LIF/Raman/XRF non-invasive microanalysis of frescoes from St. Alexander catacombs in Rome.

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray (XRF) fluorescence were used to study two frescoes at the S. Alexander catacombs complex, in Rome. LIF analysis has shown the presence of a transparent protective material probably deposited in previous restoration treatments and allowed to clearly distinguish the areas undergoing the current restoration process from the ones which still have to be treated. Raman and XRF analysis allowed to non-destructively characterizing most of the pictorial materials used for the artworks, including calcite (CaCO3), red ochre (Fe2O3), minium (Pb3O4), yellow ochre (α-FeOOH) and others. Therefore, thanks to the complementarity of the above-mentioned techniques, it was possible to obtain a detailed characterization of the studied frescoes. Finally, the whole ensemble of results constituted a valid tool to effectively plan the restoration of the frescoes.

Critical comparison of nine different self-administered questionnaires for the evaluation of disability caused by low back pain.

AIM: The aim of this study was to critically compare 9 self-administered questionnaires designed to evaluate disability caused by back pain. METHODS: The questionnaires were analyzed considering and comparing their psychometric characteristics (reliability, validity, responsiveness, minimal clinically relevant difference), together with other practical and technical aspects (number of items, number and kind of domains, scaling of items, scoring, time to complete, validated translations, etc.). Data were obtained from scientific literature. RESULTS: Only 3 out of 9 analyzed instruments (i.e., the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, and the Roland-Morris Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire) appear fully validated from a psychometric standpoint. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of psychometric evaluations as well as feasibility considerations, the authors suggest using either the Roland-Morris or Oswestry questionnaire as the best assessment of the level of disability caused by back pain.

[Critical comparison of some questionnaires for the evaluation of the quality of life in children affected by asthma]. / Comparazione critica di alcuni questionari per la valutazione della qualit della vita nei bambini asmatici.

AIM: The aim of this study was to critically compare 9 different questionnaires for the evaluation of the Quality of Life in children affected by asthma. METHODS: The questionnaires were analyzed by considering their psychometric characteristics (reliability, validity, responsiveness, least clinically relevant difference), together with other practical and technical aspects (number of items, number and kind of domains, scaling of items, scoring, time to complete). Data were obtained from the scientific literature. RESULTS: Only 1 of the 9 analyzed questionnaires (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, PAQLQ) appears fully validated from a psychometrical standpoint. Moreover, it is the only one to have a validate translation into the Italian language. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest the use of the PAQLQ as tool of choice in the evaluation of the Quality of Life in children affected by asthma.

Angina and normal epicardial coronary arteries: radionuclide features and pathophysiological implications at long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify specific characteristics associated with modifications of symptoms and to evaluate the presence of a pathophysiological link between radionuclide abnormalities and delayed run-off of coronary contrast dye in patients with angina and normal coronary arteries. METHODS: We followed up 53 patients (21 men and 32 women, mean age: 52 +/- 10 years) with angina and angiographically normal epicardial coronary arteries, 21 of whom (40%) displayed a pattern of slow contrast dye run-off from coronary vessels, on visual assessment using a semiquantitative empirical score. Exercise tests showed ECG abnormalities in 29 patients (55%). RESULTS: All patients were alive 92 +/- 44 months after catheterization (140 +/- 79 months after beginning of symptoms). However, 30 patients (57%), who reported worsening or no change of symptoms, presented with a non-significant higher prevalence of conduction abnormalities at rest ECG (27 versus 17%), pathological exercise tests (57 versus 52%), and delayed run-off (47 versus 30%). Regional left ventricular function and perfusion were then simultaneously assessed at rest and peak exercise with 99mTc-sestamibi. Exercise-induced radionuclide abnormalities were detected in 27 patients (51%), who also presented with a non-significant higher prevalence of pathological exercise tests (63 versus 43%) and no improvement of symptoms (63 versus 46%). However, exercise-induced functional and perfusional abnormalities were simultaneously present in 29 out of 42 (69%) coronary territories supplied by vessels with delayed run-off, versus 21 out of 117 (17%) normal territories (P = 0.00032). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a good prognosis, some patients with angina and normal coronary arteries presented no improvement of symptoms at follow-up, and had functional and perfusional abnormalities in coronary territories supplied by vessels showing delayed contrast dye run-off.

[Periodontal disease--specific or nonspecific infection?]. / Periodontal sykdom--spesifikk eller non-spesifikk infkesjon?

The concept of a non-specific etiology of periodontal disease has been predominant during the last century. It was believed that this disease was caused by the normal oral microbial flora and dependent on the state of the immune system of the host. The specific plaque hypothesis, which is currently discussed, claims that specific oral bacteria cause different forms of periodontal disease. High counts of these bacteria have been found in association with different forms of periodontal disease. These bacteria have also been found to have stronger pathogenic potential than other members of the oral microbiota. It is concluded that there are different forms of periodontal disease and that some of these forms are probably opportunistic infections associated with different microbial etiologies.

Interaction between chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium monofluorophosphate in vitro.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the compatibility of chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium monofluorophosphate since these agents are potential ingredients in future products in preventive dentistry. Varying combinations of chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium monofluorophosphate in water, covering the possible ranges of clinically relevant concentrations of both compounds, were made, incubated for 24 h and observed for precipitation of insoluble salts. The mixtures were analyzed for presence of free chlorhexidine and monofluorophosphate after incubation. The results showed that chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium monofluorophosphate are not compatible in clinically relevant concentrations. A chlorhexidine-monofluorophosphate salt of low solubility in water is presumably formed.