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Despite the massive efforts of modern medicine to stop the evolution of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it affects an increasing number of people, changing individual lives and imposing itself as a burden on families and the health systems. Considering that the vast majority of conventional drug therapies did not lead to the expected results, this review will discuss the newly developing therapies as an alternative in the effort to stop or slow AD. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and its derived Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) are non-invasive therapeutic approaches. Singly or as an applied technique to change the permeability of the blood–brain–barrier (BBB), FUS and TPS have demonstrated the benefits of use in treating AD in animal and human studies. Adipose-derived stem Cells (ADSCs), gene therapy, and many other alternative methods (diet, sleep pattern, physical exercise, nanoparticle delivery) are also new potential treatments since multimodal approaches represent the modern trend in this disorder research therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria in the dental biofilm, and also involves the inflammatory-immune response of the host. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play essential roles in bacterial clearance by multiple mechanisms, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that retain and destroy pathogens. During PD progression, the interaction between PMNs, NETs, and bacteria leads to an exaggerated immune response and a prolonged inflammatory state. As a lesion matures, PMNs accumulate in the periodontal tissues and die via NETosis, ultimately resulting in tissue injury. A better understanding of the role of NETs, the associated molecules, and the pathogenic pathways of NET formation in periodontitis, could provide markers of NETosis as reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools. Moreover, an assessment of NET biomarker levels in biofluids, particularly in saliva or gingival crevicular fluid, could be useful for monitoring periodontitis progression and treatment efficacy. Preventing excessive NET accumulation in periodontal tissues, by both controlling NETs' formation and their appropriate removal, could be a key for further development of more efficient therapeutic approaches. In periodontal therapy, local drug delivery (LDD) systems are more targeted, enhancing the bioavailability of active pharmacological agents in the periodontal pocket and surrounding tissues for prolonged time to ensure an optimal therapeutic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The strongest, largest and thickest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon; it is also the most commonly ruptured tendon. This tendon is essential for maintaining posture during walking and running. Aims. Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon must be differentiated from ruptures that occur as a result of chronic degeneration of the tendon. An acute rupture of a before healthy tendon can be successfully treated either conservatively or surgically. Rehabilitation is an essential component of treatment. Methods. We report a rare case of acute traumatic partial rupture of the Achilles tendon treated surgically in a 32-year-old male who underwent rehabilitation and its outcome. The patient was without significant personal pathological history, and without previous joint or tendon pathologies. Results. The patient presented with sudden mechanical pain and swelling in the posterior region of his right calf. He was immediately evaluated and found to have a lacerated wound with visible torn ends of the right Achilles tendon. A real-time ultrasound revealed a partial rupture of the right Achilles tendon. A double Krackow suture was performed with augmentation of the distal repair with anchorage in the calcaneus. After strict postoperative rehabilitation, the patient was allowed to bear weight starting at 12 weeks. At 6-month follow-up, tendon continuity was intact both clinically and radiologically, and the patient was able to ambulate with full weight bearing with comparable ankle range of motion bilaterally. Conclusions. Traumatic Achilles tendon rupture is a relatively common pathology in young men. Awareness of possible complications and addressing them with timely intervention followed by well-balanced rehabilitation can save the tendon and yield excellent results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study examines the implications of sports-related trauma on the cephalic region, and mandibular fractures particularly. Aims. The paper presents the increasing risk of sports-related incidents, especially those involving trauma in the orofacial region. Methods. Different types of fractures are described, with various focused specifications. Results. The wide range of mandibular fractures is highlighted, with particular attention paid to the occurring areas. Mandibular fracture signs include pain, facial signs, and occlusal changes. Mandibular fracture diagnosis requires in addition to clinical examination, a multidisciplinary strategy that includes complementary paraclinical investigations such as panoramic radiography, frontal cephalogram, and computed tomography. To assess soft tissue involvement, magnetic resonance imaging is used, which offers an extensive evaluation approach to mandibular fractures. Conclusions. The necessity of dental healthcare providers taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of orofacial injury from sports is emphasized. To monitor potential sports-related accidents in the head and neck region, multiple dental and medical professionals must collaborate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim. This study aims to explore the most widely used methods for managing patients who are completely edentulous to determine the intermaxillary relations, also known as the centric relation and vertical dimension of occlusion. Material and methods. The information sources have been identified through searches of medical databases. A 20- year search frame, from 2001 to 2021 was performed. The terms "occlusal vertical dimension", "totally edentulous", "complete denture", and "centric relation" were searched. The selected articles were acquired in full text, and two different authors resolved differences through conversation before evaluating them for inclusion. Results. Following the application of the search strategy, 514 articles were identified. 172 papers were screened after duplicate records were removed. Selecting the studies to be considered for inclusion in the first stage required considering their titles, abstracts, and studies' significance to the study purpose. After obtaining the complete texts of the remaining twenty-seven papers, their relevance was evaluated. Conclusion. The relationship between the maxillary and mandibular arches is still established by the centric relation in occlusal examination and prosthetic treatment. Many methods with low variability and high intra-technical repeatability are available for recording centric relation. There is no one standard technique for recording the vertical dimension of occlusion; instead, the clinician must choose the most comfortable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, the missing teeth were manufactured from several materials, in order to satisfy aesthetic or restorative requirements. In the Antiquity and Middle Age, the first dental prosthetic techniques were using stones, seashells, wood, bone, natural animal or human teeth, metal teeth (bronze, iron), attached with silk threads or gold and silver wires. The Modern Age made the most significant breakthrough, by introducing new materials and denture fabrication techniques and inaugurating a new era of aesthetic dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport-related concussion is a complex brain injury, manifesting through a very large variety of brain dysfunction signs and symptoms (physical and cognitive deficit, abnormal behavior). The symptoms are transient, most often without loss of consciousness and evidence of injury typically absent on standard neuroimaging methods. Some sports and individual playing styles have a greater risk of concussion. The initial assessment of a concussion should include combined visual and postural tests and the clinical follow-up must evaluate the long-term effects (deterioration of the physical or mental status). A rigorous education of coaches and athletes and implementation of certain training strategies can reduce the incidence of sport-related concussion. More studies regarding injury mechanisms will bring valuable information for safety equipment manufacturers and for designing safer competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General health benefits from regular exercise programs. Among the beneficial effects, improvements in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, digestive status, muscular and osteoarticular mass and metabolism, neurological and psychic symptoms; endocrine effects and control of body composition and weight; modifications of the immune system and induction of systemic anti-inflammatory effects can be demonstrated. Also, in oncologic patients, exercise programs reduce toxicities and side effects of treatment and improve physiological parameters, physical function, psychological well-being, treatment outcomes and overall health-related quality of life; can reduce even the risks for some cancers. Implementing regular exercise programs in cancer patients and survivors faces several challenges regarding patient selection and information, psychological factors, design of exercise programs, establishing outcomes, health professionals' perception and even environmental factors. More research is required before exercise gains widespread acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nowadays, acrylic dentures are commonly used in the treatment of various clinical situations. The preoccupations in improving physical and biological properties are therefore mandatory. Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the most common causes that lead to fractures in different areas of both, mandibular and maxillary dentures, considering the materials, the polymerization techniques but also the possibility of enhancing the fracture resistance. Methods. Literature research among the latest articles published on this topic was performed using related keywords. Results. Several issues involved in denture fractures can be related to the dentist, technician, and patient. Conclusions. The proper analysis and consideration of the causes, treatment steps and recommendations can reduce the risk of denture fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, common skin disease, which affects the patient's quality of life to the highest degree. Several exogenous factors and endogenous hormonal changes may act as triggers for psoriasis. The skin possesses a true endocrine system, which is very important in multiple systemic diseases. A number of conditions are associated with psoriasis, and its severity can also be influenced by hormones. Even though the sex hormones and prolactin have a major role in psoriasis pathogenicity, there are a lot of other hormones which can influence the psoriasis clinical manifestations: glucocorticoids, epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]