Search Results (199)

In this study, a comprehensive approach to the taxonomy and the distribution areas of Cornus mas (commonly known as cornelian cherry) is presented, considering the superior valorization of bioactive compounds through co-microencapsulation in a unique matrix combination, together with probiotic bacteria. According to the phytochemical profile, the whole plant of cornelian cherry includes 101 chemical compounds, classified as follows: polyphenols, terpenoids, carotenoids, vitamins, carbohydrates, acids, and hydrocarbons. In general, the bioactive compounds are highly sensitive to digestion and external factors, such as oxygen, pH, temperature, etc. In order to improve the bioaccesibility and the storage stability of the polyphenols, a solid–liquid ultrasound assisted method was applied to deliver an anthocyanin-enriched extract, which was microencapsulated together with Lacticaseibacillus casei (L. casei) by freeze-drying in a unique combination of whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials. Two powders were obtained, with and without the probiotic bacteria. The data obtained in this study showed a high encapsulation efficiency (82.16–88.95%) of anthocyanins, whereas for L. casei, the microencapsulation efficiency reached 80%. The co-microencapsulated powder showed a viable cell count of 3.80·10⁹ CFU/g dry matter (D.M.). The microencapsulated powders showed a significant amount of total polyphenols (8.30–13.00 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram D.M.). Furthermore, the in vitro digestibility of the anthocyanins highlighted the protective effect of the microencapsulation matrix in the stomach, whereas a slow release was observed in the simulated intestinal conditions. Furthermore, after 21 days of storage, the lactic acid bacteria viability was high (2.53 × 10⁹ CFU/g dry matter), which confirmed the functionality and the nutraceutical value of the co-microencapsulated powder. Full article

With the Longzhong Water Conservation and Ecological Water Supply and Storage Reservoir Project (Upper Yellow River) as the engineering background, this study selected sulfate sandy soil from Jingtai County (Baiyin City, Gansu Province, the project area) as the test soil to explore the effects of moisture content and salt content on the frost heave characteristics of sulfate sandy soil in seasonal frozen soil areas, and to avoid engineering problems caused by its frost heave deformation. Indoor freeze–thaw experiments and data analysis were conducted; water and salt content gradients were set in line with the actual engineering conditions, and indoor unidirectional freezing frost heave tests were carried out to simulate the natural freeze–thaw environment. The test results show that temperature is a key factor regulating soil frost heave: the frost heave rate varies in an “S-shaped” pattern with decreasing temperature (slightly decreasing at 10~0 °C, increasing rapidly at 0~−10 °C with the most significant growth at 0~−5 °C, and stabilizing below −10 °C). Under constant compaction, the frost heave rate increases parabolically with moisture content (the growth rate slows down after 15% and stabilizes at 17%) and linearly with salt content (with a small increment). Based on the test data, a frost heave rate prediction model considering moisture content and salt content was established; the correlation between the calculated values of the model and the measured values is strong (R² > 0.92), which can provide a reference for predicting the frost heave rate of such sulfate sandy soil. The key conclusions are as follows: The frost heave of the soil is dominated by temperature and moisture content (the effect of salt content is secondary); the temperature range of 0~−5 °C is the critical period for engineering frost heave prevention. This study provides technical support for the frost heave prevention design of the Longzhong Reservoir and similar engineering projects in seasonal frozen soil areas of Northwest China. Full article

Larix olgensis is a valuable timber species in northern China, typically propagated through somatic embryogenesis (SE). However, long-term subculture can lead to a loss of embryogenic potential. This study aimed to establish a simple and stable protocol for the cryopreservation and regeneration of L. olgensis embryogenic callus (EC) that preserves its SE potential and regenerative capacity. The slow-freezing method was employed for cryopreservation. A cryopreservation protocol for L. olgensis EC was developed by optimizing the preculture duration and conditions, cryoprotectant composition and thawing temperature. The results showed that optimal outcomes were achieved using a 24 h stepwise preculture on medium containing 0.2 and 0.4 mol∙L⁻¹ sucrose, followed by cryoprotectant treatment with 0.4 mol∙L⁻¹ sucrose, 2.5% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 10% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG₆₀₀₀), and thawing at 37 °C. EC cryopreserved using this protocol achieved a 100% recovery rate. Moreover, the cryopreserved recoverable EC successfully underwent SE, progressing through germination and rooting. Cryopreservation duration (storage duration in liquid nitrogen) did not affect cell viability and proliferation rate, confirming the protocol’s suitability for long-term cryopreservation of L. olgensis EC. This study provides a valuable reference for the cryopreservation and regeneration of L. olgensis EC, with potential applications for other coniferous species. It establishes a robust foundation for the large-scale propagation of conifers. Full article

Water shortage has been a serious issue for many years. Hydrate-based desalination (HBD) technology is a potential candidate for this solution. The present study investigates the use of Cyclopentane (CP) as a hydrate former for desalination through crystallization at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The primary objective of this work is to provide phase equilibrium data for CP hydrates (CPH) in the presence of novel salt systems, including NaBr, KBr, K₂SO₄, NaBr–KBr, NaCl–NaBr, KCl–KBr, Na₂SO₄–K₂SO₄, and CaCl₂–MgCl₂. Phase equilibrium temperatures were determined using both rapid and slow dissociation procedures. The van der Waals and Platteeuw-based Kihara (Kihara) approach, Hu-Lee-Sum (HLS) correlation, Standard Freezing Point Depression (SFPD) approach, and Activity-Based Occupancy Correlation (ABOC) were applied to model these new experimental data. The experimental results demonstrate that the differences between the quick and slow procedure data range from 0 °C to 1.2 °C. In addition, the increasing salt concentration enhances the inhibitory effect on hydrate formation. Furthermore, the influence of cations on the equilibrium temperature follows the decreasing order of Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺. In terms of halide anions, Br⁻ exhibits a stronger impact on equilibrium temperature compared to Cl⁻. The thermodynamic modeling results (for all four models) show good agreement with the experimental data with the average absolute deviation (AAD) of less than or equal to 0.79 °C. The ABOC approach proves to be the most effective among the four methods evaluated for accurately reproducing the equilibrium temperature of CPH, with AAD less than or equal to 0.38 °C. Full article

Chicken meat is highly consumed worldwide due to its nutritional value, but its high water content and abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids make it particularly vulnerable to structural and oxidative damage during freezing and thawing. Slow freezing, in particular, generates large ice crystals that severely impair water-holding capacity (WHC), increase drip loss, promote color deterioration, and intensify protein and lipid oxidation. Innovative thawing strategies are therefore required to mitigate these quality losses. Ultrasound (US) has been successfully applied to accelerate thawing of fast-frozen meat; however, its potential for slowly frozen chicken breast remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of US-assisted thawing at two frequencies (25 and 130 kHz), two amplitudes (100% and 60%), and three operating modes (normal, sweep, and degas) on the quality of slowly frozen chicken breast. Conventional thawing required 50 min, yielding WHC of 9.87%, drip loss of 4.65%, free sulfhydryls of 16.38 µmol/g, and ∆E of 3.91. In contrast, the optimized US condition (25 kHz, 100% amplitude, sweep mode) thawed samples in only 18 min, with markedly improved WHC (23.14%), reduced drip loss (3.25%), higher preservation of free sulfhydryls (24.69 µmol/g), and minimal color change (∆E = 3.72). Conversely, less effective parameters (e.g., 130 kHz, 60% amplitude, normal mode) prolonged thawing and compromised quality, with WHC dropping to 9.96% and drip loss increasing to 9.05%. Overall, US reduced thawing time under all conditions, but quality responses depended strongly on the applied parameters. The present findings demonstrate the novelty of optimizing US frequency, amplitude, and mode for thawing slowly frozen chicken breast, highlighting sweep mode at 25 kHz and 100% amplitude as the most effective strategy. Future research should explore its scalability and industrial applicability for poultry processing. Full article

Under tropical conditions, seasonal variations may also influence the sperm characteristics of Bos indicus. The objective was to evaluate the motility of thawed sperm of bulls from the Peruvian tropics throughout the year. Over 24 months, 129 ejaculates were evaluated based on semen quality and subjected to slow horizontal freezing in 0.5 mL straws. After thawing, the individual, seasonal period, and season effect on motility and kinetic parameters were analyzed using a Sperm Class Analyzer^® (Microptic S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain). There was an individual effect on volume, motility, fresh concentration, and kinetic parameters when thawed. In the dry period, higher straight-line velocity (VSL) (p < 0.05) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were found than in the rainy period (p < 0.01). In summer and autumn, there was greater total motility, fast, circular routes, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, VSL, amplitude of lateral displacement of the head, and BCF (p < 0.01). Greater volume and motility were found in winter and spring, but in summer and autumn, greater speed and vigor of movement were obtained in thawed sperm. The variation in annual climate patterns influences the seminal quality of bulls, and its effect needs to be assessed to propose adaptation strategies to climate change in tropical areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex nervous system disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to disturbances in movement, such as resting tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, or akinesia; postural issues; and freezing (motor block). Due to the limitations and side effects of current pharmacological treatments, there is a growing interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Methods: A semi-systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as main databases, identifying original research articles, systematic reviews, and relevant preclinical or clinical studies published between January 2000 and December 2024. We selected seven plants primarily for their neuroprotective effects, supported by preclinical and animal data. Only articles in English were included in the study. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. The results showed that Curcuma longa, Gastrodia elata blume, Ginkgo biloba, Paeonia alba radix, Pueraria lobata, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Withania somnifera have a neuroprotective role, capable of slowing down the progression of PD with different mechanisms of action, ranging from restorative properties of neurons. Conclusions: Developing new drugs based on the respective herb compounds/extracts and herbal formulas is a promising avenue for complementary therapies for PD. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm their safety, efficacy, bioavailability, and dosage. Full article

Waterfowl semen cryopreservation technology is a key link in genetic resource conservation and artificial breeding, but poultry spermatozoa, due to their unique morphology and biochemical properties, are prone to oxidative stress during freezing, resulting in a significant decrease in vitality. In this study, we first used four different freezing procedures (P1–P4) to freeze duck semen and compared their effects on duck sperm quality. Then, the changes in antioxidant indexes in semen were monitored. The results showed that program P4 (initial 7 °C/min slow descent to −35 °C, followed by 60 °C/min rapid descent to −140 °C) was significantly better than the other programs (p < 0.05), and its post-freezing sperm vitality reached 71.41%, and the sperm motility was 51.73%. In the P1 and P3 groups, the sperm vitality was 65.56% and 53.41%, and the sperm motility was 46.99% and 31.76%, respectively. In terms of antioxidant indexes, compared with the fresh semen group (CK), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) in the P2 group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the activities of SOD and CAT in the P4 group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05) except that the activity of GSH-px was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). And the CAT and GSH-px activities in the P4 group were significantly higher than those in the P2 group (p < 0.05). The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the P2 group was significantly higher than that in the fresh semen group (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the P2 group and the P4 group (p > 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) content of the P2 and P4 groups was significantly lower than that of the fresh semen group (p < 0.05). The staged cooling strategy of P4 was effective in reducing the exposure time to the hypertonic environment by balancing intracellular dehydration and ice crystal inhibition, shortening the reactive oxygen species accumulation and alleviating oxidative stress injury. On the contrary, the multi-stage slow-down strategy of P2 exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction and the oxidative stress cascade response due to prolonged cryogenic exposure time. The present study confirmed that the freezing procedure directly affects duck sperm quality by modulating the oxidative stress pathway and provides a theoretical basis for the standardization of duck semen cryopreservation technology. Full article

In order to investigate the influence of graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt on the low-temperature cracking resistance of drainage asphalt mixtures, graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt mixtures were prepared using graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt for drainage asphalt mixtures, and compared with SBS-modified asphalt and rubber powder-modified asphalt, and the low-temperature cracking resistance of graphene/rubber powder compound modification asphalt mixtures was investigated through the Marshall Stability Test, Semi-circular Bending Test (SCB), and Freeze–Thaw Split Test. Research was carried out. At the same time, a scanning electric microscope (SEM) was adopted to analyze the micro-mechanism of the graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt mixtures under the microscopic condition. The findings showed that graphene dispersed the aggregation of rubber powder effectively in the microscopic state and improved the stability of the composite modified asphalt. The addition of graphene improved the fracture energy of rubber powder composite modified asphalt by 15.68% under the condition of −15 °C to 0 °C, which effectively slowed down the decrease of fracture energy; at −15 °C and −10 °C, the largest stresses were improved by 7.50% and 26.71%, respectively, compared to the drainage asphalt mixtures prepared as rubber powder-modified asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt. After a freeze–thaw cycle, the maximum stress decrease of graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt was 21.51% and 10.37% at −15 °C and 0 °C, respectively. When compared to rubber powder-modified asphalt, graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt significantly improved the low-intensity cracking resistance of drainage asphalt mixtures at low temperatures, slowed down the decrease of the maximum stress, and its low-temperature cracking resistance was more stable. Full article

The cryopreservation of three-dimensional (3D) biofabricated constructs is a key enabler for their clinical application in regenerative medicine. Unlike two-dimensional (2D) cultures, 3D systems such as encapsulated cell spheroids, molded hydrogels, and bioprinted tissues present specific challenges related to cryoprotectant (CPA) diffusion, thermal gradients, and ice formation during freezing and thawing. This review examines the current strategies for preserving 3D constructs, focusing on the role of biomaterials as cryoprotective matrices. Natural polymers (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan), protein-based scaffolds (e.g., silk fibroin, sericin), and synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) are evaluated for their ability to support cell viability, structural integrity, and CPA transport. Special attention is given to cryoprotectant systems that are free of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and to the influence of hydrogel architecture on freezing outcomes. We have compared the efficacy and limitations of slow freezing and vitrification protocols and review innovative approaches such as temperature-controlled cryoprinting, nano-warming, and hybrid scaffolds with improved cryocompatibility. Additionally, we address the regulatory and manufacturing challenges associated with developing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant cryopreservation workflows. Overall, this review provides an integrated perspective on material-based strategies for 3D cryopreservation and identifies future directions to enable the long-term storage and clinical translation of engineered tissues. Full article

The cryopreservation of ovarian tissues from fish has recently been carried out for several endangered and commercially valuable species. However, previous studies in this context have focused on the cryopreservation of immature ovaries—mainly through slow freezing and vitrification—which requires specialized freezing equipment or higher cryoprotectant concentrations to keep cell viability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore a convenient, rapid, efficient and less toxic method for the cryopreservation of ovaries at the stage of vitellogenesis from yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), an economically important marine fish. The ovaries at the stage of vitellogenesis were isolated and cut into blocks of approximately 1 cm³, then cryopreserved with 15% propylene glycol (PG), fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 0.2 M trehalose as cryoprotectants. Finally, the samples were treated using three different freezing procedures, including a −80 °C refrigerator, liquid nitrogen, and their combination. After 7 days, the tissues were thawed and digested, and the cell survival rates and gene expression levels were detected using cell viability assay kits and qRT-PCR, respectively. The results of the viability assay showed that the procedure of ovarian tissue storage at −80 °C in a refrigerator for 1 h, followed by transfer to liquid nitrogen, resulted in the highest cell survival rate (>90%). Furthermore, the germ cells at various phases were of normal size; presented a full, smooth surface and regular shape; and did not show any signs of cell rupture, atrophy, depression, granulation or cavitation. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR results revealed that genes related to reproductive development, such as vasa, foxl2, zp3 and gsdf, were all down-regulated under the optimal protocol, while the expression of the nanos2 gene (which is specifically distributed in oogonia) maintained a higher level, similar to that in the control group. This indicated that the viability of germ stem cells (oogonia) was not weakened after freezing and that oogonia could be isolated from the cryopreserved ovaries for germ cell transplantation. The present study successfully establishes an optimal cryopreservation protocol for ovarian tissues from Nibea albiflora, providing reference for the preservation of ovaries at the stage of vitellogenesis from other species. Full article

The quantum Mpemba effect refers to the counterintuitive phenomenon in which a system initially farther from equilibrium relaxes faster than one prepared closer to it. Several mechanisms have been identified in open quantum systems to explain this behavior, including the strong Mpemba effect, non-Markovian memory, and initial system–reservoir entanglement. Here, we unveil a distinct mechanism rooted in the non-normal nature of the Liouvillian superoperator in Markovian dynamics. When the Liouvillian’s eigenmodes are non-orthogonal, transient interference between decaying modes can induce anomalous early-time behavior—such as delayed thermalization or transient freezing—even though asymptotic decay rates remain unchanged. This differs fundamentally from strong Mpemba effects, which hinge on suppressed overlap with slow-decaying modes. We demonstrate this mechanism using a waveguide quantum electrodynamics model, where quantum emitters interact with the photonic modes of a one-dimensional waveguide. The directional and radiative nature of these couplings naturally introduces non-normality into the system’s dynamics. As a result, certain initial states—despite being closer to equilibrium—can exhibit slower relaxation at short times. This work reveals a previously unexplored and universal source of Mpemba-like behavior in memoryless quantum systems, expanding the theoretical framework for anomalous relaxation and opening new avenues for control in engineered quantum platforms. Full article

Alkali-activated-slag cementitious material (AASCM) is distinguished by minimal energy consumption, reduced pollution, and superior mechanical properties; however, it is prone to issues such as susceptibility to cracking and inadequate frost resistance. To facilitate its application in cold region construction, research on AASCM modifications was conducted following freeze-thaw cycle and chloride ion corrosion coupling tests. The test results show that the AASCM made of recycled rubber and coal ash does not change much in shape or appearance after 100 freeze-thaw cycles, with a mass loss rate of less than 5% and a compressive strength loss rate of less than 25%. Furthermore, the AASCM containing recycled rubber, coal ash, and straw fiber demonstrates an effective resistance to freeze-thaw and chloride ion coupling, maintaining its appearance and shape without notable changes and exhibiting a mass loss rate of less than 25% following 100 such tests. Following 100 tests for freeze-thaw and chloride ion coupling, the appearance and morphology of AASCM exhibited no significant alterations, with a mass loss rate below 5% and a compressive strength loss rate under 25%; microscopic analysis revealed that the C-A-S-H gel maintained a relatively dense and stable structure. Adding recycled rubber to the AASCM matrix can slow the spread of cracks, make the material more flexible, and make it more resistant to frost. Straw fibers can stop cracks from getting bigger, and adding coal ash helps make more C-A-S-H gel, which improves the AASCM’s mechanical properties. Full article

The cryopreservation of male gonadal tissue is critical to conserve genetic material and use it later via assisted reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate cryopreservation methods (slow freezing, SF; solid surface vitrification, SSV) as well as the optimal concentrations of intracellular cryoprotectants during the SSV of testicular tissue from prepubertal collared peccaries. Five pairs of testes were dissected on different days into small fragments (3 mm³) and allocated to a non-cryopreserved, a control group or one of three treatment groups: SF; SSV 3 M (1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] plus 1.5 M ethylene glycol [EG]); or SSV 6 M (3 M DMSO plus 3 M EG). After one week of storage in liquid nitrogen, tissue samples were warmed and evaluated in terms of histology, viability, proliferative capacity potential, and DNA integrity. The scores for histological integrity and cellular damage for SF (2.08 ± 0.05 and 2.33 ± 0.07, respectively) were similar to the results found in SSV 6 M (1.93 ± 0.04 and 2.30 ± 0.07; p > 0.05). However, these scores were better when compared to SSV 3 M (1.87 ± 0.05 and 2.08 ± 0.06; p < 0.05). The percentage of cellular viability was around 57% after all preservation treatments (p > 0.05), which was lower than in the control group (88.8 ± 1.9%; p < 0.05). The SSV 6 M treatment was better than the other treatments regarding the proliferative capacity potential of spermatogonia cells (3.52 ± 0.03) (p < 0.05), although it was lower than in the control group (4.00 ± 0.12) (p < 0.05). Additionally, SSV 6 M led to the same DNA integrity (97.0 ± 0.7%) as in the control group (99.4 ± 0.3%). These collective findings suggest that the combination of SSV with 6 M cryoprotectants is the most efficient for the cryopreservation of testes from prepubertal collared peccaries. Full article

Wound infections remain a significant clinical challenge, impeding healing and causing deterioration. Recently, multifunctional hydrogel dressings have gained interest as an effective treatment to treat infections efficiently and enhance wound recovery. The present research is focused on the development of composite hydrogels comprising chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin (GEL) and licorice extract (LE), using the freeze gelation technique. The resulting composite hydrogels of CS/PVA/GEL incorporating LE were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of specific functional groups within the molecules. XRD exhibited the amorphous nature of hydrogels. SEM analysis revealed that increasing the CS ratio in hydrogels created a more porous structure with a smaller pore size. All the hydrogels demonstrated oxygen permeability, which is crucial for the healing process. Among the synthesized hydrogels, MM-2 containing PVA (20 mL) and LE (4 mL) demonstrated superior performance with a water retention capacity of 440% and moisture content of 91%. This exceptional result can be attributed to the higher proportion of PVA and the material’s porous structure, which enhances its hydrophilic properties. The synthesized hydrogels showed good antibacterial potential against three selected strains of bacteria including Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The hydrogels’ cytotoxicity levels were assessed through hemolysis assay and the results demonstrated that all hydrogels were non-toxic. The hydrolytic breakdown revealed that the interconnected hydrogels with licorice components exhibited slow degradation, making them more appropriate for long-term wound treatment. Specifically, MM-4 demonstrated a 74% degradation rate and displayed 75% antioxidant activity, indicating its potential effectiveness for chronic wound applications. These characteristics of synthesized CS/PVA/GEL/LE-derived hydrogels suggest their potential use as a promising candidate for wound care applications. Full article