The phase composition of the cement paste phase of concrete containing fly ash from circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) was studied. The motivation was to broaden the knowledge concerning the microstructure and the durability of concrete containing new by-products from the power industry. Several air-entrained concrete mixes were designed with constant water to binder ratio and with substitution of a part of the cement by CFBC fly ash (20%, 30% or 40% by weight). X-ray diffraction tests and thermal analysis (DTG, DTA and TG) were performed on cement paste specimens taken from concrete either stored in water at 18° C or subjected to aggressive freeze-thaw cyclic action. The evaluation of the phase composition as a function of CFBC fly ash content revealed significant changes in portlandite content and only slight changes in the content of ettringite. The cyclic freeze-thaw exposure did not have any significant influence on the phase composition of concrete with and without the CFBC fly ash.

The present study is focused on the evaluation of bioeffects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by Bacillus subtilis strain I’-1a, the producer of iturin A lipopeptide biosurfactant. The following properties of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) were evaluated: in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant properties, and metabolic activities of mammalian cells. As a control, chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (chem-AgNPs) were used. In vitro, antioxidant activity of bio-AgNPs showed a significant effect on the scavenging of free radicals. Bio-AgNPs can be potent natural antioxidants and can be essential for health preservation against oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases, such as cancer. The cell viability of human skin fibroblasts NHDF was remarkably inhibited in the presence of both AgNPs. However, bio-AgNPs were more active than chem-AgNPs. In our experiment, microarrays PM-M1–PM-M4 were used to evaluate the growth of NHDF fibroblast cells in the presence of bio-AgNPs and chem-AgNPs. The NHDF fibroblast cells were more active in the presence of bio-AgNPs than in chem-AgNPs. Probably, the presence of biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis I’-1a significantly increased the stability of biogenic AgNPs and enhanced their biological activities and specific interaction with human DNA. Furthermore, the evaluated biological activities were enhanced for the biosurfactant-based AgNPs.

The musculocutaneous nerve (C5–C7) is a terminal branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and provides motor innervation to the anterior compartment of arm muscles. Both the musculocutaneous and median nerve may show numerous anatomical variations. Keeping in mind possible aberrations in the course of the upper limb nerves may increase the safety and success rate of surgical procedures. The presented report is a detailed anatomical study of the fusion between the median and musculocutaneous nerve, supplemented by intraneural fascicular dissection. In the presented case, the musculocutaneous nerve was not found in its typical location in the axillary cavity and upper arm during the preliminary assessment. However, a careful intraneural fascicular dissection revealed that musculocutaneous nerve was fused with the median nerve and with its lateral root; Those nerves were surrounded by a common epineurium, however they were separable. The muscular branch to the biceps brachii muscle arose from the trunk ( fascicular bundle) dissected out from the median nerve and corresponding to the musculocutaneous nerve. Such variation may be of utmost clinical importance, especially during reconstructions of the brachial plexus or its branches.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a disease of multifactorial etiology and a complex of symptoms, related to disorders of the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints and the surround-ing orofacial structures. One of the main problems in the course of TMD disorders is the systematic increase in the tension of the masticatory muscles (masseter muscles, temporalis and medial and lateral pterygoid muscles), what is the cause of many damages and the development of pathological conditions in the stomatognathic system.
The article discusses the differences in the structure of the masticatory and skeletal muscles, as well as the different nature and isoforms of myosin, which determines the much faster generation of contraction in the masticatory muscles and consequently easier generation of excessive, harmful tensions in the masti-catory muscles.
The article describes the causes of increased tension in the masticatory muscles and methods of their relaxation used in the basic and supportive treatment of temporomandibular disorders. The use of occlusal splints, physiotherapeutic procedures and TMD treatment with botulinum toxin type A were character-ized. A role of psychological support and the methods used for patients with TMD were emphasized.