Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Acromegaly leads to a wide range of systemic alterations, including metabolic disturbances, abnormalities in bone microarchitecture, soft tissue overgrowth, and morphological changes in the maxilla and mandible. All these factors may significantly complicate the planning and success of implant therapy.

Graphene-based nanomaterials, including graphene oxide (GO) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), exhibit exceptional properties, which might facilitate the functional modification of TiO nanotubes (NTs) for enhanced rapid osseointegration. This study investigated the effects of GO/GQD-deposited TiO-NTs on cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and early osseointegration in male 6-week-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. TiO-NTs (control group) were fabricated on titanium substrates via anodic oxidation. GO and GQDs were electrochemically deposited onto the TiO-NTs using cyclic voltammetry with 0.5 mg/mL GO and 0.1 mg/mL GQD dispersions to form NT-GO and NT-GQDs. In vitro assays evaluated cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Implants were randomly inserted into one femoral epiphysis of nine rats ( = 3), and osseointegration was evaluated using micro-computed tomography and sequential fluorescence labeling at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-implantation. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA. Cyclic voltammetry successfully synthesized NT-GO and NT-GQDs, with Raman spectra confirming D and G bands. Both NT-GO and NT-GQDs exhibited superior cell adhesion, proliferation, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation compared with TiO-NTs. Notably, the NT-GQDs significantly promoted new bone formation in vivo. The integration of graphene nanomaterials onto TiO-NTs improves biocompatibility and accelerates osteogenesis, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing osseointegration in orthopedic and dental implants.

Successful endodontic treatment relies on effective shaping, disinfection and obturation. Calcium silicate sealers such as BioRoot™ RCS show promise due to their bioactivity and sealing properties, but more clinical evidence using standardized protocols is needed. This observational clinical study aimed to assess periapical healing at 6 and 12 months following single-visit root canal treatment using BioRoot™ RCS with hydraulic condensation in teeth with irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis. Sixty-six teeth were treated using a standardized protocol: ProTaper Gold instrumentation, sonic-activated irrigation, and hydraulic condensation with gutta-percha cone and BioRoot™ RCS. Periapical healing was evaluated using the periapical index (PAI) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Clinical success was defined as functional, asymptomatic teeth and a PAI ≤ 2. Statistical analysis included repeated measures of ANOVA and McNemar's test. All 66 teeth remained asymptomatic and functional of 12 months, yielding a 100% survival rate. Clinical success was confirmed in 97% of cases. PAI scores decreased significantly over time ( < 0.001) in apical periodontitis cases. Single-visit endodontic treatment with BioRoot™ RCS and hydraulic condensation demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes. This approach promotes resolution of apical periodontitis in non-vital cases and supports the preservation of periapical health in teeth initially diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.

This study aimed to evaluate peri-implant tissue changes during early osseointegration using a combined approach of digital radiographic analysis, RGB pseudocolorization, and histomorphometry in a sheep tibia model.

Cancer is considered today as a prevalent research direction due to the fact that, by 2050, more than 30 million cases will occur, followed by about 19 million deaths. It is expected that scholars will search for new, innovative, and localized therapies to ensure a much more targeted treatment with reduced side effects. Magnetic hydrogels overcome the disadvantages of classical magnetic nanoparticles in various oncological domains, including magnetic hyperthermia, theragnostic, immunotherapy, and, notably, regenerative medicine and contrast substances. We will review the magnetic hydrogel topics that may be involved as a potential application for cancer. Firstly, we present the international context and subject importance in the framework of statistics estimated by some researchers. Then, the magnetic hydrogel synthesis method will be briefly described with examples extracted from the literature. Supplementary, we will emphasize the main attributes of an ideal magnetic hydrogel, and last but not least, we will review some of the latest in vitro and in vivo studies in a direct relationship with magnetic hyperthermia, chemotherapeutic drug release dynamics, and immunotherapy used as single strategies or in combination, by underling the magnetic properties of the hydrogels and importance of application of magnetic fields. We will conclude our review paper by discussing toxicity issues, future trends, limitations, and proposed new approaches to address them.

This study investigates the effect of different sintering parameters on the surface roughness and fracture resistance of different CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics before and after thermocycling and simulated toothbrushing. Sixty lithium disilicate ceramic samples were categorized according to ceramic type (AMB: Amber Mill, ECAD: IPS e.max CAD) and level of translucency (LT: low and HT: high) into four groups: AMB_LT, AMB_HT, ECAD_LT and ECAD_HT. Specimens were prepared to 2 mm thickness, crystallized, polished, and subjected to thermocycling to simulate five years of clinical aging. Simulated toothbrushing was performed using a soft-bristled mechanical brushing system under controlled force and strokes. Surface roughness was assessed using a profilometer before and after brushing, and fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were statistically evaluated using paired -tests, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction ( ≤ 0.05). LT lithium disilicate specimens exhibited significantly smoother surfaces than high-translucency counterparts. After thermocycling and brushing simulation, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in surface roughness, ranging between 0.239 ± 0.012 μm (AMB_LT) and 0.486 ± 0.014 μm (ECAD_HT). In terms of fracture resistance, the highest values were recorded for ECAD_HT (636 ± 8.29 N), and the lowest in the AMB_HT group (546.3 ± 21.9 N) with significant differences observed between materials and translucency levels. Sintering parameters and artificial aging significantly influenced the surface roughness and fracture resistance of lithium disilicate ceramics. Low-translucency variants demonstrated smoother surfaces and higher strength than high-translucency groups, while all materials exhibited increased roughness after aging. These findings provide guidance for the selection of lithium disilicate ceramics, balancing esthetic and mechanical requirements in anterior and posterior restorations.

Endothelial cells play a key role in peripheral nerve regeneration, forming aligned vasculature which bridges the gap in the injured nerve tissue and guides the regrowing tissue. This work aimed to mimic key features of this aligned vasculature by differentiating endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and incorporating them into engineered neural tissue (EngNT).

This study evaluated the optical and mechanical properties of two single-shade composite resins compared with a conventional multi-shade composite. Omnichroma (OM), Metafil Bulk Fill ONE (BO), and Filtek Z350XT (Z350) were tested. Color adjustment was assessed using A3, B1, and C4 background cavities, and ΔE00 values were calculated. The translucency parameter (TP) was measured, and the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and depth of cure (B/T ratio) were determined. OM and BO showed better color adjustment performance on brighter (B1) backgrounds and decreased matching on darker (C4) ones. OM maintained stable color adjustment across cavity depths, while BO showed improved adjustment in shallower cavities. Both exhibited higher TP values than Z350. The control group (Z350) had the highest flexural strength and modulus, though BO's flexural strength was comparable. OM and BO showed sufficient mechanical strength and a greater depth of cure compared to Z350. Our study indicated that the one-shade composite resins OM and BO exhibited better color adjustment performance compared to conventional composite resins due to the influence of the surrounding shades, with a better adjustment ability on brighter backgrounds. Additionally, OM and BO demonstrated sufficient strength and a higher depth of cure compared to the control group.

The long-term success of composite restorations largely depends on the performance of dental adhesives at the adhesive-tooth interface. Despite ongoing improvements, secondary caries remains the leading cause of restoration failure, primarily due to the adhesive layer's susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation, bacterial invasion, and limited biological functionality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in bioactive dental adhesives for preventing recurrent caries, focusing on their mechanisms of action, material performance, therapeutic functions, and clinical potential. Bioactive adhesives combine durable bonding with biofunctional benefits, including remineralization, antimicrobial activity, enzymatic inhibition, and support for tissue regeneration. By integrating these properties, they enhance both the durability of the adhesive interface and oral health. Recent strategies include the incorporation of ion-releasing fillers such as calcium phosphate and bioactive glass, antimicrobial monomers such as MDPB and quaternary ammonium methacrylates, enzymatic inhibitors, and hydrolytically stable resin matrices. Together, these components strengthen the adhesive interface and provide biologically active effects to prevent recurrent caries. Although in vitro findings are promising, challenges remain, including limited long-term clinical data, the absence of standardized evaluation protocols, and barriers to clinical translation. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure predictable clinical outcomes. Bioactive dental adhesives represent a paradigm shift in restorative dentistry, evolving from passive bonding agents to multifunctional therapeutic materials. By combining structural durability with biological protection, they hold significant potential to prevent recurrent caries and improve the long-term success of composite restorations.

Zirconia is widely used for customized implant abutments owing to its esthetics, strength, and biocompatibility; however, the optimal surface modification for soft-tissue sealing and bone metabolic remains uncertain. This study evaluated how glass-ceramic spray deposition (GCSD), with or without handheld nonthermal plasma (HNP), alters zirconia surface physiochemistry and cellular responses. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, surface roughness (Ra), wettability, and surface free energy (SFE) were measured. Human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were used to assess attachment and spreading, metabolic activity, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) (α = 0.05). GCSD produced an interlaced rod- and needle-like glass-ceramic layer, significantly increasing Ra and hydrophilicity. HNP further reduced surface contaminants, increased SFE, and enhanced wettability. The combination of GCSD and HNP yielded the greatest attachment and spreading for both cell types, without increases in cytotoxicity or TNF-α. GCSD with HNP creates a hydrophilic, micro-textured, chemically activated zirconia surface that maintains biocompatibility while promoting early attachment and bone metabolic activity, supporting its application for zirconia implant abutments.

Narrow-diameter implants (≤3.5 mm) have garnered significant attention due to their widespread application in areas with insufficient bone volume. However, their mechanical performance is limited. The cervical region, serving as a pivotal stress concentration zone, exhibits a thread form that directly modulates stress distribution and determines the long-term stability of the implant-bone interface. This study was designed to investigate the influence of varying thread forms and face angles on microstrain and stress distribution patterns in narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) and their adjacent cortical bone structures. Through systematic modification of implant thread forms and face angle parameters, finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to develop nine distinct implant models featuring varied geometric characteristics. Each model was implanted into Type III bone tissue, followed by the application of a 100 N occlusal force, including a vertical load and an oblique load deviated 30 degrees lingually from the long axis of the implants. Subsequent biomechanical evaluation quantified peak von Mises stress concentrations at the bone-implant interface, maximum equivalent elastic strain distributions in peri-implant bone tissue, and abutment stress profile characteristics. The results indicated that in the RB thread group, the optimal thread face angle parameter was 60 degrees; in the B thread group, this optimal thread face angle parameter was 45 degrees, whereas in the V thread group, the optimal thread face angle parameter was 30 degrees.

Alginate and chitosan (Ag/Cs) combined form an effective platform to develop biocompatible hydrogels with customizable properties for controlled drug release. Cannabidiol (CBD), a hydrophobic compound with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, represents a powerful strategy to enhance their therapeutic performance. A/Cs hydrogels were produced using the CELLINK printer with 12 and 24 mg/mL of CBD. SEM and FTIR were assessed. Viscoelasticity was assessed using oscillatory rheology. Structural strength was evaluated via uniaxial compression. Swelling and absorption were measured gravimetrically under physiological conditions. CBD was successfully incorporated into the 3D-printed A/Cs hydrogel. Increasing the CBD concentration led to mechanical changes such as a dose-dependent decrease in G' and a slight reduction in the linearity threshold (typically 10-30% from medium loads), while still maintaining G' > G″. FTIR showed shifts in O-H/N-H and C=O, indicating hydrogen bonding without new reactive bands. Microscopic images revealed moderate pore compaction and increased tortuosity with dose. At higher CBD concentrations, the hydrogel resisted compression but could deform further before failure. Equilibrium swelling and absorption kinetics decreased with increasing dose, resulting in a reduced initial burst and lower water uptake capacity. The CBD-loaded hydrogel provides a mechanically suitable and molecularly stable platform for local drug release in the oral cavity.

Mg-based alloys are one of the most promising materials used in regenerative medicine for bone tissue engineering. Considering the increasing prevalence of a continuously aging population, as well as the high incidence of accidents and bone cancers, it is crucial to explore biomaterials that can serve as bone substitutes. After carefully analyzing the literature in the introduction section, we proposed two Mg-based alloys as suitable for obtaining biodegradable structures for bone defect treatment. To achieve trustworthy results, the alloys' microstructure was investigated using microscopic techniques coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The obtained results were comparable with those described in references on similar Mg alloys. Then, the mechanical compression properties were highlighted, and the corrosion behavior proved that Mg-Zn exhibited a reduced corrosion rate compared to the Mg-Nd alloy, as tested using electrochemical methods. However, the tests showed good biocompatibility for both magnesium alloys. In conclusion, both alloys are suitable for use as potential bone substitute applications, but it must be taken into consideration that Mg-Zn alloys present lower biodegradation and mechanical properties. For future investigations, we aim to develop bone substitutes made from these materials, specifically designed for small bone defect treatment and with patient-adapted geometry. Due to the differences mentioned above, various designs will be tested.

Clear aligners have gained popularity in orthodontics due to their aesthetics, comfort, and removability; however, their prolonged intraoral wear and frequent removal-reinsertion cycles create favorable conditions for microbial colonization. This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of seven commercially available mouthwash formulations in inhibiting biofilms of , , and formed on four different clear aligner materials. Standardized aligner fragments were incubated for 24 h with microbial suspensions to allow biofilm formation, treated for 1 min with one of the mouthwashes, and then assessed for residual viability through spectrophotometric optical density measurements after a further 24 h incubation. Biofilm inhibition varied according to both mouthwash composition and aligner material. The chlorhexidine-based rinse (MW-D) consistently showed the highest inhibition across microorganisms, while the fluoride-cetylpyridinium chloride rinse (MW-B) performed strongly for and . An essential oil-based formulation with xylitol (MW-G) showed notable antifungal activity against . Monolayer polyurethane aligners generally achieved higher inhibition rates than multilayer or copolyester-based materials. These findings indicate that antimicrobial efficacy on aligners depends on both mouthwash type and material, supporting a tailored approach to biofilm management in clear aligner therapy to reduce the risk of caries, periodontal disease, and candidiasis.

Sterilization of medical devices is a critical process to ensure patient safety. However, traditional steam autoclaves may be unsuitable for heat-sensitive materials. In this study, we evaluated an innovative cold sterilization system based on the controlled generation of free radicals with reducing properties. The system has already been validated and marketed following the completion of numerous microbiological tests in compliance with UNI EN standards (13727, 13624, 17126, 14476, 14348). A quantitative suspension test was conducted under controlled conditions, comparing the microbial reduction achieved with the cold system to that obtained with a standard autoclave cycle. The system demonstrated bactericidal efficacy exceeding 6 log, comparable to that of the autoclave cycle. The results suggest that the free radical system represents a safe, rapid, and effective alternative for the sterilization of heat-sensitive materials, with potential applications in both healthcare and industrial settings.

Three-dimensional porcine matrix-derived biomaterials have emerged as valuable tools in periodontal regeneration, offering structural stability, biocompatibility, and favorable cellular responses. This review summarizes their physicochemical characteristics, biological mechanisms, and clinical performance in guided tissue and bone regeneration. Comparative analyses show superior handling, integration potential, and regenerative predictability compared with collagen and synthetic scaffolds, especially in complex intrabony and furcation defects. Despite promising clinical outcomes, heterogeneity in processing techniques and limited long-term data still hinder standardization. Overall, porcine-derived scaffolds represent reliable and biologically active options for periodontal regeneration. Future innovation focusing on functionalization, cell integration, and patient-tailored design will define the next generation of predictable and biomimetic regenerative solutions.

Restoring blood flow is crucial for treating refractory ulcers. Despite advancements in various biomaterials, none incorporating pre-formed blood vessels have been commercialized. To address this, we developed a pre-vascularized three-dimensional (3D) skin substitute (PV-3D skin) designed to enhance healing when treating refractory ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of PV-3D skin transplantation in refractory ulcer models, induced by applying mitomycin C to wounds in severe immunodeficient mice. The wounds were then treated with PV-3D skin, non-vascularized 3D skin, skin grafts, or wound dressings. The PV-3D skin group demonstrated healing dynamics comparable to those of the skin graft group, with similar tissue morphology and wound temperature changes. Furthermore, at day 7 post-transplantation, the PV-3D skin group demonstrated significantly higher hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha expression levels compared to the 3D skin group. By day 14, the PV-3D skin group exhibited a significantly larger vascular area compared to the 3D skin group. Notably, PV-3D skin treatment stimulated host-derived angiogenesis, thereby enhancing wound healing and reducing the recurrence of refractory ulcers. These results suggest that PV-3D skin transplantation offers a promising therapeutic approach for refractory ulcers, especially in terms of angiogenesis.

In recent years, 3D printing has become a key technology for producing intricate geometries with high precision. Beta titanium alloys (β-Ti), due to their excellent combination of strength, ductility, low elastic modulus, and biocompatibility, are widely used in the aerospace and medical industries. However, the unique microstructure formed during additive manufacturing characterised by porosity, residual stress, and anisotropy can significantly influence the mechanical performance and durability of these materials. This study examines how different printing parameters affect porosity, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties in the β-Ti alloy Ti25Nb4Ta8Sn. The investigation focuses on thin-walled samples and gyroid structures, which represent model geometries for porous biomedical components. These structures, defined by a periodic network of interconnected channels, provide a useful platform for studying the relationship between geometry and mechanical response. In addition, the effects of surface etching on the morphology and compressive behaviour of printed gyroid structures were evaluated. Compression testing was used to determine how etching alters load-bearing performance and to identify correlations between surface modification and mechanical response. The combined analysis enables optimisation of both printing and post-processing parameters for advanced biomedical applications.

Provisional restorations are essential in fixed prosthodontics, ensuring esthetics, function, and biological protection during treatment. Recent advances in CAD/CAM technologies have enabled the fabrication of provisional materials with enhanced color stability and fracture resistance compared to conventional chairside polymeric materials. This study aimed to compare the color stability and fracture strength of provisional crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM and a conventional direct chairside technique.

There is a knowledge gap about the effect of pharmaceutical agents on the biodegradation of Mg-based resorbable implants. The present work investigates how three common antibiotics and three anti-inflammatory drugs affect the corrosion of high-purity Mg, with and without ceramic and hybrid ceramic/polymeric coatings, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and hydrogen evolution tests. A Ca-P-Si-based ceramic coating is developed using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), after the AC voltage and frequency parameters are optimized. A hybrid coating included a PEO and a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) top layer formed by dip coating. High-purity Mg exhibited an instantaneous onset of corrosion with a corrosion rate of 90 μm/year after 24 h of immersion in a modified α-MEM. A hybrid PEO/PCL coating prevents the onset of corrosion for at least 5 h and reduces the H evolution during the following 90 h by two times by the precipitation of 5-40 μm thick Ca-P surface deposits. Gentamicin, naproxen, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin and paracetamol were found to be corrosion accelerators with respect to bare h.p. Mg, whereas aspirin was found to be an inhibitor. Streptomycin-functionalized PEO/PCL system exhibited an active protection mechanism, triggered upon the release of the coating and substrate cations, associated with the coating defect-blocking action of the insoluble Me(II)-streptomycin chelates.

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)scaffolds comprising hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were produced from ultra-pure precursors and processed under an α-TCP-avoiding schedule (1100 °C, 2 h). Quantitative X-ray diffraction (Rietveld/Profex) detected no α-TCP above the ~1 wt% limit of detection and quantified post-sintering phase fractions (wt% HA/β-TCP): 99.26/0.74, 68.51/31.49, and 27.57/72.43. Across compositions, SEM/ImageJ yielded similar mean macropore sizes (≈71-80 µm), while open porosity increased with the HA fraction (27.5 ± 1.8%, 39.1 ± 2.0%, 57.1 ± 2.4%). Compressive strength decreased accordingly (1.07 ± 0.25, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.02 MPa), consistent with non-load-bearing use. In ISO-compliant simulated body fluid (28 d), medium pH remained stable (7.33-7.43); mass loss and early Ca depletion increased with β-TCP content, consistent with more extensive surface apatite formation in β-TCP-rich scaffolds. Collectively, these data are consistent with a composition-dependent sequence-β-TCP content → densification/porosity → strength → degradation/apatite kinetics-within the tested conditions and inform parameter-based tuning of BCP scaffolds for non-load-bearing indications (e.g., alveolar ridge preservation, craniofacial void filling).