bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of bioresorbable fibres (Polyfibre®) and a bioresorbable foam (Polyfoam®) on new bone formation
Authors: Wallkamm Beat , Schmid Jürg , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Gogolewski Sylwester , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:The aim of the study was to evaluate two bioresorbable polylactic acid (PLA) filler materials in a guided bone regeneration (GBR) model system. The first was Polyfibre®, a fibrous PLA filler material. Polyfoam®, the second material tested, consisted of a spongy PLA filler material. In each group there were eight rabbits. In test rabbits a flap was raised uncovering the calvaria. A hemispherical PLA dome was filled with Polyfibre® or Polyfoam® material and periphereal blood and anchored onto the calvaria. Eight rabbits with the same domes, filled with blood alone, served as controls. The rabbits were sacrificed at 1 or 2 months. Histomorphometric measurements of regenerated total tissue volume, bone height and bone volume were carried out in undecalcified sections under a light microscope. At 1 month the totally filled volume attained 87% (range 82–91) in the fibre group, including 25% (23–27) fibres, 87% (85–95) in the foam group, including 15% (15–16) foam, and 55% (16–100) in the controls. The volume of mineralized bone was 12% (7–15) in the fibre group, 15% (12–18) in the foam group and 6% (1–11) in control domes. Bone height attained 48% (27–79) in the fibre group, 37% (31–58) in the foam group and 45% (14–67) in the control group. At 2 months, tissue volume attained 86% (85–87) including 26% (22–29) fibres, bone volume attained 13% (7–21) and bone height attained 56% (42–78) in the Polyfibre® group. In the Polyfoam® group, they were 83% (55–99) including 18% (15–19) foam, 13% (7–24) and 49% (29–74). In control domes, tissue volume was 82% (35–100), bone volume 20% (9–27) and bone height 86% (60–100). The Polyfibre® and Polyfoam® material was excellently integrated. No adverse reactions were found in the surrounding tissues. Direct bone apposition was observed onto the material. In conclusion, Polyfibre® and Polyfoam® material had a positive effect on initial bone and tissue formation but was a hindrance to increasing tissue volume, bone volume or bone height at 2 months compared to control specimens. The Polyfibre® and Polyfoam® material provoked no adverse reactions in the surrounding tissues and allowed for extensive angiogenesis.
Denaturation of demineralized bone matrix significantly reduces bone formation by guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Mardas N. , Kostopoulos L. , Stavropoulos A. , Karring T. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Aim: To examine in a discriminating capsule model whether denaturation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) by heating may influence bone formation.Materials and methods: DBM was produced from the long bones of rats. Half the portion of DBM was denatured by heating in distilled water for 20 min at temperatures between 70°C and 90°C. Prior to the study, the destruction of the osteoinductive properties of the DBM was confirmed in three rats following intramuscular implantation. Thirty, 4‐month‐old, male albino rats of the Wistar strain were used in the study. Following surgical exposure of the mandibular ramus, a hemispherical Teflon capsule (internal diameter=5.0 mm) was placed, with its open part facing the lateral aspect of the ramus. On one side (test side), the capsule was loosely packed with denatured DBM, while on the contralateral side, serving as control, the capsule was loosely packed with the same amount of non‐denatured DBM. After healing periods of 30, 60, and 120 days, groups of 10 animals were killed and 40–70 μm thick undecalcified sections of the capsules were produced. Three sections from each specimen, representing the mid‐portion of the capsule, were subjected to histological analysis and computer‐assisted planimetric measurements.Results: Increasing amounts of newly formed bone were observed in both test and control capsules during the experimental period. At 4 months, the new bone formed in the control capsules occupied 46.7% of the cross‐sectional area of the capsules, while it was only 19.1% in the test capsules (P<0.05).Conclusion: Denaturation of DBM by heating significantly reduces bone formation by guided tissue regeneration.
Evaluation of a cell‐permeable barrier for guided tissue regeneration combined with demineralized bone matrix
Authors: Mardas N. , Kostopoulos L. , Stavropoulos A. , Karring T. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate whether bone formation by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) can be enhanced by the use of a cell‐permeable Teflon barrier allowing the penetration of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells from the surrounding soft tissues.Material and methods: DBM was produced from the long bones of rats, and its bone‐inductive properties were tested in three rats prior to the study by intramuscular implantation. Thirty, 4‐month‐old, male albino rats of the Wistar strain were used. Following surgical exposure of the mandibular ramus, a cell‐permeable Teflon capsule, loosely packed with DBM, was placed with its opening facing the lateral surface of the ramus (test side). At the contralateral side, serving as control, a non‐perforated (cell‐occlusive) Teflon capsule, loosely packed with the same amount of DBM, was placed. After healing periods of 30, 60, and 120 days, groups of 10 animals were killed, and 40–70 μm thick undecalcified sections of the capsules were produced.Results: Computer‐assisted planimetric measurements on the histological sections disclosed similar amounts of newly formed bone in both test and control capsules. After 4 months, the new bone in the control capsules occupied 45.0% of the cross‐sectional area of the capsule, while it was 50.5% in the test capsules. This difference was not statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: Similar amounts of bone formed in cell‐permeable and cell‐occlusive capsules grafted with DBM, suggesting that invasion of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells from the surrounding soft tissues into the barrier‐protected area is unnecessary for bone formation with GTR.
Evaluation of Cabergoline and Buserelin Efficacy for Oestrous Induction in the Bitch
Authors: Rota A , Mollo A , Marinelli L , Gabai G , Vincenti L 
Published: November 2003

ContentsThe purpose of this work was to compare two different protocols of oestrous induction, using either a dopamine agonist (cabergoline) or a GnRH agonist (buserelin) in anoestrus bitches. The clinical trial involved 22 Beagle bitches, randomly allotted to two treatment groups: group A (n = 12) was orally administered cabergoline (Galastop®; Centralvet‐Vetem, Milan, Italy; 5 μg/kg SID), until the onset of cytological oestrus or for a maximum of 30 days and group B (n = 10) was treated with buserelin acetate, (Suprefact®; Aventis Pharma, Milan, Italy), administered subcutaneously t.i.d., at 1.5 μg/kg for 11 days and 0.75 μg/kg for the following 3 days. Blood samples were collected twice a week to measure progesterone and prolactin concentration. Both cabergoline and buserelin produced a significant early decline in prolactin concentration (p < 0.01), but the effect of cabergoline lasted longer. Progesterone concentration was significantly affected by buserelin administration, showing a significant increase (p < 0.01) from day 3 to day 6 of treatment. Cabergoline confirmed its effectiveness in inducing oestrus as 10 of 12 bitches responded to the treatment, were mated and whelped. On the contrary, oestrus was observed in only three of 10 buserelin‐treated bitches and in two of them 7 and 13 days after the end of treatment. These same two bitches accepted mating and conceived. The results suggest that in a clinical setting, dopaminergic treatment is the treatment of choice as it yields more consistent results and involves a much easier administration protocol.
Efficient Production of Cloned Bovine Embryos Using cdc2 kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Yoo J‐G , Choe S‐Y , Rho G‐J 
Published: November 2003

ContentsThis study was carried out to compare the effects of the combination of ionomycin with a H1‐histone kinase inhibitor (dimethylaminopurine, DMAP) or cdc2 kinase inhibitor (sodium pyrophosphate, SPP) on the development of reconstituted bovine eggs. For this study, the enucleated bovine oocytes were injected with a presumptive primordial germ cell pre‐treated with 1% sodium citrate, and randomly allocated into three activation groups: Group 1 (ionomycin 5 μm, 5 min), Group 2 (ionomycin + DMAP 1.9 mm, 3 h), and Group 3 (ionomycin + SPP 2 mm, 3 h). The reconstituted eggs were compared on the rates of cleavage and development with the blastocyst stage and the ploidy of embryos at 96 h post‐activation. Cleavage rates and blastocyst development in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 7 and 0%, 63 and 17%, and 53 and 14%, respectively. The chromosomal composition differed significantly (p < 0.05) among treatments. Although the embryos in Group 1 had significantly lower developments, 60% of embryos evaluated had diploid chromosomal sets. In contrast, ∼60% of embryos in Group 2 had abnormal ploidy (21% polyploid and 38% mixoploid). In Group 3, the appearance of abnormal chromosome sets was reduced with the proportion of diploid embryos being increased to 86% (19 of 22), significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in Group 2. It can be concluded that the use of SPP with ionomycin reduces greatly the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities, and may be applicable for the activation of nuclear transplant bovine embryos.
Ericoid mycorrhiza: a partnership that exploits harsh edaphic conditions
Authors: Cairney J. W. G. , Meharg A. A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryPlants that form ericoid mycorrhizal associations are widespread in harsh habitats. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungal endophytes are a genetically diverse group, and they appear to be able to alleviate certain environmental stresses and so facilitate the establishment and survival of Ericaceae. Some of the fungal taxa that form ericoid mycorrhizas, or at least closely related strains, also form associations with other plant hosts (trees and leafy liverworts). The functional significance of these associations and putative mycelial links between Ericaceae and other plant taxa, however, remain unclear. Evidence from environments that are contaminated by toxic metals indicates that ericoid mycorrhizal fungal endophytes, and in some instances their plant hosts, can evolve resistance to these metals. The apparent ability of these endophytes to develop resistance enables ericoid mycorrhizal plants to colonize polluted soil. This seems to be a major factor in the success of ericoid mycorrhizal taxa in a range of harsh environments.
Microbial diversity and soil functions
Authors: Nannipieri P. , Ascher J. , Ceccherini M. T. , Landi L. , Pietramellara G. , Renella G. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySoil is a complex and dynamic biological system, and still in 2003 it is difficult to determine the composition of microbial communities in soil. We are also limited in the determination of microbially mediated reactions because present assays for determining the overall rate of entire metabolic processes (such as respiration) or specific enzyme activities (such as urease, protease and phosphomonoesterase activity) do not allow any identification of the microbial species directly involved in the measured processes. The central problem posed by the link between microbial diversity and soil function is to understand the relations between genetic diversity and community structure and between community structure and function. A better understanding of the relations between microbial diversity and soil functions requires not only the use of more accurate assays for taxonomically and functionally characterizing DNA and RNA extracted from soil, but also high‐resolution techniques with which to detect inactive and active microbial cells in the soil matrix.Soil seems to be characterized by a redundancy of functions; for example, no relationship has been shown to exist between microbial diversity and decomposition of organic matter. Generally, a reduction in any group of species has little effect on overall processes in soil because other microorganisms can take on its function.The determination of the composition of microbial communities in soil is not necessary for a better quantification of nutrient transformations. The holistic approach, based on the division of the systems in pools and the measurement of fluxes linking these pools, is the most efficient. The determination of microbial C, N, P and S contents by fumigation techniques has allowed a better quantification of nutrient dynamics in soil. However, further advances require determining new pools, such as active microbial biomass, also with molecular techniques. Recently investigators have separated 13C‐ and 12C‐DNA, both extracted from soil treated with a 13C source, by density‐gradient centrifugation. This technique should allow us to calculate the active microbial C pool by multiplying the ratio between labelled and total DNA by the microbial biomass C content of soil. In addition, the taxonomic and functional characterization of 13C‐DNA allows us to understand more precisely the changes in the composition of microbial communities affected by the C‐substrate added to soil.
Ethyl glucuronide—the direct ethanol metabolite on the threshold from science to routine use
Authors: Wurst Friedrich Martin , Skipper Gregory E. , Weinmann Wolfgang 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTAims  Current biological state markers remain suboptimal with regard to sensitivity and specificity for monitoring recent alcohol consumption in various settings. Furthermore, these biomarkers can be influenced by age, gender and a variety of substances and non‐alcohol‐associated diseases and do not cover fully the time axis for alcohol intake. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a non‐volatile, water‐soluble, stable, direct metabolite of ethanol that can be detected in various body fluids, tissues and hair. Shortly after the consumption even of small amounts of ethanol, EtG becomes positive. It can detect ethanol intake up to 80 hours after the complete elimination of alcohol from the body, covering a unique and important time spectrum for recent alcohol use. EtG seems to meet the need for a sensitive and specific marker to elucidate alcohol use not detected by standard testing.Design, setting, participants, methods and findings  The literature was re‐viewed with a focus on possible diagnostic and therapeutic applications, currently available methods and future perspectives. To date, more than 4000 samples of body fluids, tissues and hair from approximately 1500 individuals have been assessed.Conclusions  The data suggest that EtG is a useful tool in numerous settings, including alcohol and drug treatment (to detect lapse/relapse and for motivational feedback), in safety sensitive work settings where use is dangerous or in other settings where alcohol use may be risky (e.g. such as driving, work‐place, pregnancy or monitoring physicians or other professionals who are in recovery and working) or for resolving forensic questions. If the question of recent alcohol consumption has to be answered in a binary way (yes/no), such as for determining lapses, the use of EtG in urine is among the preferred tests. The use of this marker alone and complementary with other biological state markers and self‐reports is expected to lead to significant improvement in treatment outcome, therapy efficacy and cost reduction.
Low cure rate of Helicobacter pylori infection with omeprazole and furazolidone dual therapy for one week
Authors: Zwet A. A. van , Thijs J. C. , Wouden E. J. van der , Kooy A. 
Published: November 2003

Background:Furazolidone is an inexpensive antibiotic that has considerable anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro.Methods:Twenty‐three patients with culture‐proven H. pylori infection were treated for one week with a dual therapy containing omeprazole and furazolidone.Results:Eradication succeeded in 10 of the first 20 evaluable patients (50%; 95% CI: 27.2–72.8%). This percentage was regarded as too low, and the study was terminated. Side‐effects were mild.Conclusion:With the possible increase in resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin world‐wide, furazolidone may be a useful alternative in the treatment of H. pylori infection. Dual therapy for one week, however, is not sufficient.
Lansoprazole 30 mg daily versus ranitidine 150 mg b.d. in the treatment of acid‐related dyspepsia in general practice
Authors: Jones R. H. , Baxter G. 
Published: November 2003

Aim:To compare lansoprazole 30 mg daily with ranitidine 150 mg b.d. in the treatment of acid‐related dyspepsia in general practice.Methods:In a double‐blind, parallel group, randomized, multicentre study conducted in 32 general practices in the UK, 213 patients were randomized to receive lansoprazole 30 mg daily, and 219 to receive ranitidine 150 mg b.d., for 4 weeks. All patients had experienced symptoms of reflux‐like or ulcer‐like dyspepsia on at least 4 of the 7 days prior to the study; 75% had experienced dyspepsia in the past, and 74 of the lansoprazole patients and 77 of the ranitidine patients had documented histories of acid‐related disorders, investigated by either radiology or endoscopy.Results:After 2 weeks 55% of the lansoprazole patients and 33% of the ranitidine group were symptom‐free (P = 0.001, χ2 = 7.12) with corresponding 4‐week figures of 69% and 44%, respectively (P = 0.001, χ2 = 18.03). Similar figures were found at both 2 and 4 weeks for daytime and night‐time heartburn and epigastric pain scores; in the lansoprazole group, at 4 weeks, 80% of patients were free of daytime heartburn and 81% of night‐time epigastric pain, compared with 55% (P = 0.001, χ2 = 15.44) and 65% (P = 0.01, χ2 = 6.10) in the ranitidine group.Conclusion:Superior symptom relief for patients presenting with ulcer‐like and reflux‐like symptoms in general practice is provided by lansoprazole 30 mg daily compared with ranitidine 150 mg twice daily.
Colonic range of 5‐ASA enemas in healthy individuals, with a comparison of their physical and chemical characteristics. An open, single‐dose, randomized, cross‐over study
Authors: OTTEN M. H. , HAAS G. DE , ENDE R. VAN DEN 
Published: November 2003

Background: 5‐Aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is widely used as topical treatment in patients with distal inflammatory bowel disease. The enema spread and retention time are considered to be important factors in the efficacy of this therapeutic agent. Whereas colonic spread is widely investigated in selected patient populations and volunteers, much less attention has been given to the in vitro differences of physical and chemical properties, although they may influence the in vivo characteristics. Methods: Two different brand enemas, Salofalk and Asacol, both containing 2 g mesalazine, were compared with respect to their in vivo and in vitro characteristics. The retrograde spread, maximum distribution and wall adhesion, as well as the retention time of the enemas, was examined by the addition of a technetium tracer dose in 12 healthy volunteers on two separate occasions. In addition, several chemical properties such as pH, viscosity, particle size, dispersion rate, specific surface area and residual volume after application were analysed and compared. Results: With its larger volume and higher viscosity the Asacol preparation reached a substantially larger proportion of the colon and produced a significantly higher retention time in the proximal parts of the large intestine. In addition, more than double the amount of 5‐aminosalicylic acid was not expelled from the semi‐rigid Salofalk enema container after application. With respect to chemical properties it was demonstrated that the Asacol preparation showed a significantly smaller size of micronized 5‐aminosalicylic acid particles, better homogeneity and much less aggregation of the drug. This resulted in an almost threefold higher specific surface area per g active compound. Conclusions: The Asacol enema appears to be superior in several aspects of the galenical formulation. The better dispersion and larger specific surface area, in conjunction with a larger distribution, better bowel wall adherence and retention time in vivo, constitute a clear theoretical and possible clinical advantage.
A serologic survey of Helicobacter pylori infection in 3281 Italian patients endoscoped for upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: PALLI D. , VAIRA D. , MENEGATTI M. , SAIEVA C. 
Published: November 2003

Aim:To assess the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a large series of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms referred for their first upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and to evaluate any association with disease. Methods: A large survey of 3281 dyspeptic patients undergoing their first endoscopic examination was undertaken, involving 93 centres in Italy. A blood sample was taken from each participant, for measuring IgG antibodies against H. pylori using a commercially available kit, and two biopsies of the antral gastric mucosa were obtained for evaluating a Giemsa‐stained specimen. Results: Endoscopic macroscopic diagnoses included normal mucosa (25.3%), gastroduodenitis (51.6%), gastric and duodenal ulcers (3.7 and 14.9%, respectively) and other conditions, including gastric cancer (0.8%). Overall, the seroprevalence result was 71.3% with a strong positive association with increasing age and male sex and a negative one with educational level. According to endoscopic diagnoses, the association with H. pylori seropositivity was highest for duodenal and gastric ulcer (multivariate odds ratio: 6.1 and 2.2) and lowest for carcinoma. The comparison between the results of serology and the single Giemsa‐stained specimen showed good reliability of H. pylori IgG, particularly in a subgroup (n = 2056) for which the interpretation was performed by a single dedicated pathologist: sensitivity and specificity were 92 and 78%, respectively. Conclusion: Commercial IgG serology is a reliable tool for the assessment of H. pylori infection in large‐scale multicentre surveys. A very high seroprevalence among dyspeptic patients was confirmed, particularly in the presence of peptic disease. Factors associated with the infection were very similar to those usually reported in the general population, but male patients showed a significantly higher prevalence.
Low and high doses of rabeprazole vs. omeprazole for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Kositchaiwat C. , Ovartlarnporn B. , Kachintorn U. , Atisook K. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryBackground : Low‐dose rabeprazole‐based triple therapy was effective for Helicobacter pylori eradication in a few Japanese studies.Aim : To compare the effectiveness of 1‐week low‐dose and high‐dose rabeprazole‐based triple therapy with those of omeprazole.Methods : One hundred and sixty‐two H. pylori‐infected dyspeptic patients were randomized to receive twice daily for 1 week either rabeprazole 10 mg (R10), rabeprazole 20 mg (R20) or omeprazole 20 mg (O) in combination with amoxicillin 1000 mg (A) and clarithromycin 500 mg (C). H. pylori status assessment was by the CLO test and histology at entry and by the 13C‐urea breath test at 4–6 weeks after cessation of therapy.Results : H. pylori eradication rates in intention‐to‐treat groups were 85%, 96% and 83% for R10AC, R20AC and OAC, respectively. Eradication rates in per protocol groups were 86%, 96% and 90% for R10AC, R20AC and OAC, respectively. On an intention‐to‐treat analysis, the R20AC group had a significantly higher eradication rate than did R10AC or OAC (P < 0.05). However, the higher eradication rate with R20AC did not reach statistical significance in the per protocol analysis. Drug intolerance was found in three OAC patients.Conclusion : High‐dose rabeprazole‐based triple therapy is more effective than its low‐dose equivalent or omeprazole in eradicating H. pylori infection.