AlignmentViewer: Sequence Analysis of Large Protein Families.

AlignmentViewer is a web-based tool to view and analyze multiple sequence alignments of protein families. The particular strengths of AlignmentViewer include flexible visualization at different scales as well as analysis of conservation patterns and of the distribution of proteins in sequence space. The tool is directly accessible in web browsers without the need for software installation. It can handle protein families with tens of thousands of sequences and is particularly suitable for evolutionary coupling analysis, e.g. via EVcouplings.org.

A simple cost-saving measure: 2.5% mafenide acetate solution.

The optimal concentration of mafenide acetate solution for use in the treatment of burns is unknown. Despite data supporting the use of a 2.5% solution, 5% formulation is traditionally used, and has been the highest-costing medication on formulary. The aim of the current study is to evaluate cost and patient outcomes associated with a new policy implementing the use of 2.5% solution in burn patients and restricting the 5% formulation to specific indications only. A retrospective review of all patients receiving mafenide acetate solution at a single pediatric burn hospital was performed before and after the initiation of the new policy on the use of 5 vs 2.5% solution. Duration of therapy, adverse events, cost, incidence of wound infection, and bacteremia were analyzed. In 2009, 69 patients were treated with 5% mafenide acetate solution for a total cost of $125,000 ($1811 per patient). In 2010, after the initiation of the policy, 48 patients were treated: 19 received 5% mafenide acetate solution with appropriate indication, whereas the remaining 29 received 2.5% solution for a total cost of $38,632 ($804 per patient). There were no significant changes in the incidence of bacteremia or wound infection. No side effects of either solution were noted. Under certain conditions, a 2.5% mafenide acetate solution appears sufficient. In this multinational pediatric burn hospital, the use of a 2.5% solution was not associated with increased bacteremia or wound infection, and proved to be more cost-effective.

Magnetic endotracheal tube imaging device.

This paper describes an accurate, economical, and portable device that helps to locate the position of an endotracheal tube (ETT) in situ. The device uses an array of magnetic field sensors to detect an anomaly in magnetic field caused by magnet embedded near the cuff of an ETT, and displays an intuitive map of relative magnetic field intensity under the sensor area. The device provides real-time feedback of the position to a clinician, so that corrective measures can be taken if the ETT is determined to be outside of normal positioning with respect to the patient's airway. Variations of the proposed design are suitable for continuous monitoring.

Burn specialty teams.

Natural disasters have always been a threat. human-caused disasters, especially terrorist acts, are increasing in frequency. Burn centers and providers have an important contribution to make in caring for those injured in these incidents. The most effective way to make a contribution is to act in cooperation with the Federal Disaster Response, which is organized by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It appears that this can be most effectively accomplished through participation in the Burn Specialty Team Program, which has been developed to rapidly augment emergency medical teams with burn expertise.