Apolipoprotein E phenotypes, serum lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in angiographically assessed coronary heart disease.

To determine the influence of the apolipoprotein E polymorphism on the occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins we studied 145 patients with angiographically defined CAD and compared them with 153 control subjects without history or complaints of vascular disease and with 35 subjects without significant stenosis on coronary arteriography. Subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and endocrine or metabolic disorders were excluded. Covariance analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed with adjustment for age, sex, smoking habits and relative body weight.

The influence of NSAIDs on experimental intestinal anastomoses.

Limiting degradation of collagen during the initial phase of wound healing is expected to improve postoperative intestinal strength and thereby decrease chances for anastomotic dehiscence. We studied the influence of four nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs on the healing of intestinal anastomoses in rats, with special regard to changes of collagen levels around the anastomoses. Four experimental groups of 20 rats each received daily oral doses of piroxicam, ibuprofen, aspirin, or indomethacin and were compared with a control group.

Oral comfort in shortened dental arches.

In this study, the oral comfort was compared between subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 74), subjects with SDA and free-end removable partial dentures (SDA + RPD, n = 25) and subjects with complete dental arches (CDA, n = 72). Oral comfort was measured by (i) absence of pain or distress; (ii) chewing ability; (iii) appreciation of the appearance of the dentition. Additionally, the history of free-end RPD over a period of nearly 7 years was taken into consideration.

The effect of removable partial dentures on the oral function in shortened dental arches.

In this study the effect of free-end removable partial dentures (RPD) on oral function was investigated by comparing subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 55) and a group of subjects with SDA and RPD (n = 25). In addition, a group of subjects were selected who had worn an RPD in the past (n = 19). All subjects had a remaining natural dentition consisting of an intact front region and three to five occlusal units (OU) in the posterior area.

Piroxicam affects collagen changes around experimental intestinal anastomoses.

The effects of piroxicam on postoperative changes of collagen--measured as hydroxyproline--concentrations were measured around intestinal anastomoses in rats. Piroxicam, in a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, significantly reduced the decrease of hydroxyproline concentrations around colonic anastomoses during the first 3 days after the operation but also reduced the increase of hydroxyproline concentrations observed at day 7 around ileal anastomoses in the control group. 10 mg piroxicam/kg/day resulted in a 100% lethal peritonitis after the 5th postoperative day.