University of Siena

About: University of Siena is a education organization based out in Siena, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 12179 authors who have published 33334 publications receiving 1008287 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli studi di Siena & Universita degli studi di Siena.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with OCD: Effects of contamination symptoms and remission state before the quarantine in a preliminary naturalistic study.

Abstract: The containment measures implemented to reduce the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic can increase the risk of serious mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The general fear of getting infected and the importance given to personal hygiene, may have a negative impact on this clinical population. In a group of patients with OCD who had completed an evidence-based therapeutic path for OCD before the quarantine, this study evaluated the changes on OCD symptoms during the quarantine and investigated the effects of contamination symptoms and remission state before the quarantine on OCD symptom worsening during the quarantine. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive (Y-BOCS) Severity score, administered before the quarantine, was re-administered after six weeks since the beginning of the complete lockdown. A significant increase in obsession and compulsion severity emerged. Remission status on OCD symptoms and having contamination symptoms before the quarantine were significantly associated with more elevated OCD symptom worsening during the quarantine. To our knowledge, this is the first study which assessed OCD symptoms at the COVID-19 time. Our results support the need to improve relapse prevention during the period of social restrictions and develop alternative strategies such as online consultations and digital psychiatric management.

Surface debris of canal walls after post space preparation in endodontically treated teeth: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate surface cleanliness of root canal walls along post space after endodontic treatment using 2 different irrigant regimens, obturation techniques, and post space preparation for adhesive bonding. Study design Forty teeth, divided into 4 groups, were instrumented, using Ni-Ti rotary files, irrigated with NaOCl or NaOCl + EDTA and obturated with cold lateral condensation (CLC) or warm vertical condensation (WVC) of gutta-percha. After post space preparation, etching, and washing procedure, canal walls were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Amount of debris, smear layer, sealer/gutta-percha remnants, and visibility of open tubules were rated. Results Higher amounts of rough debris, large sealer/gutta-percha remnants, thick smear layer, and no visibility of tubule orifices were recorded in all the groups at apical level of post space. At middle and coronal levels areas of clean dentin, alternating with areas covered by thin smear layer, smaller debris, gutta-percha remnants, and orifices of tubules partially or totally occluded by plugs were frequently observed. Conclusions After endodontic treatment, obturation, and post space preparation SEM analysis of canal walls along post space shows large areas (covered by smear layer, debris, and sealer/gutta-percha remnants) not available for adhesive bonding and resin cementation of fiber posts.

Coronally Advanced Flap With and Without Vertical Releasing Incisions for the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions: A Comparative Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background: Vertical releasing incisions might damage the blood supply to the flap and result in unesthetic visible white scars. The aim of the present study was to compare root coverage and esthetic outcomes of the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with and without vertical releasing incisions in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions. Methods: Thirty-two systemically and periodontally healthy subjects with esthetic complaints due to the exposure of Miller Class I and II multiple (at least two) gingival recession defects (‡1 mm) affecting adjacent teeth of the same quadrant of the upper jaw were enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients (with 45 gingival recessions) were randomly assigned to the control group, and the other 16 patients (with 47 recession defects) were assigned to the test group. All recessions were treated with a CAF; vertical releasing incisions were performed in the control group, whereas an envelope-type flap was used in the test group. The patient’s postoperative morbidity was assessed 1 week after the surgery, whereas the esthetic evaluation, made by the patient and independent periodontist, and the clinical evaluation were made 1 year later. Results: Surgical time was significantly shorter in the envelope-type CAF group. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups in terms of recession reduction and clinical attachment level gain. A statistically greater probability of complete root coverage (adjusted odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 15.33; P <0.05) and a greater increase in buccal keratinized tissue height were observed with the envelope type of CAF. Patient satisfaction with esthetics was very high in both treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences between them. A better postoperative course and better results in the esthetic evaluation made by an independent periodontist were demonstrated in patients treated with the envelope type of CAF. Conclusions: Both CAF techniques were effective in reducing recession depth. The envelope type of CAF was associated with an increased probability of achieving complete root coverage and with a better postoperative course. Keloid formation along the vertical releasing incisions was responsible for the worst esthetic evaluation made by an independent expert periodontist. J Periodontol 2009;80:1083-1094.

The automatic control telelab: a user-friendly interface for distance learning

Abstract: In this paper, a remote laboratory of automatic control is presented. The main target of this laboratory is to allow students to easily interact with a set of physical processes through the Internet. The student will be able to run experiments, change control parameters, and analyze the results remotely. The automatic control telelab (ACT) allows the user to design his/her own controller by means of the MATLAB/Simulink environment, and to test it on the actual plant through a user-friendly interface. An additional feature of ACT is its architecture, allowing for an easy integration of new processes for control experiments. The ACT is reachable at http://www.dii.unisi.it//spl sim/control/act.

Natural history of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.

Abstract: Objective: The long-term prognosis of patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the natural history of VBD, evaluate its progression, and examine factors that may influence the clinical course of this condition. Methods: We conducted a prospective clinical and imaging follow-up study of 156 consecutive patients with VDB followed for an average of 11.7 years. Predictors of events were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Survival analysis was used to evaluate rates of incidence. Results: During follow-up, 93 patients (60%) experienced at least one event: 75 patients had stroke (59 ischemic and 21 hemorrhagic), 31 patients had new compressive symptoms, and 2 patients had hydrocephalus. Events were significantly associated with the severity of VBD, i.e., diameter, height of bifurcation, and lateral displacement of the basilar artery. During follow-up VBD progressed in 43% of patients. Progression of VBD was associated with a higher morbidity and mortality. The cumulative proportion of survivors free of adverse health event was 54.1 at 5 years, 39.5 at 10 years, and 23.5 at 15 years. During follow-up, 62 patients died and stroke was the most common cause of death. Conclusions: The long-term prognosis of patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) depended mainly on the severity of the condition at diagnosis and on its evolutionary characteristics. Progression of VBD exposed patients to high risk of adverse events, especially stroke.