Interfaces between Cranial Bone and AISI 304 Steel after Long-Term Implantation: A Case Study of Cranial Screws.

Interfaces between AISI 304 stainless steel screws and cranial bone were investigated after long-term implantation lasting for 42 years. Samples containing the interface regions were analyzed using state-of-the-art analytical techniques including secondary ion mass, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Local samples for scanning transmission electron microscopy were cut from the interface regions using the focused ion beam technique.

[The importance of NGAL and cystatin C biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases].

Cystatin C is an inhibitor of lysosomal proteases and extracellular cysteine protease, it participates in the regulation of metabolism of extracellular proteins. It is fully glomerular filterable, completely absorbed and catabolised in proximal tubule cells. NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) is an acute phase protein, participating in antibacterial immunity and his important feature is the formation of complex with metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), thereby increasing its activity and prevents its degradation.