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To fabricate electroactive fibrous membranes and provide simulated bioelectric micro-environment for bone regeneration mimicking nature periosteum, a series of electroactive polyurethanes (PUAT) were synthesized using amino-capped aniline trimers (AT) and lysine derivatives as chain extenders. These PUAT were fabricated into fibrous membranes as guided bone tissue regeneration membranes (GBRMs) via electrospinning. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV) of PUAT copolymers showed that the electroactive PUAT fibrous membranes had good electroactivity. Besides, the introduction of AT significantly improved the hydrophobicity and thermal stability of PUAT fibrous membranes and decreased the degradation rate of PUAT fibers in vitro. With the increasing content of AT incorporated into copolymers, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PUAT fibrous membranes increased from 4 MPa (PUAT0) to 15 MPa (PUAT10) and from 2.1 MPa (PUAT0) to 18 MPa (PUAT10), respectively. The cell morphology and proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) on PUAT fibers indicated that the incorporation of AT enhanced the cell attachment and proliferation. Moreover, the expression levels of OCN, CD31, and VEGF secreted by rMSCs on PUAT fibers increased with the increasing content of AT. In conclusion, an electroactive polyurethane fibrous membrane mimicking natural periosteum was prepared via electrospinning and showed good potential application in guiding bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia-N stress is a significant environmental factor that adversely affects the health and productivity of aquaculture species. This study investigates the effects of ammonia-N stress on the shrimp Penaeus monodon through a combination of biochemical, histological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. Shrimp were exposed to ammonia-N stress for 12 and 96 hours, and key markers of oxidative stress, nitrogen metabolism, immune response, and overall health were assessed. The results showed that prolonged ammonia-N exposure causes significant hepatopancreatic damage, including atrophy and deformation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression related to apoptosis, immune response, and key metabolic pathways, with particular emphasis on the disruption of innate immune signaling and defense mechanisms. Metabolomic analysis identified disruptions in nucleotide turnover, antioxidant defenses, and fundamental metabolic processes. These findings suggest that ammonia-N stress induces a multifaceted stress response in shrimp, involving oxidative stress, immune activation, and metabolic disturbances. Understanding these immune-related and metabolic mechanisms provides valuable insights into the molecular responses of crustaceans to environmental stress, laying the foundation for assessing the ecological risk of ammonia-N and identifying potential immunological biomarkers for monitoring and mitigating its adverse effects in aquaculture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, one of the largest penaeid shrimp species, has a wide germplasm distribution along the southeastern coast of China, although its germplasm characteristics remain inadequately explored. This study conducted comprehensive analyses of basic nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant indices, and genetic diversity across three F. merguiensis populations (FmRP, FmSZ, FmSY). The findings revealed that FmSZ had significantly higher ash, crude protein, and essential amino acid levels, indicating superior nutritional quality. FmSY showed a potential nutritional advantage due to its fatty acid profile. All populations demonstrated high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, EPA), along with strong antioxidant capacities. Genetic analysis showed FmSZ had the lowest inbreeding coefficient and relatively higher genetic diversity. Overall, FmSZ stands out as a high-quality candidate for aquaculture and genetic breeding, highlighting the value of F. merguiensis as an aquatic product with considerable potential for wider promotion and development. Fenneropenaeus merguiensis is one of the largest species of penaeid shrimp. It has a wide distribution of germplasm resources in the South China Sea and the southeastern coastal regions of China, yet its germplasm characteristics remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, we conducted analyses of basic nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant indices, and genetic diversity in three F. merguiensis populations (FmRP, FmSZ, FmSY). The results showed a significant difference in ash content, with FmSZ having the highest ash content (1.77 g/100 g) (p < 0.05). A total of 17 amino acids were detected, and FmSZ exhibited higher concentrations of most amino acids, especially essential amino acids (p < 0.05). The analysis of fatty acid composition revealed significant differences between the populations, with FmSY potentially having a nutritional advantage overall (p < 0.05). In terms of antioxidant capacity and genetic diversity, there were no significant differences in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), or superoxide dismutase (SOD) among the populations (p > 0.05). However, genetic analysis indicated that FmSZ had the lowest inbreeding coefficient and relatively higher genetic diversity. In conclusion, among the three F. merguiensis populations, FmSZ has relatively higher nutritional quality and genetic diversity, and F. merguiensis is a high-quality aquatic product worth promoting. The analysis and characterization of various aspects of F. merguiensis from the three locations provide important information and data support for germplasm resources and genetic breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Metapenaeus ensis, valued in Chinese aquaculture for its salinity and temperature tolerance, has seen limited research on germplasm evaluation. This study compared M. ensis from Sanya, Zhuhai, and Raoping, China. A nutritional analysis showed no significant differences in ash, moisture, and protein across populations but did reveal variations in fat and sugar content, with Sanya and Raoping having higher fat and Zhuhai having higher sugar. Amino acid composition favored Sanya's population, while a fatty acid analysis highlighted Raoping's advantages. Physiological and biochemical characteristics were similar among populations, but genetic diversity was low, with notable differences between Sanya and Zhuhai populations. The study provides insights into regional germplasm advantages and genetic characteristics for future M. ensis research and breeding. Due to its high tolerance to salinity and temperature, as well as its strong adaptability, Metapenaeus ensis holds an important position in the Chinese aquaculture industry. However, studies on the evaluation of its germplasm resources remain insufficient. This research conducted an in-depth comparative evaluation of M. ensis from three representative farming regions in China: Sanya, Zhuhai, and Raoping. The nutritional analysis of muscle tissue showed no statistically significant differences in crude ash, moisture, and crude protein content among the populations (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in crude fat and total sugar content (p < 0.05). The MeSY and MeRP populations had higher crude fat content than the MeZH population (p < 0.05), while the MeZH population exhibited the highest total sugar content. In terms of amino acid composition, the MeSY population had relatively higher total essential amino acid content and proportion, as well as higher total amino acid content, both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). A fatty acid composition analysis further highlighted the advantages of the MeRP population in several key fatty acids (p < 0.05). Physiological and biochemical analyses showed no significant differences among the three populations in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, or catalase activity (p > 0.05). A genetic diversity analysis indicated that M. ensis has relatively low diversity, with the MeSY population showing higher SNP density and nucleotide diversity. A genetic differentiation analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation between the MeSY and MeZH populations, while differentiation between the MeZH and MeRP populations was relatively smaller. This comprehensive assessment of nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, and genetic diversity highlights the advantages of germplasm resources from different regions. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the genetic characteristics and breeding potential of M. ensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates the nutritional quality and genetic diversity of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from three different aquaculture farms in Guangdong Province, China. We assessed the shrimp's muscle tissue for key nutrients like protein, fat, and amino acids, alongside a detailed genetic analysis. Our findings reveal that the nutritional content is consistent across all three populations, indicating the reliable protein quality and essential nutrient levels critical for shrimp health and growth. However, significant differences in genetic diversity were observed, with one population exhibiting reduced genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding. These results underscore the necessity of implementing effective breeding strategies to enhance genetic diversity and ensure the sustainable development of L. vannamei in aquaculture. This study provides essential insights for optimizing breeding practices to maintain the long-term health and productivity of this vital species in the aquaculture industry. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and genetic diversity of farmed Litopenaeus vannamei across three distinct populations from Maoming City (MM), Zhanjiang City (ZJ), and Yangjiang City (YJ) in Guangdong Province. Muscle tissues from L. vannamei were analyzed for phenotypic traits, conventional nutrients, amino acids, and fatty acids, while genetic diversity was assessed using whole genome sequencing techniques. The analysis revealed that the crude protein content in shrimp across the three populations ranged from 20.87 to 21.95 g/100 g, crude fat content ranged from 0.90 to 1.50 g/100 g, essential amino acid content ranged from 5.55 to 5.86 g/100 g, total amino acid content ranged from 14.73 to 15.27 g/100 g, total fatty acid content ranged from 682.73 to 793.97 mg/100 g, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) ranged from 2.68 to 2.72 μmol/g, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ranged from 1021.97 to 1057.21 U/g, and catalase (CAT) activity ranged from 78.65 to 81.33 μmoL/min. No significant differences were observed in ash and crude fat levels among conventional nutrients, nor in the biochemical indexes T-AOC, CAT, and SOD. Genetic analysis showed that the single nucleotide polymorphism density (SNP/Kb) ranged from 15.323 to 17.461, nucleotide diversity (π) ranged from 2.98 × 10−5 to 15.84 × 10−5, polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.300 to 0.317, heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.033 to 0.048, and inbreeding coefficients (FIS) ranged from 0.834 to 0.887. The genetic differentiation index (FST) values among the three populations ranged from 0.056 to 0.106. This study provides an evaluation of the germplasm resources and genetic diversity of farmed L. vannamei, offering insights for the efficient management and sustainable utilization of this species' germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penaeus monodon is one of the world's most important aquaculture species, with its host-associated microbial community playing a crucial role in its growth, metabolism, immune response, and adaptation. In our study, we utilized Illumina high-throughput sequencing to investigate the composition, structure, and function of the intestinal microbial communities of P. monodon from two different regions in Guangdong. Our results identified 176 phyla across both populations, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes being predominant. Furthermore, we identified 3095 genera, with Photobacterium, Vibrio, and Aliiroseovarius being the most dominant. Functional gene analysis based on KEGG data indicated that the carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were significant at the secondary metabolic pathway level. The eggNOG functional annotation revealed that the genes involved in replication, recombination, and repair are of paramount importance. The CAZy annotation results indicated that Glycoside Hydrolases (GH) have the highest abundance. The Pfam annotation analysis showed that the two most prevalent domains are P-loop NTPase and NADP Rossmann. Our investigation provides a reference for species-level and functional-level analyses of the intestinal microbiota of P. monodon, contributing valuable insights into its microbial ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a crucial environmental factor influencing the survival, growth, development, and reproduction of aquatic animals. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the shrimp's response to salinity stress are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we used the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform to perform transcriptome sequencing of the hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei under high-salinity (30 PSU), medium-salinity (10 PSU), and low-salinity (0.5 PSU) conditions. We obtained 63.23 Gb of high-quality data and identified 3589 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1638 upregulated and 1951 downregulated genes. Notably, a comparison between the control group (30 PSU) and the low-salinity group (0.5 PSU) revealed that the BBOX1 and CHE1 genes were significantly upregulated, while the ACOX1, MPV, CYP2L1, GCH, MVK, TREt1, and XDH genes were significantly downregulated. These genes are primarily involved in key metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid oxidation, cholesterol metabolism, and hormone synthesis and metabolism. The key genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, such as ACOX1, ACAD, HADH, HSD17B4, PECR, CROT, PIPOX, and CG5009, all showed a downward trend, suggesting that L. vannamei may respond to salt stress by regulating fatty acid oxidative metabolism, optimizing energy utilization, and maintaining cell homeostasis under low-salinity conditions. Functional annotation of gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the roles of these significant DEGs in the adaptation of L. vannamei to environments of varying salinity, underscoring the importance of metabolic pathways in their adaptive physiological responses. This study provides a crucial molecular biological basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms and physiological protection strategies of L. vannamei under salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp is of paramount economic importance and has risen to prominence as a leading species in global aquaculture. Within its natural settings, Litopenaeus vannamei is subjected to a variety of environmental stressors that could negatively impact its survival, growth, and reproductive success. This study was designed to create specific lineages of Litopenaeus vannamei populations for resilience evaluation under stress conditions such as ammonia-N, pH, and salinity. Utilizing an exhaustive animal model that incorporates both genders, we performed a genetic parameter analysis to assess the heritability of stress tolerance traits in Litopenaeus vannamei. Concurrently, correlations among these traits were examined. Our findings lay solid theoretical groundwork for the selective breeding of Litopenaeus vannamei, providing valuable insights into enhancing varieties and improving economic yields. Furthermore, this research effort plays a crucial role in advancing the health and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Litopenaeus vannamei stands out globally in aquaculture for its fast growth, broad salt tolerance, disease resistance, and high protein levels. Selective breeding requires the precise estimation of the variance components and genetic parameters for important traits. This study formed lineages from 20 full sibling families of L. vannamei, with progenitors from Thailand and the USA. We then assessed the genetic resilience traits of juvenile shrimp from these families to high ammonia-N, high pH, and low salinity by performing a 96 h acute toxicity test. Mortality rates for the families under 96 h exposure to high ammonia-N, high pH, and low salinity were 19.52–92.22%, 23.33–92.22%, and 19.33–80.00%, respectively, showing significant variance in stress tolerance among families (p < 0.05). Survival heritability estimates, using threshold male and female models, were 0.44 ± 0.12 in high ammonia-N, 0.41 ± 0.12 in high pH, and 0.27 ± 0.08 in low salinity, respectively. Genetic correlations between growth and stress resistance traits varied from 0.0137 ± 0.2406 to 0.8327 ± 0.0781, and phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.0019 ± 0.0590 to 0.6959 ± 0.0107, indicating a low-to-high positive correlation significant at (p < 0.05). It was found that the survival rate of families No. 2 and No. 9 was higher under high ammonia-N and high pH stresses, while the survival rate of family No. 10 was higher under low salinity stress after comparing two selection criteria, the breeding values and phenotypic values. Thus, these three families are identified as potential breeding program candidates. Through the creation of a genetic parameter estimation model, the genetic variances across mating combinations for stress resistance traits were obtained and families with heightened stress resistance were identified, laying the groundwork for enhanced genetic selection of L. vannamei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]