Reagent integration and controlled release for multiplexed nucleic acid testing in disposable thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays

The seamless integration of reagents into microfluidic devices can serve to significantly reduce assay complexity and cost for disposable diagnostics. In this work, the integration of multiplexed reagents into thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays is demonstrated using a scalable pin spotting technique. Using a simple and low-cost narrow-bore capillary spotting pin, high resolution deposition of concentrated reagents within the arrays of enclosed nanoliter-scale wells is achieved. The pin spotting method is further employed to encapsulate the deposited reagents with a chemically modified wax layer that serves to prevent disruption of the dried assay components during sample introduction through a shared microchannel, while also enabling temperature-controlled release after sample filling is complete. This approach supports the arbitrary patterning and release of different reagents within individual wells without crosstalk for multiplexed analyses. The performance of the in-well spotting technique is characterized using on-chip rolling circle amplification to evaluate its potential for nucleic acid-based diagnostics.

Community engagement interventions for communicable disease control in low- and lower- middle-income countries: evidence from a review of systematic reviews

Background

Community engagement (CE) interventions include a range of approaches to involve communities in the improvement of their health and wellbeing. Working with communities defined by location or some other shared interest, these interventions may be important in assisting equity and reach of communicable disease control (CDC) in low and lower-middle income countries (LLMIC). We conducted an umbrella review to identify approaches to CE in communicable disease control, effectiveness of these approaches, mechanisms and factors influencing success.

Methods

We included systematic reviews that: i) focussed on CE interventions; ii) involved adult community members; iii) included outcomes relevant to communicable diseases in LLMIC; iv) were written in English. Quantitative results were extracted and synthesised narratively. A qualitative synthesis process enabled identification of mechanisms of effect and influencing factors. We followed guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, assessed quality with the DARE tool and reported according to standard systematic review methodology.

Results

Thirteen systematic reviews of medium-to-high quality were identified between June and July 2017. Reviews covered the following outcomes: HIV and STIs (6); malaria (2); TB (1); child and maternal health (3) and mixed (1). Approaches included: CE through peer education and community health workers, community empowerment interventions and more general community participation or mobilisation. Techniques included sensitisation with the community and involvement in the identification of resources, intervention development and delivery. Evidence of effectiveness of CE on health outcomes was mixed and quality of primary studies variable. We found: i) significantly reduced neonatal mortality following women’s participatory learning and action groups; ii) significant reductions in HIV and other STIs with empowerment and mobilisation interventions with marginalised groups; iii) significant reductions in malaria incidence or prevalence in a small number of primary studies; iv) significant reductions in infant diarrhoea following community health worker interventions. Mechanisms of impact commonly occurred through social and behavioural processes, particularly: changing social norms, increasing social cohesion and social capacity. Factors influencing effectiveness of CE interventions included extent of population coverage, shared leadership and community control over outcomes.

Conclusion

Community engagement interventions may be effective in supporting CDC in LLMIC. Careful design of CE interventions appropriate to context, disease and community is vital.

Pinch resonances in a radio-frequency-driven superconducting-quantum-interference-device ring-resonator system

In this paper we present experimental data on the frequency domain response of a superconducting-quantum-interference-device ring (a Josephson weak link enclosed by a thick superconducting ring) coupled to a radio frequency tank circuit resonator. We show that with the ring weakly hysteretic the resonance line shape of this coupled system can display opposed fold bifurcations that appear to touch (pinch off). We demonstrate that for appropriate circuit parameters these pinch off line shapes exist as solutions of the nonlinear equations of motion for the system.

A major serine protease in rat skeletal muscle: evidence for its mast cell origin

The physical, chemical, and immunologic properties of a protease from rat skeletal muscle, proposed to function in the degradation of certain intracellular enzymes, are identical to those of a chymotrypsin-like serine protease isolated from peritoneal mast cells. The results of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and 8 M urea indicate that the two rat proteases have identical mobilities corresponding to a molecular weight of 26,000. The relative amino acid compositions of the proteases are nearly identical. Immunodiffusion tests for crossreaction between the muscle protease and antisera directed toward mast cell protease indicate that the former is immunologically identical to mast cell protease. The first 35 amino-terminal residues of the two enzymes are identical and indicate homology of these proteins to other mammalian serine proteases. The sequence analysis of the protease from muscle was extended for an additional 16 positions, and comparison of this amino-terminal sequence with that of a similar enzyme from small intestine showed approximately 75% sequence identity. In contrast, only 40% of the residues in this region of bovine chymotrypsin A were found at corresponding loci in rat muscle protease. It is concluded that the protease from muscle or mast cells is closely related to the enzyme from small intestine which recently was localized in the "atypical" mast cells of gut mucosa [Woodbury, R. G., Gruzenski, G. M. & Lagunoff, D. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75, 2785-2789].