Effects of Different Weaning Protocols on Survival,Growth and Nutritional Composition of Pharaoh Cuttlefish(Sepia pharaonis)Juvenile

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal weaning protocols for rearing juvenile cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis,as well as to understand the feeding habits of cuttlefish and develop effective aqua-cultural practices.The effects of four experimental weaning protocols(i.e.,food type,cuttlefish size,food ration(bw d^−1)and feeding frequency(meals d^−1))on the growth,survival and muscle proximate composition of cuttlefish juvenile were studied in quintuplicate.The weaning period lasted 2 weeks.The results showed that cuttlefish fed with frozen white shrimp(Exopalaemon carinicauda)displayed a significantly higher survival,growth parameters,ingestion rate,food conversion rate,and muscle protein content when compared with the other prepared frozen foods.The larger individuals revealed better growth performance than smaller individuals,especially in terms of survival and specific growth rate,indicating that larger individuals were more receptive to frozen prey.Furthermore,size grading should be conducted to ensure better growth during weaning.As food rations increased,the survival,growth and muscle protein content of juveniles were promoted,whereas the most appropriate food ration for cuttlefish juvenile was 35%bw d^−1.Similarly,higher feeding frequency could stimulate the appetite of animals reared on weaning,and enhance survival,growth,and protein deposition compared to low feeding frequency.These results suggest that the optimal feeding protocols of juvenile weaning is as follows:the ideal prepared food is frozen shrimp,the weight of juveniles should be 4.0 g(32 days old)or more,the food ration should be 35%(bw d^−1),and the optimum feeding frequency is 4 meals day^-1.This study offers a promising starting point to successfully breed this candidate aquaculture species.

Two mechanically ventilated cases of COVID-19 successfully managed with a sequential ventilation weaning protocol: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),characterized by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation(MV),are at high risk of mortality.An effective and practical MV weaning protocol is needed for these fragile cases.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present two critical COVID-19 patients who presented with fever,cough and fatigue.COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on blood cell counts,chest computed tomography(CT)imaging,and nuclei acid test results.To address the patients’respiratory failure,they first received noninvasive ventilation(NIV).When their condition did not improve after 2 h of NIV,each patient was advanced to MV[tidal volume(Vt),6 mL/kg ideal body weight(IBW);8-10 cmH2 O of positive end-expiratory pressure;respiratory rate,20 breaths/min;and 40%-80%FiO2]with prone positioning for 12 h/day for the first 5 d of MV.Extensive infection control measures were conducted to minimize morbidity,and pharmacotherapy consisting of an antiviral,immune-enhancer,and thrombosis prophylactic was administered in both cases.Upon resolution of lung changes evidenced by CT,the patients were sequentially weaned using a weaning screening test,spontaneous breathing test,and airbag leak test.After withdrawal of MV,the patients were transitioned through NIV and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen support.Both patients recovered well.CONCLUSION A MV protocol attentive to intubation/extubation timing,prone positioning early in MV,infection control,and sequential withdrawal of respiratory support,may be an effective regimen for patients with critical COVID-19.