To increase the survival area of the venous flap, we studied the arterialized venous flap in a rabbit ear model. The ears of 12 New Zealand white rabbits(n=24) were randomized into three groups, group A receiving arterio-venous anastomosis 14 days before the arterialized venous flap elevation; group B receiving bipedicled flap elevation 14 days before arterialized venous flap elevation; group C receiving no pretreatment before the arterialized venous flap elevation. Tc -pertechnetate scan was performed on all groups immediately after the arterialized venous flap elevation to evaluate the blood flow of the flap. The survival area of the flap was measured 14 days after the arterialized venous flap elevation. Average ratio of survival area was 92% in Group A, 88% in group B, which were comparatively higher than the 12% in group C. The entire flap was visualized in groups A and B on scan images, however, only the proximal area of the anterior and posterior marginal vein was visualized in group C. Flap survival pattern was similar to that of the scan image and the slope of time-activity curve of groups A and B was much steeper than that of group C. High survival rate of group A, which received the arterio-venous anastomosis as a pretreatment, may be due to the decrease of resistance of outflow during the 14 days. Anticipated mechanisms involved are, valve insufficiency due to high pressure arterial inflow, development of vascular collaterals in the flap, and opening of arteriovenous(A-V) shunt. Bipedicled flap elevation as a pretreatment may not effect on valves, however, may impair the sympathetic nerve and cause ischmic stimuli which in turn may develop vascular collaterals and make an opening of the A-V shunt.
Ear ; New Zealand ; Survival Rate ; Veins

This study was conducted to determine the safe intravitreal dosage of ciprofloxacin. Twenty-four phakic eyes of New Zealand pigmented rabbits were used. Each group(4 eyes) received midvitreal ciprofloxacin of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 micro gram in 0.1ml BSS Plus, or 0.1ml BSS Plus only as control. We evaluated retinal function by measuring the electroretinograms for a graded series of flash intensities and fitting b-wave amplitudes to the Naka-Rushton equation. At a dose of greater than 600 micro gram, Rmax decreased signifantly and log K increased signifantly. N-value decreased slightly. B-wave amplitude decreased as a toxic response of intravitreal ciprofloxacin in a dose dependent manner, and this response was best detected using lower luminance stimuli. Lower luminance electroretinography revealed a significant decrease in b-wave amplitude in eyes injected with a dose of 400 micro gram or more. We concluded that 200 micro gram will be the safe intravitreal dosage of ciprofloxacin in phakic rabbit eyes.
Ciprofloxacin* ; Electroretinography* ; New Zealand ; Rabbits ; Retinaldehyde

This study was designed to investigate the optimal period of pedicles implantation in the prefabricated periosteofascial flap using a vascular tissue transfer. Flap prefabrication was prepared with a transposition of the central pedicles of right auricle on the calvarium of the New Zealand white rabbit. Thirty flaps were divided into five groups of six flaps, including control group (group I) of the conventional periosteofascial flap based on the right lateral border of parietal bone. The prefabricated flap was elevated as a 2x2cm sized island flap and reposed in place in 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the pedicles transfer in groups II, III, IV, and V, respectively. Five days after flap repositioning, the flap viability and vascularity were evaluated with microangiography and histological study quantitatively. The flap survival was increased in accordance with the implanted period of the pedicle. New vessels developed around the implanted pedicle in the 2nd week, and overall vascularization of the flap was accomplished in the 3rd week. The flap with 4 weeks of implantation period, however, showed the same survival rate as the control group. In conclusion, prefabricated periosteo- fascial flap can be created with a vascular tissue transfer, and the optimal duration of the pedicle implantation is more than 4 weeks to obtain adequate flap survival.
New Zealand ; Parietal Bone ; Skull ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: One of the problems using laser doppler flowmetry is variability in the measurements. The purposes of this study were to investigate the regional differences of vaginal blood flow using laser Doppler flowmetry and to suggest a method to enhance the accuracy of measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In New Zealand White female rabbits(3.0~3.5 kg, n=10), vaginal blood flow was measured by laser doppler flowmetry using a surface probe. Flow was measured at the anterior, posterior, left, and right side of vaginal wall in each vaginal introitus and proximal 2 cm of the vaginal wall. Each site was measured 3 times separately. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Regional vaginal blood flows(ml/min/100 gm tissue) at the anterior, posterior, left, and right vaginal wall were 19.7+/-8.7, 19.6+/-7.3, 19.3+/-7.8, 18.8+/-7.2 at vaginal introitus and 27.3+/-8.8, 18.9+/-7.5, 22.6+/-7.1, 20.8+/-5.7 at the proximal 2 cm of vaginal introitus, respectively. Differences were not statistically significant(p> 0.05), as there was a wide range of variation. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal blood flow did not show any regional differences in the distal part of the rabbit vagina. Repeated measurements may decrease the variation of vaginal blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry.
Female ; Humans ; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry* ; New Zealand ; Vagina

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mobilization on bone-implant interface prior to osseointegration of fixtures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental implants (3.75 mm in diameter, 4.0 mm in length) were made of commercially pure (Grade IV) titanium, and were treated with RBM (MegaGen(R): Ca-P). The 80 implants (two in each tibia) were inserted into the monocortical tibias of 20 rabbits which each weighed more than 3.5 kg (Female, New Zealand White). According to the removal torque interval, the groups were divided into 10 groups, Group I (6 wks), Group II (4 days + 6 wks), Group III (4 days + 1 wk + 6 wks), Group IV (1 wk + 6 wks), Group V (1 wk + 1 wk + 6 wks), Group VI (2 wks + 6 wks), Group VII (2 wks+ 1 wk + 6 wk), Group VIII (3 wks + 6 wks), Group IX (3 wks + 1 wk + 6 wks) and Group X (10 wks). The control groups were Group I and X, the removal torque was measured at 6 wks and 10 wks with a digital torque gauge (Mark-10, USA). In the experimental groups, the removal torque was given once or twice before the final removal torque and the value was measured each time. After which, the implants were put back where they had been except the control groups. All the experimental groups were given a final healing time (6 wks) before the final removal torque test, in which values were compared with the control groups and the 1st and/or 2nd removal torque values in each experimental group. RESULTS: In the final removal torque tests, the removal torque value of Group X (10 wks) was higher than that of Group I (6 wks) in the control groups but not statistically different. There were no significant differences between the experimental groups and control groups (P>.05). In the first removal torque comparison, the experimental groups (4 days or 1 wk) values were significantly lower than the other experimental groups (2 wks or 3 wks). In the comparison of each experimental group according to healing time, the final removal torque value was significantly higher than the 1st torque test value. CONCLUSION: Once or twice mobilization of fixture prior to osseointegration did not deter the final bone to implant osseointegration, if sufficient healing time was given.
Implants, Experimental ; New Zealand ; Osseointegration ; Rabbits ; Tibia ; Titanium ; Torque

The surgical outcome of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) depends on the accuracy of ablation and the smoothness of the surface ablated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a new eyeball fixation device(EK fixation device). First, the PRK was done on the cornea of New Zealand white rabbit (-8 D, 5.5 mm). The surface with the device was smoother compared to that without. Second, The PRK (-4 D, 6 mm)was done on the surface of the contact lens over the cornea of human volunteers. The ablation surface with the device was smoother than that without(0.20+/-0.04 micrometer vs. 0.34 +/-0.14 micrometer, p=0.028). The epithelial healing experiment in New Zealand white rabbit after myopic PRK (-8 D, 5.5 mm)showed more rapid wound healing in the fixation group (66.49+/-0.03 micrometer/hr vs 47.93+/-1.80 micrometer/hr, p=0.0001). In conclusion, the EK fixation device during the PRK procedures creates a smoother ablation surface and enhances corneal epithelial healing, thus may be a useful clinical device.
Cornea ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lasers, Excimer ; New Zealand ; Wound Healing

Australia ; General Surgery ; education ; Internship and Residency ; Job Satisfaction ; New Zealand

The Prescription for Pharmacoeconomic Analysis (PFPA) of New Zealand was firstly published in 1999. The original version was reviewed in 2004 and version 2, approved and published in 2007, is the living document. The main purpose for this guideline is to provide an overview of the methods PHARMAC (Pharmaceutical Management of Agency) uses when conducting cost-utility analysis. Compared with version 1, version 2 involved and discussed the most frequently mentioned issues in pharmacoeconomic guidelines around the world. This paper describes the distinguishes between version 1 and 2, the advantages of version 2 as well as the amendments that will be made in PHARMAC's future work, in order to provide meaningful advice for standardizing and documenting methods in China
Costs and Cost Analysis ; Economics, Pharmaceutical ; Humans ; New Zealand

BACKGROUNDSpring water therapies have been used since at least 1550 BC. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting these therapies for a range of conditions, including musculoskeletal, dermatological, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, they do not currently form part of mainstream healthcare in many countries. The protocol established in this paper aims to support systematic reviews that examine the health outcomes associated with human exposure to regional spring waters, using the Australia and New Zealand context as a case study.

METHODS/DESIGNThe protocol searches for studies in eight health/medical databases, searches three local health/medical journals, and includes forwards and backwards searching. Standard systematic review methods are used including: specifying pre-determined inclusion criteria and data management plans, appraising the studies for bias, and allocation to a hierarchy of evidence.

DISCUSSIONThe protocol supports a review and comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence regarding the health effects of natural spring water, and can be adapted for reviews in other regions. From this evidence, recommendations regarding practice and future research can be made on the therapeutic role of spring water.

PURPOSE: Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) is difficult to measure on micro-computed tomography (CT) because of artifacts that hinder accurate differentiation of the bone and implant. This study presents an advanced algorithm for measuring BIC in micro-CT acquisitions using a spiral scanning technique, with improved differentiation of bone and implant materials. METHODS: Five sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched implants were used. Three implants were subjected to surface analysis, and 2 were inserted into a New Zealand white rabbit, with each tibia receiving 1 implant. The rabbit was sacrificed after 28 days. The en bloc specimens were subjected to spiral (SkyScan 1275, Bruker) and round (SkyScan 1172, SkyScan 1275) micro-CT scanning to evaluate differences in the images resulting from the different scanning techniques. The partial volume effect (PVE) was optimized as much as possible. BIC was measured with both round and spiral scanning on the SkyScan 1275, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the round micro-CT scanning, the spiral scanning showed much clearer images. In addition, the PVE was optimized, which allowed accurate BIC measurements to be made. Round scanning on the SkyScan 1275 resulted in higher BIC measurements than spiral scanning on the same machine; however, the higher measurements on round scanning were confirmed to be false, and were found to be the result of artifacts in the void, rather than bone. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that spiral scanning can reduce metal artifacts, thereby allowing clear differentiation of bone and implant. Moreover, the PVE, which is a factor that inevitably hinders accurate BIC measurements, was optimized through an advanced algorithm.
Artifacts ; Bone-Implant Interface ; New Zealand ; Tibia ; X-Ray Microtomography