Search Results (82)

Background/Objectives: Early gut colonization by bifidobacteria, occurring more favorably in vaginally born infants than in those delivered via C-section, is crucial for maintaining overall health. The study investigated the health-promoting properties of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17 both as viable cells and as postbiotics (i.e., cell-free supernatant and heat-killed cells), with the purpose of developing oral formulations to support intestinal health. Methods: The safety, effects on the adhesion of bifidobacteria and enteropathogens to intestinal cells, and anti-inflammatory properties of L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics were evaluated. Fast-disintegrating tablets were formulated by freeze-drying cell-free supernatant in combination with heat-killed or viable cells alongside maltodextrins. Results: The formulations were shown to be non-genotoxic and compatible with intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29). BC17 viable cells survived in co-culture with intestinal cells up to 48 h and exhibited moderate adhesion to the cell lines. Notably, both BC17 viable cells and postbiotics enhanced the adhesion of beneficial bifidobacteria to Caco-2 cells by up to 250%, while reducing enteropathogens adhesion by 40–70%. Moreover, they exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages by 40–50% and protecting intestinal cells from SDS-induced damage. The formulations allowed administration of at least 10⁹ BC17 cells in infants and adults through easy and rapid dispersion in milk or water, or directly in the oral cavity without chewing, and preserved their functional properties for up to 3 months of storage. Conclusions: L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics, as well as fast-disintegrating tablets, showed promising functional and safety profiles. Although further in vivo validation is needed, this approach represents a compelling strategy for promoting gut health. Full article

This study addresses the freeze-up problem in HVAC system heat exchangers of industrial buildings in severely cold regions by proposing a collaborative anti-freeze control strategy based on multi-objective optimization. Taking a diesel engine laboratory as the research case, key freezing-inducing factors were identified through system performance analysis and fault diagnosis. An innovative interlocked anti-freeze control system was developed by integrating electric heating with dynamic regulation of bypass air volume. Utilizing gray relational analysis, the optimal interlock control scheme was selected from four alternatives based on a comprehensive performance evaluation. Multi-objective optimization through the NSGA-II algorithm was performed on parameters including the set temperature, water flow rate, and fresh air volume, achieving coordinated optimization of energy consumption (11.4% reduction compared to pre-optimization) and thermal comfort. TRNSYS-based simulation verification demonstrated that the system maintains a 94.71% freeze protection time assurance rate under extreme operating conditions, effectively resolving the reliability deficiencies of traditional solutions in severely cold environments. This research provides a novel method for industrial building HVAC system anti-freeze design that harmonizes energy efficiency and comfort performance. Full article

Background: Aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa) are native to North America, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants with the potential to promote human health through its anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Through the chemical characterization of phenolic compounds from aronia berries, 11 distinct polyphenols were identified. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a methanolic/acetone/water extract from freeze-dried aronia berries in LPS-stimulated colonic and macrophage cell models. Results: In colon cells, aronia polyphenols suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression (NFkβ, TNFα, IL-6, COX2) by reducing ROS generation while enhancing LXRα expression. In macrophages, these compounds decreased NO production through ROS attenuation. Notably, aronia extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity in either cell type across concentrations from 100 to 1000 μg/mL. The whole-berry methanolic extract contained substantial levels of phenolic compounds (including 3-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids, quercetin derivatives, and cyanidin derivatives) with high ORAC values, likely contributing to their observed multifaceted anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: These findings suggest that freeze-dried aronia berry (AroBerry^®) may offer protection against low-grade inflammation, providing a foundation for future in vivo studies using murine models of inflammation-associated chronic diseases to establish appropriate dosage regimens. Full article

Concrete coating technology is a key measure that enhances the durability of concrete structures. This paper systematically studies the performance, applicability, and impact of different types of anti-corrosion coatings on concrete durability, focusing on their resistance to chloride ion penetration, freeze–thaw cycles, carbonation, and sulfate corrosion. The applicability of existing testing methods and standard systems is also evaluated. This study shows that surface-film-forming coatings can create a dense barrier, reducing chloride ion diffusion coefficients by more than 50%, making them suitable for humid and high-chloride environments. Pore-sealing coatings fill capillary pores, improving the concrete’s impermeability and making them ideal for highly corrosive environments. Penetrating hydrophobic coatings form a water-repellent layer, reducing water absorption by over 75%, which is particularly beneficial for coastal and underwater concrete structures. Additionally, composite coating technology is becoming a key approach to addressing multi-environment adaptability challenges. Experimental results have indicated that combining penetrating hydrophobic coatings with surface-film-forming coatings can enhance concrete’s resistance to chloride ion penetration while ensuring weather resistance and wear resistance. However, this study also reveals that there are several challenges in the standardization, engineering application, and long-term performance assessment of coating technology. The lack of globally unified testing standards leads to difficulties in comparing the results obtained from different test methods, affecting the practical application of these coatings in engineering. Moreover, construction quality control and long-term service performance monitoring remain weak points in their use in engineering applications. Some engineering case studies indicate that coating failures are often related to an insufficient coating thickness, improper interface treatment, or lack of maintenance. To further improve the effectiveness and long-term durability of coatings, future research should focus on the following aspects: (1) developing intelligent coating materials with self-healing, high-temperature resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance capabilities; (2) optimizing multilayer composite coating system designs to enhance the synergistic protective capabilities of different coatings; and (3) promoting the creation of global concrete coating testing standards and establishing adaptability testing methods for various environments. This study provides theoretical support for the optimization and standardization of concrete coating technology, contributing to the durability and long-term service safety of infrastructure. Full article

Background: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have proven effective in delivering RNA-based modalities. Rapid approval of the COVID-19 vaccines highlights the promise of LNPs as a delivery platform for nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccines. Nevertheless, improved LNP designs are needed to advance next-generation vaccines and other gene therapies toward greater clinical success. Lipid components and LNP formulation excipients play a central role in biodistribution, immunogenicity, and stability. Therefore, it is important to understand, identify, and assess the appropriate lipid components for developing a safe and effective formulation. Herein, this study focused on developing a novel Polysorbate-80 (PS-80)-based LNP. We hypothesized that substituting conventional linear PEG-lipids with PS-80, a widely used, biocompatible injectable surfactant featuring a branched PEG-like structure, may change the LNPs biodistribution pattern and enhance long-term stability. By leveraging PS-80’s unique structural properties, this study aimed to develop an mRNA-LNP platform with improved extrahepatic delivery and robust freeze/thaw tolerance. Methods: We employed a stepwise optimization to establish both the lipid composition and formulation buffer to yield a stable, high-performing PS-80-based SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-LNP (SC2-PS80 LNP). We compared phosphate- versus tris-based buffers for long-term stability, examined multiple lipid ratios, and evaluated the impact of incorporating PS-80 (a branched PEG-lipid) on in vivo biodistribution. Various analytical assays were performed to assess particle size, encapsulation efficiency, mRNA purity, and in vitro potency of the developed formulation and a humanized mouse model was used to measure its immunogenicity over six months of storage at −80 °C. Results: Replacing the standard 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycero-3-methoxy polyethylene glycol-2000 (PEG-DMG) lipid with PS-80 increased spleen-specific expression of the mRNA-LNPs after intramuscular injection. Formulating in a tris-sucrose-salt (TSS) buffer preserved the LNP’s physicochemical properties and in vitro potency over six months at −80 °C, whereas a conventional PBS-sucrose (PSS) buffer was less protective under frozen conditions. Notably, TSS-based SC2-PS80 LNPs elicited potent humoral immunity in mice, including high anti-spike IgG titers and robust pseudovirus neutralization, comparable to freshly prepared formulations. Conclusions: A PS-80-based mRNA-LNP platform formulated in TSS buffer confers improved extrahepatic delivery, long-term frozen stability, and strong immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 following six months. These findings offer a promising pathway for the design of next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutics with enhanced stability and clinical potential. Full article

The supplementation of freezing medium with crocin results in an amelioration of post-thawing sperm quality, as determined by motility and viability. This study aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effect of crocin. Bovine spermatozoa were cryopreserved in a freezing medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, or 1 mM of crocin. Sperm lysates were evaluated for their redox status and the expression of proteins implicated in the heat stress response (HSR) and apoptosis. Crocin protected spermatozoa from the accumulation of superoxide anion and ameliorated their post-thawing antioxidant capacity in terms of ROS scavenging activity and glutathione content. Moreover, crocin decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while it increased superoxide dimsutase-1 (SOD-1) levels. These effects were associated with an inhibition of apoptosis, as evidenced by a decreased Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio and decreased levels of caspase-cleaved substrates. Finally, crocin affected the heat shock response of spermatozoa, since it upregulated the levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp) 60, 70, and 90. In conclusion, the addition of crocin to the freezing medium ensured controlled amounts of ROS, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of spermatozoa, and upregulated the anti-apoptotic proteins and Hsps, thus contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Full article

Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium produced commercially for human consumption, and it is a source of phycocyanin (PC), which recently stirred up great interest due to its anti-inflammatory, radical scavenging, antioxidant and hepato-protective properties. This work has studied the encapsulation of A. platensis extract in starch sodium octenyl succinate by employing freeze-drying and two spray-drying techniques, conventional and nanospray-drying. The main characteristics and properties, including PC encapsulation efficiency, size, colour, and thermal stability of the capsules, were evaluated. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of encapsulated extract and release of PCs into saliva simulant, were studied and compared. Similar PC encapsulation efficiency was achieved using freeze-drying and nanospray-drying techniques with values of 67–71% and 70–78%, respectively. Meanwhile, the conventional spray-drying method achieved significantly lower encapsulation efficiency values (38–42%). The thermal stability of encapsulated A. platensis extract was improved as demonstrated by the higher decomposition temperature, which was increased by 8–11 °C, 11–15 °C, and 22–23 °C for spray-dried, nanospray-dried and freeze-dried samples, respectively. The nanospray-drying technique allowed the production of the smallest particles with an average diameter of 2–14 µm, good colour and thermal stability, and antioxidant capacity. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of A. platensis extract encapsulation in modified starch using several techniques with potential application as bioactive ingredients in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical products. Full article

This study explored the protective effects of antifreeze glycopeptide and alginate on the quality of −18 °C frozen lamb meatballs across various storage periods. Methods: Measurements of volatile salt nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), water retention, water distribution, microstructure, and metabolite changes were taken in the lamb meatballs. Results: The results showed that the addition of antifreeze glycopeptides (AFGs) significantly preserved the quality characteristics of lamb meatballs. In particular, the 0.30% antifreeze glycopeptide demonstrated the strongest protective effect on water retention and metabolites during freezing. The ice crystal area within the microstructure of lamb meatballs with added antifreeze glycopeptides was markedly reduced compared to the others after 14 days of freezing (p < 0.05). Additionally, AFGs lessened the lipid oxidation reaction and prolonged the oxidation time of lamb after 28 days of freezing. Conclusion: In summary, AFGs beneficially affected the quality of frozen lamb meatballs and are a potential, safe, and efficient cryoprotectant. Full article

The antifreeze and antioxidant capacities of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) gelatin hydrolysates were investigated, after glycosylation with saccharides of varying molecular weights, to enhance their functional properties to widen its commercial application in frozen aquatic products. Glycosylation was conducted by mixing gelatin hydrolysates with ribose, glucose, maltose, and dextran (20 kDa) at a 1:1 mass ratio; the glycosylation products had a pH of 10 and were incubated at 80 °C for 1 h. The results showed that the glycosylation degree ranked as: ribose > glucose > maltose > dextran. The mass spectrometry analysis showed that 17, 32, and 5 glycosylation sites were identified for ribose, glucose, and maltose, respectively, suggesting a molecular weight-dependent effect. Spectroscopic analyses, including ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, revealed that the gelatin hydrolysate structure was expanded, with chromophores in hydrophilic environments; a blue shift in the amide A and II bands confirmed that the amino group was involved. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed conformational changes with a red shift at 303.4 nm and a reduction in intensity. Antifreeze activity, such as catalase freezing protection and shrimp surimi protein stability, and antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging and metal ion chelation, were significantly improved. Ribose exhibited the strongest effects, followed by maltose and glucose. These results demonstrate the potential of glycosylation to improve gelatin hydrolysates for functional applications. Full article

Cryopreservation can adversely affect sperm motility, structural integrity, and fertilization ability. This study investigated the effects of MitoQ and antifreeze protein III (AFP III) on frozen–thawed semen from eight adult dogs using a Tris–fructose extender. Ejaculates were divided and diluted with a standard Tris–fructose–egg yolk extender containing MitoQ (200 nM/mL) and AFP III (0.75, 1.0, 2.0 µg/mL), individually or combined. Post-thaw, samples were evaluated for motility, viability, membrane and acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis indicators, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS-H₂O₂). The results showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in motility rate, progressive motility, VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, and BCF with MitoQ or AFP alone. AFP III (0.75, 1.0 µg/mL) showed higher values than controls (p > 0.05), while MitoQ alone showed no significant effect. Viability and acrosome integrity improved with AFP III. Membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation were better in 0.75 and 1.0 µg/mL AFP III groups. ROS-H₂O₂ levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were unaffected except at 1.0 µg/mL AFP III. The phosphatidylserine translocation assay showed no significant differences in dead sperm between controls and individual treatments, but significant differences occurred with combined MitoQ/AFP III. In conclusion, AFP III and MitoQ in diluents protect canine sperm cells from cryodamage. Full article

Due to the large temperature fluctuations between day and night during the transition from winter to spring, soil sites in seasonally frozen soil areas go through repeated freeze–thaw cycles. During these cycles, the water in the soil undergoes phase transformation and migration, which changes the physical and mechanical properties of the soil and directly affects the stability and durability of the soil site. In order to explore the feasibility of using the ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent for the anti-freeze-and-thaw protection of soil sites, Qingtai site soil and the ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent were used as raw materials. The optimal ratio of modified soil samples with different freeze–thaw cycles was obtained by laboratory tests. The strengthening mechanism of the ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent under freeze–thaw cycles was revealed by a microscopic test. The test results showed that the ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent can inhibit the volume expansion of soil samples caused by the freeze–thaw cycle. After nine freeze–thaw cycles, the shear strength of the soil samples, to which 15% ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent was added, increased by 53.4% on average compared with plain soil. The highly cross-linked organic–inorganic hybrid network structure formed between the siloxane group in the ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agent and the soil particles can fill the pores and form a protective layer. The experimental results provided a basis and reference for the research of freeze–thaw-resistant materials for soil sites in seasonally frozen soil areas. Full article

Background: Bursera microphylla (B) A. Gray, a plant native to northwest Mexico, has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have highlighted the bioactivity of B. microphylla fruit extract. Chitosan (Cs), a biopolymer known for its favorable physicochemical properties, has proven effective in encapsulating bioactive compounds. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize Cs-based microparticles containing B. microphylla fruit extract and evaluate their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: Cs-based three-dimensional hydrogels were synthesized using physical cross-linking with ammonium hydroxide, incorporating B. microphylla fruit extract. The hydrogels were freeze-dried and mechanically ground into microparticles. The physicochemical properties of the microencapsulates were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and moisture absorption tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring nitric oxide (NO) reduction in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Results: SEM and OM analyses revealed irregular morphologies with rounded protuberances, with particle sizes ranging from 135 to 180 µm. FTIR spectra indicated that no new chemical bonds were formed, preserving the integrity of the original compounds. TGA confirmed that the encapsulated extract was heat-protected. The moisture absorption test indicated the microparticles’ hydrophilic nature. In vitro, the microencapsulated extract reduced NO production by 46%, compared to 32% for the non-encapsulated extract. The microencapsulated extract was effective in reducing the microbial load of S. aureus between 15–24%. Conclusions: Cs-based microencapsulates containing B. microphylla fruit extract exhibited no chemical interactions during synthesis and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that the Cs-based system is a promising candidate for managing inflammatory conditions. Full article

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from plants has several bioactivities, such as neurotransmission, anti-cancer cell proliferation, and blood pressure control. Its bioactivities vary when exposed to pH, heat, and ultraviolet. This study analyzed the protective effect of the GABA encapsulation technique using gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) and the freeze-drying method. The impact of different ratios of the wall material GA and MD on morphology, GABA content, antioxidant activity, encapsulation efficiency, process yield, and physical properties were analyzed. Results showed that the structure of encapsulated GABA powder was similar to broken glass pieces of various sizes and irregular shapes. The highest GABA content and encapsulation efficiency were, respectively, 90.77 mg/g and 84.36% when using the wall material GA:MD ratio of 2:2. The encapsulated powder’s antioxidant activity was 1.09–1.80 g of encapsulation powder for each formula, which showed no significant difference. GA and MD as the wall material in a 2:2 (w/w) ratio showed the lowest bulk density. The high amount of MD showed the highest Hausner ratio (HR), and Carr’s index (CI) showed high encapsulation efficiency and process yield. The stability of encapsulated GABA powder can be kept in clear glass with a screw cap at 35 °C for 42 days compared to the non-encapsulated one, which can be preserved for only 18 days under the same condition. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the freeze-drying process for GABA encapsulation preserved GABA component extracts from brown rice while increasing its potential beneficial properties. Using a wall material GA:MD ratio of 2:2 resulted in the maximum GABA content, solubility, and encapsulation efficiency while having the lowest bulk density. Full article

Rural toilet reform in cold areas is the focus and difficulty of China’s toilet revolution. In this paper, by carrying out the septic tank gradient burial depth test and regular seasonal monitoring of the operation effect of rural septic tanks in cold areas, the frost protection effect and treatment effect of rural toilets in cold areas are clarified, which provide important references for the rural toilet revolution and its practical significance in cold areas of China. Based on controlled tests and correlation analysis methods, different gradient burial depths of septic tanks (40, 60, and 80 cm) and different seasonal operation effects (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) were studied to analyze the influence of factors such as burial depths and temperatures on the effectiveness of anti-freezing and treatment of septic tanks. The results found that the septic tank effluent indexes of the six cold-zone test households could not meet requirements of Class Ⅰ-B in the discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plants (GB 18918-2002). (The criteria for Class I-B are as follows: COD emission limit of 60 mg/L; SS emission limit of 20 mg/L; TN emission limit of 20 mg/L; TP emission limit of 1 mg/L; NH₃-N emission limit of 8 mg/L); The average removal of suspended solids (SSs), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), NH₃-N, and NO₃-N by septic tanks was 79.7%, 21.8%, 10.5%, 13.5%, 9.76%, and 2.38%, respectively; the water temperature was significantly positively correlated with SS, TN, and TP; the double-layer insulated septic tank with medium burial depth (60 cm) could operate normally in cold areas in winter. The treatment effect of septic tanks on various indicators basically shows that summer > autumn > spring > winter. Temperature is the main limiting factor affecting the treatment effect of septic tanks. Full article

Freezing damage to tunnels in cold regions has long posed a threat to the safe operation of high-speed trains and other means of transportation. Finding a reasonable and effective solution to this problem, while also considering green, low-carbon, energy-saving, and environmental protection measures, has garnered widespread attention. Herein, the concept of a novel coupled energy tunnel is proposed, which combines the technologies of an air curtain and ground source heat pump (GSHP). The aim is to effectively address the issue of freezing damage in tunnels located in cold regions, while ensuring traffic safety. First, the multifunctional experimental apparatus for testing the anti-freezing and insulation performance of a coupled energy tunnel was independently designed and developed for laboratory experiments. Second, single-factor experiments and orthogonal experiments are conducted, and the influences of five key factors (i.e., the air outlet hole diameter, air outlet hole spacing, circulating water temperature of the GSHP, wind speed at the tunnel model entrance, and airflow jet angle) on the internal temperature field of the tunnel model are discussed. Third, combined with range analysis and variance analysis, the ranking of importance for each key factor and the optimal scheme of the coupled energy tunnel are obtained as follows: wind speed at the tunnel model entrance D > circulating water temperature of GSHP C > airflow jet angle E > air outlet hole spacing B > air outlet hole diameter A, and the optimal scheme is A₂B₁C₄D₁E₂, i.e., the air outlet hole diameter is 3 mm, the air outlet hole spacing is 10 mm, the circulating water temperature of GSHP is 50 °C, the wind speed at the tunnel model entrance is 1.5 m/s and the airflow jet angle is 45°. In conclusion, the research achievements presented in this paper can offer a new perspective for the structural design of tunnels in cold regions. Additionally, they contribute to the early achievement of a carbon dioxide emissions peak and carbon neutrality, and provide some valuable and scientific references for both innovators and practitioners. Full article