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Biomedical subjects

L Fortunato

Publications and source records attributed to L Fortunato.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Technical and clinical evaluation of a new asymmetric polysulfone membrane (Biosulfane).

First generation asymmetric polysulfone membranes had high hydraulic permeability (kf = 40 ml/h/mmHg/sqm) but a low diffusive permeability due to the hydrophobic nature and wall thickness of 75-100 microns. We have tested a new polysulfone membrane with a wall thickness of 40 microns in a series of in vitro and in vivo dialysis session experiments. The new "Biosulfane" membrane presented a Kf of 45.8 with constant performance up to 240 mins. The koA was 760 and the clearance value at 350 ml/min of Qb in hemodiafiltration was 255 ml/min for urea, 210 for creatinine, 225 for phosphate, 76 for inulin. In high flux dialysis the clearances were similar except for inulin which was 32% lower due to the lower convection amount. Beta-2 microglobulin clearance was 22 ml/min in high flux dialysis and 37 in hemodiafiltration. Solute sieving coefficients were close to 1 for the majority of the studied solutes in a wide range of molecular weights and slight variations were observed for charged solutes due to Donnan's effect. The sieving for Inulin was 0.96 while that for Beta-2 microglobulin was not measurable due to a large molecule adsorption on the inner structure of the fibres. The good performances of this membrane are probably due to reduced wall thickness and a consequent improvement in diffusive permeability to small size solutes.

Blood Urea Nitrogen↗

Prevalence of dental caries and enamel defects in children living in areas with different water fluoride concentrations.

The prevalences of dental caries and developmental enamel defects were assessed in 643 randomly selected children aged 11 to 13 years who were lifelong residents of three areas of Naples with high (4 ppm), optimal (1 ppm), and low (0.3 ppm) concentrations of fluoride in their drinking water. The children living in the high fluoride area had significantly lower dental caries scores (DMFT 0.59, DMFS 1.01) than those in the optimal fluoride area (DMFT 1.67, DMFS 2.87) and those in the low fluoride area (DMFT 1.97, DMFS 3.48). The FDI index of developmental defects of dental enamel (DDE) was used to record enamel defects. There was a significant increase in the number of children with at least one tooth affected by an enamel defect as the fluoride level in their drinking water increased; the prevalences were 9.8 per cent in the low fluoride area, 23 per cent in the optimal area and 53.1 per cent in the high fluoride area. The prevalences of teeth affected were 2.2 per cent in the low fluoride area, 5.7 per cent in the optimal, and 20.3 per cent in the high. Demarcated opacities were the most common defect seen. Diffuse opacities were found to be the discriminating factor between fluoride and non-fluoride areas. In the high fluoride area 64.3 per cent of children with enamel defects had at least six teeth affected. In the maxilla the central incisors were the most affected teeth followed by the second and first premolars; in the mandible the first premolars and first molars were the most affected teeth.

Adolescent↗

[Sialographic and computed tomographic studies in pathology of the major salivary glands].

A retrospective study is reported which took place over 3 years (1986-1989) and included 99 patients (57 men and 33 women, age range 8-90 years) with lesions attributable to salivary gland diseases. Patients were examined using CAT and sialographic tests. From an analysis of the results it is clear that sialography retains its importance as a means of diagnosis in inflammatory diseases, calculosis and autoimmune disorders, whereas CAT should be used as the preferential diagnostic test for neoplastic lesions.

Adult↗

[Cardiotoxicity of local anesthetics: dynamic electrocardiogram study].

Twenty-two cardiopathic patients (mean age 54.4 +/- 9.9 years) underwent dynamic electrocardiography during tooth extraction under local anesthesia (mepivacaine hydrochloride 2% plus adrenalin 1:200.000). Heart rate (p less than 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p less than 0.001) significantly increased during tooth extraction returning to values near to basal level in the recovery period. No patients showed significant changes in ST segment. One patient with chronic atrial fibrillation presented an increase in ventricular rate (180 beats/min) and appearance of premature ventricular beats, spontaneously regressed. In conclusion, in cardiopathic patients dental operations by local anesthesia with vessel constriction it is possible, provided estimated clinical conditions of patients.

Adult↗

[Resin and glass-ionomer sealants. Indications, mechanism of action, and application technics].

The usefulness and indications to treatment with sealants in pedodontics are examined. Sealants are classified and the action mechanism of sealant resins and the application techniques needed for correct positioning of the material are described. The use of the new glass-ionomer cement sealants, with their advantages and disadvantages, are then discussed and the preventive and economic value of occlusive seals evaluated.

Adolescent↗

[Finishing and polishing of an anterior hybrid composite--Herculite XR. SEM evaluation].

A study was a conducted in order to discover finishing and polishing effectiveness, by particular operative method, on HERCULITE XR, sub-micron hybrid composite. The study was realized on 35 incisors extracted for periodontal reasons, treated with "labial veneers" according to Jordan (1987), divided into 7 groups each containing 5, and finished with different technique. After treatment, the teeth were subjected to SEM examination. The results showed that the high speed finishing technique by twelve and thirty fluted carbide burs and final polishing with Command Ultrafine Luster Paste produces the smoothest and flatest surface of HERCULITE XR. Furthermore the HERCULITE XR/enamel margin doesn't appear fractured or disrupted. Since finishing and polishing rotary techniques in accordance with the characteristic of each type of composite resins.

Composite Resins↗

Surgical palliation of head and neck cancer.

Palliative care in head and neck cancer has not been studied systematically. Patients with incurable head and neck tumors may live months and even years. Ideal palliation should enable them to engage in a normal life before death ensues. It is likely that our improving ability to treat these tumors without achieving cures will cause people to live longer with their cancer. Hence, the need for palliation will probably increase. Also, treatments that cure patients produce conditions that require palliation. Achievement of the best possible function is the major consideration in dealing with head and neck tumors. Difficulty with speech, swallowing, oral hygiene, and laodorous tumors are all common. Depression too should be addressed in a comprehensive fashion by the "head and neck team". The surgeon, radiotherapist, and medical oncologist will need help from dentists, prosthodontists, dental hygienists, psychiatrists, physiatrists, occupational and physical therapists, visiting nurses, nutritionists, and social workers. Palliative care in the hospital is the least desirable, although often unavoidable. Proper hospice support will benefit patients and their families.

Head and Neck Neoplasms↗