Search Results (3,853)

Objective: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is increasingly prevalent among aging populations and in patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, aortoiliac obstructive disease, coronary artery disease, and/or hypertension. Patients with severe ARAS are at a substantially elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, recurrent congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic nephropathy, and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, the ARAS-TR study aims to evaluate the effect of renal artery stenting on the clinical outcomes in patients with severe ARAS and renovascular hypertension. Materials: This study was conducted as a multicenter, prospective study between July 2024 and September 2025. It encompassed 278 patients with angiographically confirmed severe ARAS who underwent renal artery stent implantation. Patients were subsequently monitored for 6 months. A paired-samples t-test was used to compare continuous variables pre- and post-intervention, while categorical variables were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 63.6 [±13.4] years, and the male gender ratio was 52.5%. After renal artery stenting, systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly at the 6-month follow-up compared with the pre-procedure levels (SBP 166.99 [21.24] vs. 135.40 [15.69], p < 0.001; DBP 96.28 [13.03] vs. 80.39 [11.03], p < 0.001, respectively). GFR (61.23 [28.33] vs. 63.35 [26.36], p = 0.029) and creatinine (1.40 [0.93] vs. 1.29 [0.66], p = 0.004) levels improved compared to baseline. The mean number of antihypertensive drugs required for patients to remain normotensive decreased significantly (3.19 [1.04] vs. 2.48 [1.13], p < 0.001) during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Percutaneous renal artery intervention appears to be a promising and safe strategy for carefully selected high-risk patients presenting with severe ARAS, renovascular hypertension, and non-atrophic kidneys. In this specific clinical context, restoring renal artery patency through percutaneous stenting was associated with improved renal function and observed reduction in the burden of antihypertensive drugs required to sustain normotension. Full article

This study investigates the reuse of mussel shell waste as a secondary raw material in bio-cement mortars designed for the additive manufacturing of artificial reefs for marine habitat restoration. The novelty of the research lies in combining a high recycled shell content (60 wt.%), low-clinker cement, and two 3D-printing techniques: Extruded Material Systems (EMS) and Powder-Based Systems (PBS). Mechanical performance was evaluated through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 28, and 91 days under both air and freshwater curing conditions, while environmental impacts were assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA evaluated both the environmental performance of shell-based mixtures compared with conventional materials and the impacts associated with the investigated fabrication techniques. The best-performing bio-mixtures achieved compressive strengths up to 46.01 MPa and flexural strengths up to 9.91 MPa after freshwater curing, demonstrating the suitability of shell-based mortars for submerged applications. LCA results showed reduced impacts in land use and mineral resource depletion compared with conventional mixtures, despite slightly higher energy and water demands associated with shell pre-treatment. The results demonstrate the technical and environmental feasibility of integrating aquaculture waste into sustainable 3D-printed marine restoration solutions. Full article

Background: Obesity often affects kidney health. Irisin, a myokine released during exercise, may exert renoprotective effects. This study examined the effects of swimming-induced irisin on kidney health in obese rats. Materials and methods: Sixty male rats were divided into four groups: control non-trained, obese non-trained, control trained, and obese trained. Obesity was induced using a high-fat diet, and an 8-week swimming program was implemented. Measurements included body and kidney weights, renal function markers (serum urea, creatinine, and urinary albumin), lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Levels of skeletal muscle irisin and PGC-1α were measured by ELISA, and citrate synthase activity was assessed spectrophotometrically. Renal tissue analysis included phospho-AMPKα1 (measured by ELISA), Complex I activity, ATP, Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (measured spectrophotometrically), and PGC-1α mRNA expression (qRT-PCR). Renal tissues were examined under a light microscope for histopathological evaluation, followed by semi-quantitative scoring of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions, morphometric analysis of glomerular tuft area, and a composite score of cleaved caspase-3 immunoexpression. Results: Exercise increased skeletal muscle levels of irisin, PGC-1α, and citrate synthase activity. It also activated renal AMPK, improved mitochondrial function, increased PGC-1α mRNA levels, and reduced renal oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in obese rats. These changes were associated with improved renal function, reduced tubular injury and apoptosis in obese rats, partial restoration of the glomerular tuft area, lower lesion scores, and reduced cleaved caspase-3 immunoexpression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that irisin may mediate the renoprotective effects of exercise through the AMPK–PGC-1α pathway, highlighting swimming as a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention and supporting a potential adjunct role for irisin in managing obesity-related CKD. Full article

Heat generated during photopolymerization of resin-based composites from both the exothermic reaction of the material and the irradiance of light-curing units poses a risk to pulp vitality, especially in deep restorations. This study aimed to evaluate temperature variation (ΔT) during the photopolymerization of different resin composites, considering material type, shade, increment thickness, and light-curing unit output. An in vitro experimental study with a factorial design was conducted. Specimens were prepared using 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm increments from conventional (nanohybrid), bulk-fill, and flowable resin composites in different shades (BW, A1, A3, A4, and XB) and different light-curing unit output (100% and 50% battery charge). ΔT was measured using a type K thermocouple (Omega Engineering, Norwalk, CT, USA) positioned at the center of each increment. Data were analyzed using four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). All groups demonstrated a statistically significant temperature increase (p < 0.05), with ΔT values ranging from 3.24 °C to 18.18 °C. Composite type significantly influenced ΔT (p < 0.001), with flowable composites showing the highest temperature rise, followed by bulk-fill and conventional composites. Increment thickness also had a significant effect (p = 0.008), with 4.0 mm increments producing greater temperature increases. Shade significantly affected ΔT (p < 0.001), with the XB shade exhibiting the highest values. Additionally, higher light-curing output (100%) resulted in significantly greater temperature increases compared to 50% output (p < 0.001). Photopolymerization temperature rise is influenced by multiple interacting factors. The combination of flowable composites, darker shades, thicker increments, and higher curing output may increase thermal risk. These findings should be considered when optimizing clinical protocols to minimize potential pulpal damage. Full article

Purpose: This study provides a comparative evaluation of surface changes in BioHPP materials under routine professional hygiene procedures, which is recommended by dentists, twice a year. BioHPP is a polyetheretherketone polymer used in prosthetic dentistry as a frame material. The aim was to investigate whether routine dental cleaning procedures such as ultrasonic scaling and brushing affect the surface proprieties of prosthetic BioHPP restorations. This study was conducted to evaluate the surface properties of different restorations based on BioHPP (veneered with composite resin and polished) after brushing and ultrasonic scaling exposure. Materials and Methods: The BioHPP specimens were divided into three groups. The first group (marked BioHPP) served as a baseline reference for assessing the effect of different surface processing approaches, and no further treatment was applied. The specimens in the second group (BioHPP-P) were polished, while the specimens in the third group (BioHPP-C) were veneered with composite resin. Group BioHPP-P and BioHPP-C of samples was divided into three subgroups: 0—no treatment, 1—exposed to tooth brushing, 2—exposed to ultrasonic scaling. Untreated samples (subgroup 0) served as controls for evaluating treatment-related changes within groups 2 and 3. The surface morphology was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The structure of samples was analyzed using the XRD technique, and the surface wettability was evaluated. Results: The surface roughness of the samples was evaluated via root mean square (RMS) parameter. Baseline BioHPP specimens exhibited higher roughness values compared to the other analyzed groups. The roughness of the non-treated specimens (0) decreased in the line 59.18→28.84→14.51 nm. Treatment of the samples by brushing and ultrasonic scaling was associated with an increase in surface roughness. Variations in water contact angle values were observed. However, no consistent treatment-related trend could be established. Conclusions: Composite veneered BioHPP showed a tendency toward higher surface resistance to brushing and ultrasonic scaling. These findings should be interpreted within the limitations of an in vitro descriptive study. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common environmental contaminants formed during the incomplete combustion of organic material. Their persistence, bioaccumulation, and metabolic activation contribute to mutagenic and cytotoxic outcomes. Among these are benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), the most studied PAH and a benchmark compound for PAH carcinogenicity, and pyrene, a PAH whose urinary metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene is widely used as a biomarker of PAH exposure. B[a]P undergoes CYP1A1-mediated oxidation to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via epoxide and quinone redox cycling, whereas pyrene produces ROS primarily through pyrene-quinone redox cycling. We investigated cobinamide, a vitamin B₁₂/cobalamin analog with potent antioxidant properties, for mitigating benzo[a]pyrene- and pyrene-induced injury. In H9C2 rat embryonic cardiomyoblasts and A549 human lung epithelial cells exposed to B[a]P (10 μM) or pyrene (10–100 μM), cobinamide (5–10 μM) attenuated PAH-induced reductions in cell number in both models, while in H9C2 cells, it also attenuated decreases in metabolic activity and reduced apoptosis. Cobinamide also returned JNK/p38 phosphorylation to near baseline levels, decreased DNA and protein oxidation and DNA strand breaks. Transcriptionally, cobinamide suppressed inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative stress genes (HMOX1 and NOX4), while enhancing oxidative response (SOD2) and xenobiotic metabolism (CYP1A1). In Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 5 mM B[a]P/pyrene, 2 mM cobinamide improved survival and fully restored locomotion, outperforming cobalamin (minimal benefit) and N-acetylcysteine (partial rescue). Spectroscopic analyses showed no direct cobinamide-PAH binding. These findings demonstrate that cobinamide efficiently limits ROS-mediated PAH injury through redox modulation while preserving xenobiotic metabolism, suggesting its potential therapeutic use to mitigate PAH-induced toxicity. Full article

Annually, there are more than two million deaths from liver disease. This is driven by organ inflammation and scarring, leading to a decline in function and regeneration. Frequently, this can develop into decompensated liver disease, resulting in the loss of physiological balance and toxin build-up within the body, with an increased risk of patient mortality. Currently, there are no approved medicines for the long-term treatment of liver cirrhosis. The only successful treatment option for end-stage liver disease patients is donor organ transplantation. However, patient requirement outstrips the number of donated organs. To address this bottleneck, researchers around the world have developed cell-based prototype systems to restore failing liver function, with some in clinical trials. Although significant progress has been made, no mainstream commercial liver assist products are available for routine clinical use. In this study we developed a stem cell-derived vascularized liver tissue implant prototype from pluripotent cells. The liver tissue was produced from a stem cell line that is banked at clinical grade, and displayed stable and mature liver function over a 6-week period in vitro. This included decreasing levels of the fetal marker, alpha-fetoprotein, when the serum albumin increased. This was further supported by stable alpha-1-antitrypsin secretion and cytochrome P450 function. Following the establishment of stable liver tissue, it was delivered as a cell product or attached to an electrospun polycaprolactone scaffold, to form a tissue implant. Next, cellular material was quality-controlled, and subsequently shipped to a contract research organization for external in vivo validation. The transplanted liver tissue functioned when implanted into the kidney capsule and subcutaneously, remaining functional for up to two weeks in vivo. Full article

Chinese Traditional Concrete (CTC), known as “San-he-tu,” has ensured the long-term durability of ancient coastal structures, yet its underlying material design logic remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the Chongwu Ancient City Wall (Quanzhou, China), a Ming Dynasty granite fortification exposed to over 600 years of marine weathering, to elucidate the structure–property–function relationships of CTC across three functional layers: the horse-track surface, wall core backfill, and masonry bonding layer. A multi-technique analytical framework (XRF, XRD, TG, and SEM) was employed to characterize chemical composition, mineral phases, thermal behavior, and microstructure. Results reveal a deliberate “functional adaptability” material design. The surface layer adopts a rigid protective formulation with high quartz (76.9%) and CaO (17.06%), forming a dense, low-porosity matrix resistant to abrasion and weathering. The wall core exhibits a flexible filling strategy with high porosity (35.44%), enabling moisture dissipation and deformation accommodation. The bonding layer, enriched in kaolinite (~29.8%) and reactive Al–Fe components, promotes pozzolanic reactions that generate hydraulic gels, ensuring durable interfacial adhesion under humid coastal conditions. These findings demonstrate that ancient builders engineered zone-specific material compositions to meet distinct structural and environmental demands, forming a functionally graded system analogous to modern material design concepts. This study provides a scientific basis for adopting partitioned, differentiated restoration strategies in coastal heritage conservation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Prolonged contact between oral mucosa and dental amalgam restorations may influence local epithelial homeostasis, but the remodeling profile of clinically non-dysplastic mucosa exposed to long-standing amalgam remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate histopathological changes and CK19, Ki67, and p53 expression in the oral mucosa adjacent to long-term amalgam restorations. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was performed on 108 oral mucosal specimens, including 78 samples in direct contact with amalgam restorations and 30 non-exposed controls. Exposed cases were grouped according to contact duration: 5–10 years, 11–20 years, and ≥21 years. Histopathological parameters and immunohistochemical expression of CK19, Ki67, and p53 were semi-quantitatively assessed, and an exploratory Integrated Epithelial Remodeling Score was calculated. Results: Longer amalgam exposure was significantly associated with increased inflammatory infiltrate, basal hyperplasia, acanthosis, fibrosis, suprabasal CK19 redistribution, and higher Ki67 labeling indices. The Integrated Epithelial Remodeling Score differed significantly among exposure groups, with higher values in intermediate- and long-duration exposure categories. p53 expression showed statistically detectable but heterogeneous variation. No epithelial dysplasia was observed. Conclusions: Long-term contact with dental amalgam restorations was associated with a coordinated, non-dysplastic remodeling phenotype of the oral mucosa. Given the age imbalance across exposure duration groups, these findings should be interpreted as exposure-associated patterns rather than evidence of a direct causal effect. Because no comparison group exposed to other restorative materials was included, material-specificity for dental amalgam cannot be inferred. In architecturally preserved mucosa, suprabasal CK19 expression may reflect adaptive epithelial plasticity rather than preneoplastic transformation. Full article

Intrabody cage augmentation has emerged as a minimally invasive technique for anterior column reconstruction in Kümmell disease and osteoporotic burst fractures. These osteoporotic conditions lead to progressive vertebral collapse, kyphosis, and instability. While cement augmentation provides rapid pain relief, it often fails to reliably restore sagittal balance or ensure biological integration in advanced stages of collapse. Although conventional anterior corpectomy with long-segment posterior fusion can achieve satisfactory deformity correction, these procedures are associated with substantial surgical morbidity. In contrast, screw fixation alone often fails to withstand anterior loading, resulting in loss of correction or hardware failure. By adapting standard interbody devices for off-label intravertebral use, this technique utilizes the intravertebral cleft as a natural cavity to restore vertebral height and sagittal alignment while preserving adjacent intervertebral discs and reducing stress on posterior instrumentation. The surgical technique involves transpedicular access, meticulous curettage of necrotic tissue, and insertion of a cage packed with osteoinductive material. This approach minimizes surgical trauma and operative time compared with conventional corpectomy procedures. Reported outcomes from retrospective series suggest promising pain relief, maintenance of correction, and low complication rates. Collectively, current evidence suggests that intrabody cage augmentation may serve as a potential, less invasive surgical option, acting as an intermediate approach between cement augmentation and corpectomy. However, as the existing evidence remains preliminary, high-quality prospective comparative studies are required to establish definitive indications and long-term efficacy. Full article

This study presents a multi-analytical investigation of two Baroque gilded terracotta sculptures—Hercules and the Nemean Lion (Hercules A) and Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (Hercules B)—attributed to Lorenzo Vaccaro (1655–1706) and preserved at the Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples. This research aimed to reconstruct the original manufacturing technique, characterize materials introduced by successive restoration interventions, and identify active degradation mechanisms. A systematic diagnostic approach integrating UV fluorescence imaging, digital optical microscopy, portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and spectrocolorimetry was applied. The original gilding system—comprising a ferruginous silico-aluminous terracotta substrate, a calcium sulfate ground, a lead-white imprimitura, an iron-rich bole, and a thin gold leaf—is consistent with documented Baroque mission gilding practices in Southern Italy. Analytical evidence further documented extensive non-original interventions, including copper-based artificial patination, bronze powder (porporina) integration, poly (vinyl acetate) adhesives, and acrylic protective coatings. Raman spectroscopy identified the in situ conversion of intentionally applied tenorite (CuO) to malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂) as an active degradation pathway. Spectrocolorimetric measurements quantified chromatic alterations of up to ΔE = 52 attributable to accumulated surface deposits. The proposed integrated methodology constitutes a replicable diagnostic framework for investigating gilded terracotta artefacts in museum collections. Full article

The use of zirconia as a material in the base of modern restorative dentistry is due to its high strength, biocompatibility, and improved aesthetic performance. The aim of this review is to provide an integrated and coherent overview of the recent developments in zirconia crowns by focusing on the development of materials, microstructure, digital fabrication processes, optical capabilities, and clinical performance. A survey of literature in the form of a narrative literature review was conducted in the most significant databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including publications published since 2000, with a focus on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, and materials science studies. The results show that zirconia materials have developed beyond traditional 3Y-TZP systems, characterized by high strength and fracture toughness to high-translucency and multilayer zirconia (4Y 6Y-PSZ) systems, which provide better aesthetics at the cost of lower mechanical reliability. The implementation of CAD/CAM technologies has enhanced the accuracy of fabrication, marginal fit and reproducibility and the development of sintering, surface modification and bonding protocols has enhanced clinical performance. Recent clinical results have shown high survival rates (around 85–95 percent over 5–10 years), and the results depend on the design of the restoration, the zirconia generation, and the functional loading circumstances. Despite these developments, there are still concerns about the durability of bonding, trade-offs between translucency and strength, and long-term performance of high-translucency zirconia. The development of new technologies, such as additive manufacturing, design-aided artificial intelligence, and bioactive surface modification, is a promising avenue toward improving clinical reliability and performance. Full article

This study examines the impact of biophilic design in school common areas—specifically corridors, stairwells, and central halls—on users’ perceptual and physiological responses. Biophilic design attributes were categorized into direct experiences (Plants & water) and indirect experiences (Materials & Images), and simulation stimuli for each common area type were generated using generative AI. Thirty university students participated in the experiment, where their hemodynamic responses (fNIRS) and galvanic skin responses (GSRs) were measured during exposure to various biophilic environmental stimuli to quantitatively analyze emotional arousal and cognitive recovery levels. The results indicated that biophilic environments elicited significant physiological stabilization responses in specific spatial and application conditions compared to non-biophilic settings. Distinct physiological responses were observed based on spatial characteristics and application methods; vertical elements facilitated cognitive rest, whereas horizontal elements promoted attention restoration through moderate arousal. Furthermore, significant associations between nature connectedness and selected physiological responses highlighted the importance of considering individual predispositions in spatial design. As an exploratory pilot study, this research contributes preliminary evidence by integrating generative AI-based simulations with fNIRS and GSR measurements to examine vertical and horizontal biophilic applications in school common areas. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized industrial production. However, the repair of AM components remains a critical challenge due to their unique microstructural features. While repair approaches for conventionally manufactured alloys are well established, their direct transferability to AM parts remains largely unexplored due to the unique thermal history and anisotropic microstructure of additive components. This study investigates a novel repair and improvement strategy for Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam/Metal (PBF-LB/M)-fabricated AlSi10Mg components, combining Electrospark Deposition (ESD) for dimensional restoration with subsequent Ultrasonic Peening Treatment (UPT) for surface enhancement. Microstructure, porosity, surface roughness, hardness profiles, residual stresses, and corrosion behaviour were systematically characterized using SEM, optical microscopy, profilometry, Vickers microhardness testing, XRD, and electrochemical polarization tests. The results show that the ESD process is capable of producing coatings with excellent interfacial adhesion to the substrate, with an initial porosity of 3.6 ± 0.5%. The subsequent UPT induces a significant densification effect on the deposited material, reducing porosity by approximately 50% and increasing surface hardness by up to 48% in the upper region of the coating. Furthermore, XRD analysis reveals that UPT completely reverses the residual stress state from tensile (typical of the ESD process) to compressive in all measured directions, thereby improving the overall structural integrity. Ultimately, the combined ESD + UPT alters the electrochemical response of AlSi10Mg deposits, resulting in a nobler corrosion potential, albeit with a slightly higher corrosion current density. Full article

To address the global challenge of desertification, it is essential to develop sustainable and biodegradable materials for sand fixation to support ecological restoration in arid regions. In this work, a CNS/PAM biocomposite system was constructed through the supramolecular assembly of highly flexible two-dimensional cellulose nanosheets (CNS) and polyacrylamide (PAM). Benefiting from the flexible layered structure of CNS and the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on their surface, a conformal coating and an interparticle bridging network were formed via hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions with mineral cations. The introduction of PAM further regulated the hydrogen-bonding network, which improved structural uniformity and mechanical integrity. The resulting composites showed strong resistance to both wind and water erosion (erosion loss < 0.1%) and reached a compressive strength of up to 0.23 MPa, while maintaining good environmental compatibility. This study clarifies the structure–interaction–property relationships of cellulose nanosheet-based supramolecular assemblies and provides a new theoretical basis and practical pathway for designing biodegradable sand-fixing materials. Full article