Biomedical subjects

B d'Hoedt

Publications and source records attributed to B d'Hoedt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Software for automated application of a reference-based method for a posteriori determination of the effective radiographic imaging geometry.

OBJECTIVES: Presentation and validation of software developed for automated and accurate application of a reference-based algorithm (reference sphere method: RSM) inferring the effective imaging geometry from quantitative radiographic image analysis. METHODS: The software uses modern pattern recognition and computer vision algorithms adapted for the particular application of automated detection of the reference sphere shadows (ellipses) with subpixel accuracy. It applies the RSM algorithm to the shadows detected, thereby providing three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates of the spheres. If the three sphere centres do not lie on one line, they uniquely determine the imaging geometry. Accuracy of the computed coordinates is investigated in a set of 28 charge-coupled device (CCD)-based radiographs of two human mandible segments produced on an optical bench. Each specimen contained three reference spheres (two different radii r1=1.5 mm, r2=2.5 mm). True sphere coordinates were assessed with a manually operated calliper. Software accuracy was investigated for a weighted and unweighted algebraic ellipse-fitting algorithm. RESULTS: The critical depth- (z-) coordinates revealed mean absolute errors ranging between 1.1+/-0.7 mm (unweighted version; r=2.5 mm) and 1.4+/-1.4 mm (weighted version, r=2.5 mm), corresponding to mean relative errors between 5% and 6%. Outliers resulted from complete circular dense structure superimposition and one obviously deformed reference sphere. CONCLUSIONS: The software provides information fundamentally important for the image formation and geometric image registration, which is a crucial step for three-dimensional reconstruction from > or =2 two-dimensional views.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2003

[Root growth after wisdom tooth transposition. Case documentation with proposal for a radiologic method to quantify growth].

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a method for assessment of root growth on panoramic radiographs exemplified by a case report on an autotransplanted lower third molar. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A lower left third molar (T) with incomplete root formation was transplanted for replacement of the lower left first molar in an 18-year-old woman. T was monitored clinically and, together with its neighboring lower second molar (37) with constant root length, also radiographically by means of two panoramic radiographs (OPGs) produced 12 days and 20 months postoperatively. A method for calculation of the root length as a multiple of the crown length is introduced, using accurately reproducible landmarks defining the coronal and apical endpoints of the examined tooth in all OPGs of the series. This method minimizes error due to different magnifications within the set of radiographs. RESULTS: Using the method introduced, the root length of the constant tooth 37 varied at 2.7% within the set of OPGs, whereas it revealed a 5.6% variation when the evaluation was based on direct measurement. Based on the described method, T revealed a postoperative root growth of approximately one-third of its final length and showed clinically no pathological findings during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that with the described method root growth assessment on panoramic radiographs is more accurate than with direct measurement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Low-level 809 nm GaAlAs laser irradiation increases the proliferation rate of human laryngeal carcinoma cells in vitro.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of low-level 809 nm laser irradiation on the proliferation rate of human larynx carcinoma cells in vitro. Epithelial tumor cells were obtained from a laryngeal carcinoma and cultured under standard conditions. For laser treatment the cells were spread on 96-well tissue culture plates. Sixty-six cell cultures were irradiated with an 809 nm GaAlAs laser. Another 66 served as controls. Power output was 10 mW(cw) and the time of exposure 75-300 s per well, corresponding to an energy fluence of 1.96-7.84 J/cm2. Subsequent to laser treatment, the cultures were incubated for 72 h. The proliferation rate was determined by means of fluorescence activity of a redox indicator (Alamar Blue Assay) added to the cultures immediately after the respective treatment. The indicator is reduced by metabolic activity related to cellular growth. Proliferation was determined up to 72 h after laser application. The irradiated cells revealed a considerably higher proliferation activity. The differences were highly significant up to 72 h after irradiation (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). A cellular responsiveness of human laryngeal carcinoma cells to low-level laser irradiation is obvious. The cell line is therefore suitable for basic research investigations concerning the biological mechanisms of LLLT on cells.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

A method to calculate angular disparities between object and receptor in "paralleling technique".

OBJECTIVE: To develop an image analysis method for calculation of angular disparities between an object, temporarily equipped with a reference system, and a radiographic receptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mathematical method based on a reference system containing two metallic spheres is developed, allowing calculation of inclination between the inter-spherical axis and the digital image receptor using image features. Experimental evaluation was done in standardized projection geometry for two sphere sizes at four randomly chosen inclinations per size, with each radiograph assessed three times. Truth was assessed threefold from photographs obtained at each inclination. RESULTS: Mean standard deviation between single assessments was 2.6 degrees. Significant differences (P Maloney/Rastogy=0.00) were found between absolute values of truth and calculated values (mean: -0.9 degrees; range: -6.0 degrees; 3.6 degrees), indicating a significant lack of accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Although so far not sufficiently accurate, the method yields information relevant for correction of distortion in intra-oral radiology.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Effect of diode laser irradiation on the survival rate of gingival fibroblast cell cultures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The present study is part of a basic research program investigating the cellular effects of the GaAlAs-diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm on human periodontal tissues. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the effects of the laser treatment on the survival rate of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) in monolayer cell culture at different power settings and durations. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: HGF were obtained from a human gingival connective tissue explant. Cells were cultured on 24-well tissue culture plates. One hundred and thirty multi well cell cultures were laser treated. The variable parameters were power output (0.5-2.5 W) and exposure time (60-240 seconds per well). The cultures were analyzed by means of trypan blue staining, and the cell numbers counted under a light microscope. Photographs before and after irradiation were taken and evaluated. RESULTS: Depending on different settings, the laser irradiation caused significant (P < 0.05, t-test) reductions of cell numbers. Exposure time was more relevant to this phenomenon than the power output. Linear regression analysis revealed no unambiguous correlation between power output and cell death, when exposure time was kept constant. CONCLUSIONS: When used for periodontal pocket decontamination, the laser beam may cause damage to collateral periodontal tissues, if the power setting and the duration of the treatment are not adequate. Further investigation, especially with regard to the effects on hard tissue and microorganisms, are needed to give a secure recommendation for irradiation parameters at pocket decontamination.

Cell Count↗

PubMed2001

Mathematical analysis of projection errors in "paralleling technique" with respect to implant geometry.

"Standardized" radiographs acquired in paralleling technique serve for monitoring of marginal bone levels around endosseous implants. Under clinical conditions, parallel adjustment of the film to the implant is beset with great difficulties. A mathematical model matching clinical conditions was developed to evaluate projection geometry within an interval of clinically relevant angulations (+/- 10 degrees from parallel position). Radiographs of two implants (Frialit 2, Friadent AG, Mannheim, Germany; Implant No. 1: 3.8 mm, length 10 mm; Implant No. 2: 6.5 mm, length 13 mm) were separately produced per angulation (2 degrees increments) at one focus-object distance (FO=322.9 mm). Implant images were repeatedly measured along their midline/vertical edge, local magnification (MF) was calculated and the values were compared to the computed ones. Projected dimensions of the implants were calculated for a second distance (232.3 mm). The experimentally acquired data were in agreement with the mathematical calculation. MF calculated for assessment along the vertical edge varied less (+/-1.94% from mean value) than along the midline (+/-2.74%), with a range of 1.037-1.068 (FO=322.9 mm) and 1.061-1.099 (FO=232.3 mm) for implant No.1, and 1.060-1.101 (FO=232.3 mm) and 1.037-1.069 (FO=322.9 mm) for Implant No. 2. Magnification revealed a mean variation of 4%. Radiographic evaluation of periimplant bone level should not exceed a precision of 0.5 mm, when parallelism between film and implant is not guaranteed and FO is less than 380 mm.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

PubMed2001

Effect of diode laser irradiation on the attachment rate of periodontal ligament cells: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The present study is part of a basic research program investigating the cellular effects of an 810 nm GaAlAs-diode laser on human periodontal tissues. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the effects of laser treatment of root surface specimens on the attachment of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in vitro. METHODS: Root specimens were prepared from periodontally diseased teeth. PDL cells were obtained from human third molar ligaments. Cells were cultured under simple, standardized, and reproducible experimental conditions. One hundred fifty root specimens were scaled and root planed with curets followed by air-powder abrasive treatment; 75 were then lased and 75 served as controls. The irradiation time was 20 seconds at a power output of 1 W. The root segments were placed into culture dishes, covered with a solution of PDL cells, and incubated for 72 hours. The specimens were then washed with phosphate buffer to remove cells not attached to the surface, and the adherent cells were stained with methylene blue. Cells were counted using a reflected light microscope and the cell density per mm2 was calculated. RESULTS: The analysis of 150 specimens revealed no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.347, Wilcoxon test). The cell numbers, however, were slightly higher on laser specimens. The mean was 66 cells/mm2 in the laser group and 63.7 cells/mm2 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the diode laser at the parameters used did not have a substantially positive effect on the new attachment of PDL cells on the tooth specimens. It remains to be investigated whether the difference detected is really clinically relevant.

Aluminum↗

PubMed2000

[Effect of positioning errors on magnification factors in the mandible in digital panorama imaging].

Magnification factors (VF) in relation to various head positions were evaluated for a digital panoramic radiography machine (Orthophos DS, Sirona) by means of a dry skull phantom. Six metallic objects were attached to the facial layer of the mandible. A set of 170 digital radiographs (program 1) was produced, with defined positioning errors within the vertical and horizontal plane. Repeated digital measurements of the object images were performed by one reader, applying the mouse-driven measurement tool integrated in the proprietary software. In addition, the central layer of the radiographic device was experimentally determined and its location compared to that of the accurately positioned dry mandible. All objects were located on the outside of the central layer of minimum distortion and therefore placed towards the sensor. One- and two-way analysis of variance was applied for the statistical evaluation of the data, with VF as dependent variable and the positions as factors, respectively. Vertical inclinations of the skull affected horizontal VF only in the premolar region (p = 0.0069). However, when the skull was rotated within the horizontal plane, VF was significantly influenced in all anatomical regions of the mandible (p = 0.0001). This was particularly obvious in the premolar region, with a maximum variation of 10.3%. Fluctuations of VF were more pronounced in the premolar region than at the mandibular angle. We conclude from this study that, as expected, digital panoramic radiographs exhibit identical distortion effects as compared to conventional panoramic x-rays. Exact quantification of regional magnification requires (spherical) reference objects with known dimensions. Horizontal magnification is quite unreliable and far less reproducible than vertical magnification. Whenever several panoramic radiographs of one patient are to be compared quantitatively, accurate positioning of the patients' head is a necessary prerequisite.

Artifacts↗

PubMed2000

Precision and accuracy of measurements in digital panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the precision and accuracy of digital measurements in digital panoramic radiography. METHODS: A series of 70 digital panoramic radiographs were obtained of a dry skull in seven different positions with metallic pins and spheres fixed to the mandible. Three replicate measurements were performed with the mouse-driven cursor by one reader at 1:1 and 2:1 magnification. Precision was assessed with the reliability index (R) and Malony/Rastogi test and the effect of magnification on accuracy by paired Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Vertical measurements were less reproducible than horizontal measurements. There were significant differences in assessments between images at 1:1 and 2:1 magnification (P < 0.05). The maximum variation in mean difference was 0.4% of actual object length for pins and 1.2% for spheres. The difference did not exceed 0.1 mm. R was lower for 2:1 magnification and consistently lower for spheres compared with pins. CONCLUSION: The most reliable measurements were obtained of linear objects in the horizontal plane. Digital measurements are sufficiently accurate for clinical use.

Data Display↗

PubMed2000

A new method for the radiological investigation of residual ridge resorption in the maxilla.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a new method for assessing residual ridge resorption in the edentulous maxilla. METHODS: Defined experimental and reference areas in the maxilla were drawn on transparent film laid over a panoramic radiograph and digitized. Bone areas were measured with an integrated planimetry program and expressed as a ratio R. The effect of positioning errors on reliability of the method was investigated on dry skulls. The correlation between the change in ratio and actual bone loss was examined by progressively reducing the height of an artificial residual ridge on one skull. RESULTS: The coefficient of variation for the absolute ratio in different head positions was < 0.05 and its correlation coefficient of the change in R and the degree of resorption was r2 > or = 98.3%, P = 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the experimental area with the reference area on serial panoramic radiographs appears suitable for the assessment of residual resorption in the maxilla.

Bone Resorption↗

PubMed1997

Study of interface phenomena between bone and titanium and alumina surfaces in the case of monolithic and composite dental implants.

The interface between mandibular bone and dental implants was examined with the in vivo dog model. Implant/bone interfaces were investigated for three types of materials: Ti-30 wt% Ta/Al2O3, titanium and Al2O3 using microscopy techniques covering a large magnification range: scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Auger spectroscopy. During the interaction of the Al2O3 ceramic with bone, an interfacial layer about 15 microm thick is formed. The same phenomenon was observed at the titanium bone interface, where the thickness of the layer was about 10 microm. In all cases, interface layers were sharp with well-defined borders between bone tissue and implant materials. No calcification took place inside the interface layer. A chemical analysis performed on this layer shows the presence of titanium, calcium and phosphorus in the case of titanium implants, and aluminium, calcium and phosphorus in the case of alumina implants. A rapid decrease in metal composition with increasing distances from the implant surface is correlated to a slow increase in calcium and phosphorus in the direction of the bone. Direct contact between implant and bone was observed. No biocorrosive effects were detected at the Ti-30 wt% Ta/Al2O3 metal-ceramic interface.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1996

Effects of various hygiene procedures on the surface characteristics of titanium abutments.

The use of cleaning instruments on titanium implants may cause undesired surface alterations. In a qualitative and quantitative assessment of these alterations, 5 titanium implant abutments were treated with a steel curet, a prototype pure titanium curet, an air abrasive polishing system, and an ultrasonic system. Custom-made polymer templates, used to secure the curet to a vertical guide bar and a spring scale to maintain a constant instrument pressure, guaranteed a standardized procedure and reproducible results. The ultrasonic and the air abrasive polishing method were also standardized. Evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed surface alterations for all instruments and systems except the plastic curet, which did not roughen the surface at all. The confocal laser-scanning microscope allows a 3-dimensional reproduction of these surface alterations and their direct measurement. The profilometric tracing was not sensitive enough to register the minor effects caused by the titanium curet and the air abrasive polishing system. Dimensions of the resulting surface microstructure could be determined with the laser-scanning microscope. Since the influence of such surface defects on the peri-implant tissue reaction is unpredictable, the titanium curet and the air abrasive system can only be recommended with restrictions. The steel curet and the ultrasonic system proved to be totally unsuitable for cleaning titanium implants.

Curettage↗

PubMed1995

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Identification of prognostic groups and estimation of individual prognosis for 5093 patients.

BACKGROUND: Numerous investigations have examined prognostic factors for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. However, only a few studies have been published on the definition of prognostic groups. The first aim of the present study was to determine the relative importance of different prognostic factors in a large collective study. The second aim was to define prognostic groups of patients based on combinations of prognostic factors and to define a model that allows the estimation of individual survival probability. METHODS: Long term follow-up of 5264 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma was performed from 1970 to 1988 at four German University Departments of Dermatology (Berlin-Steglitz, Münster-Hornheide, Tübingen, and Würzburg). The multivariate Cox model was used to analyze 5093 patients, and 4371 patients with complete information were included in a classification and regression tree analysis (CART). RESULTS: Tumor thickness, sex, anatomic location, and level of invasion were highly significant prognostic factors according to the multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). However, histologic subtype and age influenced prognosis less significantly (P < 0.05). The CART analysis resulted in 12 groups defined mainly by tumor thickness, sex, and anatomic location, which were combined into five prognostic groups. The prognostic stratification defined by the five groups was superior compared with the standard TNM model. Ten-year survival rates of the five groups ranged from 97% to 14% (P < 0.0001), and an equation was used to calculate individual survival probabilities based on the significant factors of the Cox model. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of all significant prognostic factors of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma investigated in the present study allows for the definition of prognostic groups with a more reliable estimation of prognosis than by previous staging systems and also enables calculation of individual survival probabilities.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1995

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Prognostic classification of anatomic location.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic location has been identified by several investigators as a significant prognostic factor for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (CM). However, the best determination of higher and lower risk sites is still controversial, and the biologic significance of tumor site in the course of primary CM is unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify higher and lower risk sites based on multivariate analysis. METHODS: A series of 5093 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma followed from 1970 to 1988 at four university centers in Germany was investigated using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to analyze the importance of anatomic location for survival probability. RESULTS: The anatomic location was found to be a highly significant prognostic factor for patients with primary melanoma by multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). An optimized classification into sites of higher and lower risk with respect to survival was evaluated by multivariate analysis controlling for the possible confounding effects of the other significant prognostic factors. Relative to the lower leg as the prognostically favorable baseline, the following locations were associated with a significantly higher risk of death caused by primary cutaneous melanoma: back and breast (thorax), upper arm, neck, and scalp (TANS regions). The lower trunk, thigh, lower leg, foot, lower arms, hands, and face were identified as lower risk sites. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic location was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. The TANS regions were identified as high risk sites, and the lower trunk, thigh, lower leg, foot, lower arms, hands, and face were identified as intermediate sites.

Arm↗

PubMed1995

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Optimized cutoff points of tumor thickness and importance of Clark's level for prognostic classification.

BACKGROUND: Maximum tumor thickness and level of invasion are known to be the most important prognostic factors for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. However, the classification of tumor thickness and the question of whether the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion provides a better prognostic classification than tumor thickness alone are still matters of debate. The present study examined the relationship between tumor thickness and survival probability to define cutoff points of tumor thickness. Secondly, it investigated the prognostic value of the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion as proposed in the current TNM classification system. METHODS: A series of 5093 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma followed from 1970 to 1988 at four University centers in Germany (Departments of Dermatology in Tübingen, Würzburg, Berlin-Steglitz, and at the Fachklinik) were analyzed by multivariate Cox models. RESULTS: The relationship between tumor thickness and relative risk of death caused by melanoma was found to be almost linear to a tumor thickness of 6 mm. For tumors greater than 6 mm, no further marked increase in relative risk was observed. The stratification of tumor thickness with endpoints at 1, 2, and 4 mm resulted in the best fit to the authors' data among all classifications with three endpoints, but differences were only slight. By multivariate analysis, the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion as proposed by the current TNM classification were found to be prognostically less significant than tumor thickness alone. The prognostic influence of level of invasion was proved statistically only for tumor thickness less than or equal to 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed stratification of tumor thickness with cutoff points at 1, 2, and 4 mm was supported by multivariate statistical analysis. The analysis of the current TNM staging system indicates the precedence of tumor thickness for the staging of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma in the case of discordance between tumor thickness and level of invasion.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1994

[Orthodontics and implantology. Their course and results after joint planning].

The therapeutical repertoire for treating patients with missing teeth was significantly expanded by the development of modern implant methods. We have performed a retrospective analysis covering all children who between 1977 and 1993 had been considered for implants as a method for gap management. All patients were pretreated up to early adolescence using standard orthodontic procedures. Unfortunately, it turned out that an originally planned implant was not suitable in approximately 2/3 of the patients because of inadequate alveolar conditions. These patients were subsequently treated by conventional orthodontic gap closure or adhesive prosthetics.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Development and functionality of isoelastic dental implants of titanium alloys.

Two types of isoelastic endosseous dental implants were produced and their functionality was tested. One type consisted of a porous sintered TiTa30 alloy, the other had a special surface structure consisting of titanium wire loops. Their mechanical properties were optimized by the production parameter (sintering and diffusion bonding, respectively). The functionality was tested after insertion into an artificial jaw which had properties corresponding to the natural mandibular. The elastic properties of both implants were similar to the properties of the bone. In addition the implants have a safe anchorage bone ingrowth. In animal experiments using the implant with surface loops it was observed that the bone entered the loops and even extremely small surface cavities in the wire loops.

Alloys↗

PubMed1992

Periotest for measuring periodontal characteristics--correlation with periodontal bone loss.

The Periotest measures the reaction of the periodontium to a defined percussive force. The percussion is applied to the tooth by an electronically controlled tapping head. Information on structural change is obtained by measurement of both the elastic and viscous characteristics of the periodontium. The latter prevent oscillations of the tooth in the alveolar bone. A value is calculated and is displayed as a "Periotest value". The following research report shows the relation of Periotest values to bone loss. Bone loss was quantitatively determined for 2312 teeth from orthopantomographic radiographs and for 900 teeth exposed to intra-oral films using the standard paralleling technique. A differentiation was made between vertical and horizontal bone loss. Clinical mobility index, pocket depth, gingival recession and papillary hemorrhagic index were also measured. There was a strong association between the Periotest value and bone loss. These results suggest that Periotest evaluation provides an objective indication of the extent of periodontal bone loss.

Adult↗