Publications by authors named "Maria A Continenza"

Background: The use of medicated mouthwashes and gels in the home care maintenance of dental implants is controversial due to the possibility of residue deposition on the implant collar. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyse, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the amount of residues on dental implant collars treated with various commercial home dental care products.

Methods: Gel and mouthwash products were tested on 10 implants.

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The petals of the saffron crocus ( L.) are considered a waste material in saffron production, but may be a sustainable source of natural biologically active substances of nutraceutical interest. The aim of this work was to study the cardiovascular effects of kaempferol and crocin extracted from saffron petals.

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Inflammatory diseases affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant represent a new challenge in contemporary implant dentistry. Among several methods proposed for the decontamination of titanium surfaces, the administration of topical 14% doxycycline gel seems to be a reliable option. In the present study, we evaluated the microbial effect of 14% doxycycline gel applied on titanium surfaces and exposed to human salivary microbes in anaerobic conditions.

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The present study involved a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tongue dorsum biofilms sampled from halitosis patients and healthy volunteers. The aim of the study was to quantify the distribution of Streptococcus spp. and Fusobacterium nucleatum within the oral halitosis biofilm in order to highlight the role of these bacterial members in halitosis.

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Saffron extracts have a long history of application as skin protectant, possibly due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. In this work, the performance of a hydrogel enriched with antioxidant compounds isolated from saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) petals was tested.

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Objective To define the association between mandibular fractures and alterations of the cranio-atlo-axial joint (CAAJ). Methods 315 cases of displaced mandibular fractures were retrospectively evaluated by CT scan and cervical X-ray for associated alterations of the CAAJ. Statistical analysis employed the chi-square and Cohen's kappa coefficient.

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Lingual mandibular foramina are peculiar anatomical variations often present on the bone surface of the inferior jaw. These structures host vascular and nervous anastomosis deriving from the branches of the submental artery, lingual artery, and the mylohyoid nerve. Reports pointed out intra-operative massive bleeding accidents during implant interventions occurred in this area.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of NeoHeal during laser-assisted oral surgery.

Background Data: Laser-assisted surgery is a less invasive technique than conventional surgery using a blade; however, the heat produced by the laser can damage tissue proximal to the treated area. We hypothesized the hydrogel NeoHeal could be applied during oral surgery and have similar benefits as those already described for dermatological surgery.

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Saffron from the province of L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of Italy, is highly prized and has been awarded a formal recognition by the European Union with EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Despite this, the saffron regions are abandoned by the younger generations because the traditional cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is labour intensive and yields only one crop of valuable saffron stamens per year.

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Purpose: The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the leakage observed for 2 different microbial species at the level of the implant-abutment (I-A) interface, and the marginal fit and size of microgap at the I-A interface in 2 different implant connections.

Methods: Ten specimens of each group were tested. The inner parts of 5 implants per group were inoculated with 0.

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In descriptions of surgical procedures in mandible, often there is no mention of an anatomical variance, the genial spinal foramina, where nerves and vessels go through. Aim of this study is to investigate frequency, shape, and dimensions of these foramina. 56 computed tomography dentascans were analyzed with an implant planning software.

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Aim of this study was to investigate the gross anatomy of the root of European anterior teeth. A review of the dental literature shows that in the past the root morphology was investigated from the inner pulp chamber for endodontic therapies. In order to be admitted to the study, the teeth had to be undamaged.

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Background: In vitro maturation of ovarian follicles, in combination with cryopreservation, might be a valuable method for preserving and/or restoring fertility in mammals with impaired reproductive function. Several culture systems capable of sustaining mammalian follicle growth in vitro have been developed and many studies exist on factors influencing the development of in vitro grown oocytes. However, a very few reports concern the ultrastructural morphology of in vitro grown follicles.

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Aim: To evaluate the possible differences in morphology and immunohistochemical expression of CD3, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), Smad7, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-Sma), and collagen types I-VII of small and large intestine in Smad3 null and wild-type mice.

Methods: Ten null and ten wild-type adult mice were sacrificed at 4 mo of age and the organs (esophagus, small and large bowel, ureters) were collected for histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson thrichrome, silver staining), morphometry and immunohistochemistry analysis. TGF-beta1 levels of intestinal tissue homogenates were assessed by ELISA.

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This work investigated the origin and development of microcirculation in the rat humeral head and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a factor supporting the vascular growth and the development of the secondary ossification centers. Sixty rats aging 1, 3-4, 6-8, 11, and 21 days, 5 weeks, and 4 and 8 months were used. Samples of humeral head were collected for histology and immunohistochemistry for VEGF.

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Many different synthetic biomaterials have been recently proposed in the majority of the techniques for hernioplasty and pelvic floor surgery. Required qualities of an implantable prosthetic material have been well established in the past and today the biomaterials better performing to this purpose are the monofilamented Polypropylene (Marlex) and the multifilamented Polyestere (Mersilene). But, in spite of a wide surgical use of these two kinds of meshes, many failures of these implantations are reported leading to removal of the prosthetic implanted material.

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