Assessment of dental implant surface stability at the nanoscale level

ObjectivesTo study the oxide layer stability of certified dental implants of system "P", made based on TiO₂ alloy with carbon coating. To perform a comparative statistical analysis of the obtained data with the available data for the dental implants of systems "A" and "B".MethodsX-ray microtomography and X-ray fluorescence analysis were used to study soft tissue biopsy specimens. Supernatants were studied by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy when simulating free emission of nanoscale metal oxide particles from the surface of dental implants as well as when simulating physical loading. A comparative analysis of three parameters of nanoscale particles was performed by statistical data analysis. The surface of the "P" system dental implant with surface treatment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsBoth free emission of nanoscale oxide layer particles and yield of nano- and microscale particles during simulation of physical load were confirmed. Statistically significant differences were noted in a comparative analysis of the size and frequency of occurrence of these particles in the supernatants obtained from the surfaces of three dental implant systems. The elemental composition of the particles and the composition and structure of the "P" system dental implants themselves were analyzed.SignificanceThe developed method of dynamic light scattering can be used to compare the stability of the oxide layer of standardized medical products manufactured on the basis of the TiO₂ alloy.     

Long term outcomes after bare metal stent implantation

Long term outcome data after BMS implant is not available from the Indian subcontinent. This is a prospective observational study which aims to study long term outcomes after BMS implant at a tertiary care centre. 100 consecutive patients underwent BMS implant and were followed up for 20 years. LAD was the most common vessel involved and different types of BMS were implanted. All-cause mortality was noted in 21% (n = 21) whereas cardiac mortality was seen in 16% (n = 16). Cumulative revascularisation free survival at 20 years was 71%. The study showed that long term outcomes after BMS implant were fare and acceptable.     

No Threshold Exists for Recommending Revision Surgery in Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty Patients With Adverse Reactions to Metal Debris: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 346 Revisions

BackgroundSurgeons currently have difficulty when managing metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty (MoMHA) patients with adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). This stems from a lack of evidence, which is emphasized by the variability in the recommendations proposed by different worldwide regulatory authorities for considering MoMHA revision surgery. We investigated predictors of poor outcomes following MoMHA revision surgery performed for ARMD to help inform the revision threshold and type of reconstruction.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 346 MoMHA revisions for ARMD performed at 2 European centers. Preoperative (metal ions/imaging) and intraoperative (findings, components removed/implanted) factors were used to predict poor outcomes. Poor outcomes were postoperative complications (including re-revision), 90-day mortality, and poor Oxford Hip Score.ResultsPoor outcomes occurred in 38.5%. Shorter time (under 4 years) to revision surgery was the only preoperative predictor of poor outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-4.46). Prerevision metal ions and imaging did not influence outcomes. Single-component revisions (vs all-component revisions) increased the risk of poor outcomes (OR = 2.99, CI = 1.50-5.97). Intraoperative modifiable factors reducing the risk of poor outcomes included the posterior approach (OR = 0.22, CI = 0.10-0.49), revision head sizes ≥36 mm (vs <36 mm: OR = 0.37, CI = 0.18-0.77), ceramic-on-polyethylene revision bearings (OR vs ceramic-on-ceramic = 0.30, CI = 0.14-0.66), and metal-on-polyethylene revision bearings (OR vs ceramic-on-ceramic = 0.37, CI = 0.17-0.83).ConclusionNo threshold exists for recommending revision in MoMHA patients with ARMD. However postrevision outcomes were surgeon modifiable. Optimal outcomes may be achieved if surgeons use the posterior approach, revise all MoMHA components, and use ≥36 mm ceramic-on-polyethylene or metal-on-polyethylene articulations.     

Microstructure and Interfacial Reactions of Resistance Brazed Lap Joints between TC4 Titanium Alloy and 304 Stainless Steel Using Metal Powder Interlayers

In the brazing joint between titanium alloy and stainless steel, a lot of Fe-Ti intermetallic compounds (IMCs) can be easily formed to make joints crack. A lap resistance brazing process with metal powder layers on both sides of the filler metal was used to solve this problem. The microstructure and metallurgical behavior of joints was studied through comparative experiments. The result showed that Nb, V and Cr powders and the solder reacted with the base material to form a new phase, which replaced the Ti-Fe brittle phase in the joint. At the same time, metal powder clusters hindered the diffusion of Ti and Fe elements and improved the distribution of new phases. The established atomic reaction model revealed the metallurgical behavior and formation mechanism of the joints. Therefore, the intervening position of the metal powder layer and the multi-reaction zone structure are the main reasons the shear strength of joints is improved.     

Selective Laser Melting of Al-Based Matrix Composites with Al2O3 Reinforcement: Features and Advantages

Aluminum matrix composites (AMC) are of great interest and importance as high-performance materials with enhanced mechanical properties. Al₂O₃ is a commonly used reinforcement in AMCs fabricated by means of various technological methods, including casting and sintering. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a suitable modern method of the fabrication of net-shape fully dense parts from AMC with alumina. The main results, achievements, and difficulties of SLM applied to AMCs with alumina are discussed in this review and compared with conventional methods. It was shown that the initial powder preparation, namely the particle size distribution, sphericity, and thorough mixing, affected the final microstructure and properties of SLMed materials drastically. The distribution of reinforcing particles tends to consolidate the near-melting pool-edges process because of pushing by the liquid–solid interface during the solidification process that is a common problem of various fabrication methods. The achievement of an homogeneous distribution was shown to be possible through both the thorough mixing of the initial powders and the precise optimization of SLM parameters. The strength of the AMCs fabricated by the SLM method was relatively low compared with materials produced by conventional methods, while for superior relative densities of more than 99%, hardness and tribological properties were obtained, making SLM a promising method for the Al-based matrix composites with Al₂O₃.     

A modality-specific somatosensory evoked potential test protocol for clinical evaluation: A feasibility study

ObjectiveWe aimed to establish an objective neurophysiological test protocol that can be used to assess the somatosensory nervous system.MethodsIn order to assess most fiber subtypes of the somatosensory nervous system, repetitive stimuli of seven different modalities (touch, vibration, pinprick, cold, contact heat, laser, and warmth) were synchronized with the electroencephalogram (EEG) and applied on the cheek and dorsum of the hand and dorsum of the foot in 21 healthy subjects and three polyneuropathy (PNP) patients. Latencies and amplitudes of the modalities were assessed and compared. Patients received quantitative sensory testing (QST) as reference.ResultsWe found reproducible evoked potentials recordings for touch, vibration, pinprick, contact-heat, and laser stimuli. The recording of warm-evoked potentials was challenging in young healthy subjects and not applicable in patients. Latencies were shortest within Aβ-fiber-mediated signals and longest within C-fibers. The test protocol detected function loss within the Aβ-fiber and Aδ-fiber-range in PNP patients. This function loss corresponded with QST findings.ConclusionIn this pilot study, we developed a neurophysiological test protocol that can specifically assess most of the somatosensory modalities. Despite technical challenges, initial patient data appear promising regarding a possible future clinical application.SignificanceEstablished and custom-made stimulators were combined to assess different fiber subtypes of the somatosensory nervous system using modality-specific evoked potentials.     

注射用血栓通中三七元素迁移的规律

目的:分析注射用血栓通中三七从原料到成品全过程的元素迁移规律,以便更好地控制成品中元素杂质。方法:采用ICP-MS法全面分析三七药材、三七总皂苷(中间体)和注射用血栓通中21种元素的含量。结果:21种元素的标准曲线相关系数r均在0. 999以上,回收率在92. 71%～107. 07%之间,RSD均在5%以内。三七药材中铝、铁含量较高,铅、砷、汞、镉、铜符合中华人民共和国药典的相关规定,三七总皂苷(中间体)和注射用血栓通中多数元素均未检出或含量极低。结论:注射用血栓通的提取工艺可有效去除三七中大部分元素,重金属及有害元素也降到较低水平。     

微波消解ICP-MS法测定市售薏苡仁中5种重金属有害元素的含量

目的基于微波消解ICP-MS法对国内市售薏苡仁药材中5种重金属元素含量的测定,建立控制薏苡仁药材重金属的限量检测方法。方法通过微波消解进行样品处理电感耦合等离子质谱法,测定60批市售薏苡仁药材中As、Cd、Cu、Hg、Pb的含量。结果薏苡仁中重金属平均含有量As为0.0139 mg/kg、Cd为0.0038 mg/kg、Cu为4.0909 mg/kg、Hg为0.0015 mg/kg、Pb为0.1019 mg/kg、总量为4.2119 mg/kg。市售薏苡仁药材中Cu和Pb的含有量差别最大,且Cu的含有量最高,As、Cd、Hg的含有量差别不大,且含量普遍较低;国内市售的60批薏苡仁药材中5种重金属元素和重金属总量均符合现行标准。结论国内市售薏苡仁药材中重金属含量普遍合格;微波消解ICP-MS法测定方法简便、快速、准确,可用于中药材中这5种重金属元素的含量测定。     

Blood lead level and Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether elevated blood lead level (BLL) is a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 2,625 subjects who visited a university hospital for general health examination. H. pylori infection was detected using histologic examination with Giemsa staining, and BLLs were measured. The mean BLL was 2.83?±?1.31?μg/dL. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 27.8%. The BLL was significantly higher in the H. pylori infection-positive group compared to the non-infected group (2.96?±?1.33?μg/dL vs. 2.78?±?1.30?μg/dL, p?<?0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for other confounders. H. pylori infection significantly increased as the BLL increased (OR: 1.143, 95% CI 1.068–1.223). We found a relationship between BLL elevation and H. pylori infection rate.