tokens: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS : To determine whether NF-kappa B is activated in patients with insufficient glycemic control ( HbA1c > 10 % ) , we developed a tissue culture-independent electrophoretic mobility shift assay ( EMSA ) -based semiquantitative detection system that allowed us to determine NF-kappa B activation in ex vivo-isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs ) .