Histiocytosis and adult-onset orbital xanthogranuloma in 2023: a review of the literature and mini case series.

Purpose: Within the large umbrella of histiocytosis are a few similar yet heterogenous entities involving the orbit and periocular tissues with or without systemic infiltration, termed adult onset xanthogranuloma or orbital xanthogranuloma. Due to rarity of these conditions, different classifications in use, diverse clinical presentations and still unknown etiology, the aim of this paper was to provide an up-to-date literature review of the actual understanding of histiocytosis and its subgroups involving the orbit and periocular area, diagnostic strategies and therapeutic modalities.

Methods: We present a review of literature and small case series comprising four patients diagnosed and treated in the period from 2001 until 2023 in our hospital.

Effect of Temperature on S32750 Duplex Steel Welded Joint Impact Toughness.

The search for alternative materials that can be used for parts of aircraft hydraulic systems has led to the idea of applying S32750 duplex steel for this purpose. This steel is mainly used in the oil and gas, chemical, and food industries. The reasons for this lie in this material's exceptional welding, mechanical, and corrosion resistance properties.

Chromatographic and spectrophometric studies of vanadate (+V) reduction by 3-mercaptopropionic acid.

The reduction of vanadate (+V) in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid was studied using a chromatographic method for the determination of vanadate (+V) versus vanadyl (+IV) species. Ion chromatography was combined with spectrophotometric investigation of the absorption properties of the solution. The chromatographic method for the separation of vanadate (+V) and vanadyl (+IV) was carried out with an anion exchange column.

Evaluation of solid carvedilol-loaded SMEDDS produced by the spray drying method and a study of related substances.

In this study, various formulations of solidified carvedilol-loaded SMEDDS with high SMEDDS loading (up to 67% w/w) were produced with the spray drying process using various porous silica-based carriers. The process yield was improved with higher atomization gas flow rate during the spray drying process and with prolonged mixing time of dispersion of liquid SMEDDS and solid porous carriers prior to the spray drying process. Depending on the choice of the carrier and the SMEDDS:carrier ratio in solid SMEDDS, different drug loading, self-microemulsifying properties, drug release rates, and released drug fractions were obtained.

Redox Speciation of Vanadium in Estuarine Waters Using Improved Methodology Based on Anion Exchange Chromatography Coupled to HR ICP-MS System.

An improved methodology was developed for V redox speciation in estuarine waters using a hyphenated technique consisting of ion chromatograph (IC) with an anion exchange column and a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR ICP-MS). This approach enables the direct determination of V(V), whereas reduced species (mainly V(IV)) are calculated by subtracting V(V) concentrations from the measured total V concentration. Based on the "on-column" V(V) chelation mechanism by EDTA, with the eluent composed of 40 mmol L ammonium bicarbonate, 40 mmol L ammonium sulphate, 8 mmol L ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 3% acetonitrile, the method was successfully used for analyses of V redox speciation in samples taken in the vertical salinity gradient of the highly stratified Krka River estuary.

Genotoxicity of fluoride subacute exposure in rats and selenium intervention.

The aims of this study were to: (i) examine the toxic effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) in blood, liver, spleen, and brain cells of Wistar rats after the subacute exposure; (ii) explore the potential protective properties of selenium (Se) against fluoride toxicity after the simultaneous administration. Twenty male Wistar rats, eight weeks old, weighing approximately 140-190 g, were divided into four experimental groups (n = 5) as follows: I control-tap water; II NaF 150 ppm; III NaF 150 ppm and Se 1.5 mg/L; IV Se 1.

Can Fiber-post Placement Reinforce Structurally Compromised Roots?

Purpose: Immature teeth are characterized by short roots, thin root canal walls, and open apices, which makes them prone to fracture. The aim was to investigate whether fiber-post placement had an influence on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated immature teeth.

Materials And Methods: To simulate immature teeth, the apical third of 20 intact mandibular premolars was resected.

Solidification of SMEDDS by fluid bed granulation and manufacturing of fast drug release tablets.

Solidification of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) is a rising experimental field with important potential for pharmaceutical industry, however fluid-bed granulation with SMEDDS is yet an unexplored solidification technique. The aim of the study was to solidify carvedilol-loaded SMEDDS utilizing fluid bed granulation process and to investigate how the formulation variables (type of solid carrier, optimization of granulation dispersion) and fluid-bed granulation process variables can be optimized in order to achieve suitable agglomeration process, high drug loading and appropriate product characteristics. Obtained granulates exhibited complete drug release, comparable to liquid SMEDDS and superior to crystalline carvedilol, nevertheless compromise between large SMEDDS loading and appropriate flow properties of the granules has to be made.

Count Ivan VIII Drašković: a case of Graves' orbitopathy?

There is a possibility that Count Ivan VIII Drašković (1740-1787), a member of one of the oldest and most famous Croatian noble families, had Graves' disease and suffered from a thyroid disorder. Our suspicions were aroused by certain data, including his personal history, his lifestyle, including use of tobacco and iodine, as well as stress, and, finally, two portraits. If he was affected by Graves' disease and orbitopathy, his poor health might have been a consequence of thyroid disease, which was further worsened by injury and tobacco use.

Solidification of carvedilol loaded SMEDDS by swirling fluidized bed pellet coating.

Self-(micro)emulsifying drug delivery systems (S(M)EDDS) have emerged as effective vehicles for enhancing bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs, however solidification of the systems represents a major challenge. Objective of this study was development of carvedilol loaded liquid SMEDDS and transformation into solid pellets employing fluid-bed coating technologies. Carvedilol-loaded formulation of SMEDDS was comprised of Capmul® MCM EP, castor oil, Kolliphor® RH40 and PEG 400.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the mid-Adriatic and along the Croatian coast: Levels, distributions and sources.

This study provides contamination levels, distributions and source apportionment of PAHs in surface sediments in the mid-Adriatic and along the Croatian coast. Median summed concentrations of parent and alkyl-PAHs are circa 10 times lower in the off-shore transect stations of the mid-Adriatic (22.3 and 18.

The levels of 12 cytokines and growth factors in tears: hyperthyreosis vs euthyreosis.

Purpose: Simultaneous analyses of the contents and ratios of 12 cytokines and growth factors in single samples of human tears were performed, and the results were compared between a group of healthy subjects and a group of patients with Graves' hyperthyreosis (GH) without thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO).

Methods: Determinations and concentration measurements of interleukins (IL-2, IL4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α, and IL-1β) interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were performed with single tear samples from 21 patients with hyperthyreosis and 22 healthy subjects. The analyses were performed using a Randox microchip with an Evidence Biochip Array Analyzer.

Superior Ophthalmic Vein Thrombosis with Complete Loss of Vision as a Complication of Autoimmune and Infective Conditions.

Purpose: To present our experience in the management of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT), which is a rare, but extremely serious condition if not recognized and managed promptly and appropriately.

Methods: Two patients with septic and aseptic SOVT are presented. Clinical characteristics, radiographic features, management techniques, and outcomes are described.

Overview of solidification techniques for self-emulsifying drug delivery systems from industrial perspective.

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are lipid formulations that improve solubility and oral bioavailability of the incorporated drug with poor biopharmaceutical properties. As liquids they are traditionally filled into soft or hard capsules. Transformation of SEDDS into solid dosage form has been extensively investigated in the recent years because solid dosage forms improve stability, handling and patient compliance.

Progression of conjunctival primary acquired melanosis (PAM) to widely spreaded malignant melanoma.

Primary acquired melanosis (PAM) is an acquired pigmentation of the conjunctival epithelium, a preinvasive pigmented lesion. When it is associated with cellular atypia it can lead to the developement of melanoma. We report a case report of malignant melanoma of the conjuntiva, which arrised from the conjuntival PAM.

[The application of air abrasion in dentistry].

One of the main objectives of contemporary dentistry is to preserve healthy tooth structure by applying techniques of noninvasive treatment. Air abrasion is a minimally invasive nonmechanical technique of tooth preparation that uses kinetic energy to remove carious tooth structure. A powerful narrow stream of moving aluminum-oxide particles hit the tooth surface and they abrade it without heat, vibration or noise.

[Prevention of oral diseases in children with acute leukaemia].

Oral manifestations are often present in all types of leukaemia, and are particularly severe in children. Oral diseases may result as complications of aggressive cytotoxic therapy. On the other hand, oral diseases that are already present in the oral cavity could be aggravating the patient's general condition and lead to serious life-threatening infections.

[Oral manifestations of acute leukaemia].

Acute leukaemia is the most common form of childhood cancer. The aim of this paper was to underline the importance of oral manifestations in children with acute leukaemia. The disease and its treatment can directly or indirectly affect oral health.

[Oral lesions in patients with psychiatric disorders].

Introduction: Oral diseases in psychiatric patients are usually a result of bad oral hygiene and psychopharmaceutical side-effects.

Objective: The aim of this study was to detect oral lesions in patients hospitalized in psychiatric institutions with the confirmed diagnosis of psychiatric illness and mood disorder with psychotic characteristics, as well as to discover the factors that can influence these oral lesions.

Methods: Cross-section study consisted of 186 hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders in the experimental group, out of whom 87 were males and 99 females.

Oral health status of psychiatric in-patients in Serbia and implications for their dental care.

Aim: To determine oral health status and identify predictors of oral health in a representative sample of psychiatric in-patients in Serbia.

Methods: The study included 186 psychiatric in-patients and 186 control participants without psychiatric illness matched to the study group by age, sex, marital status, education level, employment, and monthly income. Dental examinations were done in both groups to measure the following indices of oral health: decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index; community periodontal index; and plaque index.

Fluoride in drinking water and dental fluorosis.

In this study we determined the fluoride content in drinking water and hair of 12-year-old schoolchildren from different Serbian municipalities, i.e. Valjevo, Veliko Gradiste, Kacarevo and Vranjska Banja.

Evidence for a premature termination mechanism of subgenomic mRNA transcription in a carmovirus.

The transcriptional mechanism utilized by turnip crinkle carmovirus to synthesize subgenomic (sg) mRNAs was investigated by analyzing viral RNAs and their associated regulatory RNA elements. In vivo analyses revealed the following: (i) that minus-strand sg RNAs are detectable in infections, (ii) that minus-strand sg RNA accumulation can be partially uncoupled from that of their plus-strand sg mRNA counterparts, and (iii) that an RNA secondary structure located upstream of the sg mRNA start site mediates transcription by functioning in the plus strand of the viral genome. Collectively, these observations are consistent with this carmovirus using a premature termination mechanism for sg mRNA transcription.

[Health habits, attitudes and behaviour towards oral health of psychiatric patients].

Introduction: People with psychiatric disorders are at high risk of oral diseases due to the impact of their primary psychiatric condition and the side-effects of antipsychotic medications.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify habits, attitudes and behaviour towards oral health of hospitalized psychiatric patients with psychotic disorders, including mood disorders with psychotic characteristics, as well as to identify factors that could influence those habits, attitudes and behaviour.

Methods: The experimental group consisted of 186 hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders (87 males and 99 females), aged from 18 to 59 years (mean age 46.