Mesoporous silica as a carrier for topical application: the Trolox case study.

As part of a recent research effort aimed at employing mesoporous materials for controlled drug delivery, this paper presents MCM-41 as a carrier for topical application, using Trolox as a model unstable guest molecule. The complexes between Trolox and MCM-41 were prepared by employing different inclusion procedures, varying solvent, method and pretreatment of the silica matrix. The objectives of this study were to determine Trolox loading, analyze its integrity and availability after immobilization on mesoporous silica, evaluate MCM-41 influence on Trolox photodegradation and establish whether the preparation method significantly influences complex properties. The characterization analyses (XRD, TGA, DSC and FTIR) confirmed the hydrogen-bonding interaction and Trolox structure preservation. Gas-volumetric analysis showed a consistent decrease in surface area and in pore volume and diameter with respect to bare MCM-41 indicating that Trolox was mainly located within mesopores. In vitro diffusion tests showed a slower release of Trolox after inclusion in the MCM-41 matrix; at the same time UV irradiation studies highlighted an increased photostability for the complex particularly in O/W emulsion. Moreover the radical scavenging activity of Trolox was maintained after immobilization. In all cases, differences were observed in all tested samples, suggesting that results could be optimized by modifying the inclusion procedure and by improving the guest loading.

A new cyclodextrin-grafted viscose loaded with aescin formulations for a cosmeto-textile approach to chronic venous insufficiency.

Cosmeto-textile applications can be used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency in legs by means of elastic bandages loaded with natural products which possess flebotonic properties. We have developed an efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD)-grafted viscose by means of a 2-step ultrasound-assisted reaction. The highly grafted fabric bearing bis-urethane bridged ß-CD has been characterized by ATR-FTIR and CP-MAS spectra and by an empiric colorimetric method which used phenolphthalein as the CD guest. We have also developed a suitable cosmetic preparation containing natural substances and extracts (aescin, menthol, Centella asiatica and Ginkgo biloba) to recharge the CD-grafted textile. The efficacy of the new cosmeto-textile has been corroborated by in vitro studies of diffusion through membranes, cutaneous permeation and accumulation in porcine skin. Aescin was taken as a reference compound and its concentration in the different compartments was monitored by HPLC analysis. This cost effective cosmeto-textile shows excellent application compliance and is easily recharged and so has the strong base characteristics needed for possible industrial production.

Hemp-seed and olive oils: their stability against oxidation and use in O/W emulsions.

Hemp-seed oil has several positive effects on the skin: thanks to its unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content it alleviates skin problems such as dryness and those related to the aging process. We present a comparative study of hemp-seed and olive oils, determining some physicochemical indices and evaluating their stability against oxidation. The peroxide value of hemp-seed oil was below 20, the threshold limit for edible oils. Hemp-seed oil was less stable against peroxidation than olive oil, but MDA and MONO assays showed its stability to be above expectations. The chlorophyll contained in extra virgin olive oil had a higher photostability than that contained in hemp-seed oil, possibly due to the larger amount of antioxidant in the olive oil. A certain amount of Vitamin E was found in hemp-seed oil. Since quality analyses indicated that hemp-seed oil is relatively stable, emulsions were prepared with the two oils, and their stability and rheological characteristics were tested. Some of the resulting gel-emulsions were suitable for spraying on the skin.

[Misoprostol in oral surgery. 112 clinical evaluations]. / Misoprostol in chirurgia orale. 112 valutazioni cliniche.

The efficacy of misoprostol in protecting gastric mucosa during postoperative NSAID therapy was assessed in a sample group of 112 patients of both sexes suffering from gastric pathologies for which they had undergone oral surgery. The analysis of the results confirms the therapeutic efficacy of misoprostol which enabled these patients to conclude the recommended treatment.

[Caries receptivity: a modern diagnostic protocol. II. The most important tests]. / Cariorecettività: un moderno protocollo diagnostico. Parte II: I test più significativi.

In this, the second part of the paper, the main clinical tests available today for carrying out early diagnosis of carioreceptivity are reviewed. On its own, measurement of the DMF-T index can classify an individual as carioactive or evaluate his "experience of caries", but it does non determine with any degree of certainty the probability of future caries. Measurement of stimulated salivary flow is important only when this is greatly reduced, as happens, for example, in xerostomy, but the finding of an almost normal flow is not on its own sufficient to make a diagnosis of carioreceptivity certain. Assessment of salivary pH is not a reliable parameter for the screening of carioreceptivity although it may be an indicator of diseases (e.g. diabetes) or bad habits (e.g. heavy smokers) in the patient in question. So examination with very sophisticated methods is of little importance. The buffer potential of saliva, assessed with a colorimetric test, is the most reliable parameter as it measures an important property of saliva at individual level: the capacity to protect from local acidity. Some studies seem to point to the validity of the combined evaluation of DMF, pH, salivary flow and buffer power of saliva in the prediction of caries at the level of groups of individual, but this has little or no validity in the screening of individual carioreceptive subjects. Specific microbiological cultures for cariogenic microorganisms are the most reliable tests for the diagnosis of carioreceptivity, particularly Dentocult for the search for Streptococcus mutans which is the most important factors in caries. The search for lactobacilli also identifies bad hygienic and dietary habits in the patients.

[Sutures and suture technics. Current trends and our method in oral surgery]. / Fili e tecniche di sutura. Attuali orientamenti e nostra metodica in chirurgia orale.

Suture techniques are a fundamental aspect of surgical practice in terms of the successful outcome of the operation. Even in dentistry it is important to have a clear idea of the method and the type of thread used. This paper lists the types of suture threads most commonly available today, the main techniques used and, on the basis of the authors' personal experience, explains a method used for oral surgery.

[Caries receptivity: a modern diagnostic protocol. I. The parameters to be considered]. / Cariorecettività: un moderno protocollo diagnostico Parte I. I parametri da considerare.

In the first part of a larger study, the authors describe the concepts of caries activity and caries receptiveness. They analyse the numerous etiological factors involved in caries disease, together with the major clinical parameters which allow it to be diagnosed.

[A case of nickel-induced stomatitis]. / Un caso di stomatite da nickel.

Some patients with prostheses or dental material containing nickel have been diagnosed as suffering from stomatitis. These lesions of the oral mucosa are sometimes difficult to interpret since allergies are not always taken into consideration. The paper reports a case of stomatitis due to nickel allergy and describes the diagnostic procedure [correction of iter] followed in order to diagnose the true nature of the pathology.

[The role of the dentist in the pre- and postoperative treatment of the cancer patient]. / Il ruolo dell'odontoiatra nel trattamento pre- e post-chirurgico del paziente neoplastico.

The importance of an early diagnosis in neoplastic pathologies of the oral cavity is now universally recognised and accepted, and dental treatment in this field requires particular care and preparation. Having identified the suspected lesions, it is necessary to eliminate those conditions which might favour the onset of neoplasia in the oral cavity, and then follow the patient during the pre- and post-radiotherapeutic stages. Dentistry is also responsible for following and carrying out the prosthetic recovery of patients undergoing radical jaw surgery, in order to enable them to return to normal day-to-day and working life in esthetic and functional terms.

[Superior fourth with supernumerary root]. / Quarto superiore con radice sovrannumeraria.

Description of a fourth superior with an over-numbered root and the problems that follow, mostly relating to the endodontic level treatment, are presented.

[Space maintenance devices]. / Mantenitori di spazio.

The importance of the loss of space in a context of preventive ortodoncy, is highly underlined in this kind of work.

[Comparison of the P.C.F. orthodontic device and Bassani's orthodontic plate in the correction of malocclusion class II, division II]. / Confronto tra P.C.F. di protusiva e placca di Bassani. Dispositivi per il trattamento della II classe e II divisione.

We have described and compared the P.C.F. of protusiva and the plaque of Bassani in the correction of the II class and II division by mentioning the advantages of the first one.

[Clinico-statistical evaluation of oral hygiene in school-age patients with special reference to 1000 cases referred to orthodontic treatment and under observation at the Torino University Dental Clinic]. / Valutazione clinico-statistica dell'igiene orale in pazienti in età scolare con particolare riferimento a 1000 casi motivati al trattamento ortodontico o in osservazione presso la Clinica Odontoiatrica Università di Torino.

The importance of dental hygiene and the insufficient sensibilization to the problem, statistically proved, are underlined.

[Ionofluor + laser = prevention]. / Jonofluor + laser = prevenzione.

On the basis of experience gained in previous research, an original technique for fixing fluoride on the enamel of healthy teeth for preventive purposes is described. An apparatus of ionophoresis with which it was possible to contain fluoride in the ionic state, and later a low power laser system with double red and infrared emission mixed in optic fibre were used to achieve this result. The proposed technique is not only extremely effective, offering as it does protection for at least 3 years, but is is very simple, practical and economical.