Sleep apnea episodes represent a problem both for the patients and for the patient�s bed partners. The objective of this study was to record the comparative effects of two types of polymeric appliances in the therapy of some mild apnea symptoms (bruxism and snoring). The effect of therapy with the used appliances was pursued on 42 patients, divided in two groups. In the first group of 21 patients, we used a custom made appliance achieved by Erkoflex disks, and in the second group of 21 patients, the preformed SomnoFit�-Oscimed polymeric appliance. The survey lasted for a 12 month period, 1 month before the insertion in mouth of the appliances and 11 months therapy with polymeric appliances. The authors� questionnaire was completed daily by the patients and their bed partners, which noted the night comfort with inserted appliances in the mouth, the existence/absence of morning pain in the area of the masseter muscle, existence/absence of the morning fatigue, respectively the maintaining, diminishing and the absence of snoring and of nocturnal bruxism. The results of the study were favorable and proved that the nocturnal therapy of bruxism and of snoring, by using these two polymeric appliances were efficient. SomnoFit� appliance performed better in reducing bruxism and snoring, but custom made Erkoflex appliances presented a greater resistance in time.

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Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a modern imaging technique that uses X-rays to investigate the structures of the dento-maxillary apparatus and obtain detailed images of those structures. The aim of this study was to determine a functional mathematical model able to evaluate the elastic force intensity on each bracket and tube type element and the ways in which those components act on the orthodontic system being used. To analyze a real orthodontic system, we studied the case of a 13-year-old female patient. To transfer geometric information from tomographic images, we used the InVesalius software. This software can generate three-dimensional reconstructions based on sequences and files in the DICOM format and was purchased from CBCT equipment. We analyzed and processed the geometries of the converted tissues in InVesalius using the Geomagic software. After using the Geomagic software, we exported the resulting model to the SolidWorks software used in computer-aided design. In this software, the model is transformed into a virtual solid. After making the geometric model, we analyzed the model using the Ansys Workbench software, which incorporates finite element analysis techniques. Following the simulations, we obtained result maps, which showed the complete mechanical behavior of the analyzed structures.

The aim of the research was to realize a clinical study on menopausal patients, focused on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) assays versus Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) categories. This transversal, observational, real-life study was effectuated on Caucasian Romanian females. A total of 60 subjects were grouped according to lumbar T-score: normal T-score (N=28), osteopenia (N=22), and osteoporosis (N=10). The lowest average value of 25OHD is found in patients with osteoporosis, which is statistically significant lower than in patients with osteopenia. The average values of PTH were within normal levels for each group. 25OHD did not correlate with PTH or lumbar BMD. Overall the mean values of 25OHD are in deficient ranges regardless osteoporosis, osteopenia or normal DXA.

Heart failure (HF) and renal dysfunction are frequent associated in the same patient. The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence of renal dysfunction and the clinical status in admitted patients for decompensated HF. Material and Methods. 397 patients succesively hospitalized for decompensated HF, NYHA III or IV functional class, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) � 45% were included in the study. Renal dysfunction was defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [ 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2. The mean GFR in patients with HF was 63.89 � 21.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 .The prevalence of renal dysfunction was 49.6%. Patients with GFR [ 60 mL/min/1.73m2, compared with those with preserved renal function were significantly more frequent older (75.37 � 6.84 vs. 71.33 � 8.08 years; p [0.001), females (53,8% vs. 43.5%; p = 0.04), had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (50.2% vs. 28.5%; p [0.001), atrial fibrillation (53.8% vs 46.2%, p = 0.04) and anemia (47.7% vs. 29.5% ; p [0.001). Also, patients with renal dysfunction had more severe HF than those without renal dysfunction (NYHA class IV: 65% vs 45%, p [0.001, clinical congestion: 78.2% vs 68%, p = 0.02, LVEF [35%: 47.21% vs � 35%, p [0.001). Renal dysfunction can be considered an additional marker of severe cardiac dysfunction along with NYHA IV class and low LVEF. The presence of both renal dysfunction and anemia could represent prognostic markers in HF patients with reduced LVEF.

Zirconia is a metal used in dental implantology. Its biocompatibility was studied in vitro and in vivo, results of the studies being analyzed in reviews and meta analyses. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate biocompatibility of zirconia in animal studies in vivo expressed as results of histomorphometric tests. Databases were searched from 1980 until February 2016, with different combination of the following MeSH terms: zirconium, biocompatibility, dental implants, in vivo, animal studies. Letters to the editors, case reports, commentaries, review articles and articles published in other languages then English were excluded. The search of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases yielded 690 titles. After abstract screening and duplicate discarding 50 articles were identified and finally, 40 were included in the review. Most of the studies compared zirconia with titanium, a well established material for dental implants. In majority of the studies zirconia showed a similar osseointegration with titanium. Surface implant treatments, like sandblasted and etched zirconia (ZrO2-SLA), alumina toughed zirconia (ATZ), and powder injection molding (PIM) were used to improve osseointegration of zirconia with good results. In the light of histomorphometric test, zirconia, no matter physical and structural forms tested, is a biocompatible material.

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of observational type. 157 menopausal subjects were included. A number of N1=89 were younger of 60 years old (also included) and a number of N2=68 were older than 60 years old. Median of age was of 55 years, respective 66 years.The biochemical parameters like total and ionic serum calcium, serum magnesium, and phosphorus between the two groups N1-N2 were similar (p]0.05).The median values of mentioned chemical elements were within normal limits.The bone turnover markers were not statistically significant different between N1 and N2. 25OHD was found deficient in both populations, irrespective of age. DXA- BMD and T-score N1-N2 difference was statistical significant for all the four central sites. Biochemical mineral parameters seem not to be influenced by the cut off of 60 years in menopausal women aged between 40 and 80 years. Yet, a large prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is identified regardless the age without secondary PTH raise. The statistical significant results are for BMD and T-score for all the four central sites.

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) dually influences skeleton status through positive, indirect central effect and negative, direct, gut-associated impact. Circulating form is usually tested via venous blood sample. A limited number of clinical studies are published on this specific topic. We introduce a cross-sectional study on menopausal women with normal (N=29) and low bone mineral density (N=32) based on lumbar Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to whom serum serotonin was assessed and found no correlation with bone loss. This aspect confirms conflicting published data regarding the relationship between circulating levels and fracture risk assessment.