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Biomedical subjects

S Caputi

Publications and source records attributed to S Caputi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp.

AIM: To examine copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) activity in clinically healthy and symptomatic human dental pulps. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-five systemically healthy patients, 14 females and 11 males (age: 13.1-34.6 years; mean: 21.7 +/- 6.3), were the source of the pulp tissue. The condition of the pulps was assessed using clinical and radiographic evaluation. The pulp tissue was collected by longitudinally grooving and splitting the teeth (if extracted) or during endodontic treatment, and were age- and sex-matched between the healthy and the irreversible symptomatic pulpitis tissue groups. Cu, Zn-SOD activity was determined through spectrophotometric methods and a Mann-Whitney test assessed the significance of differences between the groups. RESULTS: The enzyme activities were 144.8 +/- 42.2 and 68.1 +/- 25.0 U mg(-1) in the healthy and irreversible symptomatic pulp tissue, respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a potential role for Cu, Zn-SOD during dental pulp inflammation in humans.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Marginal adaptation after cementing of gold inlays cast by an experimental procedure. SEM analysis].

AIM: Marginal adaptation is one of the most important factors in dental reconstructions. The aim of the present work was to evaluate with in vivo and in vitro studies the marginal precision and the microstructure of the gold cast inlays. METHODS: For the in vivo analysis 10 patients were selected, while for the in vitro study 10 extracted teeth were used. The impressions were made by polyvinylsiloxane while the master cast was made by gypsum type IV. The inlays were cast in gold (JRVT Jensen) using an experimental procedure. After cementing, the margins of each inlay was burnished. To evaluate the marginal discrepancy of in vivo inlays, the replica technique was used, while for the in vitro analysis the serial slice cut technique was performed. All samples were processed for metallographic analysis using SEM. RESULTS: The measured in vivo inlay marginal gap was 9,06+/-3,37 microns (mean+/-SD), while for in vitro inlay the marginal gap was of 10,47+/-2,09 microns (mean+/-SD). Metallographic analysis showed equiaxial grain of small dimension. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that using the proposed casting technique it is possible to increase marginal adaptation and microstructural properties.

Calcium Sulfate↗
PubMed2003

Catalase activity in human healthy and inflamed dental pulps.

AIM: To examine the catalase activity in clinically healthy and symptomatic human dental pulps to verify if an active defence system against oxidizing agents is present as a response to bacterial invasion. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three systemically healthy patients, 18 females and 15 males (ages: 11.0-25.9 years; mean 18.8 +/- 3.6), were the source of the pulp tissue. The condition of the pulps was assessed using clinical and radiographic evaluations. The specimens were recovered by longitudinally grooving and splitting the teeth (if extracted) or during endodontic treatment, and were matched for age and sex between the healthy and inflamed specimen groups. Catalase activity was determined through spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: Enzymatic activity was 1126 +/- 343 and 3074 +/- 698 mU mL(-1) x mg of total protein in the healthy and inflamed pulp tissue specimens, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a role for catalase during dental pulp inflammation in humans, and may represent an inherent biological defence system against reactive oxidants of this tissue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Human dental pulp vasculogenesis evaluated by CD34 antigen expression and morphological arrangement.

Vasculogenesis describes the process by which endothelial precursor cells form new blood vessels. To characterize the topography and the cellular processes underlying vascularization of human dental pulp, we examiend the expression of the human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34. Dental pulps, obtained from deciduous and permanent teeth, were morphologically examined at light- and electron-microscope levels and by expression of CD34. The findings indicate that vasculogenesis of dental pulp is a complicated process starting from single CD34(+) cells. These subsequently coalesce to form solid vascular cords inside the developing connective tissue, which later hollows. Pericytes were embedded within the fully formed microvessels' basement membrane. The presence of CD34(+) endothelial cells in permanent teeth reveals that the process of vasculogenesis persists into adult life, where it contributes to continuous adjustment of vessel and network structures in response to functional needs and dental tissue homeostasis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy under polarized light of a submandibular salivary gland calculus].

BACKGROUND: The salivary calculus is an ancient pathologic condition, called sublingual stone by Hyppocrates. It is well-defined from a anatomo-pathologic, diagnostic and topographic viewpoint, though some pathogenesis-related doubts still exist. This work aims at relating the micro-morpho-structural aspect of a salivary calculus of remarkable dimensions with the current calculogenetic hypotheses. METHODS: A 1.1 g salivary calculus removed from the initial section of Wrthon s duct in the right-hand submandibular gland of a 42 year old male has been studied. Following the fixation in 4% buffered formalin and the inclusion in resin, it was serially sectioned in 15-20 micron slices. Some sections were coloured with toluidine blue O and acid fuchsin. The exeresis of the calculus was carried out intraorally, with marsupialization under local anesthesia. The analysis was performed using a SEM with backscattered electrons and a polarised and transmitted light microscope. RESULTS: The investigations have outlined the presence of various organic cores and a concentric, stratiform architecture interrupted by radial elements. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of this calculus may be due to mixed secondary lithiasis resulting from the formation of colloids and crystalloids.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Alloy telescopic crowns. Clinical indications].

This work involves a partially edentate subject fitted with a denture on conical crowns. Of the methods at present used in patients with few teeth, this is considered one of the most satisfactory for dentist and patient. In cases in which the remaining teeth are moveable, a denture on magnets can be utilized. A correct oral hygiene is emphasized to favour the duration of the tooth-denture combination.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Optec-HSP system in prosthetic reconstruction].

The Authors report the results of a clinical study on the value of fixed reconstructive therapy with Optec-HSP ceramic performed on 48 elements of both dental arches. The material, thanks to its strength, precision, biocompatibility and esthetics, offers the prothesis-maker an additional valuable therapeutic tool for single crown restoration or for application of small bridges.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Dentistry for the elderly patient. 2. Endodontic therapy].

By this contribution the Authors are pointing out that the increase of the average age of the Italian population has led to an increase of demand regarding preservative therapies. It is opportune for the stomatologists to be prepared to the request for services of that kind; in order to be fully qualified they must be aware of many problems that can be coped with, only if one has specific knowledge of the physiopathology of growing old. The dental organ as well is subject to the inexorable senile involution modifying the tissue it is consisting of, and the dentist cannot ignore these problems that are at the basis of the success of any preservative therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

[Pathology of the oral mucosa in the elderly patient].

The authors, though aware of not having completely exhausted the subject of the oral cavity in the elderly, believe that in this paper they have made a further contribution to knowledge and clinical classification of some diseases affecting the oral mucosa of elderly dentistry patients. They then point out that the stomatologist cannot longer ignore this pathology, which is increasingly encountered as a result of the higher number of elderly patients requiring dental therapy.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Risk/prevention indicators for the prevalence of dental caries in schoolchildren: results from the Italian OHSAR Survey.

The Italian Oral Health of Schoolchildren of the Abruzzo Region (OHSAR) Survey was designed to assess indicators associated with the prevalence of caries in both the primary and permanent dentitions in the same schoolchildren, and it comprised a representative sample of 5,938 7-, 9- and 11-year-old schoolchildren from three provinces within the region of Abruzzo, Italy, a low fluoride concentration area. Gender, age, geographic location, socioeconomic level, dietary and oral hygiene habits, and the use of F supplements were all considered as indicators. The subsequent multivariate analyses showed that the socioeconomic level, snack consumption frequency, consumption of sweets and the use of F supplements were mostly associated with caries prevalence in both dentitions. Other indicators, such as gender, age, geographic location, between-meal snack consumption frequency, consumption of sweet drinks, toothbrushing frequency and onset of regular toothbrushing habits also showed some significant associations with dental caries across the age groups and/or dentitions. Of interest, the consumption of commercial bottled mineral water was also seen to be a preventive indicator for dental caries of the primary dentition, particularly in the 7-year-old group. The consumption of sweet snacks, use of interdental floss and kind of toothbrush mainly used (manual or electric) did not show any relevant association with the outcomes. The strong effect of the geographic location, socioeconomical level and the preventive effects of commercial bottled mineral water are worth further investigation.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Morphological and cytofluorimetric analysis of adult mesenchymal stem cells expanded ex vivo from periodontal ligament.

Many adult tissues contain a population of stem cells that have the ability of regeneration after trauma, disease or aging. Recently, there has been great interest in mesenchymal stem cells and their roles in maintaining the physiological structure of tissues, and their studies have been considered very important and intriguing, after having shown that this cell population can be expanded ex vivo to regenerate tissues not only of the mesenchymal lineage, such as intervertebral disc cartilage, bone, tooth-associated tissue, cardiomyocytes, but also to differentiate into cells derived from other embryonic layers, including neurons. Currently, different efforts have been focused on the identification of odontogenic progenitors from oral tissues. In this study we isolated and characterized a population of homogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells proliferating in culture with an attached well-spread morphology derived from periodontal ligament, a tissue of ectomesenchymal origin, with the ability to form a specialized joint between alveolar bone and tooth. The adherent cells were harvested and expanded ex vivo under specific conditions and analysed by FACScan flow cytometer and morphological analysis was carried out by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our results displayed highly evident cells with a fibroblast-like morphology and a secretory apparatus, probably indicating that the enhanced function of the secretory apparatus of the mesenchymal stem cells may be associated with the secretion of molecules that are required to survive and proliferate. Moreover, the presence in periodontal ligament of CD90, CD29, CD44,CD166, CD 105, CD13 positive cells, antigens that are also identified as stromal precursors of the bone marrow, indicate that the periodontal ligament may turn out to be a new efficient source of the cells with intrinsic capacity to self-renewal, high ability to proliferate and differentiate, that can be utilized for a new approach to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adult mesenchymal stem cells in dental research: a new approach for tissue engineering.

Many adult tissues contain a population of stem cells that have the ability to regenerate after trauma, disease or aging. Recently, there has been great interest in mesenchymal stem cells and their roles in maintaining the physiological structure of tissues. The studies on stem cells are thought to be very important and, in fact, it has been shown that this cell population can be expanded ex vivo to regenerate tissues not only of the mesenchymal lineage, such as intervertebral disc cartilage, bone and tooth-associated tissues, but also other types of tissues. Several studies have focused on the identification of odontogenic progenitors from oral tissues, and it has been shown that the mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periodontal ligament and dental pulp could have similar morphological and phenotypical features of the bone marrow mesenchymal cells. In fact a population of homogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells derived from periodontal ligament and dental pulp, and proliferating in culture with a well-spread morphology, can be recovered and characterized. Since these cells are considered as candidates for regenerative medicine, the knowledge of the cell differentiation mechanisms is imperative for the development of predictable techniques in implant dentistry, oral surgery and maxillo-facial reconstruction. Thus, future research efforts might be focused on the potential use of this cell population in tissue engineering. Further studies will be carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in their maintenance and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

Adult Stem Cells↗