An amperometric biosensor for glucose based on electrodeposited redox polymer/glucose oxidase film on a gold electrode.
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In this paper, we described a glucose biosensor based on the co-electrodeposition of a poly(vinylimidazole) complex of [Os(bpy)2Cl](+/2+) (PVI-Os) and glucose oxidase (GOX) on a gold electrode surface. The one-step co-electrodeposition method provided a better control on the sensor construction, especially when it was applied to microsensor construction. The modified electrode exhibited the classical features of a kinetically fast redox couple bound to an electrode surface and the redox potential of the redox polymer/enzyme film was 0.14 V (vs. SCE). For a scan rate of up to 200 mV s(-1), the peak-to-peak potential separation was less than 25 mV. In the presence of glucose, a typical catalytic oxidation current was observed, which reached a plateau at 0.25 V (vs. SCE). Under the optimal experimental conditions, the steady-state electrooxidation current measured at 0.30 V (vs. SCE) was linear to the glucose concentration in the range of 0-30 mM. Successful attempts were made in blood sample analysis. (+info)
High-concentration ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and endovascular treatment of experimental aneurysms: feasibility of embolization without protection devices at the neck.
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Coiling of intracranial aneurysms is both safe and effective but may be followed by recurrences. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of endovascular treatment of aneurysms with high-concentration ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (HCEVOH), without the use of protection devices at the neck. METHODS: Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms with a high propensity for recurrences were constructed in 22 dogs. HCEVOH embolization was performed with a dedicated high-pressure microcatheter in 12 animals. Angiographic results at 3 and 12 weeks and pathologic results at 12 weeks were compared with those of a separate group of 10 animals treated with platinum coils. We used a qualitative scoring system to grade angiographic results, neointima formation, and recanalization at the neck. RESULTS: Intraaneurysmal HCEVOH injections could be performed without carotid emboli and without a protection device in 11 of 12 animals. Fragments detached upon traction of the microcatheters at the end of the procedure on two occasions. Immediate and late angiographic results were not significantly different between the two groups (P =.807), with a tendency for angiographic recurrences at 3 months (angiographic scores were significantly worse in both groups at 12 weeks as compared with T0 [P <.02]). A complete occlusion, including the neck, even at the cost of protrusion of material at the level of the branches, is necessary to decrease risks of recurrences. Neointima formation at the surface of the embolic agent was complete at the neck of aneurysms treated with HCEVOH. The neointimal score was significantly improved with HCEVOH as compared with coil embolization (P =.03). CONCLUSION: HCEVOH embolization of aneurysms without neck protection is feasible. It does not, however, eliminate recurrences in an experimental wide-necked aneurysm model. (+info)
Combination effects of complement regulatory proteins and anti-complement polymer.
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We previously reported the development of a "cytomedicine" that consists of cells trapped in alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules and agarose microbeads. The functional cells that are entrapped in semipermeable polymer are completely isolated from cellular immune system. However, the ability of cytomedicine to isolate cells from the humoral immune system, which plays an essential role in xenograft rejection, is low. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to develop a novel cytomedicine that could protect the entrapped cells from injury of the complement system. We investigated the applicability of the complement regulatory protein (CRP), Crry, to cytomedicine. Crry-transfected cells entrapped within agarose microbeads resisted injury by complement to a degree, while entrapment of Crry transfected cells within agarose microbeads containing polyvinyl sulfate (PVS), a novel cytomedical device with anti-complement activity, clearly protected against complement attack. These data indicate that the combination of a CRP and a cytomedical device with anti-complement activity is a superior device for cytomedical therapy. (+info)
ABRF-ESRG'03: analysis of a PVDF-bound known protein with a homogeneous amino-terminus.
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The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities 2003 Edman Sequencing Research Group (ABRF-ESRG'03) sample is the 15th in a series of studies designed to allow participating members to evaluate their abilities to analyze the N-terminus of a protein or peptide using automated Edman degradation chemistry. It is a follow-up study to the ESRG'02 sample, which was a single protein with a heterogeneous N-terminus. Both the 2002 and 2003 samples were obtained from the same protein complex and were resolved by SDS-PAGE followed by electrophoretic transfer to PVDF membrane. The ABRF-ESRG'03 sample had an apparent molecular weight of 49 kDa and a single N-terminus, with initial yields of approximately 2 pmol. Participants were asked to sequence 25 residues and return their results to the ESRG for analysis along with two completed surveys and an area/pmol table for repetitive and initial yield calculations. Data for 46 responses are presented which include initial yields, repetitive yields, sequencer performance, and ability to identify the protein. (+info)
Development and evaluation of oral multiple-unit and single-unit hydrophilic controlled-release systems.
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This study compared the release behavior of single-unit (tablets, capsules) and multiple-unit (minitablets in capsules) controlled-release systems of furosemide. The swelling and erosion behaviors of these systems, which contained the swellable hydrophilic polymers sodium alginate (high viscosity) and Carbopol 974P, were compared. Swelling and erosion experiments showed a high degree of swelling and limited erosion for the Carbopol preparations, whereas less swelling but greater erosion was observed for the sodium alginate preparations. The sodium alginate preparations were eroded in 6 hours, while Carbopol preparations exhibited limited erosion within this period of time. These results appear to be attributed to the physicochemical characteristics of the polymers used in this study. Polymer characteristics greatly influenced the release of furosemide (model drug) from the formulations prepared and tested. Sodium alginate had a less pronounced sustained release effect compared with Carbopol (ie, in 8 hours all 3 sodium alginate dosage forms displayed complete release of furosemide, while only 30% of the drug was released from Carbopol dosage forms). Finally, all 3 Carbopol dosage forms (single- and multiple-unit) displayed similar release behavior while sodium alginate dosage forms displayed a different and more distinctive behavior. Minitablets and tablets showed a greater sustained release effect compared with capsules. Evaluation of the release data indicates that the release mechanism for sodium alginate formulations may be attributed to erosion/dissolution, while for Carbopol it may be attributed mainly to polymer relaxation and diffusion of the drug from the polymer surface. (+info)
Effect of Carbopol and polyvinylpyrrolidone on the mechanical, rheological, and release properties of bioadhesive polyethylene glycol gels.
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This study examined the mechanical (hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness) and rheological (zero-rate viscosity and thixotropy) properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) gels that contain different ratios of Carbopol 934P (CP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP). Mechanical properties were examined using a texture analyzer (TA-XT2), and rheological properties were examined using a rheometer (Rheomat 115A). In addition, lidocaine release from gels was evaluated using a release apparatus simulating the buccal condition. The results indicated that an increase in CP concentration significantly increased gel compressibility, hardness, and adhesiveness, factors that affect ease of gel removal from container, ease of gel application onto mucosal membrane, and gel bioadhesion. However, CP concentration was negatively correlated with gel cohesiveness, a factor representing structural reformation. In contrast, PVP concentration was negatively correlated with gel hardness and compressibility, but positively correlated with gel cohesiveness. All PEG gels exhibited pseudoplastic flow with thixotropy, indicating a general loss of consistency with increased shearing stress. Drug release T50% was affected by the flow rate of the simulated saliva solution. A reduction in the flow rate caused a slower drug release and hence a higher T50% value. In addition, drug release was significantly reduced as the concentrations of CP and PVP increased because of the increase in zero-rate viscosity of the gels. Response surfaces and contour plots of the dependent variables further substantiated that various combinations of CP and PVP in the PEG gels offered a wide range of mechanical, rheological, and drug-release characteristics. A combination of CP and PVP with complementary physical properties resulted in a prolonged buccal drug delivery. (+info)
Cerebral Aneurysm Multicenter European Onyx (CAMEO) trial: results of a prospective observational study in 20 European centers.
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Onyx liquid embolic system in treating a selected population of patients with intracranial aneurysms that presented difficulties for surgical or endovascular alternatives. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 20 European centers enrolling a consecutive series of 119 patients with 123 aneurysms judged suitable for Onyx treatment. The series consists of findings collected in 97 of 119 patients with 100 of 123 aneurysms, because one center declined to provide data to the study sponsor or allow outside audit. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were recorded at discharge, 3 months, and 12 months. All adverse events and re-treatments were recorded. Seventy-nine aneurysms were large or giant. RESULTS: Twelve-month follow-up angiography findings were available for 71 aneurysms. This angiographic follow-up showed complete occlusion in 56 (79%) aneurysms, subtotal occlusion in nine (13%), and incomplete occlusion in six (8%). Procedure- or device-related permanent neurologic morbidity at final follow-up was present in eight of 97 patients. Seven patients died: two deaths were procedure related; one, disease related; and four, unrelated causes. Seventy-five of the 82 patients alive and with follow-up at 12 months were at Rankin 2 or better status. Delayed occlusion of the parent vessel occurred in nine patients; delayed occlusion was asymptomatic in five and resulted in permanent neurologic deficit in two. CONCLUSION: In selected patients with aneurysms that are unsuitable for coil treatment or in whom previous treatment has failed to occlude the aneurysm, Onyx treatment offers an endovascular alternative. Aneurysm occlusion rates are superior to reported rates of coil occlusion, and treatment morbidity is comparable to that of published prospective data on endovascular results for this subgroup of patients. (+info)
Application of electrophoretic methods for detection of protein-porphyrin complexes.
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Simple methods for detection and isolation of protein-porphyrin complexes were elaborated in our laboratory. They are based on the separation of protein-porphyrin complexes in native polyacrylamide gel and measurement of their fluorescence, with the use of two detection systems: the commercially available Gel Doc(TM) 2000 system, and a system specially designed for the purpose of these investigations, concerning protein-porphyrin interactions. The fluorescent complexes can be electro-transferred from the gel onto PVDF membrane, eluted and analyzed in order to identify the protein interacting with porphyrins. (+info)