In this work, the micro-arc oxidation method is used to fabricate surface-modified complex-structured titanium implant coatings to improve biocompatibility. Depending on the utilized electrolyte solution and micro-arc oxidation process parameters, three different types of coatings (one of them—oxide, another two—calcium phosphates) were obtained, differing in their coating thickness, crystallite phase composition and, thus, with a significantly different biocompatibility. An analytical approach based on X-ray computed tomography utilizing software-aided coating recognition is employed in this work to reveal their structural uniformity. Electrochemical studies prove that the coatings exhibit varying levels of corrosion protection. In vitro and in vivo experiments of the three different micro-arc oxidation coatings prove high biocompatibility towards adult stem cells (investigation of cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation), as well as in vivo biocompatibility (including histological analysis). These results demonstrate superior biological properties compared to unmodified titanium surfaces. The ratio of calcium and phosphorus in coatings, as well as their phase composition, have a great influence on the biological response of the coatings.

Novel non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of malignancies should be effective for early diagnosis, reproducible, inexpensive, and independent from the human factor. Our aim was to establish the applicability of the non-invasive method, based on the analysis of air exhaled by patients who are at different stages of oropharyngeal, larynx and lung cancer. The diagnostic device includes semiconductor sensors capable of measuring the concentrations of gas components in exhaled air, with the high sensitivity of 1 ppm. The neural network uses signals from these sensors to perform classification and identify cancer patients. Prior to the diagnostic procedure of the non-invasive method, we clarified the extent and stage of the tumor according to current international standards and recommendations for the diagnosis of malignancies. The statistical dataset for neural network training and method validation included samples from 121 patients with the most common tumor localizations (lungs, oropharyngeal region and larynx). The largest number of cases (21 patients) were lung cancer, while the number of patients with oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer varied from 1 to 9, depending on tumor localization (oropharyngeal, tongue, oral cavity, larynx and mucosa of the lower jaw). In the case of lung cancer, the parameters of the diagnostic device are determined as follows: sensitivity—95.24%, specificity—76.19%. For oropharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer, these parameters were 67.74% and 87.1%, respectively. This non-invasive method could lead to relevant medicinal findings and provide an opportunity for clinical utility and patient benefit upon early diagnosis of malignancies.

“Electronic nose” technology, including technical and software tools to analyze gas mixtures, is promising regarding the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms. This paper presents the research results of breath samples analysis from 59 people, including patients with a confirmed diagnosis of respiratory tract cancer. The research was carried out using a gas analytical system including a sampling device with 14 metal oxide sensors and a computer for data analysis. After digitization and preprocessing, the data were analyzed by a neural network with perceptron architecture. As a result, the accuracy of determining oncological disease was 81.85%, the sensitivity was 90.73%, and the specificity was 61.39%.

Introduction. Many researchers are currently searching for new, safe, and effective methods of maxillofacial reconstruction in cancer patients.In this case, special attention should be paid to ceramic implants.Objective: to develop a personalized approach to the maxillofacial reconstruction using bioactive ceramic implants.Materials and methods. We performed virtual planning of the implants for the reconstruction of the maxillofacial region basing on the preoperative spiral computed tomography scans of the facial skeleton.Results. We have developed a new method of preoperative planning and creation of individualized implants made of bioactive ceramics for reconstructing the maxillofacial region. This method is demanded in reconstructive surgery and can be applied in routine clinical practice.Conclusion. Reconstructive surgeries with the implants made of bioactive ceramics allow achieving good functional and aesthetic results in patients with large postoperative defects in the maxillofacial region, thus, improving their quality of life.

Calcium phosphate coatings on titanium implants surface, produced by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method with hydroxyapatite solid target were investigated. It was found that produced coatings are calcium deficient compared to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite. The surface of the coatings is highly rough at the nanoscale and highly elastic. In vivo experiments on rats revealed that titanium implants with the calcium phosphate coatings do not cause negative tissue reaction after 6 months incubation period.