The Doping of a Carbon Coating with Phosphorus as a Potential Way of Improving the Biological Properties of Diamond-like Carbon.

The potential of diamond-like carbon coatings in medicine can be increased by doping them with various elements. Such modifications especially affect the biological properties of the synthetized films. In the following research, phosphorus was introduced into the carbon matrix by means of the chemical vapor deposition technique and using an organic precursor.

Formation and Mechano-Chemical Properties of Chromium Fluorides Originated from the Deposition of Carbon-Chromium Nanocomposite Coatings in the Reactive Atmosphere (Ar + CF) during Magnetron Sputtering.

The literature analysis did not indicate any studies on fluorination tests of carbon nanocomposite coatings doped with transition metals in a form of nanocrystalline metal carbide in amorphous carbon matrix (nc-MeC/a-C). As a model coating to investigate the effect of fluorination in a tetrafluoromethane (CF) atmosphere, a nanocomposite carbon coating doped with chromium-forming nanocrystals of chromium carbides in a-C matrix (nc-CrC/a-C) produced by magnetron sputtering from graphite targets and using a Pulse-DC type medium frequency power supply was chosen. After the deposition of the gradient chromium carbonitride (CrCN) adhesive sublayer, the fluorination of the main coating was conducted in a reactive mode in an (Ar + CF) atmosphere at various CF content.

Tribological and Antimicrobial Properties of Two-Component Self-Assembled Monolayers Deposited on Ti-Incorporated Carbon Coatings.

In this work, Ti-incorporated carbon coatings were used as substrates for modification with one- and two-component self-assembled monolayers of organosilane compounds using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp. This enabled the selective functionalization of surfaces with micrometric dimensions. The topography of the modified surfaces was defined using an atomic force microscope (AFM).

Hybrid Immunity Provides the Best COVID-19 Humoral Response in Immunocompromised Patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 Infection History.

Immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly limited the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reduced the associated complications, especially mortality. To prolong immunity, an immune booster was implemented. We evaluated the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection history in the vaccination schedules of kidney and liver transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Tribological Characteristics of a-C:H:Si and a-C:H:SiO Coatings Tested in Simulated Body Fluid and Protein Environment.

This paper presents the tribological properties of silicon and oxygen incorporated diamond-like carbon coatings tested in simulated body fluid and bovine serum albumin environments. The tests were performed using a ball-on-disc tribometer with an AISI316L steel counterbody. The wear tracks and wear scars were analyzed using optical microscopy and a nanoindenter.

Unexpectedly High Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 Vaccine in Liver versus Kidney Transplant Recipients-Is It Related to Immunosuppression Only?

The BNT162b2 vaccine is reportedly effective in preventing severe disease in more than 90% of the general population, but its efficacy in transplant recipients remains controversial. We aimed to determine the immune response to the BNT162b2 vaccine in kidney (KTRs) and liver transplant recipients (LTRs). In this retrospective cohort study, we included randomly 65 KTRs and 65 LTRs, who received two 30 μg doses of BNT162b2 vaccine in 3-to6-week intervals.

Impact of a Graphene Oxide Reducing Agent on a Semi-Permeable Graphene/Reduced Graphene Oxide Forward Osmosis Membrane Filtration Efficiency.

Graphene has been considered as a material that may overcome the limitations of polymer semi-permeable membranes in water treatment technology. However, monolayer graphene still suffers from defects that cause leakage. Here, we report a method of sealing defects in graphene transferred onto porous polymer substrate via reduced graphene oxide (rGO).

The Effect of Physicochemical Properties of Perfluoroalkylsilanes Solutions on Microtribological Features of Created Self-Assembled Monolayers.

The presented article shows the influence of concentration of perfluoroalkylsilanes in solutions on tribological properties of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) deposited on three surfaces with different silicon content in the millinewton load range. The SAMs were created using the liquid phase deposition (LPD) method with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS) and (3, 3, 3-trifluoropropyl) trichlorosilane (FPTS) solutions, for which viscosity and surface tension were estimated. Deposited layers were analyzed in terms of thickness, coverage, wettability, structure and coefficient of friction.

IL 6 but not TNF is linked to coronary artery calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of death mainly due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Early risk identification may allow interventions and prevention of fatal events.

Objectives: The study aim was to assess the usefulness of selected CVD biomarkers as predictors of 5-year mortality in patients with different CKD stages.

Targeting Acidic Mammalian chitinase Is Effective in Animal Model of Asthma.

This article highlights our work toward the identification of a potent, selective, and efficacious acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) inhibitor. Rational design, guided by X-ray analysis of several inhibitors bound to human chitotriosidase (hCHIT1), led to the identification of compound 7f as a highly potent AMCase inhibitor (IC values of 14 and 19 nM against human and mouse enzyme, respectively) and selective (>150× against mCHIT1) with very good PK properties. This compound dosed once daily at 30 mg/kg po showed significant anti-inflammatory efficacy in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice, reducing inflammatory cell influx in the BALF and total IgE concentration in plasma, which correlated with decrease of chitinolytic activity.

Surface characterization and biological evaluation of silver-incorporated DLC coatings fabricated by hybrid RF PACVD/MS method.

Since the biological response of the body towards an implanted material is mainly governed by its surface properties, biomaterials are improved by various kinds of coatings. Their role is to provide good mechanical and biological characteristics, and exclude some disadvantages like post-implantation infections. This phenomenon may be reduced by introduction of silver as an antibacterial agent.

[Neonatal vitamin D status and calcium-phosphorus homeostasis in the third week of life].

Aim: Assessment of vitamin D status and calcium -phosphorus homeostasis in term newborns before routine supplementation.

Material And Method: Calcidiol (25OHD), calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in serum and Ca (urine)/creatinine (urine) ratio (mg/mg), P (urine)/creatinine (urine) ratio (mg/mg) and tubular phosphate reabsorption rate (TRP= [1-(P(urine) / P(serum). creatinine serum/urine)].