticum for using in serological diagnostic test. MethodsAntigenic regions of PvpA and pMGA proteins were predicted for designing chimeric pvpA-pMGA gene construct. The codon optimized sequence was cloned into the expression vector pET32a+ and transformed into the Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The pET32a-PvpA-pMGA recombinant plasmid was expressed and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. PvpA-pMGA recombinant protein (20μg and 50μg), ts-11 vaccine strain, and S6 strain that formulated by montanide adjuvant and two control groups (PBS and adjuvant) were injected subcutaneously to six groups of chickens. ResultsHigh yield of protein was purified amount 138 mg/L by affinity batch formation method. Indirect ELISA showed the levels of antibodies in rPvpA-pMGA was significantly higher than ts-11 and S6 groups (p<0.05). The results indicated that antigen-specific response was successfully elicited by the rpMGA-PvpA in chickens. The result of the ELISA with sera collected from ts-11 and S6 groups showed that indirect PvpA-pMGA-ELISA is appropriate candidate for detection of specific antibodies against M. gallisepticum with 100% sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionsThe rPvpA-pMGA is a highly candidate immunogenic protein which induced high amount of humoral immune response. Novel rPvpA-pMGA protein could be useful for evaluation of antibody level in vaccinated poultry flocks. Highlights•This is first study to present chimeric protein rPvpA-pMGA as a candidate antigen in ELISA.•High-yield 138 mg/L purification of recombinant protein.•rPvpA-pMGA is a reliable immunogenic protein which induced high amount of humoral immune response.•rPvpA-pMGA showed high performance for evaluation of antibody level in vaccinated poultry flocks.

Crashworthiness of embedded composite structures coupling carbon fiber reinforced plastic tubes and aluminum honeycombs

The crashworthiness of embedded composite structures that couple carbon fiber reinforced plastic tubes and aluminum honeycomb (CFRP-AH) was assessed through quasi-static compression tests and finite element simulation. Experimental results show that CFRP tubes tilt, when the AH fits with the CFRP tubes is not tight enough. With an increasing number of embedded CFRP tubes, the CFRP-AH composite structures are found to have a larger mean crush force (MCF) and specific energy absorption (SEA). Among the four experimental groups, CFRP-AH composite structures in Group S3, which used a larger size of CFRP tube, are found to have significantly improved energy-absorbing performance, and SEA of S3-t25 is improved by 576% compared with that of the pure AH S3-t0 without tubes. The S2 group’s CFRP tube is tilted, which used a smaller size, and the structure is improved to obtain the NS2 structure, so that only tearing deformation occurs in the AH-CFRP structure’s CFRP tube. The SEA of NS2-t25 was improved by 29.70% over S2-t25 and 22.83% over S3-t25, which has the best energy absorption characteristics among the filled tube structures.

Effects of temperature manipulation on gamete development and reproductive activity in the farmed catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri

Temperature is a critical factor for fish management, especially during breeding season. This study evaluated gametogenesis and gonadal maturation in the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri under farming conditions in two temperatures. The fish were divided in the following experimental groups: (S0) control group, before starting the experiment, (S1) 30 days at 23 °C, (S2) 70 days at 23 °C, (S3) 30 days at 27 °C, and (S4) 70 days at 27 °C. Gonad, liver, and blood samples were obtained to analyze reproductive and health parameters. In females, increased gonadosomatic index (GSI) was associated with a decreased proportion of perinucleolar follicles and increased diameter of vitellogenic follicles in S4. Postovulatory follicles were found only in fish kept at 27 °C, whereas atretic follicles were more frequent at 23 °C. In S4, females had higher hepatic levels of vitellogenin and lower levels of zona radiata proteins. In males, a lower proportion of spermatogonia was found at 27 °C (S4), whereas GSI and proportions of spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa were similar among the groups. Levels of cortisol were higher in females of group S3. Plasma 17β-estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were significantly higher in S4. Hematocrit, erythrocytes, and glucose were higher at 27 °C. Together, the present study indicate that exposure of L. alexandri to 27 °C provides suitable conditions for germ cell development and gonadal maturation in captivity, promotes increase of sex steroids, follicular growth, and oocyte maturation, with onset of ovulation occurring at 30 days. At 23 °C, spermatogonia proliferation is favored in males, but it cannot be recommended for stimulating female maturation of L. alexandri in fish farming.

Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Traits of Autochthonous Arouquesa Weaners Raised on Traditional and Improved Feeding Systems.

Simple SummaryAnimal production in mountain regions is changing and improvements to maintain autochthonous breeds and traditions should be defined. One of the strategies to add value and improve productivity is to produce meat with a PDO (protected denomination of origin) label. One example in Portugal is the Arouquesa PDO beef. This work aimed to compare different production systems and understand if they affect growth performance, carcass, and meat parameters for the Arouquesa PDO beef. Systems using supplementation had better results regarding live weight and average daily gain. The finishing period increased subcutaneous fat. The meat quality parameters differ in the improved production system with early weaning leading to lesser exudative and cooking losses. In conclusion, the traditional systems improved with practices, such as supplementation, can in turn improve meat production without affecting beef quality or PDO certification. This study demonstrates that improved production systems can advance the Arouquesa autochthonous breed production, while in turn maintaining the valued characteristics of a PDO product.Arouquesa is an autochthonous bovine breed known for its Arouquesa PDO beef labeling. There are several production systems under the definition of PDO labeling. This study aimed to compare the effect of different production systems on carcass and meat traits for the Arouquesa breed. Two trials differing in diet and weaning age were conducted. The first trial included a TF group fed the traditional way and weaned at 9 months; a TF + S1 group, equal to TF, but with a starter supplement; and finally, a S1 + S2 group that was fed with a starter and a growth supplement and weaned at 5 months. The second trial was composed of a TF + S3 group fed like the TF + S1 group but reared until 12 months with a finishing supplement, and finally, the S3 group fed like the S1 + S2 group but reared until 12 months. In the first trial, the TF + S1 and S1 + S2 groups showed higher final live weight and average daily gain. In the second trial, we observed differences in the subcutaneous fat that was higher in the S3 group. Regarding meat traits, we observed differences in exudative and cooking losses in the first trial. In general, supplementation improved meat production without affecting meat quality parameters.

Screening of new Paenibacillus polymyxa S3 and its disease resistance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus).

A new strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa S3 with antagonistic effects on 11 major fish pathogens (especially Aeromonas hydrophila), but had no toxicity to grass carp, was screened from the sediment of fishponds. In vivo colonization studies showed that strain S3 could be colonized and distributed in the gill and abdomen of the grass carp. Bioassay results showed that the weight growth rate of grass carp in the strain S3 oral group (16.01%) and strain S3 immersion group (16.44%) was significantly higher than those of the control group (8.61%). At the same time, the activities of ACP, AKP, CAT and GSH-Px in the serum of grass carp in oral and immersion groups were significantly higher than those of the control group. In addition, the treatment with strain S3 could significantly upregulate the expression of the antioxidant-related genes and immune-related genes Keap1, Nrf2, C3, LZM, IgM, TLR-4 and MyD-88 in grass carp tissues. The challenge test showed that strain S3 treatment significantly increased the survival rate of grass carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that strain S3 had 16 active metabolite gene clusters, indicating that it had abundant gene resources, which provided important support for its development for fish microecological preparations. In summary, a new strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa S3 with antibacterial activity against a variety of fish pathogens was screened in this study and its probiotic function was evaluated, proving its potential value in fisheries.