COMPOSITE POLYMER-COATED MINERAL SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE REGENERATION: FROM MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION TO HUMAN STUDIES.

Bovine bone xenografts, made of hydroxyapatite (HA), were coated with poly(L-lactide-co-ε- caprolactone) (PLCL) and RGD-containing collagen fragments in order to increase mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, cell adhesion and osteogenicity. In vitro the scaffold microstructure was investigated with Environmental Scanning Electronic Microscopy (ESEM) analysis and micro tomography, while mechanical properties were investigated by means compression tests. In addition, cell attachment and growth within the three-dimensional scaffold inner structure were validated using human osteosarcoma cell lines (SAOS-2 and MG-63). Standard ISO in vivo biocompatibility studies were carried out on model animals, while bone regenerations in humans were performed to assess the efficacy of the product. All results from in vitro to in vivo investigations are here reported, underlining that this scaffold promotes bone regeneration and has good clinical outcome.

Implant placement in large edentulous ridges expanded by GBR using a bioresorbable collagen membrane.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibility of expanding an edentulous ridge spanning two or more teeth by a two-step technique with bioresorbable collagen membranes. Sixteen healthy patients were treated, four in the mandible and 12 in the maxilla. The borderline of the crest width was less than or equal to 4 mm. In each patient only one ridge augmentation was performed. After elevation of a full-thickness flap, a surgical stent was positioned to identify the area of ideal implant positioning. The width of the crest at the location of the surgical stent was measured at the time of GBR procedure and 7 to 12 months later during implant insertion. Native collagen sponges were placed buccally and lingually, and a collagen membrane was shaped and trimmed to completely cover the edentulous ridge. The flaps were sutured to achieve primary closure. Antibiotic and clorhexidine mouthrinse were prescribed, and the patients were recalled every 2 weeks. At implant placement, the mean increase in the size of the crest was 2.49 mm (+/- 1.61 mm). In 12 out of 16 patients (75%) it was possible to insert 27 implants according to the prosthetic need established previously. All implants were successfully loaded, and in the four cases where no appreciable results were obtained, no clinical complications or loss of hard and soft tissue were observed.

Guided tissue regeneration employing a collagen membrane in a human periodontal bone defect: a histologic evaluation.

The purpose of this study is to confirm histologically whether a new attachment can be obtained around a tooth by guided tissue regeneration using bioresorbable barrier. The test tooth was a maxillary molar with an intrabony pocket. At reentry 5 months after periodontal surgery, a hard, whitish, blood-free tissue was found to fill the original defect. Histologic analysis revealed presence of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament compatible with the expected histologic result of guided tissue regeneration techniques with barrier membrane.

Application of slow-resorbing collagen membrane to periodontal and peri-implant guided tissue regeneration.

The utilization of resorbable membranes in the guided tissue regeneration technique allows unquestionable advantages for both the dentist and patient. Collagen is an important constitutive element of the human body and therefore is biodegradable. This study deals with a new slow-resorbing collagen membrane that, when used in conjunction with hydroxyapatite, brings about very interesting results for the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant defects.

The use of a slowly resorbable collagen barrier in the regeneration of bone in deep wide defects: a case report.

This paper presents a case in which a resorbable collagen membrane and a collagen-based spacemaker and root surface conditioning were used in a guided tissue regeneration procedure. There was no need to disturb the healing potential of the underlying selected cells with an early reentry procedure. Clinical postoperative findings at the time of surgery and in an 18-month follow-up and the differences in density of the mineralized tissues, as detected by standardized series of juxtagingival radiographs and during surgical reentry, showed encouraging results in bone regeneration and soft tissue management.

[Suicide at the USSL No. 6 in L'Aquila. Prevalence of the event, clinical and personality correlations]. / Suicidio nella USSL n. 6 di L'Aquila. Prevalenza del fenomeno, correlati clinici e di personalità.

During the last 10 years, suicidal behaviour has become an important social and health problem. The paper identifies 55 cases of suicide registered at a local health unit in L'Aquila (98,751 inhabitants) during the period 1982-1987. It examines the social-demographic variables and the way suicide was carried out. A sample group of 12 cases was selected and the following aspects were examined: personality, psychiatric symptoms and other diseases, use of drugs, the relationship with the health system, drug abuse, familial tendency to suicide, life history, previous suicide attempts, and messages left before death. ISTAT tests concerning the report of death were used to collect data and semi-structured interviews were arranged with medical officers and the victim's relatives.