Biomedical subjects

T McEachren

Publications and source records attributed to T McEachren.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

The Molteno M-Sphere.

PURPOSE: To analyze a mammalian hydroxyapatite (HA) implant known as the Molteno M-Sphere, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. METHODS: The authors examined the implant macroscopically, with chemical analysis (x-ray powder diffraction, x-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry), and microscopically with scanning electron microscopy. Animal implantation of six Molteno M-Spheres was carried out in six adult male New Zealand albino rabbits. Implant vascularization was evaluated by means of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic sectioning. RESULTS: The M-Sphere was found to have multiple interconnected pores throughout with an average pore size of 300 microm to 600 microm. This implant was very light-weight (0.31 g) and fragile. It was made up of pure HA. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed implant enhancement to its center by 4 weeks after implantation. Histopathologically, fibrovascularization occurred uniformly throughout the 4, 8, and 12-week rabbit implants. CONCLUSIONS: The M-Sphere is an alternative type of HA implant that recently has been reintroduced into the United States for use after enucleation, evisceration, or as a secondary implant. It has multiple interconnected pores allowing central fibrovascularization as early as 4 weeks in a rabbit model. Its light weight and fine trabecular framework, however, are associated with increased implant fragility when compared with other available HA implants (BioEye and FCI3 synthetic HA). The implant requires careful handling because routine handling may damage the implant. The implant is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Brazilian hydroxyapatite implant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) (manufactured in Brazil) in a rabbit model. METHODS: Nine New Zealand white rabbits underwent enucleation of one eye followed by implantation of either a 12-mm Brazilian synthetic HA implant or a 12-mm BioEye, wrapped in polyglactin 910 mesh. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess fibrovascular ingrowth 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation. Three animals were killed at each of the times for histopathologic examination. The Brazilian implant was also examined chemically and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The Brazilian HA was found to be heavier than either the BioEye or synthetic FCI3 HA implants. It did not have a visible, regularly arranged interconnected porous architecture. Rather, it had randomly appearing channels apparent on its external and internal surface in addition to large cystic areas within the body of the implant. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the implant to have a microporous architecture in addition to the large channels and cystic cavities. Histopathologically, central vascularization occurred by 4 weeks and was also present at 8 and 12 weeks. In three Brazilian implants an unrecognizable, nonbirefringent material was identified. The cause of it was unclear. Chemical analysis confirmed the implant to consist of pure HA. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian implant is pure HA that appears solid but has randomly arranged channels as well as a microporous architecture that allows vascularization to its center. It is heavier than other available HA implants and has the presence of an unidentified foreign material within it. Although this implant is less expensive and does not require a costly manufacturing process, the structural characteristics of the material do not offer any theoretical or clinical advantages. The implant is only available in Brazil at this time.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Pulmonary surfactant protein SP-A with phospholipids in spread monolayers at the air-water interface.

Spread monolayers of pulmonary surfactant protein SP-A, alone or mixed with phospholipid(s), were formed at the air-water interface. Binary monolayers of SP-A plus dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) showed positive deviations from ideal behavior of the mean areas in the films consistent with partial miscibility and interaction between the protein and lipid. During compression of SP-A/DPPC films which contained > or = 5 wt % SP-A, properties were displayed which were consistent with the protein being partially squeezed out at surface pressures of about 30 mN/m. Some protein appeared to remain in the monolayers even when they were compressed to high surface pressures of about 65-70 mN/m, and it was possibly included in the collapse phase(s) that was (were) formed at 72 mN/m. During dynamic cyclic compression-expansion of SP-A/DPPC monolayers initially formed at low surface pressures, SP-A enhanced the respreading of the films compressed beyond collapse compared to the respreading after collapse of films containing DPPC alone. Spread monolayers of SP-A plus either dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) or a mixture of DPPC plus DPPG (7:3, mol/mol) displayed additivity of the mean areas in the films, consistent with complete immiscibility (or ideal miscibility, an unlikely effect) between the protein and lipid components. Electrostatic repulsion between SP-A and DPPG, both negatively charged at physiological pH, possibly governed the behavior of these lipid-protein films. Calcium ions in the subphase did not alter the properties of SP-A/DPPC films, whereas they improved the ability of SP-A to mix with DPPG and DPPC/DPPG. Binding of calcium to the negatively charged DPPG and SP-A may account for association of the protein with DPPG and DPPC/DPPG in the monolayers in the presence of the divalent ions.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗