Biomedical subjects

A Lojacono

Publications and source records attributed to A Lojacono.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

The use of replicate resin models in the treatment of maxillary sinus augmentation patients.

The elevation of the floor of the maxillary sinus is becoming a routine surgical procedure to develop the site for dental implants. This delicate procedure is best performed with diagnostics of the highest magnitude. To this point, computer tomographic scans provide valuable information, especially when defining the location and extension of septae transversing the sinus. Additional useful information is provided by a replicate resin model that is constructed from a magneto-optical disk compatible with a personal computer. The image data is then converted to a DOS format. Bone structures of interest are thresholded in each slice based on single-pixel gray levels. Object profiles with linear interpolation and their elaboration generate the three-dimensional surface of the object. Finally, the physical resin model is fabricated.

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation↗

PubMed1996

Systemic and fetal-maternal nitric oxide synthesis in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate systemic and fetal-placental nitric oxide synthesis by biochemical and molecular biology means in normal human pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Three groups of women were studied: healthy pregnant women (n = 8), pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (n = 8), and age-matched nonpregnant controls (n = 8). Pre-eclamptic patients were treated with nifedipine (30-60 mg/day) for severe hypertension. Systemic nitric oxide synthesis was assessed in normal pregnant women at weeks 18-21, 29-32 and 38-39 and in pre-eclamptic women on admission to the hospital (29-32 weeks, 30 on average), before the morning nifedipine administration. Nonpregnant women were studied twice at four-week intervals as controls. The pattern of nitric oxide biosynthesis in fetal-placental circulation was studied in normal and pre-eclamptic women at the delivery. SETTING: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, and the Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Brescia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma cGMP levels and platelet nitric oxide synthesis, assessed by measuring the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline as well as intracellular cGMP, were evaluated. Constitutive nitric oxide synthase (EC-NOS) gene expression by Northern blot analysis and nitric oxide release by the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline were assessed in umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and in placenta. Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity was also evaluated in HUVEC exposed to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and in placenta homogenates incubated in calcium free medium. RESULTS: Plasma cGMP was higher in both normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women than in nonpregnant controls. In normal pregnancy cGMP rose as early as 18-21 weeks and remained elevated throughout pregnancy. [3H]L-citrulline production and intracellular cGMP were comparable in platelets from all women. EC-NOS gene expression and nitric oxide synthesis were identical in HUVEC and placenta from normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic levels of CGMP, the nitric oxide second messenger, are increased in normal pregnancy. Excessive nitric oxide production does not derive from platelets. Pre-eclampsia is not associated with changes in fetal-placental nitric oxide synthesis.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Radiological considerations of malpractice in dentistry].

Several branches of competence are needed to evaluate malpractice in dentistry: first a complete case history, secondly careful clinical observation and finally a correct procedure of radiographic documentation. This latter is able to prove existence of the treatment and its evolution, moreover it shows the bone, the dental components underneath the surface and the treatment becomes appraisable by different observers. In restorative dentistry, radiological findings allow us to demonstrate overcontoured restorations in approximal sites and, if necessary, identify the biological width. In endodontics the insufficient filling or the overfilling of the root channel can be demonstrated along with the material used for the filling and the presence of fractured instruments inside the channel. In prosthodontics, on the other hand, the quality of the abutments, fractured roots and/or prosthesis, symptoms of inadequate charge on the bone and overcontours with the subsequent periodontal damage can be seen. In orthodontics one can assess the appearance of infrabone pockets, reabsorptions and horizontal recessions. In extractive surgery it is again possible to identify through radiographic documentation small root fragments in the maxillary sinus (possible sinusitis associated) and maxillary fractures as a consequence of extractions. In the field of implantology, damage to noble structures due to inadequate case planning can be highlighted.

Dental Implantation↗

PubMed1996

[The role of the traditional radiological methods in conservative therapy and endodontics].

The traditional radiographic examinations used in restorative dentistry and endodontics are: intraoral radiograph performed in the beta-wing or the paralleling technique, the partial extraoral radiograph (rotational narrow beam), the panoramic radiography and the periapical radiographs with the bisecting technique which is particularly suitable for visualization of the apex. Radiology is a valuable diagnostic means to evaluate the extension of primary caries, to identify secondary and interproximal initial decays and if required let the therapist measure the biological width. Several factors influence the radiographic interpretation of caries: cervical burnout, mach band effect, internal and external resorption, restorative materials for fillings and sub-bases, abrasions and/or erosions. Radiology allows the diagnosis of developmental and acquired abnormalities of the teeth which can have an influence on the treatment itself. Examples are: variations in the shape of the crown and root, dens in dente, enamel hypoplasia, dentinogenesis imperfecta. Radiograms are of major importance in the evaluation of restorative dentistry results: precision of the margins, congruous contact points, fractures. Moreover, it provides the endodontic procedures with useful diagnostic data and permits the measurements during the treatment, supplying the immediate and long term checks too.

Dental Caries↗

PubMed1995

Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia and pregnancy: report of a case.

A case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia and pregnancy is reported. In 1989, a 24-year-old woman with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia became pregnant. We decided not to stop steroid therapy. Except for premature preterm rupture of the membrane she had a uneventful pregnancy and a male infant with no distress syndrome.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1995

[Hypertension in pregnancy: management protocols and pregnancy outcome followed at our ambulatory service].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the usefulness of an outpatient Clinic for Hypertension in Pregnancy after 10 years of activity. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of the outcomes of pregnancies followed at our outpatient Clinic from 1980 through 1990 was performed. PATIENTS: 607 pregnant women were followed-up: 179 patients developed gestational hypertension during one or more of their previous pregnancies, 275 were affected by chronic hypertension and 213 developed hypertension during the present pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Detailed protocols of treatment and management of patients were observed. RELIEFS: Pregnancy outcomes regarding the incidence of preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns was evaluated. The outcome was considered good when gestational age at delivery was more than 36 weeks and neonatal birthweight was adequate for gestational age. RESULTS: The patients with preeclampsia in previous pregnancies developed this complication in 5%; patients with gestational hypertension in the actual pregnancy or with chronic hypertension had a significant proteinuria in 12% and 6.2% of cases respectively. Higher incidence of SGA was found in patients who developed preeclampsia (58%) and in chronic hypertensive pregnancies (34%), while only 13% of SGA was in patients with hypertension in previous pregnancies. CONCLUSION: From our experience we can conclude that an outpatient Clinic for hypertension in pregnancy is extremely useful to give the opportunity for application of same criteria of management and therapy. This allow to admit to the hospital only patients with any signs of development of preeclampsia.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMed1994

Herpes gestationis.

Herpes gestationis is a rare autoimmune disease of pregnancy characterized by itching and skin lesions. The disease causes prominently maternal discomfort, but fetal and neonatal complications have been reported; however the frequency and severity of fetal illness are still debated. We describe three cases of herpes gestationis diagnosed and managed at our institution in the last 3 years.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Beta 2 glycoprotein I and placental anticoagulant protein I in placentae from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immunohistological distribution of beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2 GPI) and placental anticoagulant protein I (PAP-I) in normal and pathological placentae of patients with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody associated recurrent fetal loss. These proteins are 2 natural anticoagulants able to interfere with aPL antibody binding. METHODS: Placentae from 4 patients with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (pAPS), from 2 patients with aPL negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and from 7 healthy women were studied. Cryostatic placental sections were tested by indirect immunofluorescence using polyclonal anti-PAP-I and anti-beta 2GPI antisera as well as purified IgG and anti-beta 2GPI monoclonal antibody. The same tissue sections were also tested by direct immunofluorescence with FITC-F(ab)2 goat antihuman IgG. RESULTS: We found that (a) the placental distribution of PAP-I was comparable in normal and pathological specimens; (b) on the contrary, increased beta 2GPI deposition was present on the trophoblast surfaces of placentae obtained from patients with persistent raised titers of aPL antibodies. Comparable IgG deposition on villi surface was also found in aPL positive but not in control placentae. CONCLUSION: Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that high titer aPL binds to a beta 2GPI phospholipid complex in placentae of women with recurrent fetal loss but that a quantitative deficiency of PAP-I does not play a pathogenetic role in aPL associated fetal loss.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Gingivitis in pregnancy. The clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and treatment].

During pregnancy, manifestations of different nature can occur on the oral mucosa ranging from extended edema to haemorrhagic stomatitis. Alterations are more evident when poor dental care and hygiene are present. An important role in this gingival attentions is attributed to an increase in the estrogenic concentration originating from placentae and progesteron. The problem must be dealt with suitable preventive care.

Estrogens↗

PubMed1990

[Dental treatment during pregnancy].

Applying the basics of preventive dentistry at the primary level will broaden the scope of prenatal care. Dentists should encourage all patients of childbearing age to seek oral health counseling and examination as soon as they learn they are pregnant. Specific printed information on oral hygiene, plaque control, nutrition and tooth development should be available for pregnant patients. Emergency problem should be alleviated immediately. Indicated medications should not be with held because of pregnancy but patients must be informed of benefits and risks. Consultation with the patient's physician is always appropriate.

Anesthesia, Dental↗

PubMed1990

[The interaction between antibiotic therapy and contraceptive drugs].

Although the interaction between antibiotics prescribed by the dentist and the estroprogestinics has been Known for some time, to reduce the effects of oral contraception, the dentist tends to underestimate this possible possible complication. In this review the antibiotics taken into consideration and their mechanism of interaction with the oral contraceptives are discussed. The dentist's approach towards a patient in fertile age is suggested. In conclusion the use of oral estroprogestinics as a contraceptive method is affirmed to be not an obstacle to the administration of antibiotics, but a thorough anamnesis and a cautious prescription, together with informing the patient of the risks is necessary.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1990

[The clinical and therapeutic aspects of epulis gravidarum].

Preventive oral hygiene performed with particular care is the only possible means of preventing the occurrence and the recurrence of phlogistic phenomena of the stomatologic apparatus of pregnant women. However in the case of epulis surgical treatment of the lesion completes preventive care, followed by a plan of postpartum hygiene to eliminate local causes and to prevent recurrences together with therapy for the elimination of periodontal pockets and infrabony pockets, to a restitution ad integrum of the general conditions of the oral cavity.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1990

[The microbiological aspects of dental caries: the evaluation of a protocol for isolating Streptococcus mutans].

The role of Streptococcus mutans in the etiopathogenesis of dental caries to set up a protocol for the culture and the identification of the bacterium, in order to obtain the isolation in an heterogeneous age, sex and stomatognathic population is described. A selected culture medium for mutans, Mitis Salivarius agar enriched with Bacitracin (MSB-agar), has been used as well as biochemical method based on carbohydrates fermentation by amplified bacterial flora for the identification of the bacterial genus.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of occlusal contacts in the dental laboratory: influence of strip thickness and operator experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of recording strip thickness and of operator-dependent factors on the assessment of contact area on a cast mounted on an articulator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen dental students and 13 experts (dentists and dental technicians) performed occlusal maneuvers on casts mounted on an articulator, using recording strips of 8- and 40-micron thickness. Contact area, force, and time of biting relative to each group of operators using each type of paper were compared. RESULTS: Both groups obtained significantly greater contact areas with the thicker strip. Students applied significantly stronger but shorter bitings than experts, but obtained smaller contact areas, particularly with the thinner strip. In operators, the extension of contact markings using the 8-micron strip was closely related to the biting time but not to the occlusion force, while neither time nor force of biting had a significant influence when using the 40-micron strip. CONCLUSION: The assessment of occlusal contact in the dental laboratory was significantly influenced by paper thickness, operator experience, biting force, and time. The 40-micron strip was less influenced by operator experience, strength, and duration of biting.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy: a prospective study.

We have prospectively followed 25 pregnancies in 21 patients: 20 were affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 1 by subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). A flexible treatment schedule was applied to the follow-up of all the pregnancies, and included low dose aspirin, steroids at medium-low dosage and, if needed, azathioprine (AZA) after 20 weeks of gestation. There were 4 spontaneous first trimester abortions and 21 live-born neonates without major problems related to the treatment or to the maternal disease. The relapse rate of the disease recorded during the observation period was 0.07 patient/month, not different from that already reported in SLE patients (pregnant or nonpregnant). Obstetrical complications were relatively frequent, but careful monitoring allowed us to avoid late fetal wastage. We conclude that in SLE patients a successful pregnancy outcome, without worsening of the disease, can be obtained with a careful multidisciplinary follow-up.

Adult↗