IRIS Università degli Studi dell'Aquila
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Protocol for the generation and analysis of organoids from Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).
Validity and reliability of the Home Health Care Survey of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (HHCAHPS) tool: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Introduction. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Home Health Care Survey of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (HHCAHPS) in the Italian context. Methods. This is a secondary analysis of data from the AIDOMUS-IT study. A total of 9,780 patients cared for by home healthcare services completed the HHCAHPS along with a measure of satisfaction for the care received. Structural validity was assessed with a confirmatory analytical approach (CFA). Construct validity was ascertained via hypothesis testing (convergent validity) by correlating the HHCAHPS scores with the scores derived from the measure of patient satisfaction for care. Internal consistency was assessed with the Omega (ω) coefficient. Results. Structural validity was confirmed, with satisfactory fit indices of the CFA model specified according to the conceptualized three-factor structure (“care of patients”, “communication with the providers”, and “specific care issues”). Construct validity was confirmed with moderate correlations between the level of satisfaction for care and the factors “communication with the providers” (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), “care of patients” (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and “specific care issues” (r = 0.19, p < 0.001). Internal consistency was satisfactory for the “specific care issues” factor (ω = 0.81), while it was at the threshold of acceptability for the other factors (ω = 0.60-0.62). Conclusions. This study shows that the HHCAHPS is valid and sufficiently reliable when tested on the Italian population. Therefore, this tool can be supportive for promoting research and designing interventions to promote patient-centered care within home healthcare settings
CHARACTERIZATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR ORAL BIOFILM VISUALIZATION: STATE OF THE ART
Aim: this review analyzes the morphological methods used to
identify microbial species, the adhesion mechanisms involved
in biofilm formation and stability, and the efficacy of microbicidal
agents against pathological biofilms.
Methods: a literature review was performed to examine the
main features of the oral ecosystem and the qualitative and
morphological techniques used for biofilm analysis.
Results: the oral microbiome is essential for oral and systemic
health. Biofilm is a structured microbial community
whose pathological shifts in microbial metabolism can damage
host surfaces. Microscopy remains the primary tool for
morphological biofilm analysis. Stereomicroscopy and Confocal
Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) allow detailed visualization
of structure, microbial distribution, and three-dimensional
architecture. Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM)
enables high-resolution analysis of bacteria, the extracellular
matrix and adhesion mechanisms.
Advanced techniques like STEM, HR-TEM, and correlative
microscopy help evaluate antibacterial strategies by visualizing
biofilm disruption.
Conclusions: microscopy is crucial for understanding biofilm
morphology and improving targeted therapies. Further studies
are needed to investigate advanced techniques and microbiological
and pathological aspects of oral biofilm
La transcodifica di un classico. Giovanni Boccaccio dal Decameron Ipertestuale di M. Picone al Viaggio nel Testo Mibac fino alla Biblioteca Virtuale Univaq
Exploring the Anticancer Potential of the Multistrain Probiotic Formulation OxxySlab in Bladder Cancer Cell Lines
La valutazione formativa a scuola: evidenze sugli atteggiamenti didattici degli insegnanti. Verso un’educazione sostenibile?
L’articolo riporta la sintesi di uno studio che ha indagato le pratiche valuta-tive di 293 docenti di tutti i gradi scolastici della Regione Abruzzo. Emer-gono significative correlazioni tra metodologie didattiche, personalizzazio-ne degli insegnamenti e pratiche valutative. I dati suggeriscono di alimen-tare una formazione su questi temi, al fine di promuovere una scuola sem-pre più inclusiva
Epidemiology of Pediatric Chronic Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Purpose of Review: Chronic non-cancer pain in children and adolescents represents a significant public health issue, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Defined as pain persisting for over three months, this condition is influenced by developmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. However, its prevalence remains uncertain and debated. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible systematic reviews were critically appraised using the AMSTAR-2 tool to assess methodological quality. This overview synthesises evidence from existing systematic reviews to provide an updated understanding of the epidemiology and burden of paediatric non-cancer chronic pain. Recent Findings: Findings revealed substantial variability in the reported prevalence of specific pain types: headaches (4–83%), abdominal pain (4–53%), musculoskeletal pain (4–40%), and back/low-back pain (14–24%). Prevalence was generally lower in low- and middle-income countries, likely due to barriers in healthcare access. Methodological heterogeneity was observed across studies, and AMSTAR-2 assessment identified critical limitations in some systematic reviews, impacting the reliability of findings. Summary: This overview highlights the urgent need for standardised research methodologies to accurately monitor the prevalence of paediatric non-cancer chronic pain. Standardisation is essential for informing policies aimed at mitigating the long-term impact of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Addressing these issues, particularly in resource-limited settings, is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing societal and economic burdens
Bidirectional Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Reproductive Disorders: Focus on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular ovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The severity of periodontal inflammation in PCOS may be linked to elevated levels of inflammatory mediators, like interleukins (IL-6, IL-17), and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), found in both serum and saliva samples. This systematic review aims to assess the presence, nature, and variations in salivary inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with PCOS and their potential connection to periodontal disease (PD). Materials and Methods: Selected databases were PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search strategy included the following terms: “oral inflammatory biomarkers”, “Salivary mediators,” “metabolic indicators,” “periodontal diseases,” “periodontitis,” “polycystic ovary syndrome,” “PCOS,” and “ovulatory dysfunction.” Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Results: Several salivary inflammatory biomarkers are present in women with PCOS, including cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMPs, and microbial diversity alterations. Additionally, the reviewed studies suggest a correlation between PCOS and PD, as patients with PCOS exhibit greater periodontal alterations compared to healthy women. The heightened periodontal response in PCOS appears to be associated with a systemic inflammatory state, probably increasing the susceptibility to PD. Conclusions: Salivary inflammatory biomarkers in PCOS patients are a useful diagnostic tool for evaluating the heightened risk of periodontal disease. Further research with stricter protocols is necessary to better define the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers for PCOS patients and determine their role in the early detection of periodontal disease
Anthropometric considerations between lower first molar, condyle ramus height and coronoid process
This study examines the relationships between the lower first molar, the condyle-ramus height, and the coronoid process of the mandible. It is based on the idea that craniofacial structures maintain consistent anatomical proportions, which could assist in orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation. The first molar is considered crucial to occlusion development, with its position possibly reflecting underlying skeletal patterns. Materials and Methods. A pilot clinical trial was carried out at the University of L’Aquila using CBCT scans from 27 adult patients. Measurements were taken at four points:-A: Top of the mandibular condyle-B: Mandibular angle-C: Buccal surface of the first lower molar-D: Coronoid process on the opposite side. Distances AB (condyle to angle), BC (angle to first molar), and CD (coronoid to molar) were calculated. Scans with asymmetries or artifacts were excluded to ensure consistency. Results. Patients were categorized by Angle’s classification:-**Class I (n=14)**: AB/BC average around 55.9 mm; CD approximately 84.7 mm-**Class II (n=7)**: AB/BC average about 55.2 mm; CD around 86.5 mm-**Class III (n=6)**: AB/BC average roughly 61.6 mm; CD approximately 90.6 mm In 85% of cases, point C (molar location) was found in the mesial half of the first molar. While AB and BC measurements correlated strongly (indicating a predictable molar location), no significant correlation was found between CD and the other distances. Discussion. The study confirms a consistent anthropometric relationship between the condyle, mandibular angle, and the lower first molar. This suggests that the position of the lower first molar is structurally determined and should guide orthodontic and prosthetic treatments. Therefore, clinicians should focus on maintaining or restoring this natural alignment in treatments, including implants or dentures. Conclusion. The position of the mandibular first molar demonstrates a consistent geometric relationship with skeletal landmarks. This anatomical constant should be utilized in clinical practice to improve long-term treatment outcomes in orthodontics and prosthodontics.This study examines the relationships between the lower first molar, the condyle-ramus height, and the coronoid process of the mandible. It is based on the idea that craniofacial structures maintain consistent anatomical proportions, which could assist in orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation. The first molar is considered crucial to occlusion development, with its position possibly reflecting underlying skeletal patterns. Materials and Methods. A pilot clinical trial was carried out at the University of L’Aquila using CBCT scans from 27 adult patients. Measurements were taken at four points:-A: Top of the mandibular condyle-B: Mandibular angle-C: Buccal surface of the first lower molar-D: Coronoid process on the opposite side. Distances AB (condyle to angle), BC (angle to first molar), and CD (coronoid to molar) were calculated. Scans with asymmetries or artifacts were excluded to ensure consistency. Results. Patients were categorized by Angle’s classification:-**Class I (n=14)**: AB/BC average around 55.9 mm; CD approximately 84.7 mm-**Class II (n=7)**: AB/BC average about 55.2 mm; CD around 86.5 mm-**Class III (n=6)**: AB/BC average roughly 61.6 mm; CD approximately 90.6 mm In 85% of cases, point C (molar location) was found in the mesial half of the first molar. While AB and BC measurements correlated strongly (indicating a predictable molar location), no significant correlation was found between CD and the other distances. Discussion. The study confirms a consistent anthropometric relationship between the condyle, mandibular angle, and the lower first molar. This suggests that the position of the lower first molar is structurally determined and should guide orthodontic and prosthetic treatments. Therefore, clinicians should focus on maintaining or restoring this natural alignment in treatments, including implants or dentures. Conclusion. The position of the mandibular first molar demonstrates a consistent geometric relationship with skeletal landmarks. This anatomical constant should be utilized in clinical practice to improve long-term treatment outcomes in orthodontics and prosthodontics