Biodegradable materials investigation has become a necessity and a direction for many researchers worldwide. The main goal is to find sustainable alternatives which gradually replace plastics based on fossil resources from the market, because they are very harmful to the environment and to overall quality of life. In order to get to the stage of obtaining different functional parts from biodegradable materials, it is necessary to study their properties. Taking into account these shortcomings, this paper aims at the mechanical characterization (DMA—Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) and thermal degradation (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) of lignin-based biopolymers: Arboform LV3 Nature^®, Arboblend^® V2 Nature, and Arbofill^® Fichte Arboform^® LV3 Nature reinforced with aramid fibers. The tested samples were obtained by using the most common fabrication technique for polymers—injection molding. The obtained results for the DMA analysis showed separate polymeric-specific regions for each material and, based on the tanδ values between (0.37–0.54), a series of plastics could be proposed for replacement. The mechano-dynamic behavior could be correlated with the thermal expansion of biopolymers for temperatures higher than 50/55 °C, which are thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 250 °C.

Fractures are becoming a bigger and bigger global health problem, with an estimated 178 million new cases each year and 455 million people living with disabilities caused by fractures. Donor site morbidity, the risk of immune rejection, and limited functional integration all make current grafting techniques less effective. Biomaterials that come from nature, like collagen, gelatin, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid (HA), and silk fibroin, have become promising scaffolds because they are bioactive, mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), and can be broken down by enzymes. Crosslinking and composite reinforcement can greatly change how well they work. For example, collagen scaffolds that are highly crosslinked with glutaraldehyde keep up to 51.9% of their tensile strength after being exposed to enzymes, while non-crosslinked scaffolds only keep 12% of their strength. Chitosan–hydroxyapatite matrices, on the other hand, can reach compressive strengths of 2–12 MPa, which is close to the strength of cancellous bone. Additive manufacturing and 4D printing allow for precise control of structures and the ability to change their shape over time, which helps with vascularization and mechanical adaptation. Injectable and in situ-forming hydrogels show clinically important results, such as filling 85% of osteochondral defects in rabbits, improving left ventricular ejection fraction by up to 9% in large-animal cardiac models, and speeding up healing by 25–40% in chronic wounds. Even with these improvements, it is still hard to get batch consistency, a standardized way to test mechanical properties, and production that meets GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and can be scaled up.

Aim of the study This report aimed to assess the nonpainfull and currative effect of the electropuncture technique complemented by massage and active proprioceptive postural kinetotherapy of causal occlusion-posture imbalances accompanied by acute or chronic pain. This research provide an insight into the report of evidence available for the analgesic, uses of TENS in pathologies of the stomatognathic apparatus that induce postural defects. Malocclusion correction correlated with postural rehabilitation with non-invasive and non-drug methods, without adverse effects, including electropuncture (TENS) applied in conjunction with proprioceptive kinetotherapy techniques, massage and psychotherapy is the path to the success of occlusion-postural rehabilitation with significant results both on painful suffering and on the correction of malocclusions and global postural imbalances. Material and methods The forty-for patients ranged in age from 20 to 50 years, came to the rehabilitation center accusing important pain and functional impotence at various levels: temporo-mandibular, occlusal, postural, sole etc. Patients received clinical consultation, occlusal, postural and plantar evaluation, occluzal, postural and plantar analysis with the posturograph device receiving diagnostics of malocclusion overlapped with postural imbalances like kyphosis, scoliosis, genu varum, genu valgum, flat foot or claw foot and even psychotherapy. Group P1 received only orthodontic dental treatment to correct the occlusion. Group P2 received in addition to orthodontic treatment to correct the occlusion the complete non-invasive postural rehabilitation treatment including transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS), massage, proprioceptive kinetoterapy and psychotherapy. Results La finalul tratamentului aplicat complet, holistic si tenace, am constat rezultate notabile relevate la Group P2 (who benefited from electroneurostimulation therapy and psychotherapy in addition to kinetotherapy and massage) fata de Group P1 (who only benefit from the stomatologically approach) prin atenuarea semnificativa si chiar eradicarea durerii resimtite la nivelul articulatiei temporo-mandibulare, a zonei cervicale, toracale si lombare, reducerea dezechilibrelor de curbura si posturale ale coloanei vertebrale, corectarea dezechilibrelor de arcurire la nivelul talpilor, dupa caz. In plus, we obtained physiological mobility angles of the temporomandibular joint, muscle relaxation on paravertebral and abdominal hypertonic areas, muscle toning on hypotonic areas, efficient, operational muscle strength, so that the muscles are able to support physiologically correct posture, physiological posture at the umeral, pelvis, knee level as well as plantar flatfoot rehabilitation, patients finally approaching a plantar arch at the limit of physiological values. Conclusions The multidisciplinary collaboration regarding both diagnosis and treatment has an effect and proves its effectiveness in the context of the existence of occlusal and global postural imbalances. The increased incidence and prevalence of global postural imbalances induced by daily static professional, family, recreational activities requires opting for holistic and multidisciplinary integrative treatments.

The purpose of the present paper is to analyze, both experimentally and theoretically, the behavior of the polymeric biocomposite generically known as “liquid wood”, trademarked as Arbofill. The experimental part refers to the mechanical performance in tension and compression, having as finality the possibility of using “liquid wood” as a material suitable for the rehabilitation of degraded wooden elements in civil structures (ex. use in historical buildings, monuments etc.). The theoretical part refers to computer simulations regarding the mechanical behavior of “liquid wood” as well as to a theoretical model in the paradigm of motion, which describes the same behavior. This model is based on the hypothesis that “liquid wood” can be assimilated, both structurally and functionally, to a multifractal object, situation in which its entities are described through continuous, non-differentiable curves. Then, descriptions of the behavior of “liquid wood”, both in the Schrödinger-type and in hydrodynamic-type representations at various scale resolutions, become operational. Since in the hydrodynamic-type representation, the constitutive law of “liquid wood” can be highlighted, several operational procedures (Ricatti-type gauge, differential geometry in absolute space etc.) will allow correlations between the present proposed model and the experimental data. The obtained results, both practical (81% bearing capacity in compression and 36% bearing capacity in tension, compared to control samples) and theoretical (validation of material performance in virtual environment simulations, stresses and strains correlations in a theoretical model) indicate that “liquid wood” could be used in the construction industry, as a potential rehabilitation material, but with more development clearly needed.

This review explores the relationship between dental occlusion, particularly malocclusion, and its impact on body posture, emphasizing the musculoskeletal effects of different occlusal bite classifications. Class I, II, and III malocclusions affect head, neck, and spine alignment, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and postural imbalances. Class II (overbite) results in anterior head posture, increasing strain on the cervical spine, while Class III (underbite) causes posterior head posture, leading to compensatory stress in the spine and lower back. Research highlights the biomechanical effects of malocclusion on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and spine, contributing to conditions like kyphosis, lordosis, and gait abnormalities. A comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. This review identified a need for interdisciplinary treatment approaches combining dental, orthopedic, and physical therapy interventions to address both dental alignment and musculoskeletal health. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces and jaw surgery, help realign the jaw, reducing postural strain, while physical therapy can alleviate muscle tension and improve overall body alignment. These insights highlight the importance of integrating dental and postural treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes.

Aim of the study: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a paradigm shift in emergency dental care, prompting a reassessment of traditional approaches and the adoption of innovative strategies to address evolving challenges. Introduction: This comprehensive study explores the multifaceted landscape of emergency dental care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, delving into the integration of tele-dentistry, advancements in point-of-care testing, optimization of aerosol-reducing techniques, enhancements in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the pivotal role of public health preparedness and education. Materials and Methods: Through a meticulous review of existing literature and analysis of pertinent studies, this study elucidates the transformative impact of these innovations on emergency dental care provision. Results: Tele-dentistry has emerged as a valuable tool for remote assessment, initial guidance, and triaging of cases, while advancements in point-of-care testing facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in dental settings. Moreover, optimization of aerosol-reducing techniques and advancements in PPE design contribute to minimizing viral transmission risks during emergency procedures. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of robust public health preparedness and education in fostering a proactive approach to dental emergencies and instilling confidence in patients to seek timely care. Collaborative efforts among dental professionals, researchers, and public health authorities are essential in navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and fortifying preparedness for future crises. Conclusion: This study advocates for the continued integration of innovative solutions and adaptive strategies in emergency dental care, guided by a commitment to patient safety, evidence-based practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By embracing these advancements, the dental community can navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to ensure the oral health and well-being of individuals for generations to come.