Search Results (2,397)

Nanofiltration membranes have emerged as a crucial class of pressure-driven separation materials, positioned between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis in terms of selectivity, permeance, operating pressure, and energy consumption. Their ability to remove fine contaminants—including multivalent ions, organic micropollutants, dyes, and macromolecules—has made them essential in water and wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical processing, and various industrial applications. In spite of their growing relevance, the performance of polymeric nanofiltration membranes, such as polyamide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyimide, is still constrained by weak hydrophilicity and a strong susceptibility to fouling, which collectively decrease permeance, increase operational costs, and shorten membrane lifespan. In recent years, substantial research efforts have focused on designing and engineering the surface chemistry and structural characteristics of nanofiltration membranes to improve water permeance, reduce foulant adhesion, and improve long-term stability. This review provides a comprehensive and comparative assessment of the most recent modification techniques applied to polymer-based nanofiltration membranes. Strategies such as polymer blending, nanoparticle incorporation, physical surface coating, plasma treatment, chemical attachment, layer-by-layer assembly, and interfacial polymerization are critically examined with respect to their effectiveness and practical limitations supported by recent research examples. Special attention is given to how these modification methods affect membrane morphology, hydrophilicity, permeance, and antifouling properties. Eventually, the review highlights emerging ideas and forward-looking design directions that may guide the next generation of nanofiltration membranes toward higher efficiency, improved durability, and broader industrial applicability. Full article

The increasing generation of construction and demolition waste, along with the depletion of natural aggregates, has driven growing interest in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as sustainable alternatives in concrete production. However, a direct and systematic comparison between the two materials remains limited. This review addresses this gap by applying PRISMA guidelines to analyze 82 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2026. Both materials are evaluated across three key domains: physical properties, mechanical performance, and microstructural characteristics. The findings indicate that RCA can reduce compressive strength by up to 26%, mainly due to the presence of porous adhered mortar and a complex interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In contrast, RAP weakens bonding with cement paste because of its hydrophobic bituminous coating, leading to adhesive failure at the mortar asphalt interface. Despite these limitations, RCA and RAP exhibit distinct behaviors in terms of shear capacity, ductility, energy absorption, and durability. Enhancement techniques such as surface treatment, carbonation, supplementary cementitious materials, and fiber reinforcement show potential in improving performance. Additionally, life cycle and economic analyses reveal that RAP can reduce total costs and carbon emissions when efficiently processed. This study provides a unified comparative framework to support sustainable material selection and design optimization. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anastomotic leak after left-sided colectomy has not declined despite refinements in technique and patient selection, prompting interest in whether local reinforcement might influence the clinical course of leaks that occur rather than their occurrence. We describe the feasibility and safety of Hemopatch serosal reinforcement of stapled colocolic anastomoses in elective left colectomy, and the distribution of leak grades observed under two reinforcement practices in routine use. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre cohort of consecutive elective left colectomies was observed (January 2013–December 2024). Reinforcement technique followed the operating surgeon’s routine practice and was therefore completely confounded with surgeon and department; the study was not designed to isolate a device effect, and no causal or comparative-effectiveness inference is drawn. Leaks were graded by the ISREC classification. Balance was quantified with standardised mean differences (SMD) and proportions with exact 95% confidence intervals; a penalised (Firth) logistic model is reported as exploratory. Results: Ninety-four patients were analysed (28 Hemopatch, 66 s-line suture). Reinforcement was applied as intended in all 28 Hemopatch cases (100%, 95% CI 87.7–100). The Hemopatch group was older (median 76.5 vs. 68 years; SMD 0.89), with further imbalance in both directions. Anastomotic leak occurred in 14.3% (95% CI 4.0–32.7) versus 13.6% (6.4–24.3); the exploratory model was uninformative (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.32–4.48). Leak grades were distributed differently, with no Hemopatch leak requiring reoperation (0%, 95% CI 0–12.3) versus four (6.1%, 1.7–14.8) and radiologically detected leaks more frequent with Hemopatch; all intervals overlapped substantially. Length of stay (median 9 vs. 6.5 days), readmission (35.7% vs. 11.3%) and two reoperative small-bowel obstructions occurred in the Hemopatch group. Conclusions: Hemopatch serosal reinforcement was technically feasible. Leak occurrence was similar between practices; leak grades differed in distribution, with reoperation for leak absent in the Hemopatch group. As reinforcement was confounded with surgeon and department, these differences describe two practices rather than a device effect. Longer stay and higher readmission require prospective safety capture; two adhesive obstructions occurred in the Hemopatch group, with operative findings in both remote from the reinforcement site. Prospective cluster-adjusted evaluation is required before any efficacy claim. Full article

Background and Objectives: Presurgical infant orthopedics aims to reduce cleft severity and facilitate primary surgical repair during the early neonatal period, when increased tissue plasticity enhances molding. Nasoalveolar molding is widely used but requires intraoral appliances, laboratory support, specialized training, and frequent follow-up visits, which may limit accessibility and adherence. This case series reports the clinical application of presurgical lip–alveolus–nose approximation (PLANA), an extraoral technique for early presurgical cleft management, and describes the clinical changes observed during treatment in four infants. Materials and Methods: A prospective case series conducted in neonates with non-syndromic unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and/or palate referred within the first 10 days of life to the Alabama Cleft Center. Treatment consisted of a prefabricated silicone nasal aligner combined with hydrocolloid lip adhesive taping. No intraoral plates or dental impressions were used. Devices were worn 20 to 22 h daily. Follow up occurred every 2 to 4 weeks, with remote monitoring used when appropriate. Qualitative clinical observations focused on apparent changes in nasal symmetry, columellar length, septal alignment, nasal tip projection, premaxillary position, nostril dimensions, alar base width, cleft width, and lip approximation, as well as feeding tolerance, skin tolerance, and treatment adherence. These observations were assessed qualitatively through serial clinical examinations and clinical photographs; no standardized quantitative morphometric measurements were performed. Results: Four infants with complete unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate received PLANA treatment. Serial clinical examinations and photographs documented qualitative changes in nasolabial morphology over the course of treatment in all four patients. Qualitative clinical assessment of serial photographs and examinations suggested greater apparent nasal symmetry, apparent columellar elongation, more central-appearing nasal alignment, increased apparent nasal tip projection, apparent cleft-width reduction, and progressive lip approximation. In unilateral clefts, changes were observed in both the cleft and non-cleft nasal sides, while bilateral clefts demonstrated changes in nasal morphology bilaterally. No device-related complications or clinically significant skin intolerance were documented during the reported treatment periods. Parent-reported device wear was approximately 20–22 h per day. Conclusions: In this four-patient prospective descriptive case series, PLANA was applied clinically, with no clinically significant treatment-related complications documented during the reported treatment periods. Serial clinical observations suggested changes in nasolabial morphology during treatment. Given the small sample size, absence of a contemporaneous control group, and qualitative nature of the assessments, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than as evidence of treatment efficacy or comparative effectiveness. Larger prospective, multicenter comparative studies incorporating standardized quantitative measurements, objective adherence assessment, and long-term surgical and aesthetic outcomes are needed to evaluate the effectiveness, reproducibility, and clinical applicability of the PLANA approach. Full article

Titanium alloys are widely used for implants, yet corrosion, bacterial colonization and incomplete osseointegration remain important causes of interfacial failure. This review critically analyzes major biomedical functional coating fabrication techniques employed to enhance the surface properties of titanium alloys, including micro-arc oxidation, anodic oxidation, magnetron sputtering, electrochemical deposition, electrophoretic deposition, plasma spraying, physical vapor deposition, plasma immersion ion implantation, laser surface treatment, and hybrid (composite) approaches. For each method, key operational principles, structural and functional characteristics, performance advantages and limitations, and representative application domains are critically analyzed. Across these routes, biological performance depends on coating continuity, pore or nanotube geometry, interfacial bonding, phase composition and ion release. Calcium- and phosphorus-rich oxides and hydroxyapatite deposits generally promote cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization and osteogenic differentiation. Dense oxide, nitride, tantalum and carbon-based films strengthen corrosion barriers, whereas Mn, Zn, Cu and Ag containing surfaces can inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Excessive ion release, however, may compromise cytocompatibility. Reported outcomes also vary with test medium, exposure time, bacterial strain and cell model. Standardized quantitative endpoints and longer-term corrosion, biofilm and osseointegration studies are required to guide clinically reliable multifunctional coatings. Full article

As a road repair material, emulsified asphalt offers advantages such as convenient construction, good fluidity, and environmental safety. However, its relatively low strength limits its application range, making performance enhancement a key research focus. In this study, waterborne epoxy resin (WER) was used to modify emulsified asphalt, and the preparation process and performance were systematically investigated. Three types of waterborne epoxy systems were selected, and through compatibility, film-forming performance, and bonding strength tests, the JT waterborne epoxy system was identified as having the best overall performance, with an optimal epoxy-to-curing-agent ratio of 1:0.6. Modified emulsified asphalts with different proportions of WER and styrene–butadiene rubber were prepared. Using fluorescence microscopy, image recognition techniques, and multiple experimental evaluations, the distribution of epoxy resin in the emulsified asphalt was quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the addition of WER significantly improves the bonding strength of emulsified asphalt, with the fastest rate of increase observed in the 5−10% range. However, a comprehensive evaluation considering microstructure uniformity, rheological performance, and water resistance indicates that the optimal overall performance is achieved in the 10−12% range, and the WER content should strictly be controlled below 15% to avoid severe local agglomeration. Meanwhile, the modified water-boiling test reveals that the adhesion between WERAE and aggregates is significantly enhanced, implying a potentially improved resistance to moisture-induced damage under practical service conditions. The standard deviation of area results indicate that when the WER content exceeds 15%, local agglomeration occurs, which is unfavorable for strength development of the modified system; the distribution uniformity results further show that when the WER content is greater than 12%, it negatively affects the uniform dispersion of WER within the emulsified asphalt. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Tooth surface loss is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by non-carious processes. Restoration of affected teeth can be challenging, especially on the palatal surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth when severe palatal hard-tissue loss is present without marked clinical crown shortening. In such cases, clinicians must preserve the remaining enamel for predictable adhesive bonding while ensuring accurate seating, complete adaptation, and controlled cementation of thin indirect restorations. To address these challenges, this case report describes a novel preparation-free approach in which two temporary incisal seating lugs were incorporated into the design of indirect resin-based composite palatal veneers; Case Presentation: A 35-year-old male patient was referred by his general dentist for management of extensive erosive tooth surface loss. Clinical examination revealed generalized tooth surface loss, with a distinctive pattern of severe palatal hard-tissue loss affecting the maxillary anterior teeth without marked clinical crown shortening. Restorative treatment was planned at a 2 mm increase in occlusal vertical dimension. The maxillary anterior teeth were restored with preparation-free indirect resin-based composite palatal veneers, each incorporating two temporary incisal seating lugs to provide a positive seating stop during cementation; the lugs were removed after cementation. Other affected teeth were restored using directly placed resin-based composite restorations. At six months, the veneers remained clinically acceptable, with stable occlusion, maintained pulp sensibility, no postoperative sensitivity, and high patient satisfaction; Conclusions: This technique may facilitate restoration positioning during cementation and may represent a useful clinical alternative when seating preparation-free palatal veneers is challenging. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the surface roughness (SR) and Streptococcus mutans adhesion of various provisional restorative materials fabricated using different manufacturing techniques, including traditional and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods. Disc-shaped specimens (n = 5) were prepared from four different materials: auto-polymerizing PEMA/PMMA (Dentalon Plus), bis-acrylic resin (Protemp 4) and two CAD/CAM PMMA blocks (Telio CAD, Vita CAD-Temp). All specimens were polished using a standardized protocol. SR was measured with a profilometer. For bacterial adhesion analysis, specimens were coated with artificial saliva to form a pellicle and incubated with S. mutans for 24 h. Adherent bacteria were quantified by confocal laser scanning microscopy and ImageJ/Fiji (version 2217 Stable) analysis. Group differences were analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA with Games–Howell post-hoc tests, and the SR–adhesion relationship was assessed by Spearman’s and Kendall’s correlation (α = 0.05). A strong, positive correlation was found between SR and bacterial adhesion (Spearman’s ρ = 0.803; Kendall’s τ = 0.656; p < 0.001). Dentalon Plus exhibited the highest SR and significantly greater bacterial adhesion than both CAD/CAM blocks. Although Telio CAD and Vita CAD-Temp had similarly low SR, Telio CAD showed significantly lower bacterial adhesion (p < 0.001), with a very large effect size. Thus, comparable surface roughness did not correspond to comparable bacterial adhesion, indicating that SR alone did not account for the observed differences. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that although SR is an important determinant of bacterial adhesion, it did not fully explain the differences observed between materials. Highly cross-linked PMMA CAD/CAM materials (Telio CAD) demonstrated superior resistance to S. mutans adhesion. Full article

The rapid development of implantable medical electronics requires robust biocompatible coatings capable of ensuring long-term stability in aggressive physiological environments. Although Grade 1 titanium is widely used for its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, active implants require defect-free insulating coatings to prevent electrical leakage and metal ion release. This study presents a systematic evaluation of Parylene C (P-C) thin films deposited by the Gorham chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process onto implant-grade titanium substrates. Four coating thicknesses (1, 5, 10, and 20 µm) were deposited and characterized using complementary chemical, morphological, optical, and mechanical techniques. Contact-angle measurements confirmed uniform hydrophobicity (90.56 ± 1.86°), while FTIR and EDX verified the characteristic chemical composition of P-C. Reflectometry, ellipsometry, and interferometry demonstrated excellent thickness control and deposition reproducibility. Pull-off testing showed high initial mechanical integrity, with detachment forces ranging from 52 to 73 N. However, accelerated PBS ageing (21 days at 90 °C) induced significant degradation, particularly for thicker coatings, reducing pull-off forces to 19–42 N. Likewise, thermal-shock cycling (−80 °C to +220 °C) caused severe interfacial damage, decreasing the required detachment force to approximately 5.5 N for 20 µm coatings because of extensive cracking and delamination. These results demonstrate that Parylene C provides excellent conformal coverage and chemical stability on titanium but that its durability is significantly affected by prolonged hydrothermal ageing and extreme thermal loading. This study provides practical guidelines for the design of reliable encapsulation systems for active implantable medical devices and highlights the need for improved interfacial engineering through optimized adhesion-promoting layers or hybrid protective architectures. Full article

In this study, a two-step electrodeposition strategy was proposed to fabricate an eco-friendly superhydrophobic polyaniline (PANI)/silane composite coating on mild steel for corrosion protection. The first step consists of creating a pure PANI adherent coating using a cyclic voltammetry technique and the second step consists of realizing superhydrophobic features using electrodeposition in mixed silane monomers at constant potential. The structure and composition characterization results revealed successful modification of the underlying pure PANI layer with superhydrophobic surface silane film. Wettability tests indicated a high contact angle of 155° and a low sliding angle of 4.2°. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the corrosion current density of PANI/silane-coated mild steel decreased by approximately three orders of magnitude compared to the uncoated sample and the corrosion protection efficiency was as high as 99.6%. Moreover, the prepared PANI/silane hybrid coating exhibited good chemical stability and strong adhesion after 10 days of corrosion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. Full article

Laser technology has recently gained renewed interest in hysteroscopic surgery due to advances in fiber-optic delivery systems, device miniaturization, and the growing adoption of office-based procedures. In this context, laser energy represents a potential alternative to conventional mechanical and electrosurgical techniques, particularly in settings where precision and tissue preservation are clinically relevant. This narrative review provides a comprehensive and clinically oriented overview of the role of laser technology in modern hysteroscopy. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2025, focusing on studies addressing technical aspects, clinical applications, safety, and outpatient feasibility of laser-assisted hysteroscopy. Different laser systems, including Nd:YAG, diode, CO₂, Ho:YAG, and KTP lasers, are discussed in terms of physical properties and tissue interaction. Current clinical applications include the management of intrauterine adhesions, submucous myomas, endometrial polyps, septate uterus, and selected cases of endometrial ablation. Available evidence suggests that modern diode laser platforms are particularly suited for office-based procedures due to their combined cutting and coagulative effects and compatibility with small-caliber hysteroscopes. However, most of the current literature is based on small, heterogeneous studies, and robust comparative data with standard hysteroscopic techniques remain limited. As a result, laser hysteroscopy cannot yet be considered a standard approach across indications. To move beyond a purely technical appraisal, this review also frames laser hysteroscopy as a potential translational platform in which laser–tissue interaction, biomarker-informed patient selection, endometrial repair biology, fertility outcomes, and adhesion-formation mechanisms may be integrated into future functional precision medicine pathways. In conclusion, laser technology represents a promising and evolving tool in operative hysteroscopy, with potential advantages in selected clinical scenarios. Further prospective and comparative studies are required to better define its role and to support its broader integration into routine clinical practice. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess how two different adhesive solvent evaporation techniques affect the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a universal adhesive to dentin, as well as the enzymatic activity of dentinal matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) at baseline and after 6-month aging under simulated pulpal pressure. (2) Methods: Middle-depth dentin surfaces of 32 sound extracted human molars were bonded under simulated pulpal pressure using a universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) in either etch-and-rinse (ER) or self-etch (SE) mode. Two solvent evaporation approaches were compared: evaporation with a disposable air/water syringe (air) and with a disposable suction device (suction), yielding four experimental groups (n = 8): ER/air, ER/suction, SE/air, and SE/suction. After light-curing for 10 s, a 4 mm composite build-up was created. Specimens were stored in distilled water under simulated pulpal pressure at 37 °C for either 24 h (T0) or 6 months (T6) and then sectioned into sticks and subjected to µTBS testing. Fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An additional subset of teeth from each group (n = 3) underwent in situ zymographic analysis, in which bonded sticks were ground and exposed to fluorescein-conjugated gelatin, with enzymatic activity quantified by confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance threshold of p < 0.05. (3) Results: Air-drying yielded significantly higher µTBS values than suction drying, irrespective of adhesive application mode (p < 0.05). At T6, SE groups retained bond strength values comparable to baseline (p > 0.05), whereas ER groups showed a significant reduction in bond strength with aging (p < 0.05). The ER mode and suction were associated with significantly increased MMP activity at T0 (p < 0.05), while there were no differences between SE/ER at T6 (p > 0.05), and air increased MMP activity (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: When using an ethanol-based universal adhesive under pulpal pressure, evaporation with a disposable air syringe combined with the self-etch application mode appears to offer greater bonding reliability and stability. Full article

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two silane coupling agent application techniques (dry air and thermally activated warm air) on the interfacial properties and shear bond strength (SBS) of lithium disilicate veneers fabricated with two designs: incisal overlap and window. Materials and Methods: The interfacial characteristics of lithium disilicate specimens were evaluated using contact angle measurements and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy to investigate the effect of different silane application techniques. Forty lithium disilicate veneer specimens were divided by preparation design (incisal overlap or window) and silane application technique (dry air or warm air) (n = 10). Forty flat lithium disilicate specimens were prepared for contact angle and ATR–FTIR analyses. Wettability was assessed using the sessile drop method, while SBS was measured using a universal testing machine. ATR–FTIR evaluated chemical changes within the silane layer. Results: Warm-air silane application significantly improved SBS and wettability compared with dry-air application. The incisal overlap/warm-air group exhibited the highest SBS (19.3 ± 1.7 MPa), whereas the window/dry-air group showed the lowest (12.5 ± 1.4 MPa). Contact angle measurements demonstrated significantly lower values following thermal activation (p < 0.001). ATR–FTIR analysis suggested modifications in carbonyl-containing organic species at the interface following thermal activation. Conclusions: Thermal activation of silane improved interfacial properties and bond strength. Incisal overlap preparations demonstrated superior bonding performance, while warm-air silane application enhanced adhesion across both designs. Full article

Mechanical properties such as viscoelastic, rheological, and textural properties, particularly adhesiveness and cohesiveness, play a significant role in the optimization of handling, processing and drying of dewatered sludge. However, there is no currently standardized methodology for quantifying these properties, leading researchers to adopt various techniques based on economic feasibility, equipment availability, and research objectives. This review systematically compiles and analyzes the most relevant experimental methodologies for evaluating the mechanical properties of dewatered sewage sludge (DSS). This work presents a general overview of the composition and structure of DSS, followed by a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that revealed literature gaps (particularly in adhesiveness evaluation) and identified regulatory frameworks that incremented interest in researching DSS’ properties in the broader push for sustainability. Consequently, a discussion of the experimental set-ups, data treatment and visualization, advantages and disadvantages, and mathematical models with their physical significance is presented for the different techniques identified. The methods analyzed include oscillatory rheology, penetrometry (cylinder and cone), uniaxial compression tests (TPA), shear testing (e.g., Jenike shear test, Atterberg limit test, direct box shear test, triaxial shear test, unconfined shear test, and vane shear test), tomography and slump tests. By comparing these techniques, this study provides insights into the most appropriate approaches for sludge characterization, emphasizing the need for a unified framework to standardize the evaluation of viscoelastic and textural properties in DSS. Full article

Background and Objectives: Periodontal health represents a condition characterized by homeostasis between the teeth and the surrounding supporting tissues and implies the absence of inflammation, confirmed by the lack of bleeding, epithelial attachment loss, mobility, or periodontal pocket formation. Fixed prosthetic restorations may compromise periodontal health already during the fabrication phase, given that decisions made during their planning and placement affect long-term clinical outcomes. The aim of this manuscript was to provide insight into the interaction between periodontal tissues and fixed prosthetic restorations. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using a structured search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies addressing periodontal health in relation to fixed dental prostheses. The impacts of tooth preparation, gingival retraction methods, supracrestal tissue attachment, periodontal phenotype, crown emergence profile, and marginal fit of various biomaterials were analyzed. Results: According to the literature data, subgingival margin placement and violation of the supracrestal tissue attachment (biological width) induce chronic inflammation, loss of epithelial attachment, and alveolar bone resorption. Gingival retraction agents, used in chemomechanical retraction procedures, particularly ferric sulfate-based agents, may lead to a transient but significant spike in inflammatory markers and dysbiosis of the subgingival microbiome. Contemporary approaches, such as the biologically oriented preparation technique and the use of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, may improve the precision of marginal fit. Zirconia restorations exhibit significantly better biocompatibility and reduced microbial adhesion compared to metal–ceramic restorations. Conclusions: Biological response of the periodontium to fixed prosthetic restorations depends on the complex interaction between the material, position of the marginal line, and oral hygiene control. Regardless of the material used or the fabrication technique employed, adequate plaque control and regular maintenance remain key factors in preserving periodontal health. Full article