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Biomedical subjects

J Kost

Publications and source records attributed to J Kost.

45 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Occlusal adjustment by photocclusion.

The use of photocclusion to evaluate the results of occlusal adjustment before, during, and after treatment is described. The authors recommend the use of photocclusion to aid in evaluating occlusal adjustment performed with articulating paper.

Adolescent↗

Glucose-sensitive membranes containing glucose oxidase: activity, swelling, and permeability studies.

The development of membranes that swell in response to glucose is reported. The membranes may prove to be useful in glucose monitoring or glucose-dependent insulin delivery. The polymers were synthesized by the radiation-induced polymerization of frozen solutions containing hydroxyethylmethacrylate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol, water, and glucose oxidase. The polymers were hydrogels, with water contents in the range of 60-90%, depending on the pH or glucose concentration. Changes in swelling and permeability of the hydrogel were caused by exposure to glucose solutions. The gluconic acid formed by the glucose oxidase catalyzed oxidation of glucose in the membrane lowered the pH of the system and thus caused the changes in the membrane. The retention of enzyme activity by the membranes in vitro and in vivo is also reported. The large differences in properties among membranes made with different chemical formulations suggest that glucose-sensitive membranes with performance characteristics needed for an artificial pancreas may be an achievable goal.

Acrylates↗

Low-frequency sonophoresis: a noninvasive method of drug delivery and diagnostics.

Transdermal drug delivery offers an attractive alternative to injections and oral medications. However, applications of transdermal drug delivery are limited to only a few drugs as a result of low skin permeability. Application of low-frequency ultrasound enhances skin permeability, a phenomenon referred to as low-frequency sonophoresis. In this method, a short application of ultrasound is used to permeabilize skin for a prolonged period of time. During this period, ultrasonically permeabilized skin may be utilized for drug delivery. In addition, a sample of interstitial fluid or its components may be extracted through permeabilized skin for diagnostic applications. In this paper, we report our in vivo studies that demonstrate the principles of both of these concepts. Detailed studies on drug delivery are performed using inulin and mannitol as model drugs. Studies on diagnostics are performed using glucose as a model analyte. Applications of this technology to drug delivery and diagnostics are discussed.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

In vitro analysis of bromine chemical burns with use of full-thickness human skin.

Parameters of bromine injury were studied in vitro with the use of full-thickness human skin (HS) specimens--discards from various surgical procedures. The morphology of in vitro-treated HS resembled that of in vivo-injured skin. The damage was pronounced in the epidermis (destruction of the stratum corneum, and extensive vacuolation of keratinocytes) and the dermis (collagen coagulation), depending on the bromine concentration, exposure time, and application method. A decreased viability of epidermal cells, assayed by dye exclusion, was observed as well. Permeation parameters of bromine via abdominal HS were determined by quantitating bromine concentration in the donor and receiving compartments. The amount of bromine that permeated HS was inversely related to the concentration gradient applied. This in vitro study suggests that prompt treatment and early medical intervention may be required for successful healing of both severe and mild cases of bromine injuries.

Bromine↗

A role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the control of corneal neovascularization.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) has been implicated in both the stimulation of angiogenesis in vivo and in the inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro systems. In this study we present evidence showing that under certain experimental conditions TGF-beta 1 may inhibit neovascularization in vivo. TGF-beta 1 was incorporated into ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax 40) matrixes which provide a valuable vehicle for the controlled and sustained delivery of bioactive peptides. The biological effectiveness of TGF-beta 1 sequestered in polymer matrices was assessed by measuring the inhibition of [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of cultured mink lung epithelial cells. Neovascularization was induced in both corneas of albino rabbits by one deep-seated limbal silk suture. Elvax 40 matrixes loaded with TGF-beta 1 (release rate, 1.66 ng/24 h) were implanted in rabbit corneal stroma. "Empty" polymers in the contralateral eye served as controls. Aliquots of aqueous fluid were withdrawn, and the presence activity of phagocytic cells was assessed by the production of superoxide anion (O2) which was measured by the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome C. Polymer-enclosed TGF-beta 1 implanted in rabbit corneas significantly suppressed angiogenesis (2.65 +/- 0.4 mm compared to 3.05 +/- 0.3 mm in contralateral controls p < 0.05). Superoxide production in 100 microliters aliquots of aqueous fluid was 0.95 +/- 0.18 and 0.6 +/- 0.18 nmol O2/10 min in control eyes and in the eyes bearing sequestered TGF-beta 1, respectively (p < 0.02). These results indicate that under the experimental conditions selected in this study, TGF-beta 1 significantly suppressed in vivo angiogenesis.

Animals↗