Optimizing the Chemical Compositions of Protective Agents for Freeze-drying Bifidobacterium longum BIOMA 5920

Freeze drying has a deleterious effect on the viability of microorganisms. In front of this difficulty, the present study adopts response surface methodology to optimize the chemical compositions of protective agents to seek for maximum viability of Bifidobacterium longum BIOMA 5920 during freeze-drying. Through the compara- tive analysis of single protectant, the complex protective agents show better effect on the Bifidobacterium viability. Human-like collagen (HLC), trehalose and glycerol are confirmed as significant factors by Box-Behnken Design. The optimized formula for these three variables is tested as follows: HLC 1.23%, trehalose 11.50% and glycerol 4.65%. Under this formula, the viability is 88.23%, 39.67% higher in comparison to the control. The viable count is 1.07×10 9 cfu·g-1 , greatly exceeding the minimum viable count requirement (10 6 cfu·g-1 ).

Effect of Isobutyl-triethoxy-silane Penetrative Protective Agent on the Carbonation Resistance of Concrete

Effect of isobutyl-triethoxy-silane penetrative protective agent on the carbonation resistance of the concrete was studied.The concrete specimens for the 28 d accelerated carbonation process were manufactured with w/c of 0.49 and 0.64,both in the presence and absence of silane and mineral admixture.The penetration of isobutyl-triethoxy-silane and the carbonation of concrete were investigated by penetration depth,carbonation depth,XRD,SEM,and pore size distribution.The results showed that concrete compactness played an important role in the silane penetration and carbonation resistance.Penetration depth of silane-treated concrete mainly depended on the compactness of the concrete,and could not remarkably change through the accelerated carbonation process.In the accelerated carbonation process,penetrative protective agent improved the carbonation resistance of the higher compactness concretes but accelerated the carbonization process of the lower compactness concretes.As penetrative protective agent penetrated along the external connectivity pores into concrete not filling the entire surface area,the inorganic film could not fully protect the Ca（OH）_2 phase from carbonation.After 28 d accelerated carbonation,fibrous hydration products disappeared and the surface holes decreased.Due to the formation of carbonized products,the porosity of the concrete surface decreased,especially in high-strength concrete.

Optimization of Freeze-drying Protective Agents for Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0391 by Response Surface Methodology

In this study, the Single Factor Test（SFT） was used to optimize the pre-freezing conditions of L. plantarum KLDS1.0391（KLDS1.0391）. Further, the Freeze-Drying Protective Agents（FDPA） of KLDS1.0391 was optimized by Response Surface Methodology（RSM）. The optimum pretreatment conditions were as the follows： initial concentration of KLDS1.0391 was 1011 CFU · m L-1 and KLDS1.0391 was pre-freezed at –80℃ for 8 h to achieve the survival rate of 46.21%. The main components of FDPA were skim milk, sucrose, sodium glutamate and Tween-80. And the influence of four factors on the survival rate of KLDS1.0391 in freeze-drying was in order as the follows： skim milk〉sucrose〉Tween-80〉sodium glutamate. The optimal FDPA composition was skim milk 11.3%, sucrose 9.8%, sodium glutamate 5.1% and Tween-80 0.2%. Under the above conditions, the survival rate of the cells was 82.98%. Comparing the predicted values, the relative error was 0.37% and the difference was not significant, which indicated that the established model could effectively reflect the actual protection of FDPA to KLDS1.0391.

Optimization of Protective Agent Formulation for Soybean Rhizobium Strain HW-05 by Response Surface Methodology

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of proteins, salts, sugars and trace elements on soybean rhizobium strain HW-05 by response surface methodology. [Method] Different types, combinations, ratios and concentrations of protective agents were designed. Under simulated conditions, the optimal protective agent formulation was screened for improving the survival rate and survival time of soybean rhizobium strain HW-05. The optimal combination of significant factors was determined by Box-Behnken central composite design. [Result] Three significant factors affecting effective number of viable cells were screened, including peptone, xanthan gum and NaCl. The final concentration of each compound was optimized 0. 13% peptone, 0.011% xanthan gum, 0.30% NaCl. [Conclusion] After addition of protective agent and preservation at room temperature for six months, effective number of viable cells of soybean rhizobium strain HW-05 reached 3.185 ×10^8 CFU/ml. The survival rate of HW-05 cells was improved by more than 25% compared with the control group （2.458×10^8 CFU /ml）.

Effective protective agents against the organ toxicity of T-2 toxin and corresponding detoxification mechanisms:A narrative review

T-2 toxin is one of the most widespread and toxic fungal toxins in food and feed.It can cause gastrointestinal toxicity,hepatotoxicity,immunotoxicity,reproductive toxicity,neurotoxicity,and nephrotoxicity in humans and animals.T-2 toxin is physicochemically stable and does not readily degrade during food and feed processing.Therefore,suppressing T-2 toxin-induced organ toxicity through antidotes is an urgent issue.Protective agents against the organ toxicity of T-2 toxin have been recorded widely in the literature,but these protective agents and their molecular mechanisms of detoxification have not been comprehensively summarized.In this review,we provide an overview of the various protective agents to T-2 toxin and the molecular mechanisms underlying the detoxification effects.Targeting appropriate targets to antagonize T-2 toxin toxicity is also an important option.This review will provide essential guidance and strategies for the better application and development of T-2 toxin antidotes specific for organ toxicity in the future.

Prostaglandin E1 administration post liver transplantation and renal outcomes:A retrospective single center experience

BACKGROUND Prostaglandin E1(PGE1),or alprostadil,is a potent vasodilator that improves hepatic blood flow and reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury post-liver transplantation(LT).However,the benefits of PGE1 on renal function after LT have not yet been well described.AIM To assess the impact of PGE1 administration on renal function in patients who underwent liver or liver-kidney transplant.METHODS This retrospective study included all patients who underwent liver or liverkidney transplant at our institution from January,2011 to December,2021.Patients were classified based on whether they received PGE1.PGE1 was administered post-LT to those with transaminases>1000 U/L in the immediate postoperative period.Demographics,post-LT treatments and/or complications,renal function,and survival were analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed,and a two-tailed P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS A total of 145 patients underwent LT,with 44(30%)receiving PGE1.Baseline patient characteristics were comparable,except the PGE1 group had significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(1961.9 U/L±1862.3 U/L vs 878 U/L±741.4 U/L,P=0.000),alanine aminotransferase(1070.6 U/L±895 U/L vs 547.7 U/L±410 U/L,P=0.000),international normalized ratio on post-LT day 1(2±0.74 vs 1.8±0.4,P=0.03),a longer intensive care unit stay(8.1 days±11.8 days vs 3.8 days±4.6 days,P=0.003),more vasopressor use(55.53 hours±111 hours vs 16.33 hours±26.3 hours,P=0.002),and higher immediate postoperative complications(18.6%vs 4.9%,P=0.04).The PGE1 group also had a significantly higher 90-day readmission rate(29.6%vs 13.1%,P=0.02)and lower 1-year liver graft survival(87.5%vs 98.9%,P=0.005).However,30-day readmission(31.6%vs 27.4%,P=0.64),LT complications(hepatic artery thrombosis,biliary complications,rejection of liver graft,cardiomyopathy),1-year patient survival(96.9%vs 97.8%,P=0.77),overall liver graft survival,and overall patient survival were similar between the two groups(95.4%vs 93.9%,P=0.74 and 88.4%vs 86.9%,P=0.81 respectively).Although the PGE1 group had a significantly lower glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)on post-LT day 7(46.3 mL/minute±26.7 mL/minute vs 62.5 mL/minute±34 mL/minute,P=0.009),the eventual need for renal replacement therapy(13.6%vs 5.9%,P=0.09),the number of dialysis sessions(0.91 vs 0.27,P=0.13),and eGFR at 1-month(37.2 mL/minute±35.9 mL/minute vs 42 mL/minute±36.9 mL/minute,P=0.49),6-months(54.8 mL/minute±21.6 mL/minute vs 62 mL/minute±21.4 mL/minute,P=0.09),and 12-months(63.7 mL/minute±20.7 mL/minute vs 62.8 mL/minute±20.3 mL/minute,P=0.85)post-LT were similar to those in the non-PGE1 group.CONCLUSION In patients who received PGE1 for ischemia-reperfusion injury,despite immediate acute renal injury post-LT,the renal function at 1-month,6-months,and 12-months post-LT was similar compared to those without ischemiareperfusion injury.Prospective clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the benefits of PGE1 use in renal function.

Magnesium acethyltaurate as a potential agent for retinal and optic nerve protection in glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible vision impairment affecting more than 70 million people worldwide with approximately 10%suffering from glaucoma-related bilateral blind（Quigley and Broman,2006）.It is a multi-factorial disease that is characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss.Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells（RGCs）resulting in visual field deficits is the hallmark of glaucoma.

Preventive strategies for feeding intolerance among patients with severe traumatic brain injury:A cross-sectional survey

This study aimed to investigate the application status of preventive measures for feeding intolerance in patients with severe traumatic brain injury(STBI)in China and analysis the differences and their causes.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted.From December 2019 to January 2020,ICU nurses and physicians of 89 hospitals in China were surveyed by using a questionnaire on preventive strategies for feeding intolerance in patients with STBI.The questionnaire included two parts:the general information of participants(10 items)and application of preventive measures for feeding intolerance in STBI patients(18 items).Results Totally 996 nurses and physicians completed the questionnaire.Among various methods,gastrointestinal symptoms(85.0%)and injury severity(71.4%)were mostly used to assess gastrointestinal functions and risk of feeding intolerance among STBI patients,respectively.Initiating enteral nutrition(EN)within 24–48 h(61.5%),nasogastric tubes(91.2%),30°–45°of head-of-bed elevation(89.5%),continuous feeding by pump(72.9%),EN solution temperature of 38–40°C(65.5%),<500 ml initial volume of EN solution(50.0%),monitoring gastric residual volume with a syringe(93.7%),and assessing gastric residual volume every 4 h(51.5%)were mostly applied for EN delivery among STBI patients.Prokinetic agents(73.3%),enema(73.6%),probiotics(79.0%),antacid agents(84.1%),and non-nutritional preparations as initial EN formula(65.6%)were commonly used for preventing feeding intolerance among STBI patients.Conclusions The survey showed that nurses and clinicians in China have a positive attitude towards preventive strategies for feeding intolerance.However,some effective new technologies and methods have not been timely applied in clinical practice.We suggest that managers,researchers,clinicians,nurses,and other health professionals should collaborate to explore effective and standard preventive strategies for feeding intolerance among patients with STBI.

Clinical Effect of Biafine in Preventing and Treating Radioactive Skin Destruction of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Caused by Concurrent Intensity- Modulated Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect of Biafine cream in preventing and treating radioactive skin destruction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） patients induced by synchronized intensity-modulated radiotherapy and chemotherapy. METHODS The patients were treated with Varian-600CD 6 MV X-ray three-dimensional （3D） conformal intensity-modulation radiotherapy （IMRT）, with a 120-blade multiple leaf-blade grating and in combination with synchronal Capecitabine chemotherapy. Fifty-one patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy were randomized into 2 groups： 25 in the treatment group received a Biafine cream application following the first radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy, while the other 26, served as controls. They received no application of the cream, but only followed normal procedures for conventional radiotherapy and health education. RESULTS The rate of the skin-reaction was 100% in the patients of both groups. A mild radiation reaction （grade-Ⅰ and Ⅱ） occurred as follows： 88.0% （22/25 cases） in the treatment group and 57.7% （15/26 cases） in the control group. A grade-Ⅲ radiation reaction developed in 12.0% （3/25 cases） in the treatment group, and 42.3% （11/26 cases） in the controls. There was a significant difference, P〈0.01 between the two groups. Concerning the degree of the skin response before the patients received a dose of 40 Gy, the radiation reaction emerged in 32.0% （8/25） of the cases in the treatment group, and in 96.2% （25/26） of the cases of the control group. CONCLUSION Biafine cream can effectively reduce the acute irradiation or chemotherapy-induced dermal injury. It can alleviate the patients＇ suffering, improve their quality of life, and can ensure less injurious radiotherapy.

Heat Stability of HA Antigen in Influenza Virus Rapid Diagnosis Kit

[ Objective] The aim was to select protective agent of HA antigen of influenza virus. [ Method] H3N2 and H1 N1 subtype influenza virus were added into A - F groups to conduct accelerated test at 37 ℃and measure HA titer through hemagglutination test. t Result] Hemagglutination titers of H3 N2 and H, N1 subtype influenza virus were 20 and 32 in group A （ with PBS buffer solution） for 28 d; heat stability of HA antigen proved the best in group F （with BSA, fucose, proclin 300, triton 100） ; hemagglutination titers of HA antigen of H3N2 and H1 N1 subtype virus were 48 and 96 for 28 d. [ Conclusion] Components in group F were best in protection on HA antigen, which can be a candidate of protective agent.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Deep Water Synthetic Based Drilling Fluid System

With the enhancement of environmental protection awareness, the requirements on drilling fluid are increasingly strict, and the use of ordinary oil-based drilling fluid has been strictly restricted. In order to solve the environmental protection and oil-gas reservoir protection problems of offshore oil drilling, a new synthetic basic drilling fluid system is developed. The basic formula is as follows: a basic fluid (80% Linear a-olefin + 20% Simulated seawater) + 2.5% nano organobentonite + 3.5% emulsifier RHJ-5# + 2.5% fluid loss agent SDJ-1 + 1.5% CaO + the right amount of oil wetting barite to adjust the density, and a multifunctional oil and gas formation protective agent YRZ has been developed. The performance was evaluated using a high-low-high-temperature rheometer, a high-temperature and high-pressure demulsification voltage tester, and a high-temperature and high-pressure dynamic fluid loss meter. The results show that the developed synthetic based drilling fluid has good rheological property, demulsification voltage ≥ 500 V, temperature resistance up to 160°C, high temperature and high pressure filtration loss < 3.5 mL. After adding 2% - 5% YRZ into the basic formula of synthetic based drilling fluid, the permeability recovery value exceeds 90% and the reservoir protection effect is excellent. The new synthetic deepwater drilling fluid is expected to have a good application prospect in offshore deepwater drilling.

Ventricular remodeling by Scutellarein treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To observe reversal of ventricular remodeling by the protein kinase C inhibitor Scutellarein in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Twelve SHRs were randomly divided into two groups. Scutellarein and saline (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) were given by intraperitoneal injection to two groups of rats separately. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and ventricular weight index (LVW/BW, RVW/BW) were measured. A polarization microscope and an image analyzer system (IAS) were used to observe changes in cardiovascular structure and to count the content of cardiac muscle interstitial collagen. RESULTS: The pathologic changes in the left ventricle in the Scutellarein group rats (SHR(D)) improved to varying degrees, including hypertrophy of the cardiac muscle and collagen volume fraction. CONCLUSION: Scutellarein can reverse ventricular remodeling, improve myocardial stiffness and protect heart cardiac muscle.

Advanced Strategies for Stabilizing Single‑Atom Catalysts for Energy Storage and Conversion

Well-defined atomically dispersed metal catalysts(or single-atom catalysts)have been widely studied to fundamentally under-stand their catalytic mechanisms,improve the catalytic efficiency,increase the abundance of active components,enhance the catalyst utilization,and develop cost-effective catalysts to effectively reduce the usage of noble metals.Such single-atom cata-lysts have relatively higher selectivity and catalytic activity with maximum atom utilization due to their unique characteristics of high metal dispersion and a low-coordination environment.However,freestanding single atoms are thermodynamically unstable,such that during synthesis and catalytic reactions,they inevitably tend to agglomerate to reduce the system energy associated with their large surface areas.Therefore,developing innovative strategies to stabilize single-atom catalysts,including mass-separated soft landing,one-pot pyrolysis,co-precipitation,impregnation,atomic layer deposition,and organometallic complexation,is critically needed.Many types of supporting materials,including polymers,have been commonly used to stabilize single atoms in these fabrication techniques.Herein,we review the stabilization strategies of single-atom catalyst,including different synthesis methods,specific metals and carriers,specific catalytic reactions,and their advantages and disadvantages.In particular,this review focuses on the application of polymers in the synthesis and stabilization of single-atom catalysts,including their functions as carriers for metal single atoms,synthetic templates,encapsulation agents,and protection agents during the fabrication process.The technical challenges that are currently faced by single-atom catalysts are summarized,and perspectives related to future research directions including catalytic mechanisms,enhancement of the catalyst loading content,and large-scale implementation are proposed to realize their practical applications.