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PubMed1983

Maintenance nitrogen requirement of the turkey breeder hen with an estimate of associated essential amino acid needs.

Nonproducing, small-type breeder hens in excess of 65 weeks of age were used to represent the maintenance state. All birds had been in laying cages since 30 weeks and accustomed to 16 hr of 70 lx lighting at 16 C. Nitrogen (N) balance was performed in metabolism cages under the same conditions. Ad libitum intake of a common breeder ration led to an intake of ca. 47 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg body weight (BW)/day, which was considered to represent the maintenace energy requirement. Nitrogen retained while consuming this feed averaged 172 mg/kg BW/day. Force-feeding a N-free diet to satisfy the maintenance energy requirement resulted in an 85 mg N/kg BW/day endogenous loss. Total maintenance nitrogen requirement was considered to approximate 257 mg/kg BW/day. Nitrogen retention after force-feeding corn-soybean meal rations having a progressive protein content indicated that the associated amino acids were more efficient in satisfying the endogenous than the total N requirement. A model that estimated maintenance amino acid requirements was assembled by combining the relative concentrations found in muscle and feathers to represent endogenous and retained N, respectively. For the most part, model values agreed with published results for the rooster; however, verification in balance studies was less than successful and believed to be attributable to hen variation in feather cover and protein reserves.

Amino Acids, Essential↗
PubMed1984

Utilization of energy for maintenance and gain in broilers and Leghorns at two ages.

Regression equations describing the relationship between energy gain and metabolizable energy intake per unit metabolic weight were derived for 8- to 22-day-old and 28- to 42-day-old broilers and 14- to 28-day-old and 28- to 42-day-old Leghorns. The estimated maintenance energy requirements were lower in the 28- to 42-day-old birds than in the younger birds, but the decreases were small. Maintenance energy requirements of Leghorns were 36% less than those of broilers. Age had no effect on the efficiency of energy utilization above maintenance in broilers. However, the efficiency of energy utilization above maintenance in Leghorns was 43% lower in the older birds. This was correlated with a lower percentage fat gain in the older Leghorns. The percentage fat gain in broilers was substantially higher in the older birds, but this was not correlated with changes in energetic efficiency.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Telomere length maintenance in aging and carcinogenesis.

Normal somatic cells have a finite number of divisions, a limited capacity to proliferate. Human telomeres, the long DNA TTAGGG repeats at the ends of chromosomes, are considered a molecular clock marker. The gradual and progressive telomere shortening at each replicative cycle is associated, through the activation of pRB and p53 pathways and genomic instability, to the replicative senescence, a non-dividing state and widespread cell death. Activation of telomere maintenance [telomerase; or alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanisms (ALT), or other adaptive responses] can revert this program. Although not completely known, several mechanisms and modulating agents may be able to up and down-regulate telomere length and its maintenance. Chemopreventive therapies for the up-regulation of telomerase activity, able to prolong the life of cell cultures in a phenotypically youthful state, could have important applications in research and medicine. On the contrary the therapeutic down-regulation of telomerase activity may be used in cancer therapy. Telomerase expression per se is not oncogenic, but telomere shortening and maintenance seem to be crucial events in tumor formation. Thus a particular focus has been pointed out relatively to the immortalization of normal or potential pre-cancerous cells. With the extension of life span the probability to get in contact with carcinogens increases, genetic instability, oncogene activation and/or onco-suppressor gene inactivation (i.e. p53, pRB, ras): the cancer transformation can be then induced in predisposed cells, depending on their genetic context, by the activation of telomere maintenance. Pharmacological intervention may be able to modulate the rate of living, by increasing life span of few specific target cells, or decreasing it in proliferating . Because of the unknown state of the enormous cell number of the human organism, is it safe to extend the human life span by therapeutic agents?

Aging↗
PubMed2004

Retreatment and maintenance therapy with infliximab in fistulizing Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Infliximab has clearly demonstrated its efficacy in the short-term treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease. We present here the results of retreatment and long-term maintenance therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty one consecutive patients with active fistulizing Crohn's disease, in whom previous treatments had failed, were treated with infliximab. All patients received as the initial treatment of 5 mg/kg i.v. infusions (weeks 0, 2, and 6). Those patients who failed to respond after the initial cycle (group 1, n = 25), or those who relapsed after having responded (group 2, n = 13), received retreatment with three similar doses (weeks 0,2, and 6). Those who responded to retreatment were included in a long-term maintenance programme (n = 44), with repeated doses (5 mg/kg i.v. infusions) every eight weeks for 1-2 years. RESULTS: In the initial treatment 56% of the patients responded partially; this response being complete in 44%. In the retreatment, 28% of group 1 (non-responders) presented a complete response, compared to 77% in group 2 (relapsers) (p < 0.0001). In the maintenance treatment, the global response was 88% (39/44). The mean number of doses per patient was 4.4 +/- 2 (range 1-9) with a duration of 36 +/- 12 weeks (range 8-72). Adverse effects were not significantly increased in either treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both retreatment and long-term maintenance therapy with infliximab, are highly effective and well tolerated in fistulizing Crohn's disease patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Disseminated M. avium complex infection in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: declining incidence, improved prognosis and discontinuation of maintenance therapy.

BACKGROUND: Introduction of potent antiretroviral combination therapy (ART) has reduced overall morbidity and mortality amongst HIV-infected adults. Some prophylactic regimes against opportunistic infections can be discontinued in patients under successful ART. QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: (1) The influence of the availability of ART on incidence and mortality of disseminated M. avium Complex infection (MAC). (2) The safety of discontinuation of maintenance therapy against MAC in patients on ART. SETTING: The Swiss HIV-Cohort Study, a prospective multicentre study of HIV-infected adults. METHODS: Patients with a nadir CD4 count below 50 cells/mm3 were considered at risk for MAC and contributed to total follow-up time for calculating the incidence. Survival analysis was performed by using Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. Safety of discontinuation of maintenance therapy was evaluated by review of the medical notes. RESULTS: 398 patients were diagnosed with MAC from 1990 to 1999. 350 had a previous CD4 count below 50 cells/mm3. A total of 3208 patients had a nadir CD4 count of less than 50 cells/mm3 during the study period and contributed to a total follow-up of 6004 person-years. The incidence over the whole study period was 5.8 events per 100 person-years. In the time period of available ART the incidence of MAC was significantly reduced (1.4 versus 8.8 events per 100 person-years, p < 0.001). Being diagnosed after 1995 was the most powerful predictor of better survival (adjusted hazard ratio for death: 0.27; p < 0.001). None of 24 patients discontinuing maintenance therapy while on ART experienced recurrence of MAC during a total follow-up of 56.6 person-years (upper 95% confidence limit 5.3 per 100 person-years). CONCLUSION: Introducing ART has markedly reduced the risk of MAC for HIV-infected individuals with a history of very low CD4 counts. Survival after diagnosis of MAC has improved after ART became available. In patients responding to ART, discontinuation of maintenance therapy against M. avium may be safe.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2002

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is required for the expression but not for the induction or the maintenance of long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region.

Several signal transduction pathways have been implicated in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), yet the signal transduction mechanisms behind the maintenance-expression phase of LTP are still poorly understood. We investigated the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) in LTP at Schaffer collateral/commissural fiber-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices using biochemical approaches and extracellular electrophysiological recordings. We observed that PI3-kinase activity was induced in the CA1 region during LTP of field EPSPs (fEPSPs) and that two structurally unrelated PI3-kinase inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin, abated established LTP, suggesting that PI3-kinase is involved in the maintenance-expression phase of LTP. However, LTP recovered after washout of the reversible PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002, confirming that LTP maintenance and expression are distinct events and indicating that PI3-kinase activity is required for LTP expression rather than for its maintenance. Interestingly, preincubation with LY294002 did not prevent LTP induction. In fact, if LY294002 was withdrawn 5 min after high-frequency stimulation, an LTP of fEPSP was seen. Last, a voltage-dependent calcium channel-dependent form of LTP in the CA1 could also be reversibly abated by LY294002, raising the possibility that PI3-kinase could be required for the expression of multiple forms of synaptic potentiation.

Androstadienes↗
PubMed1999

[Effects of hemodialysis membrane on serum lipid profile of maintenance hemodialysis patients].

Atherosclerosis and lipid abnormalities are still insuperable complications for maintenance hemodialysis patients. We observed the serum lipid profile of 27 maintenance hemodialysis patients (M : F; 20 : 7, age; 54.9 +/- 6.2 y. o., hemodialysis duration; 10.8 +/- 4.9 years, body weight; 53.6 +/- 4.4 kg) using a low flux cellulose membrane, cellulose (1.5 m2), a vitamin-E-modified dialysis membrane, CL-15E (CL- 15E 1.5 m2, Terumo), and polysulfon, PS (PS-1.3UW 1.3 m2, Fresenius) dialysers. Each membrane dialyzer was used for 3 months. The blood flow rate was 200 ml/min, and hemodialysis time, 4 hours. When the dialyzers were replaced, fasting blood was collected at the beginning of hemodialysis and serum lipid parameters were measured. Seven additional maintenance hemodialysis patients were selected and TC, TG, HDL-C were measured as controls, because their dialyzers (low flux cellulose 1.5 m2) and hemodialysis conditions were not changed during the study. TC was decreased by PS and there were significant differences between cellulose and PS, and between CL-15E and PS. However, these changes were conducted within the normal range of TC. TG was not significantly changed during the study. HDL-C was decreased by CL-15E and PS as well as TC. There were significant differences in HDL-C between cellulose and CL-15E, and between cellulose and PS. Apo B, Apo B/A-I were decreased by PS and there were significant differences between cellulose and PS, respectively, LP(a) was not changed during the study. RLP-C (Cellulose vs. PS, CL-15E vs. PS), VLDL-C (Cellulose vs PS), and LDL-C (cellulose vs. PS, CL-15E vs. PS) were significantly decreased between membranes, respectively. Although the precise mechanism is yet unknown, the uptake of LDL and remnant into receptors of the liver might be improved by PS hemodialysis. In conclusion, these data suggest that PS decreased the serum levels of the lipid profile in maintenance hemodialysis patients and may be effective in improving their lipid abnormality.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[The usefulness of echocardiography in prospective heart function evaluation in children on maintenance haemodialysis].

Echocardiography evaluation of heart systolic and diastolic function is applied in monitoring of cardiovascular changes in end-stage renal disease children on maintenance haemodialysis. The aim of the study was the comparison of cardiac cavities diameters and heart walls thickness changes, as well as, indices of left ventricle (LV) function in 12 end-stage renal disease children before and after haemodialysis session, before (initial examination) and after half-year duration of maintenance haemodialysis treatment (control examination). In 5 dialysed children the comparison of above-mentioned parameters was done after 3 years of maintenance haemodialysis duration. In both examinations significant increase of relative wall thickness (RWT) of LV without the features of asymmetric hypertrophy and decrease of left atrium transverse diameter after haemodialysis session was noted. There was no progression of LV hypertrophy during the six months and three years of treatment. After 3 years of maintenance haemodialysis duration significant decrease of LV mass index was revealed in examined children. There was no significant change of cardiac cavity diameters and indices of LV function during the time of observation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Strategies and tactics in the management of maintenance treatment for depressed patients.

This article focuses on the strategies and tactics in the clinical management of maintenance treatment for depressed patients. The phases of treatment, indications for maintenance treatment, steps necessary to prepare patients for maintenance treatment (e.g., attaining optimal symptomatic control, providing knowledge, and developing a constructive attitude toward chronic disease management), teaching patients to measure symptoms during treatment, and clinical tips for managing symptomatic "blips" and recurrences during maintenance treatment are discussed.

Antidepressive Agents↗
PubMed1999

Distributing knowledge maintenance for clinical decision-support systems: the "knowledge library" model.

The maintenance of knowledge-rich clinical decision-support systems is challenging, in particular in the complex setting of a large academic medical center. Distributing the maintenance tasks to the source of expertise can address scalability, accuracy and currency issues. It also helps to foster a more global sense of ownership among the system users. The knowledge maintenance model must provide processes and tools to deal with a wide range of stakeholders (resident and attending physicians, consulting specialists, other care providers, case managers, ancillary departments), with knowledge embedded in legacy departmental systems, and with the continuous evolution of the content and form of the knowledge base. We describe and illustrate the "knowledge library" model in use at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the distributed maintenance of the integrated knowledge base that drives the WizOrder clinical decision-support, physician order entry, and notes capture system.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed2000

Does a health maintenance curriculum for pediatric residents improve performance?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and skills of residents in health maintenance and to measure the effectiveness of a new curriculum. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study of first- and second-year pediatric residents over 2 academic years (AY). Residents in AY 1995-1996 (n = 32) comprised a control group. Residents in AY 1996-1997 (n = 36) served as a study group who completed a structured 12-week program of reading materials, small group discussions, and case scenarios. METHODS: A needs assessment identified 7 topic areas in health maintenance: health screening, immunizations, nutrition, development, behavior, injury prevention, and dental health. Control and study residents' cognitive knowledge, chart documentation, and clinical performance were assessed using a 50-item multiple choice examination, medical records audit, and standardized patient evaluations. RESULTS: Mean examination scores, chart documentation, and clinical performance did not differ significantly between first- and second-year control residents. In the study group, mean examination scores of first-year residents were not significantly better than controls. Second-year residents significantly improved their knowledge about health screening, nutrition, and dental health compared with controls but showed no improvement in other areas. Medical record documentation increased significantly among study residents compared with control residents. Clinically, first-year residents significantly improved in the task of health screening (relative risk [RR] 6.33) and markedly improved (36.8% vs 66.7%) their injury prevention counseling compared with controls. Second-year residents showed significant increases in health screening (RR 6.09) and taking a nutritional history (RR 1. 44) compared with controls. Assessment of the curriculum by residents showed a high degree of satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric residents who had clinical experience and completed the curriculum demonstrated significant improvements in their medical record documentation and selective gains in knowledge and clinical performance of health maintenance compared with residents with clinical experience only. A structured curriculum in health maintenance and a multifaceted assessment system can identify and enhance the skills of pediatric residents.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Activity-dependent regulation of substance P expression and topographic map maintenance by a cholinergic pathway.

We have assessed the role of activity in the adult frog visual system in modulating two aspects of neuronal plasticity: neurotransmitter expression and topographic map maintenance. Chronic treatment of one tectal lobe with the non-NMDA receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione decreased the percentage of substance P-like immunoreactive (SP-IR) tectal cells in the untreated lobe while disrupting topographic map formation in the treated one. Treatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist d-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (d-AP-5) disrupted the topographic map but had no affect on SP-IR cells. These results indicate that maintenance of the topographic map is dependent on direct input from the glutamatergic retinal ganglion cells, whereas substance P (SP) expression is being regulated by a pathway that relays activity from one tectal lobe to the other. Such a pathway is provided by the cholinergic nucleus isthmi, which is reciprocally connected to the ipsilateral tectum and sends a projection to the contralateral one. Mecamylamine and atropine, antagonists of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, respectively, were used together to block all cholinergic activity or alone to block receptor subclass activity. All three treatments decreased SP expression and disrupted the topographic map in the treated tectal lobe. We conclude that both SP expression and topographic map maintenance in the adult optic tectum are activity-dependent processes. Although our results are consistent with the maintenance of the topographic map through an NMDA receptor-based mechanism, they suggest that SP expression is regulated by a cholinergic interaction that depends on retinal ganglion cell input only for its activation.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed2001

Immunotherapy (recombinant interleukin 2), hormone therapy (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and antioxidant agents as combined maintenance treatment of responders to previous chemotherapy.

An open, non-randomized phase II study was carried out including all patients treated with whatever chemotherapy or combined modality regimen for whatever cancer who were in clinical objective response or stable disease (SD) for more than three months, to receive maintenance treatment with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) plus antioxidant agents alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). The main study endpoints were clinical outcome and toxicity. The secondary endpoints were effects of treatment on cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS) symptoms, on serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-2, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin as well as the evaluation of quality of life (QL). rIL-2 was administered at a dose of 1.8 MIU subcutaneously three times/week on alternate days for the first two weeks of every month and MPA was given orally at a dose of 500 mg once a day at alternate days without interruption. ALA 300 mg/day orally and NAC 1800 mg/day orally were also administered. The treatment was administered until progression of disease or appearance of toxicity. From July 1998 to May 2000, 16 patients were enrolled in the study (M/F ratio: 15/1; mean age: 62 years, range 45-71). The median duration of maintenance treatment was 10 months (range 5-22). The response to maintenance treatment at September 2000 was: CR (persistent throughout the treatment) 4 patients (25%); SD 1 patient (6.2%); PD 11 patients (68.8%). The median duration of response was 9.8 months (range: 5-22+). The median follow-up duration was 19 months (range: 8-102). The median OS was not reached. The median PFS was 14 months (range 1-29). The 1-year survival rate was 25%. At September 2000, 9 patients are still surviving. No grade 3/4 toxicity was observed. One Grade 2 skin toxicity was observed and Grade 1: 2 fever, 2 thrombocytopenia, 1 neutropenia and 1 skin were observed. The ECOG PS did worsen significantly, the body weight and BMI increased significantly after treatment, whereas the appetite did not change significantly. The QL evaluation showed a significant amelioration of cognitive functions and a borderline significant amelioration of emotional functions after treatment, whereas a borderline worsening of dyspnea was observed. The absolute lymphocyte count increased significantly after the maintenance treatment, as well as the serum IL-2, TNFalpha decreased at borderline statistical significance; the serum levels of leptin did not change significantly. The evaluation of patient subgroups showed that responders/survivors had a pattern superimposable to that of whole patient population, the patients who rapidly progressed and died exhibited no significant changes of these parameters during treatment. The results of the present study suggest that the host immune response, evaluated by several parameters, after IL-2 administration, (e.g. lymphocytosis), are worth further study as potential markers for the major end points of cancer treatment, i.e. OS and QL, in an adequate number of patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

The maintenance of tolerance after successful immune tolerance induction in hemophilia A and B: the North American Registry. Factor VIII/IX Subcommittee of the International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

The North American Immune Tolerance Registry (NAITR) was initiated with the goal of determining, by questionnaire, immune tolerance (ITT) practices in hemophilia treatment centers in Canada and the United States. Sixty-eight centers (40%) responded. Of the 130 registry subjects with hemophilia A who completed ITT, 93 (72%) achieved tolerance. Of the 11 completed ITT courses in patients with hemophilia B, 4 (36%) were successful. Maintenance therapy was defined as any dotting factor regimen administered subsequent to the patient achieving the treating physician's criteria for successful immune tolerance. Seventy-five (81%) of 93 individuals in the hemophilia A cohort who successfully achieved tolerance were maintained on a regular (prophylactic factor VIII (FVIII) regimen for a variable time period post-ITT. The median dose used was 150 units/kg/week (range: 17-700). Forty-eight (64%) subjects remained tolerant while receiving regular doses of FVIII for a median observation period of 13 months (range 0-129 months). Of 27 patients whose maintenance therapy had been stopped, 17 (68%) remained tolerant over a median period of 19 months (range 1-54 months) and 9 relapsed. Among the relapses, 3 occurred after maintenance therapy was stopped; 6 were noted on prophylactic FVIII at a median time of 11 months (range 2-61 months). The definition of tolerance was reviewed for the 9 subjects who relapsed and was defined by a normal recovery and survival in only 1/9 patients. Among the 11 hemophilia B subjects in the cohort who completed tolerance, 4 had a successful outcome. Four individuals were placed on maintenance regimens of 25-100 units FIX/kg/day and all remained tolerant.

Factor IX↗
PubMed1978

Maintenance therapy of 32P-induced remission in polycythemia vera. A clinical trial of chlorambucil and hydroxy-urea in 109 cases.

In 109 patients with polycythemia vera, previously treated by 32P without maintenance therapy, a trial was carried out to determine the best way to reduce the number of injections needed. Chlorambucil and hydroxy-urea have been used to lengthnen the remission. Both of them are well tolerated and compatible with follow-up at reasonable time intervals. Chlorambucil maintenance increases the mean duration of remission by 12 months, the best results being observed when the drug was used continuously, instead of an intermittent (3 consecutive days every fortnight) schedule. Hydroxy-urea does not produce statistically demonstrable advantage whatever it is given, continuously or intermittently. Our study shows that, if a long-term cooperative study of the possible advantage of maintenance therapy in P.V. was undertaken in the future, low-dosage maintenance by chlorambucil could be the treatment of choice.

Chlorambucil↗
PubMed2001

Phase 1B study of subcutaneously administered interleukin 2 in combination with 13-cis retinoic acid as maintenance therapy in advanced cancer.

At present, no therapeutic strategy is available to maintain responses achieved in patients treated with chemotherapy. This Phase IB study was aimed at identifying the optimal biological dose of chronic maintenance therapy using s.c. interleukin (IL) 2 and oral 13-cis retinoic acid (RA) in patients with either tumor stabilization or response to chemotherapy. IL-2 has no cross-resistance with chemotherapy and improves cancer-related lymphocytopenia, a factor that determines poor prognosis, whereas RA has immunomodulatory properties, potentially synergistic with IL-2. Eighteen patients with advanced solid tumor who achieved a response or stable disease as a result of standard chemotherapy, received RA (0.5 mg/kg) and IL-2 5 days/week for two cycles of 3 weeks/month for up to 1 year. Three doses of IL-2 were used: 9.0, 4.5, and 1.8 x 10(6) IU/day. Monitoring consisted in a weekly blood differential count and a bimonthly assessment of tumor markers, CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells. Patients were evaluated for toxicity, response maintenance, time to progression, and survival. Patients chronically treated with 9 and 4.5 x 10(6) IU of IL-2 developed dose-limiting toxicity grade III or IV, consisting of fever, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and local cutaneous reaction. No grade III or IV toxicity was observed with the 1.8 x 10(6) IU dose, considered as the optimal biological dose. Fifty courses of IL-2 were administered (median, 3 per patient). An increase in total lymphocyte number, CD4:CD8 ratio and natural killer cell count was observed at all of the three dose levels with respect to baseline values. Two patients with a partial response to chemotherapy achieved a complete response after 6 and 7 months, respectively, of IL-2 + RA maintenance therapy. Median time to progression and overall survival were, respectively, 8.1 and 13.7 months (range, 2-48.8+ months). Low-dose IL-2 + RA as maintenance therapy after chemotherapy is, therefore, feasible and well tolerated and improves immunological parameters known to have a prognostic value in cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The changes in spirometric measurements during 6 months' methadone maintenance treatment in opiate dependent patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the respiratory system response to individually specified doses of methadone in opiate dependent patients during 6 months' methadone maintenance treatment at the Department of Clinical Toxicology CM UJ. There were 34 persons (14 women aged from 21 to 33 years and 20 men aged 21-46 years) under examination. Examinations were performed three times: I--initial examination--before administration of methadone maintenance treatment; II--control examination after 3 months--methadone maintenance treatment; III--control examination after 6 months--methadone maintenance treatment. Ventilation efficiency was assessed on the basis of the results from a "flow-volume" loop, spirometry and the measurements of the respiratory tract resistance (Rrs) in a computerised system. Rrs was determined by means of the flow-interruption method. The parameters obtained from a "flow-volume" loop and spirometry were stabile within opiate substitution with methadone, whilst the values of respiratory resistance were significantly different. Significant increase in respiratory resistance values between initial and control examination (after 3 months) was noted. The normalisation of respiratory resistance was proved after 6 months treatment. It can indicate the impact of nervous component on spastic reaction of central bronchi.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The maintenance requirements of mandibular overdentures stabilized by Astra Tech implants using three different attachment mechanisms--balls, magnets, and bars; 3-year results.

Thirty seven people were provided with mandibular overdentures stabilized by Astra Tech implants. Thirteen people were provided with ball attachments, 12 with magnet attachments and 12 with bar attachments. The patients were followed for 3 years and detailed records were kept of the extent of maintenance required after placement of the dentures. The bar attachment mechanism required 9 episodes of maintenance, compared to 38 for the ball attachment mechanism and 23 for the magnet attachment mechanism. There was no difference between the three groups for the amount of maintenance required by the overdentures. The design of the ball attachment changed during the study from a two piece to a one piece abutment. It is likely that had this "all in one" attachment been available from the beginning of the study, the amount of maintenance required by the ball attachment mechanism would have been considerably less.

Adult↗