Search Results (597)

This study investigates the combined influence of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with distinct absorption kinetics and extended mixing sequences on the rheological, mechanical, and transport properties of high-performance concrete (HPC). Two SAPs—an ionic acrylamide-co-acrylic acid copolymer (SAP-P) and a non-ionic acrylamide polymer (SAP-B)—were incorporated at an internal curing level of 100%. The impact of extended mixing times (3, 5, and 7 min) following SAP addition was systematically evaluated. Results showed that longer mixing durations led to increased superplasticizer demand and higher plastic viscosity due to continued water absorption by SAPs. However, yield stress remained relatively stable owing to the dispersing effect of the added superplasticizer. Both SAPs significantly enhanced the static yield stress and improved fresh stability, as evidenced by reduced surface settlement. Despite the rheological changes, mechanical properties—including compressive and flexural strengths and modulus of elasticity—were consistently improved, regardless of mixing duration. SAP incorporation also led to notable reductions in autogenous and drying shrinkage, as well as enhanced electrical resistivity, indicating better durability performance. These findings suggest that a 3 min extended mixing time is sufficient for effective SAP dispersion without compromising performance. Full article

Objective: To compare the effect of different bone augmentation procedures, namely, autogenous bone blocks (ABBs) versus guided bone regeneration (GBR), on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science search was conducted by two independent reviewers in combination with a free-hand search in relevant journals until June 2025. Outcomes were PROMs to enhance our understanding of the evolution of these procedures. Results: The electronic search yielded 6291 articles. After title screening, 67 articles were further analyzed for abstract review, which resulted in 14 articles eligible for full-text reading. Six articles were finally included based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria with a total of 295 patients. The overall study quality was low, since only two RCTs could be included. One study demonstrated a high risk of bias. Different PROMs were examined and compared such as pain, edema, neurosensory disturbance, Patient-Reported Predominant Symptom, OHIP-14, postoperative analgesic usage, willingness to repeat, and likelihood to recommend. Meta-analysis was not achievable due to a lack of direct comparisons and heterogeneity in terms of PROMs. Evaluation points varied between pretreatment and up to nearly 10-years of follow-up. Conclusions: Despite significant heterogeneity and reporting, this systematic review concluded that ABB and GBR are well-tolerated procedures. Trends such as transient postoperative pain and swelling with a minor occurring of neurosensory disturbances were reported in a few studies. Overall, a good perception of postoperative recovery was reported for both treatment modalities. Good quality of life was noted related to GBR procedures. Patient-reported outcomes were only analyzed for patients who completed the entire follow-up period. This may introduce bias, as patients who dropped out and were more likely to experience complications were not represented, potentially resulting in a more favorable portrayal of the outcomes. Further well-conducted prospective studies with a long follow-up are needed for an evidence-based evaluation and comparison of PROMs for these procedures. Full article

The semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill, renowned for its high efficiency, high production capacity, and low cost, is widely used for crushing and grinding equipment. However, the current understanding of the overall particle behavior influencing its efficiency remains relatively limited, particularly the impact of the shape of SAG mill liners on material behavior. This study employs discrete element method (DEM) simulation technology to investigate the effects of different liner structures on particle trajectories and collision energy, systematically investigating the impact of lifter bars angle, height, and the number of lifter bars on grinding efficiency. The results of single-factor simulations indicate that when the lifter bars height (230 mm) and the number of lifter bars (36) are fixed, the total collision energy dissipation between steel balls and ore, as well as among ore particles, reaches a maximum of 526,069.53 J when the lifter bars angle is 25°. When the lifter bar angle is fixed at 25° and the number of lifter bars is set to 36, the maximum collision energy dissipation of 627,606.06 J occurs at a lifter bars height of 210 mm. When the angle (25°) and height (210 mm) are fixed, the highest energy dissipation of 443,915.37 J is observed with 12 lifter bars. Results from the three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment reveal that the number of lifter bars exerts the most significant influence on grinding efficiency, followed by the angle and height. The optimal combination is determined to be a 20° angle, 12 lifter bars, and a 210 mm height, resulting in the highest total collision energy dissipation of 700,334 J. This represents an increase of 379,466 J compared to the original SAG mill liner configuration (320,868 J). This research aims to accurately simulate the motion of discrete particles within the mill through DEM simulations, providing a basis for optimizing the operational parameters and structural design of SAG mills. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: The retreatment of failed dental implants remains a challenging clinical scenario, particularly when complicated by peri-implantitis and as sociated bone loss. Successful management requires a comprehensive and predictable approach that addresses both hard and soft tissue deficiencies. Case Presentation: This case report illustrates a fully digital, prosthetically driven workflow for the rehabilitation of a posterior mandibular site following implant failure. A 44-year-old female patient underwent removal of a failing implant and adjacent tooth due to advanced peri-implantitis and periodontitis. After healing, a digital workflow—including intraoral scanning, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and virtual planning—was employed to design and fabricate a customized CAD/CAM titanium mesh for vertical guided bone regeneration. The grafting procedure utilized a composite mixture of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine bone (A-Oss). After nine months of healing, two implants with a hydrophilic surface (SOI) were placed using a fully guided surgical protocol (OneGuide system). Subsequent soft tissue grafting and final prosthetic rehabilitation with monolithic zirconia restorations resulted in stable functional and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions: This case highlights how the integration of modern digital technologies with advanced regenerative procedures and innovative implant surfaces can enhance the predictability and long-term success of implant retreatment in compromised posterior sites. Full article

This study elucidates the synergistic effects of polypropylene fiber and cement (physical–chemical) on stabilized expansive soil slurry. A comparative analysis was conducted on the fluidity, 28-day mechanical strength, and shrinkage properties (autogenous and drying) of slurries with different modifications. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Results demonstrate that the cement addition substantially enhanced fluidity, mechanical strength, and early-age volume stability through hydration. However, it was insufficient to mitigate long-term drying shrinkage at low dosages. Conversely, incorporating 0.5% polypropylene fiber reduced slurry fluidity but markedly improved flexural strength. Crucially, a pronounced synergistic effect was observed in the co-modified slurry; the specimen with 20% cement and 0.5% fiber exhibited a 28-day drying shrinkage of only 0.57%, a performance comparable to the specimen with 60% cement and no fibers. Microstructural analysis revealed that cement hydration products created a robust fiber-matrix interfacial transition zone, evidenced by C-S-H gel enrichment. This enhanced interface enabled the fibers to effectively bridge microcracks and restrain both autogenous and drying shrinkage. This research validates that the combined cement–fiber approach is a highly effective strategy for improving expansive soil slurry, yielding critical enhancements in flexural performance and long-term dimensional stability while allowing for a significant reduction in cement content. Full article

Autogenous tooth transplantation offers a biologically favorable approach to tooth replacement, preserving the periodontal ligament, promoting alveolar development, and maintaining proprioception. Background/Objectives: Its broader clinical applicability is limited by variability in techniques and outcome definitions. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the clinical success of autogenous tooth transplantation across donor tooth types, developmental stages, surgical techniques, and fixation methods. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD42024625550), five databases and the gray literature were searched through July 2025. Eligible studies reported clinical outcomes for autogenous tooth transplantation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis of logit-transformed proportions was conducted, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses by tooth type, root development stage, surgical technique, and fixation method. Results: Twenty studies involving 1366 transplanted teeth were included. The pooled success rate was 94.0% (95% CI: 22.5–99.9%) across follow-up periods ranging from one month to twenty-nine years. However, interpretation is limited by distinct heterogeneity (I² = 99.8%) and the wide confidence interval. Subgroup analyses by tooth type, root maturity, surgical technique, and fixation method are, therefore, emphasized to support clinical interpretation. Conclusions: Autogenous tooth transplantation achieves consistently high success across clinical contexts when biologic handling is respected. These findings support its broader use in dental and orthodontic practice and underscore the need for standardized outcome reporting and prospective research. Interpretation is limited by heterogeneity and variation in reporting standards. Full article

This study investigates the influence of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particle size on the mechanical and shrinkage behavior of concrete. Five concrete mixtures were prepared using SAPs with varying size ranges: 150–300 µm, 300–600 µm, 600–1800 µm, and a blended mix combining 300–600 µm and 600–1180 µm. The primary focus was on evaluating compressive strength, elastic modulus, autogenous shrinkage, drying shrinkage, and total shrinkage. The mechanical performance and dimensional stability were measured at different curing ages, and microstructural analysis was conducted using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) at 7 days to examine changes in chemical composition. Results showed that smaller SAP sizes contributed to more homogeneous internal curing, improved hydration, and higher matrix density. In contrast, larger SAP particles were more effective in reducing shrinkage but slightly compromised strength and stiffness. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate SAP particle sizes to balance mechanical integrity and shrinkage control, contributing to the development of high-performance concrete with reduced cracking potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: During alveolar cleft grafting, the use of autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the iliac crest is still considered the gold standard. Due to the risk of donor-site morbidity and excessive graft resorption, alternative grafting materials (e.g., intraoral bone, xenografts) are being tested. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of using an autologous tooth-derived graft material and iliac crest cancellous bone in the reconstruction of the alveolar cleft in patients with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Methods: A total of 21 patients with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, who underwent alveolar bone grafting between 2020 and 2023 were included in the study. In 11 cases, the donor site was the iliac crest; in the rest of the cases, deciduous teeth were harvested, processed, and used as an autologous particulate graft material for alveolar reconstruction. The mean follow-up time was 30.0 months, CBCT scans were taken, and the results were compared based on the ranking system published by Stasiak et al. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the amount of bone on the cleft side was significantly less than that on the contralateral non-cleft side (ATB: p = 0.002, iliac crest: p = 0.005). The Mann–Whitney U test showed that there were no significant differences in bone quantity on the cleft side between the two groups (U = 47.5, p = 0.617). Conclusions: The use of ATB might be a feasible alternative to autologous bone during alveolar cleft reconstruction. This type of graft shows long-term stability, which is comparable to the bone harvested from the iliac crest. Full article

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with high recurrence rates even after curative resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. Although immunotherapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), have revolutionized the treatment of some solid tumor malignancies, this has not been the case for PDAC. Several characteristics of PDAC, including its distinctive desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME), intratumor heterogeneity, and poor antigenicity and immune cell infiltration, contribute to its dismal immunotherapeutic landscape. Cancer vaccines offer one approach to overcoming these barriers, particularly in the resectable or borderline resectable settings, where tumor burden is low and immunosuppression is less pronounced. Various vaccination platforms have been tested in the clinical setting, from off-the-shelf peptide-based vaccines (e.g., AMPLFIFY-201 study, where over 80% of participants exhibited T-cell and biomarker responses) to personalized neoantigen mRNA vaccine approaches (e.g., autogene cevumeran, with significant responders experiencing longer median recurrence-free survival (RFS)). The key considerations for enhancing the efficacy of vaccination include combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or ICBs, as well as selecting appropriate immunomodulators or adjuvants. Recent results suggest that with continued mechanistic advancement and novel therapeutic development, cancer vaccines may finally be poised for clinical success in PDAC. Full article

Although 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) offers advantages such as faster construction, reduced labour costs, and minimized material waste, concerns remain about its long-term durability. This review examines these challenges by assessing how the unique layer-by-layer manufacturing process of 3DPC influences key material properties and overall durability. The formation of interfacial porosity and anisotropic microstructures can compromise structural integrity over time, increasing susceptibility to environmental degradation. Increased porosity at layer interfaces and the presence of shrinkage-induced cracking, including both plastic and autogenous shrinkage, contribute to reduced durability. Studies on freeze–thaw performance indicate that 3DPC can achieve durability comparable to cast concrete when proper mix designs and air-entraining agents are used. Chemical resistance, particularly under sulfuric acid exposure, remains a challenge, but improvements have been observed with the inclusion of supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume. In addition, tests for chloride ingress and carbonation reveal that permeability and resistance are highly sensitive to printing parameters, material composition, and curing conditions. Carbonation resistance, in particular, appears to be lower in 3DPC than in traditional concrete. This review highlights the need for further research and emphasizes that optimizing mix designs and printing processes is critical to improving the long-term performance of 3D-printed concrete structures. Full article

The reconstruction of a severely resorbed alveolar bone is a significant challenge in dental implantology and maxillofacial surgery. Traditional bone grafting materials, including autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic, and alloplastic materials, have limitations such as donor site morbidity, limited availability, and prolonged maturation periods. To address these challenges, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has emerged as a potent osteoinductive factor that facilitates bone regeneration without the need for additional donor site surgery. This study introduces a box technique which combines rhBMP-2 (CowellBMP^®, Cowellmedi, Busan, Republic of Korea) with a 3D-preformed titanium mesh (3D-PFTM), utilizing a mixture of allografts and xenografts for horizontal and vertical alveolar ridge augmentation. The technique leverages the structural stability provided by the OssBuilder^® (Osstem, Seoul, Republic of Korea), a preformed titanium mesh, that allows for simultaneous implant placement and vertical ridge augmentation. This technique not only reduces the treatment time compared to traditional methods but also minimizes post-operative discomfort by eliminating the need for autogenous bone harvesting. Clinical outcomes from this technique demonstrate successful bone regeneration within a shorter period than previously reported techniques, with excellent bone quality and implant stability being observed just four months after vertical augmentation. In conclusion, the so called BOXAM (BMP-2, Oss-builder, Xenograft, Allograft, Maintenance) technique presents a promising therapeutic strategy for alveolar bone reconstruction, particularly in cases of severe bone resorption. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and potential limitations of this approach, especially in scenarios where the inferior alveolar nerve proximity poses challenges for fixture placement. Full article

Background/Objectives: The most common limb-salvage procedure for end-stage ankle arthropathy with severe bone defect is arthrodesis. Successful fusion requires rigid metal fixation, effective filling of the bone defect space, and maximal securing of the contact area between the tibia and talus. In cases with severe bone defect, sufficient grafting using autogenous bone alone is limited, and there is still controversy regarding the effectiveness of allogeneic or xenogeneic bone grafting. This study aimed to evaluate the intermediate-term clinical outcomes after shortening arthrodesis using fibular osteotomy for ankle arthropathy with severe bone defect. Methods: Twenty-two patients with shortening ankle arthrodesis were followed up ≥ 3 years. All operations were performed by one senior surgeon and consisted of internal fixation with anterior fusion plate, fibular osteotomy, and autogenous bone grafting. The causes of ankle joint destruction were failed total ankle arthroplasty (7 cases), neglected ankle fracture (6 cases), delayed diagnosis of degenerative arthritis (5 cases), avascular necrosis of talus (2 cases), and diabetic neuroarthropathy (2 cases). Clinical outcomes including daily living and sport activities were evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Radiological evaluation included fusion rate, time to fusion, leg length discrepancy, and degenerative change in adjacent joints. Results: The FAOS and FAAM scores significantly improved from a mean of 21.8 and 23.5 points preoperatively to 82.2 and 83.4 points at final follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). Visual analogue scale for pain during walking significantly improved from a mean of 7.7 points preoperatively to 1.4 points at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The average time to complete fusion was 16.2 weeks, and was achieved in all patients. The average difference in leg length compared to the contralateral side was 11.5 mm based on physical examination, and 13.8 mm based on radiological examination. During the average follow-up of 56.2 months, no additional surgery was required due to progression of degenerative arthritis in the adjacent joints, and no cases required the use of height-increasing insoles in daily life. Conclusions: Shortening ankle arthrodesis using fibular osteotomy and anterior fusion plate demonstrated satisfactory intermediate-term clinical outcomes and excellent fusion rate. Advantages of this procedure included rigid fixation, preservation of the subtalar joint, effective filling of the bone defect space, and maximal securing of the contact area for fusion. The leg length discrepancy, which was concerned to be a main shortage, resulted in no significant clinical symptoms or discomfort in most patients. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Sticky Tooth (ST) derived from ground teeth and Sticky Bone (SB) based on equine bone and human allograft in maxillary bone defect regeneration through histological examination. Materials and Methods: Forty patients underwent maxillary alveolar ridge regeneration using four different biomaterials: Sticky Tooth processed with the BonMaker device (n = 10), Sticky Tooth prepared with the Smart Dentin Grinder (n = 10) Sticky Bone derived from an equine xenograft (n = 10), and Sticky Bone derived from human allografts (n = 10). CBCT imaging was performed preoperatively, post-regeneration, and during follow-up. Histological and quantitative statistical evaluation was conducted on biopsy samples obtained four months post-regeneration at the time of implant placement. Results: Successful alveolar ridge regeneration was achieved in all 40 patients. Histological analyses confirmed good integration between the biomaterials and bone tissue without signs of inflammation. Conclusion: Histological comparisons demonstrated that both ST and SB are effective biomaterials for bone regeneration. However, ST exhibited a faster bone healing process compared to xenograft and allograft SB. Full article

As autogenous and thermal strains are significantly high in alkali-activated pastes, it becomes necessary to investigate ways to reduce these. This research studies how the volume changes of pastes made from slag activated by alkalis can be mitigated by substituting part of the slag with limestone filler and how this impacts the properties of the material, including autogenous strains, thermal strains, heat flow, compressive strength, and workability. The first part investigates how the different substitution rates impact the compressive strength and workability. The substitution rates of 15% and 30% emerged as the most optimal with a maximal reduction in the compressive strength of 23%. Five compositions were consequently investigated in the second part of the study. Isothermal calorimetry revealed that the limestone filler was probably not entirely inert and showed the effect of dilution, which is linked to the increase in the solution-to-binder ratio when the substitution rate increases. The autogenous shrinkage decreased when substituting 15% of the slag, while higher autogenous shrinkage was obtained when 30% was substituted. In addition, its rate of development was reduced. Finally, the coefficient of thermal expansion was generally slightly reduced and delayed when slag was substituted. Full article

Background: Autogenous tooth transplantation is a valuable option for dental rehabilitation, particularly in young patients. Template-guided approaches, using 3D-printed replicas of donor teeth, have recently emerged as a method to increase precision and reduce extraoral time—two critical factors in maintaining periodontal ligament (PDL) vitality, which is essential to improve long-term outcomes. Methods: This report presents the case of a 12-year-old patient who underwent autotransplantation of tooth 18 to the site of tooth 75, which exhibited ankylosis. Patients exhibiting unfavorable root anatomy and morphology, systemic conditions, or completed root development were not considered for this technique. A patient-specific donor tooth replica was digitally designed and 3D-printed via CAD/CAM manufacturing to preoperatively shape the recipient site. The transplanted tooth 18 was then inserted with an extraoral time of less than one minute and subsequently stabilized using a flexible titanium trauma splint (TTS). Results: Longitudinal clinical and radiographic follow-up over 12 months confirmed favorable healing without signs of complications. Conclusions: This case illustrates the practical advantages of a fully digital, template-guided workflow in managing anatomically complex cases. Full article