Effect of pre-operatory low-level laser therapy on pain, swelling, and trismus associated with third-molar surgery.

BACKGROUND: The extraction of impacted third molars is commonly associated to pain, edema, trismus, limited jaw opening and movements. The aim of this retrospective study is to verify if pre-surgical low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with the extraction of impacted lower third molars could add benefits to the postoperative symptoms respect LLLT performed only after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 45 patients subjected to a surgical extraction of lower third molars were pooled and divided into three groups. Patients that received only routine management were inserted in the control group. Group 1, were patients that received LLLT immediately after surgery and at 24 hours. In group 2 were included patients treated with LLLT immediately before the extraction and immediately after the end of the procedure. Data were analyzed using linear regression and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Both laser-treated groups were characterized by minor events of post-surgery complications of pain, edema, trismus. The use of NSAIDs in the first 24 hours was significantly inferior in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-surgical LLLT treatment seems to increase the analgesic effect of LLLT. However, trismus and edema were reduced in both laser treated groups, independently from the period of irradiation.

Fitness Evaluation of Ruditapes philippinarum Exposed to Ni.

In this study, long-term effects of Ni, a widespread heavy metal in the aquatic ecosystems, have been determined on growth and lethality of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum, a known bioindicator of the marine environment. Three/four-month-old bivalves have been exposed to different concentrations of Ni dissolved in synthetic seawater. Growth and lethality as endpoints after 28 days of treatment have been observed. Obtained results are the following: EC25 = 3.97 ± 0.94 and 9.45 ± 1.59 mg/L and NOEC = 1.56 and 6.25 mg/L for growth and mortality, respectively. Moreover, this study can be considered a new tool for the evaluation of fitness of bivalve clam, together with other biological responses following to the biological impacts of metal pollution.

In vitro inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis with a led device.

Non-coherent light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are effective in a large variety of clinical indications; however, the bactericidal activity of LEDs is unclear, although the effectiveness of such lights is well known. Currently, no studies have examined the effects of NIR-LED on bacteria. The aims of this study were to verify the antibacterial activity of 880-nm LED irradiation on a bacterial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis and to compare it with the actions of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the concurrent use of both treatments. Before we proceeded with the main experiment, we first performed preliminary tests to evaluate the influence of such parameters as the distance of irradiation, the energy density, the irradiation time and the presence of photosensitizers on the antimicrobial effects of LEDs. After treatment, the colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) was recorded and the data were submitted to ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests at a level of significance of 5%. The results showed that LED irradiation, at the parameters used, is able to significantly decrease E. faecalis viability in vitro. The total inhibition of E. faecalis was obtained throughout concurrent treatment of LED and NaOCl (1%) for 5min. The same antimicrobial activity was confirmed in all of the experiments (p<0.05), but no statistically significant differences were found by varying such parameters as the distance of irradiation (from 0.5mm to 10mm), energy density (from 2.37 to 8.15mJ/s), irradiation time (from 5min to 20min) or by adding toluidine blue O (TBO).

Influence of alumina particles in the production of biomimetic composites.

AIM: The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of the filler size and shape in the final architecture of biomimetic composite produced through the freeze casting technique. METHODS: Different samples of ceramic infiltrated with resin, composed by a different ratio between RonaFlair White Sapphire aluminium oxide powder - EMD Chemicals/Rona Gibbstown, USA (platelet-like morphology and average particle size <16 µm) and Almatis alumina filler ­ CT3000SG, Almatis, USA (average particle size of 0.8 µm) have been produced. The samples have been then characterized through thermal analysis and calorimetry (Model TG/DT A 6300, Seiko Instruments USA Inc. Torrance, CA, USA), scanning electron microscopy (Phenom-World BV, Eindhoven, The Netherlands), and optical microscope (Nikon Eclipse E600 microscope). Moreover the percentage of shrinkage after the ceramic sintering have been measured through a digital calibre (Mitutoyo USA, Aurora, IL, USA). Four different groups have been considered: Group 1 (10R): 10% RonaFlair- 90% Almitas; Group 2 (20R): 20% RonaFlair- 80% Almitas; Group 3 (40R): 40% RonaFlair- 60% Almitas; Group 4 (60R): 60% RonaFlair- 40% Almitas. RESULTS: Optical microscope and SEM observations have confirmed that all samples were characterized by a biomimetic hierarchic structure. For what concerning the average thickness of lamellae measured at 4 and 8 mm from the cooling plate, samples 10R were characterized by higher thickness at both levels. The measured parameter indeed decreases with the increment of the percentage of RonaFlair in the slurry composition. On the contrary the distance between lamellae (wavelength), was characterized by an opposite trend. The measurement of the diameters of the samples after the sintering process through a digital calibre has shown that 10R and 20R samples were characterized by a constant shrinkage in all the samples. On the contrary, groups 40R and 60R were distorted and were characterized by a higher diameter at the bottom respect the upper portion of the samples. Indeed these samples were characterized in the bottom by a greater amount of particles, both Almatis than RonaFlair ones. We have supposed that gravity force, during the freeze casting process, tended to push down in the lower layers all heaviest particles and then the lightest ones have occupied the spaces they have left. Consequently in upper layers there were only few particles so during the sintering process were characterized by the higher shrinkage. This phenomenon was limited in samples 10R and 20R because the percentage of greatest particle was so much inferior that their position was not influential. CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that samples composed by a higher percentage of RonaFlair, were characterized by a higher distortion after sintherization; the cause of this phenomenon could be the different sedimentation process that characterizes particles of different weight and size.

Association between the organoleptic scores, oral condition and salivary ß-galactosidases in children affected by halitosis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this work is to evaluate the association between organoleptic scores, oral condition and salivary ß-galactosidases, to facilitate the differential diagnosis of halitosis in children. METHODS: Fifty systemically healthy children with a primary complaint of oral malodour were included in this cross-sectional study. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out by two judges, evaluating the intensity of malodour of the air exhaled 5 s through the mouth of the patients, at a distance of approximately 10 cm from their noses; the level of salivary ß-galactosidases was quantified spectrophotometrically after a chromatic reaction between a salivary sample of each patient and a specific chromatic substrate of the enzyme. Clinical conditions, such as visible plaque and gingival bleeding index, tongue coating score, localized food stagnation and other oral parameters, were evaluated by qualified dentists through an oral check-up. RESULTS: The ß-galactosidase level was significantly related to the organoleptic scores and clinical parameters, such as the tongue coating score and the visible plaque index. Stratifying results with respect to the different phase of the day at which parents complained halitosis in their children, statistical analysis showed that the organoleptic scores and the level of ß-galactosidases were significantly higher in children who suffered of halitosis during the whole day, A = 40%, with respect to those without this problem, N = 20% (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Certain oral parameters such as halitosis during the whole day, high tongue coating score and high visible plaque index were particularly associated with an increase in the salivary ß-galactosidase level.

Thermal analysis of laser-softened gutta-percha.

The aim of this work is to examine the behaviour of laser treated gutta-percha (a–b) after heating, to test the validity of a new obturation technique. Samples of laser- and no laser- treated gutta-percha have been examined by the thermal/thermogravimetric analysis and compared. All samples have been submitted to four runs of heating from the temperature of 25–130 C, followed by spontaneous cooling. It was found that some samples have shown the typical behaviour of the alpha-gutta-percha; others have shown characteristics similar to the conventional beta-gutta-percha. The laser treated gutta-percha has shown a significant mass loss after the first run of heating, while the mass tends to stabilize after the third run. It has been demonstrated that the 980 nm diode laser used with cited parameters does not alters thermal behaviour of gutta-percha cones.

Spectrophotometric assessment of salivary ß-galactosidases in halitosis.

The aim of this work was to develop a spectrophotometric method for the measurement of salivary ß-galactosidase for the evaluation of oral malodor. A comparison between different methods for estimating oral malodor has been conducted on 94 healthy adult volunteers. For organoleptic measurements, the subjects were instructed to exhale briefly through the mouth at a distance of approximately 10 cm from the noses of two trained judges. The evaluation of ß-galactosidase activity was accomplished in unstimulated whole saliva of all participants through the colorimetric method and spectrophotometry. A significant association among spectrophotometric evaluation of ß-galactosidase and organoleptic measurements was assessed by Spearman correlations. Although colorimetric and spectrophotometric assessments of ß-galactosidases were estimated to have the same sensitivity, the last method is characterized by a higher specificity. The results suggest that the use of the UV-vis spectrophotometer increases the specificity of the evaluation of salivary ß-galactosidases.

Enzymatic analysis of the gingival crevicular fluid in hypoxia of high altitude (Everest).

The aim of this study is to determine the qualitative and quantitative changes of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) that occur in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) in hypobaric-hypoxic conditions (high altitude). Hypoxia affects systemic adaptation responses in different organs. We examined 17 Caucasians subjects, of whom 13 were mountain climbers (1 female and 12 males), and 4 Tibetans (2 females and 2 males) following exposure to the hypoxia environment of high altitude. The study was conducted at different altitudes (0 m control, 1000 m, 5200 m above sea level) on Mount Everest. The protocol consisted of withdrawing crevicular fluid through the use of cones made of endodontic paper size 30 sectioned to 15 mm from the apex, inserted for 30 seconds in the gingival sulcus (about 2 mm). The analyzed sites were the mesial and distal, buccal and palatal of tooth 1.1 and 2.1. Blood exams were performed on the subjects using I-Stat, furnishing analysis in real time (about 2 mins). In agreement with other results reported in literature, in all the subjects we found an increase in the hematocrit and hemoglobin with a large range of values between them, and with significant differences, as analysed with the Fisher, Scheffe and Bonferroni/Dunn statistical methods. The enzymatic analysis of the GFC showed an increase of the levels of ALP at each altitude studied. With this preliminary study we show that hypoxic environment determines not only the well known cardiovascular systemic responses, but also crevicular fluid adaptation.

Cyclic Amp phosphodiesterase activity in normal and inflamed human dental pulp.

Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP PDE) seems to be important in pulp tissues. High levels of cAMP PDE have been demonstrated to be in dental pulp cells. In the present study cAMP PDE activity was analyzed in normal healthy human dental pulps, in reversible pulpitis and in irreversible pulpitis. Enzymatic cAMP PDE control values for normal healthy pulps were 12.14 +/- 3.74 nmols/mg of proteins. In reversible pulpitis the cAMP PDE activity increased almost 2.5 times. In irreversible pulpitis specimens the values increased 4.5 times compared with normal healthy pulps activity. The differences between the groups (control vs. reversible pulpitis and vs. irreversible pulpitis) were statistically significant. These results could point to a role of cAMP PDE in the initial pulp response after injury.

cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in diabetic rats eyes in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions.

Phosphodiesterase activity was tested on homogenized eyes of pre-diabetic rats kept in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, with the aim of correlating any difference in PDE activity with variations in atmospheric oxygen contents. The activity of the cAMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) was tested. Phosphodiesterases seem to be particularly susceptible to variations in oxygen tension, suggesting an important role of cyclic nucleotides in adaptive processes of the cell. cAMP-PDE activity increases slightly in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions in pre-diabetic rats. The second messenger, cAMP, plays important roles in mediating the biological effects of a wide variety of first messengers. The intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides depend upon rates of synthesis and degradation, of cyclases and phosphodiesterase (PDEs), respectively. Therefore, PDEs seem to play an important role in a wide variety of physiological processes.

cGMP phosphodiesterase activity in diabetic rats eyes in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions.

Phosphodiesterase activity was tested on homogenized eyes of pre-diabetic rats kept in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, with the aim of correlating any difference in PDE activity with variations in atmospheric oxygen contents. The activity of the cGMP phosphodiesterase (cGMP-PDE) was tested. Phosphodiesterases seem to be particularly susceptible to variations in oxygen tension, suggesting an important role of cyclic nucleotides in cellular adaptive processes. cGMP-PDE activity increases lightly in normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions in pre-diabetic rats. The second messenger, cGMP, plays important roles in mediating the biological effects of a wide variety of first messengers. In particular, cGMP in the eye is an important mediator for the mechanism of sight. The intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides depend upon the rates of synthesis and degradation, actuated, respectively, by cyclases and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Therefore, PDEs seem to play an important role in a wide variety of physiological processes.

Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity role in normal and inflamed human dental pulp.

Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (cGMP PDE) plays an important role in pulp tissues. High levels of cGMP PDE are found in dental pulp cells. In the present study cGMP PDE activity was analyzed in normal healthy human dental pulps, in reversible pulpitis and in irreversible pulpitis. Enzymatic cGMP PDE control values for normal healthy pulps were 4.74+/-0.32 nmol/mg of proteins. In reversible pulpitis the cGMP PDE activity increased almost 3 times. In irreversible pulpitis specimens the values increased 4.5 times compared with the normal healthy pulps activity. The differences between the groups (control vs. reversible pulpitis and vs. irreversible pulpitis) were statistically significant. These results point to a role of cGMP PDE in the initial pulp response after injury.

Apoptosis is dependent on intracellular zinc and independent of intracellular calcium in lymphocytes.

Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are believed to have a crucial role in triggering apoptosis, the process whereby cells are eliminated during tissue turnover, hormone-mediated tissue reabsorption, clonal selection in the thymus, T cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions, and many other physiological and pathological processes. In the present report we have explored the role of intracellular Ca2+ and Zn2+ in the regulation of apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Unless they were stimulated by a mitogen, e.g., phytohemagglutinin (PHA), PBL showed typical apoptotic changes (nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation) after a 48- to 72-h culture. Neither a sustained nor a transient increase in [Ca2+]i induced by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+, respectively, was able to trigger DNA fragmentation. On the contrary, [Ca2+]i chelation to a level 10- to 20-fold lower than physiological resting levels induced DNA cleavage into nucleosome-size DNA fragments. DNA cleavage was also induced by incubation in the presence of the intracellular, membrane-permeant Zn2+ chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridyl-methyl)ethylenediamine. Total intracellular Zn2+ content was increased by mitogenic stimulation with PHA and decreased by treatment of PBL cultures with dexamethasone or extracellular ATP, stimuli known to trigger apoptosis in lymphocytes. Our results suggest that Zn2+ rather than Ca2+ could be a key intracellular regulator of apoptosis.

Gastroesophageal reflux, fundoplication, and dumping: literature review and case study.

This article describes a very uncommon phenomenon that can result from surgery to correct gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Although, GER is a common illness in infants, the methods of management and nursing care are diverse. Review of the literature on GER and dumping are discussed and a case study of a girl with dumping following a fundoplication is presented.

Determinants of nutritional status in hospital patients in Italy.

The prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) and micronutrient deficiency (MND) at the time of admission and discharge from hospital was evaluated in 91 patients consecutively admitted to the Surgery Clinic of the University Hospital of Rome. Anthropometric parameters and circulating levels of vitamins (A, E, C, B1, and B2) and visceral proteins [retinol-binding protein (RBP, prealbumin (PA), and transferrin] were measured. Twenty-one patients (23%) had moderate to severe PCM, and 70 patients (77%) had normal nutritional status (NNS) at admission. Two patients with PCM died in the hospital. At discharge, the prevalence of PCM was unchanged in the remaining 19 patients. Single or multiple MND was observed initially in 71% of patients with PCM and in 36% with apparently normal nutritional status. Despite vitamin supplementation, MND was present at the time of discharge in 73% of patients with PCM and 44% with NNS. Nutritional status at the time of admission was assessed in hospitals in six different Italian cities. The criterion for admission to the study was the diagnosis of chronic (greater than 1 yr duration) illness (excluding cancer and multiple organ disorders). Two hundred eighty-four patients (145 males, 139 females), ages 25-88 yr, were selected. The findings indicated a high prevalence of MND (64%). Also, in disorders that usually do not have significant alterations of digestion or absorption, such as uncomplicated cardiorespiratory disease, the prevalence of MND was high (9-38%). The prevalence of MND was not related to body mass index (BMI). PCM was more common among patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)