Morphological observations and fractological considerations on orthodontics miniscrews

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphological and biomechanical characteristics of a commercial mini-implant. Methods. Orthodontic low head mini implants, in the two available sizes of 1,5 and 2 mm, have been used. The SEM (electronic scanning microscope) evaluation has been tested on 3 groups each one composed of 4 samples, observed in numerous enlargements and in the three dimensions of the space. The groups was composed of new mini implants, undamaged mini implants observed after their clinical use and mini implants broken at the moment of their insertion or removal after their therapeutical use. Results. The SEM analysis of unused mini implants has shown how the diameter reduction of the neck represents the area of greater weakness; such parameter is very important in determining screw resistance to fracture. In fact the fracture observed in vivo always happened to this degree. Some micro carvings and cracks were shown on the surface, these irregularities could facilitate or promote the enlargement of the cracking itself. Conclusion. From the results obtained it is clear that the steel is adequate for permanence in the oral cavity, and moreover the material itself is adapted to bear the pressure put on it during therapy. However, it remains advisable to make certain changes to better the surface and geometry of the miniscrews

Morphological observations and fractological considerations on orthodontics miniscrews

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphological and biomechanical characteristics of a commercial mini-implant. Methods. Orthodontic low head mini implants, in the two available sizes of 1,5 and 2 mm, have been used. The SEM (electronic scanning microscope) evaluation has been tested on 3 groups each one composed of 4 samples, observed in numerous enlargements and in the three dimensions of the space. The groups was composed of new mini implants, undamaged mini implants observed after their clinical use and mini implants broken at the moment of their insertion or removal after their therapeutical use. Results. The SEM analysis of unused mini implants has shown how the diameter reduction of the neck represents the area of greater weakness; such parameter is very important in determining screw resistance to fracture. In fact the fracture observed in vivo always happened to this degree. Some micro carvings and cracks were shown on the surface, these irregularities could facilitate or promote the enlargement of the cracking itself. Conclusion. From the results obtained it is clear that the steel is adequate for permanence in the oral cavity, and moreover the material itself is adapted to bear the pressure put on it during therapy. However, it remains advisable to make certain changes to better the surface and geometry of the miniscrews

Hospitalizations for pertussis in Italy, 1999-2009: analysis of the hospital discharge database.

Even if the incidence of pertussis has greatly decreased after the adoption of immunization, it still remains a relevant cause of death in infants in their first years of life. At national level, data are usually greatly underestimated. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the national hospital discharge form database. The national database was retrospectively searched using the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification system. In the period 1999-2009, 7,768 hospitalizations for pertussis (primary diagnosis) have been registered: 6,971 hospitalizations and 797 day hospital admissions. The annual mean was equal to 633.6 hospitalizations and 72.4 day hospital admissions. The majority of hospitalizations (57.4 %) involved subjects <1 year of age; the mean duration of stay was about 6 days. Conclusion These data, even if restricted to hospitalizations registered at national level, confirm the epidemiological impact of pertussis and its complications in a country with a consistently high vaccination coverage ra

Serum antibodies from epileptic patients react, at high prevalence, with simian virus 40 mimotopes

Background and purpose: It has been demonstrated that inflammation may contribute to epileptogenesis, and cause neuronal injury in epilepsy. In this study, the prevalence of antibodies to Simian virus 40, a kidney- and neurotropic polyomavirus, was investigated in serum samples from 88 epileptic children/adolescents/young adults. Methods: Serum antibodies reacting to specific SV40 peptides were analysed by indirect ELISA. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the epitopes of viral capsid proteins 1-3 were used as SV40 antigens. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of antibodies against SV40 was detected in sera from epileptic patients when compared to controls (41% vs. 19%). Specifically, the highest significant difference was revealed in the cohort of patients from 1.1-10 years old (54% vs. 21%), with a peak in the sub-cohort of 3.1-6 years old (65% vs. 18%). Conclusion: Our immunologic data suggest a strong association between epilepsy and the SV40 infection