Ceramic Implant Rehabilitation: Consensus Statements from Joint Congress for Ceramic Implantology.

The objectives of the study group focused on the following main topics related to the performance of one- and two-piece ceramic implants: defining bone-implant-contact percentages and its measurement methods, evaluating the pink esthetic score as an esthetic outcome parameter after immediate implantation, recognizing the different results of ceramic implant designs, as redefined by the German Association of Oral Implantology, incorporating the patient report outcome measure to include satisfaction and improvement in oral health-related quality of life, and conducting preclinical studies to address existing gaps in ceramic implants. During the Joint Congress for Ceramic Implantology (2022), the study group evaluated 17 clinical trials published between 2015 and 2021. After extensive discussions and multiple closed sessions, consensus statements and recommendations were developed, incorporating all approved modifications. A one-piece implant design features a coronal part that is fused to the implant body or interfaces with the post-abutment restoration platform, undergoing transmucosal healing. Long-term evaluations of this implant design have been supported by established favorable clinical evidence. Inaccuracies in the pink esthetic score and bone-implant-contact percentages were managed by establishing control groups for preclinical studies and randomizing clinical trials. The patient-reported outcome measures were adjusted to include an individual visual analog scale, collected from each clinical study, that quantified improved oral health and quality of life. Preclinical investigations should focus on examining the spread of ceramic debris and the impact of heat generation on tissue and cellular levels during drilling. Further technical advancements should prioritize wound management and developing safe drilling protocols.

Salt and heat stress enhances hydrogen production in cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria are among the most suitable organisms for the capture of excessive amounts of CO2 and can be grown in extreme environments. In our research we use the single-celled freshwater cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 for the production of carbohydrates and hydrogen. PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 synthesize sucrose when exposed to salinity stress, as their main compatible osmolyte. We examined the cell proliferation rate and the sucrose accumulation in those two different strains of cyanobacteria under salt (0.4 M NaCl) and heat stress (35 0C) conditions. The intracellular sucrose (mol sucrose content per Chl a) was found to increase by 50% and 108% in PAMCOD strain and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 cells, respectively. As previously reported, PAMCOD strain has the ability to produce hydrogen through the process of dark anaerobic fermentation (Vayenos D, Romanos GE, Papageorgiou GC, Stamatakis K (2020) Photosynth Res 146, 235-245). In the present study, we demonstrate that Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 has also this ability. We further examined the optimal conditions during the dark fermentation of PAMCOD and Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 regarding H2 formation, increasing the PAMCOD H2 productivity from 2 nmol H2 h- 1 mol Chl a- 1 to 23 nmol H2 h- 1 mol Chl a- 1. Moreover, after the dark fermentation, the cells demonstrated proliferation in both double BG-11 and BG-11 medium enriched in NaNO3, thus showing the sustainability of the procedure.

Combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review of randomized clinical studies.

Lasers are increasingly utilized in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. The aim of the present systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate the combination use of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser therapy in the treatment of severe periodontitis. A systematic review of the literature including searches in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Grey Literature databases, as well as manual searches, was performed until November 1, 2021. Only studies a combination of lasers during non-surgical treatment of pockets ≥ 6mm were included. The eligibility criteria for meta-analysis comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of combination laser therapy with/without adjunctive mechanical for the non-surgical management of periodontitis. From 57 initial articles, 6 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Two studies were excluded, one study was not a randomized clinical trial (case series), and one study was an in vitro study. Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. It was shown that combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG may be beneficial for non-surgical periodontal therapy with an additional average reduction in pocket depth and clinical attachment level reported at 1.01 and 0.77 mm respectively when compared to controls. The findings suggest that the combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers may lead to additional clinical improvements compared to nonsurgical treatment alone. Future research is needed to substantiate these findings and optimize clinical guidelines including more specific laser protocols. Preliminary data suggest favorable outcomes following the combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers for non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Peri-implant health after supportive mucositis therapy is associated with increased levels of FGF-2.

This study aimed to analyze Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) levels in the peri-implant crevicular fluid throughout supportive mucositis therapy. Twenty-six participants with Branemark protocol prosthesis were divided into two groups: the control group, characterized by healthy peri-implants, and the mucositis group, presenting a diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis. All participants underwent clinical examination, radiographic analysis, prosthesis removal, and non-invasive peri-implant therapy (mechanical debridement associated with chlorhexidine 0.12%) during a period of 36 days divided into three intervals. Peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected at each interval in order to analyze FGF-2 levels by immuno-enzymatic assay. The control and mucositis groups showed difference in keratinized mucosa. The smaller the range of keratinized mucosa the higher susceptibility of peri-implant mucositis. Throughout the treatment intervals, participants were diagnosed in different groups indicating whether or not the non-invasive therapy was able to treat peri-implant mucositis. There was a significant difference of FGF-2 levels between groups, with the higher FGF-2 levels in the control group (p=0.01). After supportive therapy, the mucositis group showed significantly increased FGF-2 levels (p<0.01) compared to initial levels. After 36 days of supportive therapy, there was a reduction of peri-implant mucositis from 70% to 23%. Clinical and laboratory outcomes showed a clear correlation since FGF-2 levels increased after 36 days. It was concluded that the therapy protocol was effective and promoted a regenerative reaction and FGF-2 can be considered a future target for peri-implant mucositis understanding.

Peri-implant health after supportive mucositis therapy is associated with increased levels of FGF-2

Abstract This study aimed to analyze Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) levels in the peri-implant crevicular fluid throughout supportive mucositis therapy. Twenty-six participants with Branemark protocol prosthesis were divided into two groups: the control group, characterized by healthy peri-implants, and the mucositis group, presenting a diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis. All participants underwent clinical examination, radiographic analysis, prosthesis removal, and non-invasive peri-implant therapy (mechanical debridement associated with chlorhexidine 0.12%) during a period of 36 days divided into three intervals. Peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected at each interval in order to analyze FGF-2 levels by immuno-enzymatic assay. The control and mucositis groups showed difference in keratinized mucosa. The smaller the range of keratinized mucosa the higher susceptibility of peri-implant mucositis. Throughout the treatment intervals, participants were diagnosed in different groups indicating whether or not the non-invasive therapy was able to treat peri-implant mucositis. There was a significant difference of FGF-2 levels between groups, with the higher FGF-2 levels in the control group (p=0.01). After supportive therapy, the mucositis group showed significantly increased FGF-2 levels (p<0.01) compared to initial levels. After 36 days of supportive therapy, there was a reduction of peri-implant mucositis from 70% to 23%. Clinical and laboratory outcomes showed a clear correlation since FGF-2 levels increased after 36 days. It was concluded that the therapy protocol was effective and promoted a regenerative reaction and FGF-2 can be considered a future target for peri-implant mucositis understanding.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os níveis de FGF-2 no fluido crevicular peri-implantar durante a terapia de suporte da mucosite. Vinte e seis participantes com prótese protocolo Branemark foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo controle, caracterizado por saúde peri-implanter, e o grupo mucosite, apresentando diagnóstico de mucosite peri-implantar. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a exame clínico, análise radiográfica, retirada da prótese e terapia não invasiva peri-implantar (debridamento mecânico associado à clorexidina 0,12%) durante um período de 36 dias, dividido em três intervalos. Amostras de fluido crevicular peri-implantar foram coletadas em cada intervalo para análise dos níveis de FGF-2, por ensaio imunoenzimático. Os grupos controle e mucosite não apresentaram diferença nos parâmetros clínicos, exceto para mucosa queratinizada. Ao longo dos intervalos de tratamento, os participantes foram diagnosticados em diferentes grupos, indicando se a terapia não invasiva era ou não capaz de tratar a mucosite peri-implantar. Houve diferença significativa dos níveis de FGF-2 entre os grupos, sendo os níveis de FGF-2 maiores no grupo controle (p = 0.01). Após a terapia de suporte, o grupo com mucosite apresentou níveis de FGF-2 significativamente aumentados (p <0.01) em comparação aos níveis iniciais. Após 36 dias de terapia de suporte, houve redução da mucosite peri-implantar de 70% para 23%. Os resultados clínicos e laboratoriais mostraram uma correlação clara, uma vez que os níveis de FGF-2 aumentaram após 36 dias. O protocolo de terapia foi eficaz e promoveu uma reação regenerativa. O FGF-2 pode ser considerado um alvo futuro para o tratamento da mucosite peri-implantar.

A diamino-functionalized silsesquioxane pillared graphene oxide for CO2 capture.

In the race for viable solutions that could slow down carbon emissions and help in meeting the climate change targets a lot of effort is being made towards the development of suitable CO2 adsorbents with high surface area, tunable pore size and surface functionalities that could enhance selective adsorption. Here, we explored the use of silsesquioxane pillared graphene oxide for CO2 capture; we modified silsesquioxane loading and processing parameters in order to obtain pillared structures with nanopores of the tailored size and surface properties to maximize the CO2 sorption capacity. Powder X-ray diffraction, XPS and FTIR spectroscopies, thermal analysis (DTA/TGA), surface area measurements and CO2 adsorption measurements were employed to characterize the materials and evaluate their performance. Through this optimisation process, materials with good CO2 storage capacities of up to 1.7/1.5 mmol g-1 at 273 K/298 K in atmospheric pressure, were achieved.

Enhanced CO2 capture in binary mixtures of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide ionic liquids with water.

Absorption of carbon dioxide and water in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliun tricyanomethanide ([C4C1im][TCM]) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide ([C8C1im][TCM]) ionic liquids (ILs) was systematically investigated for the first time as a function of the H2O content by means of a gravimetric system together with in-situ Raman spectroscopy, excess molar volume (V(E)), and viscosity deviation measurements. Although CO2 absorption was marginally affected by water at low H2O molar fractions for both ILs, an increase of the H2O content resulted in a marked enhancement of both the CO2 solubility (ca. 4-fold) and diffusivity (ca. 10-fold) in the binary [C(n)C1im][TCM]/H2O systems, in contrast to the weak and/or detrimental influence of water in most physically and chemically CO2-absorbing ILs. In-situ Raman spectroscopy on the IL/CO2 systems verified that CO2 is physically absorbed in the dry ILs with no significant effect on their structural organization. A pronounced variation of distinct tricyanomethanide Raman modes was disclosed in the [C(n)C1im][TCM]/H2O mixtures, attesting to the gradual disruption of the anion-cation coupling by the hydrogen-bonded water molecules to the [TCM](-) anions, in accordance with the positive excess molar volumes and negative viscosity deviations for the binary systems. Most importantly, CO2 absorption in the ILs/H2O mixtures at high water concentrations revealed that the [TCM](-) Raman modes tend to restore their original state for the heavily hydrated ILs, in qualitative agreement with the intriguing nonmonotonous transients of CO2 absorption kinetics unveiled by the gravimetric measurements for the hybrid solvents. A molecular exchange mechanism between CO2 in the gas phase and H2O in the liquid phase was thereby proposed to explain the enhanced CO2 absorption in the hybrid [C(n)C1im][TCM]//H2O solvents based on the subtle competition between the TCM-H2O and TCM-CO2 interactions, which renders these ILs very promising for CO2 separation applications.

Is titanium sensitivity associated with allergic reactions in patients with dental implants? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A worrying correlation which seems to be overlooked by clinicians is allergic reactions to titanium (Ti) in patients with dental implants. PURPOSE: The aim of the present review study was to assess whether or not Ti sensitivity is associated with allergic reactions in patients with dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the focused question "Can Ti cause allergic reactions in patients with dental implants?", databases were explored from 1977 until May 2010 using a combination of the following keywords: "allergy,""dental,""hypersensitivity,""implant,""oral," and "Titanium." Letters to the editor and unpublished data were excluded. RESULTS: Seven studies (six clinical and one experimental) were included. The participants were aged between 14.3 and 84.1 years. In five clinical studies, Ti implants were inserted in the mandible. Five studies reported dermal inflammatory conditions and gingival hyperplasia as allergic reactions in patients with Ti dental implants. A case report presented swelling in submental and labial sulcus and hyperemia of soft tissues in a patient with Ti dental implants. Two studies reported that Ti implants are well tolerated in host tissues. The patch test was performed in two clinical studies for the diagnosis of allergic reactions. Memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay and lymphocyte transformation tests were also performed. CONCLUSION: The significance of Ti as a cause of allergic reactions in patients with dental implants remains unproven.

Immediate loading of tooth-implant-supported telescopic mandibular prostheses.

PURPOSE: Extractions in partially edentulous patients often lead to insufficient stability of an existing partial prosthesis and a need for additional anchorage. Implants may therefore be placed as supplementary abutments to increase patient comfort and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of implants combined with teeth to support telescopic abutment-retained removable full-arch prostheses under an immediate functional loading protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included implants placed and connected via removable prostheses with periodontally healthy teeth immediately postplacement using prefabricated abutments. Secondary copings, precisely fit to the abutments, were placed and the partial dentures were relined chairside. The prosthetic restorations were not removed for 10 days. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of implants loaded for at least 2 years were performed. RESULTS: One hundred ten implants with a progressive thread design (Ankylos, Dentsply) were placed in 55 patients (mean age, 63.51±9.95 years). Twenty-five implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets (22.73%) and 85 implants were placed in healed ridges. All implants were placed 2 to 3 mm subcrestally (measured from the midfacial bone level). After a mean follow-up of 61.58±28.47 months (range, 24 to 125 months), there were only three failures (2.73%); another six implants (5.45%) displayed crestal bone loss greater than 2 mm but remained stable. Therefore, the failure rate was 8.18% for the entire observation period of 5.13 years. The success rate was 91.82% and the cumulative survival rate was 97.27%. All patients were satisfied with the stability of their prostheses, and no prosthetic, peri-implant, or abutment tooth problems were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Telescopic tooth-implant-supported mandibular restorations with immediate loading present an alternative prosthetic solution for partially edentulous patients, providing a long-term predictable clinical outcome.

A clinical study of edentulous patients rehabilitated according to the "all on four" immediate function protocol.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare definitive acrylic resin prostheses with or without a cast metal framework that were immediately loaded and supported by axial and tilted implants in completely edentulous patients after 3 years of function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were completely or partially edentulous in one or both arches with severe atrophy of the posterior regions were selected for this study. All patients immediately received prosthetic rehabilitations, each supported by four implants (two axial and two tilted). The patients were randomized to receive a definitive prosthesis with a cast metal framework or one made of acrylic resin only. Follow-up visits were performed up to 36 months after implant insertion and included radiographic assessments of bone levels around the implants. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients participated, and 44 complete-arch immediately loaded prostheses (24 maxillary and 20 mandibular), each supported by four implants (in total 176 implants), were placed. In all, 21 screw-retained full-arch acrylic resin prostheses and 23 cast-metal-framework prostheses were delivered to the patients. The 3-year overall implant survival rate was 100% for axially positioned implants and 96.59% for tilted implants. Implant survival rates were 98.96% in the maxilla and 97.5% in the mandible. None of the 44 fixed prostheses were lost during the observation period, representing a prosthetic survival rate of 100%. No statistically significant differences were seen in crestal bone loss between tilted and axial implants at 12, 24, and 36 months in either arch. CONCLUSIONS: The same clinical outcome was seen for patients treated with the so-called All on Four protocol, regardless of whether the acrylic resin restorations were reinforced with metal.

Effect of cigarette smoking on the clinical outcomes of periodontal surgical procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Experimental studies have revealed that nicotine upregulates the expression of receptors of advanced glycation end products and retards fibroblastic cell migration in the gingiva of smokers compared with nonsmokers, thereby inducing a proinflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to review the effect of cigarette smoking on the clinical outcomes of periodontal surgical procedures. METHODS: To address the focused question, "What is the effect of cigarette smoking on clinical outcomes after periodontal surgical interventions?", databases were searched from 1968 to May 2010 using various combinations of the following key words: inflammation, mucoperiosteal flap, periodontal surgery, smoking and tobacco. The inclusion criteria included all levels of available evidence. Articles published only in the English language were evaluated, and unpublished data were not sought. RESULTS: Twenty-four clinical studies were included. The duration of smoking habit ranged from at least 5 years to 27.8 years. Sixteen studies showed that reductions in probing depth and gains in clinical attachment levels were compromised in smokers in comparison with nonsmokers. Three studies showed residual recession after periodontal surgical interventions to be significantly higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Three case reports showed periodontal healing to be uneventful in smokers. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking has a negative effect on periodontal wound healing after surgical interventions.

Comparison of modified widman and coronally advanced flap surgery combined with Co2 laser root irradiation in periodontal therapy: a 15-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to compare modified Widman flap surgery (MW) to coronally advanced flap surgery combined with carbon dioxide laser root conditioning (CAF + CO2) from baseline to 15 years of follow-up. Each of 25 patients participating in this study were treated using a split-mouth design: In one quadrant, the teeth received MW surgery (control), and on the other side, after a full-thickness flap was raised, a CO2 laser was used and the full-thickness flap was repositioned coronally and sutured (CAF + CO2, test). Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were monitored from baseline to 15 years. For probing depths ⋝ 7 mm, CAF + CO2 sites provided greater pocket reduction (P < .01), and data on clinical attachment level showed a significant difference between control and test sites at 5 to 6 mm (P < .001) and ⋝ 7 mm (P < .001). This study showed that CAF + CO2 therapy resulted in significantly higher improvements than MW surgery.

Microcomputed tomographic analysis of bone reaction at insertion of orthodontic mini-implants in sheep.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects on bone of forced insertion of self-tapping orthodontic mini-implants and thus obtain biomechanical data to develop insertion protocols and optimize drills for implant site preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After implant site preparation, 39 orthodontic mini-implants (OMI), 1.6 x 7.5 mm each, were inserted into the hard bone of sheep mandible; 24 were placed with a 1-mm bone drill and 15 were placed with a standard-diameter (1.2-mm) drill. Removal torque was measured immediately (group A) and 8 weeks after insertion (group B). Eight OMIs (group C) were removed from the mandible in block sections of appropriate size for microcomputed tomographic morphometric and morphologic analyses. RESULTS: All OMIs were placed without complications, with mean insertion torque of 17.625 (± 1.71) Ncm (test groups) and 17.70 (± 1.41) (control groups) and were stable at reentry. Group A implants showed a reduction in removal torque of 5.66%, while in group B, removal torque was reduced by 43.25%. In the control groups (ie, OMIs placed with a 1.2-mm drill), removal torque immediately after placement was reduced by 5.64%, and 8 weeks after insertion, removal torque had declined by 18.2%. Microcomputed tomographic bone morphometric analysis for both test and control groups showed that bone-implant contact was lower than expected in cortical bone 8 weeks after insertion. Morphologic analysis revealed cavities in the cortical bone close to the surface and microcalli in soft bone. Cavities in the cortical bone may have been caused by bone trauma during insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a narrow drill for site preparation increased orthodontic screw insertion torque, but it also damaged the bone and decreased removal torque. Standard histologic examination may clarify whether cavities in hard bone are actually signs of bone resorption that results from the activation of remodeling.

Catalytic NOx removal by single-wall carbon nanotube-supported Rh nanoparticles.

Single-wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with polyethylene glycol and doped with Rh nanoparticles were prepared and tested as catalyst for NO(x) reduction. Gravimetric adsorption studies were employed to elucidate the mechanism of NO adsorption on the active surface sites and to determine the onset of the desorption of oxygen. These studies provided information about the reaction kinetics and the lifetime of the catalyst, as well as the NO scission onset temperature and abatement rate, thus making possible to predict the conversion and define the optimum reaction conditions for efficient NO removal. Catalytic experiments were performed under different operating conditions and feed compositions, such as under rich operation, in presence of oxygen, and in presence of reducing CO and hydrocarbons. The developed nanostructured catalyst exhibits enhanced activity at lower temperatures in comparison to that reported for other Rh-based catalytic systems, while data about feed composition effects and carbon support depletion provided operating conditions that suppress N(2)O formation and extent the catalyst lifetime.

Magnetic carbon nanotubes with particle-free surfaces and high drug loading capacity.

Open-ended, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated within their graphitic walls (magCNTs) were fabricated by a combined action of templated growth and a ferrofluid catalyst/carbon precursor, and tested as drug hosts. The hybrid nanotubes are stable under extreme pH conditions due to particle protection provided by the graphitic shell. The magCNTs are promising for high capacity drug loading given that the magnetic functionalization did not block any of the active sites available for drug attachment, either from the CNT internal void or on the internal and external surfaces. This is in contrast to typical approaches of loading CNTs with particles that proceed through surface attachment or capillary filling of the tube interior. Additionally, the CNTs exhibit enhanced hydrophilic character, as shown by water adsorption measurements, which make them suitable for biological applications. The morphological and structural characteristics of the hybrid CNTs are evaluated in conjunction to their magnetic properties and ability for drug loading (diaminophenothiazine). The fact that the magnetic functionality is provided from 'inside the walls' can allow for multimode functionalization of the graphitic surfaces and makes the magCNTs promising for targeted therapeutic applications.

Treatment concept of the edentulous mandible with prefabricated telescopic abutments and immediate functional loading.

PURPOSE: The present paper demonstrates a new technique and long-term results of a treatment concept that uses four implants placed in the anterior mandible that are connected to prefabricated telescopic abutments and immediately loaded with removable restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 488 implants (Ankylos, Dentsply) placed in 122 patients (mean age: 65.2 ± 9.8 years) with clinical and radiographic evaluation for a period of at least 1 year. Eighty-four implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets and combined in the restorations with implants placed in healed ridges. All implants were placed 2 mm subcrestally (based on chart documentation, measured from the midfacial bone level). The implants were connected immediately after surgery to conical prefabricated abutments (angle of 4 to 6 degrees) using a final torque of 15 Ncm. Secondary prefabricated copings that fit the abutments were placed over the abutments after abutment connection, and the complete denture of each patient was relined chairside with methyl methacrylate resin. The prosthetic restorations were to remain in place for 10 days to ensure that the implants remained immobile. RESULTS: After a mean of 79 ± 29.8 months (range, 17 to 129 months) only eight implants failed (1.6%). Twenty-one implants (4.3%) showed crestal bone loss greater than 2 mm relative to the implant position at the time of implant insertion. Therefore, the failure rate was 5.94% for the entire observation period. The success rate for the evaluated implants was 94.06%. The patients were satisfied with the stability of their prostheses, and no prosthetic or peri-implant problems were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These telescopic implant-supported restorations with immediate loading seem to be an alternative prosthetic solution for the edentulous patient, providing long-term implant stability.

Investigation of confined ionic liquid in nanostructured materials by a combination of SANS, contrast-matching SANS, and nitrogen adsorption.

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), contrast-matching SANS, and nitrogen adsorption have been utilized to investigate the confined ionic liquid (IL) [bmim][PF(6)] phase in ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41 and SBA-15. The results suggest that the pores of SBA-15 are completely filled with IL whereas a small fraction of the pore volume, the pore "core", of MCM-41 is empty. The contrast-matching SANS measurements confirm the enhanced solubility of water in IL. In addition, they provide strong evidence that water does not enter the empty pore core of MCM-41, possibly because of the preferred orientation of the IL molecules in the adsorbed layer.

Facile synthesis of carbon supported copper nanoparticles from alginate precursor with controlled metal content and catalytic NO reduction properties.

A copper-nanoparticle-doped carbon was prepared from an alginate based precursor in a one step carbonisation-reduction procedure based on the modified polyol process. The ion exchange capacity of the precursor as well as the porosity, metal content, thermal properties, of the final product, were investigated. The preparation route leads to a porous carbon/copper composite with predefined metal loading reaching up to over 30% (w/w) of finely dispersed Cu nanoparticles of fairly uniform size. NO catalytic abatement evaluation showed high efficiency even at low temperatures compared to other recently reported carbon supported catalysts.

Implant surface morphology and primary stability: is there a connection?

PURPOSE: The aim was to review the influence of surface morphology on the primary stability of dental implants. METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed databases were explored from 1991 up to and including April 2010 using different combinations of the following terms: "dental," "implant surface roughness," "immediate loading," "initial stability," "primary stability," and "osseointegration." Articles published only in English language were included and hand searching was also performed. Letters to the Editor and unpublished data were excluded. RESULTS: Ten studies (three clinical and seven experimental) were included according to the search databases. In six studies (three experimental and three clinical), the implant stability was measured at least after 4 weeks after implant insertion; and primary implant stability was recorded in four experimental studies, using the insertion and removal torque tests and resonance frequency analysis using implant stability quotient values. CONCLUSION: Rough-surfaced implants have significantly higher success rates compared with dental implants with smooth surfaces; however, the question "Is there a connection between implant surface roughness (microdesign) and primary stability?" remains unanswered.

Cancellous bone block allografts for the augmentation of the anterior atrophic maxilla.

BACKGROUND: Pre-implant augmentative surgery is a prerequisite in many cases in the anterior maxilla to achieve a stable, long-term esthetic final result. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of ridge augmentation with cancellous freeze-dried block bone allografts in the anterior atrophic maxilla followed by placement of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive patients were included in the study. A bony deficiency of at least 3 mm horizontally and up to 3 mm vertically according to computerized tomography (CT) served as inclusion criteria. Sixty-three implants were inserted after a healing period of 6 months. Nineteen of sixty-three implants were immediately restored. Bone measurements were taken prior to bone augmentation, during implant placement, and at second-stage surgery. RESULTS: Forty-six cancellous allogeneic bone blocks were used. The mean follow-up was 34 ± 16 months. Mean bone gain was 5 ± 0.5 mm horizontally, and 2 ± 0.5 mm vertically. Mean buccal bone resorption was 0.5 ± 0.5 mm at implant placement, and 0.2 ± 0.2 mm at second-stage surgery. Mean bone thickness buccal to the implant neck was 2.5 ± 0.5 mm at implant placement, and 2.3 ± 0.2 mm at second-stage surgery. There was no evidence of vertical bone loss between implant placement and second-stage surgery. Block and implant survival rates were 95.6 and 98%, respectively. All patients received a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Cancellous block allografts appear to hold promise for grafting the anterior atrophic maxilla.