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This article is from Journal of Neuroinflammation , volume 11 . Abstract Background: Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids, are highly expressed in nervous systems of vertebrates and have been considered to be involved in the development, differentiation, and function of nervous tissues. Recent studies with gene-engineered animals have revealed that they play roles in the maintenance and repair of nervous tissues. In particular, knockout (KO) mice of various ganglioside synthase genes have exhibited progressive neurodegeneration with aging. However, neurological disorders and pathological changes in the spinal cord of these KO mice have not been reported to date. Therefore, we examined neurodegeneration in double knockout (DKO) mice of ganglioside GM2/GD2 synthase (B4GANLT1) and GD3 synthase (ST8SIA1) genes to clarify roles of gangliosides in the spinal cord. Methods: Motor neuron function was examined by gait analysis, and sensory function was analyzed by von Frey test. Pathological changes were analyzed by staining tissue sections with Klüver-Barrera staining and by immunohistochemistry with F4/80 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Gene expression profiles were examined by using DNA micro-array of RNAs from the spinal cord of mice. Triple knockout mice were generated by mating DKO and complement component 3 (C3)-KO mice. Gene expression of the complement system and cytokines was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a function of age. Results: DKO mice showed progressive deterioration with aging. Correspondingly, they exhibited shrunk spinal cord, reduced thickness of spinal lamina II and III, and reduced neuronal numbers in spinal lamina IX, spinal lamina II, and spinal lamina I. Complement-related genes were upregulated in DKO spinal cord. Moreover, complement activation and inflammatory reactions were detected by GFAP-active astrocyte, microglial accumulation, and increased inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β). Triple knockout mice showed restoration of reduced neuron numbers in the spinal cord of DKO mice, getting close to levels of wild-type mice. Conclusions: Disruption in the architecture of lipid rafts in the spinal cord was not so prominent, suggesting that mechanisms distinct from those reported might be involved in the complement activation in the spinal cord of DKO mice. Gene profiling revealed that inflammation and neurodegeneration in the spinal cord of DKO mice are, at least partly, dependent on complement activation.

This article is from Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal , volume 11 . Abstract None

This article is from Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets , volume 13 . Abstract Inflammaging refers to a continuous, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. Such chronic inflammatory response could build up with time and gradually causes tissue damage. It is considered as one of the driving forces for many age-related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and skin aging. There is mounting evidence that indicates aging is driven by the pro-inflammatory cytokines and substances produced by our body’s innate immune system. The macrophage and complement system, two important components of innate immune system, have attracted more and more attention since they appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammaging-associated diseases, such as AMD and atherosclerosis. This paper will review what we know about these two innate immune systems in the pathogenesis of AMD, atherosclerosis and skin aging.

This article is from Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets , volume 13 . Abstract Inflammaging refers to a continuous, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. Such chronic inflammatory response could build up with time and gradually causes tissue damage. It is considered as one of the driving forces for many age-related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and skin aging. There is mounting evidence that indicates aging is driven by the pro-inflammatory cytokines and substances produced by our body’s innate immune system. The macrophage and complement system, two important components of innate immune system, have attracted more and more attention since they appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammaging-associated diseases, such as AMD and atherosclerosis. This paper will review what we know about these two innate immune systems in the pathogenesis of AMD, atherosclerosis and skin aging.

This bibliography, part of the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, is designed to: (1) Encourage and support curriculum development and instructional activities in vocational education and career development through collection and dissemination of appropriate materials, (2) supplement and complement efforts of the (Wisconsin) State Educational Agency staff and School District personnel by identifying needed resources for use in instructional workshops and with other developmental activities, and (3) encourage use of resource materials and services in all appropriate programs of teacher education and staff development (pre-service as well as in-service), and in classroom implementation. Each entry includes a call number, title, series note (not always used), edition statement (not always used), author(s), publisher's name, publisher's address (for ordering purposes), date of publication, pagination, price, grade level (when applicable), and an annotation. Information about the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, and a materials index are included. (SH)

Zoomable full resolution image available at davidrumsey.com . This image 11135.002 is a part of image group 11135.000 . Color pictorial map, 31x41, on sheet 47x62, folded into 31x23. with pictorial cover. Shows port facilities planned for Calumet area, roads, railroads, place names, parks, etc. Includes text and advertisement for Northern Trust Company. On verso: Text and ancillary aerial view of "Proposed downtown Chicago River harbor development". See note field above.

Zoomable full resolution image available at davidrumsey.com . This image 11135.002 is a part of image group 11135.000 . Color pictorial map, 31x41, on sheet 47x62, folded into 31x23. with pictorial cover. Shows port facilities planned for Calumet area, roads, railroads, place names, parks, etc. Includes text and advertisement for Northern Trust Company. On verso: Text and ancillary aerial view of "Proposed downtown Chicago River harbor development". See note field above.

The complement system, which consists of at least 20 serum proteins, constitutes a major part of the humoral immune system (Figure 1A) (1). Activation of the complement cascade results in: (1) the generation of complement cleavage products with varied biological activity, such as increasing vascular permeability, inducing histamine release from mast cells, smooth muscle contraction, and monocyte recruitment. (2) the opsonization of bacteria by complement fission products which facilitate phagocytosis. (3) the formation of a membrane attack complex by the late-acting complement components which leads to the death or disruption of a variety of targets, such as bacteria, viruses, virus-infected cells, fungi, parasites and some tumor cells.

The complement system, a critical component of the innate immune system, plays a dual role in immune defense and pathogenesis, particularly in autoimmune diseases. Comprising over 30 proteins, the complement system facilitates pathogen clearance, inflammation, and immune modulation. However, its dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled activation and contribute to the development and progression of various autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and vasculitis. In these diseases, excessive complement activation triggers inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and tissue damage, exacerbating the autoimmune response. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complement system's role in autoimmune diseases, exploring how its three activation pathways—classical, lectin, and alternative—contribute to disease pathogenesis. It also discusses key complement proteins such as C3, C5, and the membrane attack complex (MAC) in promoting inflammatory responses in these conditions. Moreover, the review highlights recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting the complement system, including the development of C5 inhibitors like eculizumab and C3 inhibitors, which show promise in treating complement-mediated autoimmune diseases. These therapies aim to reduce inflammation and tissue destruction, offering new approaches for managing autoimmune disorders. Understanding complement dysregulation is crucial for the development of more effective treatments in the future. 

Zoomable full resolution image available at davidrumsey.com . This image 11135.001 is a part of image group 11135.000 . Color pictorial map, 31x41, on sheet 47x62, folded into 31x23. with pictorial cover. Shows port facilities planned for Calumet area, roads, railroads, place names, parks, etc. Includes text and advertisement for Northern Trust Company. On verso: Text and ancillary aerial view of "Proposed downtown Chicago River harbor development". See note field above.

For much of our history, public education has been dominant in Canada. But the earliest schools were private, religious institutions and they are still the choice for a significant number of parents. About 6 per cent of children in Canada attend private schools. Why pay $10,000 - $30,000 per child per year to send them to a private school? Do they get a better education than their peers at public school? Or is it just snob-value?Duane Plantinga is an advocate for private, independent schools. He is the Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta. Mr. Plantinga will provide a general overview of schools of choice in the province and describe the various types of independent schools. He will explain how independent schools are financed and governed, including the accountability factor in these private institutions.Speaker: Duane PlantingaDuane Plantinga has 33 years of experience in the education sector. Prior to joining the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta in 2000, he served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal in both elementary and secondary schools in Alberta and British Columbia. He holds an M.Ed. from the University of Alberta.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract The complement system is an essential part of the innate immune system by acting as a first line of defense which is stabilized by properdin, the sole known positive regulator of the alternative complement pathway. Dysregulation of complement can promote a diversity of human inflammatory diseases which are treated by complement inhibitors. Here, we generated a novel blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) against properdin and devised a new diagnostic assay for this important complement regulator. Mouse mAb 1340 specifically detected native properdin from human samples with high avidity. MAb 1340 inhibited specifically the alternative complement mediated cell lysis within a concentration range of 1–10 µg/mL. Thus, in vitro anti-properdin mAb 1340 was up to fifteen times more efficient in blocking the complement system as compared to anti-C5 or anti-Ba antibodies. Computer-assisted modelling suggested a three-dimensional binding epitope in a properdin-C3(H2O)-clusterin complex to be responsible for the inhibition. Recovery of properdin in a newly established sandwich ELISA using mAb 1340 was determined at 80–125% for blood sample dilutions above 1∶50. Reproducibility assays showed a variation below 25% at dilutions less than 1∶1,000. Systemic properdin concentrations of healthy controls and patients with age-related macular degeneration or rheumatic diseases were all in the range of 13–30 µg/mL and did not reveal significant differences. These initial results encourage further investigation into the functional role of properdin in the development, progression and treatment of diseases related to the alternative complement pathway. Thus, mAb 1340 represents a potent properdin inhibitor suitable for further research to understand the exact mechanisms how properdin activates the complement C3-convertase and to determine quantitative levels of properdin in biological samples.

This bibliography, part of the Vocational Education Resource Materials system is designed to: (1) Encourage and support curriculum development and instructional activities in vocational education and career development through collection and dissemination of appropriate materials, (2) supplement and complement efforts of the (Wisconsin) State Educational Agency staff and School District personnel by identifying needed resources for use in instructional workshops and with other developmental activities, and (3) encourage use of resource materials and services in all appropriate programs of teacher education and staff development (pre-service as well as in-service), and in classroom implementation. Each entry includes a call number, title, series note (not always used), edition statement (not always used), author(s), publisher's name, publisher's address (for ordering purposes), date of publication, pagination, price, grade level (when applicable), and an annotation. Information about the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, and a materials index are included. (SH)

This bibliography, part of the Vocational Education Resource Materials system is designed to: (1) Encourage and support curriculum development and instructional activities in vocational education and career development through collection and dissemination of appropriate materials, (2) supplement and complement efforts of the (Wisconsin) State Educational Agency staff and School District personnel by identifying needed resources for use in instructional workshops and with other developmental activities, and (3) encourage use of resource materials and services in all appropriate programs of teacher education and staff development (pre-service as well as in-service), and in classroom implementation. Each entry includes a call number, title, series note (not always used), edition statement (not always used), author(s), publisher's name, publisher's address (for ordering purposes), date of publication, pagination, price, grade level (when applicable), and an annotation. Information about the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, and a materials index are included. (SH)

Under a certain condition A we give a construction to calculate the intersection cohomology of a rank one local system on the complement to a hyperplane-like divisor

Under a certain condition A we give a construction to calculate the intersection cohomology of a rank one local system on the complement to a hyperplane-like divisor

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract The complement system is involved in the defence against bacterial infection, or in the elimination of tumour cells. However, disturbances in this system contributes to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. The efficiency of therapeutic anti-tumour antibodies is enhanced when the complement system is stimulated. In contrast, cancer cells are able to inhibit the complement system and thus proliferate. Some marine molecules are currently being developed as new drugs for use in humans. Among them, known exopolyssacharides (EPSs) generally originate from fungi, but few studies have been performed on bacterial EPSs and even fewer on EPSs extracted from deep-sea hydrothermal vent microbes. For use in humans, these high molecular weight EPSs must be depolymerised. Furthermore, the over-sulphation of EPSs can modify their biological activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunodulation of the complement system by either native or over-sulphated low molecular weight EPSs isolated from vent bacteria in order to find pro or anti-activators of complement.

This article is from Virulence , volume 5 . Abstract Despite considerable advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease, this infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The role of the complement system in innate immune defenses against invasive meningococcal disease is well established. Individuals deficient in components of the alternative and terminal complement pathways are highly predisposed to invasive, often recurrent meningococcal infections. Genome-wide analysis studies also point to a central role for complement in disease pathogenesis. Here we review the pathophysiologic events pertinent to the complement system that accompany meningococcal sepsis in humans. Meningococci use several often redundant mechanisms to evade killing by human complement. Capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide glycan composition play critical roles in complement evasion. Some of the newly described protein vaccine antigens interact with complement components and have sparked considerable research interest.

This article is from Virulence , volume 5 . Abstract Despite considerable advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease, this infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The role of the complement system in innate immune defenses against invasive meningococcal disease is well established. Individuals deficient in components of the alternative and terminal complement pathways are highly predisposed to invasive, often recurrent meningococcal infections. Genome-wide analysis studies also point to a central role for complement in disease pathogenesis. Here we review the pathophysiologic events pertinent to the complement system that accompany meningococcal sepsis in humans. Meningococci use several often redundant mechanisms to evade killing by human complement. Capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide glycan composition play critical roles in complement evasion. Some of the newly described protein vaccine antigens interact with complement components and have sparked considerable research interest.

This article is from Virulence , volume 5 . Abstract Despite considerable advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease, this infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The role of the complement system in innate immune defenses against invasive meningococcal disease is well established. Individuals deficient in components of the alternative and terminal complement pathways are highly predisposed to invasive, often recurrent meningococcal infections. Genome-wide analysis studies also point to a central role for complement in disease pathogenesis. Here we review the pathophysiologic events pertinent to the complement system that accompany meningococcal sepsis in humans. Meningococci use several often redundant mechanisms to evade killing by human complement. Capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide glycan composition play critical roles in complement evasion. Some of the newly described protein vaccine antigens interact with complement components and have sparked considerable research interest.

This article is from Virulence , volume 5 . Abstract Despite considerable advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease, this infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The role of the complement system in innate immune defenses against invasive meningococcal disease is well established. Individuals deficient in components of the alternative and terminal complement pathways are highly predisposed to invasive, often recurrent meningococcal infections. Genome-wide analysis studies also point to a central role for complement in disease pathogenesis. Here we review the pathophysiologic events pertinent to the complement system that accompany meningococcal sepsis in humans. Meningococci use several often redundant mechanisms to evade killing by human complement. Capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide glycan composition play critical roles in complement evasion. Some of the newly described protein vaccine antigens interact with complement components and have sparked considerable research interest.

This thesis identifies problems with the Marine Corps' performance appraisal system, and proposes a solution, the focus of which is behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS). The problems are: (1) failure to attain performance counseling objectives, (2) lack of control procedures to insure that counseling is achieved, and (3) evidence that many Marines are not counseled. The Marine Corps' appraisal system has two components: the Fitness Report, and a management-by-objectives (MBO) methodology. The problem is that the Fitness Report does not provide feedback useful to subordinates, and the MBO methodology is so unstructured that the natural reluctance-to-counsel runs unchecked. Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are proposed as an appraisal instrument ideally suited to provide feedback. The author examines the development procedures for BARS and reviews the literature on BARS found in organizational behavior periodicals. The author concludes that BARS, coupled with the Fitness Report and the MBO methodology, and controlled by appropriate guidelines, would embody the characteristics, of an ideal performance appraisal system. He recommends that BARS be developed for and tested by an infantry battalion. The research method was a library search concentrating on behavioral research reports and articles by practicing managers and military officers. (author)

Zoomable full resolution image available at davidrumsey.com . This image 11135.003 is a part of image group 11135.000 . Color pictorial map, 31x41, on sheet 47x62, folded into 31x23. with pictorial cover. Shows port facilities planned for Calumet area, roads, railroads, place names, parks, etc. Includes text and advertisement for Northern Trust Company. On verso: Text and ancillary aerial view of "Proposed downtown Chicago River harbor development". See note field above.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pandemic affecting billions of people worldwide, thus stressing the need for new vaccines. Defining the correlates of vaccine protection is essential to achieve this goal. In this study, we used the wild boar model for mycobacterial infection and TB to characterize the protective mechanisms elicited by a new heat inactivated Mycobacterium bovis vaccine (IV). Oral vaccination with the IV resulted in significantly lower culture and lesion scores, particularly in the thorax, suggesting that the IV might provide a novel vaccine for TB control with special impact on the prevention of pulmonary disease, which is one of the limitations of current vaccines. Oral vaccination with the IV induced an adaptive antibody response and activation of the innate immune response including the complement component C3 and inflammasome. Mycobacterial DNA/RNA was not involved in inflammasome activation but increased C3 production by a still unknown mechanism. The results also suggested a protective mechanism mediated by the activation of IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells by MHC I antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) in response to vaccination with the IV, without a clear role for Th1 CD4+ T cells. These results support a role for DCs in triggering the immune response to the IV through a mechanism similar to the phagocyte response to PAMPs with a central role for C3 in protection against mycobacterial infection. Higher C3 levels may allow increased opsonophagocytosis and effective bacterial clearance, while interfering with CR3-mediated opsonic and nonopsonic phagocytosis of mycobacteria, a process that could be enhanced by specific antibodies against mycobacterial proteins induced by vaccination with the IV. These results suggest that the IV acts through novel mechanisms to protect against TB in wild boar.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a direct or indirect mechanical injury that can cause structural and functional impairment of the brain or skull. The pathophysiology of TBI is complex and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. The structural and functional alterations resulting from TBI are associated with injuries known as primary and secondary. The primary injury is a direct result of the mechanical forces transmitted to the skull during the initial impact, characterized by contusions, hematomas and diffuse axonal injury, depending on the physical force applied, duration and site of application. The secondary injury can occur minutes or months after the primary injury and is associated with biochemical, metabolic, cellular and molecular alterations that include a neuroinflammatory process. The immune system appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of TBI, especially in relation to the severity and permanence of the symptoms associated with this condition. The complement system acts on the innate immune response through three pathways: classical, alternative and lectin. Its role in neural pruning is already known, but there is evidence that it may participate in the pathophysiology of TBI. In this study, we will evaluate, through a systematic review of preclinical studies, the role of the complement system in the pathophysiology of TBI. We will search for the words "traumatic brain injury" and "complement system" or "complement proteins" in the PubMed, Bireme, Scopus and Embase databases. After analyzing all the studies found, we will follow the recommendation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Two researchers will eliminate duplicates and include or exclude studies according to the previously established criteria. After that, the risk of bias will be analyzed using the SYRCLE RoB Tool made available by the Cochrane Library. The results will be presented through tables and graphs.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies are important contributors to development of thrombosis in patients with the autoimmune rheumatic disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The underlying mechanism of aPL antibody-mediated thrombosis is not fully understood but existing data suggest that platelets and the complement system are key components. Complement activation on platelets is seen in SLE patients, especially in patients with aPL antibodies, and has been related to venous thrombosis and stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate if aPL antibodies could support classical pathway activation on platelets in vitro as well as in SLE patients. Furthermore, we investigated if complement deposition on platelets was associated with vascular events, either arterial or venous, when the data had been adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Finally, we analyzed if platelet complement deposition, both C1q and C4d, was specific for SLE. We found that aPL antibodies supported C4d deposition on platelets in vitro as well as in SLE patients (p = 0.001 and p

This bibliography, part of the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, is designed to: (1) Encourage and support curriculum development and instructional activities in vocational education and career development through collection and dissemination of appropriate materials, (2) supplement and complement efforts of the (Wisconsin) State Educational Agency staff and School District personnel by identifying needed resources for use in instructional workshops and with other developmental activities, and (3) encourage use of resource materials and services in all appropriate programs of teacher education and staff development (pre-service as well as in-service), and in classroom implementation. Each entry includes a call number, title, series note (not always used), edition statement (not always used), author(s), publisher's name, publisher's address (for ordering purposes), date of publication, pagination, price, grade level (when applicable), and an annotation. Information about the Vocational Education Resource Materials system, and a materials index are included. (SH)

Background:   Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an contagious illness that emerged in December 2019, remains a serious threat it has caused millions of deaths around the world, resulting in a global pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines protect against this severe illness through different approaches. Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines were the greatest used vaccines in Iraq. Both vaccines have a specific mechanism to activate the immune system in human body. This research aims to assessment the complement system C3 and C4 responses in vaccinated individuals with each the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or the Sinopharm vaccine. Methods The study included 180 Iraqi adults vaccinated with two doses, 1 week apart, using either the Sinopharm or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine sixty person received the Pfizer vaccine, sixty person received the Sinopharm vaccine, and the other sixty subjects were un-vaccinated. After one week, the second dose was administered, and the blood samples were collected. Results study findings shown that Complement system 3 (C3) and (C4) levels were significantly increased (P-value=< P<0. 05) in total vaccinated groups when compared with healthy control. also . the table was indicated C3 concentration was significantly high increased in first dose compared to second dose on vaccinated group , while the C4 concentration was non-significantly between two dose groups. The study concluded   that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccine boosted the immune system by high activation complement may also have a protective role and could function to enhance virus neutralization by antibodies, promote virus phagocytosis by immune cells, and lysis of coronavirus.

Lifelong learning has become an integral part of educational approaches, aiming to promote continuous learning throughout an individual's life. The purpose of the current literature review is to assess the trends, themes and gaps in lifelong learning for engineers. A comprehensive search was conducted in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for articles published from 1990. Specific search terms were used to retrieve relevant articles and were determined based on a combination of keywords. The abstracts and titles of the retrieved articles were screened to determine their eligibility for inclusion in this study. A total of 5,342 studies were initially identified. After removing duplicates, the number of studies was reduced to 2,217. Subsequently, the studies were further filtered based on the predefined qualification criteria, resulting in 1,779 studies that underwent abstract and title screening. Ultimately, a total of 28 articles were identified as meeting the predefined eligibility criteria and were considered for the research. These selected articles formed the basis for the thematic analysis and further exploration of the research topic. The studies emphasized the significance of both formal and informal learning and training. Problem-based learning is a crucial component of lifelong learning. This approach encourages deeper understanding, independent thinking, and the development of teamwork and essential skills. Self-directed learning is a prominent competency for lifelong learning. It involves self-reflection, self-regulation, and proactively identifying areas for improvement. A group-based approach is suggested to complement technical knowledge with personal skills and non-technical competencies. Five themes including self-directed learning, coaching and mentoring, problem-based learning, formal and informal learning, and group-based approaches were identified. These concepts should be integrated into the education system and the workplace to support lifelong learning for engineers. [For the full proceedings, see ED652261.]