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Biomedical subjects

G Nagy

Publications and source records attributed to G Nagy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Effect of chlorhexidine varnish on bacterial levels in plaque and saliva during orthodontic treatment.

The plaque-retentive effects of fixed orthodontic appliances may induce a rapid increase in the amount of plaque. The aim of the present study was to conduct a longitudinal clinical investigation on the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine-containing Cervitec varnish during orthodontic treatment. Twenty-four subjects (9 male, 15 female), aged 16.5 +/- 2.5 years, participated in the study. At baseline, the subjects' DMF-S scores, stimulated salivary flow rates (ml/min) and levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) were determined using Dentocult SM strip and Dentocult LB methods. After placing the orthodontic appliances, the subjects were treated with Cervitec or a placebo varnish around the bands and brackets. The chlorhexidine varnish was applied randomly in the first or second quadrant, and placebo varnish in the opposite quadrant, according to the split-mouth technique. The varnish application was repeated every 3 months to the same sites. Follow-up samples of saliva and plaque from around brackets and bands were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Plaque SM and salivary SM, as well as LB counts were determined as at baseline. The results showed that a significantly higher proportion of plaque samples belonged to the low-risk category (SM count10(5) CFU/ml) on the test side than on the placebo side. Distribution of salivary samples between the low-risk and high-risk categories (based on SM and LB counts) did not change significantly until the end of the follow-up period. The number of new carious lesions after debonding the fixed orthodontic appliance was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the Cervitec-treated quadrant compared to the placebo varnish-treated quadrant. The results show that the chlorhexidine-containing varnish effectively reduced the number of SM in dental plaque around fixed orthodontic appliances.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of an antibiotic combination on the propagation of Borrelia burgdorferi, causative agent of Lyme disease].

The effects of combined antibiotics (pefloxacin-doxycycline and pefloxacin-ceftriaxone) were tested on the most prevalent European Lyme spirochete species, Borrelia garinii by checkerboard dilution. The influence was judged both microscopically and by the measurement of the pH of the culture medium on the 5th day after inoculation. Borreliae propagated quite well at the concentration of 4 mg/l pefloxacin but the motility and the metabolism of the spirochete injured. Neither synergetic nor additive effect of the combination could be registered. Surprisingly, the pefloxacin at a concentration less than 4 mg/l activated both the propagation and the metabolism of borreliae, showing a clear antagonistic effect with doxycycline and ceftriaxone. Unless well-controlled animal model will prove the contrary, quinolones neither alone nor in combination should be used in Lyme borreliosis.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1999

Effect of fluconazole on the growth and adhesion of Candida albicans in the presence of antineoplastic agents.

The effect of fluconazole and the antineoplastic agents etoposide and methotrexate on the growth and adhesion of Candida albicans were studied. All the tested chemicals inhibited the growth and the adhesion of the yeast to buccal epithelial cells, while fluconazole and etoposide inhibited the adhesion to acrylate surface as well. Our experiments also demonstrated that etoposide and methotrexate interfered with the inhibitory effect of fluconazole on both the growth and cell adhesion. While etoposide strengthened the inhibitory effect of fluconazole, in the presence of methotrexate fluconazole showed lower inhibition on both the growth and adhesion.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1999

A molecular recognition hypothesis for nonpeptides: Na+ K+ ATPase and endogenous digitalis-like peptides.

The molecular recognition hypothesis for peptides is that binding sites of ligands and their receptors are encoded by short, complementary segments of DNA. A corollary hypothesis for nonpeptide ligands posited here is that peptide replicas may be encoded by the DNA segment complementary to the receptor binding sites for nonpeptides. This corollary was tested for digitalis. a family of cardiotonic and natriuretic steroids including ouabain. A hexapeptide (ouabain-like peptide, OLP) complementary to a ouabain binding site on sodium potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ K+ ATPase) exhibited activity in a digitalis bioassay. Antisera to the complementary peptide (OLP) stained the neurohypophysis in an immunocytochemical procedure. The complementary peptide was found to share an identical 4-amino acid region with the 39-amino acid glycopeptide moiety of the vasopressin-neurophysin precursor. This glycopeptide was isolated from pituitary extracts; it exhibited digitalis-like activity in the submicromolar range and cross-reacted with complementary peptide antibodies. Another digitalis-like substance with high activity also was detected in the extracts. These results demonstrate that the vasopressin-neurophysin glycopeptide has digitalis-like activity. Moreover, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that peptide mimetics of nonpeptides are encoded in the genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Immunocytochemical localisation of neuropeptide-containing nerve fibres in human labial glands.

Different neuropeptide-containing nerve fibers (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, neuropeptide Y) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) positive nerve fibers were investigated to clarify their role in the function of human labial glands using immunohisto- and immunocytochemical techniques. The distribution pattern of all immunoreactive nerve fibers was similar both in the control and in the Sjögren's syndrome specimens. A large number of thin varicose vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and NOS positive nerve fibers were seen around or in close contact with the acini. Some of the immunoreactive nerve fibers were associated with the salivary ducts and blood vessels. Substance P and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive nerve fibers were located mainly around the blood vessels. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that some of the positive nerve fibers were in direct contact with the acini, blood vessels and with the lymphocytes. The gap between the membranes of immunoreactive nerve terminals and the target cells was 40 to 200 nm. The number of the nerve terminals in Sjögren's syndrome specimens was decreased and some degenerated axons were also found. These results suggest that these neuropeptides and nitric oxide might act as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of secretion and blood flow in the labial glands. These fibers might also alter the neuroimmunological processes, because the investigated neuropeptides are known to be immunoregulators.

Axons↗
PubMed1999

Comparative investigation on the effect of T-2 mycotoxin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in different poultry species.

The effect of low dose T-2 toxin was investigated in chicken, duck and goose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of T-2 toxin on the lipid peroxidation and on the activity of glutathione redox system (amount of reduced and oxidised glutathione and the activity of glutathione peroxidase) in blood and liver. The treatment lasted days and two samples were taken, first at the time of lowest feed intake and second when the intake was the same as the control. It was found, that lipid per oxidation as detected by the amount of malondialdehyde increased in all of the species and tissues but the changes varied by species. The most sensitive species was goose followed by duck and chicken, and the most sensitive tissue was the liver followed by blood plasma and red blood cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

ATP2A2 mutations in Darier's disease: variant cutaneous phenotypes are associated with missense mutations, but neuropsychiatric features are independent of mutation class.

Darier's disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized clinically by multiple keratotic papules, and histologically by focal loss of adhesion between epidermal cells (acantholysis) and by abnormal keratinization. Variant forms of cutaneous phenotype, sometimes familial, have been described. Associated neuropsychiatric features, including mental handicap, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and epilepsy, have also been reported. The cause of DD was shown recently to be mutation in the ATP2A2 gene at 12q24.1, which encodes the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase type 2 (SERCA2). Here, we show that while both common isoforms of SERCA2 are expressed in the cytoplasm of cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts, in adult skin sections only the longer isoform, SERCA2b, was expressed abundantly in epidermal structures. Extended mutation analysis in European DD patients using single-strand conformation polymorphism and/or direct sequencing identified 40 different patient-specific mutations in 47 families. The majority (23/40) were likely to result in nonsense-mediated RNA decay. The remaining 17 were missense mutations distributed throughout the protein and were associated significantly with atypical clinical features. The clearest association was with the familial haemorrhagic variant where all four families tested had a missense mutation. Three of the families (one Scottish family and two unrelated Italian families) exhibited the same N767S substitution in the M5 transmembrane domain, and a fourth family, from Sweden, had a C268F substitution in the M3 transmembrane domain. Neuropsychiatric features did not appear to be associated with a specific class of mutation and may be an intrinsic, but inconsistent, effect of defective ATP2A2 expression.

Calcium-Transporting ATPases↗
PubMed1999

Eating disorders and depression in Hungarian women with menstrual disorders and infertility.

Menstrual disorders are among the most frequent somatic complications and symptoms of eating disorders. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of eating disorders connected to menstrual disorders of a non-organic origin in women at two gynecological out-patient departments. We performed a survey via questionnaires (ANIS: Anorexia Nervosa Inventory Scale; BCDS: Bulimic Cognitive Distortions Scale; BITE: Bulimia Investigation Test, Edinburgh; EDI: Eating Disorders Inventory; BDI: Beck Depression Inventory). Among 75 women tested we found a prevalence figure of 4% for anorexia nervosa (AN) and 12% for bulimia nervosa (BN). The total prevalence of clinical and subclinical eating disorders syndromes was 44%. The prevalence of depression was 64% for all respondents, whilst severe depression accounted for 11%. This study demonstrates the (relatively) higher frequency of bulimia nervosa in Hungary, compared with other countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Molecular basis of bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase induction in spontaneously diabetic rats, acetone-treated rats and starved rats.

The co-ordinated induction of several hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes is a common feature in the regulation of drug biotransformation under normal and pathological conditions. In the present study the activity and expression of bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) were investigated in livers of BioBreeding/Worcester diabetic, fasted and acetone-treated rats. Bilirubin glucuronidation was stimulated by all three treatments; this was correlated with an increase in the UGT1A1 protein concentration in hepatic microsomes. Transcriptional induction of UGT1A1 was also observed in diabetes and starvation but not with acetone treatment, which apparently caused translational stabilization of the enzyme protein. The hormonal/metabolic alterations in diabetes and starvation might be a model for postnatal development. The sudden interruption of maternal glucose supply signals the enhanced expression of UGT1A1, giving a novel explanation for the physiological induction of bilirubin glucuronidation in newborn infants.

Acetone↗
PubMed1998

[Measurement of velocity waveforms in the median cerebral artery in cases of ventriculomegaly in mature fetuses].

The authors give account of three pregnancies, where fetal ventriculomegaly was diagnosed. Their examinations were aimed to prove connection between the figures of velocity waveforms of cerebral arteries and the prognosis of ventriculomegaly. The study based on the results of the published cephalic neonatal and infant ultrasound examinations which consider the method useful. The authors consider on the basis of their examinations, that the measurement of the velocity of the fetal cerebral arteries is useful and maybe has prognostic values. Considering the low number of examined patients further investigations are necessary to statistically analyse the results.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1998

Calcium current activated by potassium ions in voltage-clamped rat hippocampal pyramidal neurones.

1. Neuronal activity results in local elevation of extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). 2. Using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration, we investigated whether extracellular K+ activates non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in pyramidal cells cultured from rat embryonic hippocampi. 3. K+ (12 mM) reversibly activated a sustained inward current at a holding potential of -100 mV. Membrane conductance and variance of noise were significantly increased by K+. This current could be observed at membrane potentials negative to +60 mV. 4. Inhibitors of inward rectifier K+ channels and hyperpolarization-induced cation current reduced the current only at potentials negative to -50 mV. 5. The K+-induced current was activated in Na+-free but not in Ca2+-free medium, did not depend on cytosolic [Cl-], and was blocked by Cd2+ but not by organic channel inhibitors. 6. Half-maximal activation of the current (at -100 mV) was attained at [K+]o approximately 20 mM. 7. The current is similar to Igl, a K+-induced Ca2+ current described in glomerulosa cells. It was also present in pyramidal cells from prefrontal cortex but not in hippocampal bipolar and glial cells. 8. Activation of K+-induced Ca2+ current may elevate cytoplasmic [Ca2+] at [K+]o levels which are insufficent to activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed1998

[Prevalence of menstrual and eating disorders among infertile women].

Menstrual disorders are among the most frequent somatic complications and symptoms of eating disorders. Since 1972 amenorrhea has been registered among the diagnostic criteria of anorexia nervosa (AN). Although such a criterion is not essential for establishing a case of bulimia nervosa (BN), international research has, on several occasions, described menstruational disorders (in 95% of the cases) and amenorrhea (in 20% of the cases). This study was designed to assess the prevalence of eating disorders connected to menstruational disturbances having no organic causes. Our method was the following: the test was carried out via questionnaires (ANIS, BCDS, BITE, EDI, BDI) completed by patients of endocrine surgery of two gynecological out-patient wards. We have found the following (n = 75) prevalence figures: AN: 4%, BN: 12% while the total prevalence of clinical and subclinical eating disorder syndromes was at 44%. Our findings, are in line with other international findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Refined genetic mapping of the darier locus to a <1-cM region of chromosome 12q24.1, and construction of a complete, high-resolution P1 artificial chromosome/bacterial artificial chromosome contig of the critical region.

Darier disease (DD) (MIM 124200) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized by loss of adhesion between epidermal cells and by abnormal keratinization. We present linkage analysis showing, in four families, key recombination events that refine the location of the DD locus on chromosome 12q23-24.1 to a region of <1 cM. We have constructed a YAC/P1 artificial chromosome (PAC)/bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based physical map that encompasses this refined DD region. The map consists of 35 YAC, 69 PAC, 16 BAC, and 2 cosmid clones that were ordered by mapping 54 anonymous sequence-tagged sites. The critical region is estimated to be 2.4 Mb in size, with an average marker resolution of 37.5 kb. The refinement of the critical interval excludes the ALDH2, RPL6, PTPN11, and OAS genes, as well as seven expressed sequence tags (ESTs) previously mapped in the DD region. The three known genes (ATP2A2, PPP1CC, and SCA2) and the 10 ESTs mapped within the critical region are not obvious candidates for the DD gene. Therefore, this detailed integrated physical, genetic, and partial transcript map provides an important resource for the isolation of the DD gene and, possibly, other disease genes.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1998

[Relationship between dental status and salivary microbiology in adolescents].

The authors studied caries prevalence in connection with salivary caries related findings, in 349, 14-16 years old Hungarian adolescents, living in two different cities. DMF.T, DMF-S means, stimulated salivary flow, buffer capacity, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Candida albicans counts in saliva were determined. The ratio of cariesfrre adolescents was 4.6% in the total population sample, DMF-T mean values were 7.24 +/- 4.86, DMF-S means 10.50 +/- 8.35. Mean secretion rate of stimulated saliva was 0.84 +/- 0.50, a low buffer capacity was found in 6.3% of the examined children. Ratio of carriers of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva was 89.7%, 73.9% and 47.7% respectively. DMF-T and DMF-S values, as well as S. mutans counts were lower in the capital than in the other city. Statistically significant correlations were found between DMF-S, DMF mean values and salivary microbiological counts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Study of the cost-effectiveness of sequential antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) therapy].

A multicenter, prospective, randomized study was performed to compare the cost-effectiveness of parenteral antibiotic versus parenteral antibiotic + oral ciprofloxacin sequential therapy in the treatment of moderate and severe infections in hospitalized patients. After deciding on inclusion (n = 298), the patients were randomly allocated in group "A" (evaluable 120 cases) receiving only parenteral antibiotics, or in group "B" receiving parenteral antibiotic + oral ciprofloxacin from the 3.-5. day of therapy on. The local physician decided on the starting parenteral therapy and the necessity of other therapeutic interventions, and in case of group "B" patients on the possibility of switching parenteral to oral therapy. The overall cure rate was 68% in group "A" and 82% in group "B" (improved 33 and 21, failure 5 and 1 cases resp.). Of the direct costs in patients, care, the costs of antibiotic treatments based on purchase prices was compared: the cost of antibiotic treatment in group "B" was 32% less than in group "A", and the sequential therapy saved 9000 Ft/patient in average. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent that can also be used in sequential therapy and the oral administration resulted in a significant save of money with the same therapeutic effectiveness.

Adult↗