6 channels (Raman et al , 1997; Leão et al , 2005; Royeck et al ,

6 channels (Raman et al., 1997; Leão et al., 2005; Royeck et al., 2008; Lorincz and Nusser, 2008), which appear to produce an unusually large component of persistent sodium current compared to other sodium channels (Raman et al., 1997; Maurice et al., 2001; Enomoto et al., 2007; Royeck et al., 2008; Osorio et al., 2010). In both Purkinje neurons

(Raman et al., 1997) and CA1 neurons (Royeck et al., 2008), the contribution to persistent current of other channel types, measured in Nav1.6 null animals, occurs with very similar voltage dependence to the wild-type persistent current (i.e., including Nav1.6), suggesting that in these cells persistent current arises from both a Nav1.6-based major component and a second component with nearly Osimertinib solubility dmso identical steep voltage dependence. In the calyx of Held, the shallower voltage dependence and more depolarized midpoint could reflect the contribution of second component with more depolarized voltage dependence than is typical of current from Nav1.6 channels. The analysis of gating kinetics in Figure 4 shows PR171 that the kinetics of activation and deactivation of both persistent sodium current and subthreshold transient sodium current are extremely rapid. For

voltages near −80mV, where there is only persistent current but no transient current, current activates and deactivates within ∼250 μs. At more depolarized voltages, where there is activation of both persistent and transient components of current, kinetics are even faster, with 10%–90% completion

in ∼100–150 μs. This is an upper limit of the time required for gating, because it is close to the resolution of between 80–150 μs for the speed with which voltage changes are imposed on the cell (estimated by changes in tail currents produced by sudden changes in driving force). The rapid activation of both persistent and transient components of subthreshold sodium current means that both can be engaged essentially instantaneously by EPSP waveforms, even when these are very rapid. Previous work has shown that the magnitude Metalloexopeptidase of subthreshold persistent sodium current is larger with faster ramp speeds, typically tested in the range between 10mV/s and 100mV/s (Fleidervish and Gutnick, 1996; Magistretti and Alonso, 1999; Wu et al., 2005; Kuo et al., 2006). The interpretation given to this effect previously has been that persistent sodium current is subject to a process of slow inactivation that occurs with slower ramp speeds. Our results suggest a different interpretation, that current evoked by slower ramp speeds represents true steady-state persistent current and that faster ramp speeds additionally activate increasing amounts of transient sodium current. In support of this interpretation, the current evoked by a smooth 10mV/s ramp closely matched the steady-state current at the end of each 500 ms 5mV voltage step in the staircase protocol (Figure 1).

An inter-rater reliability study needs to be conducted between ph

An inter-rater reliability study needs to be conducted between physiotherapists and allied health assistants using the DEMMI

to investigate further whether allied health assistants can complete assessments for physiotherapists in this cohort. The participants in this study had a wide variety of admission diagnoses. This is typical of the heterogeneity that is commonly observed in other clinical settings with older populations such as a general community population in primary care, rehabilitation centre, or acute medical hospital wards. The results of this study support the findings of DEMMI clinimetric validation studies in other clinical settings (Davenport and de Morton, 2010, de Morton et al 2008b, de Morton and Lane, 2010, EPZ-6438 research buy de Morton et al 2010). The strength of this study is that it included a large sample from two Australian states that was inclusive of both metropolitan and regional areas, which suggests that our study was based on a representative sample of patients referred for physiotherapy in Transition Care Programs. Limitations of this study are that the analysis comparing

assessments between allied health assessments and physiotherapists was preliminary JQ1 purchase and may have been biased as the assistants completed a relatively larger proportion of discharge compared to admission assessments. The methods PD184352 (CI-1040) selected for estimating the minimum clinically important difference in this study (both criterion- and distribution-based) have limitations. These methods do not incorporate how the patient feels with regards to the magnitude

of the effect, taking into account factors such as the cost, inconvenience, and harms (Barrett et al 2005a, Barrett et al 2005b, Ferreira and Herbert, 2008). Patients were excluded from this study if they were not discharged within the study period and this systematic bias is a limitation of this study. The most missing data in this study were for discharge DEMMI assessments (n = 194), but still included 502 participants. The influence of missing data on study results is unknown and reflects the busy caseload of Transition Care Program physiotherapists and limited staffing. The DEMMI and Barthel are both valid measures of activity limitation for Transition Care Program patients. This study has validated the DEMMI as an instrument for accurately measuring and monitoring the mobility of Transition Care Program patients. It has a broad scale width that captures the diverse range of mobility levels that are commonly observed in Transition Care Program cohorts. The DEMMI is more responsive to change than the Modified Barthel Index and offers physiotherapists an advanced method for accurately measuring and monitoring changes in mobility for Transition Care Program patients.

A limitation of this analysis is that we could not investigate va

A limitation of this analysis is that we could not investigate vaccine

efficacy against asymptomatic influenza infections. However, LAIV efficacy estimates remained stable for moderate/severe and mild influenza illness; the point estimates for efficacy against mild influenza were always contained within the 95% confidence intervals of the efficacy estimates against moderate/severe influenza. These results also suggest that LAIV might also be similarly efficacious against asymptomatic DAPT concentration influenza infections. In summary, LAIV provided consistently high efficacy against moderate/severe and milder influenza illness compared with placebo in children >24 months of age. It also was consistently more efficacious than IIV. Efficacy against all influenza illnesses, regardless of severity, is critical to prevent influenza illness and transmission in the community. Contributors: Study concept and design was contributed by Dr. Ambrose. Acquisition of data was contributed by Drs. Ambrose, Belshe, and Wu. All the authors RO4929097 mw contributed to analysis and interpretation of

data, drafting of the manuscript, and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. The statistical analysis was contributed by Dr. Wu. All authors have seen and approved the final manuscript for submission. Financial disclosures: Drs. Ambrose and Caspard are employees of AstraZeneca, the parent company of MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD and may hold stock or stock options. Dr. Wu was an employee of MedImmune at time of analysis. Dr. Belshe has received research support from MedImmune and served as a consultant for and served on speakers’ DNA ligase bureaus for

MedImmune and Merck. Funding/support: This research was sponsored by MedImmune. Role of the sponsor: Some authors are employees of MedImmune and contributed to the design of the study, the analysis and interpretation of the data, and in reviewing and approving the manuscript. Additional contributions: Editorial assistance was provided by Susan E. DeRocco, Ph.D. and John E. Fincke, Ph.D. of Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc. (Chadds Ford, PA) and funded by MedImmune. “
“Mycobacterium bovis belongs to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex of bacteria and is the main aetiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) as well as being responsible for a proportion of cases of human tuberculosis (TB). Despite the application of the test and slaughter policy, the incidence of BTB in GB has increased steadily since the 1980s and this is thought to be due to the existence of a wildlife reservoir [1]. Hence, vaccination is being considered as an additional tool to contribute to the control of BTB [2]. The live attenuated strain M.

Briefly, NSP4-encoding rotavirus gene 10 sequences were cloned in

Briefly, NSP4-encoding rotavirus gene 10 sequences were cloned in the TOPO TA vector (Invitrogen Life Technologies, Chicago, IL) and subcloned into the baculovirus transfer vector pFastBAC1 (Invitrogen). Recombinant baculoviruses expressing NSP4 were generated as described by the manufacturer, and recombinant virus stocks were plaque purified. NSP4 was first semi-purified by fast protein liquid chromatography using a quaternary methylamine anion exchange column pre-equilibrated with buffer (20 mM

Glycine-HCl, pH 8.1). The NSP4-rich fractions were pooled and further purified using an agarose immunoaffinity column onto which purified anti-NSP4 (114–135) rabbit IgG had been immobilized [8]. The bound NSP4 was eluted with 0.1 M Tris–HCl Smad inhibitor buffer at pH 2.8. The eluate was dialyzed against 50 mM NH4HCO3, lyophilized, and stored at 4 °C. Prior to use, NSP4 proteins were reconstituted in PBS. Rotavirus 2/6-virus-like particles were expressed using complementary DNA sequences (cDNA) for simian rotavirus SAl1 gene segment 2, which codes VP2, and gene segment 6, which codes VP6 were made from mRNA and subcloned into pCRII TOPO TA vectors (Invitrogen). The rotavirus genes were inserted into a baculovirus transfer vector capable of co-expressing

up to four different proteins (see below). The plasmid, pBAC4X (Novagen, San Diego, CA), contains two polyhedron promoters and two p10 promoters with the homologous promoters orientated in opposite directions, one of each ADP ribosylation factor in the left-hand direction,

Selleckchem MK0683 and the others, in the right-hand direction. Each newly inserted sequence was subsequently confirmed by restriction digestion and the cloned gene was sequenced to confirm its integrity. The VP6 gene segment was PCR amplified from the full-length clone pSP65/SA11–6 using the sense primer 5′-TCTAGAGGCCGGCCTTTTAAACG (XbaI restriction site underlined) and the antisense primer 5′-AGGCCTGGTGAATCCTCTCAC-3′ (StuI site underlined). Cohesive ends were generated by digesting the sequence with XbaI and StuI and the gene was inserted into XbaI/StuI linearized baculovirus transfer plasmid pBAC4X behind the left-hand polyhedron promoter. A truncated form of the SA11 VP2 gene lacking the protease-sensitive region encoding amino acid residues from the N-terminus to residue 92 (VPΔ2) [14] was amplified using the sense primer 5′-ATGGGAGGCGGAGGCGCTAACAAAACTATCC-3′ and antisense 5′-TTAGGTCATATCTCCACAATGG-3′ and cloned into the TOPO TA pCRII plasmid (pVPΔ2). NSP4(112–175) was PCR-amplified using the 5′-ended primer 5′-CCATGGTTGACAAATTGAC-3′ (NcoI restriction site underlined) and 3′-ended primer 5′-GCTAGCTCCTCCTCCCATTGCTGCAGT-3′ (NheI site underlined).

16 The developed method (Table 1) gave a symmetric peak at a rete

16 The developed method (Table 1) gave a symmetric peak at a retention time of 8.3 min (Fig. 2), and satisfied all the peak properties as per

USP guidelines (Table 2). System suitability was performed on five samples of system suitability solutions. The selleck kinase inhibitor linearity of the method was demonstrated by chromatographic analysis of the solutions containing 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the target concentration of 0.10066 mg/ml. The precision of the method was demonstrated through parameters like injection reproducibility (system precision) and the method precision. System precision (injection reproducibility) was performed by injecting five injections of system suitability solutions and the % relative standard deviation for the replicate injections were calculated. Method precision was performed by injecting six individual preparations with a target concentration of about 0.10066 mg/ml of Ceftibuten from the same batch. The individual peak areas were measured and the assay was calculated as follows. Assay calculation (by percentage area normalization method) equation(1) Assay(%w/wasC15H14N4O6S2onanhydrousbasis)=ATAS×DSDT×100100−M×PWhere,

AT = average area count of sample solution; AS = Average area count of standard solution; DT = dilution factor for the sample solution (weight/dilution); DS = dilution factor for the standard solution (weight/dilution); M = water

content of sample (%w/w) (9.34%); P = % potency of the Ceftibuten working standard used (as is basis) (85.7%) HSP inhibitor For accuracy, samples of capsule dosage form were spiked with 75%, 100% and 125% level solutions of the standard and analyzed. The experiment was performed in triplicate. The accuracy was expressed as recovery (%), which is determined by the standard addition method. Specificity of the method was performed by injecting the blank and the interference for the Ceftibuten peak was checked. The robustness of a method was evaluated by varying method parameters such as organic content (±5%), pH of the mobile phase (±0.2 units), mafosfamide temperature (±5 °C), flow rate (±0.2 ml/min) and wavelength (±5 nm) etc., and determining the effect (if any) on the results of the method. Ruggedness was measured for the reproducibility of test results by the variation in conditions normally expected from laboratory to laboratory and from analyst to analyst. System Suitability parameters were very satisfactory (Table 3 and Fig. 3). % relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be 0.32. The proposed method was found to be linear (Fig. 4) in the range of 0.05–0.15 mg/ml with a correlation coefficient (R2) value of 0.9999 which states that the method was linear to the concentration vs. peak area responses.

2) Lymphocytes from immunised pigs in experiment 1 were collecte

2). Lymphocytes from immunised pigs in experiment 1 were collected at various times post-immunisation and IFN-γ ELISPOT and proliferation assays were performed with OURT88/3 or Benin 97/1 as antigen. In all 3 pigs, the numbers of ASFV specific IFN-γ producing cells was rapidly increased after the OURT88/3 inoculation and further increased after the OURT88/1 boost. Both OURT88/3 and Benin 97/1 isolates stimulated lymphocytes from immunised pigs to an approximately equal amount (Fig. 4A–C). Low levels of proliferation were detected in all pigs

at 1 or 2 weeks post-OURT88/3 inoculation, but the amount of proliferation was dramatically increased after the OURT88/1 boost (Fig. 4D–F). In two of the pigs (Fig. 4D and E) levels of T cell proliferative responses dropped following BIBW2992 challenge with Benin 97/1 isolate and in the other pig levels continued to rise (Fig. 4F). At the termination of the experiment, lymphocytes from these pigs were tested for cross-reactivity selleck stimulated with various ASFV isolates by IFN-γ ELISPOT assays (Fig. 5A). Immune lymphocytes from all 3 pigs responded similarly to OURT88/3, OURT88/1 and Benin 97/1. Lymphocytes from two pigs (VR89, VR90) also responded well to genotype 1 isolate Malta 78 and genotype X isolate Uganda 1965 and lymphocytes from pig VR90 also responded well to genotype I isolate Lisbon 57. Lymphocytes from pig VR92 responded less well to Malta 78, Uganda 1965 and Lisbon 57 and those

from pig VR89 also showed a reduced response to Lisbon 57. No cross-reactivity was observed else to genotype VIII isolate Malawi Lil 20/1. In the second experiment (Fig. 5B), lymphocytes were collected from pigs just prior to challenge. Lymphocytes from 2 of the immunised pigs (1829, 1837) showed a much stronger response in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays against OURT88/1 and

Benin 97/1 than the other 3 immunised pigs (1809, 1811, 1844). Interestingly, 2 of the pigs from which lymphocytes responded least (1811, 1844) in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays (Fig. 5B) were those which were not protected against Benin 97/1 challenge (Fig. 3C and D). No response was observed in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays when lymphocytes from non-immune pigs 1806, 1816, 1825 (Fig. 5B) were stimulated with ASFV, confirming the specificity of the assay. In the third experiment IFN-γ ELISPOT assay was carried out using lymphocytes collected prior to challenge and the results were too high to be read accurately by the ELISPOT reader (data not shown). This indicates that strong T cell immunity was induced in all pigs before the challenge. A competitive ELISA based on the p72 major capsid protein was used to measure development of anti-ASFV specific antibodies. The results from analysis of sera collected in experiment 2 and 3 are shown in Fig. 6. An antibody response developed in all pigs immunised with OURT88/3 followed by OURT88/1 boost, except pig 76 from experiment 3 in which antibody against p72 was not detected prior to boost (Fig. 6C).

The prognosis

of patients with DCM has been very poor, an

The prognosis

of patients with DCM has been very poor, and although there have been advances in the medical and device therapy for DCM in the last two decades, the condition still carries poor long-term prognosis with a median survival of two years after diagnosis3 and it appears to be related to the severity of left ventricular dysfunction and biventricular involvement in the disease process rather than secondary to pulmonary hypertension.4 The role of echocardiography is essential in not only establishing the diagnosis, but also in defining the aetiology, and understanding the pathophysiology.5 Using conventional echocardiography and Doppler ultrasound in a thorough, comprehensive click here and quantitative manner and using tissue-Doppler imaging, strain analysis, and real-time 3D echocardiography, it is possible to provide important pathophysiological information that can be used to guide the optimal clinical management of patients with DCM. Medicinal plants has been a major source of therapeutic potential since ancient times. Nowadays, there is an increase in the use of herbal plants based

medicines in rural as well as urban areas which is growing at a rate of 7–15% annually. Since 1980, the World Health Organization www.selleckchem.com/products/bmn-673.html has been encouraging developing countries to identify and exploit traditional medicine and phytotherapy. The evaluation of new drugs especially the phytochemically obtained materials has opened a vast area for research and helpful in making a transition from traditional to modern medicine in India. As per WHO, about 80% of the population in the world relies on the traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Therefore, the evaluation of rich heritage of traditional medicine has become essential.6 and 7 In this regard, one such plant is Terminalia arjuna has been used in our Ayurvedic system of medicine since ages. The bark are used

as astringent, cooling, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, in fractures, ulcers, spermatorrhoea, leucorrhoea, PDK4 diabetes, cough, tumour, excessive perspiration, asthma, inflammation as well as skin disorders. 8 and 9 A lot of research has been done in cardiovascular field but only to explore its effect on chronic stable angina, endothelial dysfunction, heart failure, antihypertrophic and ischaemic mitral regurgitation and most of these effects have been seen in animal models. However effects on the echocardiographic parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy which is common in India with systolic and with or without diastolic dysfunction has been extensively reported in this study for the first time. Arjunolic acid, a new triterpene and a potent extract from the bark of T. arjuna, has been shown to provide significant cardiac protection as it increases the levels of powerful antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid and many more cardioprotective effects.


“Rapid reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention


“Rapid reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the gold standard therapy for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when promptly available [1]. Delays in door-to-balloon (DTB) times correlate with increased morbidity and mortality [2] and [3]. Achieving a DTB time of < 90 minutes has become a quality measure of the hospital system performance dealing with STEMI care [1] and [4]. With the identification of key strategies to enhance hospital system performances [5] and [6], several programs have been successfully implemented

to help meet the DTB < 90-minute time goals with timely access to primary PCI [7], [8] and [9]. To address the continuum of care for STEMI patients from the onset of symptoms to arrival at the emergency department (ED), the use of emergency medical services (EMS) may selleck potentially facilitate rapid transport, early assessment and treatment, and expedited communication

of information NVP-BKM120 molecular weight with the accepting ED. However, EMS has been shown to be underutilized [10] and [11], and a significant proportion of STEMI patients still arrive at the ED via their own transportation. MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Washington, DC) is a primary PCI facility with around-the-clock cardiac catheterization capabilities catering to Washington, DC, a highly urbanized area with EMS coverage provided fully by the DC Fire and EMS. In addition, it serves as a referring PCI center for other facilities in DC, as well as parts of Maryland and Virginia. MedStar Washington Hospital Center is located in the heart of Washington, DC, and with DC Fire and EMS as the single EMS provider for Washington, DC, this offers us a unique opportunity to analyze

modes of transport for STEMI patients within DC, and its impact on pre- and in-hospital care processes leading to reperfusion. Specifically, we aimed to determine if the use of EMS transport may actually reduce overall DTB times by reducing certain components of in-hospital processing times. This retrospective analysis included all patients from January 2007 to December 2012 who presented to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center ED with a STEMI and subsequently underwent primary PCI. Patients who were transferred from a referring institution, patients who suffered cardiac arrest, patients who were intubated, through and patients who were given fibrinolytic therapy before the PCI were excluded. The patients were categorized into whether they were self-transported (“self”) or transported by EMS. DC Fire and EMS provides EMS coverage to Washington, DC, an urban city of 68.3 square miles, through 58 medical units (or ambulances) and is managed by a centralized 911 dispatch call system. The ambulances have 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities that are transmissible to the receiving ED at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. All patients are transported to the ED where a formal ECG is performed.

On the basis of the pigment production, the isolate klmp33 was se

On the basis of the pigment production, the isolate klmp33 was selected and maintained on fresh SCA medium checked for its purity and stored at 4 °C for further work. The isolate klmp33 was identified as S. coelicolor based on 16S rRNA sequencing and the sequences were submitted

to Gene Bank under the accession number JQ27722. The blue pigment produced by S. Selleck VX809 coelicolor after 3 days of incubation was separated from the biomass by centrifuging the starch casein medium at 10,000 rpm for 10 min. The resultant supernatant was analyzed using Thin Layer Chromatography conducted on silica-gel 60 F254 plates (Merck) with benzene-acetic acid (9:1; v/v) as solvent. The pigment obtained a single spot with an Rf value of 0.28 indicating the presence of actinorhodin (now onwards the pigment is referred

as actinorhodin). 15 For the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, 15 ml of AgNO3 (10−3 M) solution was treated with the 1 ml actinorhodin and exposed to direct sun light. A color change from colorless to brown took place within few minutes indicating the formation of silver nanoparticles. A yield about 1.4 g of silver nanoparticles per liter U0126 price was obtained from the above method. Further, the same silver nanoparticles were used for antimicrobial studies. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was preliminary confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, which is an important technique to verify the formation of metal nanoparticles provided that surface plasmon resonance exists for the metal.16 The UV–visible spectroscopy was analyzed for period of 20 min, conducted on Systronics double-beam UV–visible spectrophotometer 2200, operated at 0.1 nm resolution with scanning rate 270 nm/min. The synthesis of silver

nanoparticles was further confirmed using XRD. The X-ray diffraction patterns for the synthesized silver nanoparticles were recorded using a Rigaku Ultima 4 XRD instrument. The radiation used was Cu-Kα (0.154 nm) at 40 kV and 35 nm with scanning rate of 2°/min. The TEM technique ADAMTS5 was employed to determine the size and shape of the silver nanoparticles. The TEM image was obtained using a Philips CM200 instrument. Sample for this analysis was prepared by coating carbon-coated copper grid with aqueous silver nanoparticles. After 5 min, the extra solution was removed using blotting paper, and then the film on the grid was dried under IR light. A powder of silver nanoparticles was prepared by centrifuging the solution of synthesized silver nanoparticles at 10,000 rpm for 20 min. The solid residue was then washed with distilled water to remove any unattached biological moieties from the surface of the nanoparticles. The resultant residue was then dried completely, and the powder was used for FTIR measurement, which was performed on a NICOLET iS5 with Diamond ATR. The FTIR peaks were identified and expressed in wave numbers (cm−1).

We agree with the comment in Kleiman, Shah, and Morganroth (2014)

We agree with the comment in Kleiman, Shah, and Morganroth (2014), that “[computer models]… need to be standardized, regulated and widely available before they are adopted to support sponsor and regulatory decisions”. It is sensible to ask “which

ion channels should we screen”? We consider important factors in the answer to this in the sections below. For our output of interest, how much can block of a particular channel influence the predictions? In this case, we are interested in predicting APD changes, it is evident from Fig. 2 that (depending on the model choice) IKr, ICaL and perhaps IKs block could have large effects on APD. At the degree of block likely to be encountered, block of (solely) INa and Ito have much less impact than those of the other channels, and so a choice could be made not to screen these. But more mechanistic predictions of pro-arrhythmic risk, Trichostatin A manufacturer other than simply APD prolongation, may be sensitive to the apparently-small changes we observed. Indeed, sodium channel blockers have been seen to prolong the QRS complex, potentially leading to increased pro-arrhythmic risk via conduction slowing or block, rather than delayed repolarisation (Gintant, Gallacher, & Pugsley, 2011). It is also worth noting that APD is not a linear function of channel block — blockade of INa and Ito could have large effects when another channel

is also being blocked. A more ‘global’ evaluation of the simulation output’s sensitivity to each channel block (under the influence of different combinations of block on the other channels) would be needed before concluding a channel cannot significantly BMS-354825 datasheet of influence the outcome of interest. In contrast, additional ion channels — such as IK1 — can have a large effect on the action potential (Fig. 2). But these channels may not be blocked by a large enough proportion of compounds to consider screening them as standard, as discussed below. Some ion channels, pumps and exchangers are historically blocked by very few compounds. The outcome of ‘missing an effect’ in these rare cases is likely to be no more severe than progressing such a compound to later,

more expensive, safety testing, and picking up the effect there. The economic cost of screening for additional effects on such ion currents may therefore outweigh the cost of missing an ion current effect. There is also the variability, sensitivity and specificity of such screens to consider. In the case of an ion channel being blocked by as few as 1 in 10,000 compounds, the chance of a positive screening result being a ‘false positive’ is likely to far outweigh the chance of it being a ‘true positive’. A cost benefit analysis could be performed for each ion channel screening assay, based on: its variability, sensitivity and specificity; historical compound liability; and the cost of ‘missing’ an adverse interaction with this channel, and progressing to the next stage of testing.