PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Materials Testing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources

Femoral fractures in the newborn calf: biomechanics and etiological considerations for practitioners.

The etiology of femoral fractures in calves during assisted parturition was examined from the perspective of biomechanical force analysis. Femurs were collected from newborn calf cadavers. Their physical dimensions of length, cortical thickness, and diameter were measured from radiographs, and the data were recorded. The bones were then frozen until tested. The thawed bones were compressed axially in a materials testing machine until they broke, whereupon the breaking strength of the bones at the failure site was recorded. Fracture locations were documented radiographically, and the cortical thickness and bone diameter at the fracture site were determined. Fracture configurations and locations were similar to those found in clinical cases associated with forced extraction. The breaking strength of all femurs fell within the magnitude of forces calculated to be created when mechanical devices are used to assist delivery during dystocia. An etiology based on wedging of the femur in the maternal pelvis and resulting compression during forced extraction is suggested to account for the occurrence of supracondylar fractures of the femur of calves delivered in anterior presentation using mechanical devices in a manner commonly performed by veterinarians and owners. It is recommended that care should be exercised to correct or rule out the possibility of premature engagement of the calf's stifle into the birth canal, and thereby reduce the frequency of this type of fracture occurrence in the field.

Animals↗

Immediate versus one-month wet storage fatigue of restorative materials.

Immediate finishing is a highly desirable property of restorative materials. In general, the resin composites, the polyacid-modified resin composites and resin-modified glass-ionomers are finished immediately after light-curing. For the conventional glass-ionomers a waiting period of 24 h is recommended. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether immediate finishing and application of cyclic loading under water spray on resin-modified glass-ionomers, a conventional glass-ionomer, a polyacid-modified resin composite and a resin composite are reflected in their Young's modulus and fatigue resistance after 1-month wet storage compared with a control group that could mature untroubled for 1 month. From this study, it could be concluded that there is a material-dependent response on immediate finishing. For the conventional glass-ionomer, the waiting period of 24 h is highly advisable. The resin composite suffered more than the other test materials. A second statement is that one must be cautious by the extrapolation of findings obtained on quasi static tests (Young's modulus) towards dynamic properties (flexural fatigue limit).

Biocompatible Materials↗

Static structural testing of trans-tibial composite sockets.

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the structural strength of various trans-tibial composite sockets. To conduct the study, loading parameters and methods were developed that emulate the International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards for structural testing of lower limb prostheses since specific guidelines for the testing of the trans-tibial socket portion of a prosthesis have not yet been established. The experimental set-up simulated the instant of maximum loading during the late stance phase of gait. Ten trans-tibial sockets were evaluated. Five different reinforcement materials and two resin types were used to construct the sockets. A standard four hole distal attachment plate was used to connect the socket and pylon. Each sample was loaded to failure in a servo-hydraulic materials test machine at 100 N/s. None of the composites in the study met the ISO 10328 standards for level A100, loading condition II (4025 N), as required for other prosthetic componentry. All failures occurred at the site of the pyramid attachment plate. Ultimate strength and failure type were material dependent. Load point deflection was significantly different for the resin variable (p<0.05). Statistical differences according to reinforcement material were noted in composite weight and strength-to-weight ratio (p<0.05). The fibre volume fraction was also estimated and recorded. Reinforcement material type was the primary determinant of performance for the tested samples. Carbon reinforcements performed better than fibreglass reinforcements of similar weave type. The greatest ultimate strength and strength-to-weight ratio was observed with the unidirectional carbon reinforcement.

Acrylic Resins↗

An ultrasound window to perform scanned, focused ultrasound hyperthermia treatments of brain tumors.

A series of calculations and tests were performed on polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylic, and a commercially available polymethyl methacrylate cranioplastic to determine which material would best serve as an acoustical window in the skull. The purpose of the window is to transmit focused ultrasound to treat brain tumors with hyperthermia. Each material was evaluated based on its ability to transmit power and to protect the brain. The results revealed that, of the four materials tested, polyethylene transmitted the largest percentage of incident power and is the toughest and best suited material to protect the brain. Further physical tests showed that a polyethylene plate does not significantly distort the sound field. Finally, acute and chronic dog tests (supported by theoretical calculations) using the polyethylene as an acoustical window through the skull showed that it will not reach temperatures greater than the target hyperthermia temperature (42 degrees C) at the required intensity levels unless the tumor is near the skull and the skin surface is not cooled. Since polyethylene effectively transmits power without distorting the sound field of overheating in dog tests, it may now be used in Phase 1 clinical ultrasound hyperthermia tests on human patients. However, the chronic animal studies indicated that the collagen which composes the dura thickens under the cranioplasty and absorbs increasingly greater amounts of power with time. A thick layer of organized fibrous tissue also formed on the external surface of the cranioplasty, filling in the cavity formed by the exterior surface of the cranioplasty and by the excision of the temporalis muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acrylic Resins↗

Electrode materials for nitric oxide detection.

Nitric oxide oxidation signals were compared for uniform test electrodes of platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, gold, graphite, and a nickel-porphyrin on graphite in deaerated phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.0) at 35 degrees C. All tested materials detected NO(*) amperometrically. Current densities (A/M/cm(2) +/- S.D.) were Ir (0.021 +/- 0.002), Rh (0.088 +/- 0.012), graphite (0.117 +/- 0.018), Pd (0.118 +/- 0.033), Au (0.149 +/- 0. 039), Pt (0.237 +/- 0.117), Ni (II)-tetra(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin on graphite (0.239 +/- 0.009), and Ru (0.680 +/- 0.058). NO(*) oxidation current on ruthenium was maximal at 675 mV (vs Ag/AgCl), nearly three times that on the next-best materials, platinum and Ni-porphyrin on graphite poised at 800 mV. The measured limit of detection for NO(*) on Ru was below 3 nM. Enhanced NO(*) oxidation current on ruthenium is apparently due to formation of nitrosyl- or chloronitrosyl-ruthenium complexes at the electrode surface. At fixed potentials above 675 mV, ruthenium exhibited an even larger NO(*) response, characterized by current flow opposite in polarity to an oxidation, which we hypothesize reflects suppression of the oxidative background current (presumably due to chloride oxidation or to the electrolysis of water) by a film consisting of nitrosyl- or chloronitrosyl-ruthenium complexes. The sensitive response of the ruthenium electrode to the direct oxidation of NO(*) may be useful in sensors for biomedical applications.

Electrochemistry↗

Assessment of antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers by a direct contact test.

It is recognized that endodontic success depends on bacterial elimination from the root and root canal system. Antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers can improve the success rate of endodontic treatment, provided the physical properties are not compromised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of two endodontic sealers (AH26 and Endoflas) using a direct contact test (DCT) which was designed for this purpose. The DCT is based on measuring the effect of close contact between test bacteria and the tested material on the kinetics of bacterial outgrowth using a temperature controlled microplate spectrophotometer (THERMOmax). For comparison, the agar diffusion test (ADT) was performed for both materials. The results of the DCT showed that Endoflas was a significantly more potent bacterial growth inhibitor than AH26, whereas when assessed with the ADT, AH26 was capable of producing a larger inhibition zone than Endoflas. The DCT, by being quantitative and virtually independent of solubility and diffusion, was found more suitable to assay solid surfaces. The results demonstrated the added value of DCT in the study of the antimicrobial properties of endodontic sealers.

Analysis of Variance↗

How reliable is intracorporeal laparoscopic knot tying?

BACKGROUND: Are knots tied laparoscopically as reliable as those tied in open surgery? The aim of our study was to try to answer this question. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a standardized technique, one senior laparoscopic surgeon tied 3 suture materials using 3 methods of knotting: hand, instrument, and laparoscopic (in a simulator). The tension in the knots was measured using a tension gauge at the time of knotting and 5 minutes later. The surgeon was blinded to the value. The experiment was repeated 4 times. The 36 sutures were then analyzed using a materials-testing machine. The force achieved prior to breakage, the extension, and the breaking points were recorded. The scientist performing the analysis was blinded as to the method of tying and tensions produced. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in tension at 5 minutes between suture materials or method of knot tying. The mean extension achieved prior to breakage for 33 sutures was 29.71 mm with a force of 16.09 N. In 3 sutures the knot slipped completely while tension was being increased, thus no measure of breakage force could be obtained. These 3 sutures were monofilament and tied laparoscopically. CONCLUSION: There were no significant changes in suture tension after 5 minutes regardless of material or method of knot tying. Three of the 12 knots tied laparoscopically came undone under strain testing. All 3 knots were monofilament suture. This may have important implications when choosing suture material. Further studies are planned to expand the analysis of different knotting techniques with different suture materials.

Equipment Design↗

[Effect of various furniture covering fabrics on heat regulation and comfort].

The effects of three different materials for furniture fabrics (wool, polyacrylonitrile and Skai) on thermophysiological parameters and comfort were studied. In a laboratory design male, middle aged subjects were tested three times for three hours in a climate chamber, being exposed to internal and external thermal strains as well as to stress inducing situations. The outcome of this research suggests an essential influence of the structure of the tested materials but only small influences by the kind of fibres. The test situation "Skai" induced markedly different effects on skin temperature, skin moisture level and self rated thermal comfort as compared to both textile materials: A high sweat secretion followed by a continuously increasing moisture accumulation could be observed, especially for areas of the body surface which were tight contact with the material. Simultaneously a distinct skin temperature decrease at the back was found, which can be interpreted as a consequence of a high heat conduction due to the material itself as well as by sweat vaporization when the back was lifted from the backrest. The differences between the natural fibre- and synthetic fibre materials were generally small and occurred merely under heat stress conditions, where a pronounced reactivity of skin temperatures, skin moisture and heart rate could be observed testing the synthetic textile material. Being asked about thermal comfort, the subjects attributed their ratings to uncomfortable room climate conditions rather than to properties of the materials on which they were seated.

Adult↗

Effect of filler size on wear resistance of resin cement.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of filler size on the wear of resin cements. Materials tested included four experimental dual-cure resin cements (Kuraray) consisting of different-sized filler particles. A rectangular box cavity was prepared on the flattened occlusal surface of extracted human molars. Ceramic inlays for the cavities were fabricated using the Cerec 2 system. The Cerec inlays were cemented with the respective cements and adhesive systems according to the manufacturer's directions. The restored surface was finished by wet-grinding with an 800-grit silicon carbide paper. Six specimens were prepared for each resin cement. Half of the specimens were subjected to a three-body wear test for 200,000 cycles, and the others were subjected to a toothbrush abrasion test for 30,000 cycles. The worn surface of each restoration was scanned by a profilometer (Surfcom 475 A) at eight different points for each restoration. The wear value was determined by measuring the vertical gap depth on the profilometric tracings. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's test. The results showed that, with increase of filler size, the wear value decreased in the toothbrush test and increased in the three-body wear test. The cement with 0.04-microm filler exhibited the lowest wear value among the materials in the three-body wear test, and the same wear value as the cement with 0.97-microm filler in the toothbrush test. Based upon the results of this study, it is concluded that the wear of resin cements was affected by the filler size as well as the mode of wear test.

Journal Article↗

[Mechanical strength and in vivo degradation of human hair keratin-polylactic acid composite rods].

OBJECTIVE: To test the mechanical strength and observe the in vivo degradation of self-made human hair keratin-polylactic acid (HHK-PLA) composite rods designed for use in internal fixation. METHODS: Twenty such HHK-PLA composite rods were tested for shear strength, bending strength and bending modulus using the material testing system MTS-858 Mini Bionix. A total of 36 samples of HHK-PLA composite rods designed for internal fixation of bone fracture were randomly implanted in dorsal subcutaneous tissue of 18 SD rats, and weight losses of these rods were measured 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks after the implantation to evaluate the in vivo degradation of the material. RESULTS: The initial shear strength of HHK-PLA rod was 241 MPa, bending strength 358 MPa, and bending modulus 13 GPa. The test demonstrated a slower rate of degradation in SD rats in earlier period following implantation than in later period. CONCLUSION: HHK-PLA composite rods have good initial mechanical strength and tolerable degradation in vivo, and may be used potentially for internal fixation of the weigh-bearing bones of the limbs.

Animals↗

Mechanical properties of urogynecologic implant materials.

Synthetic suburethral slings have recently become popular despite the risk of erosion commonly associated with synthetic implants. Some of these materials seem to have unexpectedly low erosion rates. Based on the hypothesis that erosion is due, in part, to biomechanical properties, we undertook an in vitro study. The biomechanical properties of eight non-resorbable synthetic implant materials, stiffness (slope, N/mm) and peak load (N) were determined from load vs. displacement curves. Open-weave Prolene mesh showed unique biomechanical properties compared to other tested materials. The tension- free vaginal tape had the lowest initial stiffness (0.23 N/mm), i.e. low resistance to deformation at forces below the elastic limit, whereas the stiffest implant tested, a nylon tape, reached 6.83 N/mm. We concluded that the TVT and other wide-weave Prolene tapes have unique biomechanical characteristics. These properties may be at least partly responsible for the apparent clinical success of the implants.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[Biocompatibility of dental materials. Choice of testing methods: to do or not].

Three methods used to study the biocompatibility of dental materials are compared in this article. A glass-ionomer cement, Vitrabond, was studied, using gutta-percha as the control material. Specimens were standardized according to an original procedure. Unsterilized Vitrabond implants were used, because UV rays modify the material. Intraperitoneal Vitrabond implants increased the macrophage population in rats after 24 hrs. This was caused by the surgical trauma and indicates that this method is unreliable. The intramuscular placement of Vitrabond provoked well defined lesions after a week. The use of histochemical techniques on frozen muscle demonstrated that the concentration of succinic deshydrogenase and acid phosphatase enzymes were altered when compared to the control lesions. A comparison of enzymatic lesions and an evaluation of the areas of cellular growth inhibition during in vitro experiments using a computer image analyzer leads to quantitative conclusions that Vitrabond is a cytotoxic material. The simultaneous use of histochemical techniques on muscle tissue and cell culture in vitro enhances the validity of methods used to evaluate the biocompatibility of dental materials. These methods may be used to test the toxicity of various materials. Nevertheless, for a more complete evaluation of these materials, the allergenicity and carcinogenicity potential of these products should be evaluated, prior to the final verdict as to their biocompatibility.

Animals↗

A risk assessment process for allergic contact sensitization.

This review describes an approach that has been used to assess the skin sensitization risk of new chemicals and product formulations prior to launching the new chemical or product on the market. The risk assessment process utilizes a comparative toxicological approach, in which data on the inherent toxicity of a material, and the exposure to it through manufacturing or consumer use or foreseeable misuse, are integrated and compared with data generated by 'benchmark' materials of similar chemistry or product application, or both. This approach has been valuable in providing an accurate assessment of the skin sensitization potential for a wide range of consumer products and pharmaceuticals, ranging from products with a very transient skin exposure (e.g. some paper products), to cosmetics, to products whose ingredients may be deposited on fabrics and thus result in chronic skin exposure. The risk assessment process described includes both guinea-pig (Buehler) and human skin sensitization test methodologies to evaluate inherent toxicity under relevant epicutaneous exposure conditions. Alternative guinea-pig test methods have been reported to be more sensitive than the Buehler method, particularly those employing intradermal injection of the test material in Freund's complete adjuvant (e.g. maximization test). However, by bypassing the skin barrier at induction, these methods can overstate the sensitization risk of epicutaneous exposure to weak sensitizers (Andersen and Hamann, 1983 and 1984; Matsushita et al., 1975a,b), and can understate the risk to very strong sensitizers possibly through tolerance induction (Buehler, 1985). In addition, materials are tested and classified at concentrations that may not be relevant to anticipated human exposure. The Buehler guinea-pig test data are important in assessing skin sensitization risk in the early phases of product development, where human exposure can be limited, controlled and monitored (e.g. manufacturing employees). The Buehler test can often define consumer skin sensitization risk; however, the ultimate consumer skin safety assessment should in general be developed through a series of controlled human tests; the human repeat insult patch test and, when necessary, the provocative or extended product use tests. Post-market monitoring of skin-related consumer comments is the final phase of the data gathering process. These results can be used to assess further each product and to provide valuable feedback to confirm the validity of the overall risk assessment process. Risk assessment for skin sensitization potential is seldom a simple process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Consumer Product Safety↗

Effects of new machinable ceramic on behavior of rat bone cells cultured in vitro.

The behavior of cultured rat bone cells growing on modified polyethylene terephthalate (mPET), glass, and machinable ceramic substrates containing enstatite (MgO, SiO2) and glass (CaO-P2O5-Al2O3) was studied. Cell attachment was measured directly on the substrates using an image analysis system. Electron microscopy observations and the MTT test revealed that cells are able to spread and proliferate on the material surface, keeping a healthy ultrastructure on all materials tested in the present study. After having colonized the surface of the materials, as shown by immunocytochemistry, the cells synthesize an osteoid-like matrix composed of osteocalcin, type I collagen, and fibronectin fibrils. The titration of alkaline phosphatase activity showed that the cells grown on the ceramic exhibit a greater osteogenic activity than those grown on controls (glass and mPET). This osteogenic activity results in a mineralization of the extracellular matrix in cultures on ceramic or plastic whereas only few calcium phosphate crystallite traces were revealed by Von Kossa staining on glass. Enstatite constitutes, therefore, an environment compatible with in vitro bone cell life.

Animals↗

Detection of ecotropic replication-competent retroviruses: comparison of s(+)/l(-) and marker rescue assays.

Guidelines for testing gene therapy products for ecotropic replication-competent retrovirus (Eco-RCR) have not been delineated as they have for amphotropic viruses. To evaluate biologic assays that can detect these viruses, we compared an S(+)/L(-) assay and a marker rescue assay designed specifically for Eco-RCR detection. Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) obtained from the American Type Culture Collection was used as the positive control. For marker rescue, NIH 3T3 cells were transduced with a retroviral vector expressing the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (3T3/Neo). Inoculation and passage of test material in 3T3/Neo cells for 3 weeks (amplification) and subsequent testing in the S(+)/L(-) assay or the marker rescue assay increased the level of sensitivity for virus detection greater than 10-fold compared with direct inoculation of D56 S(+)/L(-) cells. When serial dilutions of Mo-MuLV stock were evaluated, six of six cultures had detectable virus by the S(+)/L(-) and marker rescue assays at dilutions of 10(-5) and 10(-6). At the 10(-7) dilution, five of six assays had detectable virus in both assays. The ability to detect virus-infected cells was also evaluated in a modification that substituted cells for supernatant. Fifteen 3T3/Neo cultures inoculated with 10(6) 293 cells containing 100 or 10 Mo-MuLV/3T3 cells were all positive by marker rescue. For dilution with 1 virus-infected cell per 10(6) 293 cells, 10 of 15 cultures were positive. At the 0.1-cell dilution only 2 of 15 cultures were positive. If we hope to detect one infected cell in a test article, the probability of detecting virus if the assay is performed in triplicate is 96.3%. In summary, after 3 weeks of amplification the S(+)/L(-) and marker rescue assays can detect virus with similar sensitivities. We prefer the marker rescue assay because of the more reliable growth features of NIH 3T3 cells compared with the D56 cell line. For laboratories analyzing clinical materials, this report may prove useful in establishing detection assays for Eco-RCR.

3T3 Cells↗

The diagnosis of hypersensitivity to ingested foods. Reliability of skin prick testing and the radioallergosorbent test with different materials.

The diagnostic reliability in food allergy of skin prick tests (SPT) and the radio-allergosorbent test (RAST) was investigated in paediatric patients with respiratory and skin allergies. SPT and RAST were found to be reliable for the diagnosis of allergy to codfish, peas, nuts, peanuts and egg white. Positive SPT and RAST to cereals were common, but were most often without clinical significance or were correlated with respiratory allergy to the inhalation of flour dust. SPT and RAST were only partly reliable with regard to allergy to cow's milk, and were mostly reliable when used together and showing corresponding results. Experimental allergosorbents for RAST with soy beans and white beans were not reliable. The study shows the need to improve the diagnostic materials and to establish the diagnostic reliability of the material and tests used for each food item in question.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of the utility of the micronucleus test for petroleum-derived materials.

The micronucleus test is a commonly used in vivo assay for chromosomal damage and is an integral part of many mutagenicity testing strategies. The present report describes an assessment of the micronucleus test for the detection of mutagenic potential of petroleum-derived materials. To this end, studies were conducted with catalytically cracked clarified oil (CCCO). This material contains high levels of polycyclic aromatic constituents (PAC) and is a very potent inducer of mouse skin tumors. CCCO is also active in the Salmonella assay and other in vitro tests. As CCCO is the most potent of the various petroleum-derived materials in other assays, it was assumed to be the most easily detectable in the micronucleus test. CCCO was tested in standard mouse micronucleus tests utilizing oral and intraperitoneal injection for test material administration. All of these studies were negative, although DMBA, tested at roughly equivalent levels based on potency in the Salmonella assay, produced statistically significant increases in micronucleus frequency. In a second series of studies, aromatic fractions of CCCO were prepared and tested at up to acutely toxic levels. Results of these studies were also negative. Finally, another petroleum-derived material which is carcinogenic and contained PAC was tested in the micronucleus assay. It also produced negative results. Thus, it was concluded that petroleum-derived materials do not produce clastogenic effects in vivo in the mouse micronucleus test, despite the fact that some pure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are quite active in this assay.

Animals↗

Toxicity testing of sealants: a tissue implant study.

The toxicity of pit and fisure sealants implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of guinea pigs was tested using the protocol for toxicity testing derived from the ADA/ANSI Document No. 41, 1982. The materials tested were Delton autopolymerized and photopolymerized, and Concise White autopolymerized and photopolymerized. After two weeks, reactive fibrosis and mild to moderately severe foreign body reactions were noted. After 12 weeks, only thin fibrous walls infiltrated occasionally by small numbers of chronic inflammatory cells were observed. The results of this investigation appear to indicate that following subcutaneous implantation of a pit and fissure sealant, a foreign body reaction will most likely take place during the first two weeks, but will be resolved by 12 weeks. Furthermore, than an initial reactive fibrosis will give way to a thin fibrosis wall by 12 weeks, and the initial inflammatory response will subside. It can also be stated that in this study, Delton and Concise White sealant materials produced similar tissue reactions, and that there were few differences between materials which were autopolymerized or photopolymerized.

Animals↗