An Integrated System for Precise Genome Modification in Escherichia coli.

We describe an optimized system for the easy, effective, and precise modification of the Escherichia coli genome. Genome changes are introduced first through the integration of a 1.3 kbp Landing Pad consisting of a gene conferring resistance to tetracycline (tetA) or the ability to metabolize the sugar galactose (galK).

Noninvasive depth-resolved optical measurements of the tympanic membrane and middle ear for differentiating otitis media.

Objective/hypothesis: In this study, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to noninvasively and quantitatively determine tympanic membrane (TM) thickness and the presence and thickness of any middle-ear biofilm located behind the TM. These new metrics offer the potential to differentiate normal, acute, and chronic otitis media (OM) infections in pediatric subjects.

Study Design: Case series with comparison group.

Investigation of bacterial biofilm in the human middle ear using optical coherence tomography and acoustic measurements.

Children with chronic otitis media (OM) often have conductive hearing loss which results in communication difficulties and requires surgical treatment. Recent studies have provided clinical evidence that there is a one-to-one correspondence between chronic OM and the presence of a bacterial biofilm behind the tympanic membrane (TM). Here we investigate the acoustic effects of bacterial biofilms, confirmed using optical coherence tomography (OCT), in adult ears.

Characterizing the ear canal acoustic impedance and reflectance by pole-zero fitting.

This study characterizes middle ear complex acoustic reflectance (CAR) and impedance by fitting poles and zeros to real-ear measurements. The goal of this work is to establish a quantitative connection between pole-zero locations and the underlying physical properties of CAR data. Most previous studies have analyzed CAR magnitude; while the magnitude accounts for reflected power, it does not encode latency information.

Noninvasive in vivo optical detection of biofilm in the human middle ear.

Otitis media (OM), a middle-ear infection, is the most common childhood illness treated by pediatricians. If inadequately treated, OM can result in long-term chronic problems persisting into adulthood. Children with chronic OM or recurrent OM often have conductive hearing loss and communication difficulties and require surgical treatment.

Non-invasive optical interferometry for the assessment of biofilm growth in the middle ear.

Otitis media (OM) is the most common illness in children in the United States. Three-fourths of children under the age of three have OM at least once. Children with chronic OM, including OM with effusion and recurrent OM, will often have conductive hearing loss and communication difficulties, and need surgical treatment.

Novel method for non-invasive induction of a middle-ear biofilm in the rat.

Otitis media and other middle ear diseases are extremely common among all children worldwide. Chronic otitis media is strongly associated with the presence of a bacterial middle ear biofilm, which if left untreated, may result in hearing loss or delays in the development of speech and language. Many animal models and methods used to study the progression of various middle ear diseases exist.