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In the present study, a potential Lactobacilli probiotics were isolated from Japanese eels ( Anguilla japonica) and characterized and evaluated for their possible use in eel farming. Sixteen Lactobacilli were isolated from intestines of Japanese eels, using selective media. The lactobacilli strains (represented as PL1 to PL16) were screened by their ability to produce digestive enzyme. Among these, three strains ( PL11, PL13 and PL16) producing four digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, protease and phytase) simultaneously were characterized further using API ZYM kit. From these, PL11 ( Lactobacillu ( L.) pentosus) was identified as potential probiotics candidate producing 15 enzymes among 20 tested. Further examination of biological activities of PL11 revealed tolerance against pH, artificial bile juice and antibacterial activity against several fish pathogenic bacteria. The in vitro competitive exclusion assay also revealed 88.4% reduction in adhesion of fish pathogen ( Edwardsiella tarda) by PL11 to host intestinal mucus. In vitro incubation of Japanese eel foregut with Baclight-labelled PL11 showed colonization of the enterocyte surface by confocal and scanning electron microscopy. In summary, PL11 isolated from eels could serve as a potential probiotics with acid and bile tolerance, production of digestive enzymes, antibacterial activity and inhibition of fish pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There were two main types of philosophy and psychology of religion in Russia in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries: the fi rst developed in theological academies, while the second — in universities. In this article we explore the latter tradition, addressing the ideas represented in works of Troitsky (1835–1899), Grot (1852–1899) and Astaf†ev (1846–1893). These prominent Russian philosophers worked in Moscow University and were members of Moscow Psychological Society, their works played an important role in the development of philosophy, as well as psychology, which was still at the early stage of its development at the time. We discuss the connection between their general philosophical ideas and their approach to analysis of religion with emphasis on psychological aspects of their conceptions, particularly related to notions of religious feelings and psychological functions of religion as well as their original views on evolution of religious beliefs. Three thinkers whose ideas are examined in the article are unanimous in their understanding of inner experience as the most important (although not the only one) source of religious faith and beliefs. At the same time, the important diff erence between those authors is related to their understanding of sources and forms of manifestation of inner experience. While Troitsky describes association and abstraction as the most important conditions of development of religious consciousness, Grot focuses on feelings as a source of religious worldview, and Astaf'ev develops an original conception of will as a constituent element of religious consciousness.