Tinnitus and its relationship with muscle tenderness in patients with headache and facial pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine tinnitus prevalence in patients with different types of headache and the relationship between tinnitus and the pericranial muscle tenderness and cervical muscle tenderness scores. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 1251 patients with migraine and/or myogenous pain, arthrogenous temporomandibular joint disorders and tension-type headache. Standardised palpation of the pericranial and cervical muscles was carried out and univariable and multivariable analysis was used to measure the odds ratio of suffering tinnitus by the different diagnoses and muscular tenderness grade. RESULTS: A univariable analysis showed that myogenous pain, pericranial muscle tenderness and cervical muscle tenderness scores, sex, and age were associated with tinnitus. When a multivariable model including only age, sex and a headache diagnosis was used, myogenous pain, migraine and age were found to be associated with tinnitus. When muscle tenderness scores were also included, only the cervical muscle tenderness and pericranial muscle tenderness scores were found to be significantly associated with tinnitus. CONCLUSION: In a population of patients with headache and craniofacial pain, tinnitus was related to increased cervical muscle tenderness and pericranial muscle tenderness scores, rather than to any particular form of headache.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as salvage treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective controlled study.

The most commonly used treatment for sensorineural sudden hearing loss (SSHL) in clinical practice is the administration of steroids; however, a favorable result is not always obtained. We studied 58 patients who failed to recover after primary treatment with IV steroids, 44 of these met our inclusion criteria (mean age 50.7, 27 males, range 30-74). We treated 23 patients (mean age 47.3, 16 males, age range 22-74) with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) (2.5 ATA for 60 min for 15 treatments), while 21 (mean age 54.5, 11 males, age range 22-71) patients refused to be treated and served as a non-randomized control group. Patients treated with HBO had a mean improvement of 15.6 dB (SD ± 15.3), with 1 of them completely healed, 5 with a good recovery, 10 with a fair recovery and 7 unchanged. Patients who were not treated had a spontaneous mean improvement of 5.0 dB (SD ± 11.4) with 3 patients with a good recovery, 1 patient with a fair recovery and 17 patients unchanged. Mean improvement was significantly better in patients treated with HBO compared to controls (p = 0.0133). Patients with worst hearing had the greater degree of improvement whether or not they were treated in the first 10 days after the onset of the hearing loss or between 11 and 30 days. In conclusion, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can lead to significant improvement of pure tone hearing thresholds in patients with SSHL who failed primary corticosteroid treatment and are within 4 weeks of the onset of deafness.

From antiferromagnetic insulator to correlated metal in pressurized and doped LaMnPO.

Widespread adoption of superconducting technologies awaits the discovery of new materials with enhanced properties, especially higher superconducting transition temperatures T(c). The unexpected discovery of high T(c) superconductivity in cuprates suggests that the highest T(c)s occur when pressure or doping transform the localized and moment-bearing electrons in antiferromagnetic insulators into itinerant carriers in a metal, where magnetism is preserved in the form of strong correlations. The absence of this transition in Fe-based superconductors may limit their T(c)s, but even larger T(c)s may be possible in their isostructural Mn analogs, which are antiferromagnetic insulators like the cuprates. It is generally believed that prohibitively large pressures would be required to suppress the effects of the strong Hund's rule coupling in these Mn-based compounds, collapsing the insulating gap and enabling superconductivity. Indeed, no Mn-based compounds are known to be superconductors. The electronic structure calculations and X-ray diffraction measurements presented here challenge these long held beliefs, finding that only modest pressures are required to transform LaMnPO, isostructural to superconducting host LaFeAsO, from an antiferromagnetic insulator to a metallic antiferromagnet, where the Mn moment vanishes in a second pressure-driven transition. Proximity to these charge and moment delocalization transitions in LaMnPO results in a highly correlated metallic state, the familiar breeding ground of superconductivity.

Access to HAART in HIV-infected immigrants: a retrospective multicenter Italian study.

Since 1996, AIDS has declined in the Italian population, but cases in foreign patients, including both recent immigrants and long-term residents, have increased from 3.9% in 1995-1996 to 15.4% in 2001-2002. This increase can only be partly explained by a higher migratory flow and might reflect a delayed access to health facilities and to antiretroviral therapy in migrants. We performed a survey for the year 2003 of HIV-infected immigrants to Italy from countries outside the European Union to verify which factors might influence a lack of access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Italian centers of infectious diseases were requested to send sociodemographic and clinical data of HIV-infected immigrant patients. A total of 553 HIV-infected immigrants (49.9% women) were evaluated, representing 6.5% of all HIV-infected patients from these centers. The mean duration of residency in Italy was 6.6 +/- 5.0 years. The country of origin was Africa (64.5%), North and South America (24.2%), Eastern Europe (7.0%), and Asia (3.8%). A total of 407 of 553 patients (73.6%) were taking antiretroviral drugs at the time of screening. Females presented a younger age (p = 0.001), a lower frequency of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stage B/C (p = 0.008) and a more frequent heterosexual exposure to HIV (p < 0.001), while no differences were observed for time of first positive serology (p = 0.7). CD4 cell count (p = 0.9) and log plasma HIV-RNA (p = 0.1). Characteristics of HAART patients were compared to those of nontreated patients, despite a CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/mm(3). No significant difference was found for gender, country of origin, risk factor, and years of Italian residence, while legal immigrants (p = 0.018) and registered in the National Health Service (p = 0.014) were significantly more likely to receive HAART compared to illegal immigrants.

Completion of screening for latent tuberculosis infection among immigrants.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the sociodemographic factors associated with completion of screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among undocumented immigrants in Brescia, Italy. Screening for LTBI was offered to 649 immigrants; 213 (33%) immigrants completed the first step of screening; only 44% (55/124) of individuals with a positive tuberculin skin test result started treatment for LTBI. The univariate analysis showed that being unmarried, of Senegalese nationality and being interviewed by a health-care worker with the same native language as the immigrant were significantly associated with completion of screening for LTBI. In the multiple logistic regression, being interviewed in the native language of the health-care worker (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.8, P = 0.004) and being of Senegalese origin (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.6, P = 0.0005) were independently associated with adherence to LTBI screening. Our results suggest that knowledge of the sociodemographic characteristics of immigrants, and the participation of health-care workers of the same cultural origin as the immigrant during the visits, can be an important tool to improve completion of screening for LTBI.

Cell behaviour of Drosophila fat cadherin mutations in wing development.

We have studied several cell behaviour parameters of mutant alleles of fat (ft) in Drosophila imaginal wing disc development. Mutant imaginal discs continue growing in larvae delayed in pupariation and can reach sizes of several times those of wild-type. Their growth is, however, basically allometric. Homozygous ft cells grow faster than their twin cells in clones and generate larger territories, albeit delimited by normal clonal restrictions. Moreover, ft cells in clones tend to grow towards wing proximal regions. These behaviours can be related with failures in cell adhesiveness and cell recognition. Double mutant combinations with alleles of other genes, e.g. of the Epidermal growth factor receptor (DER) pathway, modify ft clonal phenotypes, indicating that adhesiveness is modulated by intercellular signalling. Mutant ft cells show, in addition, smaller cell sizes during proliferation and abnormal cuticular differentiation, which reflect cell membrane and cytoskeleton anomalies, which are not modulated by the DER pathway.

Developmental constraints in the Drosophila wing.

Selection experiments for shortening the four longitudinal veins in a wild population of Drosophila melanogaster have been performed to evaluate how a local change is integrated in the wing development. Our results show that, though many units of selection seem to exist within a given organ, these are strongly constrained within the developmental programme, in such a way that only some predictable forms are expected. The results are discussed in terms of the 'Entelechia' model proposed by Garcia-Bellido in which the intercalarity of positional values promoted by 'martial' genes in a given organ is the driving force for controlled cell proliferation.

Developmental constraints and wing shape variation in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster.

The body sizes and shapes of poikilothermic animals generally show clinal variation with latitude. Among the environmental factors responsible for the cline, temperature seems to be the most probable candidate. In the present work we analysed natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster collected at different geographical localities to determine whether the same selective forces acting on wing development in the laboratory are also at work in the wild. We show that the temperature selection acting on wing development in the laboratory is only one of the selective forces operating in the wild. The size differences between natural populations seem to depend exclusively on cell number whereas they depend on cell area in the laboratory. The two wing compartments behave as distinct units of selection subjected to different genetic control, confirming our previous observations on laboratory populations. In addition, subunits of development defined as regions of cell proliferation centres restricted within longitudinal veins can, in turn, be considered as subunits of selection. Their interaction during development and continuous natural selection around an optimum could explain the high wing shape stability generally found in natural populations.

[In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of composite resin in the presence or absence of smear layer]. / Valutazione in vitro della citotossicità delle resine composite in presenza o in assenza del fango dentinale.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present research was to investigate the cytotoxicity of the composite resins applied on dentine samples with different smear layer removal, by using cell cultures and LDH determination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight caries-free third molars recently extracted were used. Transversal sections, 500 mu thick, were obtained. A simulated pulpar chamber was constructed allowing to give lodging in the inferior side to the cell culture and in the superior side to the dentine section with the composite resin. LDH activity was then determined by using a spectrophotometer. BACKGROUND: The results show that the composite resins are surely cytotoxic if directly applied on the dentine. The smear layer is able to reduce the transdentinal diffusion of composite resin toxicity. On the basis of the data obtained it is suggested that in vivo, being necessary to eliminate the smear layer due to its bacterial contents, it is possible in the deep cavities, to partially remove with EDTA maintaining the smear plugs after their disinfection. Nevertheless EDTA application should not exceed 30 seconds.

[Study of compression resistance of conventional or passive post and core reconstructed roots]. / Studio sulla resistenza alla compressione di radici ricostruite con perno moncone adattato al canale con precisione o scaricato.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study is to estimate if the reconstructed roots with passive post and core have a greater resistance to compression in relation to reconstructed roots with traditional post and core. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental situations have been reproduced as close as possible to real clinical situations simulating the cervical edge of the crown with a supporting cervical ring. A comparative analysis of the resistance to compression has been carried out using three groups of roots: the first group constructed from reconstructed roots with traditional post and core; the second group of reconstructed roots with passive post and core; the third group of roots were not reconstructed. RESULTS: Our results have shown that if the root reconstruction includes a metallic support ring that goes beyond the root plate by at least 1 mm there is no difference in the resistance to compression of statistical significance between reconstructed roots with passive post and core and reconstructed roots with traditional post and core. It turns out instead that there is a significant increase in resistance to compression of the reconstructed roots (because of the presence of the cervical support ring) in respect of the third group of unreconstructed roots.

Load transmission evaluation by removable distal-extension partial dentures using holographic interferometry.

Five pairs of bilateral distal-extension removable partial dentures with different clasp designs were constructed on the same dried human mandible in order to compare their load distribution characteristics. The technique of holographic interferometry was used. Among the dentures tested, those with RPI and back action clasps having mesial rests provided the best results from the mechanical point of view. The most unfavourable behaviour was presented by the Akers clasps design. The RPA design and dentures having clasps with continuous MOD rest gave intermediate results.

[Epidemiological studies of the dental-periodontal health conditions in 2 samples of the school-age population of the city of Turin]. / Indagine epidemiologica sulle condizioni di salute dento-parodontali di 2 campioni di popolazione scolastica della città di Torino.

The paper reports the results of a study of the prevalence of teeth-parodontal diseases found in two groups from the school population, aged between 13 and 19, resident in Turin. The structure of the survey, the clinical methods of collecting data and the statistical processing of data were carried out according to OMS directives regarding the study of oral pathologies.

Corrosion under static and dynamic conditions of alloys used for magnetic retention in dentistry.

In recent years magnetic retention has gained increasing popularity in dental practice. This investigation compared the corrosion resistance of the palladium-cobalt ferromagnetic alloy (constituent of the keeper cemented on the abutment teeth) coupled with the samarium-cobalt magnets embedded in the removable part of the denture. The behavior of three couples (cobalt-palladium, cobalt-palladium/titanium, and cobalt-palladium/palladium) has been studied. The magnets, because of their poor corrosion resistance, are encapsulated in various materials. To simulate clinical conditions, characterized by the continuous movement of the keeper with respect to the magnet, the experiments were conducted in artificial saliva under intermittent and continuous wear.

Influence of corrosion on brazed joints' strength.

The influence of corrosion on the bond strength of different brazed joints commonly used in dentistry has been investigated by means of accelerated immersion tests in artificial saliva buffered at pH 2, and in Ringer's solution, both kept at 37 degrees C. Two Co-Cr base metal alloys were brazed with a gold and a non-precious alloy. After 60 days' immersion the tensile strength of the samples brazed with the gold alloy was dramatically reduced because of galvanic corrosion phenomena. The bond strength of the specimens brazed with the non-precious alloy was largely unaffected. Corrosion products rich in nickel were detected. The electrochemical characterization of the base metal alloys and brazing materials was performed by means of polarization curves in the two media investigated. High short circuit currents were only produced with the gold brazing materials.

[Dentin-dentinal adhesive interaction. Calorimetric measurement]. / Interazione adesivi dentinali-dentina. Misure calorimetriche.

Among the tests employed to evaluate the bond strength between dentine and dental adhesives (tensile or shear bond strength measurements, marginal leakage measurements) a general accordance on their reliability cannot be found. Calorimetric measurement may be useful in deciding if the adhesion is mechanical or chemical. In this preliminary study, calorimetric measurements have been performed on three adhesive systems commonly employed: Scotchbond, Gluma, Dentin Adhesit. A calorimeter, equipped with reaction vessels which allow the contact between the two reactants after the thermostatisation has been reached, was used. A thermal effect was observed in all cases, greater for Scotchbond and Gluma, poor for Dentin Adhesit. These values are the sum of different contributes of various reaction paths.

[A clinical-statistical study on oral health of a sample of young population]. / Indagine clinico-statistica sulle condizioni di salute orale di un campione di popolazione giovanile.

The hygienic-health condition of the oral cavity in a sample of the youth population has been assessed. Eating habits, preventive measures taken with regard to the teeth and condition of the dental arch were all considered. Sociocultural differences were observed in the distribution of the incidence of caries, poor knowledge of correct oral hygiene techniques and little motivation.

[Magnets used in dentistry. Preliminary data on in vitro biocompatibility]. / Magneti utilizzati in odontoiatria. Dati preliminari di biocompatibilità "in vitro".

The biocompatibility of various magnetic materials used in dentistry to secure prostheses was assessed. In vitro cell cultures were performed on coated and uncoated covered and uncovered rare earth magnets. These studies were completed by essays of the lactic dehydrogenase used as an indicator of membrane damage. The various analyses indicate that the magnets in common clinical use are not significantly cytotoxic.

Metal-porcelain bonding to a magnetizable alloy.

The bond strength of porcelain to a magnetizable Pd-Co alloy was compared with that of a precious and nonprecious ceramic alloy by using the four-point flexure test and a direct shear test. The test procedure consisted of continuous loading until a bond failure occurred. The fractured surfaces were then examined with a scanning electron microscope. A good strength of the magnetizable Pd-Co alloy comparable to that of two specific ceramic alloys and intermediate between precious and nonprecious alloys was observed. Most of the failures of the precious alloy occurred at the oxide-porcelain interface. The preferential fracture paths were observed for the nonprecious alloy between the metal fracture and the oxide layer. The fractures of the magnetizable alloy occurred at the oxide-porcelain interface and in the bulk of the porcelain, clearly pointing out the possibility of using magnetizable Pd-Co alloy for metal ceramic abutment crowns.

[Electrochemical behavior of 3 magnetic alloys used for prosthetic retention]. / Comportamento elettrochimico di tre accoppiamenti magnetici impiegati per la ritenzione protesica.

By means of potentiodynamic techniques the electrochemical behaviour of a ferromagnetic alloy Pd-Co and three types of caps (AISI 316 stainless steel, Pd, Ti) for permanent Sm-Co magnets has been investigated in artificial saliva and in Ringer's solution. In addition short-circuit measurements were performed on several couples Pd-Co/AISI 316, Ti, Pd caps. From our findings a good corrosion resistance of all the materials is evidenced in artificial saliva. In Ringer's solution, which is more aggressive, Pd-Co shows no tendency to passivity.

[The possibility of radicular fracture in relation to the form of the endocanal pin]. / Possibilità di frattura radicolare in rapporto alla forma del perno endocanalare.

The aim of this study to assess the in vitro behaviour of different pin shapes in response to identical techniques and to compare the results. It is concluded that cylindrical pins give the best mechanical results though the conical pin may be preferable for certain root conformations.