Elevated plasma il-8 concentration is related to severity of systemic inflammation in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of acute phase response. Questions arise regarding its association with other inflammatory mediators. To determine plasma IL-8 concentration in CSU patients and its association with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, a nonspecific inflammatory marker of the disease activity, concentrations of plasma IL-8 and serum CRP were measured in CSU patients and compared with healthy controls. IL-8 and CRP concentrations were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects. In addition, there were significant differences in IL-8 and CRP concentrations between CSU patients with moderate-severe symptoms and the healthy subjects. Plasma IL-8 and serum CRP concentrations showed a significant correlation with urticaria activity score (UAS). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-8 and CRP concentrations. Up-regulations of IL-8 and its association with the marker of clinical and inflammatory activity suggest a role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of CSU.

Important research questions in allergy and related diseases: 3-chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis - a GALEN study.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common health care challenges, with significant direct medical costs and severe impact on lower airway disease and general health outcomes. The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) currently is based on clinical signs, nasal endoscopy and CT scanning, and therapeutic recommendations are focussing on 2 classes of drugs, corticosteroids and antibiotics. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and the factors amplifying mucosal inflammation therefore seems to be crucial for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In an effort to extend knowledge in this area, the WP 2.7.2 of the GA(2)LEN network of excellence currently collects data and samples of 1000 CRS patients and 250 control subjects. The main objective of this project is to characterize patients with upper airway disease on the basis of clinical parameters, infectious agents, inflammatory mechanisms and remodeling processes. This collaborative research will result in better knowledge on patient phenotypes, pathomechanisms, and subtypes in chronic rhinosinusitis. This review summarizes the state of the art on chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis in different aspects of the disease. It defines potential gaps in the current research, and points to future research perspectives and targets.

Interferon and tumor necrosis factor production during endotoxemia in sheep.

In humans endotoxemia has often been associated with the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Sheep have an abundant population of pulmonary intravascular macrophages, therefore they are a popular animal model for ARDS. In this study we characterized the temporal sequence and duration of the release of two cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN) and evaluated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dose. Rectal temperature and white blood cell (WBC) count were also measured. Twenty four adult sheep were given E. coli endotoxin at a dose of 0 (saline solution) 0.05, 0.1 and 1.0 microg/kg of body weight by intravenous (i.v.) bolus. In all groups, TNF-alpha was produced earlier (3-4.5 h) after injection than IFN (4-5 h). No correlation between increased rectal temperature, the magnitude of leukopenia and time course of both cytokines production was observed. No straight relationship between LPS dose and the titer of cytokines was seen, but lower doses of LPS-induced delayed cytokine response in comparison to the dose 1 microg/kg of LPS. As IFN, present in the circulation of sheep, was mainly alpha/beta type, the role of this class of IFN in endotoxemia is discussed.

Tumor necrosis factor and interferon activity in the circulation of calves after repeated injection of low doses of lipopolysaccharide.

The effect of two intravenous (i.v.) injections of low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(0.1 microgram/kg of body weight) administered at 7-day intervals on the systemic release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN), on the rectal temperature, breathing and heart rate, and on packed cell volume (PCV), plasma glucose concentration, white blood cell (WBC) counts in 3-week-old calves, was estimated. The first injection of LPS caused a significant increase in breathing and heart rate, rectal temperature, prolonged hypoglycemia and leukopenia, but no significant changes in PCV were observed. TNF and IFN activity peaked at 2 h after LPS injection and disappeared from circulation by 4 h and 5 h, respectively. After the second injection of LPS, the reaction of calves was similar to that observed after the first injection, however, the breathing rate and TNF systemic production were significantly reduced. The results obtained indicate that a low dose of LPS leads to the development of 'late' tolerance manifested by hyporeactivity to TNF production but with maintained responsivity to IFN production, pyrogenic, hypoglycemic and leukemic response to the second injection of LPS. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the tolerance response is not universal to all hematologic and immunologic parameters, and that the response needs to be evaluated with respect to the specific variable.

Removable partial denture production in western Germany.

Removable partial denture production in western Germany was studied by analyzing 1,082 photographs taken in consecutive series at five large dental laboratories. The photographic technique was standardized, enabling evaluation of the casts as well as the design of the dentures. Of the casts, 47.2% were maxillary and 52.8% were mandibular. The mean number of teeth present was 6.29 in the maxilla and 6.57 in the mandible. In the maxilla, 52.9% of the molar regions were edentulous; i.e., they had distal-extension free-end spaces. The corresponding figure for the mandibles was 72.7%. Most of the maxillary removable partial dentures had a palatal strap or a palatal plate, and most of the mandibular dentures had a lingual bar. Of the removable partial dentures, 53.1% were retained by telescopic crowns, 15.3% had precision attachments, and 36.1% were retained by clasps only.

[The mechanical loading capacity of new all-ceramic crown and bridge materials]. / Die mechanische Belastbarkeit neuer vollkeramischer Kronen- und Brückenmaterialien.

The present contribution presents the fracture toughness KIc, the bending strength and the splitting tensile strength of the recently developed all ceramics Cerec, Dicor, Duceram, IPS-Empress, Flexo-Ceram, Hi-Ceram, In-Ceram, LFC, Mirage (I, II), Optec HSP, Syntho-Ceram and Vitadur. The toughness of those materials suitable for crowns and bridges were also tested with the help of the "Normkronentest" on incisor and canine abutments made from natural teeth or Wiron alloy. As a consequence of our investigations we propose a differentiation into three classes of toughness: class I (fracture toughness up to 2.0 MPa*m1/2, fracture stress up to 100 MPa) consists of the leucite, mica or whisker strengthened ceramics Cerec, Dicor, Duceram, IPS-Empress, Flexo-Ceram, LFC, Mirage (I, II), Optec HSP and Vitadur Alpha, N. Dicor and Optec HSP are at the upper boundary. Class II (fracture toughness up to 3.0 MPa*m1/2, fracture stress up to 150 MPa) consists of the aluminium oxid strengthened ceramics Hi-Ceram, Syntho-Ceram and Vitadur N Kern. Class III (fracture toughness more than 3.0 MPa*m1/2, fracture stress more than 150 MPa) up to now consists only of the infiltration ceramics In-Ceram.

Effect of duodenal glucose infusion on blood glucose concentration in endotoxin-treated calves.

The effect of endotoxemia on the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in nine experiments performed on seven 3- to 5-week-old calves fitted with a duodenal cannula. An intraduodenal glucose load trial (infusion of 2 g glucose/kg b.w. as a 10% aqueous solution through the cannula over 60 min) was conducted in a group of 5 calves three times during the 4-day period: 48 h before and at 2 and 24 h after i.v. injection of E. coli 0111:B4 endotoxin (LPS) at a dose of 0.1 microgram/kg b.w. Control calves were treated similarly but instead of glucose they were infused intraduodenally with deionised water at a volume of 20 ml/kg b.w. In trial with glucose load performed 48 h before LPS administration, blood glucose concentration increased during the absorptive phase from 4.32 +/- 0.32 mmol/l to 11.45 +/- 0.87 mmol/l at 60 min and then decreased to a minimum value of 3.16 +/- 0.51 mmol/l at 240 min. During the initial phase of endotoxemia, blood glucose concentration did not change from baseline values in both groups of calves. Glucose concentration in control calves started to decrease at 165 min reaching a minimum value of 1.39 +/- 0.17 mmol/l at 210 min and then increased to 2.44 +/- 0.11 mmol/l at 480 min after LPS administration. The intraduodenal infusion of glucose at 2 h after LPS administration resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration during the absorptive phase only in one calf. Blood glucose concentration in this calf increased between 30 and 90 min reaching a maximum value of 7.19 mmol/l at 60 min, and then decreased to a minimal value of 0.94 mmol/l at 180 min after glucose load. In the remaining four calves in this group, blood glucose concentration ranged from 3.89 +/- 0.37 mmol/l to 4.48 +/- 0.45 mmol/l up to 120 min, and then steadily decreased to a minimal value of 2.41 +/- 0.41 mmol/l at 300 min. In trial with glucose load performed 24 h after LPS administration, the rate of entry of glucose into the circulation during the absorptive phase was similar to that observed in the trial performed 48 h before LPS administration. In conclusion, these results indicate that endotoxemia impairs the intestinal absorption of glucose in calves. The magnitude of the absorption disturbance may vary in individual calves, and the inhibitory effect of LPS on the intestinal glucose absorption lasts less than 24 h.

[Liver function in cattle in experimental rumen acidosis]. / Badanie czynnosci watroby u bydla przy doswiadczalnej kwasicy zwacza.

The investigations were performed on 6 Friesian-Holstein heifers, weighing 410-504 kg, in which acid indigestion was induced by intraruminal administration of saccharose in a dose of 12 g/kg body weight. The animals were observed for 9 days after the treatment. Functional state of the liver was evaluated on the basis of bromosulphthalein clearance, total bilirubin level and aspartate amino-transferase (AspAT) activity in serum, concentration of blood glucose, total serum protein and protein fractions. Within the first 24 hours, all heifers developed acute symptoms of rumen acidosis which persisted for 3 days after saccharose administration. Afterwards, a phase of gradual spontaneous recovery was observed. In the course of rumen acidosis a reduction in bromosulphthalein clearance, an increase in bilirubin level and AspAT activity, a decrease and then an increase in glucose concentration and a reduction in albumin content and, as a consequence, in albumin/globulin ratio were found. The results indicate that experimental rumen acidosis produced disturbances in excretory and metabolic functions of the liver in the examined heifers. Changes in biochemical parameters were preceded by an increase in AspAT activity and were most remarkable between 48 and 144 hours after saccharose administration. Liver dysfunction was of a various degree in individual animals and recovered within a relatively short period following the disappearance of rumen acidosis symptoms.

[Alternative principles for the construction of cast partial dentures with complicated minor connectors]. / Alternative Konstruktionsprinzipien für Modellgussprothesen in Kombination mit komplizierten Verbindungselementen.

Cast partial dentures often require modification after different periods of waring. To facilitate later alterations it is recommended to use a composite adhesive for attaching complicated minor connectors to the metal framework. These attachments are inexpensive, easy to dissolve, have a passive fit and, unlike soldered joints, are free from potential allergic effects. 21 dentures including this design feature among others have proven satisfactory over a period of 2 years.

[Algipore--new material for repair of bony periodontal pockets]. / Algipore--ein neues Material zur Auffüllung parodontaler Knochentaschen.

Intrabony periodontal lesions of three minipigs received surgical debridement followed by site implantation of synthetic and phycogenic hydroxylapatite graft material. Histologic examination of the sites treated with Algipore showed limited ossification of these implants. Lesions treated with the phycogenic material showed increased ossification of the implant pores and the implant periphery. These results suggest that Algipore has no clinical indication, while the phycogenic material could have a limited indication in intrabony periodontal lesions.

Bacterial foci in the teeth, oral cavity, and jaw--secondary effects (remote action) of bacterial colonies with respect to bacteriospermia and subfertility in males.

Bacteriospermia requiring medical treatment were diagnosed in more than 70% of the subfertile patients who had since 1988 attended the gynecological clinic at the RWTH hospital in Aachen. In 23% of all cases specific treatment with antibiotics did not reduce the concentrations of bacteria in sperma. Thirty-six patients with bacteriospermia resistant to antibiotic therapy were then subjected to dental examination. A high incidence of potential dental foci was found in all patients. In a test group of 18 patients these sources of potential infection were eliminated. Between dental operations and therapy swabs were taken to determine bacterial levels and bacteriological composition. It could be demonstrated that the bacterial spectrum of the intraoral samples was almost identical with the spermiograms. Six months following completion of dental treatment a further spermiogram analysis was carried out. In the test group about two thirds of the spermiograms proved sterile. Spermatological parameters, such as motility, density and morphology, had also clearly improved. In the control group the findings of the spermiogram remained poor. This study indicates that a direct causal relationship exists between bacterial colonies (dental foci) and therapy-resistant bacteriospermia which probably leads to subfertility.

[Acid-base equilibrium in experimental acid indigestion in cattle]. / Badania nad równowaga kwasowo-zasadowa w przebiegu doswiadczalnej niestrawnosci kwasnej u bydla.

Blood and urine acid-base parameters were investigated in 4 heifers with acid indigestion produced by intraruminal infusion of sugar in a dose of 12 g/kg b.wt. Observations were carried out for 9 days after sugar administration. It was found that rumen acidosis was accompanied by disturbances in blood acid-base balance characteristic of partially compensated metabolic acidosis. The most pronounced changes in acid-base parameters were observed within the first 24 hours after sugar infusion, i.e. during rapid increase of lactic acid levels in blood. These changes were reflected by a decrease of blood pH values to 7.138-7.275 reduction in standard bicarbonate to 12.2-17.0 mmol/l and deficiency in base excess ranging from 9.3 to 16.7 mmol/l. The maximum reduction in partial pressure of CO2 to 4.35-4.79 kPa occurred during the second day of the experiment. The duration of acid-base disturbances depended on their intensity in individual animals and oscillated between 4 and 9 days after sugar administration. When acidosis subsided, acid-base balance returned to normal or showed a tendency toward blood alkalization. The observed decrease of pH values in urine to 5.42-5.74 and renal acid excretion from 170 to 299 mmol/l indicate a significant role of kidney function in the correction of metabolic acidosis.

[Bone apposition following intraboney periodontal implantation of compact and phycogenic hydroxylapatite ceramic graft material]. / Knochenapposiiton nach parodontaler intraossärer Implantation von kompakten und phykogenen HA-Keramikgranulaten.

Intrabony periodontal lesions in three minipigs received surgical debridement followed by site implantation of synthetic and phycogenic hydroxylapatite graft material. Histologic examination of the sites treated with Allotropat 50 showed limited ossification of these implants. Lesions treated with the phycogenic material showed increased ossification of the implant pores and the implant periphery. These results suggest that Allotropat 50 has no clinical indication, while the phycogenic material could have a limited indication in intrabony periodontal lesions.

[Hi-Ceram and marginal gingiva: a clinical study]. / Hi-Ceram und Parodont: eine klinische Studie.

The past few years have seen great efforts in prosthodontics to find a way of replacing the metal portion necessary in the construction of ceramic veneer crowns by nonmetallic anorganic materials. As a result, various novel procedures for the production of fully mineral crowns have been developed. Among these, the Hi-Ceram system has attained particular attention. In a clinical study the reactions of the marginal gingiva to Hi-Ceram have been compared to those to ceramometallic crowns.

[Diseases of the masticatory system as possible causal factors in infertility]. / Erkrankungen des mastikatorischen Systems als mögliche Kausalfaktoren einer Infertilität.

In this study 36 subfertile patients between 25 and 43 years, in whom asymptomatic bacteriosperms with a concentration of 10(5)/ml or higher could be shown despite an antibiotic directed therapy in which no count reduction was observed, were examined in the Dept. for Dental Prosthetics. A lot of intraoral foci were found, which got eliminated. Intra-operational bacterial specimens were taken and evaluated by a special diagnostic technique in the Dept. of Microbiology. It was shown, that the bacterial spectrum of the intraoral specimens and the spermiograms were identical. 6 months after completion of the dental therapy and intensive oral hygiene instructions a new andrological examination was performed. Two thirds of the spermiograms were already sterile. A direct causal relationship between dental primary diseases and asymptomatic bacteriosperms, which probably leads to subfertility, must be concluded.

[Animal experimental studies of periodontal implants of compact macroporous and phycogenic HA-ceramic granules]. / Tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen zur parodontalen Implantation von kompakten, makroporösen und phykogenen HA-Keramikgranulaten.

Four different macro- and microporous, compact bone implant materials were used in minipigs for the periodontal treatment of infrabony defects. The results showed, that the compact materials had minimal osteogenic potential, where as the macroporous materials, especially the phycogenic HA-granules with connecting microporosities showed an intensive osteointegration and appositional reaction.

[Prosthetic care of reduced dentition]. / Die prothetische Versorgung des reduzierten Restgebisses.

The treatment of replacing missing functional teeth (due to various schools of concepts), as well as the extensive possibilities of gaps, that may occur in the oral cavity makes it often extremely difficult for the dentist in the practice, to decide which form of prosthesis is right. In this study 996 laboratory work procedures from 5 laboratories in Germany were photographed after completion and evaluated for construction faults. Although a large percentage of the work was extensure prosthesis (more than 50% combined fixed--removable and telescopic procedure) 33.4% showed construction faults, whereas 65% of the work was rated acceptable.

[The role of dental implantology--statistical considerations]. / Zahnärztliche Implantologie--eine statistische Standortbestimmung.

Endosseous implantation procedures are used in dentistry with ever increasing frequency. For an assessment of the role of dental implantology within the specialities of dentistry, 2000 physicians and dentist in the FRG were surveyed. The article reports data on physicians/dentists involved in implantology, the frequency of insertions of endosseous implants, the popularity of implant systems, implantological methods applied, successes, failures and indications.

[New construction principles for Silicoater-cast maxillary prosthesis]. / Neue Konstruktionsprinzipien für Silicoater-Modellgussprothesen im Oberkiefer.

A problem often seen in the dentist's practice is the relining of a removable Cr-Co-prosthesis in the reduced maxillary arch. For this reason we have developed a prosthesis that has its base completely surrounded with acrylic. This modification is nearly as stable as a total Cr-Co-prothesis. The results on 15 patients restored with this new prosthesis were very positive.