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Biomedical subjects

E Brambilla

Publications and source records attributed to E Brambilla.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Comparative pathology of silicate pneumoconiosis.

A simple pneumoconiosis with lamellar birefringent crystals was observed in animals dying in the San Diego Zoo. We studied 100 autopsies from 11 mammalian and eight avian species. In mammals, mild pulmonary lesions comprised crystal-laden macrophages in alveoli and lymphatics. Interstitial fibrosis was present in 20% of cases. There were no nodules. In birds, dust retention produced large granulomas around tertiary bronchi without fibrosis. Mineralogic analysis using scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed most of the crystals to be silicates. Ninety percent were complex silicates, with aluminum-potassium silicates comprising 70% of the analyzed particles. Electron and x-ray diffraction showed the silicates to be muscovite mica and its hydrothermal degradation product, ie, illite clay. This mica was also present on filtration membranes of atmospheric air samples obtained from the San Diego Zoo. The amount of dust retention was related to the animal's age, anatomic or ecologic variances, and length of stay in the San Diego Zoo. Its semidesert atmosphere is rich in silicates, which are inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Similar mica-induced lesions are found in humans living in this region or the Southwest of the USA. This simple pneumoconiosis is likely to be widespread in human populations living in desert or semidesert climates.

Animals↗

Comparison of seven bio- and chemiluminescent reagents for in situ detection of antigens and nucleic acids.

Bio- and chemiluminescence have proved sensitive enough to compete with chromogenic and radioisotopic tracers for in situ detection. However, they must also provide a discriminant morphological analysis of the specific signal. We have tested seven bio- or chemiluminescent reagents for tissue antigen and nucleic acid detection by immunocytochemistry (ICC) or in situ hybridization (ISH). They were based on luminescent detection of peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase or xanthine oxidase. We also explored whether high molecular weight polymers could increase the spatial definition of the photon emission. An ICCD camera was used to collect the light signal provided by immunolabelling of endothelial cells and by ISH of human papilloma virus on cell smears. Among the enzyme-luminescent substrate combinations tested, the enhanced luminol chemiluminescence (ECL) gave the best resolution of the specific signal. The other systems were mainly hampered by a high diffusion of the reaction product over the tissue section. Unfortunately, in this case, the high molecular weight polymers tested were inefficient. However, the addition of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) significantly improved respectively the definition and intensity of ECL photon emission. We demonstrate that chemiluminescence gives a morphological resolution allowing histological examination. The extension of this new application, now depends on physicochemical adaptation of chemiluminescent reagents to the constraints of tissue detection.

Antigens↗

On Leucocytozoon parasites of Ardeidae and description of one species.

In peripheral blood of Nycticorax nycticorax and Egretta garzetta (Aves, Ardeidae), gametocytes of the genus Leucocytozoon (Protozoa, Sporozoa) were found. We describe this parasite and compare it with the past records of Leucocytozoon in Ardeidae. While only life cycle studies will give a definitive answer to these taxonomic problems, we put forward an hypothesis about taxonomy of Leucocytozoon in Ardeidae.

Animals↗

Caries-preventive effect of topical amine fluoride in children with high and low salivary levels of mutans streptococci.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the salivary mutans streptococci (SMS) level and the effectiveness of a preventive intervention based on a biannual application of an amine fluoride solution (AmF). A total of 284 schoolchildren aged 6 years were recruited from eleven classes of a primary school in Milan and randomly assigned to an experimental (A) and a control group (B). SMS counts were obtained at baseline and caries incidence data (diseased, missing, filled teeth, DMFT) were recorded every 6 months for 5 years. The participants of the experimental group received application of an AmF 1% F(-) solution twice a year on the enamel surfaces of the first permanent molars for 5 years. Control group subjects received application of a placebo solution twice a year on the enamel surfaces of the first molars for the same period. The mean DMFT in the experimental and control groups were 0.56 and 0.22, respectively, at the beginning and 1.14 and 2.06 after 5 years. SMS data allowed children to be classified into low- (0-10(5) CFU/ml of saliva) and high- (>10(5) CFU/ml of saliva) SMS subjects. Survival analysis, performed on the first molar data split by SMS group, showed a significantly higher caries reduction in low-SMS experimental group subjects compared to low-SMS control group subjects after 5 years. No significant differences were found between the two high-SMS experimental and control groups. These findings indicate that the preventive effects of the treatment were significantly lower in subjects who had high SMS. It is concluded that the effectiveness of a simple and economical topical fluoride intervention applicable at a community level is significantly influenced by the SMS level of the subjects involved. Simple AmF preventive interventions, applied on low-SMS subjects, can give significant results in terms of caries reduction.

Administration, Topical↗

[Epidemiologic survey of medical and non-medical personnel in a public dental clinic].

Hepatitis B and C and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection represent an occupational problem for the dentist. Few data are available in literature about the situation in our country. An epidemiological survey was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Hepatitis B (HbsAb) and C (HCVab) markers and the exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Tine test) of the whole population of a public dental clinic (247 dental care workers). Furthermore participants were asked to fill a questionnaire to assess their vaccination status. 67,2% of the subjects were found to be positive for HbsAb (77,4% of medical personnel and 28,8% of the auxiliary medical personnel). Only one subject was found positive for anti-HCV (0,4%). 12,5% of the population showed a positive Tine test (15,4% of medical personnel and 1,9% of the auxiliary medical personnel). Our data show a difference between the percentage of subjects who were vaccinated (2,4%) and those who were positive to the Tine test (12,5%).

Adult↗

[Changes in the yeast oral flora in patients in orthodontic treatment].

The Authors analyzed the modifications of some components of salivary microflora (S. mutans, Lactobacillus and yeasts) induced by orthodontic treatment. This one is able to modify the oral microflora, increasing cariogenic microorganisms concentrations in plaque and saliva. Our results demonstrated a high caries risk for the subjects of the experimental group; this data suggest the need for a critical evaluation of preventive protocols applied to the orthodontic patients.

Adolescent↗

[Dental training of assistants in the operatory. 2].

A multiple choice test concerning etiopathogenesis, prevention and therapy of caries and periodontal disease was presented to dental assistants during a meeting in May '91. Despite an adequate information about these subjects, an incomplete view of dental-periodontal health was noted. This is a reason to confirm the need of professional Schools, in order to improve the knowledge about dental health.

Dental Assistants↗

[Structural differences shown in enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth].

Enamel is the first dental tissue to be injured by acid substances deriving from the metabolism of dental plaque in the development of caries lesions. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of structural differences between enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth, particularly the different toughness and degree of mineralization.

Child↗