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Biomedical subjects

S D'Amato

Publications and source records attributed to S D'Amato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Biocompatibility studies on glass ionomer cements by primary cultures of human osteoblasts.

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are materials largely employed in the dental field that have been considered recently as cements in orthopaedic surgery for their proven osteogenic features. The aim of this study was to compare the response of cultured human osteoblastic cells to a number of commercial glass ionomer cements in order to provide indications useful for the further development of formulations that have potential for use as cements or implants in repair and replacement of bone tissue. The GICs tested were: Ketac-Fil Aplicap, lonocem lonocap 1,0, GC Fuji II, GC Fuji II LC and Vitremer 3M. Several features such as plating efficiency, adhesion and morphology of the cells were studied, as well as the only specific biochemical parameter of osteoblastic phenotype, namely osteocalcin production. In addition, the colonisation of materials by osteoblastic cells was verified by means of scanning electron microscopy. Altogether, the results obtained indicate that four of the five glass ionomer cements tested are biocompatible, showing vital cells adhering to the materials, proliferating and expressing the biochemical markers of osteoblastic phenotype, whereas Vitremer 3M, although currently employed in the dental field, exhibits a great cytotoxicity toward the cells. The adverse reaction of this GIC can be attributed to the leaching of at least two components of the polyacidic phase evidenced by protonic magnetic resonance analysis (PMR), namely 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), and an unidentified acidic species. The addition of pure HEMA at the same concentrations found by means of PMR to cultures of osteoblastic cells resulted in a complete cell death. Our results also show that in vitro methods employing primary cultures of human cells specific to the implant sites of prostheses are appropriate and suitable tools for evaluating biocompatibility of materials. Furthermore, this kind of approach can provide indications useful in the design of novel materials as well as in improving the characteristics of the formulations already available.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1994

[Infectious endocarditis in dentistry practice: recent controversies and modes of the use of antibiotic prophylaxis].

A survey by questionnaire to assess the daily practice of the antibiotic prophylaxis of infective endocarditis by physicians attending post-graduate schools of the Institutes of Oral Surgery and Stomatology (Group A n = 83) and Cardiology (Group B n = 46) of the Second University of Naples has been conducted. They were asked about dental procedure and cardiopathies that require prophylaxis for infective endocarditis, the relationship between infective endocarditis and rheumatic disease and the provision of antibiotic. Extraction of tooth and dental and oral surgery have been reported as the most risky procedures. Moreover provision of antibiotic prophylaxis was suggested to patients not at risk (pacemaker or coronary artery bypass), and was not suggested in high risk conditions (mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Most of the 50-60% practitioners usually start the prophylaxis 24-48 hours before the procedure and prolong it for 48-72 hours. These results underline the need for improvement of the knowledge for the antibiotic prophylaxis of infective endocarditis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical applications compared in implantology].

On the basis of their own experience and of orientation reported by literature, the authors display how important it is for professional men who practise implantology or who approach it, to have the possibility of knowing several implantologic systems. Indeed, what we want to demonstrate is, that in different situations of edentulous, in relation to the quantity and the quality of the available bones, to the gnotologic situation and to the aesthetic functional result they aim to, corresponds the choice of one or several implantologic systems. In that sense the basic research occupies a role of vital importance, because only through the knowledge of chemical, chemical-physical and biomechanical characteristics it is possible to recognize some essential chemical entities for an implantologic approach. Thus the several diagnostic instrumental means available enable the surgeon to make an exact clinical diagnosis. The TAC, in this case, assumes a determinant role, because, in addition to supplying exact dimensional and qualitative informations, also occupies an important medico-legal aspect. The resolution of some forms of edentulous programmed like that, will subsequently be illustrated. Finally, a control hypothesis is proposed for the rearrangement, of peri-implant bone. On this account, the SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), through a semi-quantitative research, could provide some specific indications about the osteotropic implantation activity.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1984

[Plasma beta-2-microglobulin in rheumatoid arthritis].

The beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is a low molecular weight protein, recognized on the cellular membranes of numerous nucleated cells and strictly correlated to the antigens of Major Histocompatibility Complex. Many authors have demonstrated an increase of the plasmatic beta 2m in different inflammatory diseases and, particularly in rheumatic ones, as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have also investigated the behaviour of the plasmatic beta 2m in 52 RA patients and in 17 healthy subjects. The beta 2m was measured in serum, by radioimmunoassay. We have demonstrated that the plasmatic beta 2m has moderately increased in the serum of RA patients, even if there is not a significant difference when compared to the normal subjects.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reducing medication errors.

This article describes initiatives one institution developed to improve systems for detecting and preventing adverse medication events. Our discussion focuses on issues regarding the frequency and incidence of medication errors, the trials of traditional versus anonymous incident reporting, and the efforts to improve systems rather than placing blame and punishment on individuals. Initiatives such as improved documentation of pediatric patient weights and hepatic and renal function, increase of direct physician order entry into our Medical Information System (MIS), elimination of nonemergent verbal orders, and new and improved MIS ordering matrices (incorporating medical protocols and pathways) have led to more rational and efficient practices. Improved error prevention and critical incident review have identified on-going opportunities for improvement. Although the direct impact on patient outcomes is not yet measurable, numerous positive results have allowed for improved clinical decision making, streamlining of processes, increased regulatory compliance, and a positive culture change.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Tuberculosis in Italy: available data and open questions].

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological trend of tuberculosis (TB) in Italy. DESIGN: Descriptive study on the basis of routine information sources: TB deaths (1955-1993) and TB notifications (1955-1995). To identify persons with AIDS (PWAs) among notified TB cases, a record linkage with the National AIDS Registry was performed. RESULTS: From 1955 to 1993, the TB mortality constantly decreased by a mean of 7.6% per year. From 1955 to 1995, the crude annual total incidence of TB decreased from 25.26 to 9.12 per 100,000. The trend of decrease of pulmonary TB ceased in 1980, whereas the incidence of extrapulmonary TB began to markedly increase in 1980. Between 1992 and 1995, the average annual meningitis notification rate in children < five years was 0.045 per 100,000. In 1995, the curve of incidence rates by age shows two peaks (> 75 years and 25-34 years). Persons with AIDS and foreigner-born persons represented in total 11.3% of TB cases (1992-1995); in the age class 25-34 years, this proportion was 32.5% (34.1% in 1995). A considerable undernotification of TB among PWAS was detected. CONCLUSION: The TB incidence is no longer decreasing due to the changes of TB case definition in 1987 and the.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Maxillary sinus surgical lift. Summers' technique versus lateral surgical approach].

BACKGROUND: After an extensive review of the literature regarding maxillary sinus lift procedures, the authors report the results of a retrospective study carried out by the Institute of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Second University of Naples. METHODS: A group of 9 patients aged between 18 and 50 years old, including two females, were enrolled in this study. At the preliminary evaluation, the sites to be analysed showed a bone height between the residual crest and the sinusal membrane not exceeding 8 mm. All patients responded positively to specific preimplantation requisites. Commercially pure titanium fixtures were used as well as demineralised freeze-dried bovine bone and autologous bone graft from the retromolar region. RESULTS: All patients were followed for at least 15 months and no clinical check-ups were missed during that time. No implant was lost and no cases of spire exposure were reported. Postoperative vertical bone resorption was within normal values. CONCLUSIONS: Summers technique and its variations with bone grafts of various kinds represents a valid aid for edentulous maxillary rehabilitation with scarce osseous resources in the postero-superior sectors. It offers a number of advantages compared to the traditional technique using an invasive lateral approach and is more acceptable to patients. However, in spite of this positive experience, the follow-up in the literature still appears to be too short. The authors, are therefore cautious in expressing their absolute preference for Summers technique and stress the need to wait for further long-term results.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The characteristics and properties of calcium phosphates in biomaterial formulations used in dentistry. 1].

In this work we present the features and the properties of natural and synthetic apatites, which we use in an experimental study of various commercial products composed by calcium phosphate. After having considered the general concepts of biomaterials and biocompatibility, we describe non biological tests used for the characterization of these products. Biomaterials used in this study are: reabsorbable Dac Blu, non reabsorbable Dac Blu, non reabsorbable atomized Dac Blu, non reabsorbable thin Dac Blu, reabsorbable Biocoral 450, Calcitite 2040-12, Orthogel, Apagen, BTF 65, Calcitite 4060-2 Osprogel, Bio-oss, Biostite, Osprovit, Merck Hydroxiapatite. Tests used are: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric and thermodifferential analysis (TG, DTG, DTA), scanner-ing electron microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis. Last but not least, we underline the particular features of these tests whose interpretation allows a more precise definition of the bioactivity of a biocompatible material.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The thermal analysis of mineral-based biomaterials used in dentistry. 5].

In this study the following commercial products were thermo-analysed (TG, DTG, DTA): reabsorbable Dac Blu, non reabsorbable Dac Blu, non reabsorbable atomized Dac Blu, non reabsorbable thin Dac Blu, reabsorbable Biocoral 450, non reabsorbable thin Dac Blu, reabsorbable Biocoral 450, Calcitite 2040-12, Orthogel, Apagen, BTF 65, Calcitite 4060-2, Osprogel, Bio-Oss, Biostite, Osprovit, Merck Hydroxiapatite. The apparatus utilized was a Setaram TAG 24, in a symmetrical set up, which gave the TG, DTG and DTA analysis simultaneously. The analysis of all the materials were performed in correct operative conditions. The thermo analyses gave useful information about the thermal stability of the samples. The TG analysis gave the data relative to the percentage of weight loss due to the volatile substances in the samples (H2Oass C, OH-, CO2). The DTG graph made it possible to establish the presence of carbonate apatite and/or hydroxyapatite or the absence of both the substances. Finally, DTA and DTG analyses allowed show the presence of various organic substances. These data were very useful to characterize the examined materials and confirmed the extreme importance and sensibility of this method.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dimethyl sulfoxide therapy in the treatment of vesicant extravasation: two case presentations.

The prevention and treatment of vesicant extravasation presents unique nursing challenges. In two case studies, the authors describe the clinical response of patients to dimethyl sulfoxide after multivesicant extravasation. The patients studied did not experience deep tissue necrosis or resultant morbidity related to extravasation. Dimethyl sulfoxide has practical applications in the management of vesicant extravasation. However, further research is needed to fully define its role.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinico-statistical observations on 292 cases of salivary gland pathologies].

292 cases of salivary gland diseases have been observed and treated at the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department of the Faculty of Medicine II Naples University. The statistical results concerning age, sex, localization, histological characteristics and therapy are analysed and compared with other references.

Acute Disease↗