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Biomedical subjects

A R Volpe

Publications and source records attributed to A R Volpe.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

A critical review of the 10 pivotal caries clinical studies used in a recent meta-analysis comparing the anticaries efficacy of sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrices.

The 10 pivotal caries clinical studies employed in a recent meta-analysis to compare the anticaries efficacy of sodium fluoride (NaF) and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) dentifrices were subjected to a critical review. When reporting the meta-analysis, the author (Johnson) considered these 10 pivotal caries clinical studies as "head-to-head" comparisons of NaF and MFP dentifrices. For the most part, it is difficult to find any common denominator among these 10 caries clinical studies since there were so many diverse factors associated with them. The 10 pivotal studies were conducted over a 20-year period of time in many different geographic areas of the world, using different protocols and study designs, different clinical examiners and caries assessment criteria, as well as evaluating commercially outdated or specially formulated dentifrices. Any attempt to integrate the results from these 10 studies is further complicated by the diversity of statistical methodology used to evaluate the results obtained from the studies. Also, in two of the 10 studies, the comparison of the fluoride dentifrices was obscured by the fact that the participating children used a fluoride mouthrinse during the course of the study. In any case, when all relevant dentifrice comparisons are made, the results of a critical review of the 10 pivotal ("head-to-head") caries clinical studies indicate the following: (1) In three of the studies (Gerdin/Zacherl/Forsman), depending upon how the data is viewed, it can either be shown that NaF dentifrices are favored over MFP dentifrices or that MFP dentifrices are favored over NaF dentifrices. (2) In one of the studies (Edward & Torell), the results are published only in abstract form and a full report of the study is not available. (3) In one of the studies (Koch, Petersson, Kling & Kling) it is reported that MFP dentifrices are favored over NaF dentifrices. (4) In two of the studies (Edlund & Koch, Koch et al) it is reported that NaF dentifrices are favored over MFP dentifrices. However, in both of these studies, there were serious imbalances in baseline caries status favoring the NaF dentifrice groups over the MFP dentifrice groups. In other words, the children using the MFP dentifrices were more prone to caries formation during the course of these studies than the children using the NaF dentifrices. Further, in these two studies there is a serious question regarding the soluble fluoride level of the commercially available MFP dentifrice that was used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The relative anticaries effectiveness of sodium monofluorophosphate and sodium fluoride as contained in currently available dentifrice formulations.

A 36-month double-blind clinical caries study was conducted to determine the comparative anticaries efficacy of sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) as incorporated in dentifrice formulations. The test dentifrices which were utilized are commercially available in the United States and all have been granted the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for anticaries efficacy. The study was conducted in accordance with the 1988 Guidelines of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics. The two formulations used in the NaF versus MFP comparison were Colgate Winterfresh Gel with 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a silica base and Crest Regular Flavor Toothpaste with 0.24% sodium fluoride in a silica base. A third commercially-available NaF dentifrice, Colgate Junior Toothpaste with 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base, was included in the study for further comparison. Schoolchildren residing in Maine, U.S.A. received a baseline caries clinical examination and then were randomly assigned to the twice-daily use of one of the three dentifrices which were purchased in the marketplace and repackaged in plain white tubes. Caries clinical examinations were subsequently conducted after 2 and 3 years' use of the dentifrices. A total of 2,222 children participated in both the 2 and 3-year caries clinical examinations. The 36-month DFS (decayed and filled surfaces) and the DFT (decayed and filled teeth) mean caries increments for the three dentifrice groups were virtually identical. The children using the MFP formulation experienced a DFS of 1.50 and a DFT of 1.08; those using the Crest NaF formulation experienced a DFS of 1.48 and a DFT of 1.07; subjects in the third group (Colgate Junior Toothpaste, 0.243% NaF) had a DFS of 1.49 and DFT of 1.06. The statistical evaluation of the data consisted of the calculation of 90% confidence bounds for the ratio of (true) mean increments, in accordance with the 1988 American Dental Association Guidelines. Expressed in the language of the Guidelines, the analyses indicated that, (1) the anticaries efficacy provided by the MFP formulation, (Colgate Winterfresh Gel with 0.76% MFP) is "as good as" that provided by the NaF formulation, (Crest Regular Flavor Toothpaste, with 0.243% NaF), and (2) the anticaries efficacy provided by the one NaF formulation (Colgate Junior Toothpaste, with 0.243% NaF) is "as good as" that provided by the other, (Crest Regular Flavor Toothpaste, with 0.243% NaF).

American Dental Association↗
PubMed1992

Localization and characterization of human salivary kininases.

The human saliva of normal subjects containing large amounts of basic carboxypeptidase produces decarboxylated non inflammatory peptides, for instance, kinins and anaphilotoxins C3a, C4a and C5a. A reduction of epithelial cell-bonded enzyme (carboxypeptidase M-type or kininase I), produces inflammations by the active intact kinins and the initiation of the alternative activating pathway of complement by active anaphilotoxins, which generate complement cleavage products, containing potential destructive mechanism.

Complement System Proteins↗
PubMed1992

Patterns of de novo plaque formation in the human dentition.

The objective of the present clinical trial was to carefully assess the pattern of de novo plaque formation in the human dentition. 10 subjects aged 24-29 years were recruited for the study. None of the participants showed signs of destructive periodontitis. At the start of the preparatory period, they were given a thorough dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction. For the next 2 weeks, the participants were carefully monitored and 1 x every 2 days examined with respect to plaque and gingivitis. At the re-examinations, they were also given professional tooth cleaning and instruction in proper plaque control measures. Towards the end of this 2-week period, the Day 0 examination was performed which revealed that the gingival tissues of all participants were in excellent clinical health. Following the Day 0 examination, all 10 subjects were exposed to professional tooth cleaning. During the next 14 days, they abolished all mechanical tooth cleaning efforts but were examined with respect to plaque on Days 1, 4, 7 and 14. The amount of plaque formed was examined using the criteria of the Plaque Index system (PlI). Each of 6 surfaces of each tooth in the dentition was given a score from 0 to 3. The results from the re-examinations demonstrated that in humans with clean teeth and normal gingiva, the abolishment of mechanical tooth cleaning rapidly resulted in de novo plaque formation. Most plaque, as assessed by the plaque index system, formed during the first 4 days of no tooth cleaning after which moderate additional amounts of plaque formed. It was observed that the mean PlI values for individuals, for groups of teeth and tooth surfaces, provide a proper overall estimation of plaque build up. The dynamics of plaque formation between examinations and in different parts of the dentition were more easily disclosed by the data describing % distributions of different score categories and the transition between scores from one examination to the next. The total amount of plaque formed on various tooth surfaces was best presented by so called "plaque pattern displays". The results also revealed that (i) the mandibular dentition harbored more plaque than the maxillary dentition, (ii) there was a difference in the mean PlI scores between the molar and the anterior tooth regions in the maxilla, but in the mandible such a difference could not be observed (except on Day 1), (iii) plaque accumulated most at the approximal surfaces and least at the palatal surfaces, and that (iv) differences in PlI scores between groups of teeth and tooth surfaces observed on Day 4 persisted through the Day 14 examination.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Renal mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of chronic exposure to inorganic mercury in rats.

Male weanling Wistar rats received 200 micrograms/ml of mercury (Hg), as HgCl2, in drinking water for 180 days. At the end of the treatment, systemic arterial blood pressure was augmented, cardiac inotropism was reduced, and heart rate was unchanged. Light and electron microscopical studies of the kidney showed a mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in about 80% of the glomeruli. Tubular cells showed reduction of the acid phosphatase activity, which was related to functional abnormalities of the lysosomes. In the 24 hour urine samples of the Hg exposed rats, there was slight reduction of kallikrein activity, but evident proteinuria was not present in all samples. Plasma renin activity was reduced, that of angiotensin I-converting enzyme was augmented, and plasma aldosterone concentrations were unchanged. Mercury was accumulated mostly in the kidney of the Hg treated animals; and the content of Hg in the heart was higher than in the brain. These data show that chronic exposure to Hg acts on the kidney with complex mechanisms of toxicity; these contribute to modify systemic haemodynamics.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effect upon plaque formation and gingivitis of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice: a 6-month clinical study.

A total of 159 adult male and female subjects between 18 and 63 years of age, were entered into a 6-month, double-blind clinical study to assess the effects of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2% of a copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis, as compared to a placebo dentifrice. Both the triclosan and placebo dentifrices contained 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base. The subjects had to demonstrate at least mild gingivitis (modified Loe-Silness score > or = 1.0), be free of advanced periodontal disease, have a modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index score of at least 1.5 and have a minimum of 20 natural, uncrowned teeth. The subjects were stratified into two balanced groups according to baseline plaque and gingivitis scores. At zero time or baseline, all subjects received a complete and thorough oral prophylaxis and were assigned to the use of either the placebo dentifrice or the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice for the next 6 months. Subjects were evaluated for gingivitis and supragingival plaque formation after 3 and 6 months product use. After 3 months, when compared to the placebo dentifrice, the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice provided the following statistically significant reductions (at 99% confidence levels): (1) a 10.0% reduction in supragingival plaque formation; (2) a 20.8% reduction in plaque formation on tooth surfaces with highest baseline plaque scores; (3) a 21.9% reduction in gingivitis, and (4) 30.5% less sites with severe gingivitis, i.e. gingival bleeding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Comparative plaque removal efficacy of three toothbrushes in two independent clinical studies.

Two independent studies were conducted to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of three toothbrushes on plaque removal. Both studies were carried out under the same protocol. A total of 73 adult male and female subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria completed Study I and 78 different subjects completed Study II. Subjects were initially screened for dental plaque eligibility. After plaque was scored on the facial and lingual surfaces of all natural teeth using the Rustogi, et al. index, qualifying subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups on the basis of initial plaque scores and number of teeth. Subjects were then dismissed and scheduled to return for Visit 1 a week later, having abstained from all oral hygiene procedures for a prior 24-hour period. At Visit 1, each group was evaluated for plaque before brushing with their assigned toothbrush for sixty seconds. They were again scored for plaque after brushing. Subjects were dismissed and instructed to resume their normal routine and return to the clinical site for two more weekly visits. At each visit, a different test toothbrush was assigned to each group in a cross-over design. Plaque evaluations and brushing procedures were performed as in Visit 1 of the study. In both studies, the Colgate Precision toothbrush was significantly more effective (p < 0.01) than both the Oral-B 40 and Reach Full-Head soft toothbrushes in reducing the whole mouth plaque scores, as well as plaque at the gumline and at interproximal areas. The Oral-B 40 and Reach toothbrushes were not significantly different from each other with regard to plaque removal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Clinical studies regarding the plaque removal efficacy of manual toothbrushes.

Two independent cross-over design studies were performed to compare two toothbrushes for their ability to remove plaque. In Study I, the Colgate Precision toothbrush was compared to the Oral-B 40 toothbrush; in Study II, the Colgate Precision toothbrush was compared to the Reach Full-Head soft toothbrush. A total of 54 and 72 adult male and female subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria completed Study I and Study II, respectively. In each study, subjects refrained from brushing for 24 hours, and were screened for dental plaque on the facial and lingual surfaces of all natural teeth, using the Rustogi, et al. index. Based on mean scores and number of teeth, qualifying subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Subjects were then scheduled to return one week later, having again abstained from all oral hygiene procedures for a 24-hour period. At this visit, each subject was evaluated for plaque, then brushed with his/her assigned toothbrush for sixty seconds, and was again scored for plaque after brushing. Subjects were instructed to resume their normal routine and return to the clinical site one week later. At this visit, a different test toothbrush was assigned to each group in a cross-over design. Plaque evaluations and toothbrushing procedures were again performed. In both studies, the Colgate Precision toothbrush was significantly more effective (p < 0.01) than either the Oral-B 40 toothbrush or the Reach Full-Head soft toothbrush in reducing whole mouth plaque scores, plaque scores at the gumline, and plaque scores at interproximal areas.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Refinement of the Modified Navy Plaque Index to increase plaque scoring efficiency in gumline and interproximal tooth areas.

To improve the assessment of plaque present on teeth, a new index, based on the original Modified Navy Plaque Index, has been developed. The primary modifications to the original Modified Navy Plaque Index were: (1) extending areas F (distal) and D (mesial) into the region just below the interproximal contact point, and (2) extending areas C and A so as to increase the gumline (or marginal gingiva) region. The new index assesses the amount of plaque in the tooth area bounded by the tooth contact, the free gingival margin, and mesial or distal line angles. The use of this new index enables the examiner to evaluate and record both the gumline (or marginal areas) and interproximal areas of the tooth, thus giving these an anatomical areas an increased importance. A pilot clinical assessment study was conducted to utilize this new index in evaluating the plaque removal efficacy of five manual toothbrushes. The results from this pilot study indicated that, when the new plaque scoring index was used, significant differences between pre-toothbrushing and post-toothbrushing plaque scores (as well as among toothbrush groups) could be demonstrated. Further, these differences (plaque removal efficacy) were demonstrated on an interproximal (mesial and distal) basis and a gumline (or gingival margin) basis, as well as on a whole mouth basis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The clinical effect of a dentifrice containing triclosan and a copolymer in a sodium fluoride/silica base on plaque formation and gingivitis: a six-month clinical study.

A six-month, double-blind clinical study was entered into by three hundred twenty-five (325) male and female adult subjects to assess the efficacy of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan (Irgacare MP, Ciba-Geigy Corp.) and 2.0% of a copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid (Gantrez, ISP Corp.) on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis, compared to a placebo dentifrice over a six-month period. Each dentifrice, the triclosan and the placebo, contained 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base. Only those subjects who were free of periodontal disease (no pockets > 4 mm), demonstrated a level of at least mild gingivitis (modified Loe-Silness score > or = 1.0) and had a modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index score of > or = 1.5 were admitted into the study. Baseline plaque and gingivitis scores were used to stratify the subjects into two balanced groups. A thorough oral prophylaxis was administered to all subjects. They were then assigned either the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice or the placebo dentifrice to use for the next six months. Evaluation for gingivitis and supragingival plaque formation was made after three and six months. Evaluations made after six (6) months demonstrated a 17.0% statistically significant (at the 99% level of confidence) reduction in supragingival plaque formation was provided by the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice, compared to the placebo dentifrice. An 18.6% statistically significant (at the 99% level of confidence) reduction in plaque formation on the tooth surfaces with the highest plaque formation was provided by the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice, compared to the placebo dentifrice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Kallikrein-kinin,enkephalin, renin-aldosterone and catecholamine systems in the vanadate (as vanadyl)-induced arterial hypertension.

Exposure to vanadate was found to induce arterial hypertension through effects on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, renal peptidergic, and central and peripheral catecholaminergic systems. Vanadate increased, mainly in vascular myocells, both receptor-operated Ca2+ channel- and cyclic-AMP-dependent availability of Ca2+ for contractile processes. Vanadate was selectively accumulated by tissues in the +4 oxidation state (vanadyl).

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1992

Clinical efficacy of a triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse.

A five-day, double-blind parallel clinical study was conducted to determine the effect on plaque removal of a pre-brush rinse containing 0.03 triclosan (Irgacare MP, Ciba-Geigy Corp.) and 0.125% of a copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid (Gantrez, GAF Corp.), as compared to a matching placebo pre-brush rinse. One hundred eleven subjects were stratified into two balanced groups according to baseline Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores. Each group was randomly assigned to use either the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse or the matching placebo pre-brush rinse. In order to determine plaque removal efficacy of the pre-brush rinses, subjects rinsed their mouths twice daily (mornings and evenings) for one minute with 15 ml of their assigned pre-brush rinse. Immediately after rinsing, subjects brushed their teeth for 30 seconds with a commercially available dentifrice containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate and a soft-bristled toothbrush. The morning rinsing/brushing procedure was done under supervision at the clinical facility. The evening rinsing/brushing procedure was done at home. After five days' use of their assigned pre-brush rinse and toothbrushing, subjects were evaluated by the dental examiner for residual plaque using the modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scoring procedure. When mean five-day Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores were compared for both groups, the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse removed 22.54% more plaque from all surfaces of the teeth than the matching placebo pre-brush rinse. When mean Quigley-Hein Plaque Index decrements (the difference between baseline and five-day Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores) were compared for both groups, the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse removed more than twice as much plaque from all surfaces of the teeth than the matching placebo pre-brush rinse (33.99% efficacy versus 15.19% efficacy). When mean five-day Plaque Severity Index scores were compared for both groups, the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse removed 46.15% more plaque from the "more difficult to brush" surfaces of the teeth than the matching placebo pre-brush rinse. rinse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Antiplaque efficacy of a triclosan/copolymer prebrush rinse: a plaque prevention clinical study.

A 5-day, double-blind parallel clinical study was conducted to determine the antiplaque efficacy of a pre-brush rinse containing 0.03% triclosan and 0.125% of a copolymer of polyvinyl methyl ether maleic acid as compared to a matching matching placebo pre-brush rinse. A total of 114 subjects were stratified into two balanced groups according to baseline Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores. Each group was randomly assigned to use either the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse or the placebo pre-brush rinse. All subjects received a thorough oral prophylaxis at the start of the study. They rinsed their mouths twice daily (mornings and evenings) for 1 minute with 15 cc of their assigned pre-brush rinse. Immediately after rinsing, subjects brushed their teeth for 30 seconds with a commercially-available dentifrice containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate and a soft-bristled toothbrush. The morning rinsing/brushing procedure was done under supervision at the clinical facility. The evening rinsing/brushing procedure was done at home. After 5 days' use of their assigned pre-brush rinse, subjects were evaluated for plaque formation using the modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scoring system. As compared to the matching placebo pre-brush rinse, the results showed: 1) The triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse provided a 28.15% reduction in plaque formation on all surfaces of the teeth. This reduction was statistically significant (P less than 0.001); 2) The triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse provided a 50% reduction in plaque formation on the "more difficult to brush" surfaces of the teeth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗