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Biomedical subjects

B M Maresca

Publications and source records attributed to B M Maresca.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Morphologic features of the root canal system of the maxillary fourth premolar and the mandibular first molar in dogs.

Root canal morphology was evaluated in 72 maxillary fourth premolar and 59 mandibular first molar teeth. An apical delta was present in all roots (n = 334). The apical delta represented approximately 12-18% of the total root length for all roots. Non-apical ramifications from the main canal were observed in 25.1% of roots. Secondary canal(s) were present in 20.6% of roots, while lateral canal(s) were present in 6.9% of roots. The distal root of the maxillary fourth premolar had the highest incidence (47.2%) of non-apical ramifications. Overall, 68.0 and 20.4% of maxillary fourth premolar and mandibular first molar teeth had non-apical ramifications, respectively. The prevalence and location of non-apical ramifications may influence clinical decision making when performing endodontic therapy.

Animals↗

Study on gutta-percha points using scanning electron microscopy and analysis with electron microprobe.

A comparative study of the apical morphology and contour was performed with the scanning electron microscope at 45x, 70x and 300x, while the chemical composition of eight gutta-percha point brands was surveyed with an EDAX 9100 electron microprobe. They were classified according to their apical morphology as conical (25%) and truncate (75%), based on their contour as regular (50%) and irregular (50%) and according to their surface as without defects (50%) and with defects (50%). The analysis of inorganic compounds revealed the presence of varying proportions of Zn, Ba, Si, Mg. Ca, P, Cl and Al, possibly implying that the presence of Ba and Al could interfere with postendodontic repair or at least irritate the periapical area if inadvertently overfilled.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Effects of an experimental diet on parotid saliva and dental plaque pH in institutionalized children.

Sixty-six children aged 6-12, permanent residents of a children's home, were placed on a diet during a 45-day experimental period to measure salivary flow-rate, pH of saliva and dental plaque, total concentrations of salivary proteins, inorganic phosphate, bicarbonate, calcium and amylase. The total caloric content, as well as the proportional nutrient and calorie distribution of the foods, were determined and compared with those of the previous habitual diet. After the experimental period, stimulated parotid salivary flow, increased by 40 per cent over the pre-experimental values. Total proteins of saliva and pH of both saliva and dental plaque increased significantly, whereas inorganic phosphate concentration decreased. Concentrations of bicarbonate, calcium and amylase did not differ from those found pre-experimentally. The findings appear to derive from lesser retention and increased hardness of the foods in the experimental diet.

Child↗