The accumulation of macrophages (MΦ) at the sensor-tissue interface is thought to be a major player in controlling tissue reactions and sensor performance in vivo. Nevertheless until recently no direct demonstration of the causal relationship between MΦ aggregation and loss of sensor function existed. Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) murine model we previously demonstrated that genetic deficiencies of MΦ or depletion of MΦ decreased MΦ accumulation at sensor implantation sites, which led to significantly enhanced CGM performance, when compared to normal mice. Additional studies in our laboratories have also demonstrated that MΦ can act as “metabolic sinks” by depleting glucose levels at the implanted sensors in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we extended these observations by demonstrating that MΦ chemokine (CCL2) and receptor (CCR2) knockout mice displayed a decrease in inflammation and MΦ recruitment at sensor implantation sites, when compared to normal mice. This decreased MΦ recruitment significantly enhanced CGM performance when compared to control mice. These studies demonstrated the importance of the CCL2 family of chemokines and related receptors in MΦ recruitment and sensor performance and suggest chemokine targets for enhancing CGM in vivo.
Overcoming sensor-induced tissue reactions is an essential element of achieving successful continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the management of diabetes, particularly when used in closed loop technology. Recently, we demonstrated that basement membrane (BM)-based glucose sensor coatings significantly reduced tissue reactions at sites of device implantation. However, the biocompatible BMbased biohydrogel sensor coating rapidly degraded over a less than a 3-week period, which effectively eliminated the protective sensor coating. In an effort to increase the stability and effectiveness of the BM coating, we evaluated the impact of crosslinking BM utilizing glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent, designated as X-Cultrex. Sensor performance (nonrecalibrated) was evaluated for the impact of these X-Cultrex coatings in vitro and in vivo. Sensor performance was assessed over a 28-day time period in a murine CGM model and expressed as mean absolute relative difference (MARD) values. Tissue reactivity of Cultrex-coated, X-Cultrex-coated, and uncoated glucose sensors was evaluated over a 28-day time period in vivo using standard histological techniques. These studies demonstrated that X-Cultrex-based sensor coatings had no effect on glucose sensor function in vitro. In vivo, glucose sensor performance was significantly enhanced following X-Cultrex coating throughout the 28-day study. Histological evaluations of X-Cultrex-treated sensors demonstrated significantly less tissue reactivity when compared to uncoated sensors.
This paper looks at how social media is used as part of company branding to encourage customer loyalty. The research presents a case study of lululemon andIts Facebook page and customer product review page to illustrate the importance of social media, using content analysis to interpret the data gathered. The case study shows evidence that a brand community exists on lululemon’s Facebook page, illustrating the importance of social media to customers. The paper concludes that because customers have a high level of involvement in social media, companies would benefit from maintaining a high level of involvement in that same media. The Paper suggests that further research could determine whether the involvement of companies via social media does affect their level of loyalty.
This paper looks at how social media is used as part of company branding to encourage customer loyalty. The research presents a case study of lululemon andIts Facebook page and customer product review page to illustrate the importance of social media, using content analysis to interpret the data gathered. The case study shows evidence that a brand community exists on lululemon’s Facebook page, illustrating the importance of social media to customers. The paper concludes that because customers have a high level of involvement in social media, companies would benefit from maintaining a high level of involvement in that same media. The Paper suggests that further research could determine whether the involvement of companies via social media does affect their level of loyalty.
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