Higher Protective Effect Research Articles

EFFECTIVE DOSAGE OF CORROSION INHIBITORS FOR OILFIELD EQUIPMENT PROTECTION FROM LOCALIZED CARBON DIOXIDE CORROSION

The article presents the results of laboratory tests of the industrial corrosion inhibitor VITERASOYUZ-2000 of the BP-2 brand (class of imidazolines) used in the oil and gas industry. In 2021, one of the vertically integrated companies purchased 20 thousand tons of this reagent, which is 10 % of the total purchased volume. The volume of corrosion inhibitors purchased by the company annually (~ 200 thousand t) is 97 % a product of domestic manufacturers. The main line of inhibitors purchased in 2021 is represented by the following brands: Sonkor (> 40 thousand t), Azol (~ 40 thousand t), Kormaster (> 30 thousand t), UnoKem (~ 30 thousand t), VITERASOYUZ (~ 20 thousand t), Scimol (> 10 thousand t), ETK (~ 10 thousand t), others (~ 20 thousand t). These reagents were used to inhibit carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and mixed corrosion of oilfield equipment.In order to evaluate the effectiveness of inhibitors in suppressing local carbon dioxide corrosion and determine their effective dosage laboratory studies were performed using a specially developed authors’ technique. A distinctive feature of the technique is the modeling of an essential feature of corrosion processes occurring in real oilfield systems in the presence of carbon dioxide – a high rate of local corrosion exceeding the corrosion rate by 2–9 times. The standard environment and conditions of laboratory experiments used in laboratory tests make it possible to reproduce local corrosion damage visible and measured using a needle micrometer (> 0.01 mm) on corrosion control samples by the weight method. It is shown that the protective effect of the corrosion inhibitor VITERASOYUZ-2000 of the BP-2 brand in relation to local corrosion is achieved at a dosage of 100–150 mg/dm3.The practical significance of the research is shown by a retrospective analysis of data from weight (gravimetric) corrosion monitoring during industrial testing of corrosion inhibitors, which confirm that the use of «traditional» dosages of 15–40 mg/dm3 (based on the total volume of liquid = oil + water) with a high protective effect against corrosion consumption («general corrosion») do not provide a protective effect against local corrosion. It is noted that in some cases, corrosion inhibitors, due to reducing corrosion consumption, can not help only reduce the rate of local corrosion, but, on the contrary, stimulate its development. The target of the tests is to increase the reliability of pipeline operation and environmental safety while reducing the increase in accidents and the number of failures.

How well do different COVID-19 vaccines protect against different viral variants? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

While the efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has been evaluated in numerous trials, comprehensive evidence on how protection by different vaccines has varied over time remains limited. We aimed to compare protective effects of different vaccines against different viral variants. To achieve this, we searched Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase for randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Forest plots using Mantel-Haenszel and random-effects models were generated showing risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs by vaccines and variants. We included 36 studies with 90 variant-specific primary outcomes. We found a RR of 0.26 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.31) against all variants overall, with the highest protective effects against the wild-type (RR 0.13; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.18), followed by Alpha (RR 0.26; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.36), Gamma (RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.55), Delta (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.56) and Beta (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.62) variants. Nucleic acid vaccines showed the highest protection levels against all variants (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.15), followed by protein subunit, inactivated virus and viral vector. In conclusion, we found high but heterogenous levels of protection for most COVID-19 vaccines, with decreasing protective effects for vaccines based on traditional technologies as SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged over time. Novel nucleic acid-based vaccines offered substantially higher and more consistent protection.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Berberine Nanomicelles: In vitro and In vivo Studies.

In the present study, neuroprotective effects of berberine (BBR) and berberine nanomicelle (BBR-NM) against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced stress oxidative were investigated, and compared by evaluating their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in PC12 cells, and rat brains. A fast, green, and simple synthesis method was used to prepare BBR-NMs. The prepared BBR-NMs were then characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro experiments were carried out on the LPS-treated PC12 cell lines to investigate the anti-cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of BBR-NM and BBR. The results showed that BBR-NMs with a diameter of ~100 nm had higher protective effects against ROS production and cytotoxicity induced by LPS in PC12 cells in comparison with free BBR. Moreover, in vivo experiments indicated that the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased in the brain of LPS-treated rats administrated with BBR-NM at the optimum dose of 100 mg.kg-1. BBR-NM administration also resulted in decreased concentration of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Overall, BBR-NM demonstrated higher neuroprotective effects than free BBR, making it a promising treatment for improving many diseases caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

Comparison of Dietary Supplementation with Krill Oil, Fish Oil, and Astaxanthin on an Experimental Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer Model: A Biochemical and Histological Study

Background/Objectives: Despite advances in ulcer treatment research, the search for new, safe, and effective strategies for preventing and treating ulcer diseases persists. Methods: In this study, the protective effects of dietary supplementation with krill oil (KO), fish oil (FO), and astaxanthin (ASX) on an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model were compared during biochemical and histological observations. Sprague–Dawley (n = 64) rats randomly divided into four groups—normal control (vehicle), KO, FO, and ASX groups—received the supplements via the orogastric route at a rate of 2.5% (v/w) of their daily feed consumption for 4 weeks. Then, ulcer induction was performed with ethanol. Results: The ulcer group showed increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), chemiluminescence (CL), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and decreased levels of glutathione in the gastric tissues. While KO, FO, and ASX supplementation decreased chemiluminescence levels in the ulcer group, only ASX supplementation decreased MDA levels and MPO activity. Conclusions: In conclusion, supplementation with KO or FO has a similar protective effect against ethanol-induced ulcer damage, as it inhibits ROS formation and reduces lipid peroxidation. However, ASX supplementation has a higher protective effect than KO or FO supplementations against experimental ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats, as it inhibits ROS formation and reduces neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation.

Electrospun nanofibers for localized drug release of a neuroprotective natural extract of Usnea ghattensis

This research is based on the incorporation of the methanolic extract of the Usnea ghattensis into poly (caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (NFs) to investigate the capacity in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). PCL-NFs were fabricated by the electrospinning technique and are investigated as potential dressing material focused on the release of usnic acid (PCL-USNIC NFs), and its encapsulation efficiency and kinetic release were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This investigation was performed by analyzing the usnic acid concentration as a function of the distance from the mat center point. The kinetic release analysis is also developed with the usnea ghattensis extract (PCL-USNEA NFs), performing a metabolomic analysis of the released molecules as a function of time by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Usnic acid was revealed as the most relevant compound together with other molecules, such as sucrose, mannitol, arabitol or glycerol that generate a positive matrix effect on the release of usnic acid. Finally, we analize the cytotoxicity and the neuroprotective effect of PCL-USNEA and PCL-USNIC NFs using a human neuroblastoma cell line model. Negligible toxicity was appreciated for both polymeric systems, showing high protective effects in presence of highly oxidative environment (e.g. in presence of H2O2).

Dual bioinspired superhydrophobicity and magnetically-induced self-healing ferrofluid-based SLIPS to inhibit corrosion of copper

Copper has extensive industrial applications. However, the susceptibility to corrosion makes it vulnerable in harsh environments. Bioinspired coating presents a novel approach to address copper corrosion. Bioinspired from lotus leaves and pitcher plants, this research endeavors to create superhydrophobic and ferrofluid-infused surfaces (FIS) on copper substrate. Firstly, a one-step electrodeposition method is employed to fabricate superhydrophobic surface on copper. Secondly, Fe3O4 nanoparticles are sequentially modified with dopamine hydrochloride and dodecanethiol to endow surface hydrophobicity. Then, the modified Fe3O4 is dispersed in oil to create a magnetic fluid, which is finally infused onto the superhydrophobic matrix, forming the FIS coating. Electrochemical testing confirms the high protective effect of the bio-inspired superhydrophobic and magnetic fluid composite coating against corrosion. The FIS coating exhibits a prominent low-frequency impedance modulus (7.73 × 106 Ω·cm²) even after immersion in NaCl solution for 60 d. Furthermore, the coating demonstrates an outstanding magnetic-driven self-healing capability, as evidenced by the minimal decrease in the |Z|0.01 Hz value (remaining as high as 109 Ω·cm²) even after undergoing six cycles of scratching and self-healing process. This corrosion resistance can be attributed to the combined effects of the accommodating effect of superhydrophobic matrix and the self-healing property of the magnetic fluid under the magnetic field. This dually bio-inspired coating technology offers significant advantages for copper applications in harsh environments.

Bioinspired Flexible Kevlar/Hydrogel Composites with Antipuncture and Strain-Sensing Properties for Personal Protective Equipment.

Currently, multifunction has become an essential direction of personal protective equipment (PPE), but achieving the protective effect, flexibility, physiological comfort, and intelligent application of PPE simultaneously is still a challenge. Herein, inspired by the meso-structure of rhinoceros skin, a novel strategy is proposed by compounding an ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) solution soaked gelatin hydrogel with the high weight fraction and vertically interwoven Kevlar fibers to manufacture a flexible and wearable composite with enhanced puncture resistance and strain-sensing properties. After (NH4)2SO4 solution immersion, the hydrogel's tensile strength, toughness, and fracture strain were up to 3.77 MPa, 4.26 MJ/m3, and 305.19%, respectively, indicating superior mechanical properties. The Kevlar/hydrogel composites revealed excellent puncture resistance (quasi-static of 132.06 N and dynamic of 295.05 N), flexibility (138.13 mN/cm), and air and moisture permeability (17.83 mm/s and 2092.73 g m-2 day-1), demonstrating a favorable balance between the protective effect and wearing comfort even after 7 days of environmental exposure. Meanwhile, salt solution immersion endowed the composite with excellent strain-sensing properties at various bending angles (30-90°) and frequencies (0.25-1 Hz) and allowed it to monitor different human motions directly in real-time. The rhinoceros-skin-inspired Kevlar/hydrogel composites provide a simple and economical solution for antipuncture materials that combine high protective effects, a comfortable wearing experience, and good strain-sensing properties, promising multifunctional PPE in the future.

Intranasally Inoculated SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Combined with Mucoadhesive Polymer Induces Broad and Long-Lasting Immunity.

Current mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 effectively induce systemic and cell-mediated immunity and prevent severe disease. However, they do not induce mucosal immunity that targets the primary route of respiratory infection, and their protective effects wane after a few months. Intranasal vaccines have some advantages, including their non-invasiveness and the additional ability to activate mucosal immunity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of an intranasally inoculated spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with a carboxy-vinyl polymer (S-CVP), a viscous agent. Intranasally inoculated S-CVP strongly induced antigen-specific IgG, including neutralizing antibodies, in the mucosal epithelium and serum and cellular immunity compared to the spike protein mixed with aluminum potassium sulfate. Furthermore, IgA production was detected only with S-CVP vaccination. S-CVP-inoculation in mice significantly suppressed the viral load and inflammation in the lung and protected mice against SARS-CoV-2 challenges, including an early circulating strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant in a manner dependent on CD8+ cells and monocytes/neutrophils. Surprisingly, high antibody responses and protective effects against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron BA.5, persisted for at least 15 months after the S-CVP immunization. Hence, we propose intranasal inoculation with S-CVP as a promising vaccine strategy against SARS-CoV-2.

Impact of universal immunization program with monoclonal antibody nirsevimab on reducing the burden of serious bronchiolitis that need pediatric intensive care.

Nirsevimab appears to have an important impact on reducing the number and length of stay of PICU admissions due to RSV bronchiolitis. • Bronchiolitis is the mostcommon viral infection of the lower respiratory tract in infants. • It represents 13% of the total pediatric intensive care admissions, typically during winter. This is one of the causes that produces a collapse in the health care systems all around the world. • In October 2023, universal immunization with monoclonal antibody nirsevimab of all children under 6 months of age was started in the majority of autonomous communities in Spain. • Recent publications from the nirsevimab clinical trials have evidenced a high RSV protective effect, but data on its effect on real life patients who require pediatric intensive care unit admission are missing.

Protection of soybean by orange peel extract and its nanocapsules against ethyl methanesulfonate damages

Citrus fruits are one of the most important sources of phenolic substances, known as antioxidants and protector agents against ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Orange peels were used to extract bioactive compounds such as phenols, in addition to evaluate antioxidant activity of the extracts. Soybean plant was used to study the effect of several concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) of orange peel water extract as protector material to which EMS (0.7%) was added, as well as nanoencapsulated extract at 0.1%. Several parameters were measured to evaluate the effect of these concentrations on soybean as germination rate, plant height, number of leaves, leaves characteristics, total number of flowers after 40 days from germination, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod and weight of 100 seeds. The results showed that 1% of orange peel water extract had the highest protective effect, however no positive effect was detected when it was used without EMS. Using 0.01% of orange peels extract was indeed advantageous for plant growth. On the other hand, pectin-calcium nanoencapsulated extract at 0.1% showed better effectiveness when compared to non-encapsulated extract at the same concentration. These results revealed that using plant extracts could be a promising approach to protect plants from harmful substances existing in some mediums (tissue culture) and environments.

Green synthesis, characterization, and hepatoprotective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Moringa oleifera leaves in CCl4-treated albino rats

Hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver injury. This research aims to create ZnO-NPs using green synthesis from Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves aqueous extract, and chemically prepared and confirming the synthesis by specialized equipment analysis. The sizes formed of ZnO-NPs were 80 and 55 nm for chemical and green methods, respectively. In addition, to study their ability to protect Wistar Albino male rats against oxidative stress exposed to carbon tetrachloride. MO leaf aqueous extract, green synthesized ZnO-NPs, and ZnO-NPs prepared chemically at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW per day were investigated for their hepatoprotective effects on liver enzyme biomarkers, renal biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes. Compared to the control group, all liver and kidney indicators were considerably elevated after the CCl4 injection. However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver was significantly reduced after the CCl4 injection. These outcomes indicate that MO leaf aqueous extract, greenly synthesized ZnO-NPs, and ZnO-NPs chemically prepared can restore normal liver and kidney function and activity, as well as hematological and antioxidant enzymes. The highest impact on enhancing the hepatoprotective effect was recorded for rats that received green synthesized ZnO-NPs. The increased drug delivery mechanism of green synthesized ZnO-NPs resulted in a higher protective effect than that of MO leaf aqueous extract.

An in vitro analysis of an innovative standardized phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract as a potential neuromodulator for emotional distress and related conditions.

Background: Melissa officinalis L. (MO), commonly known as lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. In various traditional medicines, it has been utilized to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep. A growing body of clinical evidence suggests that MO leaf extract supplementation possesses considerable neuropharmacological properties. However, its possible mechanism of action largely remains unknown. Objective: In the present in vitro studies, we comparatively investigated the central nervous system (CNS)-calming and antioxidative stress properties of an innovative standardized phospholipid carrier-based (Phytosome™) MO extract (Relissa™) vs. an unformulated dry MO extract. Methods: The neuropharmacological effect of the extract was studied in the anti-depressant enzymes γ-aminobutyrate transaminase (GABA-T) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) assays and SH-SY5Y cells brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression assay. The neuroprotective effect of the extract against oxidative stress was assessed in SH-SY5Y cell-based (H2O2-exposed) Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assays. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was evaluated using MTT and LDH assays. The extract antioxidant effect was also evaluated in cell-free chemical tests, including TEAC-ABTS, DPPH, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC), and Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Capacity (HORAC) assays. Results: Relissa™ exhibited high GABA-T inhibitory activity, IC50 (mg/mL) = 0.064 vs. unformulated dry MO extract, IC50 (mg/mL) = 0.27. Similar inhibitory effects were also observed for MAO-A. Relissa™ demonstrated an improved neuroprotective antioxidant effect on SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Compared to unformulated dry MO extract, Relissa™ exerted high protective effect on H2O2-exposed SH-SY5Y cells, leading to higher cells BDNF expression levels. Moreover, cell-free chemical tests, including TEAC-ABTS, DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, ORAC, and HORAC assays, validated the improved antioxidant effect of Relissa™ vs. unformulated dry MO extract. Conclusion: The results of the present study support the neuromodulating and neuroprotective properties of Relissa™, and its supplementation may help in the amelioration of emotional distress and related conditions.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into high fat diet-induced kidney injury and moderate intensity continuous training-mediated protective effects

Although physics exercise has been utilized to prevent and treat a variety of metabolic diseases, its role in obesity-related kidney diseases remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the protective potential of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) against high fat diet (HFD)-induced kidney injury and found that MICT could significantly reduce obesity indexes (body weight, serum glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and kidney injury indexes (serum creatinine and the expression of Kim-1 mRNA) in HFD-fed mice. PAS staining and Masson staining displayed that MICT maintained the morphological structure of kidney subunits and reduced kidney fibrosis in HFD-fed mice. By kidney RNA-seq, we identified several genes and pathways (Cd9, Foxq1, Mier3, TGF-β signaling pathway etc.) that might underlie HFD-induced kidney injury and MICT-mediated protective effects. In conclusion, this study revealed the protective role of MICT in HFD-induced kidney injury and suggested potential targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related kidney diseases.

Safety, immunogenicity and protective effectiveness of heterologous boost with a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in adult recipients of inactivated vaccines

Vaccines have proven effective in protecting populations against COVID-19, including the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells), the first approved recombinant protein vaccine in China. In this positive-controlled trial with 85 adult participants (Sf9 cells group: n = 44; CoronaVac group: n = 41), we evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective effectiveness of a heterologous boost with the Sf9 cells vaccine in adults who had been vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine, and found a post-booster adverse events rate of 20.45% in the Sf9 cells group and 31.71% in the CoronaVac group (p = 0.279), within 28 days after booster injection. Neither group reported any severe adverse events. Following the Sf9 cells vaccine booster, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of binding antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of prototype SARS-CoV-2 on day 28 post-booster was significantly higher than that induced by the CoronaVac vaccine booster (100,683.37 vs. 9,451.69, p < 0.001). In the Sf9 cells group, GMTs of neutralizing antibodies against pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse variants of concern [VOCs]) increased by 22.23–75.93 folds from baseline to day 28 post-booster, while the CoronaVac group showed increases of only 3.29–10.70 folds. Similarly, neutralizing antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse VOCs) increased by 68.18–192.67 folds on day 14 post-booster compared with the baseline level, significantly greater than the CoronaVac group (19.67–37.67 folds). A more robust Th1 cellular response was observed with the Sf9 cells booster on day 14 post-booster (mean IFN-γ+ spot-forming cells per 2 × 105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells: 26.66 vs. 13.59). Protective effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 was approximately twice as high in the Sf9 cells group compared to the CoronaVac group (68.18% vs. 36.59%, p = 0.004). Our study findings support the high protective effectiveness of heterologous boosting with the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) against symptomatic COVID-19 of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, while causing no apparent safety concerns.

Production of egg yolk antibody (IgY) against a chimeric protein containing IpaD, StxB, and TolC antigens from Shigella: An investigation of its prophylactic effects against Shiga toxin (Stx) and Shigella dysenteriae in vitro and in vivo

Shigella is a major problem in developing countries. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) can be used for prophylaxis and neutralize bacteria. The aim of this study was to produce IgY against the chimeric protein containing IpaD, StxB, and TolC antigens from Shigella, investigate its prophylactic and neutralizing effects against Stx and Shigella dysenteriae. The nucleotide sequence corresponding to the chimeric protein was cloned into pET28a plasmid and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and the recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The 150 μg of chimeric protein was mixed with Freund's adjutant and injected into laying hens (Leghorn). IgY was purified using PEG6000 precipitation. Antibody titer in the serum and egg yolk was evaluated by ELISA. IgY challenge against 1,10 and 50 LD50 of Stx and S. dysenteriae was investigated. A 60.6 kDa recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. ELISA showed that the antibody titer was significantly increased. MTT assay [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] showed that at 16 μmol/L, IgY protected HeLa cells against Stx. Treatment of mice with 1000 and 1500 μg IgY leads to complete survival of the mice against 1LD50 toxin and 4000 μg of IgY led to complete survival against 1LD50, also 70% and 30% survival against 10 and 50 LD50S. dysenteriae. This study showed that IgY produced against Stx and Shigella virulence factors could cause high protective effects against bacteria and toxins.

Isolation and characterization of seven neovibsane-type diterpenoids from Viburnum odoratissimum and their neuroblastoma cell protective effects

Seven undescribed neovibsane-type diterpenoids (1–7) were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum odoratissimum. Their planar structures and relative configurations were elucidated based on a combination of 1D and 2D NMR analysis. The absolute configurations were confirmed by Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced ECD analysis and comparison of experimental and TDDFT-calculated ECD spectrum. Based on the empirical results of the ECD of in situ formed Rh-complexes, rapid determination of the absolute configuration of C-14 within vibsane-type diterpenoids was proposed. In addition, 3 exhibited a high neuroblastoma cell protective effect of 81.8 % at 50 μM (the control group showed a neuroblastoma cell protective effect of 56.2 % at 50 μM).

Improved Protective Equipment for NICU Portable Radiography

We have been developing protective equipment for portable radiography in neonatal intensive care units because the portable radiography's X-ray tube is in close proximity to the head of the nurse who is assisting the patient. Although our initial protective-equipment design was highly effective, there were some concerns that it obstructed the view of the patient and was difficult to handle. To overcome this problem, we have developed two new types of protective device: a narrow-type 0.13 mmPb device, 17 cm long and 45 cm wide (weight 200 g); and a wide type with a wider core material, 45 cm long and 25 cm wide (weight 300 g), both of which can be hung from the collimator cover of mobile X-ray equipment. The measured protective effectiveness was 80.6% at head height for the wide type and 76.8% for the narrow type. A survey of nurses regarding the new protective devices revealed no significant differences between the two types in terms of visibility and whether the devices would be an obstacle when assisting patients. The nurses preferred the wider type, which offered better protection. Radiological technologists also liked that both types were easy to handle because the irradiation field could be adjusted even after the device was fitted. Both types of the new protective device are thus expected to be useful in clinical practice in terms of their high protective effect and improved ease of handling.

Listing and Comparing the Immunogenicity, Safety, and Effectiveness of 9vHPV Vaccinations for Different Age Groups: 9-15 Years Old, 16-26 Years Old, 27-45 Years Old

The effectiveness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in preventing high-risk HPV infections and accompanying serious vaginal, cervical, and vulvar disorders was verified. The development of the 9-valent HPV(9vHPV) vaccine yields greater coverage versus the quadrivalent (qHPV) vaccine. This study aims to assess the 9vHPV from immunogenicity, safety, and effectiveness in three different age groups respectively: 9-15 years old, 16-26 years old, and 27-45 years old. This paper searched PubMed and Embase databases to include related clinical trials of these three age groups and ensure a large-scale study population. Immunogenicity analysis for different age groups reported that the geometric mean titers (GMTs) decreased with age but could still stimulate robust and effective immune responses. The antibody levels of the subjects significantly increased to reach protective levels and persisted for a long time after vaccination. Besides, the 9vHPV vaccine has a high protective effect against the infection of nine subtypes of HPV. Both HPV infection rates and rates of associated diseases significantly decreased versus those who did not receive the vaccine. Additionally, the outcomes also demonstrated that the safety of the 9vHPV vaccines was good across all age groups. The intensity of most reported injection-site adverse events (AEs) and vaccine-related systemic AEs were not serious. Serious adverse reactions are very rare. In total, immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety in different age groups of the 9vHPV vaccination are overall good. These findings provide scientific evidence for the immunization of the 9vHPV vaccine and recommend the optimal age for vaccination.

Diet-Wide Association Study for the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Community-Dwelling Adults Using the UK Biobank Data.

This longitudinal study used diet-wide association studies (DWAS) to investigate the association between diverse dietary food and nutrient intakes and the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Out of 502,505 participants from the UK Biobank, 119,040 with dietary data free of T2DM at the baseline were included, and 3241 developed T2DM during a median follow-up of 11.7 years. The DWAS analysis, which is based on Cox regression models, was used to analyse the associations between dietary food or nutrient intake factors and T2DM risk. The study found that 10 out of 225 dietary factors were significantly associated with the T2DM risk. Total alcohol (HR = 0.86, 0.85-0.92, p = 1.26 × 10-32), red wine (HR = 0.89, 0.88-0.94, p = 7.95 × 10-19), and fresh tomatoes (HR = 0.92, 0.89-0.94, p = 2.3 × 10-11) showed a negative association with T2DM risk, whereas sliced buttered bread exhibited a positive association. Additionally, 5 out of 21 nutrient intake variables revealed significant associations with the T2DM risk, with iron having the highest protective effect and starch as a risk factor. In conclusion, DWAS is an effective method for discovering novel associations when exploring numerous dietary variables simultaneously and could provide valuable insight into future dietary guidance for T2DM.

Determining features in the wear resistance characteristics of tribocompounds with a textured hole surface under conditions of boundary friction

The influence of surface texture in the form of pits on the wear resistance of tribocompounds under conditions of limit friction was investigated. At the first stage of research, the mechanism of lubricant behavior between the contacting surfaces and inside the holes was modeled. The limiting condition of the rotation frequency of the sample (n&gt;27) was established, under which a drop of lubricant "leaves" the hole in the upper position of the sample and remains in the space between the sample and the surface of the counterbody, ensuring the regeneration of the boundary lubricating film on the surface of the tribocontact when it is destroyed. When the rotation frequency of the sample is reduced (n&lt;27), the lubricant droplet remains in the hole and does not affect the processes of the boundary lubricant film. At the second stage, experimental studies of tribocombinations with a textured hole surface under conditions of extreme friction were carried out. It was established that the high wear resistance of the textured hole surfaces is provided by the high protective effect of the texture, as well as the high efficiency of the marginal lubricating film. It has been proven that the strengthening of the surface texture by the method of ion-plasma thermocyclic nitriding additionally increases the wear resistance by 1.7 times due to the high protective effect of surface nitrided layers and their high hardness (up to 9500 MPa). This strengthens the effect of inhibiting the occurrence of defects in the surface layers of tribocontact, ensures a high rate of wetting of the places of actual contact of triboconnections, and speeds up the process of regeneration of the boundary lubricating film. Research results can be used to modify the surface layer of heavily loaded parts operating under extreme operating conditions with limited supply of lubricant under various types of friction and wear