Enabling magnetic resonance imaging of hollow-core microstructured optical fibers via nanocomposite coating

Optical fibers are widely used in bioimaging systems as flexible endoscopes capable of low-invasive penetration inside hollow tissue cavities. Here, we report on the technique which allows magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hollow-core microstructured fibers (HC-MFs), paving the way for combing MRI and optical bioimaging. Our approach is based on Layer-by-Layer assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and magnetite nanoparticles on the inner core surface of HC-MFs. Incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles into polyelectrolyte layers renders HC-MFs visible for MRI and induces the red-shift in their transmission spectra. Specifically, the transmission shifts up to 60 nm have been revealed for the several-layers composite coating along with the high-quality contrast of HC-MFs in MRI scans. Our results shed light on marrying fiber-based endoscopy with MRI that opens novel possibilities for minimally invasive clinical diagnostics and surgical procedures in vivo.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

Solar energy for green university: estimation of economic, environmental and image benefits

The paper considers the main components of the green university concept, the foreign experience of environmental transformation of higher education institutions, and the impact of eco-innovations implementation on strengthening universities’ position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The green strategy of Sumy State University, the results of its implementation, and prospects for improvement in terms of increasing renewable energy sources usage through the solar power plant installation are analysed. The effectiveness of the solar power plant investment project and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by replacing conventional electricity with electricity generated by the solar power plant are estimated. It is proved that in addition to economic and environmental benefits, the implementation of the solar energy project will positively impact the university’s image at the national and international level

Estimation of Management Effectiveness of Electricity Supply Enterprises in Emerging Economies

The article gives an estimation of the management effectiveness of electricity supply enterprises in emerging economies on the example of enterprises of the northern and central regions of Ukraine. Estimation was conducted on the basis of the authors’ methodological approach that applies the number of indicators taken as a basis for the formation of the integrated indicator. The latter allows carrying out a comprehensive estimation of the management effectiveness system of the electricity supply enterprises. The obtained results show a low management effectiveness of the considered electricity supply enterprises. As a result, the conducted research identified the barriers that hinder the efficient development of electricity supply enterprises and outlined the main directions for reforming energy supply enterprises’ activity

Comparative effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Importance: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) is available for treatment of highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To compare the effectiveness of AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting MS by emulating pairwise trials. Design, Setting, and Participants: This comparative treatment effectiveness study included 6 specialist MS centers with AHSCT programs and international MSBase registry between 2006 and 2021. The study included patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with AHSCT, fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab with 2 or more years study follow-up including 2 or more disability assessments. Patients were matched on a propensity score derived from clinical and demographic characteristics. Exposure: AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab. Main outcomes: Pairwise-censored groups were compared on annualized relapse rates (ARR) and freedom from relapses and 6-month confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score worsening and improvement. Results: Of 4915 individuals, 167 were treated with AHSCT; 2558, fingolimod; 1490, natalizumab; and 700, ocrelizumab. The prematch AHSCT cohort was younger and with greater disability than the fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab cohorts; the matched groups were closely aligned. The proportion of women ranged from 65% to 70%, and the mean (SD) age ranged from 35.3 (9.4) to 37.1 (10.6) years. The mean (SD) disease duration ranged from 7.9 (5.6) to 8.7 (5.4) years, EDSS score ranged from 3.5 (1.6) to 3.9 (1.9), and frequency of relapses ranged from 0.77 (0.94) to 0.86 (0.89) in the preceding year. Compared with the fingolimod group (769 [30.0%]), AHSCT (144 [86.2%]) was associated with fewer relapses (ARR: mean [SD], 0.09 [0.30] vs 0.20 [0.44]), similar risk of disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% CI, 0.91-3.17), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.71-4.26) over 5 years. Compared with natalizumab (730 [49.0%]), AHSCT (146 [87.4%]) was associated with marginally lower ARR (mean [SD], 0.08 [0.31] vs 0.10 [0.34]), similar risk of disability worsening (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.54-2.09), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.72-4.18) over 5 years. AHSCT (110 [65.9%]) and ocrelizumab (343 [49.0%]) were associated with similar ARR (mean [SD], 0.09 [0.34] vs 0.06 [0.32]), disability worsening (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.61-5.08), and disability improvement (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.66-2.82) over 3 years. AHSCT-related mortality occurred in 1 of 159 patients (0.6%). Conclusion: In this study, the association of AHSCT with preventing relapses and facilitating recovery from disability was considerably superior to fingolimod and marginally superior to natalizumab. This study did not find evidence for difference in the effectiveness of AHSCT and ocrelizumab over a shorter available follow-up time

SBBOS AND PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE: EPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, INFLUENCE ON CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

The paper discusses the main aspects of the pathogenesis and incidence of SBBOS in the small intestine in patients with peptic ulcer of the duodenum associated with persistence of H. pylori; the effect of SBBOS on clinical manifestations. Diagnosis was made using the hydrogen breathing test with lactulose. The study found that SBBOS in patients with peptic ulcer associated with H. pylor is found in 62% and modifies the clinical pattern, prolonging the symptoms of gastric dyspepsia, provokes development of symptoms of intestinal dyspepsia, requires longer duration of treatment to achieve remission (clinical and endoscopic). This is the basis for its treatment

High and low efficacy therapy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

International audienceMeeting Abstrac

High and low efficacy therapy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

International audienceMeeting Abstrac

High and low efficacy therapy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

International audienceMeeting Abstrac