A Cloud Model-Based Risk Assessment Methodology for Tunneling-Induced Damage to Existing Tunnel

This study presents a cloud model-based approach for risk assessment of existing tunnels in tunneling construction environments where the cloud model provides a basis for uncertainty transformation between its qualitative concepts and quantitative expressions. An evaluation index system is established for risk assessment of existing tunnels based on the tunnel-induced failure mechanism analysis. The assessment result is obtained through the correlation with the cloud model of each risk level. Risk assessment for existing Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Railway Tunnel in the tunneling environment of Shenzhen Metro Line 6 is shown in a case study. Comparisons between Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) methods are further discussed according to results. The proposed evaluation method is verified to be more competitive as the fuzziness and randomness of uncertainties in the risk assessment system can be considered comprehensively. This method can serve as a decision-making tool for other similar project risk assessment methods to increase the likelihood of a successful project in an uncertain environment

Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 Protects the Intestinal Epithelium and Attenuates ETEC-Induced IL-8 Secretion in Enterocytes

The probiotic Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 (Ef1) has been shown to have positive effects on piglet diarrhoea, but the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, using the IPEC-J2 cell line to mimic intestinal epithelial cells and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88ac as a representative intestinal pathogen, the mechanism underlying Ef1 protection against an enteropathogen was investigated. The results demonstrated that Ef1 was effective in displacing K88ac from the IPEC-J2 cell layer. Moreover, Ef1 and its cell-free supernatant (S-Ef1) modulate IL-8 released by IPEC-J2 cells. Ef1 and its cell-free supernatant showed the potential to protect enterocytes from an acute inflammatory response. In addition, Ef1 and its cell-free supernatant increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the enterocyte monolayer, thus strengthening the intestinal barrier against ETEC. These results may contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions using Ef1 in intestinal disorders of piglets

Modulation of Gut Microbial Community and Metabolism by <i>Bacillus licheniformis</i> HD173 Promotes the Growth of Nursery Piglets Model

Maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiota is crucial for the gut health and growth development of humans and animals. Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) has been reported to be beneficial to the gut health of humans and animals, whereas the probiotic effects of a new strain, B. licheniformis HD173, remain uncertain. In this study, nursery piglets were utilized as animal models to investigate the extensive impact of B. licheniformis HD173 on gut microbiota, metabolites, and host health. The major findings were that this probiotic enhanced the growth performance and improved the health status of the nursery piglets. Specifically, it reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum while increasing the level of IL-10 and SOD. In the gut, B. licheniformis HD173 reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Mycoplasma, Vibrio, and Vibrio metschnikovii, while it increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, including Oscillospira, Coprococcus, and Roseburia faecis, leading to an enhanced production of butyric acid. Furthermore, B. licheniformis HD173 effectively improved the gut metabolic status, enabling the gut microbiota to provide the host with stronger metabolic abilities for nutrients. In summary, these findings provide scientific evidence for the utilization of B. licheniformis HD173 in the development and production of probiotic products for maintaining gut health in humans and animals

Inhibition of LPS-Induced Skin Inflammatory Response and Barrier Damage via MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway by <i>Houttuynia cordata</i> Thunb Fermentation Broth

Houttuynia cordata Thunb is rich in active substances and has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Scanning electron microscopy and gel permeation chromatography were used to analyze the molecular characteristics of the fermentation broth of Houttuynia cordata Thunb obtained through fermentation with Clavispora lusitaniae (HCT-f). The molecular weight of HCT-f was 2.64265 × 105 Da, and the polydispersity coefficient was 183.10, which were higher than that of unfermented broth of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT). By investigating the active substance content and in vitro antioxidant activity of HCT-f and HCT, the results indicated that HCT-f had a higher active substance content and exhibited a superior scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and hydroxyl radicals, with IC50 values of 11.85% and 9.01%, respectively. Our results showed that HCT-f could effectively alleviate the increase in the secretion of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and had a certain effect on repairing skin barrier damage. HCT-f could exert an anti-inflammatory effect by down-regulating signaling in the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. The results of erythrocyte hemolysis and chicken embryo experiments showed that HCT-f had a high safety profile. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of HCT-f as an effective ingredient in food and cosmetics

Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Laminaria japonica alleviates UVB-induced epidermal photoinflammation via the Keap-1/Nrf2 pathway

UVB-induced human immortal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell damage model was established to investigate the mitigating effect of Laminaria japonica Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum fermentation broth (LJf) on epidermal photoinflammation and barrier function impairment. Compared to unfermented Laminaria japonica (LJ), LJf contains higher levels of potent substances, as well as stronger in vitro antioxidant activity. LJf is able to scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase intracellular antioxidant enzyme content and synthesis levels. We also find that LJf is superior to LJ in inhibiting the release of ILs, TNF-α and MMP-9. LJf also increased the synthesis level of barrier function proteins and decreased the secretion level of Kallikrein-7 (KLK-7), effectively alleviating the level of inflammation, abnormal cell shedding, and impaired barrier function in the epidermis. LJf can inhibit the transcription levels of downstream regulators and inflammatory factors by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Safety experiments reveal that LJf is non-irritating