Detection of Biomarkers through Functionalized Polymers.

Over the past decade, there has been a rising interest in utilizing functionalized porous polymers for sensor applications. By incorporating functional groups into nanostructured materials like hydrogels, nanosheets, and nanopores, exciting new opportunities have emerged for biomarker detection. The ability of functionalized polymers to undergo physical changes and deformations makes them perfect for modulating optical signals. This chemical mechanism enables the creation of biocompatible sensors for in situ biomarker measurement. Here a comprehensive overview of the current publication trends is provided in functionalized polymers, encompassing functional groups that can induce measurable physical deformations. It explores various materials categorized based on their detection targets, which include proteins, carbohydrates, ions, and deoxyribonucleic acid. As such, this work serves as a valuable reference for the development of functionalized polymer-based sensors.

Initial experience and one-year follow-up with Neuroform Atlas Stent System for the treatment of brain aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: The Neuroform Atlas Stent System is a recently introduced modification of the original Neuroform Stent System consisting of a hybrid design with open and closed cells. Initial experience, technical considerations and treatment outcomes including 1-year follow-up using the Atlas stent in combination with coil embolization are reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with 30 unruptured aneurysms were treated with stent reconstruction. Immediate, 4-month and 12-month post-treatment angiography and clinical assessment were performed. DISCUSSION: In 29 cases, the stents were delivered and positioned without difficulty in deployment. Technical complications occurred in one patient related to advancement of the stent during delivery. One procedure-related clinical complication occurred with no permanent neurological deficit. On immediate post-treatment angiography, 29 of 30 aneurysms showed Raymond Class I or Class II occlusion. At 1-year follow-up, all 30 patients were clinically stable and 18 of 30 aneurysms showed Raymond Class I complete occlusion. Retreatment was performed in two patients with residual aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: The Atlas stent is technically safe and simple to implant and has a low thrombogenic potential. We experienced fewer problems associated with deployment and implantation, thromboembolic complications and hemorrhagic events compared with other types of stents, including braided stents. However, because of its low thrombogenic potential, partially occluded aneurysms or those with aneurysm remnants do not progress to complete occlusion.

Effect of Aquatine Endodontic Cleanser on smear layer removal in the root canals of ex vivo human teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the root canal cleanliness and smear layer removal effectiveness of Aquatine Endodontic Cleanser (Aquatine EC) when used as an endodontic irrigating solution in comparison with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five human teeth were randomly allocated to five treatment groups; the pulp chamber was accessed, cleaned, and shaped by using ProTaper and ProFile rotary instrumentation to an ISO size #40. The teeth were then processed for scanning electron microscopy, and the root canal cleanliness and removal of smear layer were examined. RESULTS: The most effective removal of smear layer occurred with Aquatine EC and NaOCl, both with a rinse of EDTA. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatine EC appears to be the first hypochlorous acid approved by the FDA to be a possible alternative to the use of NaOCl as an intracanal irrigant. Further research is needed to identify safer and more effective alternatives to the use of NaOCl irrigation in endodontics.

Effect of aquatine endodontic cleanser on smear layer removal in the root canals of ex vivo human teeth

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the root canal cleanliness and smear layer removal effectiveness of Aquatine Endodontic Cleanser (Aquatine EC) when used as an endodontic irrigating solution in comparison with 6 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five human teeth were randomly allocated to five treatment groups; the pulp chamber was accessed, cleaned, and shaped by using ProTaper and ProFile rotary instrumentation to an ISO size #40. The teeth were then processed for scanning electron microscopy, and the root canal cleanliness and removal of smear layer were examined. RESULTS: The most effective removal of smear layer occurred with Aquatine EC and NaOCl, both with a rinse of EDTA. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatine EC appears to be the first hypochlorous acid approved by the FDA to be a possible alternative to the use of NaOCl as an intracanal irrigant. Further research is needed to identify safer and more effective alternatives to the use of NaOCl irrigation in endodontics.