A Performance Analysis Framework for WiFi/WiMAX Heterogeneous Metropolitan Networks Based on Cross-Layer Design

The communication between network nodes within different protocol domains is often regarded simply as a black box with unknown configuration conditions in the path. We address network heterogeneity using a white box approach and focus on its interconnection processes. To achieve this purpose, a Performance Analysis Framework (PAF) is proposed which is composed of the formalization of the latter using process algebra (PA) and the corresponding teletraffic performance models. In this contribution, we target the IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.11 protocols. For the teletraffic models, we extend previous models for such scenario with the inclusion of the following protocol operational parameters (metrics): bit error rate (BER), packet error ratio (PER), and packet length (pl). From the framework teletraffic models, the optimal packet length (OPL), end to end throughput, delay, and packet loss are obtained. The PAF outperforms previous modeling solutions in terms of delay and throughput relative to NS3 simulation results. </jats:p

Current and Future Prospects of Nitro-compounds as Drugs for Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis

Interest in nitroheterocyclic drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases has undergone a resurgence in recent years. Here we review the current status of monocyclic and bicyclic nitroheterocyclic compounds as existing or potential new treatments for visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease and human African trypanosomiasis. Both monocyclic (nifurtimox, benznidazole and fexinidazole) and bicyclic (pretomanid (PA-824) and delamanid (OPC-67683)) nitro-compounds are prodrugs, requiring enzymatic activation to exert their parasite toxicity. Current understanding of the nitroreductases involved in activation and possible mechanisms by which parasites develop resistance is discussed along with a description of the pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic behaviour and chemical structure-activity relationships of drugs and experimental compounds.</p

Clinical efficacy and patients’ perception of virtual reality during wound care in adults:A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

This study was aimed to review Virtual Reality's (VR) impact on pain, anxiety, opioid usage, physiological and behavioural responses, and patients’ experience during wound care (WC) in adults. We searched multiple databases (Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar) from inception until January 27th, 2023. Included studies compared VR alone or as an adjunct to standard WC with standard WC or other distraction methods, in adults with burn or non-burn-related wounds. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised parallel-group and crossover trials. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis was limited to studies comprising solely of adult participants. VR reduced pain intensity compared to standard WC in all study designs. Despite not being included in the meta-analysis due to reasons such as mixed population or lack of sufficient statistical data, other studies showed significant pain reduction using VR. Additionally, VR improved patients' experience of WC. No clear effect was found on other outcomes including anxiety, opioid usage and physiological and behavioural responses. VR shows promise in reducing acute pain and enhancing patients' experience of WC. The observed variations in the effects of VR at group and individual levels indicate the need for a personalised treatment plan by selecting the right VR for the right patient given at the right time.</p

Preparation of Single Cell Suspension from Human Lung Tissue v1

This protocol describes a method for the isolation of the immune cells, structural and epithelial cells, and progenitors from human lung sections of about two grams. By providing defined media formulations, volumes at each step, and a defined dilution factor for density centrifugation, it yields consistent single-cell suspensions across samples. </p

Preparation of Single Cell Suspension from Human Lymph Node Tissue v1

This protocol describes a method for the isolation of pan-lymphocytes, pan-myeloid cells, and progenitors from human lymph node tissue. By providing defined media formulations, volumes at each step, and a defined dilution factor for density centrifugation, it yields consistent single-cell suspensions across samples. </p

Enhanced functional properties of <i>in vitro</i> expanded lymph node derived human NK cells

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with the inherent ability to directly kill tumor and virus infected cells. Due to their ability to kill cancer cells without any prior priming, and their role in preventing metastasis NK cells have since long been the choice for autologous adoptive cell transfer therapy in cancer. However, poor expansion potential of PBMC derived NK cells in vitro is a major roadblock preventing the widespread use of NK cells in immunotherapy. We found that human NK cells isolated from lymph nodes (LNs) express higher levels of genes encoding for stem-like transcription factors (TCF7, LEF1, MYC) compared to NK cells from blood, spleen, bone marrow (BM) and lung. Therefore, we hypothesized that NK cells isolated from LNs will show superior expansion potential in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis shows that LN derived NK cells express high levels of TCF1 protein ex vivo, and show greater proliferation compared to NK cells isolated from blood, spleen and BM following stimulation with IL-2 and IL-15 in vitro. We also observed that a significant frequency of LN NK cells expressed TCF1 even after expansion, suggesting preserved proliferation potential of these cells. Additionally, the expanded NK cells from LN acquired properties of mature, highly functional NK cells such as increased expression of CD16, CD57 and higher Granzyme B expression. Lastly, LN derived NK cells also demonstrate enhanced cytolytic activity in vitro after expansion. Taken together our results suggest that in vitro expanded NK cells from LNs are potentially efficacious anti-tumor agents and could be leveraged for the development of future generation of NK cell directed immunotherapies.</jats:p