Full-arch implant framework casting accuracy: preliminary in vitro observation for in vivo testing

PURPOSE: Conventional techniques for implant metal framework fabrication produce error of a magnitude that is inconsistent with the passive-fit requirement for osseointegrated implants. To understand the correlation between prosthesis fit and the implant-tissue response, evaluation of the interface tissue reactions to customary levels of fit is required. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of torch casting full arch frameworks using a high palladium alloy and a ringless phosphate-bonded investment technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different variables were considered relative to casting accuracy effect. The first variable, completeness of mold-fill, compared cast specimens where the entire sprue system was filled as part of the casting and cast specimens without the sprue system filled. The second variable, phosphate-bonded investment special liquid concentrations, compared groups of castings produced from 0%, 12%, 25%, and 50% special liquid. The third variable, investment mold shape, compared casting produced from a conventional ringless mold shape with a modified ringless mold shape where the investment in the same horizontal plane as the pattern was equal in thickness at the internal and external surfaces. Horizontal and vertical distances on the wax pattern and resulting framework were measured using a machinists microscope to determine casting error. Combined vertical and horizontal error was used for comparison between groups (one-way analysis of variance). RESULTS: No significant differences existed among the three groups compared (P > 0.05). The mean error comparison between the complete and incomplete mold-fill groups showed no statistical difference, while the incomplete fill group was found to be more porous. The mean error of all groups (0.130 mm) exceeded the recommended level of fit needed to satisfy the passive fit requirement by more than 10-fold. CONCLUSIONS: These results verify clinical observation and suggest that the use of conventional lost wax casting technique to cast one-piece full arch implant frameworks is both imprecise and inaccurate as judged against the passive fit requirement. The consequences of screw-fastening misfitting prostheses to osseointegrated implants is currently under investigation.     

Antithrombotic potency of hirudin is increased in nonhuman primates by fibrin targeting

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of thrombin by either the indirect thrombin inhibitor heparin or by more potent direct thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin reduces thrombus formation after arterial injury. The present study was designed to determine if a fibrin-specific thrombin inhibitor could, by local thrombin inhibition, prevent thrombosis more effectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first studied antithrombotic potency in vitro, comparing fibrin-targeted hirudin (recombinant hirudin covalently linked to the Fab' fragment of the anti-fibrin monoclonal antibody 59D8) to recombinant hirudin in baboon plasma. Fibrin-targeted hirudin was nine times more effective than recombinant hirudin in inhibiting fibrin deposition on experimental clot surfaces in baboon plasma (P < .01). The potency of fibrin-targeted hirudin was then compared with that of recombinant hirudin in a baboon model of thrombus formation. 111In-labeled platelet deposition was measured in a synthetic graft segment of an extracorporeal arteriovenous shunt in control animals and in animals receiving either fibrin-targeted hirudin or hirudin. In these experiments, fibrin-targeted hirudin was 10-fold more potent than hirudin in inhibiting platelet deposition and thrombus formation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that targeting a thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin to an epitope present in thrombi results in increased antithrombotic potency.     

Characterization of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and application as an effective filter for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions☆

Filtration efficiency of Ni(II) from aqueous solution using pristine and modified MWCNTs filters was investigated as a function of Ni(II) ion concentration, pH, and filter mass. MWCNTs were synthesized by CVD method and modified using two complementary treatments, purification (using a mixture of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide) and functionalization (using nitric acid). The effect and mechanism of each treatment on the structural integrity of pristine MWCNTs has been studied. Morphology of the pristine and modified filters was investigated by Raman Spectrometry (RS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and Thermogravimetric analysis. It was found from Raman spec-tra that the ratio of the intensity of D-band to that of G-band decreased by purification process, and increased by functionalization process. The adsorption mechanism of Ni(II) onto the surface functional groups of modified MWCNTs was confirmed by FTIR spectrum. The filtration results showed that the removal efficiency of Ni(II) is strongly dependent on pH and could reach 85%at pH=8. Also, modified MWCNT filters can be reused through many cycles of regeneration with high performance. Functionalized MWCNTs filters may be a promising adsor-bent candidate for heavy metal removal from wastewater.     

hp-Adaptive spectral element solver for reactor modeling

The study, analysis and optimization of chemical reactors has shown a significant increase in complexity of the models used during the last decades. This complexity increased the computational cost of the models demanding the development of efficient solution techniques. This paper discusses the implementation of an hp-adaptive refinement technique applied to a least-squares spectral element formulation as a mathematical framework for reactor modeling. The refinement is based on an estimate of the local Sobolev regularity index of the underlying solution by monitoring the decay rate of its Legendre expansion coefficients. The performance of the method is demonstrated numerically by using an analytical test case.     

In vitro activity of 9 antibiotics and 3 beta-lactamase inhibitors against 107 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumanii

Twenty eight of 227 patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy for inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis or functional disease were over the age of 50 years: ages 50 to 60 (n = 13), 60 to 70 (n = 10), and over 70 (n = 5). Major complications occurred in 5 patients over the age of 50 (18%) compared with 43 patients under the age of 50 (23%). Three patients above the age of 50 had their pouch excised (11%) compared with 23 under the age of 50 (12%). Functional outcome was assessed with a 12 point symptom score. This was similar in all age bands: under 50 years (mean = 2.2; sd +/- 2.2; n = 109), 50 to 60 years (mean = 2.5; sd +/- 2.5; n = 12), 60 to 70 years (mean = 2.8; sd +/- 2.3; n = 7) and over 70 years (mean = 4.0; sd +/- 3.7; n = 5): P > 0.05). When analysed for ulcerative colitis alone, no significant differences were seen between the two age groups. Restorative proctocolectomy in the elderly gives results which are comparable to the younger population.     

The value of the Parenting Scale for measuring the discipline practices of parents of middle school children

The psychometric properties of the Parenting Scale (Arnold, O'Leary, Wolff, and Acker, 1993), a 30-item instrument originally developed to assess the discipline practices of parents of preschool children, were examined for parents of middle school students. Subjects were 298 parents of middle school student identified as at-risk for problem behavior. An exploratory factor analysis identified two factors labeled 'Overreactivity' and 'Laxness', closely resembling two of the factors found by Arnold et al., but each of these factors contained only six items. Confirmatory factor analyses, using data from the first two assessments, replicated this factor structure. The factors were significantly correlated with measures of parents' behavior, with scales from the child Behavior Checklist and Parent Daily Reports, and with the Beck Depression Inventory. The Laxness factor was less robust than the Overreactivity factor.