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PubMedDate not supplied

Hyperthermic teratogenicity, thermal dose and diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy: implications of new standards on tissue heating.

Hyperthermia is a recognized teratogen in mammalian laboratory animals and is a suspected teratogen for humans. The purpose of this synopsis is to reanalyse existing data on hyperthermia-induced teratogenic effects in experimental mammalian systems in terms of a thermal dose (temperature:time) concept, and then to illustrate the utility of this concept to human situations involving potential thermal increments to post-implantation embryos and foetuses. For example, the threshold temperature elevation for hyperthermia-induced teratogenic effects in experimental mammals is estimated (but not rigorously tested) to be approximately 1.5 degrees C above core values for exposures of long duration, possibly with a thermal dose of approximately 5 min duration or more at 4 degrees C. This level of tissue temperature increment is within the capability of some modern diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) devices sold within the USA and abroad. Epidemiological studies have not indicated any hazard from the use of DUS, but such studies are limited in sensitivity and were conducted with DUS devices whose acoustic outputs were relatively low compared to those presently available. After a regulatory change that allowed for substantially increased acoustic outputs, modern DUS devices were mandated to provide the user with on-screen information (the Thermal Index, or 'TI') about ultrasound-induced temperature increments in the target tissue. The TI is generally accurate to within a factor of 2, but the factor may be as high as 6 in certain obstetric settings. Thus, informed use of and attention to the TI is strongly advised, with this admonition gaining increased emphasis if the present regulations regarding allowable acoustic outputs of DUS devices were to be further relaxed or eliminated.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Active tissue factor shed from human arterial smooth muscle cells adheres to artificial surfaces.

Through a series of in vitro assays, this study outlines a flow-mediated process by which active tissue factor (TF), the prime initiator of coagulation, may be transferred from the plasma membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to that of artificial surfaces such as those typically associated with intravascular implants. Studies with quiescent and activated rat VSMCs demonstrated that pathologically high shear stresses (tau(w) = 250 dyn cm(-2)) resulted in the loss of TF activity from the cell surface. Subsequent experiments with human VSMCs showed that VSMCs continuously release active TF into their extracellular medium, presumably in the form of lipid vesicles or microparticles, and that fluid shear stress (tauw = 50 dyncm(-2)) or chemical agonists (A23187) can significantly accelerate this release. Experiments with a wide array of polymeric and metallic materials showed that the TF shed from VSMCs was able to adhere to these surfaces and promote the activation of coagulation factor X (FX) at the material surface. Extracellular TF bound strongly to both uncoated and human plasma coated surfaces under a wide range of hemodynamic shear stresses (0-20 dyncm(-2)). When an extracellular, VSMC-derived TF mixture was perfused over Ti 6-4 surfaces, the adhesion of TF was found to be time-dependent, gradually accumulating on the material surface over time. Thus an important criterion in the design or success of intravascular devices may be related to their ability to interact with TF, shed from cell surfaces. This is especially important as TF may lead to thrombotic complications, the products of which may also increase cellular proliferation.

Adhesiveness↗

PubMed2004

Neutron dose from prostheses material during radiotherapy with protons and photons.

The purpose of this investigation is to measure the impact of Ti-alloy-prostheses on the neutron dose during proton and photon radiotherapy. Such unwanted neutron dose to the patient should be kept as low as possible (ALARA principle), as such additional dose can create secondary malignancies. For this purpose we performed neutron dose measurements using etch track detectors under the same conditions on a proton and a photon beam line used for radiotherapy. We found no influence of the prostheses material on the neutron dose both for proton and photon treatment.

Alloys↗

PubMed1991

Stress-enhanced ion release--the effect of static loading.

Static stresses affect the corrosion behaviour of 316L stainless steel, Ti-6AI-4V, and a Co-Cr-Mo alloy. Several corrosion parameters are modified by stress, although the changes most relevant to the clinical situation are lowering of breakdown potentials and increases in corrosion currents. AC impedance techniques to measure capacitance allowed the latter effect to be partitioned into components of true current density and true area changes. Although loading past the yield point can definitely cause stress-enhanced ion release (SEIR), it is not required. SEIR can also be caused by elastic loading. The basic mechanism for this phenomenon appears to be passive film disruption followed by slow repassivation kinetics. Polished, grit-blasted, and porous-coated surfaces were examined. The porous-coated materials seemed to be most susceptible to SEIR. If effects similar to those observed here apply to in vivo conditions, then tests on unstressed alloys in vitro could grossly underestimate ion release rates of stressed implant devices in vivo.

Alloys↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Biomechanical study on lumbar spondylodeses using an internal fixateur consisting of a titanium alloy].

OBJECTIVE: Biomechanical properties of an internal fixateur manufactured of a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V-alloy) to be evaluated in an in vitro setting. METHOD: Internal fixateurs were inserted into six (four female and two male specimens) human lumar spine segments L2 to L4. Only dorsal instrumentations were performed. Physiological loads were applied (2.0 to 10.0 Nm for torque, 2.0 to 7.5 Nm for extension/flexion and lateral bending). Biomechanical investigations were performed in four settings: Intact specimen without instrumentation, instrumented specimen, instrumented specimen after corpectomy of the middle vertebral body, instrumented specimen after corpectomy of the middle vertebral body with an additional transverse connector. RESULTS: Stability after instrumentation was increased by 84.7 % for flexion/extension, by 78.2 % for lateral bending and by 43 % for axial torsion. Axial torsion was already less distinct in the physiological specimen. The stability of instrumented specimen after corpectomy was superior to that of intact vertebral segments without internal fixation. Additional application of transverse connectors did not significantly enhance the stiffness of the implant. CONCLUSION: For the clinical use there is no difference in the biomechanical properties of the titanium fixateur compared to similar constructions made of stainless steel. The possibility of performing MRI- or CT-scans after implantation of titanium implants is a main clinical advantage. The stabilisation after corpectomy is remarkable, so that a sufficient fracture-stabilisation is possible. Based on the data, the application of transverse connectors cannot be recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[3D spiral computerized tomography in the reconstructive treatment of malignant maxillofacial tumors].

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of Helical CT and the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) imaging for preoperative planning and follow-up of reconstructive maxillofacial surgery with alloplastic material in neoplastic disease involving this region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1996 to 1999 eleven patients were examined with Helical CT and 3D images for planning of maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery for advanced cancer of this anatomically complex region. A 3D-modulated titanium mesh (100%) or micronets was used to rebuild the anterior surface of maxillary bone and the orbital floor. The mesh was cut to the appropriate size and shape and curved where necessary. Within the residual sinusal cavity a siliconed filling was used surmounting an acrylic prosthesis with dental arch to rebuild the palate. A rehydrated bovine pericardium was affixed and moduled on the borders in two cases only. Three-dimensionally reconstructed CT images were obtained preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively in all patients. The images were generated on a computer workstation using the shaded surface display (SSD) software with threshold values ranging 425 to 630 HU, and a more closed window for the imaging of titanium mesh/bone interface in the postsurgical follow-up. RESULTS: We always obtained an excellent complete spatial depiction of maxillofacial region both before and after surgery, with no artefacts so important as to affect the 3D reconstruction process and the image quality. Together with the head-neck surgical team we could work for preoperative planning through CT scans by different 3D points of view. The 3D reconstructed follow-up scans showed good filling of the defect in the area where the titanium mesh had been used. Then efficacious bone modelling and good biocompatibility of the alloplastic material were seen in all patients, with no inflammatory reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium is a well-known material, which is widely used for cranioplasty. It is a radiolucent, nonferrous metal of low atomic number that allows very clear CT and MR images to be obtained. Further Ti features are strength, biocompatibility and easy handling. 3D Helical CT scan has proved to be the most complete and accurate imaging technique for reconstructive plastic surgery with alloplastic material in advanced maxillofacial cancer, also considering the anatomic and functional complexity of this area. The prospect is provided to identify virtual 3D presurgical ablation planes. These may allow the surgeon to improve plastic reconstruction and shorten intervention time.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The inverse effects of load transfer and load sharing on axial compressive stiffness.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The goal of spinal instrumentation is to stabilize involved motion segments while fusion occurs. Although some degree of load sharing is necessary for fusion, the ability of the instrumentation system to transfer the load may vary. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to formulate a mathematical relationship between load sharing and load transfer of specific spinal instrumentation systems using a well-accepted mechanical model. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Forty-eight American Society for Testing Materials standard ultra high molecular weight polyethylene cylinders were used as per designation F 1717-96, standard test methods for static and fatigue for spinal implant constructs in a corpectomy model. METHODS: Twenty-four spinal assemblies consisting of anterior plates, anterior rod, and posterior rods were subjected to compression bending tests using a MTS Bionix servo-hydraulic material testing apparatus. Each implant was tested in compression bending with and without the addition of a titanium load-sharing cage. The force applied was the independent variable, and the displacement was the dependent variable. The stiffness was determined for each setup with and without the addition of an anterior load-sharing cage. RESULTS: The average axial compressive stiffness of a system increased by a factor of 8.5 with the addition of the load-sharing cage. An inverse relationship existed between the compressive stiffness of the construct and its relative increase achieved with the addition of the load-sharing cage. The compressive stiffness of the system with the addition of the load-sharing cage approached that of the anterior device itself as the system flexibility increased. The ability of instrumentation systems to load share or load transfer and their respective stiffness was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-mm rod screw posterior system was compared with the 7-mm Ti posterior system with the addition of one and two devices for transverse traction (DTTs). The rods with the increased diameter had a stiffness of 1723 n/mm with one DTT and 1815 n/mm with two DTTs. The addition of an anterior cage had little effect on the stiffness of these systems. Anterior plate and screw/rod systems were analyzed and showed similar mechanical behavior to the 5-mm posterior rod/screw systems. A significant increase in stiffness was realized with the addition of an anterior cage. A means to determine the load sharing/transferring properties of a spinal instrumentation system is presented. This technique will allow the amount of load transferred from the fusion mass to the instrumentation to be predicted.

Compressive Strength↗

PubMed1999

Hydroxyapatite thin films deposited onto uncoated and (Ti,Al, V)N-coated Ti alloys.

Plasma-sputtered hydroxyapatite (HA) thin coatings ( approximately 1 microm) were deposited onto uncoated and (TiAlV)N-coated Ti-6Al-4V-alloy substrates at low temperatures. The (TiAlV)N coating interlayer was deposited by reactive sputtering. Depositions were achieved by utilizing unbalanced and balanced magnetrons in a capacitively coupled RF plasma. Characterization of the thermostability, bioerosion resistance, and chemical composition of the coating layer was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that for deposition temperatures as low as 67 degrees C, the crystalline phase of the HA coating still is clearly detectable and that the underlying (TiAlV)N coating can increase the crystallinity and thermostability of the HA coating before and after heat treatment. The thin ( approximately 1 microm) sputtered HA coating shows strong HA characteristic peaks in the FTIR spectra even after a 30-day dissolution test. The experimental results show that a multilayer structure comprised of a bioinert (TiAlV)N and bioactive HA coating has the potential to improve the biocompatibility of implant materials. The bioinert (TiAlV)N coating also may provide a long-term stable interface between bone tissue and an alloy implant after the bioactive HA coating is remodeled by the surrounding tissue.

Alloys↗

PubMed1992

Investigation of Ti/Al2O3 joints with intermediate tantalum and niobium layers.

The microstructure of TiTa30 alloys diffusion bonded to a 99.7 wt% Al2O3 ceramic was subdivided into a reaction double layer containing the intermetallic phases TiAl and Ti3Al and the (alpha + beta) Ti microstructure. Excellent fracture toughness data of the TiTa30/Al2O3 joints of about 37 J/m2 were obtained after welding at 1200 degrees C for 1 h. The fracture energies of the joints were strongly dependent on the welding temperature which also influenced the thickness of the reaction double layer. The uptake of aluminium and oxygen into the reaction layer and the metal caused an embrittlement and decreased the yield stress and ductility of the metal. Introducing an Nb or Ta layer between pure Ti and Al2O3 before welding resulted in high fracture energies of 40 J/m2 for the Ti/Al2O3 joints. The thermal-induced stresses at the metal-ceramic interface were reduced by the occurrence of an Nb- or Ta-enriched region. The intermediate metal foils also decreased the O and Al uptake of the metal and therefore reduced the brittleness of the reaction zone and the adjacent metal. The thermal-induced stresses at the metal-ceramic interface caused a deflection of the crack into the ceramic during fracture mechanical testing in four-point bending.

Alloys↗

PubMed1999

Response of rat bone marrow cells to differently roughened titanium discs.

The purpose of the present in vitro study was to examine the effect of surface roughness on the behaviour of osteoblast-like cells. Rat bone marrow (RBM) cells were cultured on commercially pure titanium discs. The discs were used as machined (Ti M) or ground with 4000 (Ti 4000) or 320 (Ti 320) grit paper. Proliferation rate and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined, and morphology of the cells was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Besides, fluorescent markers, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to obtain quantitative and compositional information about the produced calcified extracellular matrix (ECM). Results demonstrated after 2 days of incubation no significant difference in the percentage of attached cells to all substrates. At 5 days, Ti 320 surfaces showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) cell attachment percentages compared with Ti M and Ti 4000 surfaces. At 8 days, Ti 320 surfaces showed significantly more (P < 0.05) cell attachment than the other surfaces. The Ti 4000 surfaces showed after 8 days significantly (P < 0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase activity compared to both other surfaces. At 15 days of incubation, the alkaline phosphatase activity on Ti 4000 substrates was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than on the other substrates. No significant difference in mineralized ECM formation was observed on the ground substrate compared to the machined substrates. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the apatite-like nature of the deposited ECM on all substrates. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that our in vitro study could not clearly confirm the effect of surface roughness on the proliferation, differentiation and calcification of rat bone marrow cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

Transient electric fields induced by mechanically assisted corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V.

Samples of Ti-6Al-4V were immersed in physiological solution and abraded via an electrochemical scratch method to observe the development of transient electric fields a finite distance from the scratch event. Transient electric fields were detected near both potentiostatically held and freely corroding samples. Transient currents measured by a potentiostatically held PtIr microelectric probe near a potentiostatically held sample were opposite in sign to those of the mechanically induced sample currents and were found to change character with sample potential, probe potential, and distance from the scratch event. Transient probe currents measured near a freely corroding sample were of the opposite sign as the sample transient near the primary site of oxidation, but were of the same sign near the primary site of reduction. The measured transients are a direct result of the electrochemical processes ongoing during oxide fracture and repassivation and can be sensed several millimeters remote from the abrasion site. A model for the generation of these fields is presented. Possible effects that these potentials may have on cellular structures surrounding an implant are proposed.

Alloys↗

PubMed1997

Antitumor activity and low intestinal toxicity of S-1, a new formulation of oral tegafur, in experimental tumor models in rats.

S-1, a new oral antitumor agent, is composed of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur, FT), 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) and potassium oxonate (Oxo) in a molar ratio of 1:0.4:1. FT which is a masked compound of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) acts as an effector, while both CDHP and Oxo which do not have antitumor activity themselves act as modulators. In this study, the antitumor activity and intestinal toxicity of S-1 were investigated using experimental tumor models in rats, and compared with those of other oral fluoropyrimidines, namely 5-FU, FT, FCD (1 M FT/0.4 M CDHP) and UFT (combination of FT and uracil). In rats bearing subcutaneous Yoshida sarcoma, S-1 inhibited tumor growth at the lowest dose (ED50 value: S-1 5, UFT 22, FT 82, FCD 5, and 5-FU 19 mg/kg per day), and induced the least host body weight suppression, leading to the highest therapeutic index (TI) (S-1 4.5, UFT 1.4, FT 1.8, FCD 2.0, and 5-FU 1.4). S-1 also showed a higher therapeutic effect than UFT against AH-130 and Sato lung carcinoma. After administration of S-1 and UFT at equitoxic doses, S-1 showed a higher and more prolonged concentration of 5-FU than UFT both in plasma (AUC0-infinity: S-1 28 nmolh/ml, UFT 15 nmol.h/ml) and in tumor tissue (AUC0-infinity: S-1 95 nmolh/g tissue, UFT 52 nmolh/g tissue), leading to a higher 5-FU level incorporated into the RNA fraction (F-RNA level) in tumor tissue (AUC0-24: S-1 7.0 nmolh/mg RNA, UFT 4.3 nmolh/mg RNA) and 5-8% higher thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibition in tumor tissue at every time-point through 24 h. Compared with other oral fluoropyrimidines after administration of the maximal tolerable dose (MTD), S-1 caused the lowest rates of intestinal toxicities, such as diarrhea and occult blood in feces. S-1 also showed a higher antitumor effect on Yoshida sarcoma implanted intracolonically than UFT at an equitoxic dose (tumor weight: S-1 64 +/- 30 mg, UFT 133 +/- 52 mg; P < 0.05). These results suggest that CDHP, which is a potent inhibitor of 5-FU degradation, increases the antitumor activity of FT, and that Oxo, which is an inhibitor of 5-FU phosphorylation, locally protects the gastrointestinal tract from 5-FU-induced toxicity without decreasing the antitumor activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Effects of spontaneous swallows on breathing in awake goats.

The effects of spontaneous swallows on breathing before, during, and after solitary swallows were investigated in 13 awake goats. Inspiratory (TI) and expiratory (TE) time and respiratory output were determined from inspiratory airflow [tidal volume (VT)] and peak diaphragmatic activity (Dia(peak)). The onset time for 1,128 swallows was determined from pharyngeal muscle electrical activity. During inspiration, the later the swallowing onset, the greater increase in TI and VT, whereas there was no significant effect on TE and Dia(peak). Swallows in early expiration increased the preceding TI and reduced TE, whereas later in expiration swallows increased TE. After expiratory swallows, TI and VT were reduced whereas minimal changes in Dia(peak) were observed. Phase response analysis revealed a within-breath, phase-dependent effect of swallowing on breathing, resulting in a resetting of the respiratory oscillator. However, the shift in timing in the breaths after a swallow was not parallel, further demonstrating a respiratory phase-dependent effect on breathing. We conclude that, in the awake state, within- and multiple-breath effects on respiratory timing and output are induced and/or required in the coordination of breathing and swallowing.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The role of p105 protein in NFkappaB activation in ANA-1 murine macrophages following stimulation with titanium particles.

Macrophage activation by particulate debris from orthopaedic implants triggers an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to periprosthetic bone resorption and implant failure. TNFalpha has been identified as a critical cytokine involved in the response to debris particles but the mechanisms involved in activation of TNFalpha synthesis are unclear. The current study demonstrates rapid induction or TNFalpha following stimulation with titanium particles in the murine macrophage cell line. ANA-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated NFkappaB DNA binding activity within 15 min of exposure to titanium particles, and experiments with an NFkappaB luciferase promoter confirmed the induction of NFkappaB mediated transcription by titanium particles. Furthermore, titanium particles induced a 2-fold induction in TNFalpha promoter activity, and mutation of the kappaB2a site, one of the four NFkappaB-binding sites in the TNFalpha promoter, resulted in decreased activation. Since NFtB is a critical regulator of inflammation and is involved in activation of the TNFalpha promoter, additional experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of NFkappaB activation by particles. NFKB activation was found to be dependent upon proteasome activity, since administration of MG 132, a proteasome inhibitor, blocked NFkappaB activation. However, IkappaBalpha is only slightly decreased following Ti treatment, in contrast to marked degradation following stimulation with LPS. Recently, another proteasome-dependent pathway of NFkappaB activation has been described involving degradation of p105. a precursor of p50 that binds to p65. p105 degradation occurred following titanium stimulation. suggesting that this recently described mechanism for NFKB activation is operant in ANA-1 cells following exposure to titanium particles. These findings demonstrate that activation of the NFkappaB signaling pathway is rapidly induced by titanium particles in ANA-1 cells and is associated with p105 degradation. TNFalpha induction appears to be mediated, at least in part, through NFkappaB binding to the kappaB2a site of the TNFalpha promoter.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Abdominal MR imaging at 3T.

Body MR imaging at 3T is in its infancy, and should improve substantially over the next several years. Radiologists need to be aware of several limitations that are based on the laws of physics: Overall, the gain in SNR at 3T will be less than twofold (without protocol alteration) compared with a standard 1.5T MR system because of the increase in T'I'1 at ultra high field. Typically, the gain in SNR is greater in T2-weighted sequences than in TI-weighted sequences, because longer TRs allow for a more complete recovery of the longitudinal magnetization, and T2 is independent of Bo. Thus, for example, patients who are referred for an MR cholangiography may benefit from an ultrahigh-field MR examination. Chemical shift artifacts of the first kind are twice as large in ultrahigh-field MR imaging compared with standard 1.5T MR imaging. Conversely, chemical shift artifacts of the second kind do not increase in size, although the timing is altered. The increased difference in resonant frequency between water and fat at 3T also is advantageous because it allows for a better separation of the fat and water peak during MR spectroscopy, and allows better or faster fat suppression using chemical shift techniques, such as fat saturation or water excitation. Susceptibility artifacts are approximately twice as large by volume on 3T MR imaging. Although patients who are referred for a "colon" study may be challenging at ultrahigh field, the search for "gas" (eg, free air or pneumobilia) should be easier. Patients with metal implants should undergo an MR examination at 3T only if the metal-containing device specifically has been proved to be MR safe at this field strength. Usually, standing wave and conductivity effects are not seen in body imaging at a field strength of 1.5T. At 3T, these artifacts are most pronounced in pregnant women in the sec-ond and third trimester, because of the large amount of conductive amniotic fluid and the increased size of the abdomen. Therefore, fetal MR imaging generally should not be performed at 3T because of these artifacts and the increased safety concerns. The same holds true for patients with a large amount of ascites, who also are not well suited for an ultrahigh-field MR examination. Except as noted above, most patients can undergo an abdominal MR imaging study at 3T with a reasonable outcome in terms of image quality.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2002

Use of steroid hormone treatments prior to superovulation in Nelore donors.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of synchronization of follicular wave emergence using steroid hormone treatments in Nelore cows. Donors were placed into three groups. Those that were between days 9 and 12 of their cycle (estrus=day 0) formed the TI group (n=60), whilst those that were in any other stages of their estrus cycle constituted groups TII (n=60) and TIII (n=60). TI donors were submitted to a standard protocol of superovulation, however, TII and TIII donors were treated with the Syncro-Mate-B (SMB) or Controlled Internal Drug Releasing Device (CIDR-B) programs, respectively. Superovulation was induced with p-FSH, divided into eight decreasing doses at intervals of 12h. The donors received cloprostenol 48h after the beginning of the treatment and progestagens were removed 12h later. Artificial inseminations (AI) were done at 12 and 22h after the initiation of estrus and the embryo collections were done 7 days after AI. In the donors which displayed behavioral estrus, mean (+/-S.E.M.) total ova and viable (transferable) embryos were 15.8+/-1.4 and 8.3+/-1.0 (TI, n=56); 15.6+/-1.3 and 8.9+/-1.0 (TII, n=56); 17.3+/-1.0 and 9.9+/-0.9 (TIII, n=57), respectively, with no significant difference (P > or =0.05) among groups. In those animals that did not displayed behavioral estrus, the mean values of total ova and viable embryos were 3.5+/-1.6 and 0.7+/-0.5 (TI, n=4); 11.5+/-3.9 and 9.0+/-4.4 (TII, n=4); 8.7+/-5.0 and 5.0+/-2.9 (TIII, n=3), respectively, with no significant differences (P > or =0.05) among groups. Pregnancy rates of 62.2% (TI, n=235); 66.4% (TII, n=284) and 65.1% (TIII, n=244) were obtained with embryos transferred from these collections and did not differ significantly (P > or =0.05) among groups. It was concluded that the synchronization of the emergence of follicular waves in Nelore donors is usable and does not harm the efficiency of embryo transfer programs. In addition, in contrast to the standard superovulation protocol, this method permits the use of a large number of donors in a short time period, at any stage of the estrus cycle, minimizing the costs of embryo transfer.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Galvanic couples of 316L steel with Ti and ion plated Ti and TiN coatings in Ringer's solutions.

Steel 316L was coated with titanium or titanium nitride by ion plating. The tightness of the coatings was examined electro-chemically. The galvanic effects for the galvanic couples steel-titanium, steel-titanium-coated steel and steel-titanium nitride-coated steel were studied. It was found that both titanium and titanium nitride coatings were non-porous in Ringer's solution; titanium served as an anode in the couple steel-titanium; it was oxidized according to the logarithmic law. For the other two couples, the coatings were the cathodes. The rate of dissolution of steel in these couples, was however, smaller than expected, owing to a strong polarization of the coatings. The potential of the couple was similar to that of steel.

Corrosion↗

PubMed1984

Casting properties of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy.

A Ni-45 wt% Ti (Ni-50 at % Ti) alloy was cast into molds of magnesia and silica investments by use of a dental argon-arc pressure casting machine with a copper crucible . The castings exhibited shape memory properties. The shape recovery process was sharper in the specimens cast in magnesia investment molds than in those cast in silica (phosphate-bonded) investment molds. The latter casting had a hard region of the periphery, suggesting that shape recovery process may be affected by reaction of molten metal with silica. Furthermore, the alloy possessed the adequate mechanical properties for consideration as crown-and-bridge prostheses.

Chemical Phenomena↗