TiO₂@PEI-Grafted-MWCNTs Hybrids Nanocomposites Catalysts for CO₂ Photoreduction

Anatase (TiO₂) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes bearing polyethylenimine (PEI) anchored on their surface were hybridized in different proportions according to a sol-gel method. The resulting nanocomposites (TiO₂@PEI-MWCNTs), characterized by BET, XRD, XPS, SEM, and UV techniques, were found efficient catalysts for CO₂ photoreduction into formic and acetic acids in water suspension and under visible light irradiation. PEI-grafted nanotubes co-catalysts are believed to act as CO₂ activators by forming a carbamate intermediate allowing to accomplish the first example in the literature of polyamines/nanotubes/TiO₂ mediated CO₂ photoreduction to carboxylic acids.

Oral lichen planus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV: No association in a cohort study from an area of high hepatitis C virus endemicity

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the age-specific prevalence of oral lichen planus (OLP) in Mediterranean patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to evaluate the features of OLP in relation to sex, smoking, HCV genotype, HIV-1 coinfection, and antiviral treatments.

METHODS

In all, 178 anti-HCV-positive adults (60 women and 118 men; age range 20-66 years) recruited from two cohorts (104 HIV-negative patients and 74 patients with HIV coinfection) underwent oral examination.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence of OLP was 2.8% (5 of 178) (male/female ratio 0.2; odds ratio=0.119; 95% confidence interval=0.013-1.106), only among HIV-negative participants, always in the reticular pattern, and in the adult age. HCV genotype, tobacco smoking, and treatment (interferon alfa/ribavirin) were not significantly associated to OLP.

CONCLUSIONS

Among HCV-infected patients, we found a low prevalence of OLP. The absence of OLP in HIV-coinfected patients suggests immunosuppression secondary to defective CD4 functions.

Human papillomavirus DNA in oral mucosal lesions

This study determined the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in oral mucosa cells from 121 patients with different types of oral mucosal lesions (13 squamous cell carcinomas, 59 potentially malignant lesions, 49 benign erosive ulcerative lesions) and from 90 control subjects. HPV DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction, and genotype was determined by DNA sequencing. HPV prevalence was 61.5% in carcinomas, 27.1% in potentially malignant lesions, 26.5% in erosive ulcerative lesions, and 5.5% in control subjects. The risk of malignant or potentially malignant lesions was associated with HPV and was statistically significant. HPV-18 was found in 86.5% of HPV-positive lesions but was not associated with a particular type of lesion and was found in 80% of the HPV-positive control subjects. HPV infection was related to older age but not to sex, smoking, or alcohol use; the presence of lesions in the oral cavity increased the risk of HPV infection.

Candidal carriage in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess asymptomatic oral carriage of Candida species and relative density in human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) subjects, as well as to determine whether yeast carriage is associated with CD4+ cell count, HIV-1 RNA quantity, gender, route of HIV transmission, antiretroviral therapy, or smoking.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of oral rinses from HIV+ and healthy subjects was undertaken. Oral candidal carriage and relative species were investigated in 42 HIV+ and 41 healthy individuals, all of whom were seen at the Palermo University Department of Oral Sciences, Italy. Data were managed and analyzed by means of the computer software package StatView 5.0.1.

RESULTS

Carriage rate was 61.9% and 29.3% (P =.003) among HIV+ and healthy subjects, respectively. Similarly, density carriage in the HIV+ group was found to be significantly higher than in the control group (P = .0002). Among HIV+ subjects, Candida carriage was significantly associated with smoking, whereas density was not. Oral candidal carriage and relative density were not significantly associated with the other 4 parameters evaluated. Candida albicans was the most frequently recovered species.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic candidal carriage and relative density were found to be significantly higher in the oral cavity of HIV+ subjects-but not associated with CD4+ counts or HIV-1 RNA quantities.

Gender differences in human immunodeficiency virus-related oral lesions: an Italian study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral lesions and gender, age, CD4(+) cell count, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) viral load, antiretroviral therapy, and route of transmission in a group of HIV-infected (HIV+) persons from the Mediterranean region.

STUDY DESIGN

The participants in this study were HIV+ adults who sought dental care between January 1999 and June 1999 in the Department of Oral Medicine (University of Palermo, Italy).

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six HIV+ adults came in for an initial oral examination. Their mean age was 35.2 years (SD +/- 7.97), and 33% were women. Their mean CD4(+) cell count was 325.3 x 10(6) /L (SD +/- 225.8), and their HIV-1 viral load was 39,168.3 copies/mL (SD +/- 144,256.1). Oral lesions were found in 47% of the study group, as well as in 56.5% of women (n = 46) versus 45.5% of men (n = 90; P =.05). Oral candidiasis was the most common disease; it is significantly associated with women (P =.004), CD4(+) cell count (P =.005), and HIV-1 viral load (P =.0003). No significant relationships were found between any types of oral lesions and age, antiretroviral therapy, or route of transmission (P >.2).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions was significantly higher in women than in men, especially for oral candidiasis, the most common lesion observed related to immune status and HIV-1 viral load.

Presence of Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and human papillomavirus in normal oral mucosa of HIV-infected and renal transplant patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of EBV-DNA, CMV-DNA and HPV-DNA in oral healthy mucosa of HIV-infected and renal transplant patients. To associate the detection of viral genomes with laboratory parameters of immunodeficiency, gender, antiretroviral and immunosuppressive therapy.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of lingual and buccal cytobrushings from HIV-infected and renal transplant patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Lingual and buccal cytobrushings were obtained from clinically normal oral mucosa of 57 HIV+, 40 renal transplant patients and 30 healthy uninfected controls, all matched for age at baseline of examination. Presence of EBV-, CMV- and HPV-DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We evaluated their association, in HIV+ subjects, with gender, CD4+ cell count, HIV-RNA load, and antiretroviral therapy; and in renal transplant patients, with gender, CD4/CD8 ratio, and immunosuppressive therapy. Data were managed and analysed by Epi-Info 6.0.

RESULTS

EBV-DNA was detected in 42.1% of HIV+ (24/57), in 65.0% of transplant patients (26/40), and in 16.6% of controls (5/30) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, male gender in HIV+ group was found to be significantly associated with the presence of EBV-DNA (P = 0.02) vs females, after adjusting for CD4+ cell count and HIV-RNA load. CMV- and HPV-DNA were detected in 3.5% and 7.0% of HIV+, and in none and 20.0% of transplant patients, respectively. No relationship was found between the epithelial detection of these two viruses and any parameter evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

EBV genome was significantly detected in clinically normal oral mucosa of renal transplant and HIV+ patients. A significant gender association was found among HIV+, suggesting that oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is more likely to occur in HIV+ men than women.

Oral mucosal lesions and risk habits among men in an Italian study population

A randomly selected study population of 118 male subjects (> or = 40 years) living on the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria (southwest of Sicily, Italy) was examined for the presence of oral mucosal lesions, with particular emphasis on the early diagnosis of oral precancerous and cancerous lesions. The study population was interviewed for socioeconomic and behavioural information, and clinically examined using WHO criteria. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions observed, and data obtained about oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and exposure to actinic radiation, were analysed. Alcohol drinking was the most common habit in the study population (73%), followed by tobacco smoking (58.5%, of whom 96% were cigarette smokers). Only 3% showed good oral hygiene and 25% were edentate. Oral lesions were observed in 81.3% of the study group, mainly coated tongue (51.4%), leukoplakia (13.8%), traumatic oral lesions (traumatic ulcers and frictional white lesions) in 9.2%, actinic cheilitis (4.6%), and squamous cell carcinoma in one case (0.9%). Statistically significant associations were found between the prevalence of coated tongue and tobacco smoking (P<0.0001), and between the prevalence of actinic cheilitis and tobacco smoking/alcohol drinking (P<0.05). Analysis of clinical and anamnestic data underlined the effective presence, in the population examined, of the behavioural risk factors for oral precancerous and cancerous lesions, and the lack of cultural motivation towards primary prevention activities, such as the elimination of risk habits.

Gastric and gingival localization of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. An immunohistochemical, virological and clinical case report

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are characterized by their mucosal and glandular tissue localization. The case described here falls into the European-American classification of a low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type, with a gingival lesion 2 years after a gastric lesion. The pathogenetic mechanisms of NHL in oral MALT and the diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

The epulis vascularity. A morphometric study

BACKGROUND

A computerised morphometric analysis of some vascularisation aspects of epulides is presented. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between morphometric aspects and histological classification of epulides and to investigate its usefulness for the histopathologic diagnosis.

METHODS

The study was carried out on epulides from 72 patients (30 males, 42 females, age-range 16-60). Epulides were fixed in alcohol, paraffin embedded, and stained with haematoxyilin eosin, thereafter epulides were histopathologically classified as granulomatous epulides, fibrous epulides and giant cell epulides. Images of histological samples were then digitised, and by an image analysis system some morphometric vessels characteristics were evaluated: percent image area occupied by vessels, vessels number, mean vessels area and standard deviation of vessels area. Finally, the correlation between morphometric data and the histological classification of epulides was evaluated.

RESULTS

The statistic evaluation of morphometric data allowed to classify epulides in six groups characterised by a various degree of vascularisation, these groups showed a good correlation with histopathological classification.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphometric analysis of vessels is a powerful aid for the histopathologic diagnosis and for a better knowledge of the etiopathogenetic factors of epulides.

HIV infection: oral lesions, CD4+ cell count and viral load in an Italian study population

The aims of this study were to assess types and prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions and to correlate these lesions to the main laboratory parameters such as CD4+ cell count and plasma HIV-RNA. The study population consisted of 104 consecutive HIV+ patients living in Sicily (M=67, 64.4%; F=37, 35.6%; median age=35 years). CD4+ cell count and viral load were measured within 24 h of oral examination. Data were managed and analysed by Epi-Info 6.0. HIV-related oral lesions, as classified by the EC-Clearinghouse, were diagnosed in 35.6% of patients: these were of the Strongly Associated (SA) type in 22.1%, the Less Common Associated (LCA) type in 12.5%, and the Lesions Seen in HIV Infection (LS) type in 3.8%. CD4+ cell counts <200 x 10(6)/l were significantly associated only with SA lesions (P=0.03); median values of CD4+ cell count were also significantly correlated (P=0.02). Viral load, expressed both by median values of copies/ml (P=0.0001) and log10 copies/ml (P=0.0003), was significantly associated only with SA lesions. Treatment failure was significantly correlated to SA lesions (P=0.04). Besides the confirmed correlation with CD4 depletion, the strong association with a high level of viral load could make SA oral lesions a useful tool for identifying progression of HIV infection and could be of value in monitoring antiretroviral therapy.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA and antigens in oral mucosa of renal transplant patients without clinical evidence of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL)

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in oral mucosa in the absence of specific lesions gives rise to the problem of identifying the real viral replication sites. To verify whether the detection of EBV is due to salivary contamination or its true replicative capacity in oral mucosa, saliva samples and exfoliated cells from four different oral mucosa sites were taken from 40 renal transplant patients and 20 normal subjects for examination by PCR using two pairs of primers specific for the BamHI-L and BamHI-K genomic regions. EBV-specific sequences were detected in one or more of the oral mucosa samples from 29 transplant patients (72.5%) and six healthy controls (30%), and in the saliva samples of 16 transplant patients (40%) and three healthy controls (15%). A total of 89 oral mucosa smears from 29 transplant patients, and 13 from healthy subjects, were EBV-positive. The positive samples were also investigated by means of in situ hybridization in order to confirm the intracellular presence of the viral genome, and by means of immunofluorescence testing with monoclonal antibodies to assess the possible expression of viral antigens. Hybridization with the EBV-specific probe was observed in 40/ 89 and 2/13 samples, respectively. Latent antigens (with or without lytic antigens) were detected in only 23 of the 40 samples (collected from eight different transplant patients) that were positive by in situ hybridization. Our data show that EBV is more frequently present in the oral mucosa of immunodeficient patients (where it can efficiently replicate) than in normal subjects.

Cyclosporin- and nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant patients: correlations with periodontal and pharmacological parameters, and HLA-antigens

The factors associated with cyclosporin A (CsA)- and nifedipine (Nif)-induced gingival overgrowth were investigated in 113 renal transplant recipients receiving CsA alone (Group 1) [n = 61], CsA and Nif (Group 2) [n = 28], or azathioprine (Aza) (Control Group) [n = 24]. Periodontal and pharmacological parameters were assessed for each patient. The patients with a gingival overgrowth index (GOI) score >1 were considered responders (R); those with a score </= 1 were non-responders (NR). Gingival overgrowth occurred in 33.7% of the patients in Groups 1 and 2; 60% of the responders were receiving CsA+Nif. In R, no relationship was found between the GOI and the periodontal and pharmacological parameters, and although there was a trend towards an increased presence of HLA-A19 antigen (chi-square=4.40; P=0.04; RR=2.86), no significant difference was found between R and NR (Pc>0.05). It is concluded that the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth are greater in patients receiving CsA+Nif. As overgrowth appeared to be unrelated to local irritants, gingival inflammation or pharmacological parameters, it may be related to individual susceptibility.

Primary angiosarcoma of the alveolar mucosa in a haemodialysis patient: case report and discussion

A case of a haemodialysis patient with a primitive angiosarcoma of the alveolar mucosa is reported. The vascular origin of the tumor was confirmed by the immunohistochemical data which showed strong positivity for Factor VIII-related antigen and for vimentin, whereas stains for desmin and cytokeratins were negative.

[Changes in the alveolar bone after periodontal therapy. A follow-up by computerized radiographic analysis]

In this study the authors evaluated radiographic variations of alveolar bone treated with periodontal therapy, through computerized analysis. Five adult patients with severe periodontitis were included in this study. In everyone of these patients, three sites were selected and treated in the following ways: 1) root planing (LCC), 2) open flap debridement (LCA) and 3) guided tissue regeneration with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (GTR-PTFE). Every site was subjected to radiographic examination before treatment and six, eight, twelve and twenty-four weeks later. Radiographic images were evaluated through digital processing in order to show and compare one to another changes of alveolar bone of sites treated with different therapeutic procedures. Analysis of data indicated that sites treated by GTR-PTFE developed better than sites treated with other therapeutic procedures and evolution of sites treated with surgery was usually characterized by a beginning phase of alveolar bone loss and by a phase of variable bone regeneration later. Early variations of alveolar bone have been pointed out by mean of this computerized analysis.

Gingival metastasis as first sign of an undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung

BACKGROUND

Metastases of internal tumors to the oral cavity are unusual and involve in most cases maxilla and mandible. Metastases to the gingival soft tissue are extremely rare.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of gingival metastasis from undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung.

METHODS

The lesion was removed and hematoxylin and eosin sections were performed. Immunohistochemical investigations were performed with a standard three-step immunoperoxidase technique on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections using anti-CEA, anti-S-100, HMB45, and anti-LCA antibodies.

RESULTS

Based on clinicopathologic findings, a diagnosis of metastasis from undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung was established. Further investigations revealed a primary undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung.

CONCLUSION

Metastasis from internal neoplasms should be considered among other differential diagnoses in the evaluation of gingival tumors. In the present case, onset of oral lesion preceded detection of the primary lung tumor. Complete screening of the patient should therefore follow a diagnosis of gingival neoplasm of unknown origin.

Neutrophil dysfunction in prepubertal periodontitis associated with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

Although prepubertal periodontitis (PP) is often associated with the Papillon-Lefèvre (PLS), the etiopathogenetic mechanism in this disease has not been clarified as yet. A three and half year old female with leukocyte chemotaxis deficiency and decrease of T-lymphocytes is presented. The immunohistochemical evaluation of neutrophils showed a reduction of myeloperoxidase content, whereas ultrastructural studies revealed no particular change. The possible role of such a deficiency in the pathogenesis of the periodontal lesion is discussed.

Treatment of prepubertal periodontitis. A case report and discussion

This paper reports the treatment of prepubertal periodontitis in a 3-year-old girl with Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome. Initially, the patient was found to have a myeloperoxidase deficiency and microbiological tests have identified Bacteroides and Fusobacterium, in 60% and 25%, respectively of the total number of microbial flora cultivated. The initial treatment was extraction of all the primary teeth with grade 3 mobility, scaling, root planing and daily subgingival irrigation with a 0.2% solution of chlorhexidine. Several months before the eruption of the first permanent molars, the rest of the primary teeth were extracted. The patient was treated with daily subgingival irrigation of chlorhexidine and weekly professional oral hygiene. At the age 6 1/2 years, the permanent teeth have normal gingiva and crevice depths; microbiological investigation reveals a prevalence of the coccoid forms, and radiographs show no evidence of periodontal pathology.

[Motivation for seeking periodontal care in a Palermo population]

The Authors find a disagreement between symptomatology referred by patients and clinical pictures of pathology observed by sanitary operators. For instance a large percentage of patients considers bleending less important than the presence of calcolus. It is necessary a better information and secondary prevention increased.

[Epulides: the histopathological and epidemiological aspects]

The authors examined 195 epulides in order to point out distribution of this pathology in relation to some clinical, epidemiological and histopathological parameters. The Authors have found that the epulis is more prevalent in the female sex and in the anterior sextants. The epulides were subdivided on the basis of histopathological findings into: pyogenic granuloma (GP), giant cell granuloma (GGC), fibrous hyperplasia (IF), peripheral fibroma with calcification (FPC) and variety lympho-plasma-cellular (LP). Furthermore investigating the correlation between sex and histopathological variety it was found a significant prevalence of the GGC in the male sex, whereas the correlations within the age's sets are the followings: the LP is more prevalent in the IV age set (46-60 years), whereas the GP is more prevalent in the III age set (31-45 years) and in the V age set (greater than 60 years). This finding revaluates the hormone's influence in the vascular proliferation of the GP. IF and FPC are, in percentage, less frequent than others histopathological variety regarding to the size, it was found that GGC is the bigger than the other types, whereas IF is the smaller.

[Crevicular fluid: active site marker]

The qualitative studies of gingival crevicular fluid can be used for a reliable diagnosis of the beginning of active periodontal disease. Some changes in the crevicular fluid components are correlated with rising inflammation both in gingivitis and in periodontitis; the degradation products of the connective tissue as hydroxyproline, and inflammation mediators, as prosaglandine, can be find in it. The concentration of these components in crevicular fluid can be used as a reliable marker to individuate precociously the rising of an active site where an early treatment of periodontal disease can be effected.

[Diet analysis and correlation of food cariogenicity and DMF]

The authors evaluate the distribution of the intake of some fundamental foods in diet of 6-11 years-old school children group. The authors evaluate proteinic, lipidic and glycidic components of diet and total calories. Besides the authors calculate the alimentary cariogenicity in relation to DMFT/dmft.

[Physiopathology of alveolar bone]

Bone tissue is a dynamic system in which the net balance between resorption and apposition defines the final osseous form. This process occurs in minute asynchronous foci and results from a cascade of activations, cooperations and inhibitions of specialized cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts). The alveolar bone resorption due to periodontal disease is a complex and dynamic chain reaction in which both osteoclasts and osteoblasts have a role in the hormonal interactions occurring during the course of the resorption activity. Both microbial and host factors as prostaglandins, endotoxins and lipoteic acid seems to be able in activating bone resorption. However bone resorption can be interchanged with repair formative episodes, more or less intense, which can delay the destructive process.

[Costs and dental operating levels in a group of Palermo children]

The authors, after evaluating the necessity of dental treatment in a school children sample, analyzed operative time and costs. the collected data show these therapeutic time and costs are very high. these therapeutic procedures will determinate a significative decrease of complexes therapeutic trails.

[Dietary habits and oral health indices in a group of public school children]

The authors explain some fundamental concepts regarding the effect of diet on chemical plaque composition and the influence of carbohydrates on some bacterial species. They besides report the results of their epidemiological research in order to emphasize the influence of the alimentary habits on some index of oral health.