Anti-calculus efficacy of Periogen® oral rinse in gingivitis patients.

Dental biofilm is a complex, organized microbial community that is the primary etiologic factor for plaque, the most frequently occurring oral contamination for gingivitis, dental caries and periodontal diseases. In dentistry, calculus is a form of hardened dental plaque, caused by precipitation of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) ions deposited from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Although the dental biofilm cannot be eliminated, it can be controlled with comprehensive mechanical and chemotherapeutic oral hygiene practices. Chemotherapeutic agents have difficulty penetrating the polysaccharide matrix to reach and affect the microorganisms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-calculus efficiency of a mouthwash containing an association of sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid in patients affected with gingivitis.

Computer-based quantification of an atraumatic sinus augmentation technique using CBCT.

Our group recently developed an innovative maxillary sinus augmentation technique without the need of sinus membrane elevation, termed as "IPG" DET protocol. This technique utilizes autologous platelet concentrates (including platelet rich plasma (PRP), platelet rich fibrin (PRF), growth factors (GFs) and CD34+ stem cells), together with bone grafting materials positioned through intentionally perforated Schneider's membrane for flapless implant placement. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of "IPG" DET protocol in terms of new bone formation and implant stability at 8 months post-op. This prospective study consisted of forty-eight patients with a mean age of 52.8 years. A total of eighty-five implants were placed with "IPG" DET protocol in combination with autologous platelet concentrates. CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) was performed at two different time points: pre-operatively and at 8 months post-op. CBCT images were then compared by an intensity-based image algorithm to assess the newly formed bone in terms of gray scale values. Additionally, implant stability quotient (ISQ) was used to estimate implant osseointegration and success rate. The average new bone formation was 5.9 ± 0.9 mm2 per implant. All implants successfully osseointegrated, and ISQ ranged 62.3-71.7. According to the results of this study, "IPG" DET protocol in combination with autologous platelet concentrates is a successful technique for implant-supported rehabilitation of the edentulous posterior maxilla without the need of sinus floor elevation.

Recoveries of four representative organophosphorus pesticides from 18 plant products belonging to different botanical categories: implications for matrix effects.

A study of the matrix effect was performed in order to evaluate the influence of some matrices on the gas chromatographic responses of representative organophosphorus insecticides. In particular, three fortification levels and the maximum residual level of four organophosphorus pesticide standard solutions were added into 18 matrices (15 belonging to five specific botanical categories and three botanically unclassified). The recoveries of the examined pesticides were determined using a simple official multiresidue method of detection, without any additional clean-up step. Recoveries were estimated based on standards prepared in solvent. The recovery percentages of the most polar pesticides, especially methamidophos (20.2-288.4%), were much higher than those of non-polar ones (chlorpyrifos and methidathion 25.7-136.4 and 37.6-292.6%, respectively), except for quince. Pronounced matrix effects (>120%) were observed to the lowest fortification levels (maximum residual levels established by the European Union), of dimethoate and methamidophos (i.e. the most polar analytes) in the majority of product extracts. Furthermore, it was proved that there is no correlation between the classification of plant products, according to their botanical characteristics, and the recoveries of pesticides in the equivalent extracts. Indeed, there were significant differences in the recoveries of pesticides in extracts, derived from matrices belonging to the same botanical group (especially in the categories of pome fruits and citrus). Consequently, it was shown that, under the examined conditions, obtaining recovery data, derived from only one representative matrix, with the purpose to validate an official method in its botanical category is, possibly, an erroneous practice.

Immunity to tetanus of a rural population in a Greek county.

Tetanus is still a common problem in countries with poor health conditions. On the contrary, where there is a systematic program of vaccination in children it is very rare. The aim of this study was to check the immunity level of a representative sample of rural people from villages of Achaia County in Southern Greece. Samples were taken from 140 locals during a six-month period (January till July 2002). In each sample, we estimated IgG antibodies against Clostridium tetani toxin. A protection level of 0.1 IU/ml was set. 15.7% of the people had sufficient immunization cover while a statistically significant superiority of immunized men was found. The results of this study revealed low immunity percentage of the examined inhabitants and a vaccination program against the disease has been proposed to the local health authorities.

The role of the flight surgeon in Greece.

From 1915 [corrected], the first time a flight surgeon participated in an aeromedical evacuation, to the present, the role has become more fundamental by working in wars and operations, experiencing search and rescue aeromedical evacuations from mass accidents or motor accidents, treating seriously ill individuals, and caring for wounded victims of attacks either at the scene or at the hospital. The improvements in cognitive and technological standards of medical science and in the education available have contributed in upgrading the role of flight surgeons; however, their presence in flight is considered essential in 20-60% of aeromedical evacuations, with the remainder of the flights being covered by paramedical personnel. In the Greek territory, the development of Air Force medicine began with the U.S. education of Panagiotis Korombilis, founder of the Center for Flight Crew Health Examination in 1936. In 1976, the Air Force Medical Center was established in the General Air Force Hospital while the educational and medical work of Air Force physicians led to the development of Air Force Medicine and supported Olympic Airways and Military Air Force development, which provides aircraft and personnel for patient aeromedical evacuations. An organized aeromedical evacuation system based on the National Health System, however, began operating in 1982 and was upgraded in 1994. Currently, the flight surgeon's work remains important in supporting the Military Air Force by offering regular examinations at the Air Force Medical Center for all personnel flying on civil and military aircrafts, and by educating all the Greek territory and Cypriot Air Force surgeons (of the National Emergency Assistance Center and the Military Services) at the Air Force Medical Center. Their presence at Air Force bases is important, as is their support of the overall well-being of flight personnel, their assistance in upholding the territory's future by improving aircraft and equipment and by purchasing search-rescue aeromedical evacuation helicopters and hospital aeromedical transportation aircraft capable of transporting seriously ill patients, their promotion of collaboration with other countries in educating Air Force surgeons, and in support of valuable human life according to the Hippocratic Oath.

X-ray diffraction data for six analgesics.

X-Ray diffraction data for six analgesics have been obtained by the powder diffractometer technique. The data are tabulated in terms of the lattice spacings and the relative intensities of the lines. The results have been confirmed by the Debye-Scherrer method.

Sexuality in pregnancy and premature labour.

The relation of sexual behaviour during pregnancy to the initiation of labour was investigated in 358 patients of whom 58 were delivered after premature labour and 300 were delivered spontaneously at term. In all patients the mean weekly coital frequency and the frequency of orgasm were investigated by means of a retrospective questionnaire. There was no significant difference in coital or orgasmic frequency between the women who had a premature labour and those who had a spontaneous delivery at term. This was also true when those having premature labour were divided into those starting labour with ruptured membranes and those starting with contractions.

Ceftriaxone distribution between maternal blood and fetal blood and tissues at parturition and between blood and milk postpartum.

The penetration of ceftriaxone into the fetus at parturition was studied in 17 subjects. Despite its high protein binding, ceftriaxone quickly reached the umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, and placenta, achieving substantial concentrations, which then disappeared, with elimination half-lives of approximately 6 h, identical to that of the mother. The elimination half-life of ceftriaxone of 5 to 6 h in these mothers was somewhat shorter than that reported for normal subjects. The concentrations of ceftriaxone achieved in fetal tissues were sufficient for therapeutic effects. The penetration of ceftriaxone into milk was studied 3 days postpartum in 20 other patients. This antimicrobial agent entered breast milk rapidly and disappeared with a half-life of 12 to 17 h. The concentrations achieved were only 3 to 4% of those in maternal serum and were most likely of little clinical relevance.

The effects of using different grades of PVP and gelatin as binders in the fluidized bed granulation and tabletting of lactose.

The effects of using different grades of PVP and gelatin binders on three sieve fractions of lactose granulated in a fluidized bed granulator and tablets have been studied. Increasing the molecular mass of PVP or bloom number of gelatin resulted in a decrease in granule friability but in an increase in their average size and porosity and in the tensile strengths of the resulting tablets when compressed to a fixed apparent density. The results have been explained in terms of the effects of moist and dry binder bridges on bonding of particles in granules and tablets.

Uteri communicantes.

A case of communicating uteri, i.e., two separate uterus bodies, double cervix, double vagina unilaterally blind, with the characteristic feature of a short communication between the two uterine cavities as well as the two vaginae is reported. This condition arises from the arrest of fusion and canalization of the Müllerian ducts. It is manifested by irregular bleeding and potential dystocia in case of pregnancy. Unilateral renal agenesis is a concomitant feature of this rare genital malformation.

[Fertility with uterine anomalies]. / Zur Fertilität bei Uterusmissbildungen.

45 patients with uterine anomalies were studied regarding their fertility. 39 of these 45 patients were pregnant prior or following the diagnosis. The 80 conceptions show a fertility rate of 86.6%. 46 pregnancies led to the delivery of a viable infant. 34 pregnancies resulted in miscarriage of premature delivery. Miscarriages were much more frequent in women with bicornuate or unicornuate uteri (60%). When other possible reasons for abortions such as toxoplasmosis, insufficiency of the cervix or deficient luteal phase are corrected the number of pregnancies rose to 82. In 53 of these cases a viable infant was delivered. 30% of the women had to be delivered by Caesarean section. When the desire for child-bearing exists uterine anomalies need to be first treated conservatively. Surgical correction of the anomaly is only indicated in a limited number of these cases.

Sigmoido-uterine rupture in pregnancy after multiple myomectomy.

A case of rupture of the uterus during pregnancy with concomitant injury of the sigmoid is reported. This complication followed a multiple myomectomy performed during a previous pregnancy. The initial symptom was a septic fever. However two clinical signs proved pathognomonic for the diagnosis: the passing of blood clots and gas through the anus, and the presence of free gas in the abdomen. Hysterectomy with colostomy is the most suitable treatment.

[Relevance of cul-de-sac puncture to diagnosis and differentiation of ovarian tumours (author's transl)]. / Die Bedeutung der Douglaspunktion in der Diagnose und Differenzierung von Ovarialtumoren.

Cul-de-sac puncture was tested for its accuracy in identifying the presence of ovarian tumours. The accuracy of the technique amounted to 82.4 per cent. Technical and methodical failures were observed in 16.5 per cent of the cases. More detailed cytological differentiation of tumours proved to be possible in 42.8 per cent of benign cases and in 17.6 per cent of malignant cases. The accuracy of the method proved to be sufficiently reliable in early malignancy, as well (69.2 per cent in Stage I of ovarian carcinoma). Cul-de-sac puncture thus is a good method for diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma.

Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk.

The concentrations of five cephalosporins and amoxicillin in breast milk were studied in 42 voluntarily participating lactating mothers using standard assay methods. Each mother received one single dose of 1 g of either an orally or intravenously administered antibiotic. Amoxicillin, cephalexin, and cefadroxil were given orally, and peak milk concentrations averaged 0.81 +/- 0.33 microgram/ml at 5 hours, 0.50 +/- 0.23 microgram/ml at 4 hours, and 1.64 +/- 0.73 microgram/ml at 6 hours, respectively. Cephalothin, cephapirin and cefotaxime were given as an i.v. bolus injection, and peak milk concentrations at 2 hours averaged 0.47 +/- 0.14 microgram/ml, 0.43 +/- 0.16 microgram/ml and 0.32 +/- 0.09 microgram/ml, respectively. The high concentrations of cefadroxil can be explained by its low rate of elimination and higher fat solubility. Milk/serum ratios for all antibiotics were increasing as serum concentrations were diminishing, especially with cephalothin and cephapirin whose serum concentrations are rapidly declining. The significance of bactericidal concentrations in breast milk remains to be evaluated.