Comparative Sample Preparation Using Focused Ion Beam and Ultramicrotomy of Human Dental Enamel and Dentine for Multimicroscopic Imaging at Micro- and Nanoscale.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to systematically compare TEM sections of mineralized human enamel and dentine prepared by focused ion beam (in situ lift-out) technique and ultramicrotomy through a combination of microscopic examination methods (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy). In contrast with published studies, we compared the TEM preparation methods using the same specimen blocks as those for the ultramicrotomy and FIB technique. (2) Methods: A further evaluation of TEM sample preparation was obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

Correlation of ultrasound microscopy and Vickers hardness measurements of human dentin and enamel - A pilot study.

Objective: To investigate if Vickers microhardness of dentin and enamel correlated with acoustic velocity c(l) or acoustic reflection from the sample's top (amplitude).

Methods: Eight transversal sections of a sound human tooth were investigated with scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and Vickers microhardness measurements. Longitudinal acoustic velocity c(l), amplitude and microhardness MHV were evaluated and for each c(l) test point corresponding amplitude and MHV were linearly interpolated and graphically analyzed.

Flexible Automation System for Determination of Elemental Composition of Incrustations in Clogged Biliary Endoprostheses Using ICP-MS.

Automation systems are well established in industries and life science laboratories, especially in bioscreening and high-throughput applications. An increasing demand of automation solutions can be seen in the field of analytical measurement in chemical synthesis, quality control, and medical and pharmaceutical fields, as well as research and development. In this study, an automation solution was developed and optimized for the investigation of new biliary endoprostheses (stents), which should reduce clogging after implantation in the human body.

No influence of simultaneous bone-substitute application on the success of immediately loaded dental implants: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To examine the influence of bone-substitute application during implantation on the success of immediately placed and loaded dental implants.

Materials And Methods: A total of 147 consecutive patients (age, 16.5-80.

Development of a biodegradable tissue adhesive based on functionalized 1,2-ethylene glycol bis(dilactic acid). II.

In body regions where damage and bleeding must be avoided, a substitute for mechanical tissue fixation by sutures or staplers is needed. Since tissue adhesives provide easy and fast handling they are a promising alternative. The present study reports the development and analysis of a tissue adhesive that consists of two adhesive components: hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) functionalized 1,2-ethylene glycol bis(dilactic acid) (ELA-NCO) and chitosan chloride.

[A novel cryo-grinding technique for evaluating new cochlear implant electrodes after ex vivo insertions in temporal bone specimens].

Background: Prior to clinical application, newly developed prototypes of cochlear implant electrode arrays must prove their suitability with the smallest possible tissue damage in ex vivo temporal bones. So far, after insertion of the electrodes the temporal bone specimens have to be processed in a rather intricate technique, including embedding, sectioning or grinding prior to histological evaluation. The question remains whether for special indications this time-consuming method, which even causes artifacts, can be replaced by a new technique based on cryo-grinding.

Development of a biodegradable tissue adhesive based on functionalized 1,2-ethylene glycol bis(dilactic acid). I.

Tissue adhesives are a valuable alternative for mechanical tissue fixation by sutures or staples. Adhesives are desirable in body regions where damage and bleeding must be avoided. Tissue adhesives provide easy and fast handling.

[Drug release of coated dental implant neck region to improve tissue integration].

In order to improve tissue integration, the neck region of dental implants was coated with the biodegradable polymer poly (L-lactide) incorporating tetracycline, ibuprofen and the combination of both drugs using a solvent dip-coating process. Metallographic analysis, light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to detect the thickness range and the surface characteristics of the coatings. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the tetrazolium colorimetric method with the fibroblast cell line L929.

[The influence of macro- and microstructure on the surface wettability and retention properties of endodontic posts in vitro].

Aesthetical and biomechanical requirements on fiber-reinforced endodontic posts play an important role in clinical application. Leading to a long-term clinical success, post systems must ensure an adequate force transmission and optimal retention behavior into the root channel. The aim of this study was to determine the microstructure and morphology of commonly used fiber reinforced endodontic posts in vitro.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) patches for covering anterior skull base defects - an animal study with minipigs.

Conclusion: We conclude that PHB patch material may fulfil the specific requirements that are necessary for a dural substitute, including defect closure, stability and biocompatibility. Our results support the assumed positive influence of PHB on bone regeneration.

Objectives: Although many experimental and clinical studies have been performed to identify a suitable material to repair defects of the dura mater, no ideal dural substitute is currently available.

Electromyographical recording of the electrically elicited stapedius reflex via a bipolar hook electrode.

Objective: To prove the feasibility of recording stapedius reflexes by bipolar electromyography intra-operatively during cochlea implant via a bipolar hook needle electrode.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Optical coherence tomography as an orientation guide in cochlear implant surgery?

Conclusion: With optical coherence tomography (OCT) it is basically possible to reveal parts of the cochlear morphology without opening its enveloping membranes. Thus, it may serve as a helpful guide for the surgeon to localize the scala tympani precisely before opening the fluid-filled inner ear to insert the electrode array.

Objective: To improve anatomical orientation in cochlear implant surgery before definitively opening the fluid-filled inner ear.

Severe damage of the femoral head after dislocation and difficult reduction maneuvers after total hip arthroplasty.

Introduction: Aseptic loosening associated with osteolysis and release of wear particles is the main reason for revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Damage of femoral heads is well known to increase the wear rate at the articulating surface. Instability and dislocation are serious complications and are the second most frequent reason for revision surgery after THA.

Three-dimensional ultrasound biomicroscopy, environmental and conventional scanning electron microscopy investigations of the human zonula ciliaris for numerical modelling of accommodation.

Purpose: Biomechanical modelling of the accommodation process is a useful tool for studying the mechanism of accommodation and presbyopia and can aid in the development of accommodative lens-replacing materials. Existing biomechanical models, however, use a very simplified zonula structure. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging and scanning electron microscopy to provide a more detailed, three-dimensional description of the structure of the human zonula to improve the modelling of accommodation.

An "endosteal electrode" for cochlear implantation in cases with residual hearing? Feasibility study: preliminary temporal bone experiments.

Background: Over the years, an increasing number of patients with some degree of residual hearing have received cochlear implants. In these cases, the marginal benefit provided by hearing aids alone is not sufficient; however, as experience has already shown, when hearing aids are used in combination with a cochlear implant, more benefit may be obtained. As a prerequisite, this requires that residual hair cell function must remain intact postoperatively.