The objective of this paper is to evaluate the self- healing properties of a commercially-available geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) using flexible-wall permeameter. The GCLs are produced by the same factory, but the contents of bentonite are different. Also the hydraulic conductivities (HC) of GCLs with no defect are different. In this study, specimens were completely saturated under the backpressure of 20 kPa before the test. Permeability tests were performed on GCL specimens with penetrating flaw and also on specimens permeated with distilled water and CaCl2 solutions. The test results were presented and discussed. Experimental results showed that the GCL with penetrating flaw did not exhibit complete self-healing in the case of flaw. After 120 days, the hydraulic conductivity increased by approximately an order of magnitude. In addition, CaCl2 solutions had a significant influence on the hydraulic conductivity. The research findings might be of interest to researchers and engineers who design liners for landfills and other liquid containment facilities

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of corneal healing in case of application of stem cells in various forms, in relation to the antibiotic-assisted procedures. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups in the first stage of the experiment. Group 0 (negative control group) was not subjected to any actions, which would cause damage to the cornea. The remaining three groups had their cornea damaged. Group 1 (positive control group) – no drugs were administered during the experiment. Rabbits in group 2 were administered with ointment containing stem cells to the lesion, while group 3 – with ofloxacinum. The stem cells were administered during the first five days, twice a day, onto the corneal surface. The further course of the experiment consisted of observing the rate of healing of the injured cornea and assessment of its transparency, size of lesion, hyperaemia, eyelid spasm and outflow from the conjunctival sac after 5, 10 and 20 days.

In the second stage the animals were euthanised after clinical examination on the twentieth day of the experiment, in order to analyse the corneal reparative processes on the same day. The studies revealed that the application of antlerogenic stem cells had a positive effect on the healing process of corneal defects. The application thereof not only shortened the healing time, but also weakened or arrested the development of side effects. The results have demonstrated that the epithelial proliferation in each group was different. The longest was maintained in the group with stem cells, the shortest – in the group with chemotherapeutics. The use of antlerogenic stem cells had a positive effect on the healing process of corneal lesions. The use of stem cells helped to maintain high transparency of the cornea.

The objective of this investigation was to test the effectiveness of the Acoustic Emission (AE) measurements in determining the critical stresses during four-point bending of mortar beams. Within the measuring procedure the parameter σcr/σ300 was calculated and analysed. Additionally, the influence of cement replacement by high calcium fly ash (HCFA) on the process of crack healing was discussed. Mortar beams with different content of HCFA and reinforced by steel microfibres were prepared for tests. After curing in standard conditions the beams were subjected to four-point bending test in order to introduce the pre-cracking. Thereafter the beams were cured in the lime water and loaded after 56 and 112 days in the same way as for the first time. Additionally the microstructure of mortars was studied in a stereo optical microscope as well in an electron scanning microscope including the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The results of microstructural characterization of mortar containing HCFA from lignite combustion are presented. The applied load level slightly exceeded the critical stress, producing intense crack growth processes however did not significant affected the load capacity of the beams. During the consecutive loading the decreasing tendency of σcr/σ300 ratio was noted. The obtained results confirm that the latter parameter can be applied as a measure of the composite degradation level for the elements carrying the repeated loads of amplitude close to the critical stress of the structure and also that the cement replacement with HCFA influences the process of crack healing.

Different approaches to enhance healing of hard or soft tissues include the use of cytokines and growth factors to modify cellular behaviour. Numerous growth factors are found in autologous blood concentrates – platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) may improve tissue healing via amelogenins. Bilayered collagen matrix (CM) is used for soft tissue augmentation.

The aim of the present study was to assess potential benefits of PRP, PRF and EMD in combination with bilayered collagen matrix or CM alone in treatment of oral mucosal defects in rabbits.

Twenty-seven New Zealand white rabbits were included in this randomized controlled trial. Artificial oral mucosal defects were treated with one of these five approaches: PRP+CM, PRF+CM, EMD+CM, CM alone, or left untreated as a negative control - CO. The animals were euthanized 1 day, 7 days, or 28 days after surgery and necropsies were harvested. Histological and molecular biological analyses were performed.

All defects were healed by day 28. No differences between PRP+CM, PRF+CM, CM alone and CO groups were recorded at any time point. Slower angiogenesis and a higher presence of inflammatory infiltrate were observed in the EMD+CM group 28 days after surgery. Molecular biological analyses did not reveal any statistically significant changes.

In conclusion, no improvement in mucosal healing of wounds covered with a collagen membrane and PRP, PRF, or EMD was observed, compared with CM alone or untreated controls.

This article discusses an unknown tradition from the Malay Archipelago, namely the island of Lombok. The article describes a spirit possession ceremony, as it was practised in East Lombok before being subject to a ban in 1984. It also explains the reasons for prohibition and explores a recent revival of the tradition. The discussion draws a parallel with similar traditions from late colonial Malaysia. Aside from similar functions as healing rites, the traditions many times use the same ceremonial equipment during the ceremonies and have identical symbols. This encourages us to look for connections between the Sasaks in Lombok and the Malays in Malaysia and Sumatra. The article suggests some direct connections between the two, but also takes indirect connections into consideration, for example, the rule of the Bugis-Makassarese people, who played an important role in both of these corners of the archipelago.