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Promising Option (promising + option)
Selected AbstractsPeptide-,2-microglobulin-major histocompatibility complex expressing cells are potent antigen-presenting cells that can generate specific T cellsIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Sonja Obermann Summary Adoptive T-cell therapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. Successful adoptive immunotherapy depends on the ex vivo priming and expansion of antigen-specific T cells. However, the in vitro generation of adequate numbers of functional antigen-specific T cell remains a major obstacle. It is important to develop efficient and reproducible methods to generate high numbers of antigen-specific T cells for adoptive T-cell transfer. We have developed a new artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) by transfection of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I negative Daudi cells with a peptide-,2-microglobulin,MHC fusion construct (single-chain aAPC) ensuring presentation of the peptide,MHC complex of interest. Using this artificial antigen-presenting cell, we could generate up to 9·2 × 108 antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells from 10 ml blood. In vitro generated T cells lysed endogenously presented antigens. Direct comparison of the single-chain aAPC with autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells demonstrated that these cells were equally efficient in stimulation of T cells. Finally, we were able to generate antigen-specific T cell lines from perpheral blood mononuclear cells of patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. The use of single-chain aAPC represent a promising option for the generation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, which could be used for adoptive T-cell therapy. [source] Evaluation of the nano-oligosaccharide factor lipido-colloid matrix in the local management of venous leg ulcers: results of a randomised, controlled trialINTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 2 2008Jean-Luc Schmutz Abstract The nano-oligosaccharide factor (NOSF) is a new compound aiming to promote wound closure mainly through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. This factor is incorporated within a lipido-colloid matrix (Techonology Lipido-Colloid-NOSF matrix) and locally released in the wound. The objective of this study was to document the performance (non inferiority or superiority) of the NOSF relative to the Promogran® matrix (oxidised regenerated cellulose, ORC) effect in the local management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This was a 12-week, open, two-arm, multicentre, randomised study. Patients were selected if the area of their VLU [ankle brachial pressure index ,0·80] ranged from 5 to 25 cm2 with a duration ,3 months. Ulcers had to be free from necrotic tissue. In addition to receiving compression bandage therapy, patients were randomly allocated to either NOSF matrix or ORC treatment for 12 weeks. The VLUs were assessed on a weekly basis and wound tracings were recorded. Percentage wound relative reduction (%RR) was the primary efficacy criterion. Secondary objectives were wound absolute reduction (AR), healing rate (HR) and % of wounds with ,40% reduction compared with baseline. A total of 117 patients were included (57 NOSF matrix and 60 ORC). Mean population age was 71·3 ± 13·5 years, body mass index was ,30 kg/m2 in 39·3% and 15·4% were diabetics. Fifty-six per cent of the VLUs were present for >6 months, 61% were recurrent and 68% were stagnating despite appropriate care. Mean wound area at baseline was 11·2 ± 7·4 cm2. At the last evaluation, mean difference between the groups for %RR was 33·6 ± 15·0% in favour of NOSF matrix with a unilateral 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limit of 8·6% not including the null value. Therefore, a superiority of NOSF matrix effect compared with ORC was concluded (P = 0·0059 for superiority test). The median of the wound area reduction was 61·1% and 7·7% in the NOSF matrix and control groups, respectively (per-protocol analysis), or 54·4% versus 12·9% in intent-to-treat analysis (p = 0·0286). Median AR was 4·2 cm2 in the NOSF group and 1·0 cm2 with ORC (P = 0·01). Median HR was ,0·056 and ,0·015 cm2/day in NOSF and ORC groups, respectively (P = 0·029). By logistic regression, the NOSF versus control odds ratio to reach 40% area reduction was 2·4 (95% CI: 1·1,5·3; P = 0·026). In the oldest and largest VLUs, a strong promotion of healing effect was particularly observed in the NOSF matrix group compared with the control group. NOSF matrix is a very promising option for the local management of chronic wounds, especially for VLUs with poor healing prognosis. [source] A superstructure-based optimal synthesis of PSA cycles for post-combustion CO2 capture,AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 7 2010Anshul Agarwal Abstract Recent developments have shown pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (PSA/VSA) to be a promising option to effectively capture CO2 from flue gas streams. In most commercial PSA cycles, the weakly adsorbed component in the mixture is the desired product, and enriching the strongly adsorbed CO2 is not a concern. On the other hand, it is necessary to concentrate CO2 to high purity to reduce CO2 sequestration costs and minimize safety and environmental risks. Thus, it is necessary to develop PSA processes specifically targeted to obtain pure strongly adsorbed component. A multitude of PSA/VSA cycles have been developed in the literature for CO2 capture from feedstocks low in CO2 concentration. However, no systematic methodology has been suggested to develop, evaluate, and optimize PSA cycles for high purity CO2 capture. This study presents a systematic optimization-based formulation to synthesize novel PSA cycles for a given application. In particular, a novel PSA superstructure is presented to design optimal PSA cycle configurations and evaluate CO2 capture strategies. The superstructure is rich enough to predict a number of different PSA operating steps. The bed connections in the superstructure are governed by time-dependent control variables, which can be varied to realize most PSA operating steps. An optimal sequence of operating steps is achieved through the formulation of an optimal control problem with the partial differential and algebraic equations of the PSA system and the cyclic steady state condition. Large-scale optimization capabilities have enabled us to adopt a complete discretization methodology to solve the optimal control problem as a large-scale nonlinear program, using the nonlinear optimization solver IPOPT. The superstructure approach is demonstrated for case studies related to post-combustion CO2 capture. In particular, optimal PSA cycles were synthesized, which maximize CO2 recovery for a given purity, and minimize overall power consumption. The results show the potential of the superstructure to predict PSA cycles with up to 98% purity and recovery of CO2. Moreover, for recovery of around 85% and purity of over 90%, these cycles can recover CO2 from atmospheric flue gas with a low power consumption of 465 k Wh tonne,1 CO2. The approach presented is, therefore, very promising and quite useful for evaluating the suitability of different adsorbents, feedstocks, and operating strategies for PSA, and assessing its usefulness for CO2 capture. Published 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Formulation, preparation and evaluation of flunarizine-loaded lipid microspheresJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007Yan Jiao Wang The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of preparing flunarizine-loaded lipid microspheres. Lipid microspheres (LMs) are excellent drug carriers for drug delivery systems (DDS) and are relatively stable and easily mass-produced. They have no particular adverse effects. LMs have been widely studied as drug carriers for water-soluble drugs, lipid-soluble drugs and inadequately soluble (in water or in lipid) drugs, in that they have a lipid layer, a water layer and an emulsifier layer. Flunarizine (FZ), a poorly water-soluble drug, was incorporated in lipid microspheres to reduce side effects by avoiding the use of supplementary agents, compared with solution injection. After investigation, the final formulation was as follows: 10% oil phase (long-chain triglyceride (LCT); medium-chain fatty acid (MCT) = 50:50); 1.2% egg lecithin; 0.2% Tween-80; 2.5% glycerin; 0.3% dl-,-tocopherol; 0.02% EDTA; 0.03% sodium oleate; 0.1% FZ and double-distilled water to give a total volume of 100 mL. Homogenization was the main method of preparation and the best conditions were a temperature of 40°C, a pressure of 700,800 bar and a suitable cycle frequency of about 10. The particle size distribution, zeta-potential and entrapment efficacy were found to be 198.7 ± 54.0 nm, ,26.4mV and 96.2%, respectively. Its concentration in the preparation was 1.0mg mL,1. The lipid microspheres were stable during storage at 4°C, 25°C and 37°C for 3 months. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in rats using a dose of 1.0 mg kg,1. The pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: AUC0-t 6.13 ,g h mL,1, t½ 5.32 h and Ke 0.16 Lh,1. The preparation data fitted a two-compartment model estimated by using 3p87 analysis software. From the observed data, FZ encapsulated in LMs did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetic characteristic compared with the FZ solution injection and did not produce a delayed release effect, when it was released in-vivo in rats. However, the availability of the drug was increased. These results suggested that this LM system is a promising option for the preparation of the liquid form of FZ for intravenous administration. [source] Formulation and evaluation of nimodipine-loaded lipid microspheresJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2006Jia Yu The purpose of this study was to develop an alternative, improved and better tolerated formulation and investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of the new formulation of nimodipine (NM) compared with nimodipine ethanol solutions. Lipid microspheres (LMs) prepared using lecithin and vegetable oils have attracted a lot of interest owing to their versatile properties, such as non-immunogenicity, being easily biodegradable and exhibiting high entrapment efficiency. NM incorporated in LMs could reduce irritation by avoiding the use of ethanol as a solubilizer. The solubility of NM was also increased by dissolving it in the oil phase. The particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy and assay of the NM-loaded LMs were found to be 188.2 ± 5.4 nm, ,31.6 mV, 94.2% and 1.04 mg mL,1, respectively. The preparation was stable for 1 year at 4,10°C. The formulation and some physicochemical properties of NM-loaded LMs were investigated. The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were performed in rats at a dose of 1.2 mg kg,1. From the observed data, there is no obvious retention of NM-loaded LMs in plasma. Moreover, incorporation of NM in LMs did not alter the tissue distribution significantly except for the relatively greater drug accumulation in the liver and spleen. The stimulation studies demonstrate that LMs of NM reduce irritation markedly compared with NM solutions. These results suggest that the LM system is a promising option to replace NM ethanol solutions as an intravenous treatment. [source] Strategies for Implementing School-Located Influenza Vaccination of Children: A Systematic Literature ReviewJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 4 2010John Cawley PhD BACKGROUND: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends influenza vaccinations for all children 6 months to 18 years of age, which includes school-aged children. Influenza immunization programs may benefit schools by reducing absenteeism. METHODS: A systematic literature review of PubMed, PsychLit, and Dissertation Abstracts available as of January 7, 2008, was conducted for school-located vaccinations, using search words "School Health Services" and "Immunization Programs"; limited to "Child" (6-12 years) and "Adolescent" (13-18 years) for PubMed and "mass or universal" and (immuniz* or immunis* or vaccin*) and (school or Child or Adolescen*) for PsychLit and Dissertation Abstracts. Fifty-nine studies met the criteria for review. RESULTS: Strategies such as incentives, education, the design of the consent form, and follow-up can increase parental consent and number of returned forms. Minimizing out-of-pocket cost, offering both the intramuscular (shot) and intranasal (nasal spray) vaccination, and using reminders can increase vaccination coverage among those whose parents consented. Finally, organization, communication, and planning can minimize the logistical challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Schools-based vaccination programs are a promising option for achieving the expanded ACIP recommendation; school-located vaccination programs are feasible and effective. Adhering to lessons from the peer-reviewed scientific literature may help public health officials and schools implement the expanded recommendation to provide the greatest benefit for the lowest cost. Given the potential benefits of the expanded recommendation, both directly to the vaccinated children and indirectly to the community, prospective, well-controlled trials to establish the cost-effectiveness of specific vaccination strategies should be high priorities for future research. [source] Potential and limitations of laser technology in restoration of metallic objects of art and cultural heritageMATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 3 2008U. Klotzbach Abstract Potential applications of laser techniques, such as precision cutting, micro welding, and ablation of stains, are presented. Concerning laser beam ablation, we explain the mechanism, and then discuss potential applications (cleaning of gilded or solid metal surfaces, cleaning of verdigris) and limits (thinning of verdigris, removing rust from verdigris). This research has been performed within the frame of a joint project sponsored by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU, German Foundation for the Environment) as well as in immediate co-operation with restorers. The presentation of these results is to propose laser technology as a promising option to be taken into account in planning and doing restoratory work. [source] Energielösungen für die Zukunft?CHEMIE IN UNSERER ZEIT (CHIUZ), Issue 2 2007Weiße Biotechnologie Abstract Angesichts hoher Ölpreise und der sich abzeichnenden globalen Klimaveränderungen erscheinen biotechnisch hergestellte Energieträger als vielversprechende Zukunftsoption. Mit seinen Jahresproduktionsmengen von 2 Mio t Biodiesel, 560.000 t Bioethanol und seinen 2.700 Biogasanlagen befindet sich Deutschland in Sachen Bioenergie in der vorderen Hälfte der Industrienationen. Vorgestellt werden die Möglichkeiten, die die weiße Biotechnologie zur Herstellung von Energieträgern bietet. In view of the high price of oil and the emerging global climate changes, biotechnologically produced energy sources appear to be a promising option for the future. Of the industrial nations, Germany with annual production figures of 2 m tons of biodiesel, 560,000 tons of bioethanol and some 2,700 biogas plants is in the upper half of the bioenergy rankings. Here, the potential of industrial biotechnology for energy production is presented in detail. [source] DYNAMIC SEARCH SPACE TRANSFORMATIONS FOR SOFTWARE TEST DATA GENERATIONCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 1 2008Ramón Sagarna Among the tasks in software testing, test data generation is particularly difficult and costly. In recent years, several approaches that use metaheuristic search techniques to automatically obtain the test inputs have been proposed. Although work in this field is very active, little attention has been paid to the selection of an appropriate search space. The present work describes an alternative to this issue. More precisely, two approaches which employ an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm as the metaheuristic technique are explained. In both cases, different regions are considered in the search for the test inputs. Moreover, to depart from a region near to the one containing the optimum, the definition of the initial search space incorporates static information extracted from the source code of the software under test. If this information is not enough to complete the definition, then a grid search method is used. According to the results of the experiments conducted, it is concluded that this is a promising option that can be used to enhance the test data generation process. [source] Urtica dioica agglutinin: Separation, identification, and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis,mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2005Markus Ganzera Abstract With benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) being a major health problem in ageing men, alternative therapeutic approaches (e.g., with phytopharmaceuticals) are of great interest. Based on pharmacological evidences, one of the most promising options in that respect are the lectins found in Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) roots. In this study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual isolectins in U. dioica extracts is described, which is the first report on using capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the analysis of lectins in plant material at all. By utilizing a 200 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 3.75) a baseline separation and determination of four closely related isolectins was feasible within 20 min in the aqueous plant extracts. The individual compounds were identified based on reference compounds as well as data obtained from CE-mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. After modifying the optimized CE conditions to 100 mM ammonium formate buffer with pH 3.75 and a voltage of 15 kV, the isolectins were clearly assignable in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The quantitative results obtained by CE (the total lectin content varied from 0 to 0.42% in the samples) were accurate (recovery rates of spiked samples between 92.5 and 96.2%), precise (relative standard deviation < 5%) and in good agreement to those obtained by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As for peak resolution, assignable compounds and required separation time the newly developed CE method was clearly advantageous over the determination achieved by LC. [source] | |||||||||||||