Silviu Vlad

Today, mechanical properties and fluid flow dynamic analysis are considered to be two of the most important steps in implant design for bone tissue engineering. The mechanical behavior is characterized by Young’s modulus, which must have a value close to that of the human bone, while from the fluid dynamics point of view, the implant permeability and wall shear stress are two parameters directly linked to cell growth, adhesion, and proliferation. In this study, we proposed two simple geometries with a three-dimensional pore network dedicated to a manufacturing route based on a titanium wire waving procedure used as an intermediary step for Mg-based implant fabrication. Implant deformation under different static loads, von Mises stresses, and safety factors were investigated using finite element analysis. The implant permeability was computed based on Darcy’s law following computational fluid dynamic simulations and, based on the pressure drop, was numerically estimated. It was concluded that both models exhibited a permeability close to the human trabecular bone and reduced wall shear stresses within the biological range. As a general finding, the proposed geometries could be useful in orthopedics for bone defect treatment based on numerical analyses because they mimic the trabecular bone properties.

Probiotics, also known as psychobiotics, have been linked to cognitive functions, memory, learning, and behavior, in addition to their positive effects on the digestive tract. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychoemotional effects and cognitive functioning in children with gastrointestinal disorders who undergo psychobiotherapy. A total of 135 participants, aged 5–18 years, were divided into three groups based on the pediatrician’s diagnosis: Group I (Control) consisted of 37 patients (27.4%), Group II included 65 patients (48.1%) with psychoanxiety disorders, and Group III comprised 33 individuals (24.4%) with psychiatric disorders. The study monitored neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, GABA, glutamate, cortisol, and DHEA, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms including headaches, fatigue, mood swings, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, sleep disorders, and lack of concentration in patients who had gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The results indicate that psychobiotics have a significant impact on reducing hyperactivity and aggression, and improving concentration. While further extensive studies are needed, these findings offer promising insights into the complexity of a child’s neuropsychic behavior and the potential for balancing certain behaviors through psychobiotics.