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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: Diagnosis and treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) varies greatly depending on condition severity, age at diagnosis, and professional opinion. Little is known about patient experiences across the globe. We aimed to characterize global patient and caregiver experiences during DDH care and to highlight patient-identified priorities. Methods: We developed a cross-sectional survey in collaboration with 7 DDH outreach organizations. DDH patients and/or their caregivers (above 18 y old) were invited to complete an international online survey about their experiences. Participants were recruited through web media of all collaborating organizations. Data collection took place over 3 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative results. Qualitative content analysis was used to categorize open-ended responses. Results: A total of 739 participants completed the survey, representing 638 (86.3%) parents/guardians of DDH patients, and 101 (13.7%) patients. Three hundred eighty-six (52.2%) participants received diagnosis by 3 months of age; mean age of diagnosis was 15.96 months (90% confidence interval=12.04, 19.91). Of 211 participants with family history of DDH, 68 (32.3%) did not receive DDH screening. Of 187 patients born breech, 82 (43.9%) did not receive DDH screening. In total, 36/94 (38.3%) participants with both family history and breech birth did not receive DDH screening. Most participants reported treatment (696/730, 95.3%), including bracing (n=461) surgery (n=364), and/or closed reduction (n=141). A total of 144 patients reported >1 surgery; 82 reported >3 surgeries. Participants reported a range of 1 to 400 visits to health care professionals for DDH care across 1 to 66 years. Lack of information and resources on treatment practicalities and timelines, along with emotional burden of diagnosis, were greatest challenges reported. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that DDH diagnosis and treatment can pose significant burden on patients and caregivers. Reliable public information is needed to support those affected. Global educational efforts are needed to raise awareness of DDH risk factors, signs, and symptoms among care providers, to increase awareness and improve identification, screening, and monitoring of at-risk children.

Purpose Imaging the carotid arteries at 7T ideally requires a flexible multichannel array that allows B1-shimming and conforms to different neck sizes. The major challenge is to minimize coupling between closely spaced coils and to make the coupling relatively insensitive to loading conditions. Methods We have designed a five-channel flexible transceive array composed of shielded-coaxial-cable coils placed on the anterior part of the neck and conforming to the anatomy. In vivo imaging of the carotid arteries in three subjects has been performed. Results The measured noise correlation matrices show the decoupling level between the individual elements to be -12.5 dB and better. Anatomical localizer imaging of the carotids shows both carotids in every subject well visualized after B1-shimming. In vivo black-blood, carotid images were acquired with very high in-plane spatial resolution (0.25 × 0.25 mm2 ) with clear depiction of the vessel walls. Conclusions The flexibility of the proposed coil has been demonstrated by imaging subjects with different neck circumferences. To the best of our knowledge, the in-plane resolution of 0.25 × 0.25 mm2 is the highest reported at 7T.

This article reviews recent developments in designing and testing new types of materials which can be: (i) placed around the body for in vivo imaging, (ii) be integrated into a conventional RF coil, or (iii) form the resonator itself. These materials can improve the quality of MRI scans for both in vivo and magnetic resonance microscopy applications. The methodological section covers the basic operation and design of two different types of materials, namely high permittivity materials constructed from ceramics and artificial dielectrics/metasurfaces formed by coupled conductive subunits, either in air or surrounded by dielectric material. Applications of high permittivity materials and metasurfaces placed next to the body to neuroimaging and extremity imaging at 7 T, body and neuroimaging at 3 T, and extremity imaging at 1.5 T are shown. Results using ceramic resonators for both high field in vivo imaging and magnetic resonance microscopy are also shown. The development of new materials to improve MR image quality remains an active area of research, but has not yet found significant use in clinical applications. This is mainly due to practical issues such as specific absorption rate modelling, accurate and reproducible placement, and acceptable size/weight of such materials. The most successful area has been simple “dielectric pads” for neuroimaging at 7 T which were initially developed somewhat as a stop-gap while parallel transmit technology was being developed, but have continued to be used at many sites. Some of these issues can potentially be overcome using much lighter metasurfaces and artificial dielectrics, which are just beginning to be assessed.

Multichannel transceive and transmit and/or receive arrays are commonly used in ultra-high field MRI. The major challenge is to minimize the coupling between individual elements of the array, particularly when they are placed close together. Various decoupling methods have been used so far (geometrical overlapping, transformers, capacitive and/or inductive networks, preamplifier decoupling, etc.). Recently proposed decoupling paradigms include using an uneven distribution of electrical impedances around the length of the loop [1] and high impedance coils [2]. Another challenge is to build flexible elements that can conform particular anatomy (for example, neck region).

In 2015, the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery published six global surgery goals, one of which was to provide 80% of the world’s population with timely access to the Bellwether Surgical procedures. Little is known about the prevalence or efficacy of subsequent interventions implemented in under-resourced countries to increase timely access to Bellwether surgical procedures. A systematic review of articles and grey literature published in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Two independent reviewers evaluated 1923 captured abstracts using explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following a thematic analysis, two reviewers conducted data extraction on the eleven manuscripts included in the final review. The studied innovations, sparse in number, centred on improved educational resources, the development of orthopaedic devices, and models for assessing surgical access disparity. Eight papers were centred around timely access to caesarean sections, three around open fracture reduction, and three around laparotomy; all focused on adult populations. Five papers addressed innovations in West Africa, two in East Africa, two in South Asia, and one in Southeast Asia. Common outcome metrics were not used to assess improvements to timely surgical access. Few published interventions have been implemented since the publication of the 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery goals that have or will longitudinally increase the availability of timely surgical access in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Tangible outcome measures in existing literature are lacking. An up-scaling and wider adoption of successful strategies is necessary and possible.

Background Global neurosurgery operates at the intersection of neurosurgery and public health. Although most global neurosurgery initiatives have targeted neurosurgeons and trainees, medical students represent the future of global neurosurgery. Methods A narrative review of the literature regarding research methodology, education, economics, health policy, health advocacy, relevant to global neurosurgery was conducted. Results We summarize pearls that all medical students interested in global neurosurgery should know. Discussion To become effective agents of change within global neurosurgery, medical students must master competencies of motivation, organization, collaborativeness, dependability, flexibility, resilience, creative problem-solving, ethical thinking, cultural humility, and global awareness and gain knowledge and skills regarding research, education, policy making, and advocacy. Discussions with neurosurgeons and trainees, neurosurgery interest groups, conferences, university global neurosurgery initiatives, and student organizations represent opportunities for learning and becoming involved in global neurosurgery.

The MTT assay is routinely used to detect the activity of living cells. While working with Vipera ammodytes venom we detected the reduction of MTT without the presence of cells, in a concentration-dependent manner. By combining non-reducing PAGE, L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) assays, and standard MTT assays, we established and confirmed that venom MTT reduction is catalyzed by only one enzyme, the LAAO. Even though it was previously known that the dimeric and tetrameric forms of LAAO are active, we conclude that the enzyme is also active in the monomeric form. Our results have led to the definition of a new MTT assay in a microtiter plate for in vitro testing of svLAAO activity i.e. from the venom of the V. ammodytes snake. Potentially, this method can be used for testing hemorrhagic venoms of other snakes as well as the LAAO neutralization capability of appropriate antivenoms.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a commonly used analytical immunochemistry assay based on the specific bond between the antigen and the antibody. The application of this test has significantly changed the practice of medical laboratories in which it is used for detection and quantification of molecules such as hormones, peptides, antibodies, and proteins. Various technical variants of this test can detect antigen (native or foreign) or antibody, determine the intensity of the immune response whether pathological or not; the type of induced immune response as well as the innate immunity potential; and much more. These capabilities, as well as the high sensitivity and robustness of the test and a small price, make it possible to quickly and reliably diagnose diseases in most laboratories. Besides, ELISA is a test that is also used in veterinary medicine, toxicology, allergology, food industry, etc. Despite the fact that it has existed for almost 50 years, different ELISA tests with different technical solutions are still being developed, which improves and expands the application of the this exceptional test. The aim of this chapter is to empower the rider to optimize, standardize and validate an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

High-permittivity dielectric pads, i.e., thin, flexible slabs, usually consisting of mixed ceramic powders and liquids, have been previously shown to increase the magnetic field at high and ultra high-fields in regions of low efficiency of transmit coils, thus improving the homogeneity of images. However, their material parameters can change with time, and some materials they contain are bio incompatible. This article presents an alternative approach replacing ceramic mixtures with a low-cost and stable artificial dielectric slab. The latter comprises a stack of capacitive grids realized using multiple printed-circuit boards. Results in this article show that the proposed artificial dielectric structure can obtain the same increase in the local transmit radiofrequency magnetic field distribution in a head phantom at 7 T as the conventional dielectric pad. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of shielded-coaxial-cable (SCC) coils as elements for multi-channel receive-only and transceive arrays for 7T human MRI and to compare their performance with equivalently sized conventional loop coils. METHODS: The SCC coil element consists of a coaxial loop with interrupted central conductor at the feed-point side and an interrupted shield at the opposite point. Inter-element decoupling, transmit efficiency, and sample heating were compared with results from conventional capacitively segmented loop coils. Three multichannel arrays (a 4-channel receive-only array and 8- and 5-channel transceive arrays) were constructed. Their inter-element decoupling was characterized via measured noise correlation matrices and additionally under different flexing conditions of the coils. Thermal measurements were performed and in vivo images were acquired. RESULTS: The measured and simulated B 1 + maps of both SCC and conventional loops were very similar. For all the arrays constructed, the inter-element decoupling was much greater for the SCC elements than the conventional ones. Even under high degrees of flexion, the coupling coefficients were lower than -10 dB, with a much smaller frequency shift than for the conventional coils. CONCLUSION: Arrays constructed from SCC elements are mechanically flexible and much less sensitive to changes of the coil shape from circular to elongated than arrays constructed from conventional loop coils, which makes them suitable for construction of size adjustable arrays.

In the processes of preservation and restoration of sculptures and archaeological objects, copolymer materials of acrylate type are used because they have proved useful in conservation practice. The main disadvantage of acrylic resins is that they do not meet a more demanding conservation intervention. Because of this, composites are reinforced with particles to improve mechanical properties. Particle composites are made of 5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, and 15 wt. % of alumina based particles doped with ferrous oxide. The materials are determined by microhardness with a micro-Vickers mold suitable for composites. The results showed a significant improvement in microhardness of 7, 8.2 and 9.3 times compared to the polymer matrix without any filler. Examination of the behavior of the material under conditions that can be characterized as very aggressive was performed using cavitation. Cavitation damage of composite materials was tested with modified vibration cavitation. Surface erosion was determined during the experiment by measuring the loss of mass. The results show that the test material exhibits excellent mechanical properties and very good resistance to cavitation erosion. U procesima očuvanja i obnove skulptura i arheoloških predmeta koriste se kopolimerni materijali akriloidnog tipa jer su se pokazali pogodnim za konzervatorsko - restauratorske intervencije. Glavni nedostatak akriloidnih kopolimera je što ne zadovoljavaju zahtevnije konzervatorsko-restauratorske zahvate. Zbog toga se prave kompoziti ojačani česticama kako bi se poboljšavala mehanička svojstva. U okviru ovog istraživanja pripremljeni su kompoziti sa 5 mas. %, 10 mas. % i 15 mas. % aluminijum oksidnih čestica dopiranih gvožđe oksidom i njihova svojstva upoređena su sa svojstvima materijala matrice. Materijalima je određena mikrotvrdoća mikro Vikersovom motodom pogodnom za kompozite. Rezultati su pokazali značajno poboljšanje mikrotvrdoće od 7, 8.2 i 9.3 puta u poređenju sa polimernom matricom. Ispitivanje ponašanja materijala u uslovima koji se mogu okarakterisati kao veoma agresivni izvedeno je korišćenjem kavitacije. Kavitaciona oštećenja kompozitnih materijala testirana su modifikovanom vibracionom kavitacijom. Površinska erozija određena je tokom eksperimenta merenjem gubitka mase. Rezultati pokazuju da ispitivani materijal pokazuje odlična mehanička svojstva i veoma dobru otpornost na kavitacionu eroziju.

This article present a new approach replacing high-permittivity water-based dielectric pads with a non-resonant low-cost artificial dielectric to improve MR image quality by modifying the interferences present in the radiofrequency field at 7T MRI. The artificial dielectric comprises a stack of metal patches printed on dielectric substrates. Here we focus on the method of analytical and numerical optimization of the artificial dielectric and show that the proposed structure allows obtaining the same increase in the minimum of the transmit B1+ radio-frequency field distribution in a head phantom at 7T as the conventional dielectric pad.

Background Profiling the entire genome at base pair resolution in a single test offers novel insights into disease by means of dissection of genetic contributors to phenotypic features. Methods We performed genome sequencing for a patient who presented with atypical hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, severe epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, and growth hormone deficiency. Results Assessment of the variants detected by mapped sequencing reads followed by Sanger confirmation revealed that the proband is a compound heterozygote for rare variants within RETREG1 (FAM134B), a gene associated with a recessive form of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, but not with epileptic encephalopathy or global developmental delay. Further analysis of the data also revealed a heterozygous missense variant in DNM1L, a gene previously implicated in an autosomal dominant encephalopathy, epilepsy, and global developmental delay and confirmed by Sanger sequencing to be a de novo variant not present in parental genomes. Conclusions Our findings emphasize the importance of genome‐wide sequencing in patients with a well‐characterized genetic disease with atypical presentation. This approach reduces the potential for misdiagnoses.

MRI at Ultrahigh Field (UHF) is complicated by interferences that occur in the transmit field (B 1 +) as a result of the relatively short wavelength of the RF transmit field compared to the dimensions of the imaging region [1], [2]. These interferences produce areas of spatially dependent image contrasts. In order to mitigate the inhomogeneous transmit field, multichannel transmit array systems have been developed. In such a system it is possible to independently control the amplitude and/or phase of each individual element, as well as to apply different RF pulses to each channel.

Objective To evaluate the transmit efficiency and specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency of a new eight-element passively fed meander-dipole antenna array designed for body MRI at 7 T, and to compare these values with a conventional directly fed meander-dipole array. Methods The main radiating element of the passively fed dipole is printed on one side of a dielectric substrate and is capacitively coupled to a shorter feeding element (connected to the coaxial cable) printed on the opposite side of the substrate. The transmit (B-1(+)) field and SAR were simulated on a phantom and on a human voxel model for both a passively fed and a directly fed single element. Two eight-channel arrays containing, respectively, directly and passively fed meander dipoles were then simulated, and experimental B-1(+) maps and T-2-weighted spin echo images of the prostate were obtained in vivo for four healthy volunteers. Results In simulations, the mean transmit efficiency (B-1(+) per square root input power) value in the prostate was similar to 12.5% lower, and the maximum 10 g average SAR was 44% lower for the array containing passively fed dipoles, resulting in similar to 15% higher SAR efficiency for the passively fed array. In vivo RF-shimmed turbo spin echo images were acquired from both arrays, and showed image SNRs within 5% of one another. Conclusion A passive-feeding network for meander-dipole antennas has been shown to be a simple method to increase the SAR efficiency of a multi-element array used for body imaging at high fields. We hypothesize that the main reason for the increase in SAR efficiency is the storage of the strong conservative electric field in the dielectric between the feeding element and the radiating element of the dipole. The passive-feeding approach can be generalized to other dipole geometries and configurations.

Objective: The purpose of this work is to investigate the use of ceramic materials (based on BaTiO3 with ZrO2 and CeO2-additives) with very high relative permittivity (epsilon(r) similar to 4500) to increase the local transmit field and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for commercial extremity coils on a clinical 1.5 T MRI system.Methods: Electromagnetic simulations of transmit efficiency and specific absorption rate (SAR) were performed using four ferroelectric ceramic blocks placed around a cylindrical phantom, as well as placing these ceramics around the wrist of a human body model. Results were compared with experimental scans using the transmit body coil of the 1.5 T MRI system and an eight-element extremity receive array designed for the wrist. SNR measurements were also performed for both phantom and in vivo scans.Results: Electromagnetic simulations and phantom/in vivo experiments showed an increased in the local transmit efficiency from the body coil of similar to 20-30%, resulting in an similar to 50% lower transmit power level and a significant reduction in local and global SAR throughout the body. For in vivo wrist experiments, the SNR of a commercial eight-channel receive array, integrated over the entire volume, was improved by similar to 45% with the ceramic.Conclusion: The local transmit efficiency as well as the SNR can be increased for 1.5 T extremity MRI with commercial array coils by using materials with very high permittivity. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

In order to boost the performance of magnetic resonance imaging without increasing the static magnetic field, it is necessary to increase its intrinsic sensitivity. This allows a reduction in the scanning time, increased spatial resolution, and can enable low-field strength systems (which are much cheaper and can be used to scan patients with metallic implants) to have a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) so that they are comparable to more expensive higher field strength systems. In this contribution, we demonstrate radiofrequency field enhancing and shaping devices based on novel materials, such as high permittivity dielectric structures and metamaterials. These materials can substantially enhance SNR, thus potentially increasing image resolution or allowing faster examinations.

Western life style, and high calorie diet in particular is causing major health problems such as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and heart disease in the modern age. High fat diet (HFD) induces similar changes in mice, such as increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia and accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. These changes can be ameliorated by the administration of some Lactobacillus species. The focus of this study was to analyze the fatty acid content of liver, heart and brain tissues of mice fed HFD and administered with either Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68, and to analyze the fatty acid content of these organs after a two months washout period. The fatty acid composition of mouse liver tissue changed significantly due to probiotic administration during a 12 weeks HFD regime and active Lactobacillus administration had a slightly reversing effect toward the standard mouse diet group, but after the washout period these changes disappeared. The fatty acid composition of the heart and brain tissues was significantly changed in the HFD regime but probiotic administration had no significant influence on the fatty acid profile of these two organs. Upon the 8 weeks washout period the only remaining beneficial effect was the significantly lower mouse weight in the supplemented groups compared to the HFD group.

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an increase in the local transmit efficiency of a 1.5 T MRI scanner by using a metasurface formed by an array of brass wires embedded in a high permittivity low loss medium. Placement of such a structure inside the scanner results in strong coupling of the radiofrequency field produced by the body coil with the lowest frequency electromagnetic eigenmode of the metasurface. This leads to spatial redistribution of the near fields with enhancement of the local magnetic field and an increase in the transmit efficiency per square root maximum specific absorption rate in the region-of-interest. We have investigated this structure in vivo and achieved a factor of 3.3 enhancement in the local radiofrequency transmit efficiency. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

We present a new composite material containing calcium alginate microspheres incorporated into an epoxy matrix. The new material is mechanically stable and does not degrade over time. Its dielectric properties are extracted by model calculations and compared to the properties of some selected human tissues. Good agreement is observed, which identifles the proposed composite material as a good candidate for the use as a phantom material. The presented material is a two component composite and it is shown how its efiective properties can be predicted by using appropriate mixing formulas.

This work presents new method, retrieved results and validation for complex and frequency dependent permittivity and permeability parameter extraction of two composite, homogeneous and isotropic magnetically loaded microwave absorbers. Permittivities and permeabilities are extracted from free space transmission measurements for frequencies from 22 up to 140 GHz. For validation of the results reflection measurements (samples with and without metal backing) are performed and are compared with simulations that use extracted models. The proposed new method solves some shortcomings of the popular methods: extracts both permittivity and permeability only from transmission parameter measurements, gives good results even with noisy data, does not need initial guesses of unknown model parameters.

Citation Zivkovic I, Stojanovic M, Petrusic V, Inic-Kanada A, Dimitrijevic L. Induction of APS after TTd hyper-immunization has a different outcome in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 492–502 Problem The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications (lower fecundity and lower litter size), as well as by an increase in anti-β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI)-specific autoantibody titer. We have investigated how the genetic background of the immune system [T helper (Th) prevalence] and the type of animal model of APS influence the induced pathology. Method of Study Antiphospholipid syndrome induced by tetanus toxoid (TTd) hyper-immunization and by intravenous application of monoclonal anti-β2GPI-specific antibody 26 was compared in C57BL/6 (Th1 prone) and BALB/c (Th2 prone) mice. Results Tetanus toxoid hyper-immunization of BALB/c mice led to reduction in fertility, but in C57BL/6 mice a decrease in fecundity occurred. In both cases, pathology was caused by anti-β2GPI antibodies, the production of which was adjuvant and strain dependent. Conclusion We conclude that TTd immunization and i.v. application of monoclonal antibody 26 induced the same reproductive pathology and that the type of pathology is strain dependent.

Results are presented concerning our attempts to create a suitable model system for studying the connection between microbial antigen (micAg), autoimmunity and autoimmune disease on the basis of hyper-immunization and application of micAg in different contexts. Our research was focused on tetanus toxoid (TTd) as a model micAg. Non-pretreated and complete Freund's adjuvant pretreated BALB/c mice were immunized with high doses of TTd mixed with glycerol or aluminum hydroxide as adjuvants. The main aims of the experiments were to evaluate the properties of induced humoral immune responses, evaluate the pathological potential of induced immune responses and determine possible correlations between the properties of a humoral immune response and its pathological potential. The production of TTd-specific and self-reactive beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)-GP I)-specific antibodies (Abs) was detected in all groups but with specific, context-related properties. Analysis of pregnancy-related pathology (anti-beta(2)-GP I Abs-associated) showed differences in the pathological potential of the induced immune response. It was demonstrated that severity of pathology is positively correlated to the abundance of IgG that recognizes beta(2)-GP I adsorbed onto phosphatidylserine, and to IgG affinity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that molecular mimicry, which results in generation of anti-beta(2)-GP I Abs upon TTd immunization, is necessary but not sufficient for the development of pregnancy-related pathology.

A murine monoclonal IgG1 antibody, marked as MAb26, specific for tetanus toxoid has been immunochemically characterized. By performing en- zyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and western blot analyses, it was demonstrated that MAb26 reacted with tetanus toxoid, tetanus toxin and β2-gly- coprotein I (β2GPI). According to the results, MAb26 recognized the sequential epitope on the tetanus heavy chain. The affinity constant, calculated from Scat- chard plots of MAb26 binding to tetanus toxoid, was 1.145×10 8 M -1 and the measurement of the relative affinity of MAb26 by ELISA using thiocyanate elution showed a significantly higher affinity of MAb26 to the toxoid (p = = 0.0012) in comparison to the toxin. Additionally, the reactivity of MAb26 toward the toxoid forms increased when the tetanus toxin was detoxified using 8 mM and higher formaldehyde concentrations. The similarity of the tetanus toxoid to several sera proteins, either at the level of its conformation (IL-1α) or at the level of peptide sequences (β2GPI, laminin) favors its role in auto- immunity by the mechanism of molecular mimicry. As the induction of an au- toimmune disease is dependent on the breakdown of tolerance, which could be the result of an overt hyperstimulation, the control of the presence and concen- tration of self-reactive epitopes in vaccine preparations is a prerequisite. In this study, it was shown that MAb26 can: 1) discriminate between the tetanus toxin and different toxoid forms, which makes it a good candidate for antibody con- trol during vaccine preparation; 2) due to its cross-reactivity with β2GPI, it could provide information on the presence of a potentially dangerous sequential epi- tope expressed at the protein surface.

PROBLEM Studies on experimental antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) models proved that molecular mimicry between plasma protein beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) and structure within micro-organisms or their products, might be a cause for experimental APS. Considering the heterogeneity of polyclonal antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), it is important to define the precise characteristics of pathogenic aPLs. To avoid the influence of polyclonality and to further analyse the connection between molecular mimicry and APS, we produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tetanus toxoid (TTd) and tested their reactivity against beta(2)GPI. METHOD OF STUDY In this report, we analysed the characteristics of MAb26 raised against TTd and cross-reactive with beta(2)GPI: its binding properties in various in vitro immunoassays, its specific interactions with surface epitopes expressed on apoptotic cells and its role in vivo. RESULTS We have demonstrated that MAb26: (i) binds beta(2)GPI being immobilized on an appropriate surface: irradiated polystyrene plates, non-irradiated plates pre-coated with anionic phospholipids and polyvinylidene fluoride membrane; (ii) binds specifically to apoptotic but not to viable cells and the binding is beta(2)GPI-dependent; and (iii) induces a pathologic pregnancy outcome when passively injected into BALB/c mice. CONCLUSION This study concluded that certain subpopulations of antibodies raised against TTd and cross-reactive with beta(2)GPI, because of the molecular mimicry mechanism, could have pathologic potential.

In this paper, the use of intrinsic intensity fiber-optic sensors for structural health monitoring was investigated. Polyethylene-based composite samples with glass mat reinforcement and embedded telecommunication fibers were subjected to impact using high-speed puncture impact tester as a calibration device. Transfer function of the sensor was generated by linking the light intensity modulation depth with the impact force and the impact point to fiber distance. Conditions for transfer function validity were presented. To detect any possible dangerous impact, a net of crossed fibers was proposed and the net spacing for the given material was calculated. Appropriate non-damaging calibration procedure was proposed, as well as the algorithm for locating the impact point. The method for calculating the impact force, the projectile momentum change, and the place of impact was verified by consecutive strikes on the previously calibrated sample. The sensor can also provide information on the time of the impact and an alarm signal if the force exceeds the damaging threshold force.

Group I grass pollen allergens are major contributors to grass pollen-related seasonal allergic rhinitis, and as such a primary target for allergen specific immunotherapy. In this study the potential therapeutic role of oral application of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, directing cell wall attachment of the recombinant Fes p1 allergen, from Festuca pratensis was tested in a mouse model of Fes p1 allergy. For surface expression of Fes p1 allergen in L. plantarum WCFS1 pSIP system with inducible expression was used. Balb/c mice were sensitized with Fes p1 protein in alum and subsequently received live recombinant L. plantarum orally. Antibody levels (IgE, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA) were determined by ELISA. Differential eosinophil count in peripheral blood was performed. Reduced peripheral blood eosinophilia and increased serum IgG2A levels was detected in both groups which received live L. plantarum orally. Specific serum IgA levels were increased only in mice treated with the recombinant bacteria. Oral application of L. plantarum WCFS1 has a beneficial therapeutic effect in a mouse model of Fes p1 allergy. Cell surface expression of Fes p1 allergen potentiates this phenomenon in an allergen specific way. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this study, two Lactobacillus strains (L. rhamnosus LA68 and L. plantarum WCFS1) were evaluated for their effects on high fat diet induced pathology in mice. The aim was to determine whether the administration of lactic acid bacteria had beneficial effects on ameliorating pathology. C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat diet were orally administered with the Lactobacillus strains. Both the metabolic and immunological parameters were analyzed. The administration of both of the strains had beneficial effects on mouse weight, serum cholesterol, TNF-alpha levels and liver histology. LA68 lowered the total cholesterol and HDL levels more prominently, whereas WCFS1 was more potent in lowering the TG and LDL levels. Leptin and adiponectin levels were increased in all experimental groups to different extents. The administration of L. plantarum WCFS1 led to a marked increase in leptin levels, as well as an increase in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells, and a decrease of CD25+ cells, and had a lowering effect on IL-6 production and cell metabolic activity. In conclusion, active administration of both Lactobacillus strains had a positive effect on HFD-induced pathology. Although both of the tested strains had beneficial effects, oral administration of WCFS1 increased leptin levels and had a more prominent immunomodulatory effect, which should be taken into consideration in case of humane usage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of centrally applied somatostatin-28 on morphometric characteristics of the thymus, the thymocyte subpopulations, as well as, on apoptosis and phases of cell cycle in thymocytes. For this purpose, peripubertal male rats were cannulated intracerebroventriculary and treated with repeated, nanomolar concentrations of somatostatin-28 (experimental group) or saline (control group). Animals were sacrificed and their thymuses were used for the analysis of thymocyte subpopulations, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry and for the evaluation of morphometric parameters by stereological analysis. Our results showed that somatostatin-28 caused decrease of the thymic mass and volume, as well as total thymocytes number. Stereological analysis revealed volume decrease of thymic cortex and medulla accompanied with cellularity decrease. Somatostatin in the deeper cortex decreased the number of thymocytes, per volume unit, while in outer cortex raised their number. A significant increase in the percentage of double-negative and both single-positive thymocyte subpopulations, in parallel with a diminished percentage of double-positive cells was found. The cellularity of double-positive and single-positive thymocyte subpopulations was decreased. Somatostatin-28 treatment augmented the percentage of apoptotic cells, while the percentage of the cells represented in phases of cell cycle was reduced. These results suggest that somatostatin-28 induce thymus hypotrophy as result of decreasing cortex and medulla volume and cellularity. Changes in the percentage and cellularity of thymocyte subpopulations and numerical density of thymocytes in outer and deeper cortex, indicate that somatostatin-28 evoked disturbance in transition of double-negative to double-positive thymocytes.

Recent reports suggest that the metabolic activity of the enteric microbiota may influence the fatty acid composition of the host tissue. There are many studies dealing with the influence of lactobacilli on various pathological conditions, and some of the effects are strain-specific. This study was designed to test the effects of a particular Lactobacillus strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68 on fatty acid composition of the liver and the brain of C57BL/6 mice in the absence of an underlying pathological condition. Female mice were supplemented with live L. rhamnosus LA68 bacteria for the duration of 1 month. Serum biochemistry was analyzed and liver and brain fatty acid composition was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Significant changes in liver and brain fatty acid composition were detected. In the liver tissue we detected an increase in palmitoleic acid (p = 0.038), while in the brain compartment we found an increase in palmitic (p = 0.042), stearic (p = 0.017), arachidonic acid (p = 0.009) and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.004) for control versus experimental group. These results show discrete changes caused by LA68 strain consumption. Even short duration of administration of LA68 influences the fatty acid composition of the host which adds to the existing knowledge about Lactobacillus host interaction, and adds to the growing knowledge of metabolic intervention possibilities.

Object We have developed a single-channel, box-shaped, monopole-type antenna which, if used in two different configurations, excites complementary B1+ field distributions in the traveling-wave setup. Materials and methods A new monopole-type, single-channel antenna for RF excitation in 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging is proposed. The antenna is entirely made of copper without lumped elements. Two complementary B1+ field distributions of two different antenna configurations were measured and combined as a root sum of squares. B1+ field inhomogeneity of the combined maps was calculated and compared with published results. Results By combining B1+ field distributions generated by two antenna configurations, a “no voids” pattern was achieved for the entire upper brain. B1+ inhomogeneity of approximately 20 was achieved for sagittal and transverse slices; it was

A novel design of small frequency reconfigurable monopole antenna has been proposed. The antenna was entirely made of copper and reconfigurability was achieved by changing positions of ground connections. Three antenna configurations that resonate at 2.2, 2.7 and 3.4GHz were presented. The prototype measurements show good agreement with the simulation results.

In this study, the electrospun nanofibers, nanoparticles and nanotubes were used as reinforcement in order to improve mechanical properties of materials for ballistic protection. The samples of polyurethane/p-aramid multiaxial fabric forms (Twaron fabrics and Colon fabrics) were impregnated with poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) ethanol solution with the different content of reinforcement. Due to the improvement in mechanical, ballistic and impact properties, the surface modification of the fabrics with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO silane)/ethanol solution was used and silica nanoparticles were modified with AMEO silane. This study is divided into three parts of research: electrospinning process, ballistic testing of the p-aramid composites and impact tester analysis of the Colon composites. The mechanical properties of all the composites were tested by the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). U ovom istraživanju su se elektrospinovana vlakna, nanočestice i nanocevi koristili kao ojačanja koja bi unapredila mehanička svojstva materijala za balističku zaštitu. Uzorci poliuretan/paramidnih multiaksijalnih lamina (Twaron i Kolon lamine) su impregnisani sa poli(vinil butiral)(PVB)/etanol rastvorom sa različitim sadržajem ojačanja. Radi poboljšanja mehaničkih, balističkih i impakt svojstava, modifikovala se površina lamina sa γ-aminopropiltrietoksisilanom (AMEO silan)/etanol rastvorom i koristile su se silika nanočestice modifikovane AMEO silanom. Ovaj rad je podeljen na tri dela istraživanja: proces elektrospininga, balističko testiranje paramidnih kompozita i impakt tester analiza Kolon kompozita. Mehanička svojstva svih kompozita su bila testirana pomoću dinamičko mehaničke analize (DMA).

Probiotic bacteria have been used in human nutrition for centuries and are now attracting more attention. In order to examine the immunological aspects of probiotic consumption,Lactobacillus rhamnosusLA68 was orally administrated using gavage to healthy C57BL/6 mice. After one month splenocytes were isolated, and analysed by flow cytometry. The magnitude of splenocyte proliferation upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan and cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17) was assessed. Cytokine levels in the serum were also analysed. Oral application of strain LA68 leads to a significant decrease of CD3+, CD25+ and CD19+ cells, and an increase of CD11b+ and CD16/CD32+ positive cell populations in the mouse spleen. Increased sensitivity to stimulation through proliferation and IL-6 secretion was detected. Increased serum IFN-γ and decreased IL-10 levels were found. Our results show increased responsiveness of splenocytes, activation of the Th1 type of immune response, and a shift of leucocyte populations towards monocyte/granulocyte populations.

In this paper, we propose a new antenna structure that can be adjusted for narrow band as well as UWB applications. The proposed antenna is of very simple geometry and easy to manufacture. It is monopole type antenna and made of copper. We present antennas with the same geometrical concept and different dimensions. Antenna designed for narrow band operation exhibits 3.7% bandwidth at 800 MHz frequency (S11 < -10 dB). Two UWB antenna designs exhibit 77% bandwidth (from 2 to 4.5 GHz) and 54% bandwidth (from 2.6 to 4.5 GHz) and are of smaller size compared to the dielectric resonator antennas (DRA). Furthermore, it can be easily shown that using the proposed geometry broad family of antennas (for operation in various frequency bands) can be designed.

The reliability of millimeter and sub-millimeter wave radiometer measurements is dependent on the accuracy of the loads they employ as calibration targets. In the recent past on-board calibration loads have been developed for a variety of satellite remote sensing instruments. Unfortunately some of these have suffered from calibration inaccuracies which had poor thermal performance of the calibration target as the root cause. Stringent performance parameters of the calibration target such as low reflectivity, high temperature uniformity, low mass and low power consumption combined with low volumetric requirements remain a challenge for the space instrument developer. In this paper we present a novel multi-layer absorber concept for a calibration load which offers an excellent compromise between very good radiometric performance and temperature uniformity and the mass and volumetric constraints required by space-borne calibration targets.