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The aim of study was to evaluate some aspects in the clinical effectiveness of fibre-reinforced composite resin periodontal splints on mobile teeth. Fibres-reinforced composite resin retainers are recommended likewise in the treatment of teeth mobility. The study group was formed by a total of 62 patients, which presented first and second mobility degrees of anterior teeth (436 included teeth into research). 42 patients belonging to the experimental group with periodontal splinting, benefited by Interlig-Angelus glass-fibers and Ribbond-Seattle polyethylene-fibres reinforced composite resin splints (295 splinted teeth and 50 splints). The used composite resin was represented by Vertise™ Flow-Kerr. 20 patients (141 teeth) represented the control group, without splinting. All included patients followed periodic monitoring visits (after a week and at one month, for a period of 6 months), in order to evaluate the detaching degree/adhesive failure of reinforced composite resin splints and the reducing of dental mobility degree. The results of study revealed that between the two types of immobilization splints there was no significant difference in the degree of separation/adhesion failure, in the acceptability or in the patient s comfort. Both types of fiber-reinforced composite resin periodontal splints had beneficial effects in decreasing the degree of dental mobility and it was remarked their aesthetic acceptability, respectively the patient s comfort.

The bile duct system has one intrahepatic and as well extrahepatic distinct components, both subject to large anatomical variability. The left component of the bile duct is much more rarely when compared with than the right side. On the 100 pieces of hepatic corrosion casts, we analysed the confluence modality of II, III and IV segmental ducts, to form the lateral and medial branches, and finally the left hepatic duct. Depending on the confluence modality of these ducts and branches to form the left hepatic duct, we revealed three morphological types. In the majority of cases (Type I - 86% of cases) the confluence of segmental duct II and segmental duct III form the lateral branch and the confluence of lateral and medial branches form the left hepatic duct. In most of these cases, the confluence of segmental ducts II and III (to form the lateral branch), is located on the left side of the lateral portal branches origin branches origin, and the confluence of lateral and medial branches (to form the left hepatic duct) is located at the right of the origin of the medial portal branches. Relations of the intrahepatic biliary ducts system with the portal vein element have major practical importance in liver resection surgery and transplantation.

This research aimed to assess properties of emulsions containing various concentrations of collagen hydrolysate produced from calf skins. The most optimum variant of collagen separation from calf skins was used, developed by these authors. The resulting aqueous collagen hydrolysate was employed to produce oil/water cosmetic emulsions containing from 1 to 8 wt % of hydrolysate. Hydration and sensory properties of the proposed substances were evaluated. Appearance and rubbability of the emulsions and washability of make-up were determined. Emulsions containing collagen hydrolysates were assessed by respondents of two age brackets: 18-35 and 36-55. Stability of the emulsions was appraised using centrifuge and temperature testing. On application of these preparations, the skin was highly moistened, particularly in the older respondent group. Consistency of the emulsions was homogeneous and free from clotting. The work confirmed that part of hides constituting the waste can be a potential source of collagen used as an anti-ageing ingredient of cosmetic emulsions.

The field of cartilage repair and restoration has expanded a lot in the last decade since articular cartilage problems are very common. As a consequence, many biomaterials were created in order to aid physicians in treating different osteochondral defects. Polymers like polyurethanes or PGA-hyaluronan have been frequently used as the in vivo cartilage tissue repair solution, as reported in animal studies and in clinical applications. Three different implants (Agili-C, Hyalograft C, and Chondrotissue) were used in 23 patients (6 medial and 17 lateral lesions) in this study. Patients were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperative follow-up visits using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The follow-up assessments demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in all clinical outcome scores, as compared to the respective preoperative values: IKDC (48.9/77.1 for Chondrotissue implants), KOOS symptoms (58.2/71.9 for Agili-C implants), KOOS pain (54.8/66.1 for Agili-C implants), KOOS daily living activities (64.2/76.3 for Agili-C implants), KOOS sports (38.3/60.8 for Agili-C implants), KOOS quality of life (40.1/60.7 for Agili-C implants) demonstrating improvements in the case of implants previously mentioned. The overall results of this study support the successful use of the Agili-C, Chondrotissue and Hyalograft-C implants for the treatment of knee cartilage lesions.

Phytochemicals are biologically active chemical compounds found in plants. They were identified as displaying bioactivity in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and other diseases. The most important classes of phytochemicals are: polyphenols, carotenoids, essential oils, phytosterols etc. The encapsulation of phytochemical compounds in different matrices is required in order to prevent the degradation of phytochemical compounds under the influence of some factors such as oxygen, light radiations, pH and high temperature. Biopolymers with new functional properties, i.e. biodegradable, biocompatible and stimulus responsive, have been tested for encapsulation of phytochemicals bioactive. In this review, we are showing the most important biopolymer classes used as wall in the preparation of drug and food phytochemicals micro and nanoparticles.

A new dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) counter electrode was obtained through the electropolymerization of the monomer 3.4-Ethylendioxythiophene (EDOT) directly onto a indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass in the presence of an aqueous titania nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) suspension. The TiO2 nanotubes in the anatase phase were incorporated in the conductive polymer film, being also observed an increase in the catalytic activity and the fill factor of the assembled device when using the under examination counter electrode.

In an Ameloblastoma case we used CT data to create a 3D representation of the affected mandible and Finite Element Analysis allows us to study its behavior under masticatory forces. In this manner is possible to better understand case evolution and to decide the treatment plan, specific for each patient.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly becoming a common practice within the medical industry. Used for applications such as tools and devices, custom implants, scaffolds or even organ printing, AM technologies have already started to improve medical practice, patient care management and treatment outcomes. The authors developed a concept for a custom intervertebral fixing implant starting with the medical data of a specific patient. The proposed bespoke implant replicates identically the anatomical features and caters to particular conditions of the patient in cause. The implant was designed in correspondence with the cervical spine using specialised medical software. Several triangle based analyses were used in order to evaluate the adequacy of the *.STL files before 3D printing. Film Transfer Imaging technology was used to manufacture both the anatomical model of the cervical spine and the bespoke spinal implant concept. The parts were presented to surgical specialists for through fitting evaluation and testing. Feedback and recommendations were given in terms of additional support and fixing. Surgical procedure tests were recommended on an explanted animal cervical spine.

Trace level detection of drugs is routinely monitored in toxicology laboratory. Whole blood testing is an essential component in evaluation the nature and the concentration value of the ingested drug prior to initiate the therapy. One of the most important steps in lab working protocol regards collection and pipetting technique for whole blood assay. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of whole blood collection and pipetting technique for cocaine and its major metabolite (benzoylecgonine) in trace level assay. The results evidenced that by using both glass and plastic tips, concentration values were lower when using polymeric tube for collection and plastic tips for pipetting compared to glass tubes and plastic tips. In the case of glass containers, the higher concentrations were obtained when using glass pipette. The lower values can be caused by blood adherence to the inner circumferential surface of the pipette tip.

The aim of this study is to individualize from the structural point of view the silicon materials which lay at the basis of the manufacturing the oral mouth guards in full accordance to the features of the subject who is going to benefit from these devices, a highly important role belonging to the maxillary architecture and the occlusion type. Choosing the election biomaterial for the oral protection gear was done based on mathematical modelling using the Abaqus Standard system, with the aim of evaluating the tensions transmitted at the jaw level by different types of biomaterials which are embedded in the structure of these devices. The biomaterial represents an alternative favorable for the oral protection gear given the degree of elasticity and the possibility of including an antiseptic material, such as Eugenol, important features which individualize it.