Safety enhancement of oil trunk pipeline crossing active faults on Sakhalin Island

The article explores the issues concerning safety enhancement of pipeline active fault crossing on Sakhalin Island. Based on the complexity and analysis results, all the faults crossed by pipeline system are classified into five categories - from very simple faults to extremely complex ones. The pipeline fault crossing design is developed in accordance with the fault category. To enhance pipeline safety at fault crossing, a set of methods should be applied: use of pipes of different safety classes and special trench design in accordance with soil permeability characteristics

Laser‐facilitated epicutaneous immunotherapy with depigmented house dust mite extract alleviates allergic responses in a mouse model of allergic lung inflammation

Background Skin-based immunotherapy of type 1 allergies has recently been re-investigated as an alternative for subcutaneous injections. In the current study, we employed a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced lung inflammation to explore the potential of laser-facilitated epicutaneous allergen-specific treatment. Methods Mice were sensitized against native Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract and repeatedly treated by application of depigmented D pteronyssinus extract via laser-generated skin micropores or by subcutaneous injection with or without alum. Following aerosol challenges, lung function was determined by whole-body plethysmography and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for cellular composition and cytokine levels. HDM-specific IgG subclass antibodies were determined by ELISA. Serum as well as cell-bound IgE was measured by ELISA, rat basophil leukemia cell assay, and ex vivo using a basophil activation test, respectively. Cultured lymphocytes were analyzed for cytokine secretion profiles and cellular polarization by flow cytometry. Results Immunization of mice by subcutaneous injection or epicutaneous laser microporation induced comparable IgG antibody levels, but the latter preferentially induced regulatory T cells and in general downregulated T cell cytokine production. This effect was found to be a result of the laser treatment itself, independent from extract application. Epicutaneous treatment of sensitized animals led to induction of blocking IgG, and improvement of lung function, superior compared to the effects of subcutaneous therapy. During the whole therapy schedule, no local or systemic side effects occurred. Conclusion Allergen-specific immunotherapy with depigmented HDM extract via laser-generated skin micropores offers a safe and effective treatment option for HDM-induced allergy and lung inflammation

Mechanisms of particles in sensitization, effector function and therapy of allergic disease

Humans have always been in contact with natural airborne particles from many sources including biologic particulate matter (PM) which can exhibit allergenic properties. With industrialization, anthropogenic and combustion-derived particles have become a major fraction. Currently, an ever-growing number of diverse and innovative materials containing engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are being developed with great expectations in technology and medicine. Nanomaterials have entered everyday products including cosmetics, textiles, electronics, sports equipment, as well as food, and food packaging. As part of natural evolution humans have adapted to the exposure to particulate matter, aiming to protect the individual's integrity and health. At the respiratory barrier, complications can arise, when allergic sensitization and pulmonary diseases occur in response to particle exposure. Particulate matter in the form of plant pollen, dust mites feces, animal dander, but also aerosols arising from industrial processes in occupational settings including diverse mixtures thereof can exert such effects. This review article gives an overview of the allergic immune response and addresses specifically the mechanisms of particulates in the context of allergic sensitization, effector function and therapy. In regard of the first theme (i), an overview on exposure to particulates and the functionalities of the relevant immune cells involved in allergic sensitization as well as their interactions in innate and adaptive responses are described. As relevant for human disease, we aim to outline (ii) the potential effector mechanisms that lead to the aggravation of an ongoing immune deviation (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) by inhaled particulates, including NPs. Even though adverse effects can be exerted by (nano)particles, leading to allergic sensitization, and the exacerbation of allergic symptoms, promising potential has been shown for their use in (iii) therapeutic approaches of allergic disease, for example as adjuvants. Hence, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is introduced and the role of adjuvants such as alum as well as the current understanding of their mechanisms of action is reviewed. Finally, future prospects of nanomedicines in allergy treatment are described, which involve modern platform technologies combining immunomodulatory effects at several (immuno-)functional levels

The dependence of cylindrical resonator natural frequencies on the fluid density

The article examines the dependence of cylindrical resonator natural frequencies (sensitive element) on the density (mass) of different fluids flowing through it. The cylindrical resonators are being widely applied in automatic control systems of technological processes as oscillating transducer density meter. The article presents the experimental results that prove the dependence of natural frequencies and vibration amplitude on the fluid density

Laser‐facilitated epicutaneous immunotherapy with hypoallergenic beta‐glucan neoglycoconjugates suppresses lung inflammation and avoids local side effects in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy via the skin targets a tissue rich in antigen-presenting cells, but can be associated with local and systemic side effects. Allergen-polysaccharide neoglycogonjugates increase immunization efficacy by targeting and activating dendritic cells via C-type lectin receptors and reduce side effects. Objective We investigated the immunogenicity, allergenicity, and therapeutic efficacy of laminarin-ovalbumin neoglycoconjugates (LamOVA). Methods The biological activity of LamOVA was characterized in vitro using bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy were analyzed in BALB/c mice. Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) was performed using fractional infrared laser ablation to generate micropores in the skin, and the effects of LamOVA on blocking IgG, IgE, cellular composition of BAL, lung, and spleen, lung function, and T-cell polarization were assessed. Results Conjugation of laminarin to ovalbumin reduced its IgE binding capacity fivefold and increased its immunogenicity threefold in terms of IgG generation. EPIT with LamOVA induced significantly higher IgG levels than OVA, matching the levels induced by s.c. injection of OVA/alum (SCIT). EPIT was equally effective as SCIT in terms of blocking IgG induction and suppression of lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, but SCIT was associated with higher levels of therapy-induced IgE and TH2 cytokines. EPIT with LamOVA induced significantly lower local skin reactions during therapy compared to unconjugated OVA. Conclusion Conjugation of ovalbumin to laminarin increased its immunogenicity while at the same time reducing local side effects. LamOVA EPIT via laser-generated micropores is safe and equally effective compared to SCIT with alum, without the need for adjuvant

Анализ применения множественной регрессионной модели прогнозирования в системах управления рисками

The article examines the possibility of using a multiple regression model for a short-term forecast in risk management systems on the example of the risk management system of group of companies operating in the field of civil aviation. The article includes a list of model shortcomings identified in the course of using and factors influenced on the choice of forecasting model as a fundamental element of company’s risk management system. The results of the research may be useful in choosing a model to predict risks.В статье анализируется возможность использования множественной регрессионной модели для краткосрочного прогнозирования в системах управления рисками на примере системы управления рисками группы компаний, осуществляющей деятельность в сфере гражданской авиации. Приводится перечень недостатков модели, выявленных в процессе ее использования, и факторов, влияющих на выбор модели прогнозирования как основополагающего элемента системы управления рисками компании. Результаты исследования могут быть полезны при выборе модели прогнозирования рисков

OXIDIZING STRESS ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY IN PREGRAVIDAR TRAINING AND/OR INFERTILITY

Over the past few decades the incidence of infertility and sub-fertility has increased significantly, particularly in developed countries. External environmental factors, such as air and soil pollution, contact with different chemicals, are consdiered as the cause of both female and male fertility decline. Various lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, chronic diseases, stress, allergies, smoking and alcohol consumption, are also seen as potential causes of fertility decline.The toxic effects of various harmful substances on a reproductive human system can lead to a disruption of the synthesis of steroid hormones, as well as to the direct damage to the tissue of reproductive organs. It is known that the main pathological mechanism for the negative effects of toxic substances on reproduction is the development of oxidized stress, an important component of various serious human diseases.Antioxidants are a group of medications that neutralize the free radicals. Antioxidants include various vitamins, minerals, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Various antioxidants (in the form of biologically active additives) and multivitamins are often indicated as preconception training for women and men who are planning a natural pregnancy and are experiencing a fertility problem or patients in the preparation for the program of auxiliary reproductive technologies (ART). The purpose of the drugs is to increase fertility and increase the effectiveness of the ART program, but the efficacy of such therapy has not been definitively defined.This literature review provides the up-to-date literature data on the effects of vitamin A, C, E, omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, melatonin and the Q10 coenzyme on various aspects of the human reproduction function

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS: CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC PARALLELS AND IMAGINARY MIMICRY

Aim of the study – draw attention to the differential diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and infective endocarditis.Materials and methods. Patient A., 44 years old, was admitted to the cardiologic department of Ryazan Regional Clinical Cardiology Clinic diagnosed with probable infective subacute endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, with complaints of weakness, fatigue, increase in body temperature up to 37.7 °C preferably in the evening, dry cough, shortness of breath on mild exertion, swelling of legs and feet. In early October 2015, the patient's body temperature increased up to 37.8 °C, there was a dry cough. Patient was treated on an outpatient basis for acute respiratory viral infections with antibiotics, decreased body temperature. Acute deterioration of the condition was observed in mid-October: severe shortness of breath even on mild physical exertion, heart rate increased, as well as lower limb edema, blood pressure (BP) increased up to 240/140 mmHg. The patient was hospitalized in the therapeutic department. Against the background of the treatment (antibiotics, antihypertensive agents, diuretics, digoxin) patient’s condition was improved: shortness of breath decreased, as well as the heart rate, limb edema, blood pressure down to 180/110–190/120 mmHg. However, there was persistent proteinuria (0.33–1.65–3.3 g/L), low grade fever persisting in the evening. On admission to the cardiological department of Ryazan Regional Clinical Cardiology Clinic patient underwent the following survey: assessment of lab parameters in dynamics, electrocardiography, heart echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) of lungs.Results. We revealed left ventricular hypertrophy on heart ultrasonography; an increase in the volume of left atrium, right ventricle, right atrium; mitral, aortic, tricuspid valve insufficiency (grade II regurgitation); pulmonary hypertension; on lung CT – the picture of hydrothorax on the right side, hydropericardium. General analysis of the urine revealed proteinuria equal to 3.3 g/L. These data, combined with the history of the disease (fever for several months) confirmed diagnosis of infective endocarditis, despite the absence of vegetations on heart valves. However, high degree of proteinuria required differential diagnosis with systemic connective tissue diseases, such as system lupus erythematosus. Additional examination revealed increased titers of antinuclear factor (1:5120) antibodies (AB) to the double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (93 IU/mL). In this regard, and due to an increase in proteinuria up to 10 g/L we re-assessed diagnosis: systemic lupus erythematosus, acute course, grade III of activity with the affection of kidneys (lupus nephritis with nephrotic syndrome and impaired renal function, glomerular filtration rate equal to 35 mL/min), serous membranes (hydrothorax on the right side, hydropericardium), heart (moderate insufficiency of mitral, aortic, tricuspid valve (grade II regurgitation), respiratory system (grade I pulmonary hypertension), haematological disorders (anemia, thrombocytopenia), seropositive for antibodies to double-stranded DNA, anti-nuclear factor; secondary hypertension.Conclusion. This case illustrates difficulties of differential diagnosis between system lupus erythematosus and infective endocarditis, especially in the early stages, when there are still no data of additional examinations

Porosity design procedure at the directed solidification of castings

One of the main tasks in developing a technical process to manufacture castings is to organize risering at the stage of solidification, which ensures the set level on shrinkable porosity and shrinkage cavities. As known, generally, the risering zone consists of a feeder zone and a feeding butt end zone. In references the terms of final (end) effect action or an effective area of the casting edge is possible to encounter rather than the term of feeding butt end zone.The values of feeding butt end zone are used to calculate a directional solidification in the casting mould. The design procedure of a directional solidification of castings is follows. The first design section is advised to settle down at the distance equal to the zone of feeding butt end. The subsequent design sections are advisable to settle down at distances a little bit less, than the zone of feeding butt end. The padding (lap) value ought to be selected to provide the later solidification of the upper sections of casting with respect to the sections lying below.A series of special experiments on castings of the simple configuration (slabs and bars) defines a value of the feeding zone of a butt end and makes it out as the regressional dependences of the feeding butt end zone on the characteristic sizes of this or that casting. Thus, considerable material and time expenditures are demanded to define the value of the feeding butt end zone to be used further, including calculation of directional solidification of castings.The paper offers a design procedure to calculate a zone of the feeding butt end via computing simulation of solidification in a casting mould thereby sharply reducing expenditures for searching the desirable values. To reveal spaces in the casting, staggered with shrinkable porosity, the new criteria of porosity developed in BMSTU are used.The paper shows a possibility to use the effective size as a characteristic parameter of casting for dependence of the feeding butt end zone thus providing this dependence universality and a possibility to use it for making any shaped casting, but not just the castings of a simple configuration.</p

Cherenkov-channeling radiation by relativistic muons in crystals

In this work we analyse Cherenkov radiation by relativistic muons, positive and negative, channeled in optically transparent diamond and silicon crystals in comparison with ordinary Cherenkov radiation. We have shown that the maxima in the spectral angular distributions for both types of radiation are revealed at the derivative extrema for the media refractive index, while, due to the difference in scattering of positively and negatively charged particles at crystal channeling, the number of Cherenkov photons emitted by channeled positive muons might be over the one for negative muons. We have demonstrated that Cherenkov radiation by quasi free projectiles is described as one limiting approximation of a general expression for Cherenkov radiation by channeled projectiles, which takes into account non-zero derivative of the refractive index. The last may result in essential increase of radiation intensity