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Several Disadvantages (several + disadvantage)
Selected AbstractsPotential impact of a new blood glucose monitoring device: the GlucoWatch® BiographerPRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 4 2002NN Chan Abstract Home blood glucose monitoring may be laborious, time-consuming, inconvenient and painful. Failure to test may preclude optimisation of glycaemic control. We aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of a new noninvasive automatic glucose monitor, the GlucoWatch® Biographer. Eight patients with type 1 diabetes and two with type 2 diabetes (4M:6F) aged between 23 and 65 years participated in this study. All participants were given 1 hour of instruction prior to provision of the GlucoWatch®. They were given contact numbers and reviewed weekly. Several disadvantages were encountered by the participants, which included the daily 3 hour calibration period (n = 10), skin irritations (n = 6) and skipped measurements (n = 2) due to unsatisfactory probe contact due to skin temperature or sweats. Several patients, however, found it invaluable to have their daily profile monitored to allow insulin dosage adjustment and detection of hypoglycaemia. The GlucoWatch® Biographer is an invaluable tool that allows noninvasive detection of glucose trends, which contributes to glycaemic control. However, it is not suitable for every patient. Self-motivation and ability to learn how to use the device are the key factors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Separation of proteins in a multicompartment electrolyzer with chambers defined by a bed of gel beadsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 4 2003Marina Cretich Abstract Multicompartment electrolyzers (MEs) with isoelectric membranes were introduced in 1989 for purifying proteins in an electric field. At the basis of ME technology there are membranes consisting of cross-linked copolymers of acrylamide and acrylamido monomers bearing protolytic groups. The technology employed for casting the membranes is an extension of the isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradient technique for which specific acrylamido monomers, known with the trade name of Immobiline, have been developed. However, the use of continuous membranes presents several disadvantages. Due to the mechanical characteristics of polyacrylamide, the gel must physically adhere onto a rigid support, which prevents it from collapsing. The support must have a highly porous structure in order to be permeable to proteins. The mechanical fragility of the membranes is one of the main problems that hinders the industrial scale application of ME separators. In order to overcome this problem, we propose to substitute the continuous membranes with a bed of gel beads of identical comonomer composition, obtained by an inverse emulsion polymerization process. [source] A novel immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer by intravesical immobilization of GM-CSFJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 6b 2010Zhiming Hu Abstract In situ gene therapy with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was demonstrated to successfully inhibit tumour cell growth in a mouse orthotopic bladder cancer model, but suffered from several disadvantages, such as limited efficiency for gene delivery, low expression efficiency of the transgene and the safety concern resulting from viral vector. In order to address the limits, a novel immunotherapy was developed attentively through immobilization of streptavidin-tagged bioactive GM-CSF on the biotinylated mucosal surface of bladder wall on the basis of both the unique property of streptavidin (SA) to bind rapidly and almost irreversibly to any biotin-linked molecule and the outstanding ability of biotin to be incorporated easily into the proteins on the cell surface. The mouse orthotopic model of MB49 bladder cancer was used to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the novel immunotherapy performed twice a week for 3 weeks. Briefly, 1 day after intravesical implantation of 1 × 106 MB49 tumour cells in C57BL/6 mouse, 100 ,l of 1 mg/ml NHS-PEO4-biotin was instilled and allowed to incubate in the bladder for 30 min., followed by intravesical instillation of 100 ,l of 0.15 mg/ml SA-GM-CSF bifunctional fusion protein and incubation for 1 hr. SA-GM-CSF fusion protein was shown to be immobilized efficiently and durably on the biotinylated mucosal surface of bladder wall. The bladder cancer incidence was dramatically decreased from 100% in the control group to 37.5% in the SA-GM-CSF group. Importantly, 70% of the SA-GM-CSF-cured mice were protected against a second intravesical wild-type MB49 tumour challenge, indicating that an effective anti-tumour immunity was generated against MB49 bladder cancer. Thus, the novel immunotherapy may be an attractive therapeutic alternative and should be evaluated in bladder cancer patients. [source] A near-infrared method for the assay of cineole in eucalyptus oil as an alternative to the official BP methodJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2001Nicola D. Wilson Eucalyptus oil of British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and European Pharmacopoeia standard must contain not less than 70.0% w/w 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). The official assay is a freezing-point method which involves the addition of o -cresol to the eucalyptus oil, whereupon the o -cresol and the 1,8-cineole form a solid complex. The assay has several disadvantages and we aim to show that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an attractive alternative to this method, in that it is simple to use, requires no sample preparation and is potentially as accurate as the traditional method. Thirty different eucalyptus oil samples were scanned on the FOSS NIRSystems 6500 Rapid Content Sampler using a reflectance vessel as sample presentation method. The cineole content of each sample was determined by the BP method and these reference data were used to construct two calibration equations for cineole content in the oils using Vision software. The mean accuracy for the NIR method differed by 1.01% or less, and the mean bias by ±0.33% or less, compared with the BP method. Calculation of the 95% confidence intervals for the slope and intercept of plots of NIR predicted values against BP method reference values showed that there was no evidence of fixed or relative systematic errors. Tests for short-term and intermediate repeatability were conducted. The standard deviation was 0.83% w/w or less and the coefficient of variation was 1.11% or less. The confidence intervals for both short-term and intermediate repeatability overlapped with that for the BP method, suggesting that there was no evidence for a difference in values obtained by the BP and NIR methods. The range of cineole contents used in the calibrations was extended by incorporating five samples of eucalyptus oil spiked with cineole, and five samples of two essential oils known to have a lower cineole content than eucalyptus oil, to give a range of 52.5 to 99.0% w/w. The mean accuracy decreased to an error of 1.26% or less and the bias to ±0.50% or less. Again, confidence intervals suggested there was no evidence for fixed or systematic errors in the NIR calibrations. We propose that NIR spectroscopy could be used as an alternative method for the determination of cineole content in eucalyptus oils. [source] An analysis of the persistence and potency of film-coated seed protectant as influenced by various storage parametersPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2009Sherry Rachel Jacob Abstract BACKGROUND: An efficient delivery system for seed-protectant chemicals is needed in light of several disadvantages of conventional seed treatment methods. This study evaluates the efficacy of film-coat application in maintaining the persistence and potency of imidacloprid on Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill. seeds after simultaneous storage under ambient and regulated environment in paper and aluminium packages. RESULTS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed 0.135 mg kg,1 of herbage material to be the threshold value beyond which absolute control was obtained, and with film coating the latter was achieved even with half-dosage seed treatment, irrespective of the storage condition. The technique provided early protection to the crop and also nullified the deleterious effects of ambient storage on the persistence and potency of the pesticide. CONCLUSION: Film coating enabled superior pesticide dosage as well as higher biological efficacy to be achieved. Hence, in addition to being an ecofriendly alternative, the technique would be a more economically viable option for storage of treated seeds. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Conception of a navigation system controlling diaphyseal fracture reduction treated with external fixationTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 1 2009T. Leloup Abstract Background The reduction of long bone fractures treated with external fixation is usually performed with fluoroscopic images, which include several disadvantages: 2D information, distortions, and irradiation to the patient and the surgical team. This article presents a new navigation technique to control the reduction of such fractures while minimizing the irradiation. Methods Optically tracked markers are fixed to pins inserted into the bone fragments. These last are modelled using two initial calibrated radiographs. The models can be improved with several types of anatomical data and are displayed in real time. Results This navigation system was tested on dry bones and an anatomical specimen leg. Conclusions This new technique allows the visualization of the fracture in real time and from any viewpoint during the reduction. Irradiation is minimized using only two X-ray images. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] "Honey, Have You Seen Our Hamster?"THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2003Consumer Evaluations of Autonomous Domestic Products Several autonomous products have been launched in the marketplace in the past few years. These autonomous products do not need any human intervention but operate on their own. An example of such an autonomous product is the self-initiating, independent vacuum cleaner that determines when a floor or room needs to be vacuumed, and does the job by itself, returning to the charging station when it needs to recharge its battery. It is unclear, however, to what extent consumers appreciate this autonomy. Autonomous products take over tasks from the user, which leaves the user the opportunity to take part in other activities. However, consumers may also consider these products complex and the use and purchase of such products risky. In addition, people often show a desire for control and may be reluctant to hand over some control to autonomous products. The advantages of autonomous products may thus be partly compensated by several disadvantages. The present study aims to explain overall consumer appreciation for autonomous products by integrating the above-mentioned factors in a conceptual model. This conceptual framework was tested in an experiment (N=77). The results reveal that consumers perceive highly autonomous products as more risky and complex than less autonomous products. Perceived risk negatively influenced overall consumer appreciation whereas complexity did not affect consumers' appreciation. Relative advantage, however, compensates the negative effect of perceived risk on overall consumer appreciation. Also, contrary to our expectations, we found that people with a high desire for control perceive less risk. We conclude with managerial implications for developers and marketers of autonomous domestic products. [source] Modified Two-Layer Preservation Method (M-Kyoto/PFC) Improves Islet Yields in Islet IsolationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2006H. Noguchi Islet allotransplantation can achieve insulin independence in patients with type I diabetes. Recent reports show that the two-layer method (TLM), which employs oxygenated perfluorochemical (PFC) and UW solution, is superior to simple cold storage in UW for pancreas preservation in islet transplantation. However, UW solution has several disadvantages, including the inhibition of Liberase activity. In this study, we investigated the features of a new solution, designated M-Kyoto solution. M-Kyoto solution contains trehalose and ulinastatin as distinct components. Trehalose has a cytoprotective effect against stress, and ulinastatin inhibits trypsin. In porcine islet isolation, islet yield was significantly higher in the M-Kyoto/PFC group compared with the UW/PFC group. There was no significant difference in ATP content in the pancreas between the two groups, suggesting that different islet yields are not due to their differences as energy sources. Compared with UW solution, M-Kyoto solution significantly inhibited trypsin activity in the digestion step; moreover, M-Kyoto solution inhibited collagenase digestion less than UW solution. In conclusion, the advantages of M-Kyoto solution are trypsin inhibition and less collagenase inhibition. Based on these data, we now use M-Kyoto solution for clinical islet transplantation from nonheart-beating donor pancreata. [source] Recombinant, ETA,-based CD64 immunotoxins: improved efficacy by increased valency, both in vitro and in vivo in a chronic cutaneous inflammation model in human CD64 transgenic miceBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2010T. Ribbert Summary Background, Dysregulated, activated macrophages play a pivotal role in chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and atopic dermatitis. These cells display increased expression of the high-affinity Fc, receptor (CD64), making them ideal targets for CD64-specific immunotoxins. We previously showed that a chemically linked immunotoxin, the monoclonal H22-RicinA, specifically eliminated infiltrating activated macrophages and resolved chronic cutaneous inflammation. However, several disadvantages are associated with classic immunotoxins, and we therefore followed a fusion protein strategy to express the antigen-binding site alone (scFv H22) fused to a derivative of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (ETA,). Objectives, To assess the potential effect of increased valency on efficacy, we produced monovalent [H22(scFv)-ETA,] and bivalent [H22(scFv)2 -ETA,] versions and evaluated their potential for eliminating activated macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. Methods, Both immunotoxins were produced by bacterial fermentation. Binding was assessed by flow cytometry on the monocytic CD64+ cell line U937. Toxicity was analysed by XTT and apoptosis induction by annexin V bioassay. The in vivo effect was tested in a human CD64 transgenic mouse model for cutaneous inflammation. Results, The cytotoxic effects of both immunotoxins were clearly due to apoptosis with an IC50 of 140 pmol L,1 for monovalent and only 14 pmol L,1 for the divalent version. In vivo treatment with H22(scFv)-ETA, reduced CD64+ activated macrophages to 21% of their initial numbers whereas H22(scFv)2 -ETA, treatment reduced these cells to 4·8% (P < 0·001). Conclusions, These data clearly show increased efficacy due to increased valency of the anti-CD64 immunotoxin. Both recombinant immunotoxins have a low IC50, making them suitable for the treatment of diseases involving dysregulated, activated macrophages. [source] Developments in allergen-specific immunotherapy: from allergen extracts to allergy vaccines bypassing allergen-specific immunoglobulin E and T cell reactivityCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2010M. Focke Summary Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only specific and disease-modifying approach for the treatment of allergy but several disadvantages have limited its broad applicability. We argue that the majority of the possible disadvantages of SIT such as unwanted effects, poor efficacy and specificity as well as inconvenient application are related to the poor quality of natural allergen extracts, which are the active ingredients of all currently available allergy vaccines. Because of the progress made in the field of molecular allergen characterization, new allergy vaccines based on recombinant allergens, recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives and allergen-derived T cell peptides have entered clinical testing and hold promise to reduce the side-effects and to increase the specificity as well as the efficacy of SIT. Here, we present a refined immunotherapy concept, which is based on the use of peptides derived from allergen surfaces that exhibit reduced, allergen-specific IgE as well as T cell reactivity. These peptides when fused to non-allergenic carriers give rise to allergen-specific protective IgG responses with T cell help from a non-allergenic carrier molecule. We summarize the experimental data demonstrating that such peptide vaccines can bypass allergen-specific IgE as well as T cell activation and may be administered at high doses without IgE- and T cell-mediated side-effects. Should these peptide vaccines prove efficacious and safe in clinical trials, it may become possible to develop convenient, safe and broadly applicable forms of SIT as true alternatives to symptomatic, drug-based allergy treatment. Cite this as: M. Focke, I. Swoboda, K. Marth and R. Valenta, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 385,397. [source] | ||||||||||