8 research outputs found
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Low-Particle-Size Toothpastes against Extrinsic Pigmentations: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
No full textStain-removing domiciliary protocols are focused on the elimination of dental extrinsic pigmentations by the application of abrasive toothpastes, extensively available in commerce. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of two different stain removal molecule-formulated toothpastes by the reduction of clinical parameters: the micro-cleaning crystals and activated charcoal. A total of 40 participants with extrinsic dental pigmentations were enrolled and divided into two groups: a Control group, assigned to a toothpaste with micro-cleaning crystals (Colgate Sensation White); and a Trial group, with microparticle-activated charcoal toothpaste (Coswell Blanx Black). At T0 (baseline), T1 (10 days), T2 (1 month), and T3 (3 months), clinical parameters, including Lobene stain index calculated for intensity and extension, plaque control record, and bleeding on probing, were measured. Statistically significant differences were found in both groups (p < 0.05): a reduction of extrinsic pigmentation, both in intensity and extension, was obtained in the Control group, but their total elimination could be achieved only in the Trial group with the activated charcoal molecule, though without significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). No intergroup differences were found for each timeframe for PCR, BoP, LSI-I, and LSI-E. Both tested toothpastes can be recommended for domiciliary oral hygiene of patients with extrinsic pigmentations
The role of working memory in Specific Learning Disabilities: evidence and perspectives
No full textopenLa presente tesi si propone di analizzare il ruolo della memoria di lavoro (MdL) nei Disturbi Specifici dell’Apprendimento (DSA), con particolare attenzione alla sua influenza sulle abilità di lettura, scrittura e calcolo. Dopo una prima parte introduttiva dedicata alla definizione di MdL e dei suoi modelli teorici, viene approfondito il legame tra deficit nei meccanismi di memoria e le difficoltà scolastiche tipiche dei DSA, attraverso l’analisi della letteratura scientifica recente. Il secondo capitolo esamina le differenze nei profili cognitivi di bambini con dislessia, discalculia e altri disturbi specifici, evidenziando il ruolo discriminante della MdL nelle diverse manifestazioni cliniche. Infine, il lavoro si concentra su interventi e strategie riabilitative, compensative e tecnologiche volte a potenziare la memoria di lavoro, migliorando così l’apprendimento e l’autonomia degli studenti con DSA. I risultati della revisione evidenziano l’importanza di un approccio personalizzato e multidimensionale nel trattamento dei DSA.This thesis aims to analyze the role of working memory (WM) in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), with particular focus on its influence on reading, writing, and mathematical skills. Following an introductory section that defines WM and its theoretical models, the paper explores the connection between memory deficits and the academic difficulties typical of SLD, based on recent scientific literature. The second chapter examines cognitive profile differences among children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other specific disorders, highlighting the discriminative role of WM across various clinical presentations. Finally, the thesis focuses on interventions and strategies—rehabilitative, compensatory, and technological—designed to strengthen working memory and, consequently, improve learning outcomes and independence in students with SLD. The review’s findings underscore the importance of a personalized and multidimensional approach in the treatment of SLD
Effects of cognitive training on attentional skills in a group of healthy elderly people
No full textopenL’aspettativa di vita nell’ultimo secolo è aumentata notevolmente, per questo ora i ricercatori si stanno focalizzando su come promuovere un invecchiamento attivo, sia dal punto di vista fisico che cognitivo. Gli studi si concentrano sull’analisi delle zone che si deteriorano con l’invecchiamento e su come potenziare le funzioni cognitive. Questa ricerca intende approfondire gli effetti di un training cognitivo computerizzato su anziani sani, senza patologie neurodegenerative. Il training si focalizza sulle funzioni attentive (attenzione selettiva, divisa e alternata) e consiste di 8 sessioni di training dalla durata di 40 minuti ciascuna per un periodo di 4 settimane, effettuate al computer attraverso il programma MS-rehab. Sono state effettuate delle valutazioni cognitive prima e dopo il training che hanno permesso di analizzare gli effetti del training. Dall'analisi fatta con il metodo ANOVA a misure ripetute sono risultati significativi i punteggi del Digit San Forward e del Listening San Test, ottenuti dal confronto tra gruppo di controllo e sperimentale. I risultati sono incoraggianti, ma va considerato un limite: il campione è troppo piccolo (20 partecipanti), quindi i risultati non possono essere ritenuti affidabili e generalizzabili
Boosting promotes advantageous risk-taking
No full textDue to the prevalence and importance of choices with uncertain outcomes, it is essential to establish what interventions improve risky decision-making, how they work, and for whom. Two types of low-intensity behavioural interventions are promising candidates: nudges and boosts. Nudges guide people to better decisions by altering how a choice is presented, without restricting any options or modifying the underlying payoff matrix. Boosts, on the other hand, teach people decision strategies that focus their attention on key aspects of the choice, which allows them to make more informed decisions. A recent study compared these two types of interventions and found that boosts worked better for risky choices aimed at maximising gains, whereas nudges worked best for choices aimed at minimising losses. Though intriguing, these findings could not be easily interpreted because of a limitation in the items used. Here we replicate that study, with an extended item set. We find that boosts work by promoting risk-taking when it is beneficial, whereas nudges have a consistent (lesser) impact, regardless of whether risk-taking is beneficial or not. These results suggest that researchers and policymakers should consider the base rate risk propensity of the target population when designing decision-support systems
Assessment of the Bacterial Loads of Vacuum-Thermoformed Removable Retainers (VTRR) in Patients under Retention Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textRetention devices are essential after orthodontic treatment in order to avoid the risk of relapse. For this goal, vacuum-thermoformed removable retainers (VTRRs) are useful tools in clinical practice. The main limitation related to them is the accumulation of plaque. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial loads present on VTRRs (Essix ACE Plastic, Dentsply Sirona) in patients under retention therapy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups, depending on the product used for the cleansing of the VTRR: Geldis, Polident tablets, and simple water, respectively. Microbiological samples were taken from the retainers at the baseline, after 1 and after 2 months, with the collection of Bleeding on Probing (BoP), Plaque Index (PI), Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and Schiff Air Sensitivity test (SAI). A total of 15 patients were recruited and for each product, 5 patients were allocated. No significant intragroup and intergroup differences were observed at any time point for PI, SAI, BoP, Red Complex, Total Pathogen and Total Saprophyte loads. A significant intragroup and intergroup difference was assessed at T1 and T2 for BEWE in the control group. According to the results of this study, the bacterial load on VTRR retainers is not influenced by the cleaning methods tested
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotics Domiciliary Protocols for the Management of Periodontal Disease, in Adjunction of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT): A Systematic Literature Review
No full textIntroduction: Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease induced by a dysbiosis between the host and oral microbiota, which can compromise the host’s immune defenses and lead to the destruction of periodontal tissues. Despite the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) as the gold standard of periodontal treatment, its application can produce lower results due to anatomical and microbiological limitations. This systematic literature review was performed to assess the long-term efficacy of the effects of probiotics as an adjunct to NSPT compared to the control groups with follow-up of clinical, microbiological and immunological outcomes. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted, considering manuscripts published from November 2016 to February 2022. The research question was formulated following the population, intervention, comparison and outcome strategies. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the periodontal efficacy of domiciliary probiotic therapy in an adjunct to the mechanical therapy were included. Results: Regarding clinical outcomes, there is a reduction in periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachments level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque index (PI) for the test groups compared to the control groups in a short-term period. No differences were generally observed in the following indices over a period of more than 3 months for most studies considered. Conclusions: Weak evidence suggests that the use of probiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy treatment may be able to show improvements in periodontal clinical parameters for up to 3 months. However, a significant and large heterogeneity of studies, along with the absence of long-term microbiological and immunological data, preclude any definitive conclusions
Consensus Report of the Technical-Scientific Associations of Italian Dental Hygienists and the Academy of Advanced Technologies in Oral Hygiene Sciences on the Non-Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implant Disease
No full textBackground: The recent publication of the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant disease has given clear indications on the parameters to be taken into consideration to correctly diagnose the different phases of these diseases. To date, however, there are no equally clear indications on the treatments to be implemented to solve these diseases. The objective of this Consensus Report is to provide guidance for the non-surgical management of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. For the drafting of the consensus, the most recent scientific literature was analysed. Materials and Methods: A group of 15 expert Italian dental hygienists were selected by the Italian technical-scientific societies (AIDI, UNID and ATASIO) and, starting from the literature review, they formulated indications according to the GRADE method (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, a tool for rating the quality of evidence, used to draw up systematic reviews and clinical guidelines) on the treatment of peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis and on management of the various implanting surfaces. Conclusions: in accordance with the international literature, non-surgical therapy alone can resolve peri-implant mucositis, but not peri-implantitis. Several adjunctive therapies have been considered and some appear to be helpful in managing inflammation
The robustness of mental accounting: a global perspective
No full textThis pre-registered work tests the replicability of seven studies covering the most important effects associated with mental accounting across 5,589 participants from 21 countries. Findings support the robustness of the original studies across time and culture, confirming the role of mental accounting as a critical driver of human decision-making
