Angiography suite concept for an interdisciplinary centre for cardiovascular interventions

A permanently mounted angiography suite in an operating room (OR) is considered to be a hybrid OR. However, regular use for angiographic interventions is restricted with this setup. We introduce an alternative use of space for the efficient utilisation of an angiographic suite outside the surgical unit. This concept includes three scenarios that describe a modification of the catheter suite according to the specific clinical demands by adapting the workflow

Deconvolution of complex G protein–coupled receptor signaling in live cells using dynamic mass redistribution measurements

Label-free biosensor technology based on dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) of cellular constituents promises to translate GPCR signaling into complex optical 'fingerprints' in real time in living cells. Here we present a strategy to map cellular mechanisms that define label-free responses, and we compare DMR technology with traditional second-messenger assays that are currently the state of the art in GPCR drug discovery. The holistic nature of DMR measurements enabled us to (i) probe GPCR functionality along all four G-protein signaling pathways, something presently beyond reach of most other assay platforms; (ii) dissect complex GPCR signaling patterns even in primary human cells with unprecedented accuracy; (iii) define heterotrimeric G proteins as triggers for the complex optical fingerprints; and (iv) disclose previously undetected features of GPCR behavior. Our results suggest that DMR technology will have a substantial impact on systems biology and systems pharmacology as well as for the discovery of drugs with novel mechanisms

Towards reduced herbicide use in forest vegetation management

Mechanical, manual, thermal, biological and chemical methods of managing forest vegetation have, to a large extent, been developed independently. The effectiveness and relatively low cost of chemical herbicides, however, have led to systems of vegetation management that rely on their continued availability and the near exclusion of non-herbicide methods for controlling forest weeds. Greater public concern, perceptions of risk, and pressures exerted by some forest certification systems, have increased the need to provide a wider array of alternative methods that can reduce dependence on herbicides. In response, forest vegetation management research has widened to include investigations of alternatives to herbicides, along with initiatives aimed at reducing chemical use. An international review of progress indicates that reduced herbicide use may already be possible in many countries. There are however, a number of commercial, economic and social issues associated with the practical application of this knowledge, notwithstanding the fact that a more integrated approach is required to combine relevant methods of vegetation management, rather than attempting to practise alternative techniques in isolation from other silvicultural practices. This paper, together with appropriate examples, reviews pressures to reduce herbicide use as well as past and current research to develop alternatives to herbicides in eleven different countries, as well as identifying instances of the successful or unsuccessful implementation of this technology. Keywords: weed control, integrated forest vegetation management, herbicide alternatives, certificationSouthern African Forestry Journal Vol. 207 2006: 63-7