Search Results (1,588)

Focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) provides site-specific access to buried interfaces, particle interiors, porous electrode architectures, and localized degradation regions in energy materials. This capability is particularly valuable for rechargeable batteries, solid-state ion conductors, alkali-metal electrodes, and reactive solid–liquid interfaces, where the structures governing transport and failure are rarely exposed at a free surface. However, the preparation and imaging steps that reveal these regions may also alter them. Ion milling, environmental transfer, vacuum exposure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryogenic handling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and atom probe tomography (APT) can each modify local morphology, chemistry, or phase state. These effects are especially important when the intended evidence involves light elements, metastable phases, nanoscale coatings, reactive interphases, volatile species, or ion-conducting materials. This perspective develops a claim-specific framework for evaluating such results. Preparation- and imaging-induced changes are related to the material feature being interpreted and to the minimum control needed to distinguish the two origins. For porous electrodes, the relevant outputs include pore volume, connectivity, tortuosity, crack geometry, phase fraction, and active surface area. For reactive interfaces and solid electrolytes, the critical questions concern alkali-metal redistribution, surface amorphization, light-element contrast, implanted-species chemistry, and beam-induced phase formation. The discussion further compares conventional Ga-FIB, cryogenic FIB, Xe plasma FIB, low-energy Ar+ polishing, broad-ion-beam preparation, ultramicrotomy, and repeated particle-oriented FIB workflows. Reliable interpretation requires the preparation route, transfer conditions, imaging dose, analytical acquisition, and claim-specific controls to be reported together with the final microscopy result. Full article

Intraocular foreign bodies penetrating the eye can lead to serious complications, including endophthalmitis, and therefore require urgent removal. We present the case of a 9-year-old boy with an intraocular foreign body lodged in the lens with a corneal flap wound. The injury occurred while hammering a bicycle frame. The patient presented with sudden pain, tearing, and decreased visual acuity in the left eye. On admission, the left eye distance best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 17 mmHg. Slit-lamp examination of the left eye revealed a full-thickness corneal flap wound, a traumatic cataract, and a foreign body located centrally within the lens. B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated an echogenic focus within the lens consistent with an intralenticular metallic foreign body, with a normal posterior segment, a regular appearance of the optic disc, and an attached retina. The patient underwent phacoaspiration of the traumatic cataract with intraocular lens implantation and simultaneous removal of the foreign body. Given the corneal flap wound located in the visual axis and the absence of ocular hypotony, the decision was made not to place a corneal suture. At discharge, BCVA improved to 1.0, with IOP of 17 mmHg and normal fundus appearance. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated contamination continue to pose critical challenges in food safety and biomedical applications, necessitating the development of advanced antimicrobial materials with enhanced efficacy, safety, and functional adaptability. Antimicrobial nanomaterials offer versatile solutions due to their tunable physicochemical properties, surface engineering capabilities, and controlled release behaviors, enabling improved antimicrobial and antibiofilm performance across diverse systems. This review highlights the main advancements in AI-assisted design of antimicrobial nanomaterials, demonstrating how data-driven approaches are increasingly used to predict antimicrobial activity, optimize synthesis parameters, model nanotoxicity, integrate multimodal datasets, and improve interpretability through explainable AI frameworks. Key findings indicate that machine learning-guided strategies and autonomous experimental platforms significantly accelerate material optimization while reducing reliance on traditional trial-and-error methods. The review further summarizes the performance and mechanisms of major antimicrobial nanomaterial systems, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, polymeric nanocarriers, nanoemulsions, and hybrid nanostructures, with emphasis on their translational applications in food preservation, antimicrobial coatings, wound healing, implant protection, and drug delivery. Despite these advances, challenges remain in data quality, model generalizability, toxicity prediction, reproducibility, and regulatory translation. AI-enabled and data-driven frameworks provide a powerful pathway for accelerating the rational design and practical implementation of next-generation antimicrobial nanomaterials. Full article

Pigment implantation (semi-permanent make-up, microblading and cosmetic tattooing) introduces complex pigment mixtures into the dermis, resulting in direct exposure of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and resident immune cells to metals, organic dyes and nanoparticles. Within Somatology and Somatic therapy practice, an allied health discipline concerned with evidence-based care of the skin and body, Somatic Therapists operate at the interface of dermal intervention, molecular exposure and occupational health, underscoring the relevance of mechanistic toxicology for risk-informed professional practice. This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesises molecular toxicology and omics-based evidence, emphasising oxidative stress generation, inflammatory signalling via NF-κB/MAPK pathways, apoptosis and genotoxicity, T-cell-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions associated with modern red azo pigments, and dermal-to-lymphatic transport of particulate matter. Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies consistently demonstrate pigment-specific inflammatory responses and wound-healing gene signatures, supporting mechanism-driven biocompatibility profiling. Regulatory frameworks, including EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 75 and recent FDA guidance on microbial contamination, have strengthened compliance requirements; however, surveillance continues to identify mislabelling, restricted pigments and microbial contamination in some inks. For Somatology and Somatic therapy practice, these findings highlight the importance of evidence-based pigment selection, traceable sourcing, aseptic technique, ventilation, personal protective equipment and informed consent addressing pigment migration and delayed adverse reactions. The integration of molecular outcomes with omics technologies and regulatory oversight provides a next-generation risk assessment framework to advance safe cosmetic practice and public health. Full article

Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses (ISFPs) have become a common option for the rehabilitation of fully edentulous arches and have traditionally incorporated metallic substructures with ceramic or acrylic veneering. The rapid expansion of CAD/CAM technologies has introduced not only a range of polymer-based materials as alternatives to conventional metallic frameworks but also the possibility of the fabrication of monolithic rehabilitations. However, the evidence regarding the mechanical behavior of monolithic polymer-based full-arch rehabilitations remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the mechanical performance of monolithic polymer-based complete prostheses under static loading using Digital Image Correlation (DIC). A total of 12 specimens (3 per group) simulating an FP3 maxillary full-arch ISFP supported by four implants were milled from four materials: poly(ether ether ketone) (G1-PEEK), poly(ether ketone ketone) (G2-PEKK), poly(methyl methacrylate) (G3-PMMA), and fiber-reinforced composite (G4-FRC). All specimens were subjected to static loading up to 200 N at the incisors region, corresponding to the anterior unsupported span, and at the occlusal surface of the molars, corresponding to the most distal portion of the cantilever, using a universal testing machine. Full-field vertical displacement and strain distributions (principal tensile, compressive, and von Mises) were acquired through a stereo DIC system and analyzed using a Linear Mixed-Effects Model with Tukey’s HSD post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05). All prostheses withstood the applied load without macroscopic failure. G3-PMMA exhibited the highest vertical displacement, exceeding 1000 µm in the anterior span and 1500 µm in the cantilever region, along with the greatest strain concentrations, particularly at the interproximal embrasures distal to the terminal abutment. G1-PEEK provided the lowest displacement in the anterior span. G4-FRC presented displacements similar to G1-PEEK and G2-PEKK at the distal cantilever, but the lowest tensile strains and the most homogeneous strain dissipation in both loading at the anterior unsupported span and distal cantilever. This indicated that the biomechanical performance of full-arch ISFPs is highly influenced by the polymer used. PEEK, PEKK, and FRC appear as promising alternatives to PMMA for monolithic full-arch rehabilitations. Full article

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based gels have emerged as a prominent class of functional conductive materials, owing to their unique electromechanical coupling characteristics that integrate electrical functionality and mechanical adaptability. This review systematically elucidates the electromechanical properties of PEDOT-derived gels—defined as the synergistic response of electrical behaviors (conductivity, carrier mobility, electrochemical stability) and mechanical performances (flexibility, stretchability, tensile strength, bending resistance)—under mechanical deformation, as well as their mutual regulatory mechanisms. Focusing on how preparation processes and structural regulation modulate these electromechanical properties, this work first introduces the development history, intrinsic conductive mechanisms, and inherent electromechanical characteristics of PEDOT. It then systematically summarizes mainstream synthesis methods, analyzing their effects on balancing mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. Addressing the brittleness and poor electromechanical stability of pure PEDOT, this review further explores composite synergistic mechanisms with conductive/non-conductive polymers, metallic materials, inorganic nanoparticles, and biomaterials, clarifying how interfacial interactions optimize mechanical deformability while preserving or enhancing electrical performance. Finally, it summarizes the applications of PEDOT-based composites in electromechanically compatible fields including flexible sensing, micro/nano patterning, implantable biomedicine, anti-corrosion protection, and energy storage. This review aims to clarify the connotation of PEDOT’s electromechanical properties, refine the focus of relevant research, and provide a theoretical basis for designing high-performance PEDOT-based gels with balanced electromechanical properties. Full article

The long-term success of implant-supported prostheses (ISPs) is strongly influenced by material selection, which affects stress distribution within the implant system and surrounding cortical bone. This study aimed to assess the biomechanical behavior of a four-unit ISP supported by two implants in the posterior region, using different framework and superstructure material combinations through dynamic finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: A three-dimensional (3D) edentulous mandibular model was created using Mimics software, with two implants placed in the first premolar and second molar regions. Four framework materials—titanium (Ti), glass fiber–reinforced composite (GFRC), 3Y-TZP zirconia, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)—were combined with two superstructure materials, 5Y-TZP zirconia and resin-matrix ceramic (RMC), forming eight groups. Dynamic loading simulated chewing forces, and stress distribution was analyzed using the von Mises criterion. Results: The results demonstrated that 3Y-TZP zirconia frameworks generated the highest stress values across implants, abutments, and cortical bone. RMC crowns consistently produced lower stress than 5Y-TZP zirconia across all the groups. PEEK showed the highest displacement, followed by GFRC, zirconia, and Ti. Conclusion: Materials with higher Young’s modulus tended to exhibit greater stress transfer to the implant, implant components, and cortical bone. In contrast, polymer-based materials may show a tendency toward greater deformation and displacement compared with metallic and ceramic materials. Full article

Hip resurfacing is a bone-conserving alternative to total hip replacement particularly suited to younger or more active patients with good bone stock. Historical issues with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing devices have led to investigations of new materials. In this study, the wear of a BIOLOX delta ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing under a range of activities of daily function was investigated in an experimental simulation model. Under a standard walking gait, increased frequency, and stop–dwell–start conditions, the wear of the ceramic head and cup was low and at the limit of the sensitivity of the measurement technique used (<0.1 mm³/million cycles). Only when tested under a jogging-like protocol with higher loading (maximum 4.5 kN) coupled with higher frequency (1.25 Hz), under both continuous running and stop–dwell–start conditions, was wear measurable but still low, with a mean <0.15 mm³/million cycles. At the conclusion of the study, no wear scar was visible on any components and no changes in the surface roughness of the implants was measured. This short-term, pre-clinical study showed low wear of BIOLOX delta ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacings when evaluated under a range of activities of daily living and that this material combination has potential for the next generation of large-diameter hip bearings. Full article

Objectives: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is central to three-dimensional assessment in oral surgery and implant dentistry; however, CBCT-derived gray values expressed as HU-like units are not equivalent to true CT-derived Hounsfield Units (HU). This brief methodological secondary analysis evaluated the reliability and practical limitations of such values in assessing radiographic changes after peri-implantitis surgery. Methods: The analysis used the imaging protocol and group-level radiological data from a previously published prospective clinical cohort, conducted under the same protocol and ethical approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Lublin (KE-0254/248/11/2023; 23 November 2023). The source cohort included 57 patients treated after implant removal for severe peri-implantitis with small-particle dentin (n = 22), Bio-Oss (n = 15), or spontaneous healing without grafting (n = 20). CBCT scans were analyzed in OnDemand3D (version 1.0.11.1007) using manually selected square regions of interest (ROI; 30 × 30 pixels). No external phantom calibration, cross-device normalization, or formal intra-/inter-observer reproducibility assessment was available in the secondary dataset. Results: The previously reported mean study-site values were 779.62 ± 325.92 gray-value units for small-particle dentin, 910.51 ± 155.03 gray-value units for Bio-Oss, and 206.04 ± 174.21 gray-value units for controls. These findings are presented as protocol-dependent attenuation patterns, not as direct material rankings, bone-density thresholds, or proof of regeneration. Variability remained substantial, with study-site coefficients of variation of 41.8%, 17.0%, and 84.6%, respectively, and high adjacent-site variability. Interpretation was constrained by manual ROI placement, lack of calibration, absence of observer-agreement metrics, unequal follow-up timing, and CBCT sensitivity to scatter, beam hardening, field of view, reconstruction settings, and metal-related artifacts. Conclusions: CBCT-derived gray values may be useful as relative indicators of local radiographic attenuation change within a standardized protocol, but they should not be interpreted as absolute measures of bone density. Future regenerative oral surgery studies should combine standardized acquisition, explicit ROI methodology, repeated measurements, observer-agreement analysis, and complementary clinical, radiographic, or histological outcomes. Full article

While the pathological impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aetiology of human infertility has received much attention, this review explores the counterproposal that these highly reactive metabolites play a positive role in mediating reproductive success. The physiological importance of ROS in biological systems can be distilled into three main categories of influence: (1) ROS can oxidize thiols to generate either the corresponding sulfenic acid or disulfide bridges. This oxidizing capacity is critical for several reproductive processes, including the cross linking of sperm chromatin during epididymal maturation, formation of the mitochondrial sheath, and the activation of proteolytic zymogens involved in such processes as ovulation, menstruation, implantation, and parturition. Thiol oxidation is also involved in the suppression of phosphatase activity and the resulting promotion of phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction pathways, which are involved in virtually every aspect of reproduction from sperm capacitation to parturition; (2) The destructive properties of ROS are also biologically significant in the defence against genital tract infections and in mediating such processes as autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis, which are fundamental to the reproductive process; (3) Finally, ROS are involved in controlling the redox status of transition metals (particularly iron and copper) in the active site of many enzymes that are of fundamental importance to reproduction. Given the biological importance of ROS to procreation, we should use antioxidants with care in managing both male and female infertility and avoid the induction of reductive stress. Full article

The purpose of this study was to use the finite element analysis method to determine the influence of framework material on stresses in different parts of a model of an All-on-4 prosthesis supported by bendable monoblock implants. A three-dimensional solid model of an edentulous mandible was reconstructed from computed tomography data and segmented using 3DSlicer. Four bendable monoblock implants were positioned in accordance with the All-on-4 configuration. Screw-retained prostheses were modeled with the framework considered fabricated using one of five materials. These were cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) alloy, titanium (Ti) alloy, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and a glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRC) material. Four types of clinically relevant loads (300 N) were applied statically, namely, unilateral oblique, unilateral vertical, bilateral oblique, and bilateral vertical. Maximum and minimum principal stresses were determined in the cortical bone, and maximum von Mises stress was determined in each of the other parts of the model. Across most loading conditions, PEEK and PEKK showed higher stress values in the cortical bone and in the implants. In the screws, PEEK and PEKK also showed higher stress values, except in the anterior implant screws under bilateral loading conditions. In the framework, the highest stresses were obtained when a metal was the material of fabrication. Across all loading conditions, with FRC, the stress transfer was balanced. Thus, the prevent results suggest that FRC may be a suitable alternative to metallic materials for fabricating the framework of an All-on-4 prosthesis supported by bendable monoblock implants. Full article

Background/Objectives: The development of high-performance biocompatible polymers such as zirconium-reinforced polyether ether ketone (BioHPP^®) has expanded the range of materials available for implant-supported prostheses, traditionally limited to metal alloys and zirconia. Due to its favorable mechanical properties and elastic modulus similar to cortical bone, BioHPP^® has been proposed as a potential alternative in implant prosthodontics. This systematic review aimed to analyze the biomechanical behavior of zirconium-reinforced PEEK and assess its advantages and limitations in implant prosthetic applications. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, including studies published between 2011 and 2025 that evaluated the performance of BioHPP in implant prosthetic applications. Results: The search strategy identified 34 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated mechanical properties such as fracture resistance, elastic modulus, stress distribution, and peri-implant tissue response. Zirconium-reinforced PEEK demonstrated fracture resistance values reaching up to 1623.31 N and an elastic modulus of approximately 4 GPa, comparable to cortical bone. Several studies also reported favorable stress distribution patterns and reduced mechanical complications when compared with conventional metallic materials. Conclusions: Zirconium-reinforced PEEK exhibits promising biomechanical characteristics for use in implant-supported prostheses, particularly due to its fracture resistance and bone-like elastic modulus. However, the available evidence is predominantly based on in vitro and finite element studies. Long-term clinical trials are required to confirm its clinical performance and establish definitive recommendations for routine use. Full article

Bone fractures are often treated using invasive methods involving osteosynthesis plates. These plates are typically made of metallic materials such as titanium or steel. However, their high stiffness relative to bone tissue can contribute to the undesirable stress shielding effect. Therefore, there is a growing interest in developing new, more friendly biocompatible materials with improved mechanical properties. A promising candidate is a polymer composite made of high-strength PEEK reinforced with carbon fibers, which was the subject of this study. The aim of this work was a numerical analysis of osteosynthesis plates made from conventional materials and from PEEK-CF composite. The study also included geometric modification of the composite plate using topology optimization methods to reduce the stress shielding effect. The obtained results confirmed that the use of a geometrically optimized composite osteosynthesis plate can reduce bone unloading and ensure an appropriate stress distribution in the implant–bone system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental metallic implants cause severe streaking artifacts in kilovoltage CT (kVCT), compromising dose calculation in radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning. The purpose of this study is to assess the dosimetric agreement of synthetic MVCT (sMVCT) images generated from artifact-affected kVCT using a deep learning network with respect to true MVCT (tMVCT) acquired at the treatment machine. Methods: Nineteen head and neck cancer patients with dental metallic implants treated with RT were included. Planning kVCT images were converted to sMVCT using Metal Artifact Reduction through Domain Transformation Network (MAR-DTN), a UNet-inspired deep learning network. The sMVCT images were rigidly registered to true MVCT (tMVCT) acquired on the Hi-Art II Tomotherapy system. Mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) values were compared across seven structures (thyroid, bilateral parotids, brainstem, spinal cord, GTV, PTV70) using pairwise Wilcoxon tests and Two One-Sided Tests (TOST) for statistical equivalence within a pre-specified margin of ±20 HU (corresponding to a 2% deviation in physical density). Dose distributions were recalculated on sMVCT using the AAA algorithm and compared to reference tMVCT-based plans via dose–volume histogram (DVH) metrics, evaluated for equivalence by TOST within a margin of ±2% of the prescribed dose (±142 cGy of 70.95 Gy), and via 3D gamma index, evaluated by one-sided non-inferiority test against the clinically accepted thresholds of 90% (2 mm/2%) and 95% (3 mm/3%). A pre-specified sensitivity analysis was performed by repeating all comparisons on the strictly independent sub-cohort (n = 16) excluding three patients drawn from the MAR-DTN training set. Results: All seven anatomical structures showed statistical equivalence between sMVCT and tMVCT under the ±20 HU margin (TOST p < 0.05; mean HU differences in the range −1.1 to +8.4 HU; all Wilcoxon p > 0.05). All nine DVH metrics achieved formal dosimetric equivalence within ±2% of the prescribed dose (TOST p < 0.05). Mean 3D gamma pass rates were 94.3% (95% CI: 89.3–97.1) for the 2 mm/2% criterion and 97.6% (95% CI: 94.8–99.0) for the 3 mm/3% criterion, both formally non-inferior to the respective clinical thresholds (p < 0.0001). Residual gamma failures were concentrated at the patient surface, consistent with inter-session repositioning uncertainty rather than errors in synthetic image generation. Sensitivity analysis on the n = 16 sub-cohort confirmed all conclusions, with mean HU and DVH differences smaller than in the full cohort for the structures showing the largest mean differences, and comparable for the remaining structures, with all TOST equivalence and gamma non-inferiority tests confirmed in both cohorts. Conclusions: sMVCT images generated via MAR-DTN show dosimetric agreement with physically acquired tMVCT in head and neck patients with dental implants, formally demonstrated by TOST equivalence within ±2% of prescribed dose for all DVH metrics. The combined HU and gamma index framework presented here represents a promising quality assurance approach for AI-based synthetic imaging tools in radiotherapy, pending validation in larger prospective multicentre cohorts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Electrolytes used in in vitro corrosion testing critically determine the behavior inferred for metallic dental implants, yet formulations and their justifications are inconsistently reported across the literature. This review compiles and compares electrolytes employed to simulate the oral cavity and the bone–implant interface, linking their chemical composition to the corrosion mechanisms they target. Methods: This structured narrative review synthesized peer-reviewed literature on simulated electrolytes used for in vitro corrosion testing of metallic dental implants and implant-related alloys. Literature was identified using database searches and targeted reference screening, with emphasis on artificial saliva formulations, physiological simulated fluids, challenge chemistries, protein-containing media, hydrodynamic conditions, and microbiological models. Relevant formulations were standardized to grams per liter and grouped according to application domain and targeted corrosion mechanisms. Results: The analysis maps electrolyte selection to corresponding corrosion modes, including uniform dissolution, pitting, crevice, galvanic, and microbiologically influenced corrosion. Consolidated composition tables highlight how pH, halide concentration, calcium–phosphate balance, proteins, gas control, and flow conditions modify passive-film stability and metal-ion release. Dental-specific gaps are identified, notably the lack of a standardized fluoride–pH matrix and limited guidance for microbiome-integrated assays. Conclusions: Aligning electrolyte formulations with the research question enhances reproducibility and mechanistic interpretation. However, current in vitro corrosion data should be interpreted cautiously because quantitative links between simulated-fluid testing and clinical outcomes such as peri-implantitis, peri-implant bone loss, and implant failure remain insufficiently established. The adoption of shared reporting standards, dynamic programmable chemistries, and interoperable datasets may improve the translational value of future corrosion studies. Full article