This research work deals with in vivo testing of the efficacy of commercial moisturizer products on the hydration of human skin, as there are various in vitro and ex vivo studies questioning their activity. Confocal Raman spectroscopy was used for this purpose of assessing the efficacy of moisturizers on skin hydration mainly owing to its simple, non-invasive, non-destructive, timesaving, and cost-effective nature. Water content and natural moisturizing factor (NMF) of stratum corneum were analyzed and compared using this method at high wavenumber (2500-4000 cm) and fingerprint (400-1800 cm) spectral regions, respectively, as these two parameters are correlated to skin hydration. Four commercial moisturizer products of different brands were tested on volar forearm region of healthy human female volunteers. This study was conducted for a period of 30 days with 0, 7, and 30 days as time points of analysis. The results of this study clearly indicate that not all the moisturizer products hydrate the skin to the expected levels, and this extent of skin hydration varies with duration of application of these products.

The aim of this study was to determine the best radiopaque additive to be incorporated to calcium aluminate cement (CAC) to promote radiopacity. Measurements of optical density were carried out on white MTA and CAC with and without additives such as: polymeric dispersant, plasticizer and various radiopacifiers. The effects of the radiopacifying addition on some properties of CAC were also evaluated. The radiopacity value for CAC-Bi 2 D 3 (25%) was higher than the other radiopacifying agents tested. The addition of ZnD (25%) and 15%ZnD:10%Bi 2 D 3 increased the compressive strength of CAC, whereas for Bi 2 D 3 (25%) containing samples the strength was lower than for the CAC. The ZnD (25%) and 15%ZnD:10%Bi 2 D 3 additions also reduced the apparent porosity. CAC does not have sufficient radiopacity to be distinguished from adjacent anatomic structures, such as dental tissues and bone. The addition of 15%ZnD:10%Bi 2 D 3 can be suggested as the most suitable one to obtain the best compromise between good physical and mechanical properties and ideal radiopacity for clinical purposes.