ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Because proton head and neck (HN) treatments are sensitive to anatomical changes, plan adaptation (re-plan) during the treatment course is needed for a significant portion of patients. We aim to predict re-plan at plan review stage for HN proton therapy with a neural network (NN) model trained with patients' dosimetric and clinical features. The model can serve as a valuable tool for planners to assess the probability of needing to revise the current plan. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Mean beam dose heterogeneity index (BHI), defined as the ratio of the maximum beam dose to the prescription dose, plan robustness features (clinical target volume (CTV), V100 changes, and V100 > 95% passing rates in 21 robust evaluation scenarios), as well as clinical features (e.g., age, tumor site, and surgery/chemotherapy status) were gathered from 171 patients treated at our proton center in 2020, with a median age of 64 and stages from I-IVc across 13 HN sites. Statistical analyses of dosimetric parameters and clinical features were conducted between re-plan and no-replan groups. A NN was trained and tested using these features. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. A sensitivity analysis was done to determine feature importance. RESULTS: Mean BHI in the re-plan group was significantly higher than the no-replan group (p < .01). Tumor site (p < .01), chemotherapy status (p < .01), and surgery status (p < .01) were significantly correlated to re-plan. The model had sensitivities/specificities of 75.0%/77.4%, respectively, and an area under the ROC curve of .855. CONCLUSION: There are several dosimetric and clinical features that correlate to re-plans, and NNs trained with these features can be used to predict HN re-plans, which can be used to reduce re-plan rate by improving plan quality.
Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Proton Therapy , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated , Humans , Radiotherapy Dosage , Proton Therapy/methods , Protons , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/methods , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Head and Neck Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Organs at RiskABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Adenotonsillectomies (TA), Tonsil Related Cases (TC), and Peritonsillar Abscess (PTA) Trends. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System® (PHIS) database, which consists of 51 children's hospitals. Regions were defined according to PHIS rules with at least five children's hospitals per region. We compared monthly total TA, TC, TC as a proportion of all hospital visits, and PTA from all encounters at each hospital from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2021. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, April 2020 saw mean TC drop significantly from 371.62 to 68.37 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, June, September, and December 2020 had significantly higher mean TC compared to 2019. TC as a proportion of all hospital visits decreased significantly throughout the majority of 2021. Similarly, TA significantly decreased during 2020 and 2021 across all regions in the US, starting in March 2020 and this reduction in TA extended through the end of 2021 without any signs of recovery. PTA rates did not change significantly over the three years. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic-plagued 2020 saw a noticeable decrease in overall TC and TA but then rebounded quickly to even higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, this rebound halted for the majority of 2021 and subsequently decreased to lower than pre-pandemic levels, which differs from other communicable pathologies such as otitis media which decreased initially then recovered to pre-pandemic levels by Summer of 2021.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Otolaryngology , Peritonsillar Abscess , COVID-19/epidemiology , Child , Humans , Palatine Tonsil , Pandemics , Peritonsillar Abscess/diagnosis , Peritonsillar Abscess/epidemiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The pandemic related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a decrease in communicable diseases due to social distancing and mask-wearing. How have the prevalence of otitis media (OM) and its associated procedures changed during the pandemic? STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System® (PHIS) database, which consists of 48 children's hospitals. Regions were defined according to PHIS rules. We compared proportion of OM to total diagnoses codes, and collected mastoiditis, and MT placements from all encounters through January 1, 2019-June 31, 2021. RESULTS: In April 2020, there was a decrease in mean proportion of OM cases per 100 hospital visits (7 v. 2, p < 0.0001) and this was sustained through 2020 and until June 2021 (6-7 v. 2-4, p < 0.05; p < 0.05). Compared to 2020, the months of April and June 2021 showed an increase in mean proportion of OM cases (6-7 v. 3-4, p < 0.05) while May did not. This relative increase in OM cases through April-June were primarily driven by the South, the Midwest, and the Northeast in April and the South and the Midwest in June. MT procedures followed similar trends. In 2020, there was no difference in mastoiditis as a proportion of OM cases compared to 2019 however there was a statistically higher rate of mastoiditis in 2020 compared to 2021. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to declines in OM and MT case volumes that have started to increase. A geographic relationship may exist, and this connection could be influenced by mask mandates and social distancing.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Otitis Media , Otolaryngology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Child , Humans , Otitis Media/epidemiology , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
There has been a growing interest in realizing quantum simulators for physical systems where perturbative methods are ineffective. The scalability and flexibility of circuit quantum electrodynamics make it a promising platform for implementing various types of simulators, including lattice models of strongly coupled field theories. Here, we use a multimode superconducting parametric cavity as a hardware-efficient analog quantum simulator, realizing a lattice in synthetic dimensions with complex hopping interactions. The coupling graph, i.e., the realized model, can be programmed in situ. The complex-valued hopping interaction further allows us to simulate, for instance, gauge potentials and topological models. As a demonstration, we simulate a plaquette of the bosonic Creutz ladder. We characterize the lattice with scattering measurements, reconstructing the experimental Hamiltonian and observing important precursors of topological features including nonreciprocal transport and Aharonov-Bohm caging. This platform can be easily extended to larger lattices and different models involving other interactions.
ABSTRACT
The primary challenges in scalp reconstruction are the relative inelasticity of native scalp tissue and the convex shape of the calvarium. All rungs of the reconstructive ladder can be applied to scalp reconstruction, albeit in a nuanced fashion due to the unique anatomy and vascular supply to the scalp. Important defect variables to incorporate into the reconstructive decision include site, potential hairline distortion, size, depth, concomitant infection, prior radiation therapy, planned adjuvant therapy, medical comorbidities, patient desires, and potential calvarium and dura defects.
Subject(s)
Plastic Surgery Procedures , Skin Neoplasms , Forehead/surgery , Humans , Scalp/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Surgical FlapsABSTRACT
We show that the states generated by a three-mode spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) interaction Hamiltonian possess tripartite entanglement of a different nature to other paradigmatic three-mode entangled states generated by the combination of two-mode SPDC interactions. While two-mode SPDC generates Gaussian states whose entanglement can be characterized by standard criteria based on two-mode quantum correlations, these criteria fail to capture the entanglement generated by three-mode SPDC. We use criteria built from three-mode correlation functions to show that the class of states recently generated in a superconducting-circuit implementation of three-mode SPDC ideally have tripartite entanglement, contrary to recent claims in the literature. These criteria are suitable for triple SPDC but we show that they fail to detect tripartite entanglement in other states which are known to possess it, which illustrates the existence of two fundamentally different notions of tripartite entanglement in three-mode continuous-variable systems.
ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus may cause infections in humans from mild skin disorders to lethal pneumonia. Rapid and accurate monitoring of viable S. aureus is essential to characterize human exposure. This study evaluated quantitative PCR (qPCR) with propidium monoazide (PMA) to quantify S. aureus. The results showed comparable S. aureus counts between exclusively live cells and mixtures of live/dead cells by qPCR with 1.5 or 2.3 µg/mL PMA (P>.05), illustrating the ability of PMA-qPCR to detect DNA exclusively from viable cells. Moreover, qPCR with 1.5 or 2.3 µg/mL PMA performed optimally with linearity over 103 -108 CFU/mL (R2 ≥0.9), whereas qPCR with 10, 23 or 46 µg/mL PMA significantly underestimated viable counts. Staphylococcus aureus and total viable bacteria were further determined with PMA-qPCR (1.5 µg/mL) from 48 samples from a public library and two university dormitories and four from outside. Viable bacteria averaged 1.9×104 cells/m3 , and S. aureus were detected in 22 (42%) samples with a mean of 4.4×103 cells/m3 . The number of S. aureus and viable bacteria were positively correlated (r=.61, P<.005), and percentages of S. aureus relative to viable bacteria averaged 12-44%. The results of field samples suggest that PMA-qPCR can be used to quantify viable S. aureus cells.
Subject(s)
Air Microbiology , Bacterial Load/methods , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Azides , Microclimate , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Propidium/analogs & derivativesABSTRACT
The flicker noise of source follower transistors is the dominant noise source in image sensors. This paper reports a systematic study of the shallow trench isolation effect in transistors with different sizes under high temperature conditions that correspond to the quantity of empty defect sites. The effects of shallow trench isolation sidewall defects on flicker noise characteristics are investigated. In addition, the low-frequency noise and subthreshold swing degrade simultaneously in accordance to the device gate width scaling. Both serious subthreshold leakage and considerable noise can be attributed to the high trap density near the STI edge. Consequently, we propose a coincidental relationship between the noise level and the subthreshold characteristic; its trend is identical to the experiments and simulation results.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic , Liver Neoplasms , Radiofrequency Ablation , Humans , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Combined Modality TherapyABSTRACT
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) surgeries successfully restore anterior tibial translation but not tibial rotation. This study aimed to explore landing strategies focusing on the control of tibial rotation at landing when the ACL is most vulnerable. Three groups of male subjects (50 ACLRs, 26 basketball players, and 31 controls) participated in one-leg forward hop tests for determining the tibial rotatory landing strategies adopted during the initial landing phase. The differences in knee kinematics and muscle activities between internal and external tibial rotatory (ITR, ETR) landing strategies were examined. A higher proportion of basketball players (34.6%) were found to adopt ITR strategies (controls: 6.5%), exhibiting significantly greater hopping distance and knee strength. After adjusting for hopping distance, subjects adopting ITR strategies were found to hop faster with straighter knees at foot contact and with greater ITR and less knee adduction angular displacement during the initial landing phase. However, significantly greater angular displacement in knee flexion, greater medial hamstring activities, and greater co-contraction index of hamstrings and medial knee muscles were also found during initial landing. Our results support the importance of the recruitments of medial hamstrings or the local co-contraction in assisting the rotatory control of the knee during initial landing for avoiding ACL injuries.
Subject(s)
Range of Motion, Articular/physiology , Rotation , Tibia/physiology , Adult , Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/prevention & control , Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction , Basketball , Biomechanical Phenomena , Case-Control Studies , Exercise Test , Humans , Knee/physiology , Male , Muscle Strength , Young AdultABSTRACT
AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of horizontal root fractures (HRF) in posterior teeth without a history of dental trauma. METHODOLOGY: A total 24 patients and 31 HRF cases in 28 posterior teeth were collected from 2006 to 2015. Clinical examinations and radiographic imaging were evaluated. Value of confidence intervals of the proportions was calculated for data presentation. RESULTS: The number of males (54%) was similar to females (46%). The patients were predominantly between 50 and 70 years of age (75%). Most HRF cases were found in nonendodontically treated teeth (79%), without crown and bridge restorations (82%), and maxillary molars (54%). Many roots of maxillary molars had developed HRF, and the probability was nearly equal. Fractured teeth usually presented with periodontal and apical bone loss, and most patients (92%) were diagnosed with full mouth chronic periodontitis. Tooth wear was another common clinical feature amongst these patients. CONCLUSIONS: HRF in posterior teeth without dental trauma occurred mainly in patients aged between 50 and 70, in nonendodontically treated teeth, teeth with attrition but without crown and bridge restorations, maxillary molars and with periodontal and periapical bony destruction. Periodontal condition, occlusal wear and patients' age at diagnosis were the possible related factors. HRF in posterior teeth without dental trauma is a diagnostic challenge and even misdiagnosed. A thorough clinical examination, radiographic analysis and recognition of the clinical characteristics are helpful in the early diagnosis and treatment of HRF.
Subject(s)
Tooth Fractures , Tooth Root/injuries , Age Distribution , Aged , Bicuspid/diagnostic imaging , Bicuspid/injuries , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Molar/diagnostic imaging , Molar/injuries , Radiography, Dental , Sex Distribution , Tooth Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Tooth Root/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of septoplasty and the correlation between the subjective evaluations of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and active anterior rhinomanometry of the nasal airway after septoplasty. DESIGN: A retrospective, individual cohort study. SETTING: Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients with chronic nasal obstruction were enrolled in the study. All 50 patients underwent septoplasty because of nasal septal deviation. Another 28 patients without nasal symptoms served as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: VAS, NOSE and active anterior rhinomanometry were used to measure the sensation of nasal obstruction. All measurements were performed in both groups preoperatively and then repeated on three postoperative visits (3, 6 and 12 months). RESULTS: The mean VAS score, NOSE score and the nasal resistance in the narrow side of the nose in the study group showed reduced symptoms at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared with the respective preoperative measurements (P < 0.001, all). The VAS and NOSE scores did not significantly correlate with total nasal resistance preoperatively or postoperatively. The VAS and nasal resistance in the obstructed nasal cavity correlated significantly preoperatively (P < 0.05), but not postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective and objective symptoms of nasal obstruction had improved 1 year after septoplasty. A significant correlation between VAS scores and nasal resistance in the narrow side of the nose was found before surgery. The subjective and objective measurements of nasal obstruction lacked significant correlation postoperatively.
Subject(s)
Nasal Obstruction/diagnosis , Nasal Septum/abnormalities , Nasal Septum/surgery , Rhinomanometry , Symptom Assessment , Visual Analog Scale , Adult , Aged , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nasal Obstruction/etiology , Nasal Obstruction/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Rhinoplasty , Surveys and Questionnaires , Taiwan , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical significance of GP. Mur antigen-negative blood selection for transfusion in patients with anti-'Mia ' records. BACKGROUND: The GP. Mur RBC phenotype is prevalent (7·3%) in Taiwan. Antibodies against GP. Mur (anti-'Mia ') are identified in 1·24% of our population, and anti-'Mia ' screening using GP. Mur RBC has been routine for Taiwan's blood banks. However, due to the lack of commercial antibodies, only cross-matching was used to prevent transfusion of GP. Mur-positive blood to patients with anti-'Mia ' in most hospitals. There is still a risk of GP. Mur-positive RBC exposure and subsequent anti-'Mia '-related transfusion reactions. METHODS: Since February 2014, GP. Mur antigen-negative RBCs identified by reaction with anti-'Mia '-positive serum were selected for blood recipients with anti-'Mia ' records. The transfusion reactions between January 2013 and January 2014 were compared with those that occurred between February 2014 and July 2015. RESULTS: The transfusion reaction rate was significantly higher in anti-'Mia '-positive blood recipients compared to total subjects receiving an RBC transfusion before GP. Mur-negative donor RBC selection. After antigen-negative RBC selection, the transfusion reaction frequency in subjects with anti-'Mia ' became similar to total blood recipients. IgG form anti-'Mia ' antibodies were present in all cases of probable anti-'Mia '-related transfusion reactions. The time required for anti-'Mia ' boosting after transfusion was around 4-21 days. CONCLUSION: Selection of GP. Mur-negative RBC for transfusion to patients with anti-'Mia ' records could decrease the rate of transfusion reaction and antibody boosting. This procedure should be incorporated into blood bank routines in areas where anti-'Mia ' is prevalent.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors , Blood Group Antigens/blood , Blood Grouping and Crossmatching/methods , Donor Selection/methods , Erythrocytes/metabolism , Glycophorins/metabolism , Isoantibodies/blood , Erythrocytes/cytology , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of acute death related to coronary artery disease has decreased with the advent of new interventional therapies, myocardial infarction remains one of the leading causes of death in the US. Current animal models developed to replicate this phenomenon have been associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. A new model utilizing the first diagonal branch of the left anterior descending artery (D1-LAD) was developed to provide a clinically relevant lesion, while attempting to minimize the incidence of adverse complications associated with infarct creation. METHODS: Eight Yucatan miniature pigs underwent percutaneous embolization of the D1-LAD via injection of 90 µm polystyrene micro-spheres. Cardiac structure and function were monitored at baseline, immediately post-operatively, and at 8-weeks post-infarct using transthoracic echocardiography. Post-mortem histopathology and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate for changes in myocardial structure and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition respectively. Echocardiographic data were evaluated using a repeated measures analysis of variance followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Biochemical analyses of infarcted to non-infarcted myocardium were compared using analysis of variance. RESULTS: All eight pigs successfully underwent echocardiography prior to catheterization. Overall procedural survival rate was 83% (5/6) with one pig excluded due to failure of infarction and another due to deviation from protocol. Ejection fraction significantly decreased from 69.7 ± 7.8% prior to infarction to 50.6 ± 14.7% immediately post-infarction, and progressed to 48.7 ± 8.9% after 8-weeks (p = 0.011). Left ventricular diameter in systole significantly increased from 22.6 ± 3.8 mm pre-operatively to 30.9 ± 5.0 mm at 8 weeks (p = 0.016). Histopathology showed the presence of disorganized fibrosis on hematoxylin and eosin and Picro Sirius red stains. Collagen I and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content were significantly greater in the infarcted region than in normal myocardium (p = 0.007 and p = 0.018, respectively); however, pyridinoline crosslink content per collagen I content in the infarcted region was significantly less than normal myocardium (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Systolic dysfunction and changes in ECM composition induced via embolization of the D1-LAD closely mimic those found in individuals with chronic myocardial infarction (MI), and represents a location visible without the need for anesthesia. As a result, this method represents a useful model for studying chronic MI.
Subject(s)
Coronary Vessels/pathology , Embolization, Therapeutic , Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Animals , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Vessels/surgery , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Male , Myocardial Infarction/diagnostic imaging , Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology , Myocardium/pathology , Reproducibility of Results , Stroke Volume , Swine , Swine, Miniature , Systole , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
We demonstrated a unique CMOS approach for the production of a high-performance germanium (Ge) quantum dot (QD) metal-oxide-semiconductor phototransistor. In the darkness, low off-state leakage (Ioff â¼ 0.27 pA µm(-2)), a high on-off current ratio (Ion/Ioff â¼ 10(6)), and good switching behaviors (subthreshold swing of 175 mV/dec) were measured on our Ge-QD phototransistor at 300 K, indicating good hetero-interfacial quality of the Ge-on-Si. Illumination makes a significant enhancement in the drain current of Ge QD phototransistors when biased at both the on- and off-states, which is a great benefit from Ge QD-mediated photoconductive and photovoltaic effects. The measured photocurrent-to-dark-current ratio (Iphoto/Idark) and the photoresponsivities from the Ge QD phototransistor are as high as 4.1 × 10(6) and 1.7 A W(-1), respectively, under an incident power of 0.9 mW at 850 nm illumination. A superior external quantum efficiency of 240% and a very fast temporal response time of 1.4 ns suggest that our Ge QD MOS phototransistor offers great promise as optical switches and transducers for Si-based optical interconnects.
ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus has been detected in indoor air and linked to human infection. Quantifying S. aureus by efficient sampling methods followed by appropriate sample storage treatments is essential to characterize the exposure risk of humans. This laboratory study evaluated the effects of sampler type (all-glass impinger (AGI-30), BioSampler, and Andersen one-stage sampler (Andersen 1-STG)), collection fluid (deionized water (DW), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and Tween mixture (TM)), and sampling time (3-60 min) on cell recovery. Effects of storage settings on bacterial concentration were also assessed over 48 h. Results showed BioSampler performed better than Andersen 1-STG and AGI-30 (P < 0.05) and TM was superior to PBS and DW (P < 0.05). An increase in sampling time negatively affected the recoveries of cells in PBS of BioSampler and AGI-30 (P < 0.05), whereas cell recoveries in TM were increased at sampling of 6-15 min compared with 3 min. Concentrations of cells collected in PBS were decreased with storage time at 4 and 23 °C (P < 0.05), while cells stored in TM showed stable concentrations at 4 °C (P > 0.05) and increased cell counts at 23 °C (P < 0.05). Overall, sampling by BioSampler with TM followed by sample transportation and storage at 4 °C is recommended.
Subject(s)
Air Microbiology , Environmental Monitoring , Staphylococcus aureus , Aerosols/analysis , Agar , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Environmental Monitoring/standards , Humans , PolysorbatesABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus has been detected indoors and is associated with human infection. Reliable quantification of S. aureus using a sampling technique followed by culture assay helps in assessing the risks of human exposure. The efficiency of five culture media and eight sampling methods in recovering S. aureus aerosols were evaluated. Methods to extract cells from filters were also studied. Tryptic soy agar (TSA) presented greater bacterial recovery than mannitol salt agar (MSA), CHROMagar staph aureus, Chapman stone medium, and Baird-Park agarose (P < 0.05). Moreover, 93 ± 2%-95 ± 2% and 42 ± 1%-49 ± 2% of S. aureus were, respectively, recovered by a 15-min heating of gelatin filters and 2-min vortex of polycarbonate (PC) filters. Evaluation of two filtration (IOM with gelatin filter and cassette with PC filter), two impaction (Andersen 1-STG loaded with TSA and MSA) and four impingement methods [AGI-30 and BioSampler filled with Tween mixture (TM) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)] revealed the BioSampler/TM performed best over 30 and 60 min of sampling (P < 0.05), while low recovery efficiencies were associated with the IOM/gelatin, cassette/PC, and AGI-30/PBS combinations (P < 0.05). In addition to BioSampler/TM, collecting S. aureus onto TSA from the Andersen 1-STG is also recommended, as it is the second best method at the 60-min sampling (P < 0.05).
Subject(s)
Air Microbiology , Culture Media , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Aerosols , Air Filters/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allergic airway diseases are not only a T,2-mediated chronic airway inflammation, but also a condition of epithelial barrier defects and dysfunction. Allergens with protease activities are known factors that initiate respiratory epithelial damage. Cockroach allergy is the second leading cause of allergic respiratory airway diseases in Taiwan, and cockroach allergens have strong serine protease activity. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of the direct local administration of gabexate mesilate (GM) on American cockroach allergen (CraA)-induced human bronchial epithelial cell inflammation. METHODS: BEAS-2B cells, from the human bronchial epithelial cell line, were stimulated with CraA or co-cultured with different doses of GM. Cellular morphologic changes were observed by microscopy and changes in chemokine mRNA expression and protein levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA. Effects of specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 (U0126), INK (SP600125), and p38 MAPK (SB203580) on CraA-induced chemokine mRNA expression were also tested by RT-PCR. RESULTS: GM prevented CraA-induced bronchial epithelial cell detachment and morphological changes. It had superior and more extensive suppression effects than specific target MAPK inhibitors in CraA-induced mRNA expression of IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) 1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor from the cells in a dose-dependent manner. CraA-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 protein production from BEAS-2B cells was also attenuated by GM. CONCLUSIONS: The serine protease inhibitor GM has local protective effects against CraA-induced bronchial epithelial inflammation. The development of an inhaled or intranasal protease inhibitor may be a potential strategy for the treatment of allergic airway diseases induced by allergens with protease activities.
Subject(s)
Bronchi/pathology , Cockroaches/immunology , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Gabexate/pharmacology , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Chemokine CCL2/biosynthesis , Chemokines/genetics , Epithelial Cells/pathology , Humans , Interleukin-8/biosynthesis , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , PhosphorylationABSTRACT
Superconducting quantum circuits are a natural platform for quantum simulations of a wide variety of important lattice models describing topological phenomena, spanning condensed matter and high-energy physics. One such model is the bosonic analog of the well-known fermionic Kitaev chain, a 1D tight-binding model with both nearest-neighbor hopping and pairing terms. Despite being fully Hermitian, the bosonic Kitaev chain exhibits a number of striking features associated with non-Hermitian systems, including chiral transport and a dramatic sensitivity to boundary conditions known as the non-Hermitian skin effect. Here, using a multimode superconducting parametric cavity, we implement the bosonic Kitaev chain in synthetic dimensions. The lattice sites are mapped to frequency modes of the cavity, and the in situ tunable complex hopping and pairing terms are created by parametric pumping at the mode-difference and mode-sum frequencies, respectively. We experimentally demonstrate important precursors of nontrivial topology and the non-Hermitian skin effect in the bosonic Kitaev chain, including chiral transport, quadrature wavefunction localization, and sensitivity to boundary conditions. Our experiment is an important first step towards exploring genuine many-body non-Hermitian quantum dynamics.
ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila have been detected in indoor air and linked to human infection. It is essential to adopt control methods to inactivate airborne pathogens. By passing bioaerosols horizontally into a UV device at two flow rates (Qs) and moving cells around a central UVC lamp at relative humidity (RH) of 12.7-16.7%, 58.7-59.6%, and 87.3-90%, the effects of swirling motion and 254-nm ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) against bioaerosols were assessed under UV-off and UV-on settings, respectively. An inverse relationship between RH and UVGI effectiveness was observed for every test bioaerosol (r = -0.74 â¼ -0.81, P < 0.0001). Increased UV resistance with RH is likely associated with the hygroscopicity of bioaerosols, evident by increased aerodynamic diameters at high RH (P < 0.05). UVGI effectiveness was significantly increased with decreasing Q (P < 0.0001). Moreover, P. aeruginosa was the most susceptible to UVGI, while the greatest UV resistance occurred in L. pneumophila at low RH and S. aureus at medium and high RH (P < 0.05). Results of UV off show P. aeruginosa and L. pneumophila were more sensitive to air-swirling motion than S. aureus (P < 0.05). Overall, test bioaerosols were reduced by 1.7-4.9 and 0.2-1.7 log units because of the UVGI and swirling movement, respectively. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The studied UV device, with a combination of swirling motion and UVGI, is effective to inactivate airborne S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and L. pneumophila. This study also explores the factors governing the UVGI and swirling motion against infectious bioaerosols. With understanding the environmental and operational parameters, the studied UV device has the potential to be installed indoors where people are simultaneously present, for example, hospital wards and nursing homes, to prevent the humans from acquiring infectious diseases.