A tetracalcium phosphate/monetite/calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder cement mixture (CAS) in the form of a paste was used as a socket preservative to prevent alveolar ridge resorption after the extraction of the second premolar tooth in the mandible of a pig model. During the post-surgery period, the animals were monitored daily. No signs of inflammation, infection, or other complications were observed in the defect site for six months. Six months after surgery, the mandible defects in pigs were evaluated using macroscopic, histological, and radiological techniques. Treatment of the extraction sites with CAS biocement resulted in the uniform filling of the defects with alveolar bone tissue, characterized by a relatively smooth and homogeneous gum surface with no visible biocement residues. The formation of new bone tissue with osteoblasts, osteocytes, and mineralized matrices was confirmed. The results showed the similar morphology, thickness, and complete integration of the newly formed bone with the surrounding tissue. CAS biocement could be an effective material to prevent alveolar bone reduction as well as soft tissue loss and could support dental implant placement with long-term functionality.

Objectives: This study describes the presence of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in mice oocytes, preimplantation embryos (O/PEs), and female genital organs during the preimplantation period of pregnancy. Background: Glutathione peroxidase 3, the antioxidant enzyme, is important in protecting cells against the oxidative stress. Methods: O/PEs were isolated from genital organs of superovulated females for the immunofluorescence analysis and these organs were used for the immunohistochemistry to detect GPx3. Results: GPx3 was present in all O/PEs, where it formed clusters diffusely in the cytoplasm, or under the cytoplasmic membrane. Moreover, GPx3 was likely indicated in nucleoli. GPx3 was found in the cytoplasm of granulosa-lutein cells as well as in follicular cells. The oocyte cytoplasm inside the ovary was negative. Oviductal epithelial cells before and after fertilization had different positivity patterns. Uterine luminal epithelial cells were negative before fertilization. After fertilization, a few positive luminal epithelial cells and a few cells of uterine glands had positive cytoplasm. Conclusion: The differences of the GPx3 signal intensity in nucleoli of the zygote and the 2-cell embryo, and the different localization of GPx3 in the cytoplasm of 2-cell and 4-cell embryos may be the signs of the maternal-zygotic genome transition. Moreover, GPx3 may be significant during the preimplantation period of pregnancy in O/PEs and female genital organs, where it could protect cells from oxidative stress during the hormone and protein synthesis, and during the cell metabolism. The presence of cytoplasmic granules in epithelial cells of fallopian tube may indicate their secretion into the lumen of the organ to protect gametes and preimplantation embryos passing through. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating GPx3 occurrence in mammalian preimplantation embryos.

Osteochondral defects of the knee represent a significant clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of the osteochondral unit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials combined with honey in a porcine model. Osteochondral defects were surgically induced and treated with a custom-prepared composite material. Tissue regeneration was assessed using integrated macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, supported by multimodal imaging techniques. The outcomes were compared with both a spontaneous healing group and a control site with native cartilage. The composite biomaterial significantly enhanced osteochondral regeneration, with results comparable to healthy cartilage. Notably, improved structural organization and more advanced healing responses were observed in the treated group compared to spontaneous healing. The beneficial effects are attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties of honey, which may enhance the regenerative microenvironment and support tissue repair. These findings highlight the potential of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials combined with honey as a promising strategy for osteochondral defect treatment, improving structural, biological, and biomechanical aspects of healing.

The treatment of osteochondral defects still poses a challenge, despite the fact that there are currently many methods and various materials designed for the regeneration of these tissues. The aim of our study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactive potential of an innovative biocement enriched with manuka honey and α-tricalcium phosphate in a porcine model, with a focus on subchondral bone regeneration. Osteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle were treated with the tested biocement in five animals, and five additional animals served as controls (untreated defect). After six months of observation, the regenerative potential of the therapeutic strategy was evaluated macroscopically, using imaging methods (X-ray, CT, and MRI) and histological examination. The studied biomaterial showed no cytotoxicity and proved to be biocompatible. In the in vivo system, based on imaging and histological methods, a typical trabecular organization with cellular elements has been observed in all animals treated with the tested biocement, indicating active remodeling and maturation processes. In animals with untreated defects, incomplete healing of the bone defect occurred, with limited areas of trabecular bone and incomplete boundaries between the cartilage and subchondral bone. Our pilot study, employing a multi-method approach to investigate the in vivo effects of a novel biocement on bone tissue regeneration, may highlight the potential contribution of biomaterials to the development of new therapeutic strategies in the context of osteochondral regeneration.

The aim of our paper was to evaluate the level of aerobic performance in students of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ) in reflection to their physical activity (PA) after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research pool for the assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on PA consisted of 675 UPJŠ students (466 females and 209 males). Aerobic endurance data were obtained from the results of a 20-meter multistage endurance shuttle run (beep test). In our research, we found a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students´ PA in almost 1/4 of all the respondents. Considering current standard for both sexes, women showed better results than men did in aerobic performance. Comparing the aerobic performance in the groups of students with and without the negative effect of pandemic on PA, we found a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the male group. Comparing our VO2max results with a similar study by Zadarko et al. (2010), we observed a significant decrease in performance in the „excellent” (–11.9%) and „fair” (–6.3%) norms in women. However, we found an increase in the „good” level (+24.4%). We recorded a decrease in the number of performances in the „superior” (–14.7%) and „excellent” (–9.3%) norms in males and we observed an increase in the „fair” (+13.7%) and „poor” (+10.6%) groups. Our results confirmed negative impact of the pandemic on undergraduates´ physical activity. Repeated PA restriction in the future may not only permanently reduce aerobic fitness of physically active people, but also increase the risk of various health problems.