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This Review (this + review)
Selected AbstractsApplication for regenerative medicine of epithelial cell culture-vistas of cultured epitheliumCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 3 2006Hajime Inoue ABSTRACT This review describes culture techniques for the epithelial system as well as trends in the clinical application of cultured keratinocytes in our department and the possibility of applying the techniques to other organs. Cultured epithelium and cultured dermis in particular have considerably preceded regeneration of other organs in the field of regenerative medicine. Since 1988 we have grafted cultured keratinocytes by the Rheinwald-Green modified method in at least 500 patients with large skin defects. As a result of the establishment of a culture technique for individual patients, it is now possible to prepare enough regenerated epithelium to cover the body surface area of as many as 10 adult patients in approximately three weeks after collecting 1 cm2 of skin, and then remaining cultured keratinocytes can be cryo-preserved for two-stage dermatoplasty at another site. This procedure makes it possible to avoid frequent skin collection from the same patient and thereby improves patients' quality of life and activities of daily living. On the other hand, to solve the problem of regenerated epithelium shrinking and problems with graft efficiency on dermis defect lesion, we have developed a proteinase-resistant regenerated dermis by mixing a certain protein with a fibrin scaffold. Recently we also took the initiative in grafting hybrid-type regenerated trachea in an animal experiment by using the epithelial and dermal cell culture technique, and some results of the graft were obtained. [source] Ataxic mutant mice with defects in Ca2+ channel ,1A subunit gene: morphological and functional abnormalities in cerebellar cortical neuronsCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2000Kazuhiko Sawada ABSTRACT This review summarizes recent studies in the morphological and functional abnormalities of cerebella in three ataxic mutant mice, i.e. tottering mouse, leaner mouse, and rolling mouse Nagoya (RMN). These mutants carry mutations in the Ca2+ channel ,1A subunit gene, and become useful models for human neurological diseases such as episodic ataxia type-2, familial hemiplegic migraine, and spinocerebellar ataxia type-6. All three mutants exhibited altered morphology of the Purkinje cells, ectopic synaptic contacts between granule cell axons (parallel fibers) and Purkinje cell dendritic spines and abnormal expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in Purkinje cells. In leaner mice, Purkinje cell loss was observed in alternating sagittal compartments of the cerebellar cortex corresponding to the Zebrin II-negative zones. The mutated Ca2+ channel ,1A subunit was highly expressed in granule and Purkinje cells, and the P-type Ca2+ currents in Purkinje cells were selectively reduced in the mutant mice. Therefore, we concluded that altered Ca2+ currents through the mutated Ca2+ channel ,1A subunit might be involved in the functional and morphological abnormalities in granule and Purkinje cells, and might result in expressions of behavioral phenotypes including ataxia. Increased levels of corticotropin-releasing factor and cholecystokinin in some climbing and mossy fibers were observed in RMN. These neuropeptides modulated the excitability of granule and Purkinje cells, indicating the possible expression of ataxic symptoms. [source] Perioperative Management of Medications for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Review for the DermasurgeonDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2008CLAUDIA HERNANDEZ MD BACKGROUND Psoriasis affects an estimated 3% of the world's population. Many are on chronic immunosuppressive therapy for the cutaneous and joint manifestations of this disorder. The management of these medications in the perioperative period is controversial. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis medications can affect wound healing, hemostasis, and infection risk during cutaneous surgery. OBJECTIVES The objective of this article is to provide a critical review of various medications used for care of the psoriatic patient and their potential effect on cutaneous surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes current understanding of wound healing, hemostatic effects, and infectious risks regarding many psoriasis medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, corticosteroids, various immunosuppressants, and biologic response modifiers. Recommendations vary depending on the agent in question, type of procedure, and comorbid conditions in the patient. Caution is advised when using many of the medications reviewed due to lack of human data of their effects in the perioperative period. [source] A review of the literature on the impact of renal cancer therapy on quality of lifeJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 20 2009Joanne Bird Aim., To explore the impact of renal cancer treatment on patients' quality of life. Background., Renal cancer accounts for 95,000 deaths worldwide and its incidence rate is rising. At present there are several therapeutic approaches to the treatment of renal cancer, ranging through surgery, immunological therapies and vaccine treatment. Each of these therapies may have a substantial effect upon patients' quality of life. However, a systematic appraisal of the empirical evidence about treatment impact is lacking. Design., Literature review. Methods., A structured review of the empirical literature on the impact of renal cancer treatment upon quality of life was undertaken. Literature was appraised and themed according to the treatment modalities included in the study. Results., From 873 papers initially identified 52 were retrieved for detailed scrutiny resulting in a final 16 papers being included in the review. Conclusions., This review discusses the complex effect of renal cancer upon a patient's quality of life as treatment modalities change. The need for nursing education and awareness of these issues is therefore highlighted to maximise patient care. Relevance to clinical practice., Understanding the impact of treatment for renal cancer enables nurses to empathise more significantly with patients and also act as mediators in regard to treatment choice and treatment cessation. It also enables nurses to inform and educate renal cancer patients prior to making treatment choices. [source] Review: nurses can improve patient nutrition in intensive careJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 17 2009Caroline Ros Aims and objectives., To review the literature and identify opportunities for nutritional practice improvement in the critically ill and opportunities to improve nurses' knowledge relating to enteral feeding. Background., The literature reports varying nutritional practices in intensive care. Design., Systematic review. Methods., A systematic search, selection, analysis and review of nursing, medical and dietetic primary research articles was undertaken. Fifteen studies met the selection criteria. Results., Delivery of nutrition to the critically ill varied widely. Patients were frequently underfed and less frequently, overfed. Both under- and overfeeding have been linked with unacceptable consequences including infections, extended weaning from mechanical ventilation, increased length of stay and increased mortality. Underfeeding was related to slow initiation and advancement of nutrition support and avoidable feed interruptions. The most common reasons for interrupting feeds were gastrointestinal intolerance and fasting for procedures. Certain nursing practices contributed to underfeeding such as the management of gastric residual volumes. Conclusions., Consistent and reliable nutrition support in intensive care units is hampered by a lack of evidence leading to varying nutrition practices. Factors impeding delivery of enteral nutrition were considered avoidable. A new concept of a therapeutic range of energy delivery in the critically ill has emerged implying the need for re-evaluation of energy recommendations and improved delivery of enteral nutrition. Relevance to clinical practice., This review supports the multi-disciplinary development and implementation of an evidence-based enteral feeding protocol in intensive care units as a strategy to improve adequacy of nutritional intake. Critical care nurses are well placed to improve this process. [source] Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy: a reviewJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 11 2009Simone SM Ho Aims., This article aims to review the literature published to date on the types, current use, the biomechanical effects and adverse effects of maternity support belts for low back pain during pregnancy, to identify future research directions. Background., Lumbar/pelvic support belts are frequently recommended for the prevention and treatment of low back pain during pregnancy. Design., Systematic review. Methods., MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and patents databases were electronically searched. Results., Maternity support belts belong to one of the four main types of maternity support garments, which are widely commercially-available. Current research showed limited evidence in support of the commercial maternity products regarding the effectiveness in the prevention and/or treatment of low back pain during pregnancy, other than that from the manufacturers. However, potential stabilisation effect of maternity support belt was demonstrated in some studies. Adverse effects reported include increased pain, fetal heart rate changes, skin irritation and discomfort. Conclusions., There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that wearing maternity support belts reduces pregnancy-related low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain. Future research directions in the area of biomechanics and physiology are recommended. Relevance to clinical practice., This review provides comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of maternity support belts for the relief of low back pain during pregnancy which will facilitate healthcare professionals in providing evidence-based advice to their patients. [source] A review of hand-washing techniques in primary care and community settingsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2009Sheree MS Smith Aim., This review seeks to identify the most effective hand-washing and hand-cleansing practice that could be used in primary care. Background., Healthcare associated infection is a major problem in the UK causing 5000 deaths every year. Current guidelines indicate expert opinion is the level of evidence for hand washing as an activity to reduce infection. Design., Systematic review. Method., Publications on hand-washing, hand-cleansing studies, policy and practice-based documents were sought by searching several databases. Terms used included hand washing, hand cleansing, hand hygiene, hand decontamination, infection control and primary care. Results., Few articles described the hand-washing technique in detail and some publications simply referred to either the European and British Standards or the Centre for Disease Control statement on hand washing. Major discrepancies in hand position and water flow direction were found. Several methodological problems were also identified and few studies were undertaken in primary care. Conclusion., This review has found a lack of evidence for hand-washing techniques being undertaken in practice today. Findings from hand-washing technique studies were inconclusive and methodological issues exist resulting in sparse reliable evidence. There is an urgent need to undertake methodologically sound studies of hand-washing techniques for use in the ever expanding scope of primary care practice. Relevance to clinical practice., Evidence for hand-washing and hand-cleansing techniques will inform healthcare professional practice, and contribute to the overall management of infection control in primary care. [source] A review of the information and support needs of family carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2009Ann-Louise Caress Aims and objectives., The objectives of this narrative review were to identify: (1) The information and support needs of carers of family members with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (2) appropriate interventions to support carers in their caregiving role; (3) information on carers' needs as reported in studies of patients living with COPD in the community. Background., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem in the UK resulting in significant burden for patients, families and the health service. Current National Health Service policies emphasise, where medically appropriate, early discharge for acute exacerbations, hospital-at-home care and other models of community care to prevent or reduce re-hospitalisations of people with chronic conditions. Understanding carers' needs is important if health care professionals are to support carers in their caregiving role. Design., A narrative literature review. Methods., Thirty five papers were reviewed after searching electronic databases. Results., Few studies were identified which addressed, even peripherally, carers' needs for information and support, and no studies were found which described and evaluated interventions designed to enhance caregiving capacity. Several studies of hospital-at-home/early discharge, self care and home management programmes were identified which included some information on patients' living arrangements or marital status. However, there was little or no detail reported on the needs of, and in many cases, even the presence of a family carer. Conclusions., This review highlights the dearth of information on the needs of carers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and the need for future research. Relevance to clinical practice., There is little research based knowledge of the needs of carers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and interventions to assist them in providing care. This knowledge is critical to ensure that carers receive the information they need to carry out this role while maintaining their own physical and emotional health. [source] A review of outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7 2008Riitta Suhonen PhD Aims and objectives., This review describes the outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patients. Background., Although the delivery of individualised nursing interventions is important there is limited evidence about how these interventions enhance patient outcomes. Methods., A computerised search was undertaken using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The selection criteria chosen were: reports of individualised nursing interventions focusing on adult patients in a variety of health care settings and using experimental designs. These involved randomised controlled trials, clinical controlled trials and pre- and posttest controlled studies. After a four-stage inclusion strategy 31 documents were accepted for the review. Results., The studies were mostly focused in preventative arenas such as health promotion and counselling. Others were care of older people in the community and in hospital and patients with chronic diseases. Over half of the nursing interventions (58%) involved educational or counselling activities which seem to be more effective than ordinary, standardised or routine education and counselling. Overall, 81% of the studies reported a positive impact of individualised interventions on patient outcomes showing that there is evidence, though limited, that individualised interventions can produce positive patient outcomes. Conclusions., There is sufficient evidence, especially in specific areas such as patient education and counselling, to acknowledge that individualised interventions are superior to non-individualised interventions. Evidence for this effect within clinical nursing interventions on patient outcomes was limited by the scarcity of research in this area. There is a need for additional intervention studies to determine the effect of individualised interventions in a wide variety of contexts. Relevance to clinical practice., Experience of health is individual. Therefore, nursing interventions should also be individualised to each patient. These findings show some promise that individualised interventions may be useful in delivering positive patient outcomes. [source] A literature review of the potential effects of having a parent with chronic renal failureJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5a 2008Frances Coldstream MSc, PGCEA Aims and objectives., This review aims to answer the question ,What are the possible effects on children of having a parent with chronic renal failure?' Background., Chronic illness affects the whole family, not just the individual with the illness. It would appear that little research has been undertaken to consider the potential effects on children when a parent has chronic renal failure. Method., Systematic review. Conclusions., There are many potential effects of parental chronic renal failure that have been documented. These are both negative, for example depression and under achievement and positive, for example , enhanced self-esteem. Children, in particular, appear to have a need for information that is not being met. The review has helped to refine a project looking at the information needs of children who have a parent with chronic renal failure, from the perspective of the child. Relevance to clinical practice., There appears to be a lack of information to direct nursing practice in this area. Practitioners need to be aware that chronic parental illness impacts on the whole family. Appropriate referral mechanisms for the child and family are necessary, in addition to an understanding of the needs of these children. [source] Pain: a review of three commonly used pain rating scalesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7 2005Amelia Williamson MSc Aims and objectives., This review aims to explore the research available relating to three commonly used pain rating scales, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Verbal Rating Scale and the Numerical Rating Scale. The review provides information needed to understand the main properties of the scales. Background., Data generated from pain-rating scales can be easily misunderstood. This review can help clinicians to understand the main features of these tools and thus use them effectively. Method., A MedLine review via PubMed was carried out with no restriction of age of papers retrieved. Papers were examined for methodological soundness before being included. The search terms initially included pain rating scales, pain measurement, Visual Analogue Scale, VAS, Verbal Rating Scale, VRS, Numerical/numeric Rating Scale, NRS. The reference lists of retrieved articles were used to generate more papers and search terms. Only English Language papers were examined. Conclusions., All three pain-rating scales are valid, reliable and appropriate for use in clinical practice, although the Visual Analogue Scale has more practical difficulties than the Verbal Rating Scale or the Numerical Rating Scale. For general purposes the Numerical Rating Scale has good sensitivity and generates data that can be statistically analysed for audit purposes. Patients who seek a sensitive pain-rating scale would probably choose this one. For simplicity patients prefer the Verbal Rating Scale, but it lacks sensitivity and the data it produces can be misunderstood. Relevance to clinical practice., In order to use pain-rating scales well clinicians need to appreciate the potential for error within the tools, and the potential they have to provide the required information. Interpretation of the data from a pain-rating scale is not as straightforward as it might first appear. [source] General-to-Specific Modelling Using PcGetsJOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 4 2003P. Dorian Owen Abstract., This review examines the facilities provided by PcGets version 1.0, an OxMetrics module designed to implement automated general-to-specific model selection in the context of cross-section or dynamic time-series models that are linear in the parameters. A cross-section empirical example is used to illustrate the steps involved, the output produced and the options available for modellers. [source] Strategy Research in Emerging Economies: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom*JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 1 2005Mike Wright ABSTRACT This review and introduction to the Special Issue on ,Strategy Research in Emerging Economies' considers the nature of theoretical contributions thus far on strategy in emerging economies. We classify the research through four strategic options: (1) firms from developed economies entering emerging economies; (2) domestic firms competing within emerging economies; (3) firms from emerging economies entering other emerging economies; and (4) firms from emerging economies entering developed economies. Among the four perspectives examined (institutional theory, transaction cost theory, resource-based theory, and agency theory), the most dominant seems to be institutional theory. Most existing studies that make a contribution blend institutional theory with one of the other three perspectives, including seven out of the eight papers included in this Special Issue. We suggest a future research agenda based around the four strategies and four theoretical perspectives. Given the relative emphasis of research so far on the first and second strategic options, we believe that there is growing scope for research that addresses the third and fourth. [source] Mass spectrometry in bioinorganic analytical chemistryMASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2006Ryszard Abstract A considerable momentum has recently been gained by in vitro and in vivo studies of interactions of trace elements in biomolecules due to advances in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) used as a detector in chromatography and capillary and planar electrophoresis. The multi-isotopic (including non-metals such as S, P, or Se) detection capability, high sensitivity, tolerance to matrix, and large linearity range regardless of the chemical environment of an analyte make ICP MS a valuable complementary technique to electrospray MS and MALDI MS. This review covers different facets of the recent progress in metal speciation in biochemistry, including probing in vitro interactions between metals and biomolecules, detection, determination, and structural characterization of heteroatom-containing molecules in biological tissues, and protein monitoring and quantification via a heteroelement (S, Se, or P) signal. The application areas include environmental chemistry, plant and animal biochemistry, nutrition, and medicine. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 25:255,289, 2006 [source] Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Low Back Pain: Evidence-Based Procedural GuidelinesPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005W. Michael Hooten MD ABSTRACT Objective., This review was undertaken to outline the procedural limitations of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy for low back pain. Second, the literature related to patient selection, diagnostic testing, and the technique of performing lumbar spine, RF neurotomy will be critically reviewed and analyzed. Based on these analyses, diagnostic and procedural guidelines will be proposed. Design., A Medline and EMBASE search identified three RCTs and two systematic reviews of RF neurotomy for low back pain. A similar search identified pertinent literature related to the method of patient selection for a diagnostic block, the medial branch and L5 dorsal ramus comparative block, and the anatomical and technical parameters of lumbar spine RF neurotomy. Results., Substantial procedural shortcomings were identified in all three RCTs. In the systematic reviews, these procedural limitations were not accounted for by the quality assessment of study design which resulted in an inaccurate estimate of clinical effectiveness. Analysis using likelihood ratios showed that screening criteria could increase the probability of zygapophysial joint pain before performing diagnostic blocks. Similar analysis showed that comparative medial branch blocks, rather than single blocks, must be used before RF neurotomy. Anatomical studies demonstrated that the shorter distal compared with the circumferential radius of the RF lesion necessitates placement of the electrode parallel to the course of the nerve along the base of the superior articular process. Conclusions., The evidence-based procedural guidelines provide consistent criteria for multisite studies that could enroll a sufficiently large homogenous study cohort. [source] Does the addition of non-invasive ventilation during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease augment patient outcome in exercise tolerance?PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2010A literature review Abstract Background.,Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shown to increase exercise time and intensity. Feasibly then, NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation will enhance post-rehabilitation training effects. The purpose of this review is to systematically consider and critique the literature concerning the effects of NIV, when used during an exercise programme in COPD patients on exercise tolerance.,Method.,An electronic literature search was completed and the reference lists of the articles that fitted the following inclusion criteria were screened. Studies that used any mode of NIV during an exercise programme with a primary outcome measure focusing on exercise tolerance and were written after the year 2000 to reflect current practice. Studies that were not written in English or had been included in previous literature reviews were excluded. The studies were then critically appraised and assigned a level of evidence based upon Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.,Results.,Twenty-eight articles were screened, of which six fitted the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality ranged from level 1, to 1+. All but one study by Bianchi et al. (2002) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance with the addition of some form of NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation. The benefits may be greater in patients with more severe airway obstruction as determined by Forced Expiration Volume (FEV), (%pred).,Conclusion.,This review would suggest that NIV may allow an increased exercise intensity and duration during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, (according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines), resulting in a greater training effect and a prolonged exercise capacity. Further research looking at long-term follow-up is recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Angiogenesis Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2010Jeffrey J. Lysiak PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Over the past 15 years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The most significant of these advances has been pharmacological treatment of ED with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This therapy greatly increased the awareness of ED and has helped stimulate research into the underlying causes of ED. While treatment with PDE5 inhibitors continues to be the current therapy of choice, approximately 40% of men treated with PDE5 inhibitors fail to have significant improvement in erectile function and PDE5 inhibitors do not reverse the vasculopathic processes associated with ED. With this in mind, new therapies must be developed. The treatment with angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) may be one such therapy. Aim., This review will focus on defining key terms in the angiogenic process, angiogenic growth factors, and different delivery methods, and summarize results from angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. Methods., A review of the literature was performed on all angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. A brief review on the angiogenic factors was also performed Results., Angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED are possible and promising; however, further investigation is needed to advance clinically. Conclusions., Although numerous studies have now employed angiogenic factors for the possible treatment of ED in several animal models, we are still not at the point to begin human investigations. Future studies need to examine proper dosage of the angiogenic agent, route of delivery, time course for delivery, and combination therapies. Lysiak JJ, Kavoussi PK, Ellati RT, Steers WD, and Annex BH. Angiogenesis therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2010;7:2554,2563. [source] Putative Role of Carbon Monoxide Signaling Pathway in Penile Erectile FunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009Mohamed T. Abdel Aziz MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Erectile response depends on nitric oxide (NO) generated by NO synthase (NOS) enzyme of the nerves and vascular endothelium in the cavernous tissue. NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), leading to the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase that activates Ca2+/ATPase pump that activates Ca2+/K efflux pump extruding Ca2+ across the plasma membrane with consequent smooth muscle cell relaxation. A role similar to that of NOS/NO signaling has been postulated for carbon monoxide (CO) produced in mammals from heme catabolism by heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme. Aim., To assess CO signaling pathway for erectile function by reviewing published studies. Methods., A systematic review of published studies on this affair based on Pubmed and Medical Subject Heading databases, with search for all concerned articles. Main Outcome Measures., Documentation of positive as well as negative criteria of CO/HO signaling focused on penile tissue. Results., The concept that HO-derived CO could play a role in mediating erectile function acting in synergism with, or as a potentiator for, NOS/NO signaling pathway is gaining momentum. CO/HO signaling pathway has been shown to partially mediate the actions of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. In addition, it was shown that the use of CO releasing molecules potentiated cavernous cGMP levels. However, increased CO production or release was reported to be associated, in some studies, with vasoconstriction. Conclusion., This review sheds a light on the significance of cavernous tissue CO signaling pathway that may pave the way for creation of therapeutic modalities based on this pathway. Abdel Aziz MT, Mostafa T, Atta H, Wassef MA, Fouad HH, Rashed LA, and Sabry D. Putative role of carbon monoxide signaling pathway in penile erectile function. J Sex Med 2009;6:49,60. [source] Telemetric Intracavernosal and Intraspongiosal Pressure MonitoringTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008Rany Shamloul MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Despite the major breakthroughs basic research in erectile physiology experienced in the last, most of the methods used for quantitative assessment of erectile function in longitudinal studies suffer many drawbacks. Objective., This review will focus on radiotelemetric assessment of intracavernosal (ICP) and intraspongiosal (ISP) regarding the technique, data collection, interpretation, and overall benefits. Results., Telemetric recording of ICP and ISP allows for qualitative and quantitative assessment of erectile responses in experimental animals, a characteristic that is not possible using other techniques. This technique has many advantages that can collectively lead to production of high quality data regarding erection. The system suffers two drawbacks, its high cost and the need for surgical implantation of the transmitter. Conclusion., The use of telemetric monitoring of ICP and ISP carries many advantages that will, hopefully, establish this technique as the gold standard method for assessment of erectile responses in the near future. Shamloul R. Telemetric intracavernosal and intraspongiosal pressure monitoring. J Sex Med 2008;5:2246,2252. [source] Production of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Recombinant Plant Systems: An UpdateBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2007G. B. Sunil Kumar There is a growing interest to develop oral vaccines for infectious diseases, as it is the most convenient and effective way to attain mucosal immunity. Hepatitis B continues to be a major infectious disease in many developing countries despite the availability of recombinant vaccine. On a global scenario, Hepatitis B Virus infection is probably the single most prevalent cause of persistent viraemia in humans. There are about 350 million chronic carriers of HBV, which is about 5% of the total world population. It is estimated that 75,100 million of them will die of liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Progress in plant genetic engineering has enabled the transfer of useful genes for desirable traits. The recent trend is to use this technique to exploit plants as biofactories for the production of therapeutic proteins including vaccines. Rapid progress has been made in this area to develop plant-based vaccines for hepatitis B. This review describes the expression, characterization, and immunogenicity studies of hepatitis B vaccines produced in recombinant plant systems and their implications for developing a plant-based vaccine. [source] | ||||||||||||||||