Alternative splicing for tuneable expression of protein subunits at desired ratios.

The controlled expression of two or more proteins at a defined and stable ratio remains a substantial challenge, particularly in the bi- and multispecific antibody field. Achieving an optimal ratio of protein subunits can facilitate the assembly of multimeric proteins with high efficiency and minimize the production of by-products. In this study, we propose a solution based on alternative splicing, enabling the expression of a tunable and predefined ratio of two distinct polypeptide chains from the same pre-mRNA under the control of a single promoter.

Accuracy of cardiac ablation catheter guidance by means of a single equivalent moving dipole inverse algorithm to identify sites of origin of cardiac electrical activation.

We have developed a system that could potentially be used to identify the site of origin of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and to guide a catheter to that site to deliver radio-frequency ablation therapy. This system employs the Inverse Solution Guidance Algorithm based upon Single Equivalent Moving Dipole (SEMD) localization method. The system was evaluated in in vivo swine experiments.

Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

We evaluated a real-time single-peak (11.109-Da) detection assay based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae Our results demonstrated that the 11.

PATIENT: Physical Anatomical Trainer Instrumented for Education and Non-Subjective Testing.

The PATIENT manikin (Physical Anatomical Trainer Instrumented for Education and Non-subjective Testing) is designed with the conflicting needs of a highly modular system for ultimate scenario flexibility and cost containment, and a highly realistic system. PATIENT provides a unique combination of capital and disposable components, with each organ treated as a limited-reuse component. The organs contain unobtrusive instrumentation which informs the PATIENT control unit of the organ status.

A method to noninvasively identify cardiac bioelectrical sources.

Background: We have introduced a method to guide radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) procedures that estimates the location of a catheter tip used to pace the ventricles and the target site for ablation using the single equivalent moving dipole (SEMD).

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of this method in resolving epicardial and endocardial electrical sources.

Methods: Two electrode arrays, each of nine pacing electrodes at known distances from each other, sutured on the left- and right-ventricular (LV and RV) epicardial surfaces of swine, were used to pace the heart at multiple rates, while body surface potentials from 64 sites were recorded and used to estimate the SEMD location.

Electrogastrographic and autonomic responses during oculovestibular recoupling in flight simulation.

Introduction: Simulator sickness causes vestibulo-autonomic responses that increase sympathetic activity and decrease parasympathetic activity. The purpose of the study was to quantify these responses through electrogastrography and cardiac interbeat intervals during flight simulation.

Methods: There were 29 subjects that were randomly assigned to 2 parallel arms: (1) oculovestibular recoupling, where galvanic vestibular stimulation was synchronous with the visual field; and (2) control.

The single equivalent moving dipole model does not require spatial anatomical information to determine cardiac sources of activation.

Radio-frequency catheter ablation (RCA) is an established treatment for ventricular tachycardia (VT). A key feature of the RCA procedure is the need for a mapping approach that facilitates the identification of the target ablation site. In this study, we investigate the effect of the location of the reference potential and spatial anatomical constraints on the accuracy of an algorithm to identify the target site for ablation therapy of VT.

Cardiac ablation catheter guidance by means of a single equivalent moving dipole inverse algorithm.

Background: We developed and evaluated a novel system for guiding radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy of ventricular tachycardia. This guidance system employs an inverse solution guidance algorithm (ISGA) using a single equivalent moving dipole (SEMD) localization method. The method and system were evaluated in both a saline tank phantom model and in vivo animal (swine) experiments.

Oculo-vestibular recoupling using galvanic vestibular stimulation to mitigate simulator sickness.

Introduction: Despite improvement in the computational capabilities of visual displays in flight simulators, intersensory visual-vestibular conflict remains the leading cause of simulator sickness (SS). By using galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), the vestibular system can be synchronized with a moving visual field in order to lessen the mismatch of sensory inputs thought to result in SS.

Methods: A multisite electrode array was used to deliver combinations of GVS in 21 normal subjects.

The effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on distortion product otoacoustic emissions.

Galvanic stimulation has long been used as a nonmechanical means of activating the vestibular apparatus through direct action on the vestibular nerve endings. This stimulation has been reported to be safe, but no studies have examined the potential changes in the corresponding cochlear receptors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) on distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).

Validation of a novel catheter guiding method for the ablative therapy of ventricular tachycardia in a phantom model.

Accurate guidance of an ablation catheter is critical in the RF ablation (RFA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT). With current technologies, it is challenging to rapidly and accurately localize the site of origin of an arrhythmia, often restricting treatment to patients with hemodynamically stable arrhythmias. We investigated the effectiveness of a new guidance method, the inverse solution guidance algorithm (ISGA), which is based on a single-equivalent dipole representation of cardiac electrical activity and is suitable for patients with hemodynamically unstable VT.

Truth cube: establishing physical standards for soft tissue simulation.

Accurate real-time models of soft tissue behavior are key elements in medical simulation systems. The need for fast computation in these simulations, however, often requires simplifications that limit deformation accuracy. Validation of these simplified models remains a challenge.