Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Barone

Publications and source records attributed to A Barone.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

A clinical comparison of the efficacy and efficiency of two professional prophylaxis procedures in orthodontic patients.

This study compared the efficacy and efficiency of two professional prophylaxis procedures in orthodontic patients performing different oral hygiene regimens: the air powder polishing system (APP), and the rubber cup and pumice (RCP) technique. Sixty-two patients were divided into two groups: group I included 40 subjects who did not use any chlorhexidine mouthwash and group II comprised 22 subjects who regularly rinsed with a chlorhexidine mouthwash (at a 0.12 per cent concentration) and showed increased tooth staining. Using a split-mouth experimental design, the buccal and lingual tooth surfaces were cleaned in half of the mouth by the APP and in the opposite half by the RCP technique. Tooth surfaces were scored before (PRE) and after (POST) the experimental procedures for the plaque index (PI), and for the presence of tooth staining. In addition, the treatment time required by each procedure was recorded. In test group I, significant reductions in the PI after APP and RCP were observed. Likewise, in test group II, both procedures significantly reduced the baseline PI values. In both experimental groups, the percentage of stained sites significantly decreased after APP and RCP, but in test group II, APP seemed to be more effective than RCP. In addition, APP required significantly less time than RCP to remove dental plaque and staining. These data show that both professional prophylaxis procedures are effective in orthodontic patients, with APP being the most time-efficient technique and the most effective method for removal of tooth staining.

Chlorhexidine↗
PubMed1999

Longitudinal study of dental implants in a periodontally compromised population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the clinical status and the composition of the subgingival microbiota of dental implants and natural teeth in patients with a history of periodontitis. METHODS: Twenty-five partially edentulous patients treated for moderate to advanced adult periodontitis and having a total of 42 implants participated in this 3-year study. The assessment of clinical status was done 1, 2, and 3 years after prosthetic loading (T1, T2, and T3, respectively). Clinical parameters evaluated included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI). The subgingival microbiota at peri-implant and periodontal sites were analyzed at T1 and T2. RESULTS: No significant difference in clinical parameters between implants and teeth and within the 2 groups between different time points was observed through the study. PD and CAL measurements of sampled periodontal and peri-implant sites did not show any statistically significant difference through the study and between the 2 groups. PI of sampled periodontal sites showed a statistically significant improvement during the study. From the morphological observation of the subgingival microbiota, a significant difference in the composition of motile rods between implants and teeth was found at T1. There were no differences detected in the subgingival microbiota, culturally identified at peri-implant and periodontal sites for the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, implants were colonized by the indigenous periodontal microbiota and were well maintained in patients with a history of periodontitis. No significant association between progressing or non-progressing periodontal or peri-implant sampled sites in terms of loss of attachment and infection with at least one of the searched periodontal pathogens was found, suggesting that the presence of putative periodontopathogens at peri-implant and periodontal sites may not be associated with future attachment loss or implant failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Microbiotica associated with refractory periodontis. Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyze the composition of subgingival microflora in patients with refractory periodontitis and to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity of isolated periodontopathic microorganisms to different antibiotics. METHODS: Eleven subjects with a mean age of 46.4 years were selected for the present study. All had been treated for periodontal disease in the past. After further disease progression patients were included in this study. Eight subgingival plaque samples per patients were collected for cultural analysis. RESULTS: "Black pigmenting anaerobic bacilli" were the pathogenic microorganisms more frequently isolated. The findings from antibiotic susceptibility test showed that high number of bacteria associated with refractory periodontitis resulted resistant to erythromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline. The most effective antibiotics were ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin-metronidazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Microbiological analysis and antibiotic susceptibility test should be considered important tools in the management of patients with poor clinical response to conventional periodontal treatment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1999

Bacterial colonisation during GTR treatment. A longitudinal analysis.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term biological and clinical effects of a controlled delivery system releasing tetracyclines during the healing of interproximal periodontal defects treated by the technique of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using e-PTFE membranes. METHODS: Fifteen patients, each with two comparable interproximal periodontal defects, underwent surgical treatment with e-PTFE membranes in conjunction with tetracycline fibres at the test site and e-PTFE membranes alone at the control site. Microbiological specimens were taken from each site treated at baseline (T0) and one year after surgery (T4). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth at probing (PD) and attachment level at probing (PAL) were recorded at baseline (T0) and one year after surgery (T4). The presence of selected pathogenic microbial species, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium Nucleatum (Fn) and Actinobaccillus Actinomicetemcomitans (Aa), was investigated and these species were identified by cultural methods. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the level of periodontal pathogens was detected between the test and control sites at time T4. Likewise, no significant clinical difference between the test site and the control site was detected at time T4. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that tetracycline fibres used in conjunction with e-PTFE membranes do not provide and further clinical and microbiological improvement or effect the healing of periodontal defects one year after GTR treatment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

Carotid rupture and intraplaque hemorrhage: immunophenotype and role of cells involved.

BACKGROUND: A complete immunohistochemical characterization in complicated carotid plaques is still lacking. The cellular components of 165 carotid endarterectomy specimens were analyzed to assess their role in the pathogenesis of plaque rupture and intraplaque hemorrhage without rupture. METHODS AND RESULTS: The fibrous caps at the sites of plaque rupture showed CD68+ macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and scarce B-lymphocytes. Ruptured plaques showed mononuclear infiltrates in the caps, shoulders, and bases of the plaques in 85% of the cases. Only 46% of nonruptured plaques showed such infiltrates (P <.0001). Two types of lipid cores were recognized: avascular or mildly vascularized and highly vascularized. The vessels of the latter type reacted with CD31 and CD34. In 57.5% of the cases, the base and the shoulders of the plaques showed neoformed, CD34+ vessels, often surrounded by mononuclear infiltrates. Intraplaque hemorrhage without rupture had highly vascularized lipid cores in all cases. T-lymphocytes and macrophages were in close contact with neoformed vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Plaque rupture is characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration of the caps, whereas intraplaque hemorrhage without rupture is characterized by extensive vascularization of the plaque.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Placental copper transport in the rat. III: Interaction between copper and iron in maternal protein deficiency.

Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) metabolism are linked in the haematopoietic process. There is also considerable evidence of a linkage between protein intake and mineral sufficiency. The present study tested the hypothesis that a low protein diet during the second half of gestation in the rat alters Cu and Fe transport across the placenta and affects the Cu and Fe status of the fetus. Pregnant rats were fed a normal commercial diet the first half of gestation, and then assigned either a 20 per cent protein (NP) or a 4 per cent protein diet (LP) during the second half of gestation. One day before delivery, rats were anaesthetized, fetuses removed and dam tissues and plasma obtained. Other pregnant rats were injected i.v. with 2.5 mg/kg Cu acetate and sequential samples of dam blood, fetal blood and placentae were taken from 0 to 60 min. The LP diet produced generalized maternal hypoproteinaemia, and although there was no difference in fetal plasma albumin, there was a generalized fetal hypoproteinaemia as well. Fetal haematocrit (Hct) of the LP litters was lower than that of the NP group, but dam Hct was unchanged. Dam plasma Fe and Cu showed no differences between diets. Dam liver Cu was unaltered but liver Fe stores were elevated significantly. Before and after a Cu bolus, the LP placentae retained Cu to a greater extent than those of the NP placentae. Fetal liver Cu and Fe were elevated in the LP litters compared to the NP group. In conclusion, the LP diet in the dam during the second half of gestation was associated with fetal anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, and increased Cu and Fe accumulation in fetal liver. The higher concentration of Cu and Fe retained in LP placentae during gestation, and confirmed in the Cu challenge, suggest that Cu and Fe delivery to the fetus is related to placental concentration and that maternal protein malnutrition is a regulatory factor in fetal mineral homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Placental copper transport in rats: effects of elevated dietary zinc on fetal copper, iron and metallothionein.

We hypothesized that the competition between zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) during fetal accretion of copper could be discriminated at either the dam-to-placenta or placenta-to-fetus stage. This premise was tested by feeding dams a high Zn diet (1000 mg/kg, HZn) during the second half of gestation. One day before delivery, dams were anesthetized, fetuses removed and both maternal and fetal tissues and plasma obtained and assayed. Other rats were fed a normal Zn concentration diet (32.4 mg/kg, ND) throughout pregnancy. There were significantly lower fetal liver Cu concentrations and greater plasma Fe concentrations, but not plasma Cu concentrations or liver Fe concentrations in the HZn group. Both dam and fetal Zn liver concentrations were greater in the HZn than in the ND group. Plasma Cu levels were lower in the HZn-fed than in the ND-fed dams. Placental tissue from the HZn litters had a greater concentration of Zn and Fe than did the ND group, whereas no effect was noted for Cu concentration. Metallothionein (MT) levels were elevated in dam livers and placenta in the HZn group, but there were no differences in fetal liver MT. The dynamic assessment of placental transport was conducted by injecting 2.5 mg/kg Cu acetate intravenously into dams of both groups. Sequential samplings of dam and fetal blood and placentas were taken from 0 to 60 min. After the Cu bolus, there was a consistently higher plasma Cu concentration in the HZn than in the ND dams, but no alteration in the concentration of Cu in the placenta or fetal plasma. This study indicates that placental Cu uptake is not affected by a high Zn diet in the dam. In addition, the greater Zn concentration in the placenta of HZn than in ND litters results in abnormal fetal Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations, suggesting that an imbalanced maternal mineral consumption is deleterious to normal divalent metal accretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Periodontal status and subgingival microbiota of insulin-dependent juvenile diabetics: a 3-year longitudinal study.

This study examined for 3 years the changes in periodontal status and the possible correlations with selected subgingival microbiota and diabetic conditions in a group of 16 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, JD) patients as compared with their 16 healthy cohabiting siblings (HS). JD patients were monitored every 3 months for levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Clinical and microbiological parameters were measured 6 weeks before drawing blood to determine levels of HbA1C. Periodontal parameters were measured at baseline (TO), year 2 (T2), year 3 (T3) and included: probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and plaque index (PI). Two sites in each patient were selected for microbial samples: a mesio-facial aspect of the maxillary right first molar (defined as constant site, CS) and a site with the greatest probing depth (defined as deepest site, DS). Microbial samples were analyzed by culture techniques. No significant differences in clinical parameters were found between diabetics and healthy siblings at any examination. The SBI in the non-diabetic group at T2 and at T3 was significantly lower than at baseline. PD and AL of constant sites in the diabetic group at T3 were significantly higher than baseline. There was a significant increase in Prevotella intermedia at T3 as compared with baseline for deepest sites in the diabetic group. Cluster analysis revealed, in a former study, two clusters (IV and V) at baseline which were significantly different from the overall mean regarding composition of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Capnocytophaga spp. They were not significantly different for periodontal parameters from TO to T3. These data would suggest no significant differences in clinical parameters between the diabetics and non-diabetic siblings throughout this 3-year longitudinal study.

Actinobacillus Infections↗
PubMed1997

Endosperm balance number manipulation for direct in vivo germplasm introgression to potato from a sexually isolated relative (Solanum commersonii Dun.).

Diploid (2n = 2x = 24) Solanum species with endosperm balance number (EBN) = 1 are sexually isolated from diploid 2EBN species and both tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48, 4EBN) and haploid (2n = 2x = 24, 2EBN) S. tuberosum Group Tuberosum. To sexually overcome these crossing barriers in the diploid species S. commersonii (1EBN), the manipulation of the EBN was accomplished by scaling up and down ploidy levels. Triploid F1 hybrids between an in vitro-doubled clone of S. commersonii (2n = 4x = 48, 2EBN) and diploid 2EBN clones were successfully used in 3x x 4x crosses with S. tuberosum Group Tuberosum, resulting in pentaploid/near pentaploid BC1 progenies. This provided evidence of 2n (3x) egg formation in the triploid female parents. Two selected BC1 pentaploid hybrids were successfully backcrossed both as male and as female parents with S. tuberosum Group Tuberosum. The somatic chromosome number varied greatly among the resulting BC2 progenies, which included hyperaneuploids, but also a number (4.8%) of 48-chromosome plants. The introgression of S. commersonii genomes was confirmed by the presence of S. commersonii-specific randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers in the BC2 population analyzed. The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of germplasm introgression from sexually isolated diploid 1EBN species into the 4x (4EBN) gene pool of the cultivated potato using sexual hybridization. Based on the amount and type of genetic variation generated, cumbersomeness, general applicability, costs, and other factors, it would be interesting to compare the approach reported here with other in vitro or in vivo, direct or indirect, approaches previously reported.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Craniomandibular disorders and orthodontic treatment need in children.

Two hundred and forty subjects (113 boys and 127 girls), divided in three age groups, 7, 11, and 16 years were interviewed and clinically examined to estimate the prevalence of CMDs and the need for functional treatment, and to compare the functional status of the stomatognatic system in two subgroups: those judged to need orthodontic treatment and those judged not to need orthodontic treatment. Signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders were quite common and, in most cases, mild. There were significant differences in prevalence of CMDs between sexes. Only 3.7% of the patients were judged to need some functional treatment for CMDs. Trauma to the facial area and headaches were significantly associated with signs and symptoms of CMDs. No indication was found that oral parafunctions produce CMDs. No greater prevalence of CMDs signs and symptoms was found in subjects who needed orthodontic treatment than in subjects who did not need orthodontic treatment. In conclusion, preliminary results of this ongoing study support the contention that the high prevalence of signs and symptoms of CMDs is not really a measure of masticatory dysfunction, and that malocclusion does not appear to cause CMDs and/or to increase craniomandibular treatment need in a young population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Testosterone metabolism and cyclosporin A treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.

A constant dose-dependent side-effect in cyclosporin A (CSA)-treated patients is the appearance of hypertrichosis; this occurs in both sexes and suggests an androgenizing activity. To determine the influence of CSA on peripheral androgen metabolism, we evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with low-dose CSA (3.5 mg/kg/day), during a period of 12 months, plasma levels of testosterone (Tes) and of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol glucuronide (Adiol-G), an important peripheral Tes metabolite. Clinical and laboratory parameters of RA were also monitored. Furthermore, the metabolism of physiological concentrations of Tes (1 x 10(-8) M) was evaluated in primary cultures of RA synovial macrophages (M phi) in the presence of CSA concentrations close to the pharmacological immunosuppressive doses (100-500 ng/ml). At the final time of observation (12 months), a significant increase in the mean plasma Adiol-G level was observed in patients of both sexes. The increase was evident after 1 month of treatment in male patients (P < 0.01) and after 3 months in female patients (P < 0.05). Almost all the patients experienced the side-effect of a low-degree hypertrichosis after a mean period of 1-2 months. No significant correlations with the laboratory parameters of the disease were observed. Results from in vitro experiments on Tes metabolism by cultured synovial M phi showed at 24 and 48 h, in the presence of CSA, a significantly (P < 0.0001) greater formation of dihydrotestosterone and increased amounts of other Tes metabolites, including androstenedione, androsterone and epiandrosterone, when compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, the appearance of a dose-related hypertrichosis and the increase in plasma androgen metabolites (i.e. Adiol-G) in CSA-treated patients, as well as the hormonal metabolic effects on cultured synovial M phi, should be regarded as possible markers of the influence of CSA on peripheral androgen metabolism at the level of target cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms: lessons learned.

The authors offer an overview of their 20-year involvement in the development of an endovascular graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion. Clinical experience gained throughout 6 years of clinical evaluation are reviewed, along with observations and insights on preoperative assessment, implantation techniques, and complications.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Androgen and estrogen receptors are present in primary cultures of human synovial macrophages.

Macrophages, as antigen-processing and -presenting cells to T lymphocytes, play a key role in the immune system and are suspected to be target cells of the sex hormone-related dimorphism in the immune response peculiar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology. In the present study, the use of specific monoclonal antibodies revealed immunostaining for androgen and estrogen receptors in primary cultures of macrophages obtained from synovial tissues of patients affected by RA and controls without RA disease. Soluble and nuclear type I (high affinity, low capacity) and type II (lower affinity, greater capacity) sites of androgen or estrogen binding were detected in primary cultures of RA macrophages using radioligand binding assay. Higher levels of type I and type II estrogen receptor compared to those of androgen receptor were found, particularly in the soluble fraction; however, contrary to what was observed in whole synovial tissues, higher steroid receptor concentrations were found in the soluble than in the nuclear fraction of RA synovial macrophages. Binding affinities and receptor contents of cultured synovial macrophages were comparable to those previously reported in other well established sex hormone-responsive cells and tissues. Further, specific messenger ribonucleic acids for sex hormone receptors, encoding for a sequence of the DNA-binding domain of the receptor proteins were revealed by RT-PCR.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Carotid atherosclerosis. Immunocytochemical analysis of the vascular and cellular composition in endarterectomies.

Papers dealing with rupture of carotid plaque surface are few in spite of the growing importance of the subject. The aim of this study was to analyze the cellular and vascular components of surgically excised carotid endarterectomies in order to obtain information about their role in the pathogenesis of the plaque rupture and intraplaque hemorrhage. Seventy-six surgical specimens of carotid endarterectomies were used for this study. The findings of immunophenotyping of the cellular constituents of the plaques were: 1) endothelial lining: the fibrous cap at the site of the rupture showed an eroded surface with loss of the endothelial lining. Conversely, in the remaining surface a continuous, not damaged row of endothelial cells stained with anti-CD31 and anti-CD34 was observed; 2) fibrous cap: the collagenous fibrous cap at the site of erosion was attenuated and the phenotypic characterization of the cells showed inflammatory components consisting mainly of macrophages (CD68 positive), 2/3 of the total infiltration. The remaining 1/3 was composed of T-lymphocytes and scarce B-lymphocytes. A close interaction between macrophages and capillaries and macrophages and T-lymphocytes was observed; 3) lipid cores: two different types of lipid cores could be depicted. Avascular or mildly vascularized lipid cores and highly vascularized, with neoformed vessels stained with CD34 and CD31. CD34 stained endothelia of all kind of vessels; conversely, neoformed vessels showed a weak stain with CD31. T-lymphocytes were found to be in close contact with neoformed vessels, and in some cases, migrating through the endothelial cells; 4) deeper layers of the plaque: the base and the shoulder of the plaques showed in 28/76 cases neoformed vessels, thin or thick walled, CD34 positive, generally surrounded by mild to extensive mononuclear infiltrates. Atherosclerotic plaques were found to belong to six different lesions: plaque rupture plus thrombosis (18/76, 23.6%), plaque rupture plus intraplaque hemorrhage plus thrombosis (18/76, 23.6%), intraplaque hemorrhage without plaque rupture (16/76, 21.0%), plaque rupture plus intraplaque hemorrhage (5/76, 6.5%), stable calcified non complicated plaque (14/76, 18.4%) and unstable, soft, non complicated plaque (5/76, 6.5%). The first four lesions were considered as "complicated lesions". Complicated plaques presented neoformed vessels in the periphery, shoulder and base of the plaque in 22/57 (38.5%) cases. Conversely only 1/14 (7.1%) of non complicated, stable calcified plaques presented neoformed vessels, (p < 0.05). Of note, the 5 causes of unstable, soft non complicated plaque presented neoformed vessels surrounding the plaque. In 10/57 (17.5%) complicated plaques unequivocal histological signs of old hemorrhages were found surrounding those vessels. Irrespective of presenting no rupture, 11/35 plaques showed a mononuclear infiltrate in the fibrous cap. In conclusion, rupture of carotid plaques (50% of the cases), is characterized by the presence of a macrophagic infiltration of the caps and by the direct apposition of T-lymphocytes to macrophages and a close relation of these cells to endothelial cells. This highly suggests a cell-to-cell interaction, which results in an inflammatory process. Intraplaque hemorrhage without rupture represented 21% of the endarterectomies. These lesions are not related to cap erosion, but to plaque vascularization. Most lipid cores were highly vascularized with neoformed vessels with macrophages and T-cells in close contact and in some cases disrupting the endothelium. The abrupt growing of the lipid core and/or an overproduction of oxygen free radicals could lead to the breakdown of core vessels and intraplaque hemorrhage.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Macroamylasemia: a possible cause of unexplained hyperamylasemia in rheumatoid arthritis.

Macroamylasemia is a benign acquired condition, characterized by a serum amylase unusually large in molecular size that has been found to occur in apparently healthy humans as well as in a variety of diseases including liver disease, diabetes, cancer malabsorption and autoimmune disorders. Most commonly macroamylasemia results from the formation of immune complexes between amylase and immunoglobulins. We describe the first case of an association between macroamylasemia/hyperamylasemia and rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the absence of immunoglobulins, as amylase binding globulins, within the macroamylase complex. Failure to identify macroamylase as the cause of unexplained but benign hyperamylasemia correctly, can lead to costly studies (e.g. ultrasonography, computerized tomography) to rule out pancreatic disease, and could induce prescription of unnecessary elemental diets and replacement therapies, as reported in our patient.

Amylases↗
PubMed1995

Antimicrobial susceptibility of periodontopathic bacteria associated with failing implants.

The aim of this study was to examine the subgingival microflora associated with failing implants, and to determine their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics in periodontal therapy and dental practice. Thirteen partially edentulous patients with 19 failing implants were selected. Clinical examination included probing depth, attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, and radiographic analyses. Two subgingival plaque samples were taken from each failing implant and analyzed for microbial composition. Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia were the prevalent cultivable microflora. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was determined by the agar dilution technique. Antibacterial activity of penicillin G, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and the combination amoxicillin-metronidazole was significantly higher than with other antibiotics tested. These data indicated that the commonly-used antibiotics were highly effective against bacteria isolated around failing implants, which would suggest the use of these antibiotics to control peri-implant infections.

Amoxicillin↗