The induction of bone by an osteogenic protein and the conduction of bone by porous hydroxyapatite: a laboratory study in the rabbit.

The influence of the addition of an osteoinductive protein, capable of inducing extraskeletal ossification, on bone ingrowth into coralline porous hydroxyapatite was evaluated in the rabbit using a calvarium onlay model. Twenty-three rabbits received hydroxyapatite implants (10 x 10 x 2 mm) prepared with and without osteoinductive protein. These were implanted on the frontal bone and secured by wire fixation after 0.25 mm of the cortical surface was abraded. The implants were harvested at 3 and 4 months and analyzed for percentage of bone ingrowth by histologic examination of decalcified H&E sections and by scanning electron microscope backscatter image analysis. The osteoinductive protein-treated implants demonstrated significantly greater amounts of bone ingrowth at both 3 (52.0 versus 10.3 percent; p less than 0.001) and 4 months (66.1 versus 39.2 percent; p less than 0.005) than the untreated implants. The type of bone found in all osteoinductive protein-treated implants was predominantly lamellar. Untreated implants contained mostly woven bone at 3 months, with increasing amounts of lamellar bone appearing at 4 months. These results suggest that the combination of a bone-inducing protein and a suitable osteoconductive matrix may provide an alternative to bone grafting.     

Improvement of osseointegration of bio-inert ceramics by modification of the surface--results of an animal experiment]

The aim of this experimental study was to screen different surface structures of alumina and zirconia ceramic implants for their osteointegration properties. Alumina and zirconia ceramic test implants having different surface structures (smooth, macro-structured, corundum-blasted, porous) were implanted in the femora of mini-pigs, and left in situ for 12 weeks. After removal, the implants were evaluated macroradiographically and histologically. The smooth and macro-structured ceramic surfaces showed virtually no bony ingrowth, neither in the cortical nor the cancellous bone areas. In contrast, a rough surface finish or a porous surface structure allowed extensive bony ingrowth. The osteointegration rates varied between 20.5% and 41.7% (cancellous bone), and between 26.0% and 52.8% (cortical bone). With regard to the development of ceramic implants for clinical use, for example in the field of total hip replacement, these data provide a basis for further, more comprehensive studies.     

Evaluation of new porous β-tri-calcium phosphate ceramic as bone substitute in goat model

The present study was carried out to evaluate the porous β-tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) (prepared by aqueous solution combustion technique) as bone substitute and compared with normal healing in 12 adult Black Bengal goats on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings, histological studies, oxytetracycline labeling, angiography studies (on day 90). Bone defects created in the diaphysis of radius were left unfilled in control animals (group I); while in treated (group II) animals the defects were filled with porous TCP blocks. The three months study showed no marked acute inflammatory reactions in all animals, wound healing was uneventful and the implants were clinically stable in the bone. Radiological studies showed presence of unabsorbed implants which acted as a scaffold for new bone growth across the defect whereas in control animals the defect was more or less same except that the newly formed bony tissue was less organized. Histological section showed moderately differentiated lamellar bone in the cortical part with presence of woven bone at peripheral cortex whereas control animals showed moderate fibro-collagenisation and good amount of marrow material, fat cells and blood vessels. Oxytetracycline labeling study showed crossing over of new bony trabeculae along with presence of resorption cavities within the new osteoid tissues whereas in group I, the process of new bone formation was active from both the ends; the defect site appeared as a homogenous non-fluorescent area. Angiogram of the animals in control showed uniform angiogenesis in the defect site with establishment of trans transplant angiogenesis, whereas in group II there was complete trans transplant shunting of blood vessels communication. The results of this study pointed out that the porous TCP promoted extensive bone formation over the entire extension of the defect in comparison to control group, thus conforming their biological osteoconductive property.     

The role of rigid skeletal fixation in bone-graft augmentation of the craniofacial skeleton

The type of fixation (rigid skeletal vs. wire) was assessed against embryologic origin (membranous vs. endochondral) and recipient site (depository vs. resorptive) as variables affecting inlay and onlay bone-graft survival in 20 mature dogs. Wet weight and volume measurements were made at operation and at sacrifice (16 weeks). The results were as follows: (1) Rigid skeletal fixation increased bone-graft volume survival over wire fixation (p less than 0.05). (2) Fixation (i.e., rigid skeletal) and embryologic origin (i.e., membranous) were equal determinants of bone-graft volume survival (p less than 0.001); the recipient site was not significant for onlay bone graft survival. (3) Embryologic origin was the only significant determinant of weight survival (p less than 0.001). (4) Inlay bone grafts demonstrated greater weight and volume survival than onlay bone grafts (p less than 0.05). (5) Histologic and microradiographic studies demonstrated bony union of bone grafts fixed with rigid skeletal fixation, while fibrous union predominated in bone grafts fixed with wire technique.     

The use of coralline hydroxyapatite in a "biocomposite" free flap.

An animal model was developed to determine the feasibility of vascularizing a porous biomaterial and transferring it as part of a free flap to a recipient site with enhanced resistance to infection due to the maintenance of a blood supply. To that end, the experiment was divided into three stages. Stage 1 compared the soft-tissue response of Interpore-200 to Interpore-500, both continuously porous hydroxyapatite materials implanted beneath the panniculus carnosus of the male Sprague-Dawley rat. Pore size was an important factor as it influenced vascular ingrowth, with Interpore-200 vascularizing earlier (complete at 1 week) and more intensely. Interpore-200 was therefore used for the remainder of the experiment. After 1 week of tissue ingrowth, the implants were moved from the abdomen to the skull on a vascular pedicle as a "biocomposite" free flap. Stage 2 was the histologic evaluation of 15 "biocomposite" free flaps over various time intervals up to 8 months. The free flaps formed a fibrous union to the skull, while a simple nonvascularized Interpore-200 onlay graft (stage 2 control) demonstrated a bony union in three of four implants placed up to 2 months. Stage 3 confirmed the free flap's resistance to bacterial infection. A highly significant difference (p less than 0.005) in infection rates was demonstrated between the "biocomposite" and nonvascularized stage 3 controls with no Pseudomonas growth from 9 of 10 cultures of the free flaps 5 days after exposure to 10(4) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while stage 3 controls demonstrated Pseudomonas growth in all cultures (heavy growth in 8 of 10). The "biocomposite" free flap has excellent potential to provide form and structure to wounds requiring reconstruction where bacterial contamination is a significant risk factor.     

Influences of vascularization and osteogenic cells on heterotopic bone formation within a madreporic ceramic in rats

Research in biomaterials for bone reconstruction has led to elaborate osteogenic composites that combine porous ceramics with bone marrow stromal cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of direct vascularization of such composites on osteogenesis and the ability to produce a vascularized bone substitute transplant in an ectopic muscular site. Sixty-four coralline biomaterials were implanted in 32 Fisher rats under four conditions: (1) alone (reference group M, n = 16), (2) coated with bone marrow stromal cells (group MC, n = 16), (3) combined with a vascular pedicle (group MV, n = 16), or (4) coated with bone marrow stromal cells and combined with a vascular pedicle (MCV group, n = 16). The number of vessels in the pores (vessel-pore ratio) of the implants and the proportion of pores showing bone ingrowth (bone-pore ratio) were measured at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks on four implants of each group. Compared with the reference group, angiogenesis was higher when the biomaterial was combined with a vascular pedicle or was coated with osteoprogenitor cells. The association of both vascular pedicle and osteoprogenitor cells increased vascularization by 60 percent (p = 0.003) and osteogenesis by 62 percent (p < 0.001). A combination of both vascular pedicle and bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells in coralline implants enhances neovascularization and osteogenesis after implantation in ectopic intramuscular sites to a greater extent than either does alone.     

Revascularization of cranial versus iliac crest bone grafts in the rat

Full-thickness cranial (membranous) and split-thickness iliac crest (endochondral) onlay bone grafts were placed subperiosteally without fixation onto the snout (membranous) and tibia (endochondral) in 30 rats. The animals had been divided into three equal groups in which the bone grafts had been demineralized, autoclaved, or used fresh. Recipient sites were harvested at 7 and 14 days at the snout and 14 days at the tibia, and revascularization was studied utilizing silicone rubber injection and a gridcounting technique. Endochondral grafts were found to have quantitatively greater revascularization than membranous grafts in all three groups at both sites (p less than 0.005). There was generally no statistically significant difference in revascularization between fresh and demineralized grafts, but vessel ingrowth was significantly decreased in autoclaved implants as compared with fresh grafts. Differences in graft architecture are theorized to account for the disparity in revascularization in endochondral and membranous grafts. Angiogenic and chemotactic factors are thought to play a role in the similarities and differences in revascularization among fresh, demineralized, and autoclaved bone.     

The early revascularization of membranous bone

The experimental finding that membranous onlay bone grafts maintain volume and viability to a greater extent than do endochondral grafts may be related to the more rapid vascularization of membranous bone. Microangiographic techniques were used to study the rates of vascularization of membranous and endochondral bone grafts in adult white New Zealand rabbits at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after bone grafting. Vascularization patterns were quantified microscopically using a modified point-counting technique. At 3 days, membranous bone grafts demonstrated vessel ingrowth from both soft tissue and host bone. Little ingrowth was seen in endochondral grafts. By day 7, 2.5 vessels per square were identified entering membranous grafts, while an average of 0.6 vessels per square were counted for endochondral bone grafts. At day 14, there was an average of greater than 20 vessels per square for membranous grafts versus 1.8 for their endochondral counterparts. At 21 days, the endochondral grafts demonstrated persistent avascular central areas not seen in membranous grafts. Membranous onlay bone grafts in the rabbit are more rapidly vascularized than endochondral grafts. This factor may affect the greater volume maintenance seen in experimental membranous grafts.     

Evaluation of Biological Properties of Electron Beam Melted Ti6Al4V Implant with Biomimetic Coating In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

High strength porous titanium implants are widely used for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects because of their similar mechanical properties to those of bone. The recent introduction of electron beam melting (EBM) technique allows a direct digitally enabled fabrication of patient specific porous titanium implants, whereas both their in vitro and in vivo biological performance need further investigation.

Methods

In the present study, we fabricated porous Ti6Al4V implants with controlled porous structure by EBM process, analyzed their mechanical properties, and conducted the surface modification with biomimetic approach. The bioactivities of EBM porous titanium in vitro and in vivo were evaluated between implants with and without biomimetic apatite coating.

Results

The physical property of the porous implants, containing the compressive strength being 163 - 286 MPa and the Young’s modulus being 14.5–38.5 GPa, is similar to cortical bone. The in vitro culture of osteoblasts on the porous Ti6Al4V implants has shown a favorable circumstance for cell attachment and proliferation as well as cell morphology and spreading, which were comparable with the implants coating with bone-like apatite. In vivo, histological analysis has obtained a rapid ingrowth of bone tissue from calvarial margins toward the center of bone defect in 12 weeks. We observed similar increasing rate of bone ingrowth and percentage of bone formation within coated and uncoated implants, all of which achieved a successful bridging of the defect in 12 weeks after the implantation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the EBM porous Ti6Al4V implant not only reduced the stress-shielding but also exerted appropriate osteoconductive properties, as well as the apatite coated group. The results opened up the possibility of using purely porous titanium alloy scaffolds to reconstruct specific bone defects in the maxillofacial and orthopedic fields.     

Volume maintenance of inlay bone grafts in the craniofacial skeleton

Although the clinical use of inlay bone grafts is widespread in craniofacial surgery, the dynamics of inlay bone grafting to the craniofacial skeleton have never been well characterized. Previous work demonstrated that volume maintenance of bone grafts in the onlay position is a consequence of their microarchitectural features, rather than their embryological origins. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the properties determining the volume maintenance of bone grafts in the onlay position in the craniofacial skeleton could be extended to bone grafts in the inlay position. It was hypothesized that volume maintenance of an inlay bone graft could be better explained on the basis of the microarchitectural features of the graft (cortical versus cancellous composition), rather than its embryological origin (membranous versus endochondral), and that the primary determinant of bone graft behavior is the interaction between the microarchitectural features of the bone graft and the local mechanical environment in which the bone graft is placed. Cortical and cancellous bone grafts were harvested from the iliac crest (endochondral origin) of 25 New Zealand white rabbits, and cortical bone was harvested from the mandible (membranous origin) of each rabbit. Four 7-mm trephine holes were made in the cranium of each rabbit, posterior to the coronal suture. Each defect was filled with endochondral cortical bone, endochondral cancellous bone, or membranous cortical bone or was left as an ungrafted control specimen. Animals were killed at 3, 8, or 16 weeks. Crania were subjected to micro-computed tomographic and histological assessments. Micro-computed tomographic analysis demonstrated significant increases in actual bone volume from time 0 to the time of death for all types of grafts. Cortical bone demonstrated significant increases in space-occupying volume at all time points. By 16 weeks, no statistically significant difference in either the actual bone volume or the space-occupying volume according to graft type could be detected. There was no resorption of the inlay bone grafts; in fact, all bone types exhibited increased volume. Cancellous bone demonstrated the greatest capacity to increase actual bone volume. All bone graft types seemed to reach a steady-state bone volume, as if controlled by a local regulator. The regulator is likely the local mechanical environment in which the grafts were placed, as corroborated by the findings that the bone grafts seemed to recapitulate the characteristics of the bone in which they were placed, rather than maintaining their native characteristics.     

Cytogenetic effects of quinoxaline-1,4-dioxide-type growth-promoting agents. I. Micronucleus test in rats

The cytogenetic activities of 3 growth-promoting agents carbadox, olaquindox and cyadox were examined by the micronucleus test. These chemicals were administered i.p. to male Wistar rats 30 and 6 h before they were killed. Single-dose levels were 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 mg/kg for carbadox; 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 mg/kg for olaquindox; and for cyadox 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg. Over the entire dose range tested, carbadox induced a statistically significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the rat bone marrow, whereas similar activity of olaquindox started at a dose of 2 X 60 mg/kg. The effect of cyadox was very low even at the highest dosage tested. Further testing of the genotoxicity of this class of chemicals is required. The genetic activity of the solvent used (dimethyl sulfoxide) is briefly discussed.     

Structural characteristics and properties of Bombyx mori silk fiber obtained by different artificial forcibly silking speeds

To study the spinning condition of natural biopolymer silk, the silk fibers were directly acquired from Bombyx mori silkworm, N140 x C140 by a simple artificial forcibly silking method at the speed of 60, 120, 180 and 240 cm min(-1), respectively and its microstructure and physical properties were evaluated. The fine silk fibers (about 8 microm) were obtained at faster spinning speed, 240 cm min(-1). The tensile properties of silk fibers were remarkably increased with raising the forcibly spinning speeds. The beta-sheet structure contents of silk fibers obtained at higher speed were considerably increased. The fibers obtained by different spinning speeds exhibited a fairly similar X-ray crystallinity, while the degree of molecular orientation increased with decreasing the fiber diameter. The fine silk fibers obtained at higher speed (240 cm min(-1)) exhibited a slightly higher thermal stability, as shown by the upward shift of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) decomposition temperature.     

Association of a synthetic bone graft and bone marrow cells as a composite biomaterial

Porous calcium phosphates have osteoconductive properties. The aim of this study was to obtain synthetic calcium phosphate bone graft substitute. X-ray diffraction was employed to investigate the formation of the beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) phase. We evaluated the effects of bone marrow on the osteoconductivity and mechanical properties of synthetic bone graft (SG). SG cylinders loaded with bone marrow (SGBM) and SG alone were implanted into rabbits femoral condyle bone defects. Histological examinations revealed the resorption of the SG, trabecular bone with osteoblasts and osteoid substance around the implants, and colonization inside the porous β-TCP by newly formed bone. Histomorphometry conducted after three months revealed the osteoid surface to be higher in SGBM than SG (p < 0.05). The compressive strengths of SG and SGBM were significantly higher than the anatomic control at all time periods. The elastic modulus of SBG and SGBM became weaker after implantation. The present results indicate that gB-TCP is a good matrix for bone marrow, which contributes osteoinductive properties in an orthotopic. The composite biomaterial may be useful in reconstructive bone surgery.     

Histopathological response to turpentine in the white shrimp,Penaeus setiferus

Observations are presented on the inflammatory response to a highly irritative substance, turpentine, injected into the abdominal musculature of the white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus. Injections of the irritant were administered with a tuberculin syringe between the fifth and sixth segments. Penaeid shrimp were found to be highly sensitive to turpentine, even when administered in small dosages. When sterile petroleum jelly was mixed with the turpentine to reduce the dispersion rate, the shrimp's “internal defense mechanism” was able to combat effectively the effect of the irritant. Postinjection observations of the tissues at the site of injection, gill, heart, and hepatopancreas were made at 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 72, 96, 120, 168, and 240 hr, and at 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 120 days. The induced cellular inflammatory response consisted of infiltrating hemocytes and fibrocytes resulting in the formation of fibrous capsules, brown melanized nodules, and fibrous scar tissue in all tissues examined. The gills and hepatopancreas showed considerable tissue destruction early, but were eventually cleared of the histopathological effects of the turpentine and later appeared normal. However, extensive tissue destruction was easily distinguishable in the heart and abdominal muscle even at 120 days postinjection.     

Studies on the time and localization of the puberal desensitization to oestrogen in female rats

Immature and postpuberal female rats were ovariectomized at 20 or 27 days of age or on the day of the first vaginal oestrus and chronically implanted with oestradiol benzoate (OB) and cholesterol at the ratios of 1 : 60, 1 : 120 or 1 : 240 on the day following castration. Autopsy was performed on day 6 after implantation and the plasma LH concentration determined by radioimmunoassay. Whereas 1 : 60 and 1 : 120 implants of OB and cholesterol placed into the hypothalamic ventromedial-arcuate region depressed the castration-induced elevation of the LH level before and after puberty, the 1 : 240 mixture was effective only in immature rats, but not after vaginal opening and the first ovulation had occurred. A similar trend was recorded after implantation of OB into the cortical amygdaloid nucleus (CAN). However, the oestrogen dose had to be doubled to get comparable results. Bilateral lesioning of the CAN or deefferentation of the mediocortical amygdala by transection of the stria terminalis did not distinctively influence the LH-suppressing effect of daily s.c. injections of 0.1 or 0.05 microgram OB/100 g b. w. in prepuberal rats. The findings demonstrate a sudden change in the hypothalamic threshold to the gonadotrophin-inhibiting effect of oestrogen over a narrow range of time near the onset of puberty. They furthermore suggest that the mediocortical amygdala is not involved in possible extra-hypothalamic control of the puberal desensitization process.     

Assessment of the effects on growth of porous hydroxyapatite granule cranioplasty in the immature guinea pig craniofacial skeleton

The immature guinea pig was used to study the effects on growth of porous granular hydroxyapatite used as an onlay cranioplasty and inlay cranioplasty to reconstruct full-thickness cranial defects in a growing craniofacial skeleton. Forty Hartley guinea pigs, 20 immature animals and 20 mature animals, were divided into four groups each containing five mature and five immature animals. The mature animals served as controls. Group I underwent elevation and replacement of the parietal periosteum. Group II underwent placement of hydroxyapatite between periosteum and parietal bone. Group III underwent elevation and replacement of autogenous bone flap after the formation of a 1 x 1-cm craniectomy defect in the parietal skull. Group IV underwent elevation of a 1 x 1-cm parietal craniectomy and reconstruction of the defect with hydroxyapatite granules placed between the dura and periosteum. Immature animals were killed at maturity at 3.5 months and mature animals were killed 2.5 months postoperatively. Macroscopic examination of the operative field, transverse and longitudinal cephalometric measurements, and histological sections encompassing the operative sites were compared. Macroscopically, all reconstructed operative sites were fully incorporated into the cranium. Histological staining of the sectioned operative site revealed no hydroxyapatite migration through the cranial bone or dura. No inflammatory or foreign body reaction was evident in the subcutaneous tissue, periosteum, or dura. No statistically significant cephalometric intergroup or intragroup differences were found at the conclusion of the study. The results of this study indicate that a granular porous form of hydroxyapatite may be used as an onlay or inlay cranioplasty in the immature guinea pig craniofacial skeleton without evidence of dural inflammation, granule migration, or growth restriction or retardation.     

Mechanical deficit persists during long-term muscle hypertrophy

Hypotheses were tested that the deficit in maximum isometric force normalized to muscle cross-sectional area (i.e., specific Po, N/cm2) of hypertrophied muscle would return to control value with time and that the rate and magnitude of adaptation of specific force would not differ between soleus and plantaris muscles. Ablation operations of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles or the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were done to induce hypertrophy of synergistic muscle left intact in female Wistar rats (n = 47) at 5 wk of age. The hypertrophied soleus and plantaris muscles and control muscles from other age-matched rats (n = 22) were studied from days 30 to 240 thereafter. Po was measured in vitro at 25 degrees C in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate. Compared with control values, soleus muscle cross-sectional area increased 41-15% from days 30 to 240 after ablation, whereas Po increased 11 and 15% only at days 60 and 90. Compared with control values, plantaris muscle cross-sectional area increased 52% at day 30, 40% from days 60 through 120, and 15% at day 240. Plantaris muscle Po increased 25% from days 30 to 120 but at day 240 was not different from control value. Changes in muscle architecture were negligible after ablation in both muscles. Specific Po was depressed from 11 to 28% for both muscles at all times. At no time after the ablation of synergistic muscle did the increased muscle cross-sectional area contribute fully to isometric force production.     

寄主钾营养对烟粉虱发育、存活和寄主选择的影响

为了探讨寄主钾营养对烟粉虱发育、存活和寄主选择的影响,设置了K0（0 mg/L）、K30（30 mg/L）、K60（60 mg/L）、K120（120 mg/L）和K240（240 mg/L）5种不同钾浓度,研究了烟粉虱在不同处理黄瓜上的发育历期、存活率、体形以及成虫的寄主选择。结果表明：在温度（26±1）℃,相对湿度80%±5%的条件下,取食不同钾营养水平黄瓜的烟粉虱在发育历期、存活率、体形上均有差异,其中在K240处理黄瓜上烟粉虱若虫发育最慢,从卵到成虫的时间最长,为21.4天,而在K60处理黄瓜上最快,为18.3天。在不同钾浓度处理寄主上从卵到成虫存活率以K30处理黄瓜上最高（84.7%）,其次依次为K60（83.8%）、K120（76.2%）、K0（71.4%）和K240（64.8%）。在体形上以K30处理黄瓜上最大,K240处理黄瓜上最小。寄主选择性试验结果表明,在温室条件下,烟粉虱成虫喜欢在K60处理黄瓜上取食和产卵。这些结果提示在一定范围内可以通过调节寄主钾营养状况来调控烟粉虱种群。     

Modulation of bone ingrowth of rabbit femur titanium implants by in vivo axial micromechanical loading.

Titanium implants commonly used in orthopedics and dentistry integrate into host bone by a complex and coordinated process. Despite increasingly well illustrated molecular healing processes, mechanical modulation of implant bone ingrowth is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine whether micromechanical forces applied axially to titanium implants modulate bone ingrowth surrounding intraosseous titanium implants. We hypothesized that small doses of micromechanical forces delivered daily to the bone-implant interface enhance implant bone ingrowth. Small titanium implants were placed transcortically in the lateral aspect of the proximal femur in 15 New Zealand White rabbits under general anesthesia and allowed to integrate with the surrounding bone for 6 wk. Micromechanical forces at 200 mN and 1 Hz were delivered axially to the right femur implants for 10 min/day over 12 consecutive days, whereas the left femur implants served as controls. The average bone volume 1 mm from mechanically loaded implants (n = 15) was 73 +/- 12%, which was significantly greater than the average bone volume (52 +/- 21%) of the contralateral controls (n = 15) (P < 0.01). The average number of osteoblast-like cells per endocortical bone surface was 55 +/- 8 cells/mm(2) for mechanically loaded implants, which was significantly greater than the contralateral controls (35 +/- 6 cells/mm(2)) (P < 0.01). Dynamic histomorphometry showed a significant increase in mineral apposition rate and bone-formation rate of mechanically stressed implants (3.8 +/- 1.2 microm/day and 2.4 +/- 1.0 microm(3).microm(-2).day(-1), respectively) than contralateral controls (2.2 +/- 0.92 microm/day and 1.2 +/- 0.60 microm(3).microm(-2).day(-1), respectively; P < 0.01). Collectively, these data suggest that micromechanical forces delivered axially on intraosseous titanium implants may have anabolic effects on implant bone ingrowth.     

Finite element analysis of a new customized composite post system for endodontically treated teeth

This paper investigated the mechanical behavior of a new customized post system built up with a composite framework presently utilized for crowns, bridges, veneers and inlay/onlay dental restorations. The material has been shaped so to follow perfectly the profile of the root canal in order to take advantage of the better mechanical properties of composites with respect to metallic alloys commonly used for cast posts.

The analysis has been carried out with 3D finite element models previously validated on the basis of experimental work. The new post system has been compared to a variety of restorations using either prefabricated or cast posts. The structural efficiency of the new restoration has been evaluated for an upper incisor under different loading conditions (mastication, bruxism, impact).

Results prove that maximum stress values in restored teeth are rather insensitive to post types and materials. However, the new customized composite restoration allows to reduce significantly the stresses inside the dentinal regions where conservative clinical interventions are not possible.