In vitro and in vivo degradation profile of aliphatic polyesters subjected to electron beam sterilization.

Degradation characteristics in response to electron beam sterilization of designed and biodegradable aliphatic polyester scaffolds are relevant for clinically successful synthetic graft tissue regeneration. Scaffold degradation in vitro and in vivo were documented and correlated to the macroscopic structure and chemical design of the original polymer. The materials tested were of inherently diverse hydrophobicity and crystallinity: poly(L-lactide) (poly(LLA)) and random copolymers from L-lactide and ε-caprolactone or 1,5-dioxepan-2-one, fabricated into porous and non-porous scaffolds.

Effect of endothelial cells on bone regeneration using poly(L-lactide-co-1,5-dioxepan-2-one) scaffolds.

Our recent in vitro study demonstrated that endothelial cells (ECs) might influence the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe this effect in vivo, using a rat calvarial bone defect model. BMSCs were isolated from femurs of two-donor Lewis rats and expanded in α-minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum.

Oral infections and their influence on medical rehabilitation in kidney transplant patients.

Infections seem to be the most common life-threatening complication of long-term immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. Although sparse scientific evidence, potential oral infections are considered to contribute to these complications. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between oral infections and rejections after kidney transplantation.

Short-term clinical and microbiologic effects of pocket debridement with an Er:YAG laser during periodontal maintenance.

Background: The erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser is considered a useful tool for subgingival debridement because the laser treatment creates minimal damage to the root surface and has potential antimicrobial effects. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate clinical and microbiologic effects of pocket debridement using an Er:YAG laser in patients during periodontal maintenance.

Methods: Twenty patients at a recall visit for maintenance were consecutively recruited if presenting at least four teeth with residual probing depth (PD) > or = 5 mm.

[Bioavailability of 17 beta-estradiol after transdermal administration--dependence on the patch system].

The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of serum estradiol concentrations after application of two different transdermal estradiol delivery systems. Ten postmenopausal women (E2 < or = 30 pg/ml; follicle-stimulating hormone > or = 30 mIE/ml) were prospectively randomized to a crossover treatment protocol separated by a 7-day wash out period. The absorption of estradiol was measured after application of a patch either containing 4.