Inactivation of Human Enteric Virus Surrogates by High-Intensity Ultrasound

This study investigates human enteric virus contamination of a shellfish harvesting area. Samples were analysed over a 14-month period for Small Round Structured Viruses (SRSVs) using a previously developed nested RT-PCR. A clear seasonal difference was observed with the largest numbers of positive samples obtained during the winter period (October to March). This data concurs with the known winter association of gastroenteric illness due to oyster consumption in the UK and also with the majority of the outbreaks associated with shellfish harvested from this area during the study period. RT-PCR positive amplicons were further characterised by cloning and sequencing. Sequence analysis of the positive samples identified eleven SRSV strains, of both Genogroup I and Genogroup II, occurring throughout the study period. Many shellfish samples contained a mixture of strains with a few samples containing up to three different strains with both Genogroups represented. The observed common occurrence of strain mixtures may have implications for the role of shellfish as a vector for dissemination of SRSV strains. These results show that nested RT-PCR can identify SRSV contamination in shellfish harvesting areas. Virus monitoring of shellfish harvesting areas by specialist laboratories using RT-PCR is a possible approach to combating the transmission of SRSVs by molluscan shellfish and could potentially offer significantly enhanced levels of public health protection.

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Non pharmacological high-intensity ultrasound treatment of human dermal fibroblasts to accelerate wound healing

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-81878-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeong Yu Lee ◽

Dae-Jin Min ◽

Wanil Kim ◽

Bum-Ho Bin ◽

Kyuhan Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

High Intensity ◽

Mapk Pathway ◽

Dermal Fibroblasts ◽

Ultrasound Treatment ◽

Type I ◽

Human Dermal Fibroblasts ◽

Short Term ◽

High Intensity Ultrasound ◽

Extracellular Matrix Components

AbstractInspired by the effectiveness of low-intensity ultrasound on tissue regeneration, we investigated the potential effect of short-term high-intensity ultrasound treatment for acceleration of wound healing in an in vitro wound model and dermal equivalent, both comprising human dermal fibroblasts. Short-term ultrasound of various amplitudes significantly increased the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and subsequently increased the production of the extracellular matrix components fibronectin and collagen type I, both of which are important for wound healing and are secreted by fibroblasts. In addition, ultrasound treatment increased the contraction of a fibroblast-embedded three-dimensional collagen matrix, and the effect was synergistically increased in the presence of TGF-β. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses revealed changes in gene expression and p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathway activation in the ultrasound-stimulated fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that ultrasound as a mechanical stimulus can activate human dermal fibroblasts. Therefore, the activation of fibroblasts using ultrasound may improve the healing of various types of wounds and increase skin regeneration.

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