Reporting standard for describing first responder systems, smartphone alerting systems, and AED networks

Standardized reporting of data is crucial for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) research. While the implementation of first responder systems dispatching volunteers to OHCA is encouraged, there is currently no uniform reporting standard for describing these systems. A steering committee established a literature search to identify experts in smartphone alerting systems. These international experts were invited to a conference held in Hinterzarten, Germany, with 40 researchers from 13 countries in attendance. Prior to the conference, participants submitted proposals for parameters to be included in the reporting standard. The conference comprised five workshops covering different aspects of smartphone alerting systems. Proposed parameters were discussed, clarified, and consensus was achieved using the Nominal Group Technique. Participants voted in a modified Delphi approach on including each category as a core or supplementary element in the reporting standard. Results were presented, and a writing group developed definitions for all categories and items, which were sent to participants for revision and final voting using LimeSurvey web-based software. The resulting reporting standard consists of 68 core items and 21 supplementary items grouped into five topics (first responder system, first responder network, technology/algorithm/strategies, reporting data, and automated external defibrillators (AED)). This proposed reporting standard generated by an expert opinion group fills the gap in describing first responder systems. Its adoption in future research will facilitate comparison of systems and research outcomes, enhancing the transfer of scientific findings to clinical practice.

Enhanced delivery of bioactive molecules to intracellular environments utilizing a cytosolically reducable grafted analog of polyethylenimine

The use of cationic polymers for the delivery of DNA to mammalian cells has generated significant interest due to the intrinsic properties associated with these delivery vector systems. One particular system utilizing polyethylenimine (PEI) has been rigorously investigated. A major drawback associated with PEI is the cytotoxicity of the vector/delivery system. In an effort to combat this adverse side effect we have synthesized a novel random block copolymer based upon low molecular weight PEI. Here we report the grafting of Traut's reagent to residual primary amines of PEI to form a random block copolymer. The copolymer introduces a disulfide bridge upon oxidation of Traut's reagent capable of intracellular reduction. We confirm the successful grafting of this agent through FTIR and C-13 NMR. Molecular weight determination of the grafted copolymer was performed through HPLC-SEC and light scattering experiments. This polymer retains the ability to deliver GFP encoding plasmid DNA to 3T3 fibroblasts. Transfection levels were found to be approximately 90%. Transfection of T7 RNA dependent DNA polymerase was also performed utilizing our copolymer. We find successful activation of a virally introduced RNA transcript.

On the solution properties of bacterial polysaccharides of the gellan family

The influence of side chains and substituents on the polyelectrolyte behaviour of aqueous solutions of polysaccharides of the gellan family has been studied. The results of conductimetric and potentiometric titrations suggest that each of these polysaccharides adopts a double-helix conformation. Deacetylation destabilises the helix of rhamsan and gellan, and optical rotation data confirm these results. The side chain in rhamsan is more flexible and is remote from the carboxylate groups, and the behavior of this polysaccharide is similar to that of gellan. Gelation of deacetylated rhamsan occurs in the presence of calcium ions. The intrinsic viscosity as a function of ionic strength depends on the structure of the polysaccharide and on the presence of acetyl groups.