Effects of soft-drinks and remineralising treatment on teeth assessed by morphological and quantitative X-ray investigations

AIM

To morphologically and chemical-physically analyse both the surface and the subsurface of enamel undergoing soft- drink demineralisation and remineralisation treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen human premolars were split and immersed in saline or three popular soft drinks, as demineralising agent, 15 minutes per day, for seven days at room temperature. Half of drink-processed teeth was then treated with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, as remineralising agent, for an additional seven days. The surface morphology was evaluated by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Teeth were then re-embedded and sectioned, and analysed under SEM and X-ray microprobe.

RESULTS

Drink-processed teeth showed root pigmentation, opacification and deterioration of the superficial enamel. The enamel surface resulted greatly furrowed after drink processing, and apparently restored after remineralising treatment. However, in tooth sections, SEM showed always a subsurface demineralisation of dentine and enamel, in particular at the cementoenamel junction, also after reminalising treatment. The remineralising agent produced a partial remineralisation of the subsurface enamel, sometimes statistically significant, but not in hydroxyapatite stoichiometry.

CONCLUSION

Soft-drink erosion impaired not only the surface but also the subsurface enamel. The applied remineralising treatment, yielding some effects on surface and subsurface enamel reversing basically the decalcification process.

Impacts of standard wine-making process on the survival of Lobesia botrana larvae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in infested grape clusters

To determine the risk winery waste poses for the spread of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in California, we evaluated the survival of larvae in artificially infested grape clusters (Vitis vinifera L.) processed for wine making. The trial consisted of five treatments: whole cluster pressing to 1 bar (100,000 Pa); whole cluster pressing to 2 bars (200,000 Pa); destemming and berry pressing to 1 bar; destemming and berry pressing to 2 bars; and control. Each treatment was replicated with the following five winegrape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Yellow Muscat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All winery waste was inspected for larval survival. No live larvae were recovered from any of the treatments in all five varieties; therefore, the hypothesis that green winery waste contributes to the spread of L. botrana was rejected.

The courtship song of fanning males in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In this paper we describe acoustically the wing-fanning behaviour showed by the male of the braconid Psyttalia concolor towards females and other conspecific males. Psyttalia concolor is a synovigenic koinobiont larval-pupal endoparasitoid of many Tephritidae, used in olive crops to control the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae. In this braconid male wing fanning produces a courtship song characterised by sequences of homogenous pulses with harmonic structure and a fundamental frequency of about 180 Hz. Song parameters can vary according to the behavioural context. Statistically significant differences, both in terms of pulse frequency and duration, characterise fanning towards females in comparison with male-male approaches. Moreover, the pulse duration is associated with the fanning song displayed before a successful courtship. Our observations allowed us to define the airborne component of the sound and to definitely confirm the exclusive role of the wings in signal production within sexual communication in P. concolor.

Chemical ecology and management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) feeds on grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), reducing yield and increasing susceptibility to fungal infections. L. botrana is among the most economically important insects in Europe and has recently been found in vineyards in Chile, Argentina, and California. Here, we review L. botrana biology and behavior in relation to its larval host (the grapevine) and its natural enemies. We also discuss current and future control strategies in light of our knowledge of chemical ecology, with an emphasis on the use of the sex pheromone-based strategies as an environmentally safe management approach. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption is the most promising technique available on grapes and is currently implemented on approximately 140,000 ha in Europe. Experience from several growing areas confirms the importance of collaboration between research, extension, growers, and pheromone-supply companies for the successful implementation of the mating disruption technique. In the vineyards where mating disruption has been successfully applied as an areawide strategy, the reduction in insecticide use has improved the quality of life for growers, consumers, as well as the public living near wine-growing areas and has thereby reduced the conflict between agricultural and urban communities.

Study on the role of olfaction in host plant detection of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) nymphs

The American grapevine leafhopper, Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is the vector of the phytoplasma that causes Flavescence dorée, one of the most threatening grapevine yellows disease. The role of olfaction in host plant detection of this species is still unknown. In this study, the attractiveness of a host plant, the grapevine rootstock Vitis riparia x rupestris 101/14, to nymphs was verified through behavioral bioassays in a vertical glass Y-olfactometer. Furthermore, the olfactory sensitivity to odors extracted from grapevine organs headspace and the external morphology of the antennae were studied by electroantennography (EAG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Headspace collections were made from fresh apical shoots and leaves. Concentrated extracts were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile compounds. In EAG experiments, weak responses to plant odors were recorded. SEM observations indicated the presence of few antennal sensilla, potentially associated with olfaction. Our results suggest that olfactory cues may play a role in the host plant detection of S. titanus nymphs.

Augmentation of keratinized gingiva through bilaminar connective tissue grafts: a comparison between two techniques

AIM

A mucogingival deficiency is considered a potential risk factor for periodontal disease. In particular, mucogingival deficiency can lead to gingival recession, which is a pathological entity per se, due to the increased risk for dental hypersensitivity and root caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare 2 bilaminar grafting techniques normally employed to achieve root coverage.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 19 patients with 49 gingival recessions treated by Nelson technique (as modified by Harris), while group 2 included 15 patients with 40 recessions treated by Langer technique. Clinical evaluation was performed at preoperative level (T0), after 1 month (T1) and after 1 year (T2). Statistical analysis was performed by means of Friedmann and Wilcoxon test and U-Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference between groups, both in terms of percentage of root coverage and of width of keratinizaed gingiva gain. A significant difference was only observed within each group, for the amount of keratinized gingiva at T1 vs T0 and at T2 vs T1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not show any statistical difference between the Nelson and the Langer technique as to root coverage and gain in keratinized gingiva.

Complications after gastroplasty and gastric bypass as a primary operation and as a reoperation

BACKGROUND

Since 1991 we performed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) as our surgical treatment of choice for morbid obesity in 680 patients, and since 1996 we also performed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 36 patients. For revisional surgery, the surgeons chose procedures based on their experience.

METHODS

We recorded early complications (0.6%) and late complications (8.5%) after the primary operations. When staple-line disruption or stenosis of the banded stoma occurred after VBG, revisional surgery was performed with re-VBG or conversion to RYGBP. Some early complications needed emergency operation for bleeding or gastric perforation.

RESULTS

Mortality was zero. Reoperation with re-VBG and RYGBP was effective in all patients, but for many, a long stay in hospital was necessary because reoperation had a high rate of early and late complications, 33.8% and 21.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of complications after VBG with re-VBG and RYGBP had danger. We believe that when VBG failure occurs, to avoid dangerous complications again, we should perform a biliopancreatic diversion, which does not involve a gastric restriction.

Ultrasound and molecular mid-trimester prenatal diagnosis of de novo achondroplasia

In a low-risk pregnant patient at 21 weeks' gestation, ultrasound revealed shortening of fetal long bones compatible with achondroplasia. Funipuncture was performed and DNA analysis of fetal blood demonstrated the presence of the GR380R fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), which is specifically associated with achondroplasia. After termination of the pregnancy, necropsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. A certain sonographic diagnosis of fetal de novo achondroplasia is rarely possible prior to viability. The specificity of the FGFR3 causative mutation has added a new diagnostic option which can be applied prenatally for diagnostic validation.

Vertebral histiocytosis

Thirty-five cases of vertebral histiocytosis are examined for a total of 52 vertebrae affected. The study is conducted on the radiographic picture at the onset and at long-term follow-up in 32 cases (24-223 months, average 45). Diagnosis may be based on radiology only in typical cases, otherwise there may be errors in differential diagnosis with malignant neoplastic lesions. Radiotherapy does not seem to influence the volumetric reconstruction of the vertebral body, which is inversely proportional to age. In those cases submitted to chemotherapy, the morphological results, in the absence of other types of local treatment, are often excellent. Orthesic or surgical treatment must be chosen based on the extent of the lesion and on its ability to progress; CT scan may be useful to this purpose, but initial orientation may be suggested by multiple adjacent lesions or by radiographic images such as osteolysis of the pedicles.

[Neuroblastoma metastatic to the skull. Radiologic aspects and therapeutic problems]

Clinical-radiological findings, treatment and prognosis of cranial involvement in 19 cases of neuroblastoma stage IV have been considered. The most frequent clinical features were periorbital ecchymosis and intracranial hypertension. The radiographic aspects, graduated according to the type of the lesion, showed a close correlation with clinical findings and sometimes preceded them. Computerized tomography, carried out in 12 cases, was more reliable than plain films in identifying the site and extent of cranial lesions and the presence of cerebral extensions, as occurred in 2 patients. The presence of cranial involvement at diagnosis was an unfavorable prognostic sign. The 19 children were treated in various ways so that firm conclusions cannot be drawn, but cranial radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy appeared to be more efficacious than chemotherapy alone.

[Prognostic significance of osseous lesions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children]

Full skeletal survey was performed on 54 children presenting over a 6-year period (1973-1979) with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Findings that were considered attributable to leukaemia included metaphyseal bands, osteolytic lesions and periosteal reactions. One or more of these roentgenographic findings was observed in 24 children (44%). The mean duration of remission and of survival was much shorter in cases with multiple bone involvement (3 or more lesions) than in those where bone involvement was absent or limitated at 1 or 2 bone lesions.

[Echotomography of pathological masses of the mediastinum. Indications and limits]

The authors refer to the application of sonography in the evaluation of mediastinal masses. In this pathology, sonography is useful if neither air nor bone tissue are present between the transducer and the mass. Sector scans are obtained through the transgiugular line, the intercostal spaces, the hepatic and splenic windows, the sternal notch. The diagnostic value is due to the possibility to define the solid or liquid content of the investigated masses.

[Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Observations of 21 cases studied from 1977 to 1980]

We have carried out a study together with neonatologists, paediatricians, paediatric surgeons and paediatric radiologist on the etiopathogenic, clinical-statistical, therapeutical and evolutionary aspects of NEC during the period from 1977 to 1980 in the Neonatology Clinic and in the Paediatric Surgery Department University of Bologna. The most important data were as follows: a high percentage of full-term newborns, the apparently unfavourable action of artificial feeding, a little amount of infectious etiology, an absence of predisposing factors in more than half the cases, an uniform symptomatology in a lot of patients with adverse evolution in the cases of secondary colic stenosis. The mortality was 33 percent, specially among the small for gestational age infants. The surgical therapy during four years period was modified technically, i.e. there was an orientation towards conservative surgery. The final surgical operation has recently been made right after the fourth month from the acute crisis as it has recently been demonstrated that secondary stenosis always occurs during this period of time. Long - term follow - ups showed: completely satisfactory progress in patients treated only with medical therapy, particularly unfavourable evolution in patients after a more demolishing - type of operation (resectioning of the last ansa of ileum and ileum - caecum valve), considerable improvement in auxological and nutritional parameters also in the latter cases after the final surgical operation.

[Skeletal changes in Wolf's syndrome (4p--) and in Klinefelter quadrisomy (author's transl)]

Clinical-genetic research is at present foundamental to the diagnosis of diseases caused by cromosome abnormalities. Radiologic investigation is necessary to complete the diagnosis evincing morphologic and skeletric changes peculiar to each disease.

[Crohn's disease of the colon: anatomo-radiological correlations (author's transl)]

The epicritic revision of 74 histologically proved cases permits the authors to dwell on the radiological features of the diseased colon; their correlations with pathological findings and their differential diagnosis are discussed. A number of radiographs are presented as examples.