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Aims: To isolate and identify a benefic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis E20, from natto (fermented soybeans), and incorporate it into shrimp feed to promote shrimp growth performance. Methods and Results: A protease-producing bacterium, E20, isolated from natto was identified as B. subtilis by an API 50 CHB kit and the 16S rDNA sequence. B. subtilis E20 was able to grow at a broad range of temperatures (10-50°C), pH values (5-10), and NaCl levels (0-9%). The best culture conditions for B. subtilis E20 to produce the protease were 40°C, a pH of 6-8 and 0% NaCl. No shrimp died after being injected with B. subtilis E20 [up to 10 9 colony-forming units (CFU) per shrimp]. Bacillus subtilis E20 was incorporated in diets at the levels of 0 (control), 10 6 , 10 7 , and 10 8 CFU kg )1 for shrimp grow-out culture, and results showed that after feeding on B. subtilis E20-containing diets (10 8 CFU kg )1 of diet), shrimp had excellent growth performance and production compared to the control because protease activities in the digestive tract were improved by B. subtilis E20. Conclusions: Bacillus subtilis E20 isolated from natto is a great protease producer and is able to improve shrimp growth performance through increasing the digestibility of food. Significance and Impact of the Study: Results suggest that B. subtilis E20 is a potential candidate for use as a probiotic to improve shrimp growth performance, and consequently reduce feed costs.

Introduction:Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors is a surgery performed through the nose and sphenoid sinus to remove pituitary tumors. Disorders of sodium balance are common after transsphenoidal surgery involving the pituitary gland. Here, we report the clinical features of an original case of acute onset parkinsonism later confirmed to be secondary to transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma.Patient concerns:A 36-year-old female had received transsphenoidal pituitary resection for pituitary adenoma. Eight days after the surgery, she suffered from acute onset general weakness and nausea/vomiting. She was diagnosed with hyponatremia for which she was treated. Acute onset ataxia, bilateral hand tremor, and dysarthria were then noted on the 4th day of hyponatremia treatment.Diagnosis:Based on history, clinical manifestation, and MRI brain images, a diagnosis of acute parkinsonism caused by isolated extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) was made.Interventions:Patient was treated with levodopa/carbidopa.Outcomes:Patient's symptoms and signs improved gradually and 2 month follow-up MRI brain showed significant resolution of the bilateral lentiform nuclei hyperintensities on the T2-weighted images. Her neurological deficits had subsided completely.Lessons:This case highlights an unexpected association between transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors and acute parkinsonism which is a treatable manifestation of EPM. Correction of hyponatremia following transsphenoidal pituitary resections should be preceded cautiously because even gradual correction of hyponatremia can produce myelinolysis.