Protective Shield Research Articles

Flexible low-profile shield for reducing back radiation of wrist-worn antenna

A flexible conducting lossy shield is developed and demonstrated for a reduction in the back radiation of a linearly polarized X-band patch antenna for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications. The proposed structure comprises a flexible patch antenna backed by a laminated sheet of Expanded Graphite (EG). This flexible sheet is prepared from EG powder pressed uniformly over a thin adhesive tape. The conducting nature of EG is exploited, and the EG sheet is used as a protective shield to prevent back radiation emanating out of the WBAN antenna from propagating toward the human body. The antenna performance is tested over human wrist phantoms experimentally and through full wave simulation studies. The results indicate the marginal variation in the −10 dB impedance bandwidth with a slight increase in the gain and directivity values for a resonant frequency in the range 9.7–10.3 GHz (bending radius variation of 40, 30, and 20 mm and along two bending planes). A measured on-body gain of 6.7 dBi is exhibited by the antenna backed by the EG shield and bent over a 20 mm radius human wrist phantom with an S11 of −19 dB, a −10 dB % bandwidth of 8%, and a directivity of 9.4 dBi. All the other bending configurations exhibit values higher than these. Electric field and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) studies reveal a reduction in wave penetration by the EG shield antenna inside the wrist phantom with a decrease in the SAR by a maximum of 5%. The measured front-to-back ratio values indicate the lowering of back radiation with a maximum average increase of 76% exhibited by an EG backed antenna. The developed EG shield has an additional advantage of being a standalone structure, which can be integrated with any wearable antenna for a possible reduction in the back radiation.

Hydrothermal oxidation improves the corrosion resistance of titanium and initial cellular responses

Hydrothermal oxidation is the key reaction in the hydrothermal treatment for titanium-based biomedical materials. However, there is still a lack of detailed characterization and in-depth research on the bonding between the oxide film and the substrate, the protection for substrate and the early cellular responses. In this study, nanostructured oxide films were prepared on the titanium surface through hydrothermal oxidation in pure water. The interfacial structure was thoroughly analyzed, corrosion resistance was evaluated, and wetting properties, surface energy and protein adsorption capacity were measured; the interaction between cells and the oxide film was revealed through fluorescence staining and microscopic observations. The results showed that nanocrystalline anatase grew in situ on the titanium surface between 150–200 °C, forming a dense oxide film of approximately 40–50 nm. The oxide film significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the substrate, providing strong shielding protection even after immersion in a solution containing fluoride ions for 30 days. Furthermore, the oxide film endowed the titanium substrate with superhydrophilicity and high surface energy, enhancing protein adsorption, accelerating the polymerization of actin and the formation of stress fibers, and facilitating a tight bond between the cell matrix and the substrate surface; cell attachment and spreading were greatly improved.

Model‐Based Systems Engineering Approach for Designing an Artificial Magnetic Field Generator System for Spacecraft Radiation Protection

AbstractThe hazardous environment of space, dominated by cosmic and solar radiation, poses a significant threat to spacecraft and their occupants. Traditional radiation shielding methods, like passive materials, have limitations in weight and effectiveness. An artificial magnetic field generator system emerges as a promising solution to replicate Earth's magnetosphere, providing a protective magnetic shield against harmful radiation. (Dick, Launius, 2007) This paper presents a Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to the holistic modeling and design of such a system.Utilizing the MBSE approach, this study models the system's components, their interactions, and the offered services, incorporating Radiation Monitoring, Magnetic Shielding, Power Management, System Health & Diagnostics, and Crew Communication services. The conceptual data model captures key entities and their relationships, ensuring a coherent integration of the system's parts. The activity diagram illustrates the operational flow, providing clarity on the system's dynamic behavior under varying radiation conditions and power reserves. A services taxonomy is developed to hierarchically categorize and ensure the comprehensive functionality of the system.The application of MBSE methodology provides numerous advantages, including a unified visualization of the system's complexities, enhanced stakeholder communication, and a streamlined validation and verification process. Furthermore, the flexibility inherent in the MBSE approach ensures that the system can be easily updated or scaled based on advancements in technology or changing mission requirements. (ECLIPSE Suite, 2022) The MBSE approach's application to the design of an artificial magnetic field generator system for spacecraft presents a robust and systematic method to ensure optimal performance, safety, and adaptability in the perilous realm of space.

Alginate-gelatine hydrogel microspheres protect NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity under hypoxic conditions

Aims This study aimed to encapsulate natural killer (NK) cells in a hydrogel to sustain their function within the hypoxic tumour microenvironments. Methods An alginate-gelatine hydrogel was generated via electrospray technology. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed through cell counting kit-8 and Live/Dead assays to ascertain cell. Moreover, we analysed lactate dehydrogenase assays to evaluate the cytotoxicity against tumours and utilised RT-qPCR to analyse cytokine gene level. Results Alginate and gelatine formed hydrogels with diameters ranging from 489.2 ± 23.0 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 34.07 ± 1.76%. Encapsulated NK cells exhibited robust proliferation and tumour-killing capabilities under normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, encapsulation provided a protective shield against cell viability under hypoxia. Importantly, tumour-killing cytotoxicity through cytokines upregulation such as granzyme B and interferon-gamma was preserved under hypoxia. Conclusion The encapsulation of NK cells not only safeguards their viability but also reinforces anticancer capacity, countering the inhibition of activation induced by hypoxia.

Jujube-cake inspired lightweight and flexible MXene/liquid metal/bacterial cellulose electromagnetic interference shielding film with excellent Joule heating and thermal conductivity

The modern 5G communication electronics and systems require lightweight and flexible films that have superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance as well as high thermal conductivity. This work reports a facile “one-pot” synthesis strategy to create EMI shielding films with a structure inspired by “jujube cake”. The two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets were combined with one-dimensional bacterial cellulose (BC) to form a mechanically entangled supporting framework resembling the structure of a “sponge cake”, wherein zero-dimensional liquid metal (LM) droplets like “jujubes” were ingeniously introduced. A series of multifunctional Ti3C2Tx/LM/BC (TLB) EMI shielding films with highly efficient conductive networks and complete thermal conductivity pathways were prepared through a simple, eco-friendly and highly scalable fabrication process involving vacuum-assisted filtration and hot pressing. Such ultrathin (18 μm) and lightweight (0.63 g cm−3) TLB composite film demonstrates an outstanding specific SE (SSE/t) of 21695.8 dB cm2 g−1. Meanwhile, it exhibits a remarkable in-plane thermal conductivity of 10.44 W m−1 K−1 and exceptional Joule heat performance from room temperature to 95 °C at 3.0 V in seconds. These attractive properties and scalable fabrication of TLB composite film showcase its potential in the realm of flexible electronics, particularly for applications pertaining to EMI shielding protection, electromagnetic compatibility and thermal management.

“Is it Hard Out Here for a Player?”: Understanding the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Athletic Identity Among College Student Athletes

It is unclear what impact, if any, early experiences with trauma may have on athletic identity. Athletic identity may serve as a protective shield for those who have adverse childhood experiences. Self-identifying as an athlete as opposed to the identity that experienced the trauma could be a defense mechanism for self-protection. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and athletic identity as well as determine any influence from gender, ethnicity, and sport in a group of college athletes. Using Qualtrics software, 102 collegiate athletes currently enrolled in higher education institutions across varying NCAA divisions within the United States completed three measures: Personal Data Form, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey (ACES). Results found adverse childhood experiences were not significantly associated with Athletic Identity. However, results did show a difference between men and women, with a significant relationship between adverse childhood experiences and athletic identity in men but not women. Upon further examination, it was found that for men, consideration of ethnicity in conjunction with gender highlighted an even stronger relationship among Black men specifically. Implications for these findings, suggestions for university athletic departments, and recommendations for future research were made.

EACVI survey on radiation exposure in interventional echocardiography.

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Scientific Initiatives Committee performed a global survey on radiation exposure in interventional echocardiography. The survey aimed to collect data on local practices for radioprotection in interventional echocardiography and to assess the awareness of echocardiography operators about radiation-related risks. A total of 258 interventional echocardiographers from 52 different countries (48% European) responded to the survey. One hundred twenty-two (47%) participants were women. Two-thirds (76%) of interventional echocardiographers worked in tertiary care/university hospitals. Interventional echocardiography was the main clinical activity for 34% of the survey participants. The median time spent in the cath-lab for the echocardiographic monitoring of structural heart procedures was 10 (5-20) hours/month. Despite this, only 28% of interventional echocardiographers received periodic training and certification in radioprotection and 72% of them did not know their annual radiation dose. The main adopted personal protection devices were lead aprons and thyroid collars (95% and 92% of use, respectively). Dedicated architectural protective shielding was not available for 33% of interventional echocardiographers. Nearly two-thirds of responders thought that the radiation exposure of interventional echocardiographers was higher than that of interventional cardiologists and 72% claimed for an improvement in the radioprotection measures. Radioprotection measures for interventional echocardiographers are widely variable across centres. Radioprotection devices are often underused by interventional echocardiographers, portending an increased radiation-related risk. International scientific societies working in the field should collaborate to endorse radioprotection training, promote reliable radiation dose assessment, and support the adoption of radioprotection shielding dedicated to interventional echocardiographers.

Thermal Annealing Impact on the Sensitivity of Piezomagnetic Surface Acoustic Waveguide to Applied Magnetic Field

AbstractMagnetostrictive thin films, exhibit significant utility as functionalization materials for Surface acoustic wave sensors designed for magnetic field measurements. This research investigates the influence of annealing under vacuum and magnetic field at various temperatures on the magnetic properties of the FeCo/TbCo2 thin film and therefore on the sensitivity of shear and Rayleigh acoustic waveguides functionalized with these magnetic layers. The observed effects include a reduction in magnetic anisotropy field and an increase in magnetostriction. XPS and TEM coupled with EDS microanalysis provide insights into the variations in the properties of the nanostructured magnetic film. To safeguard the magnetic film, a thin layer of SiO2 is deposited on top, serving as a protective shield. The inclusion of this layer amplifies sensitivity to applied magnetic fields for modes with shear polarization while reducing sensitivity for Rayleigh mode. In ST‐cut Quartz, the shear waves become waveguided upon the incorporation of magnetic thin films, with further enhancement achieved by introducing a SiO2 layer. Rayleigh waves are evanescent modes, the penetration depth is in the order of wavelength, and the addition of SiO2 decrease the wave confinement and therefore the sensitivity. The findings are supported by a theoretical model and experimentally validated results.

Lightweight and robust cellulose/MXene/polyurethane composite aerogels as personal protective wearable devices for electromagnetic interference shielding

The increasing electromagnetic pollution is urgently needed as an electromagnetic interference shielding protection device for wearable devices. Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene), due to their interesting layered structure and high electrical conductivity, are ideal candidates for constructing efficient conductive networks in electromagnetic interference shielding materials. In this work, lightweight and robust cellulose/MXene/polyurethane composite aerogels were prepared by mixing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) suspensions with MXene, followed by freeze-drying and coating with polyurethane. In this process, CNF effectively assembled MXene nanosheets into a conductive network by enhancing the interactions between MXene nanosheets. The prepared aerogel exhibited the shielding effectiveness of 48.59 dB in the X-band and an electrical conductivity of 0.34 S·cm−1. Meanwhile, the composite aerogel also possessed excellent thermal insulation, infrared stealth, mechanical and hydrophobic properties, and can be used as a wearable protective device to protect the human body from injuries in different scenarios while providing electromagnetic interference shielding protection.

Enhancing gamma-ray shielding with Bi2O3-Enriched BTBi glasses: Optimal balance of attenuation and glass transparency

A host glass of barium-magnesium-boro-tellurite (BTBi0) was produced and reinforced with 10, 20, 30, and 40 mol% of Bi2O3 (BTBi1, BTBi2, BTBi3, and BTBi4) to enhance its gamma rays shielding efficiency. The structural, optical, and attenuation properties of the produced BTBi glass series were studied. Penetration of Bi2O3 up to 30 mol% into the proposed host network enriches it with non-bridging oxygens (NBO) units, while the glass containing 40 mol% was enriched with bridging oxygens (BOs) units, which arose as a result of the role of the Bi3+ ion in disrupting the borate network, leading to the BO4⇋BO3 conversion. The conversion role of Bi2O3 was clearly evident in the behavior of the molar volume, oxygen packing density, and packing density. The results of Raman shift showed the formation of the structural units of the boro-tellurite network and BiO6 units within the glass network. The compositional changes brought about by Bi2O3 agreed perfectly with the results of the optical properties of the studied glass. The red shift in optical absorption spectra, the reduction in the optical band gap, and the augmentation of Urbach energy up to 30 mol% of Bi2O3 occurred mainly as a result of the formation of NBOs units. In contrast, at 40 mol% of Bi2O3, the continuation of the red shift, the decrease in the optical band gap, and the increase in the Urbach energy, despite the increase in BOs compared to the NBOs, are attributed to the high polarizability of Bi3+ and the formation of BiO6 units. The transparency of the glass increased to about 85 % with increasing Bi2O3 up to 30 mol%, but decreased to 70 % at 40 mol%. The ability of the considered glasses to attenuate gamma rays was examined using Phy-X/PSD software. The results showed that the attenuation ability improved significantly with increasing Bi2O3 concentrations, where the required thickness to attenuate gamma rays was reduced by 48.505–77.134 % at 40 mol% of Bi2O3. Based on the high attenuation ability and transparency of the studied BTBi glasses, they can be used as a protective shield against gamma rays in nuclear applications that require visual monitoring.

Behind the Privative Space Obstruction. Investigating Visual Perception Privacy, Downtown Algiers’ Mass Housing

The present paper brings forth visual perception privacy issue in mass housing in Algiers. Considering a correlation between obstruction rates and visual perception privacy, the case study was selected to measure dwellers’ satisfaction according to Altman’s theoretical framework. A qualitative method was adopted and a semi-guided interview was conducted with 28 downtown mass housing residents in Algiers. On the other hand, to understand outsiders’ perspective regarding downtown dwellings’ perception, the qualitative method was supplemented by a survey involving 94 participants. Both methodological tools were structured according to previous non-participatory observation. Finally, the investigated area appears as being double-scaled: on an urban scale visual perception privacy measurement, people are satisfied, while on the residential scale, dissatisfaction prevails. From outsiders’ perspective, dynamic motions combined to street furniture create a visual protective shield between dwellers and unfamiliar outsiders, as the later perceive environment on a cognitive dimension, while familiar outsiders perceive it on an affective-emotional symbolic dimension.

Engineering design and manufacturing of a radio frequency plasma driver without Faraday shield for NBI application

A radio frequency (RF) driven ion source is favorable for high-power and long-pulse neutral beam injection (NBI) system. To reduce the damage caused by the isotropic heat and particle fluxes from the plasma, the traditional RF plasma driver of the NBI ion source introduces a Faraday shield (FS) for protection. However, the simulations and experiments show that the FS seriously affects the RF coupling and around 50 % of the input power deposits on the FS. The water-cooled discharge tubes with a double-layer ceramic structure have been developed to avoid using the FS structure. It's expected to improve the RF power transfer efficiency and to promote the development of high-power and long-pulse RF ion source. To verify the feasibility of the double-layer ceramic structure, the paper has carried out the fluid-thermal-structural coupling analysis and the fracture mechanical analysis on two proposed types: the alumina ceramic brazing structure and the silicon nitride ceramic bonding structure. The sample tests and the prototype manufacturing have been completed. Preliminary tests of the plasma discharge on the prototype of the alumina ceramic brazing structure have been launched. A plasma discharge of 30 kW and 20 s have been achieved.

Radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks in cortisol exposed fibroblasts as quantified with the novel foci-integrated damage complexity score (FIDCS)

Without the protective shielding of Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts face higher doses of ionizing radiation in space, causing serious health concerns. Highly charged and high energy (HZE) particles are particularly effective in causing complex and difficult-to-repair DNA double-strand breaks compared to low linear energy transfer. Additionally, chronic cortisol exposure during spaceflight raises further concerns, although its specific impact on DNA damage and repair remains unknown. This study explorers the effect of different radiation qualities (photons, protons, carbon, and iron ions) on the DNA damage and repair of cortisol-conditioned primary human dermal fibroblasts. Besides, we introduce a new measure, the Foci-Integrated Damage Complexity Score (FIDCS), to assess DNA damage complexity by analyzing focus area and fluorescent intensity. Our results show that the FIDCS captured the DNA damage induced by different radiation qualities better than counting the number of foci, as traditionally done. Besides, using this measure, we were able to identify differences in DNA damage between cortisol-exposed cells and controls. This suggests that, besides measuring the total number of foci, considering the complexity of the DNA damage by means of the FIDCS can provide additional and, in our case, improved information when comparing different radiation qualities.

Surface coating method for cement-based materials to improve chloride ion penetration resistance using amine-based CO2 solvent

The application of coatings on concrete surfaces serves as a protective shield, guarding the structure against chlorides and averting corrosion of the reinforcement, consequently enhancing its durability. This study investigates the resistance of cement mortar samples to chloride ion penetration when coated with an amine-based carbon dioxide (CO2) solvent. Various factors, including monoethanolamine (MEA) concentrations of 1, 10, and 30 wt%; water-to-cement ratios (w/cm) of 0.35, 0.4, and 0.5; coating timings on day 3 and day 27; and pre-conditioning methods such as air drying, are investigated for their impact on the performance of chloride penetration resistance. Specifically, pre-conditioning significantly enhanced the performance of the coatings, especially in samples with a higher w/cm. Coatings applied at an early stage demonstrated superior resistance to chloride ion penetration compared to those applied later in the curing process. Moreover, solutions with higher concentrations of MEA, capturing more CO2, encouraged the resistance against chloride penetration by reducing capillary macropores within the cement mortar samples. Diffusivity analysis of the coated surface layer confirmed the efficacy of the CO2-dissolved MEA solution as a barrier against chloride ion penetration. Optimal performance was possibly observed in the samples produced by a w/cm of 0.4 and their treatment with more than 10% MEA concentrations.

Lipid A in outer membrane vesicles shields bacteria from polymyxins.

The continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a major global healthcare challenge, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being a prominent threat. We conducted a comprehensive study on K. pneumoniae's antibiotic resistance mechanisms, focusing on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and polymyxin, a last-resort antibiotic. Our research demonstrates that OMVs protect bacteria from polymyxins. OMVs derived from Polymyxin B (PB)-stressed K. pneumoniae exhibited heightened protective efficacy due to increased vesiculation, compared to OMVs from unstressed Klebsiella. OMVs also shield bacteria from different bacterial families. This was validated ex vivo and in vivo using precision cut lung slices (PCLS) and Galleria mellonella. In all models, OMVs protected K. pneumoniae from PB and reduced the associated stress response on protein level. We observed significant changes in the lipid composition of OMVs upon PB treatment, affecting their binding capacity to PB. The altered binding capacity of single OMVs from PB stressed K. pneumoniae could be linked to a reduction in the lipid A amount of their released vesicles. Although the amount of lipid A per vesicle is reduced, the overall increase in the number of vesicles results in an increased protection because the sum of lipid A and therefore PB binding sites have increased. This unravels the mechanism of the altered PB protective efficacy of OMVs from PB stressed K. pneumoniae compared to control OMVs. The lipid A-dependent protective effect against PB was confirmed in vitro using artificial vesicles. Moreover, artificial vesicles successfully protected Klebsiella from PB ex vivo and in vivo. The findings indicate that OMVs act as protective shields for bacteria by binding to polymyxins, effectively serving as decoys and preventing antibiotic interaction with the cell surface. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying antibiotic cross-protection and offer potential avenues for the development of novel therapeutic interventions to address the escalating threat of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Cathodic protection shielding of coated buried pipeline

Cathodic protection shielding of coated buried pipeline

Shen'ge Formula Protects Cardiac Function in Rats with Pressure Overload-Induced Heart Failure.

In China, Shen'ge formula (SGF), a Traditional Chinese Medicine blend crafted from ginseng and gecko, holds a revered place in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, despite its prevalent use, the precise cardioprotective mechanisms of SGF remain largely uncharted. This study aims to fill this gap by delving deeper into SGF's therapeutic potential and underlying action mechanism, thus giving its traditional use a solid scientific grounding. In this study, rats were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) to generate pressure overload. Following AAC, we administered SGF and bisoprolol intragastrically at specified doses for two distinct durations: 8 and 24 weeks. The cardiac function post-treatment was thoroughly analyzed using echocardiography and histological examinations, offering insights into SGF's influence on vital cardiovascular metrics, and signaling pathways central to cardiac health. SGF exhibited promising results, significantly enhanced cardiac functions over both 8 and 24-week periods, evidenced by improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening while moderating left ventricular parameters. Noteworthy was SGF's role in the significant mitigation of myocardial hypertrophy and in fostering the expression of vital proteins essential for heart health by the 24-week mark. This intervention markedly altered the dynamics of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, inhibiting detrimental processes while promoting protective mechanisms. Our research casts SGF in a promising light as a cardioprotective agent in heart failure conditions induced by pressure overload in rats. Central to this protective shield is the modulation of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, pointing to a therapeutic trajectory that leverages HIF-1α promotion and p53 nuclear transport inhibition.

ANTICOAGULANT PROPERTIES OF RECOMBINANT ANNEXIN А5

Aim: Because of its involvement in membrane properties, annexin A5 has a significant impact on membrane-dependent processes within hemostasis, including the initiation of the coagulation cascade, the activation of factor X and prothrombin, and the function of protein C on membrane surfaces. By binding to phosphatidylserine, annexin A5 acts as a protective shield, masking exposed phospholipid surfaces and exerting a general anticoagulant effect. Considering the significant influence of annexin A5 on the activation of hemostatic compounds on cell surfaces, it is crucial to further investigate its mechanisms. Methods: After purification of polyHis-Tag proteins by immobilized metal affinity chromatography from E. coli Rosetta cell biomass, we checked the purity of the eluate by SDS-PAGE. We performed APTT test, PT test and platelet aggregation to find out the anticoagulation influence of recombinant annexin A5 in these tests. Results: Annexin in the highest concentration of 40 μg/ml prolonged blood plasma clotting time in activated partial thrombin time by almost 50%, blood plasma clotting time in prothrombin time by almost 15% and did not influence the rate of platelet aggregation. Conclusion: It can be assumed that its anticoagulant effect is directed to the enzyme complexes of the hemostasis system and does not extend to platelet receptors. The obtained protein can be used to study the activation of hemostatic components on cell surfaces.

Harnessing extracellular cold-inducible RNA binding protein by PS-OMe miR130: A promising shield against hemorrhage-induced lung injury.

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) poses a life-threatening condition with the lungs being one of the most susceptible organs to its deleterious effects. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA binding protein has emerged as a pivotal mediator of inflammation, and its release has been observed as a case of HS-induced tissue injury. Previous studies unveiled a promising engineered microRNA, designated PS-OMe miR130, which inhibits extracellular cold-inducible RNA binding protein, thereby safeguarding vital organs. In this study, we hypothesized that PS-OMe miR130 serves as a protective shield against HS-induced lung injury by curtailing the overzealous inflammatory immune response. Hemorrhagic shock was induced in male C57BL6 mice by withdrawing blood via a femoral artery cannula to a mean arterial pressure of 30 mm Hg for 90 minutes. The mice were resuscitated with twice the shed blood volume with Ringer's lactate solution. They were then treated intravenously with either phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle) or 62.5 nmol PS-OMe miR130. At 4 hours later, blood and lungs were harvested. Following PS-OMe miR130 treatment in HS mice, a substantial decrease was observed in serum injury markers including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 exhibited a similar reduction. In lung tissues, PS-OMe miR130 led to a significant decrease in the messenger RNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α), chemokines (keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein 2), and an endothelial injury marker, E-selectin. PS-OMe miR130 also produced substantial inhibition of lung myeloperoxidase activity and resulted in a marked reduction in lung injury as evidenced by histological evaluation. This was further confirmed by the observation that PS-OMe miR130 significantly reduced the presence of lymphocyte antigen 6 family member G-positive neutrophils and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive apoptotic cells. PS-OMe miR130 emerges as a potent safeguard against HS-induced lung injury by effectively inhibiting pro-inflammation and injuries, offering a promising therapeutic strategy in such critical clinical condition.

Assessing the Efficacy of RADPAD Protection Drape in Reducing Radiation Exposure to Operators in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One of the leading environmental hazards, ionizing radiation, is linked to several detrimental health consequences in the body. RADPAD(Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc., Kansas City, Kansas) is a sterile, lead-free, lightweight, disposable radiation protection shield. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of RADPAD protection drapes in the cardiac catheterization lab and how they can aid interventional cardiologists in becoming subjected to less scatter radiation. PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for studies discussing the efficacy of RADPAD protection drapes in reducing radiation exposure to operators in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for endpoints: primary operator exposure dose, dose area product (DAP), relative exposure, and screening time. Our analysis included 892 patients from six studies. Compared to the No-RADPAD group, primary operator exposure dose (E) was significantly lower in the RADPAD group (OR: -0.9, 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.43, I2= 80.5%, p = 0.0001). DAP was comparable between both groups (OR: 0.008, 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.14, I2= 0%, p = 0.9066). There was no difference in the relative exposure (E/DAP) (OR: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.96 to 0.02, I2= 0%, p = 0.90) and screening time (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.35, I2= 0%, p = 0.22) between the two groups. The interventional cardiology laboratory is exposed to significantly less scatter radiation during procedures owing to the RADPAD protective drape. Consequently, all catheterization laboratories could be advised to employ RADPAD protective drapes.