Design, construction and modularity of pressure-fit acetabular cups]

To enable a comparison of different pressfit acetabular cups objective criteria are essential. The aim of this study is to describe the design features of this type of cup and to analyse currently available cups. 30 implants were systematically measured and analysed. The mean surface roughness (Ra) was determined and configurations established with the light section technique. For further evaluation the cups were transversely sectioned. The cups are made of pure titanium, titanium alloy or polyethylene coated with titanium. Five implants take the form of monoblocks. The configuration is predominately (n = 25) flattened spherical. The size of eight cups corresponds to the outer diameter, 19 cups have a larger outer diameter (overdimensioning), 3 cups have a smaller outer diameter (underdimensioning). The magnitude of overdimensioning is, on average, 1.9%. 9 cups are provided with plugs, hollow cylinders, fins or rings as outer stabilizers. Surface roughness achieved with corundum blasting is 6.8 microns. Titanium porous-coated implants have a surface roughness of 21-32 microns. 24 cups have polyethylene inserts, most of which are snap-fixed with equatorial lips. For 16 cups, full-ceramic inserts are available. 4 cups have a metal insert. Titanium implants with structured or HAC-coated surfaces have become the accepted standard for cementless acetabular cup implantation. Together with ceramic, metal, or modified polyethylene inserts they meet the requirement for permanent osteo-integrative stability.     

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.     

Primary stability of threaded cups in THR--an experimental study.

Four threaded cups were tested up to their lever-out moments, torque-in moments and their resistance to failure. A was a parabolic-shaped, B was a spherical, C was a spherical-shaped too, and D was a conical shaped cup. Cup A and D represent cups which have proven themselves in clinical applications, but not cup B. The threads were determined and showed different constructive features. The cups were torqued into precise cavities in PVC foam cubes, after that they were levered out in a testing machine. The lever-out moments of all the cups showed significant differences; the results were: A: 78.4 Nm, B: 88.7 Nm, C: 117.5 Nm, D; 136.6 Nm. In the case of the torque-in moments there were no significant differences between A and B, neither between C and D. The differences in stiffness between B and C were not significant, but they were between the others. The primary stability against lever-out and the torque-in moment of threaded cups for artificial hip replacement can be basically influenced by different constructive features. Hence lever-out moment and torque-in moment should be understood and tested as independent variables.     

Different titanium surfaces modulate the bone phenotype of SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells

Commercially pure titanium implants presenting a relatively smooth, machined surface or a roughened endosseous surface show a large percentage of clinical success. Surface properties of dental implants seem to affect bone cells response. Implant topography appears to modulate cell growth and differentiation of osteoblasts affecting the bone healing around the titanium implant. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of 1cm diameter and 1mm thick titanium disks on cellular morphology, adhesion and bone phenotypic expression of human osteoblast-like cells, SaOS-2. SaOS-2 cells were cultured on commercially 1 cm pure titanium disks with three different surface roughness: smooth (S), sandblasted (SB) and titanium plasma sprayed (TPS). Differences in the cellular morphology were found when they were grown on the three different surfaces. An uniform monolayer of cells recovered the S surface, while clusters of multilayered irregularly shaped cells were distributed on the rough SB and TPS surfaces. The adhesion of SaOS-2 cells, as measured after 3h of culture, was not affected by surface roughness. ECM components such as Collagen I (CoI), Fibronectin (FN), Vitronectin (VN) and Tenascin (TN) were secreted and organized only on the SB and TPS surfaces while they remained into the cytoplasm on the S surfaces. Osteopontin and BSP-II were largely detected on the SB and TPS surfaces, while only minimal production was observed on the S ones. These data show that titanium surface roughness affects bone differentiation of osteoblast like-cells, SaOS-2, indicating that surface properties may be able to modulate the osteoblast phenotype. These observations also suggest that the bone healing response around dental implants can be affected by surface topography.     

Diversity of dermal denticle structure in sharks: Skin surface roughness and three‐dimensional morphology

Shark skin is covered with numerous placoid scales or dermal denticles. While previous research has used scanning electron microscopy and histology to demonstrate that denticles vary both around the body of a shark and among species, no previous study has quantified three‐dimensional (3D) denticle structure and surface roughness to provide a quantitative analysis of skin surface texture. We quantified differences in denticle shape and size on the skin of three individual smooth dogfish sharks (Mustelus canis) using micro‐CT scanning, gel‐based surface profilometry, and histology. On each smooth dogfish, we imaged between 8 and 20 distinct areas on the body and fins, and obtained further comparative skin surface data from leopard, Atlantic sharpnose, shortfin mako, spiny dogfish, gulper, angel, and white sharks. We generated 3D images of individual denticles and measured denticle volume, surface area, and crown angle from the micro‐CT scans. Surface profilometry was used to quantify metrology variables such as roughness, skew, kurtosis, and the height and spacing of surface features. These measurements confirmed that denticles on different body areas of smooth dogfish varied widely in size, shape, and spacing. Denticles near the snout are smooth, paver‐like, and large relative to denticles on the body. Body denticles on smooth dogfish generally have between one and three distinct ridges, a diamond‐like surface shape, and a dorsoventral gradient in spacing and roughness. Ridges were spaced on average 56 µm apart, and had a mean height of 6.5 µm, comparable to denticles from shortfin mako sharks, and with narrower spacing and lower heights than other species measured. We observed considerable variation in denticle structure among regions on the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins, including a leading‐to‐trailing edge gradient in roughness for each region. Surface roughness in smooth dogfish varied around the body from 3 to 42 microns.     

白脊藤壶形态的变异

中国沿岸白脊藤壸Balanus albicostatus Pilsbry有圆锥形、陡圆锥形和圆柱形。其形态与年龄、浪击、群集度及基底的粗糙度有关。壁板表面的脊和色纹数也与年龄、浪击和基底的粗糙度有关。壳口面积小于40mm~2时,其面积增大缓慢,大于40mm~2时,其面积增大与基底面积增加呈正相关。随着年龄的增大,基底由椭圆形变为圆形。盖板的形状与年龄和腐蚀度有关。 白脊藤壶广泛分布在我国沿岸,是潮间带隐蔽岩岸的优势种。因其形态变化极大,故分类学家曾把其变异的个体订为不同的亚种。藤壶的形态变异问题,早就引起生态学家和古生物学家关注。因水生动物外壳的形态和结构可作为环境变化的指标,故可为生态学家、古生物学家和古地理学家提供重要的信息(Rhoads and Lutz,1980)。国外曾对半寒藤壶Semibalanus balanoides、缺刻藤壶B.crenatus、小藤壶Chthamalus challenger和C.depressus的形态变异进行了研究。本文着重讨论白脊藤壶的形态变异及产生变异的原因。     

Effects of surface roughness on the coefficients of friction in model orthodontic systems

Orthodontists, like others (Engel, P.A. (1976) Impact Wear of Materials. Elsevier Scientific, New York.), often equate the smoothness of surfaces with the absence of friction. To investigate whether the surface roughness of opposing materials influence the coefficients of friction and ultimately the movement of teeth, arch wires were slid between contact flats to simulate orthodontic arch wire-bracket appliances. From laser specular reflectance measurements, the RMS surface roughness of these arch wires varied from 0.04 microns for stainless steel to 0.23 microns for nickel titanium. Using the same technique, the roughnesses of the contact flats varied from 0.03 microns for the 1 micron lapped stainless steel, to 0.26 microns for the as-received alumina. After each of the arch wire-contact flat couples was placed in a friction tester, fifteen normal forces were systemically applied at 34 degrees C. From plots of the static and kinetic frictional forces vs the normal forces, dry coefficients of friction was obtained that were greater than those reported in the dental literature. The all-stainless steel couples had lower kinetic coefficients (0.120-0.148) than the stainless steel-polycrystalline alumina couple (0.187). When pressed against the various flats, the beta-titanium arch wire (RMS = 0.14 microns) had the highest coefficients of friction (0.445-0.658), although the nickel titanium arch wire was the roughest (RMS = 0.23 microns). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) verified that mass transfer of the beta-titanium arch wire occurred by adhesion onto the stainless steel flats or by abrasion from the sharply faceted polycrystalline alumina flats.     

Surprising absence of association between flower surface microstructure and pollination system

• The epidermal cells of flowers come in different shapes and have different functions, but how they evolved remains largely unknown. Floral micro‐texture can provide tactile cues to insects, and increases in surface roughness by means of conical (papillose) epidermal cells may facilitate flower handling by landing insect pollinators. Whether flower microstructure correlates with pollination system remains unknown.
• Here, we investigate the floral epidermal microstructure in 29 (congeneric) species pairs with contrasting pollination system. We test whether flowers pollinated by bees and/or flies feature more structured, rougher surfaces than flowers pollinated by non‐landing moths or birds and flowers that self‐pollinate.
• In contrast with earlier studies, we find no correlation between epidermal microstructure and pollination system. The shape, cell height and roughness of floral epidermal cells varies among species, but is not correlated with pollinators at large. Intriguingly, however, we find that the upper (adaxial) flower surface that surrounds the reproductive organs and often constitutes the floral display is markedly more structured than the lower (abaxial) surface.
• We thus conclude that conical epidermal cells probably play a role in plant reproduction other than providing grip or tactile cues, such as increasing hydrophobicity or enhancing the visual signal.

     

Cell-extracellular matrix interaction and physico-chemical characteristics of titanium surfaces depend on the roughness of the material

The interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix at the interface of an implant determines the biology of cells and tissues. We analysed components of cell adhesion and measured physico-chemical characteristics of structural modifications of titanium surfaces: polished, machined, glass particle-blasted, corundum-blasted, vacuum plasma-sprayed. Scanning electron microscopy and profilometry revealed a differentiated topography from smooth to rough surfaces, respectively. Osteoblastic MG-63 cells showed an increased spreading on surfaces with low roughness, although without a straight correlation with the surface topography. Integrin expression was increased on structured surfaces compared with polished material, and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and fibronectin was impaired on extremely rough surfaces. Electrochemical methods, especially the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics, and the impedance curves revealed a dependence on the roughness of the material surfaces. Further analyses of the EIS results were performed using equivalent circuits which model the electrical flow through the interface. First indications for a correlation between parameters from the equivalent circuits with surface properties were obtained which promise a relevance for the biological response of the cells.     

Studies on the effects of intracerebral actinomycin D implants on estrogen-induced receptivity in rats

Ovariectomized female rats were injected with estrogen and progesterone and actinomycin D was implanted into different brain areas. Implants of actinomycin D inhibited estrogen-induced lordosis behavior when applied to the preoptic region within 12 hr of estrogen treatment regardless of whether the interval between implantation and testing was 29, 38, or 68 hr. Implants 21 hr after estrogen treatment were ineffective. Attempts to localize the site of action showed that implants into the preoptic region were effective even when the implant cannulae did not pierce the ventricles, that implants into the caudate nucleus were ineffective even if the cannulae pierced the lateral ventricles, and that implants into the third ventricle were highly effective in inhibiting lordosis behavior.     

The identification of myogenic cells in regenerating skeletal muscle. I. Early anuran regenerates.

Muscle regeneration is usually considered to involve two easily recognizable mononuclear cell populations: (a) irregularly shaped phagocytic macrophages; and (b) fusiform myogenic cells which reside beneath the basal lamina of the injured myofibers. The present study finds that anuran macrophages can mimic early myogenic cells by adopting a fusiform shape and a sublaminar position during the initial stages of phagocytic infiltration. Implants of minced gastrocnemius muscle from adult Rana pipiens and R. clamitans were used. Macrophage cytology was examined in normally regenerating implants and implants mixed with carbon tracer particles. Implants of nonliving muscle, lyophilized or frozen repeatedly prior to implantation, were also prepared to study the process of macrophage invasion free from contamination by any endogenous myogenic cells. Ultrastructural examination of normal implants finds no clear morphological boundaries by which early myogenic cells and macrophages can reliably be separated. Studies of carbon-marked implants demonstrate the occurrence of numerous, carbon-labeled fusiform sublaminar macrophages. Fusiform macrophages are also found in the myofibers of the implanted muscle tissues killed by previous freezing or lyophilization. These observations indicate that the criteria of cell shape and location traditionally used for myogenic cell identification are of doubtful validity and must be reevaluated.     

Enhanced endothelial cell density on NiTi surfaces with sub-micron to nanometer roughness

The shape memory effect and superelastic properties of NiTi (or Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy) have already attracted much attention for various biomedical applications (such as vascular stents, orthodontic wires, orthopedic implants, etc). However, for vascular stents, conventional approaches have required coating NiTi with anti-thrombogenic or antiinflammatory drug-eluting polymers which as of late have proven problematic for healing atherosclerotic blood vessels. Instead of focusing on the use of drug-eluting anti-thrombogenic or anti-inflammatory proteins, this study focused on promoting the formation of a natural antithrombogenic and anti-inflammatory surface on metallic stents: the endothelium. In this study, we synthesized various NiTi substrates with different micron to nanometer surface roughness by using dissimilar dimensions of constituent NiTi powder. Endothelial cell adhesion on these compacts was compared with conventional commercially pure (cp) titanium (Ti) samples. The results after 5 hrs showed that endothelial cells adhered much better on fine grain (< 60 microm) compared with coarse grain NiTi compacts (< 100 microm). Coarse grain NiTi compacts and conventional Ti promoted similar levels of endothelial cell adhesion. In addition, cells proliferated more after 5 days on NiTi with greater sub-micron and nanoscale surface roughness compared with coarse grain NiTi. In this manner, this study emphasized the positive pole that NiTi with sub-micron to nanometer surface features can play in promoting a natural anti-thrombogenic and anti-inflammatory surface (the endothelium) on a vascular stent and, thus, suggests that more studies should be conducted on NiTi with sub-micron to nanometer surface features.     

Simulation of bone strain by orthodontic implants using the finite element method]

Load direction of applied forces, implant geometry and other biomechanical parameters lead to varying reactions in the surrounding bone structure. Three types of endosseous implant measuring 9 mm in length and 3.3 mm in diameter with and without superperiosteal step, and a threaded surface were investigated with the aid of a finite element method using the COSMOS/M 2.5 program. The load on the implant was investigated under vertical, horizontal, and diagonal forces of between 0.01 N and 100 N. Vertical loading of simple implants caused bone deformation of more than 600 mu eps. The application of the superperiosteal step clearly reduced the deformation. The largest deformations under vertical loading were observed in the trabecular bone with all 3 implant geometries. On horizontal loading the deformation shifted from the trabecular to the cortical bone and was particularly marked at the transition between the two. The smallest deformations, less than 300 mu eps, were measured at implants with a superperiosteal step under diagonal loading. The thread did not improve loading capacity. Implants with a superperiosteal step are recommended since they contribute to more rapid healing and strengthening of the bone.     

A Numerical Model of Radiation Distribution Under an Individual Tree

A numerical model was developed to model the radiation distribution under an individual tree crown with different tree geometric parameters, different geographical locations and different topographical parameterrs and different transmissivity of the tree crown. The model was encoded into C and FORTRAN functions and could be utilized in agroforestry ecosystem modeling. The analysis showed that when the tree crown was more or less a conical shape with fixed tree height and crown radius, an increase in crown volume could even increase the average radiation under the tree.     

The influence of different surface treatments on the primary stability of cementless acetabular cups: an in vitro study]

INTRODUCTION: Long-term stability of cementless acetabular cups depends on osseointegration, which requires primary stability of the implant. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different surface treatments on the primary stability of press-fit acetabular cups. Mechanical lever-out tests were performed to quantify the stability in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hemispherical press-fit cup design with a flattened pole was used and different surface modifications were applied: smooth, corundum-blasted, titanium plasma spray, rough titan plasma spray, and titanium plasma spray with a rim. The outer diameter of all cups was kept constant. Polyurethane foam was selected as the test material and cup insertion was performed with a maximal force of 6000 N. The excess length between the cup and the surface of the foam blocks was measured. The maximum lever-out force was measured and the lever-out torque was calculated. RESULTS: The excess length of cups with a smooth surface was significantly less (p<0.001) than for the other cups, with no significant differences among the other surface modifications. The lever-out torque for cups with a smooth surface was significantly less (p<0.001) than for the other cups, with no significant differences among the other surface modifications. CONCLUSION: Only the cup with a smooth surface showed significant differences for excess length and lever-out torque. The other surface modifications exhibited the same stability. As long as a rough surface is chosen, cup design seems to have a greater influence on stability than surface modification. Although the study did not mimic real in vivo conditions and the lever-out-torques cannot be transferred to clinical situations, initial stability before bony ingrowth occurred could be clearly analysed.     

Effect of caries preventive products on the growth of bacterial biofilm on titanium surface

Fluorides may affect the oxide layer on titanium surface. Caries preventive mouthwashes or gels contain fluorides and are applied at low pH. The aim of the present work was to study whether various concentrations of fluoride at acidic pH cause changes in the surface structure on the polished region of Ti implants, and alter the adherence and colonization of bacteria. Commercially pure Ti grade 4 discs with a polished surface were treated with a mouthwash containing 0.025% fluoride, a gel containing 1.25% fluoride or a 1% aqueous solution of NaF (pH 4.5). The change of surface roughness of the samples and the colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis strains were studied by scanning electron microscopy after 5 days of anaerobic incubation. The quantity of the bacterial protein was determined by protein assay analysis. Agents with high fluoride concentration at acidic pH increased the roughness of the Ti surface. A slight increase in the amount of bacteria was found on the surfaces treated with 1% NaF and gel in comparison with the control surface. This study suggested that a high fluoride concentration at acidic pH may hinder the development of a healthy transgingival epithelial junction on Ti implants, due to bacterial colonization.     

Initial stability of modular acetabular components. Comparative in-vitro study with polyethylene and ceramic liners.

Modular acetabular components with alumina ceramic liners are currently used in total hip arthroplasty, but concerns have emerged regarding their high stiffness, which could cause impairment of stability, stress-shielding phenomena, and loosening. The purpose of the present biomechanical investigation was to compare the in-vitro initial stability of a modular press-fit acetabular component using a polyethylene liner and using an alumina liner. The initial stability was investigated by measuring the micromotion between the implant and the acetabulum during the application of physiological load (2.39 kN). The micromotion of the acetabular component was investigated in 10 acetabuli using a polyethylene liner and in 10 acetabuli using an alumina liner. Micromotion was assessed at the level of the Os ilium, Os pubis, and Os ischium using 3 electromagnetic transducers. The transducers have a sensitivity of 1 micron and a range of measurement of 500 microns. All implants have been fixed on human pelves made of polyurethane. Measurement of implant micromotion showed stable conditions at the level of the three main sectors of the acetabulum during all tests. No statistically significant differences of results were observed between the group of specimens with polyethylene liner and the group of specimens with alumina liner. The mean micromotion values of the uncemented cups were similar to the mean micromotion values of 10 cemented cups investigated to achieve comparative data of stability. In conclusion, the modular acetabular components inserted using an alumina liner showed a satisfactory initial stability in-vitro. The results do not contrast with those achieved using the same cup inserted with a polyethylene liner.     

Interruption of Electrical Conductivity of Titanium Dental Implants Suggests a Path Towards Elimination Of Corrosion

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease that results in the destruction of soft tissue and bone around the implant. Titanium implant corrosion has been attributed to the implant failure and cytotoxic effects to the alveolar bone. We have documented the extent of titanium release into surrounding plaque in patients with and without peri-implantitis. An in vitro model was designed to represent the actual environment of an implant in a patient’s mouth. The model uses actual oral microbiota from a volunteer, allows monitoring electrochemical processes generated by biofilms growing on implants and permits control of biocorrosion electrical current. As determined by next generation DNA sequencing, microbial compositions in experiments with the in vitro model were comparable with the compositions found in patients with implants. It was determined that the electrical conductivity of titanium implants was the key factor responsible for the biocorrosion process. The interruption of the biocorrosion current resulted in a 4–5 fold reduction of corrosion. We propose a new design of dental implant that combines titanium in zero oxidation state for osseointegration and strength, interlaid with a nonconductive ceramic. In addition, we propose electrotherapy for manipulation of microbial biofilms and to induce bone healing in peri-implantitis patients.     

Electrochemical disinfection of dental implants--a proof of concept

Background

Peri-implantitis has gained significant clinical attention in recent years. This disease is an inflammatory reaction to microorganisms around dental implants. Due to the limited accessibility, non-invasive antimicrobial strategies are of high interest. An unexpected approach to implant disinfection may evolve from electrolysis. Given the electrical conductivity of titanium implants, alkalinity or active oxidants can be generated in body fluids. We investigated the use of dental titanium implants as electrodes for the local generation of disinfectants. Our hypothesis was that electrolysis can reduce viable counts of adhering bacteria, and that this reduction should be greater if active oxidative species are generated.

Methodology/Principal Findings

As model systems, dental implants, covered with a mono-species biofilm of Escherichia coli C43, were placed in photographic gelatin prepared with physiological saline. Implants were treated by a continuous current of 0 - 10 mA for 15 minutes. The reduction of viable counts was investigated on cathodes and anodes. In separate experiments, the local change in pH was visualized using color indicators embedded in the gelatin. Oxidative species were qualitatively detected by potassium iodide-starch paper. The in situ generated alkaline environment around cathodic implants caused a reduction of up to 2 orders of magnitude in viable E. coli counts. On anodic implants, in contrast to cathodic counterparts, oxidative species were detected. Here, a current of merely 7.5 mA caused complete kill of the bacteria.

Conclusions/Significance

This laboratory study shows that electrochemical treatment may provide access to a new way to decontaminate dental implants in situ.     

Joint prostheses components of warm-forged and surface treated Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy]

In 1978 development of a TiAl alloy with the inert alloying element niobium was initiated. In 1984, the optimal composition was found to be Ti-6Al-7Nb (Protasul-100). This custom-made alloy for implants has the same alpha/beta micro-structure and equally good mechanical properties as Ti-6Al-4V. The corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-7Nb is better than that of pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V, due to the very dense and stable passive layer. Since 1985, highly stressed anchoring stems of various hip prosthesis designs have been manufactured from hot-forged Ti-6Al-7Nb/Protasul-100. Polished surfaces of hip, knee or wrist joints made of Ti-6Al-7Nb intended to articulate with polyethylene are surface-treated by the application of a very hard, 3-5 microns thick titanium nitride coating (Tribosul-TiN), or by oxygen diffusion hardening (Tribosul-ODH) to a depth of 30 microns.