A partially aromatic urethane dimethacrylate as a new substitute for Bis-GMA in restorative composites.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a new, partially aromatic urethane dimethacrylate in visible-light cured resin-based composite restoratives. Selected mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity, of model monomer mixtures and composites containing the new urethane dimethacrylate were investigated and compared to the properties of materials that are based on Bis-GMA, at present the most frequently used cross-linker in restorative composites. In addition, the polymerization shrinkage and the water sorption of selected composites were determined. METHODS: The flexural strength, flexural modulus of elasticity, and the water sorption were determined according to ISO 4049:2000. Test specimens (rods: 2 mmx2 mmx25 mm; discs: d=15 mm and h=1 mm) of the investigated composites were prepared in stainless steel molds and light-cured (150 mW/cm2, 2x180 s). The flexural strength and flexural modulus of rods were measured after the samples had been stored under dry conditions or in water for 24 h at 37 degrees C as well as after they had been stored in water for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The water sorption was determined with discs. The polymerization shrinkage was calculated from the densities of the uncured composite pastes and cured composites. RESULTS: Visible light cured mixtures of dimethacrylate diluents with the new urethane dimethacrylate and composites based on these mixtures show a reactivity, flexural strength, flexural modulus of elasticity, polymerization shrinkage and water sorption similar to those of materials that are based on Bis-GMA. The composites did not show any strong deterioration of the mechanical properties after water storage.     

Die Erzeugung von Leberkrebs durch den Farbstoff 4-Dimethylamino-azobenzol

Zusammenfassung In Nachprüfung früherer Untersuchungen vonKinosita wurden 83 Ratten bis zur Dauer von 2 Jahren mit Buttergelb gefüttert. Dabei entstand in 12 Fällen ein primärer Leberkrebs. Während aberKinosita Krebs immer schon zwischen dem 70. und 130. Fütterungstag erhielt, traten in unseren Versuchen die Krebse erst zwischen dem 360. und 600. Tag auf, und zwar nicht bei allen Tieren.Auch der Ablauf der Leberveränderungen, die dem Krebs vorausgehen, ist gegenüber den VersuchenKinositas ein anderer: Zunächst findet sich eine Kern-und Zellschädigung, die von Gangwucherungen in denGlissonschen Scheiden gefolgt ist. Diese nehmen immer mehr überhand, werden gelegentlich cystisch, während das ursprüngliche Lebergewebe mehr und mehr zugrunde geht. Dann entstehen hepatocelluläre Adenome und schließlich Krebs, als dessen Ausgangspunkt, nach seiner Bauart zu urteilen, die Leberzellen angesehen werden müssen (hepatocellulärer Krebs).Die Kostform (Semmel-oder Reisfütterung) oder das Lebensalter der Tiere hatten keinen entscheidenden Einfluß auf den Ablauf der Leberveränderungen.Schließlich wird auf die theoretische und praktische Bedeutung der Feststellung hingewiesen, daß die Schädigung des Zellkerns die erste gestaltlich faßbare Besonderheit in der Reihe der Veränderungen ist, die zum Krebs führen.Mit 9 Textabbildungen.Die Arbeiten wurden von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft wesentlich gefördert.     

Die Wirkung von Insulin und Muskelarbeit auf das Magnesium in Blutserum und Harn

European Journal of Applied Physiology -     

Clinical Benefit-Risk Profile of Lenalidomide in Patients With Lower-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes Without del(5q): Results of a Phase III Trial

BackgroundIn the phase III MDS-005 study of patients with lower-risk, non-del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes, lenalidomide was associated with a higher rate of ≥ 8 weeks red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) compared with placebo, but also with a higher risk of hematologic adverse events (AEs).Patients and MethodsThis analysis evaluated the ratio of clinical benefit-risk in patients treated with lenalidomide or placebo, and assessed the effect of lenalidomide dose reductions on response. Clinical benefit was a composite endpoint defined as RBC-TI, transfusion reduction ≥ 4 units packed red blood cells, hemoglobin increase ≥ 1.5 g/dL, or cytogenetic response.ResultsThe rate of clinical benefit was higher with lenalidomide than with placebo (31.9% vs. 3.8%). The ratio of response (RBC-TI and clinical benefit) to risk (hematologic AEs) favored lenalidomide over placebo. Patients who underwent ≥ 1 lenalidomide dose reduction had a longer duration of treatment, received a higher cumulative dose, and were more likely to experience clinical benefit versus patients without dose reductions.ConclusionDespite the occurrence of hematologic AEs, the overall benefit-risk profile supported lenalidomide treatment. Appropriate management of hematologic AEs by dose reductions may help patients with myelodysplastic syndromes to remain on treatment and achieve clinical benefit.     

Standardized Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Patterning: High Reliability and Accuracy in Groups Ranging from Lean to Obese

A recently standardized ultrasound technique for measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was applied to normal-weight, overweight and obese persons. Eight measurement sites were used: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, erector spinae, distal triceps, brachioradialis, lateral thigh, front thigh and medial calf. Fat compression was avoided. Fat patterning in 38 participants (body mass index: 18.6–40.3 kgm^?2; SAT thickness sums from eight sites: 12–245 mm) was evaluated using a software specifically designed for semi-automatic multiple thickness measurements in SAT (sound speed: 1450 m/s) that also quantifies embedded fibrous structures. With respect to ultrasound intra-observer results, the correlation coefficient ρ = 0.999 (p < 0.01), standard error of the estimate = 1.1 mm and 95% of measurements were within ±2.2 mm. For the normal-weight subgroup, the median measurement deviation was 0.43 mm (1.1% of mean thickness), and for the obese/overweight subgroup it was 0.89 mm (0.5%). The eight sites used here are suggested to represent inter-individual differences in SAT patterning. High measurement accuracy and reliability can be obtained in all groups, from lean to overweight and obese, provided that measurers are trained appropriately.     

Kläranlagen und Kanalnetz in der Stadt Dresden

In the context of the project ANTI-Resist, subsidized by BMBF, samples have been taken and analyzed in the sewer network of Dresden and in the central sewage treatment plant. For a better comprehension of the other articles in this journal, the present article describes structure and function of Dresden’s wastewater system. Dresden’s sewer system has been laid out as a combined system principally. Thereby wastewater and rainwater run together to the sewage treatment plant. For technological reasons, not all the combined water that accrues at rainfalls can be passed through the sewage treatment plant. To keep the water pollution as low as possible, discharges of combined water into the waters are minimized by a sophisticated run-off management. In addition to the central sewage treatment plant Dresden-Kaditz, the city of Dresden has three smaller sewage treatment plants. All these plants are mechanical-biological plants with elimination of nitrogen and phosphorous, using the activated sludge process.