ABSTRACT
Time-resolved visualization and analysis of slow dynamic processes in living cells has revolutionized many aspects of in vitro cellular studies. However, existing technology applied to time-resolved live-cell microscopy is often immobile, costly and requires a high level of skill to use and maintain. These factors limit its utility to field research and educational purposes. The recent availability of rapid prototyping technology makes it possible to quickly and easily engineer purpose-built alternatives to conventional research infrastructure which are low-cost and user-friendly. In this paper we describe the prototype of a fully automated low-cost, portable live-cell imaging system for time-resolved label-free visualization of dynamic processes in living cells. The device is light-weight (3.6 kg), small (22 × 22 × 22 cm) and extremely low-cost (<1250). We demonstrate its potential for biomedical use by long-term imaging of recombinant HEK293 cells at varying culture conditions and validate its ability to generate time-resolved data of high quality allowing for analysis of time-dependent processes in living cells. While this work focuses on long-term imaging of mammalian cells, the presented technology could also be adapted for use with other biological specimen and provides a general example of rapidly prototyped low-cost biosensor technology for application in life sciences and education.
Subject(s)
Cell Culture Techniques/instrumentation , Cell Separation/instrumentation , Flow Injection Analysis/instrumentation , Micromanipulation/instrumentation , Microscopy/instrumentation , Specimen Handling/instrumentation , Subcellular Fractions/diagnostic imaging , Bioreactors/economics , Cell Culture Techniques/economics , Cell Separation/economics , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Flow Injection Analysis/economics , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Micromanipulation/economics , Microscopy/economics , Miniaturization , Specimen Handling/economics , UltrasonographySubject(s)
Lasers, Excimer/therapeutic use , Lichen Planus/radiotherapy , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Aged , Female , Humans , Inflammation/etiology , Inflammation/radiotherapy , Lasers, Excimer/adverse effects , Lichen Planus/pathology , Low-Level Light Therapy/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment of IgE-mediated allergies, but it requires repeated allergen injections with a risk of systemic allergic reactions. Transcutaneous immunotherapy may improve patient compliance and safety. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of epicutaneous allergen immunotherapy. METHODS: This monocentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted from March 2006 to December 2007 at the University Hospital Zurich. Thirty-seven adult patients with positive skin prick and nasal provocation tests to grass pollen were randomized to receive patches containing either allergen (n = 21) or placebo (n = 16). Treatment took place before and during the pollen season 2006, and follow-up visits took place before (n = 26) and after the pollen season 2007 (n = 30). The primary outcome measures were nasal provocation tests. RESULTS: Allergen-treated patients showed significantly decreased scores in nasal provocation tests in the first (P < .001) and second year (P = .003) after treatment. In contrast, placebo-treated patients had decreased scores in the first treatment year, 2006 (P = .03), but the effect diminished in the second year (P = .53). Although improvement of nasal provocation test scores was not significantly better in the verum versus placebo group, the overall treatment success was rated significantly higher by the allergen-treated group than by the placebo group (2006, P = .02; 2007, P = .005). No severe adverse events were observed. Occurrence of eczema after allergen patch applications proved stimulation of specific T-cell responses, but was noted as an adverse effect of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Epicutaneous allergen immunotherapy is a promising strategy to treat allergies and merits further investigation.
Subject(s)
Allergens/administration & dosage , Desensitization, Immunologic/methods , Hypersensitivity/therapy , Phleum/immunology , Pollen/immunology , Administration, Cutaneous , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Allergens/adverse effects , Desensitization, Immunologic/adverse effects , Double-Blind Method , Eczema/etiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nasal Provocation Tests , Placebos , Skin Tests , Young AdultABSTRACT
The cases presented in this article highlight the dangers of applying warming bottles to neonates. Warming devices as cool as 42 degrees C (107.6 degrees F) can burn an infant.
Subject(s)
Burns/etiology , Equipment and Supplies, Hospital/adverse effects , Hot Temperature/adverse effects , Iatrogenic Disease , Burns/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant, NewbornABSTRACT
Three cases of auricular perichondritis caused by infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described to draw attention to the high incidence of piercing-related infections and the risk of structural deformities to the outer ear. Various therapies and outcomes are described and current Danish legislation is highlighted.
