Transfer of magnetic anisotropy in epitaxial Co/NiO/Fe trilayers.

The magnetic properties of Co(10 Å)/NiO(40 Å)/Fe trilayer epitaxially grown on W(110) substrate were investigated with use of x-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). We showed that magnetic anisotropy of Fe film that can be controlled by a thickness-driven spin reorientation transition is transferred via interfacial exchange coupling not only to NiO layer but further to ferromagnetic Co overlayer as well. Similarly, a temperature driven spin reorientation of Fe sublayer induces a reorientation of NiO spin orientation and simultaneous switching of the Co magnetization direction. Finally, by element specific XMCD and XMLD magnetic hysteresis loop measurements we proved that external magnetic field driven reorientation of Fe and Co magnetizations as well as NiO Néel vector are strictly correlated and magnetic anisotropy fields of Fe and Co sublayers are identical despite the different crystal structures.

Tunable interplay between exchange coupling and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in epitaxial CoO/Au/Fe trilayers.

We show that the interaction between ferromagnetic Fe(110) and antiferromagnetic CoO(111) sublayers can be mediated and precisely tuned by a nonmagnetic Au spacer. Our results prove that the thickness of the Fe and Au layers can be chosen to modify the effective anisotropy of the Fe layer and the strength of the exchange bias interaction between Fe and CoO sublayers. Well-defined and tailorable magnetic anisotropy of the ferromagnet above Néel temperature of the antiferromagnet is a determining factor that governs exchange bias and interfacial CoO spins orientation at low temperatures. In particular, depending on the room temperature magnetic state of Fe, the low-temperature exchange bias in a zero-field cooled system can be turned "off" or "on". The other way around, we show that exchange bias can be the dominating magnetic anisotropy source for the ferromagnet and it is feasible to induce a 90-degree rotation of the easy axis as compared to the initial, exchange bias-free easy axis orientation.

Characteristics of the ID-NOW™ test for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Abbott ID-NOW™ test in the diagnosis of COVID-19. The test is based on the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 gene by isothermal amplification technology. METHODS: From 303 individuals, two nasopharyngeal swabs and one oropharyngeal swab were collected to be tested in parallel by the ID-NOW™ test and PCR test (Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Assay). A subgroup of 107 individuals presented to the public collection point for covid-19 at the Motol University Hospital during the dominance of the Delta variant, and the others were tested via the Adult Emergency Admission Department during the dominance of the Omicron variant. RESULTS: Of 297 valid samples, 43 were positive by the PCR assay and 33 were positive by the ID-NOW™ test (sensitivity 76.74%; 95% CI 61.37 to 88.24%). ID-NOW™ detected three samples as positive, but the positivity was not confirmed by PCR (specificity 98.82%; 95% CI 96.59 to 99.76%). A significant increase in sensitivity up to 100% is observed for samples with a higher viral load (with a PCR threshold cycle value below 30 or from patients with symptoms of COVID-19). The Delta or Omicron variant has no significant effect on the sensitivity of the test. CONCLUSION: Due to its ease of use and speed of result, ID-NOW™ is a suitable diagnostic tool for prompt assessment of a patient's infectivity. If, despite the negative ID-NOW™ result, the patient has symptoms of COVID-19, it is advised to perform a classic PCR test for SARS-CoV-2.

Tunable magnetic anisotropy of antiferromagnetic NiO in (Fe)/NiO/MgO/Cr/MgO(001) epitaxial multilayers.

We report on the magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic NiO(001) thin films in epitaxially grown NiO/MgO(dMgO)/Cr/MgO(001) system for different thicknesses of MgO, dMgO. Results of X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism show that together with an increase of dMgO, rotation of NiO spins from in-plane towards out-of-plane direction occurs. Furthermore, we investigated how the proximity of Fe modifies the magnetic state of NiO in Fe/NiO/MgO(dMgO)/Cr/MgO(001). We proved the existence of a multidomain state in NiO as a result of competition between the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange coupling and strain exerted on the NiO by the MgO buffer layer.

Neohygrocybe pseudoingrata, a new grassland species from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Neohygrocybe pseudoingrata, a new waxcap species known from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, is characterised by its pale greyish coloured and often robust basidiomata (or sporocarps), nitrous smell, context without colour changes, hollow, contorted and compressed stipe and smooth or slightly fibrillose pileus surface. Based on morphology and DNA analysis of ITS and LSU sequences of the collected specimens, N. pseudoingrata belongs to Neohygrocybe sect. Neohygrocybe together with N. ovina, N. nitrata and N. ingrata. Collections of N. pseudoingrata form a well-supported clade in phylogenetic trees. Citation: Fuljer F, Zajac M, Boertmann D, Szabóová D, Kautmanová I (2022). Neohygrocybe pseudoingrata, a new grassland species from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 9: 11-17. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.02.

A prime-boost combination of a three-protein cocktail and multiepitopic MVA as a vaccine against Babesia bigemina elicits neutralizing antibodies and a Th1 cellular immune response in mice.

In the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia both innate and adaptive immune responses are necessary to confer protection against clinical disease. In particular, the adaptive immune response involves the production of neutralizing antibodies as well as the presentation of parasite antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes by professional antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, the development of alternative vaccines that replace the use of live attenuated strains should include relevant epitopes targeting both B and T cell responses. The aim of this study was to design new Babesia bigemina immunogens and evaluate the humoral and cellular responses in mice. To achieve this, three B. bigemina recombinant antigens called Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1), Rhoptry Associated Protein 1 (RAP-1) and the Thrombospondin Related Anonymous Protein 1 (TRAP-1) were obtained. Besides, two recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vectors coding for chimeric constructs containing bioinformatically predicted B and T cell epitopes from the same three antigens were generated. These immunogens were evaluated in prime-boost heterologous schemes. Among the combinations tested, priming with a cocktail of the three proteins followed by a booster immunization with a mix of both viruses induced the highest activation of IFN-γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T cell responses. Remarkably, all vaccine schemes containing antigen cocktails also induced antibodies that were capable of neutralizing merozoite invasion of bovine erythrocytes in vitro at a level comparable to an anti B. bigemina hyperimmune bovine serum. Our results offer a new perspective for vaccines against B. bigemina combining bioinformatics predictions and prime-boost immunization regimes for future control measures against bovine babesiosis.

The sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests in the view of large-scale testing.

OBJECTIVES: Antigen tests have emerged as an alternative to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic PCR, thought to be valuable especially for the screening of bigger communities. To check appropriateness of the antigen based testing, we determined sensitivity of two point-of-care antigen tests when applied to a cohort of COVID-19 symptomatic, COVID-19 asymptomatic and healthy persons. METHODS: We examined nasopharyngeal swabs with antigen test 1 (Panbio Covid-19 Ag Rapid Test, Abbott) and antigen test 2 (Standard F Covid-19 Ag FIA, SD Biosensor). An additional nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab of the same individual was checked with PCR (Allplex SARS-nCoV-2, Seegene). Within a 4-day period in October 2020, we collected specimens from 591 subjects. Of them, 290 had COVID-19 associated symptoms. RESULTS: While PCR positivity was detected in 223 cases, antigen test 1 and antigen test 2 were found positive in 148 (sensitivity 0.664, 95%CI 0.599, 0.722) and 141 (sensitivity 0.623, 95%CI 0.558, 0.684) patients, respectively. When only symptomatic patients were analysed, sensitivity increased to 0.738 (95%CI 0.667, 0.799) for the antigen test 1 and to 0.685 (95%CI 0.611, 0.750) for the antigen test 2. The substantial drop in sensitivity to 12.9% (95%CI 0.067, 0.234) was observed for samples with the PCR threshold cycle above > 30. CONCLUSIONS: Low sensitivity of antigen tests leads to the considerable risk of false negativity. It is advisable to implement repeated testing with high enough frequency if the antigen test is used as a frontline screening tool, and to follow with PCR if it is applied to vulnerable populations.

Regional deep hyperthermia in combination with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in poor prognosis patients with brain metastases

Purpose The aim of this study is to assess for the first time, the role of regional deep hyperthermia in combination with radiotherapy and systemic therapy in patients with poor prognosis of brain metastases (GPI ≤ 2.5). Methods Patients with confirmed cerebral metastases and classified as GPI score ≤ 2.5 were included in this prospective study. Pretreatment stratification was defined as patients with 0–1 GPI score (Group A) and patients with 1.5–2.5 GPI score (Group B). HT was applied twice a week, 60 min per session, during RT by regional capacitive device (HY-DEEP 600WM system) at 13.56 MHz radiofrequency. Results Between June 2015 and June 2017, 15 patients and a total of 49 brain metastases were included in the protocol. All patients received all HT sessions as planned. RT and systemic therapy were also completed as prescribed. Tolerance to treatment was excellent and no toxicity was registered. Patients with HT effective treatment time longer than the median (W90time > 88%) showed better actuarial PFS at 6 and 12 months (100% and 66.7%, respectively) compared to those with less HT effective treatment time (50% and 0%, respectively) (p < 0.031). Median OS was 6 months (range 1–36 months). Stratification by GPI score showed a median OS of 3 months (CI 95% 2.49–3.51) in Group A and 8.0 months (CI 95% 5.15–10.41) in Group B (p = 0.035). Conclusions Regional hyperthermia is a feasible and safe technique to be used in combination with RT in brain metastases patients, improving PFS and survival in poor prognostic brain metastasis patients (AU)

Regional deep hyperthermia in combination with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in poor prognosis patients with brain metastases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess for the first time, the role of regional deep hyperthermia in combination with radiotherapy and systemic therapy in patients with poor prognosis of brain metastases (GPI ≤ 2.5). METHODS: Patients with confirmed cerebral metastases and classified as GPI score ≤ 2.5 were included in this prospective study. Pretreatment stratification was defined as patients with 0-1 GPI score (Group A) and patients with 1.5-2.5 GPI score (Group B). HT was applied twice a week, 60 min per session, during RT by regional capacitive device (HY-DEEP 600WM system) at 13.56 MHz radiofrequency. RESULTS: Between June 2015 and June 2017, 15 patients and a total of 49 brain metastases were included in the protocol. All patients received all HT sessions as planned. RT and systemic therapy were also completed as prescribed. Tolerance to treatment was excellent and no toxicity was registered. Patients with HT effective treatment time longer than the median (W90time > 88%) showed better actuarial PFS at 6 and 12 months (100% and 66.7%, respectively) compared to those with less HT effective treatment time (50% and 0%, respectively) (p < 0.031). Median OS was 6 months (range 1-36 months). Stratification by GPI score showed a median OS of 3 months (CI 95% 2.49-3.51) in Group A and 8.0 months (CI 95% 5.15-10.41) in Group B (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Regional hyperthermia is a feasible and safe technique to be used in combination with RT in brain metastases patients, improving PFS and survival in poor prognostic brain metastasis patients.

Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis as Overlapping Syndromes.

METHODS: In this observational study, 38 children with concomitant AD and PS with a mean age of 6.5 ± 3.2 yrs were compared with 41 similar patients with AD only (5.3 ± 5.1 yrs) and 28 patients with PS only (6.4 ± 4.3 yrs). All patients underwent dermatological examinations, including determination of SCORAD and PASI scores. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, I:-33, and TARC/CCL17 were measured by ELISA according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Patients with concomitant AD and PS were frequently boys and overweight and had skin lesions equally distributed throughout the body. Children with concomitant AD and PS were more likely to report a family history of atopic disease than children with only AD or PS, and those with AD were more likely to report a family history of atopic disease than those with PS. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of IL-17 between patients with AD and PS and those with only AD or PS: 9.1 ± 3.7 pg/ml vs. 4.8 ± 2.9 pg/ml; and 9.1 ± 3.7 pg/ml vs. 5.2 ± 3.9 pg/ml, respectively (PD vs. AD, p = 0.01; PD vs. PS, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: AD and PS can coexist. The role of T helper 17 cells may be more essential than believed.

Correction: Fine tuning of ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface magnetic anisotropy for field-free switching of antiferromagnetic spins.

Correction for 'Fine tuning of ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface magnetic anisotropy for field-free switching of antiferromagnetic spins' by M. Slezak et al., Nanoscale, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0nr04193a.

Fine tuning of ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface magnetic anisotropy for field-free switching of antiferromagnetic spins.

We show that in a uniform thickness NiO(111)/Fe(110) epitaxial bilayer system, at given temperature near 300 K, two magnetic states with orthogonal spin orientations can be stabilized in antiferromagnetic NiO. Field-free, reversible switching between these two antiferromagnetic states is demonstrated. The observed phenomena arise from the unique combination of precisely tuned interface magnetic anisotropy, thermal hysteresis of spin reorientation transition and interfacial ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange coupling. The possibility of field-free switching between two magnetic states in an antiferromagnet is fundamentally interesting and can lead to new ideas in heat assisted magnetic recording technology.

Biochemistry of infertility.

Infertility affects approximately 186 million people worldwide and 8-12% of couples of reproductive age. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of infertility is crucial to achieving improvements in targeted prevention and treatment outcomes. The aim of this review is to explore the biochemistry of infertility in order to properly diagnose and treat infertile couples. Recent studies indicate that routine measurement of biochemical parameters reflecting thyroid dysfunction, immunological disorders, autoimmune mechanisms, insulin resistance and malabsorption of selected micro- and macronutrients are required to assess infertility. Due to the complexity of this approach, algorithmic protocols that integrate these biochemical parameters in a dynamic test environment are necessary to provide a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment and more effective treatment strategy for infertile couples.

Pulsed photo-ionization spectroscopy of traps in as-grown and neutron irradiated ammonothermally synthesized GaN.

GaN-based structures are promising for production of radiation detectors and high-voltage high-frequency devices. Particle detectors made of GaN are beneficial as devices simultaneously generating of the optical and electrical signals. Photon-electron coupling cross-section is a parameter which relates radiation absorption and emission characteristics. On the other hand, photon-electron coupling cross-section together with photo-ionization energy are fingerprints of deep centres in material. In this work, the wafer fragments of the GaN grown by ammonothermal (AT) technology are studied to reveal the dominant defects introduced by growth procedures and reactor neutron irradiations in a wide range, 1012-1016 cm-2, of fluences. Several defects in the as-grown and irradiated material have been revealed by using the pulsed photo-ionization spectroscopy (PPIS) technique. The PPIS measurements were performed by combining femtosecond (40 fs) and nanosecond (4 ns) laser pulses emitted by optical parametric oscillators (OPO) to clarify the role of electron-phonon coupling. Variations of the operational characteristics of the tentative sensors, made of the AT GaN doped with Mg and Mn, under radiation damage by reactor neutrons have been considered.

How a ferromagnet drives an antiferromagnet in exchange biased CoO/Fe(110) bilayers.

Antiferromagnet/ferromagnet (AFM/FM) bilayers that display the exchange bias (EB) effect have been subjected to intensive material research, being the key elements of novel spintronics systems. In a commonly accepted picture, the antiferromagnet, considered as a rigid material due to its high anisotropy and magnetic hardness, controls the magnetic properties of the ferromagnet, such as a shift of the hysteresis loop or coercivity. We show that this AFM-FM master-slave hierarchy is not generally valid and that the influence of the ferromagnet on the magnetic anisotropy (MA) of the neighbouring antiferromagnet must be considered. Our computer simulation and experimental studies of EB in an epitaxial CoO/Fe(110) bilayer show that the ferromagnetic layer with strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy determines the interfacial spin orientations of the neighbouring AFM layer and rotates its easy axis. This effect has a strong feedback on the EB effect experienced by the FM layer. Our results show new physics behind the EB effect, providing a route for grafting a desired anisotropy onto the AFM and for precise tailoring of EB in AFM/FM systems.

Popular species of edible mushrooms as a good source of zinc to be released to artificial digestive juices.

Because fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms accumulate elements very effectively, in this study for the first time we aimed at determining the degree of the release of zinc(II) ions to artificial digestive juices imitating the human gastrointestinal tract from freeze-dried popular edible mushroom fruiting bodies, such as Agaricus bisporus, Boletus badius and Cantharellus cibarius. For the analysis, anodic stripping voltammetry method was used. The amount of zinc released to artificial saliva within 1 minute ranged from 0.03 to 1.14 mg/100 g d.w. In gastric juice, the amounts were higher and ranged from 0.75 to 2.07 mg/100 g d.w. depending on the incubation time. After incubation of the freeze-dried edible mushroom fruiting bodies for 1 minute in artificial saliva, 15 in artificial gastric juice and then 150 minutes in artificial intestinal juice, it was found that the concentration of the released zinc in artificial intestinal juice was the highest and amounted to 6.44 mg/100 g d.w. The total average amount of zinc released from Boletus badius was the highest and this was estimated at 4.13 mg/100 g d.w. For the remaining two investigated species of A. bisporus and C. cibarius, the total amounts of zinc released into artificial digestive juices were only slightly lower and were estimated at 2.23 and 3.29 mg/100 g d.w. on average, respectively. It was demonstrated for the first time that mushrooms release zinc to artificial digestive juices imitating conditions in the human digestive tract and are a good source of this element.

Phonons in Ultrathin Oxide Films: 2D to 3D Transition in FeO on Pt(111).

The structural and magnetic properties of ultrathin FeO(111) films on Pt(111) with thicknesses from 1 to 16 monolayers (MLs) were studied using the nuclear inelastic scattering of synchrotron radiation. A distinct evolution of vibrational characteristics with thickness, revealed in the phonon density of states (PDOS), shows a textbook transition from 2D to 3D lattice dynamics. For the thinnest films of 1 and 2 ML, the low-energy part of the PDOS followed a linear ∝E dependence in energy that is characteristic for two-dimensional systems. This dependence gradually transforms with thickness to the bulk ∝E^{2} relationship. Density-functional theory phonon calculations perfectly reproduced the measured 1-ML PDOS within a simple model of a pseudomorphic FeO/Pt(111) interface. The calculations show that the 2D PDOS character is due to a weak coupling of the FeO film to the Pt(111) substrate. The evolution of the vibrational properties with an increasing thickness is closely related to a transient long-range magnetic order and stabilization of an unusual structural phase.

The influence of non-specific anti-pruritus treatment with cyclosporine A on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in natural atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease in dogs. Monitoring the progress of treatment and the assessment of the severity of disease symptoms are crucial elements of the treatment procedure. One of the common means of assessing the severity of the clinical signs of the disease is the CADESI 03. Research studies have pointed to a possibility of assessing the severity of skin lesions by means of measuring biophysical skin parameters such as TEWL, skin hydration and erythema intensity. The aim of the study was the assessment of changes in TEWL and CADESI values measured in ten different body regions during non-specific anti-pruritus treatment. The examination was performed on ten dogs with atopic dermatitis (age from 2.5 years to 7 years, mean age 3.8 years). The measurements were performed in the following body regions: the lumbar region, the right axillary fossa, the right inguinal region, the ventral abdominal region, the right lateral thorax region, the internal surface of the auricle, interdigital region of the right forelimb, cheek, bridge of nose and the lateral site of antebrachum. A statistically significant decrease in CADESI values was reported starting from the second week of treatment. In the case of the mean TEWL values, a fall was observed after one week of treatment in the ventral abdominal region and the interdigital region, after two weeks of treatment in the axillary fossa and the inguinal region, and after three weeks in the cheek and the lateral thorax region. There was no statistically significant decrease in TEWL values in the course of treatment in four other regions.

Are oxidized low-density lipoprotein and C-reactive protein markers of atherosclerosis in nephrotic children?

BACKGROUND: Lipid disorders are known to be linked to disturbance in oxidative reactions and play an important role in the progression and complications of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum concentrations and other parameters of lipid metabolism in children with INS during relapse and remission of proteinuria. METHODS: The examination was performed on 23 children and adolescents diagnosed with INS. Reference group consisted of 22 participants. The study was carried out twice: in the relapse of INS (A) and in remission of proteinuria during glucocorticoid treatment (B). RESULTS: OxLDL was higher in INS patients, in both examinations when compared with reference participants. hs-CRP showed no differences between nephrotic and healthy children. We found higher concentration of oxLDL in children, who where frequent relapsers. Cholesterol, triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and platelets were higher in INS patients (both A and B) in comparison with healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: We observed presence of pro-atherogenic lipid profile in INS. Elevation of oxLDL may reflect increased oxidative stress and higher risk of atherosclerosis in INS, therefore it seems to be relevant to find patients of risk of atherosclerosis to consider lipid lowering treatment with antioxidants.

[Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infections: comparative study of two immuno enzyme assays with confirmation by PCR and culture followed by PCR ribotyping]. / Diagnostika Clostridium difficile infekcí - porovnávací studie dvou imunoenzymatických metod s konfirmací pomocí PCR a kultivace s následnou ribotypizací kmene*

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Comparison of two commercially avail-able tests for the detection of Clostridium difficile Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxins A and B for their sensitivity and specificity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-six stool samples from patients hospitalised in the Motol University Hospital were analysed. GDH and toxins A and B were assayed in parallel by two tests: C. difficile Quik Chek Complete® (Techlab, USA) and Liaison® C. difficile GDH and Toxins AαB (DiaSorin, USA). From the stool samples, nucleic acids were also isolated using the UltraClean® Fecal DNA kit (MoBio Laboratories, USA). The commercially available C. difficile Elite MGB® kit (Nanogen, Italy) was used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anaerobic culture on C. difficile selective medium (Oxoid) was performed for all positive samples at least in one test. Pure isolates were characterized by PCR ribotyping. RESULTS: Thirty-six (42%) samples were GDH negative and toxin A/B negative by both tests. Twenty (23%) samples were GDH positive and toxin A/B positive by both tests. Nine (10%) samples were GDH positive and toxin negative by both tests, but were positive by PCR. Eleven (13%) samples that were GDH positive and toxin negative by both tests remained negative by PCR. Six (7%) samples only were GDH positive and toxin positive by the Liaison® test alone. Four (5%) samples were GDH-positive by theLiaison® test alone. Culture failure was observed in 11 (13%) samples, of which seven were positive by PCR. PCR was inhibited in five (6%) samples. The following toxigenic ribotypes: AI-3, 001, 002, 012,014, 017, 020, 049, 054, 078, 176, 203, and 413 and non-toxigenic ribotypes: AI-34, AI-61, 010, 485, 495, and 596 were identified. CONCLUSION: The Liaison® test had seven percent higher sensitivity for the detection of toxins A/B. The two-step protocol of the tests is also cost-saving. The savings can be used e.g. for incorporating the PCR techniques into the diagnostic algorithm of the laboratory.