Biagio Rapone

Osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle stem cells.

Background: Stem cells are defined as clonogenic cells capable of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. A population of these cells has been identified in human Dental Follicle (DF). Dental Follicle Stem Cells (DFSCs) were found in pediatric unerupted wisdom teeth and have been shown to differentiate, under particular conditions, into various cell types of the mesenchymal tissues. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if cells isolated from DF show stem features, differentiate toward osteoblastic phenotype and express osteoblastic markers. Methods: We studied the immunophenotype of DFSCs by flow cytometric analysis, the osteoblastic markers of differentiated DFSCs were assayed by histochemical methods and real-time PCR. Results: We demonstrated that DFSCs expressed a heterogeneous assortment of makers associated with stemness. Moreover DFSCs differentiated into osteoblast-like cells, producing mineralized matrix nodules and expressed the typical osteoblastic markers, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Collagen I (Coll I). Conclusion: This study suggests that DFSCs may provide a cell source for tissue engineering of bone.

Transmission of Nonviral Sexually Transmitted Infections and Oral Sex

INTRODUCTION Oral sex is usually considered a lower-risk sexual activity when compared with sex, but it is frequently the cause of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In particular, STI transferred through oral sex might have no visible symptoms, depending on the type of infection. AIMS The aim of this study is to review the literature about the role of oral sex in the transmission of nonviral STI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES State-of-the-art information in the area of STI in relation to sexual function and self-care, this last important for development of STI prevention products such as vaginal microbicides. Sexual behaviors assessed focusing on receiving oral sex and giving oral sex. METHODS A search of the main electronic databases including registers of clinical controlled trials was performed in addition to a hand search of the most relevant Journals. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, literature review of research articles, and public health department Internet Web sites, for the period of 1945-2011. In addition to searching the Clinical Trials Registry at the US National Institutes of Health, we also used the meta Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS STI affect the mucous membranes both directly and indirectly producing characteristic diagnostic signs and lesions. Daily dental clinical activity needs an appropriate knowledge of any kind of oral lesions-related STI. The reader is offered a practical approach with clinically relevant recommendations that may prove useful in his/her daily practice when dealing with STI. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a foundation for understanding diverse STI. We advise physicians to be receptive to discuss sexuality issues and provide patients with adequate therapy.

A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients.

BACKGROUND Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the oro-dental status and removable denture conditions in stroke survivors. METHODS At the Department of Vascular Disease of the Neurological Clinic of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, from January 2003 to May 2008, 189 consecutive patients were examined who had had a stroke, to select removable denture wearers. The oro-dental examination was performed in a period between 12 and 60 months after the stroke and among these 189 patients, 60 were wearing a removable denture, but only 33 participated in our research. All the patients gave written informed consent. RESULTS It was observed that in 42.4%, removable dentures needed to be remade, in 27.3%, they needed to be rebased and in 30.3%, they were adequate. CONCLUSION The role of oral health providers is fundamental in order to maintain good oral health and to avoid oral diseases in stroke patients. They should, indeed, monitor these patients with a regular follow-up after 1 month and every 3-4 months.

Bone Response to Four Dental Implants with Different Surface Topographies: A Histologic and Histometric Study in Minipigs.

This study evaluated four implant surfaces in a minipig model: (1) Kohno Straight dual-engineered surface (DES) (Sweden & Martina); (2) SLActive (Straumann); (3) SM Biotite-H coated with Brushite (DIO); and (4) UF hybrid sandblasted and acid etched (HAS) (DIO). The surfaces presented different topographic features on the macro-, micro-, and nanoscales. After 12 weeks in vivo, significant differences were observed in bone-to-implant contact. UF HAS, presenting moderate microroughness and high nanoroughness, showed some advantage compared to nanorough SM Biotite-H and SLActive. A more pronounced difference was observed between UF HAS and Kohno Straight DES, characterized by a nanosmooth surface. Newly formed bone was observed around all surfaces.

Tissuue Engineering in Maxillar Sinus Lifting: A Comparation of Differents Grafts and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopic Evaluation

The term tissue engineering was originally coined to denote the construction in the laboratory of a device containing viable cells and biologic mediators (e.g., growth factors and adhesins) in a synthetic or biologic matrix, which could be implanted in patients to facilitate regeneration of particular tissues. The role of tissue oxygenation in wound healing became the focal point in the 1980s. Tissue oxygenation enhances phagocytic and bactericidal ability of host immune cells and supports collagen as well as other protein synthetic events. The importance of growth factors in enhancing wound healing has become the focus of research in the present day. In addition, a link has been established between tissue oxygenation and growth factors. Macrophage stimulation causes the release of angiogenic and other growth factors that support wound healing and resist infection [1]. In general, tissue engineering combines three key elements, namely scaffolds (collagen, bone mineral), signaling molecules (growth factors), and cells (osteoblasts, fibroblasts). Tissue engineering has been redefined presently as the relatively new, highly promising field of reconstructive biology, which draws on the recent advances in medicine and surgery, molecular and cellular biology, polymer chemistry, and physiology. These principles of tissue engineering have found widespread application in several branches of dentistry, such as periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. In the field of implant dentistry, the most frequently encountered problems at the implantation site are lack of adequate bone and proximity to anatomic structures, such as the maxillary sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve canal. Advanced surgical procedures that act as an adjunct in dental implants consist of sinus grafting and guided bone regeneration. These procedures are quite predictable when proper surgical protocols are established and followed. In this preliminary study we performed histological analisys using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), with the aim of evaluating the differences between graft and newly formed bone.

Oral hygiene in patients with oral cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy after prosthesis rehabilitation: Protocol proposal

PURPOSE This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness and the importance of an oral hygiene (OH) protocol in patients undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy after prosthesis rehabilitation, in order to reduce or minimize oral complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out at the Department of Dental Science, at the University of Bari-Italy from December 2012 to December 2015 on 34 selected patients with primary oral cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy after prosthesis rehabilitation. They were divided into 2 groups according to their age, sex and cancer therapy. Seventeen patients were assigned to the control group and seventeen in the experimental one. In the experimental group (Table 1), patients underwent an oral hygiene protocol whereas in the control group (Table 2) patients received the usual care provided within the clinical setting. All the patients gave written informed consent. It has been asked and obtained the authorisation from the Ethics Committee of the Dental Science and Surgery Department. RESULTS Results show that in patients undergoing the oral hygiene protocol, the complications and the risks of infection and permanent dental problems have been minimized. Indeed, of the seventeen patients undergoing the OH protocol, 70% obtained positive results and were satisfied with the program outcome. CONCLUSIONS The role of the health care providers is essential to educate patients to adhere to the prescribed treatments and reinforce their motivation in oral hygiene. The oral hygiene procedures prevent and ameliorate oral complications due to the radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Quantitative Analysis of Defects at the Dentin-Post Space in Endodontically Treated Teeth

The objective of this study was to assess frequency and extension of the defects affecting the dentin-post interface after using different combinations of irrigants and sealers. The experimental work was conducted on single-rooted teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The specimens were divided into different groups, according to irrigant and endodontic cement utilized, and endodontically instrumented. After fiberglass posts cementation, cross sections were obtained at apical, middle and coronal level of the root and submitted to quantitative analyses. Different types of defects were found: bubbles, bonding defects, polymerization defect, and cement residues. The percent extension of each defect and its frequency were related to the specific irrigant/sealer combination and to the root level. Detachments of the material from dentin were found only at apical and middle levels. Chlorhexidine digluconate seems to have more beneficial effects if compared to sodium hypochlorite: samples prepared with chlorhexidine digluconate showed a higher performance, with roots including null to few defects. In detail, samples treated with chlorhexidine digluconate and Pulp Canal Sealer showed the lowest frequency and the smallest dimension of defects.