The aim of the research was to realize a clinical study on menopausal patients, focused on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) assays versus Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) categories. This transversal, observational, real-life study was effectuated on Caucasian Romanian females. A total of 60 subjects were grouped according to lumbar T-score: normal T-score (N=28), osteopenia (N=22), and osteoporosis (N=10). The lowest average value of 25OHD is found in patients with osteoporosis, which is statistically significant lower than in patients with osteopenia. The average values of PTH were within normal levels for each group. 25OHD did not correlate with PTH or lumbar BMD. Overall the mean values of 25OHD are in deficient ranges regardless osteoporosis, osteopenia or normal DXA.

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of observational type. 157 menopausal subjects were included. A number of N1=89 were younger of 60 years old (also included) and a number of N2=68 were older than 60 years old. Median of age was of 55 years, respective 66 years.The biochemical parameters like total and ionic serum calcium, serum magnesium, and phosphorus between the two groups N1-N2 were similar (p]0.05).The median values of mentioned chemical elements were within normal limits.The bone turnover markers were not statistically significant different between N1 and N2. 25OHD was found deficient in both populations, irrespective of age. DXA- BMD and T-score N1-N2 difference was statistical significant for all the four central sites. Biochemical mineral parameters seem not to be influenced by the cut off of 60 years in menopausal women aged between 40 and 80 years. Yet, a large prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is identified regardless the age without secondary PTH raise. The statistical significant results are for BMD and T-score for all the four central sites.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness evolution of several finished and polished composites when bleaching materials are applied. The research was conducted on four microhybrid or nanofilled composites that are used in dental restorations. Materials and Methods: For each composite type, 5 samples were selected for control, 5 samples were subjected to the bleaching protocol “office bleach” with 40% hydrogen peroxide, and 5 other samples were subjected to the “home bleach” protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide, resulting in a total number of 60 samples. The surfaces of all the samples were tested for roughness, and the values of the most relevant parameter (Ra), were collected. Comparisons between composites and samples were performed using one-way ANOVA (in Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Results: After the bleaching protocol with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel, it was found that the roughness of the group increased considerably compared to the control group, so the highest roughness was found at GC Gradia direct anterior group, and the lowest value was registered for the 3M ESPE Valux Plus group. Following the bleaching protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide (home bleach), it was noted that the sample surfaces were not as affected. In this case, the lowest roughness was found at 3M ESPE Valux Plus group, and the highest roughness was registered for the GC G-aenial anterior group. Following the interpretation of the results, all four types of dental composites tested showed significant surface roughness differences between the groups subjected to bleaching protocols and those kept as control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The surfaces of the samples were affected by the bleaching protocols by increasing the roughness compared to the control samples.

Various plasticizers and nanomaterials have been linked to endocrine disruptors or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which represent a large, heterogeneous, yet incompletely understood group of structures acting on normal and pathological body pathways such as hormonal production, secretion, transport and receptor binding. By contrast, various applications of nanoparticles are currently under investigation since the delivery of useful drugs, particularly insulin in diabetes mellitus, is essential in case of insulin deficiency. The aim of the present review was to introduce and examine different plasticizers and nanomaterials with potential applications for diabetic patients (such as selenium or gold-based nanoparticles that help the oral delivery of insulin) or plasticizers/nanomaterials acting similarly to EDCs in relation to the human and animal body, particularly glucose metabolism impairment such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Bisphenol A is a chemical used worldwide; however, the effect of exposure varies with regard to the source, environment, time of exposure and the age of the organism. Daily exposure is mostly related to food and drinks stored in polycarbonate plastics. However, exposure may also be through the skin or through the maternal placenta or breast milk which are risk factors for the fetus and for the newborn. It exerts an estrogen-like profile, but it also induces insulin resistance by impairing peripheral insulin receptors or it decreases insulin secretion by acting at the level of insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. Phthalates, compounds of flexible plastics, act as EDCs via their human metabolites such as diethyl phthalate and derivative monoethyl phthalate. Their role in inducing gestational DM and weight gain/obesity during pregnancy has been showcased. The vast field of plasticizers and nanomolecules acting as endocrine disruptors is widely linked to clinical aspects of DM, a serious condition with a major population impact. The importance of understanding and using these agents and applications is reflected in saving numerous human lives. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Diabetes mellitus (DM): Past and future 3. Conclusions