Protective capacity of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies against glycoprotein B of cytomegalovirus.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important, ubiquitous pathogen that causes severe clinical disease in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients and infants infected in utero. Antiviral chemotherapy remains problematic due to toxicity of the available compounds and the emergence of viruses resistant to available antiviral therapies. Antiviral antibodies could represent a valuable alternative strategy to limit the clinical consequences of viral disease in patients.

Development and validation of an improved mechanical thorax for simulating cardiopulmonary resuscitation with adjustable chest stiffness and simulated blood flow.

Investigations of compressive frequency, duty cycle, or waveform during CPR are typically rooted in animal research or computer simulations. Our goal was to generate a mechanical model incorporating alternate stiffness settings and an integrated blood flow system, enabling defined, reproducible comparisons of CPR efficacy. Based on thoracic stiffness data measured in human cadavers, such a model was constructed using valve-controlled pneumatic pistons and an artificial heart.