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This article presents the case report of the bilateral 3-dimensional reconstruction of a posterior mandible in a 48-year-old woman. Titanium meshes and Regenaform demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft were used for bone regeneration. After 5 months the titanium mesh was removed, and after another 4 months, 4 Straumann sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched implants were placed, 2 on each side of the mandible. During implantation a bone specimen was collected and sent for histologic examination. The definitive fixed prosthesis was fabricated after an additional 4 months. The clinical and histologic results are shown. The implants were followed for 18 months after implant loading; no signs of bone loss or infection were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique enabling the study of adherence occurring among implant materials and epithelial and connective cells cultured in vitro and freshly obtained from explants of human gingival tissue is described. The data show that cell adherence to titanium alloy is influenced by the modality of implant surface preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared clinical microbiologic, and morphostructural aspects of the healing process in clinical cases treated with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes placed in fresh extraction sockets, which did or did not show early membrane exposure. The examination was focused particularly on morphology of the microbic population and its ability to penetrate membrane pores. Results of the study suggest that use of the membranes is effective in the treatment of fresh extraction sockets with osseointe grated implants; that the membranes are highly biocompatible with gingival tissues; and that early exposure of the membranes during healing hinders the effectiveness of guided tissue regeneration in peri-implant tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five patients with sufficient vertical bone height but insufficient bone width for implant placement were chosen for treatment with a split-crest technique combined with guided tissue regeneration. The surgical technique involved splitting the alveolar ridge longitudinally in two parts, provoking a greenstick fracture. A chisel was then used to make a fine cut and spread apart the two cortical plates. Implants were then placed. Implants and defects were covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. Biometrical examination showed a gain in bone width, varying between 1 and 4 mm; maxillary sites showed greater ridge enlargement. Histologic examination showed regeneration of bone tissue between the two portions of the split crest. This membrane technique could be effective and predictable for horizontal ridge augmentation associated with immediate implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow are a recent source for tissue engineering. Several studies have shown that low-level laser irradiation has numerous biostimulating effects. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effects of Nd:Yag laser irradiation on proliferation and differentiation of MSCs induced into the osteoblastic lineage. MSCs were collected from adult human bone marrow, isolated, and cultured in complete medium (α-MEM). Subsequently, they were treated with osteogenic medium, seeded in three-dimensional collagen scaffolds, and incubated. We used six scaffolds, equally divided into three groups: two of these were irradiated with Nd:Yag laser at different power levels (15 Hz, 100 mJ, 1.5 W, and one with a power level of 15 Hz, 150 mJ, 2.25 W), and one was left untreated (control group). Evaluations with specific staining were performed at 7 and 14 days. After 7 days, proliferation was significantly increased in scaffolds treated with laser, compared with the control scaffold. After 14 days, however, laser irradiation did not appear to have any further effect on cell proliferation. As concerns differentiation, an exponential increase was observed after 14 days of laser irradiation, with respect to the control group. However, this was a pilot study with very limited sample size, we conclude, that low-level laser irradiation might lead to a reduction in healing times and potentially reduces risks of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Periodontal disease is a degenerative illness that leads to resorption of the alveolar bone. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) represent a novel tool for the production of biologic constructs for the treatment of degenerative bone diseases. The preparation of MSC differentiated into osteogenic lineage for clinical use requires the fulfillment of strict good manufacturing practice (GMP) procedures. Methods MSC were isolated from BM samples and then cultured under GMP conditions. MSC were characterized phenotypically and for their differentiative potential. Cells were seeded onto collagen scaffolds (Gingistat) and induced to differentiate into osteogenic lineages using clinical grade drugs compared with standard osteogenic supplements. Alizarin Red S stain was used to test the deposition of the mineral matrix. Standard microbiologic analysis was performed to verify the product sterility. Results The resulting MSC were negative for CD33, CD34 and HLA-DR but showed high expression of CD90, CD105 and HLA-ABC (average expressions of 94.3%, 75.8% and 94.2%, respectively). Chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential was demonstrated. The MSC retained their ability to differentiate into osteogenic lineage when seeded onto collagen scaffolds after exposure to a clinical grade medium. Cell numbers and cell viability were adequate for clinical use, and microbiologic assays demonstrated the absence of any contamination. Discussion In the specific context of a degenerative bone disease with limited involvement of skeletal tissue, the combined use of MSC, exposed to an osteogenic clinical grade medium, and biomimetic biodegradable scaffolds offers the possibility of producing adequate numbers of biologic tissue-engineered cell-based constructs for use in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uncontrolled T cell activation and abnormal function of the innate immune system against normal enteric bacterial flora play a critical part in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, pharmacological strategies directed to restore the normal responsiveness of the immune system could be efficacious in the treatment of these pathological conditions. Glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR)-related gene is a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily that is constitutively expressed at high levels on regulatory T cells and at low levels on unstimulated I cells, B cells and macrophages. GIIR triggering leads to activation of I effectors and reversal of suppressive function of regulatory T cells. Aim: To investigate the role of GITR in the development of experimental colitis in mice. Results: Using GITR-/- mice, GITR deletion protected against 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)- induced colitis by reducing innate immune responses and effector T cell activity. Effector T cells isolated from GITR-/- mice were less effective than T cells isolated from GITR+/+ mice to transfer colitis in immunodeficient mice. Blocking the GITR/ligand for GITR (GiTRL) signal by giving soluble GITR prevented TNBS-induced colitis in normal GITR+/+ and also in lymphocyte-deficient SCID mice. Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that GITR plays a critical part in regulating both acquired and innate mucosal immune responses during the development of experimental colitis in mice. Therefore, targeting the GITR/GITRL system signalling may represent a potential pharmacological tool for the treatment of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequent in patients with essential hypertension (EH); a likely common pathogenetic pathway could be a reduced ability of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle (VSM) to relax. Increasing intracellular levels of cGMP reduce the contractile status of VSM; on the contrary, type 5 cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5, codified by PDE5A gene) regulates cGMP levels through its clearance. The PDE5A gene represents a good candidate for the intermediate phenotype EH/ED: genetic variants of the PDE5A may predispose to EH and ED and could affect the local and systemic response to sildenafil administration. Thus, a functionally relevant portion of PDE5 5'-flanking promoter region was analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in patients with EH and idiopathic ED. The sequences obtained showed a T/G polymorphism at position-1142, near an AP1 regulatory element, that was not apparently associated with the intermediate phenotype. We also studied the relationship between this polymorphism and the effects of oral sildenafil on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in men with ED. Sildenafil caused a significant decrease of BP, but had no effects on HR; statistical analysis showed no differences in BP and HR variations among PDE5A genotypes. In conclusion, our data showed no correlations of a novel polymorphism of the PDE5A promoter gene with the intermediate phenotype EH/ED and the BP and HR response to sildenafil administration. Further studies are necessary to define the role of this polymorphism and to study the genetic predisposition for EH with ED.International Journal of Impotence Research (2004) 16, 412-417. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901246 Published online 3 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the structural, dynamic, and space occupancy characteristics of a prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) population developed on an abandoned secondary grassland of the Central Apennines (Italy), is presented here. The data were collected from a permanent plot, limited by mixed deciduous woods dominated by Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. by a plantation of Pinus nigra Arnold, and by a forest road, and consisting of 1744 prickly juniper individuals, as well as other pre-forest and forest species. The age and sex distributions of this population were assessed. With these data, the age pyramid was constructed, within which three developmental phases of the population became apparent, as confirmed by a study of the logistic curve of development of the population. Based on an estimate of the intensity function of the spatial distribution of the prickly juniper individuals, the hypothesis of complete randomness has to be rejected. On the other hand, the correlation between sex and population density was significant. The mode of space occupancy of the prickly juniper population was investigated also with respect to the other populations of shrubs and forest species. It was shown to spread out in all directions, following lines of diffusion that could be randomly determined. Finally, the presence, within the plot, of some pasture areas not occupied by prickly juniper may be derived from lack of germination of the fruits, or development of the seedlings owing to unfavourable micro-environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a major diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Systemic and topical treatments (capsaicin, lidocaine, anti-histamines, sucralfate and benzydiamine) have been tried, but they appear to be inadequate. Topical capsaicin is bitter, may cause burning and has low therapeutic efficacy. We hypothesized that systemic administration of capsaicin could reduce the limitations of topical administration and have better therapeutic efficacy; this hypothesis was tested in a controlled trial.Methods: Systemic oral capsaicin 0.25% was used for patients with BMS, recruited in our single centre. After the diagnosis of BMS, patients were dentally and medically examined. They were alternatively assigned to treatment with capsaicin or to a shape/smell/taste/color matched placebo. The severity of symptoms was scored at trial entry and 30 days thereafter by investigators who were unaware of the assigned intervention. The visual analogical scale (VAS) measure was used to score the severity of pain, and results for the treated and untreated groups were compared by Fisher's exact test. Analysis was performed by intention-to-treat. Statistical significance was considered for values of P < 0.05. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD.Results: Fifty patients were enrolled (25 assigned to systemic capsaicin and 25 to placebo). The VAS score was significantly lower in treated patients (5.84 +/- 1.17) as compared to the placebo-control group (6.24 +/- 0.96). The use of systemic capsaicin implied significant gastric toxicity (referred gastric pain) with eight cases (32%) documented in the treatment group as compared to zero cases (0%) in the placebo control group.Conclusion: Systemic capsaicin is therapeutically effective for the short-term treatment of BMS but major gastrointestinal side-effects may threaten its large-scale, long-term use. This preliminary study suggests that more, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials are necessary and worthy to come to a definitive assessment of this matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Cardiovascular Effects of Sildenafil in Hypertensive Men With Erectile Dysfunction and Different Alleles of Type 5 cGMP-Specific Phosphodiesterase (PDE5)" that was published in the 2004 issue is presented.