Amplitude modulation excitation for cancellous bone evaluation using a portable ultrasonic backscatter instrumentation

The ultrasonic backscatter (UB) has the advantage of non-invasively obtaining bone density and structure, expected to be an assessment tool for early diagnosis osteoporosis. All former UB measurements were based on exciting a short single-pulse and analyzing the ultrasonic signals backscattered in bone. This study aims to examine amplitude modulation (AM) ultrasonic excitation with UB measurements for predicting bone characteristics. The AM multiple lengths excitation and backscatter measurement (AM-UB) functions were integrated into a portable ultrasonic instrument for bone characterization. The apparent integrated backscatter coefficient in the AM excitation (AIB_AM) was evaluated on the AM-UB instrumentation. The correlation coefficients of the AIB_AM estimating volume fraction (BV/TV), structure model index (SMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) were then analyzed. Significant correlations (|R| = 0.82-0.93, p < 0.05) were observed between the AIB_AM, BV/TV, SMI, and BMD. By growing the AM excitation length, the AIB_AM values exhibit more stability both in 1.0-MHz and 3.5-MHz measurements. The recommendations in AM-UB measurement were that the avoided length (T1) should be lower than AM excitation length, and the analysis length (T2) should be enough long but not more than AM excitation length. The authors conducted an AM-UB measurement for cancellous bone characterization. Increasing the AM excitation length could substantially enhance AIB_AM values stability with varying analyzed signals. The study suggests the portable AM-UB instrument with the integration of real-time analytics software that might provide a potential tool for osteoporosis early screening.     

去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢紊乱机制研究

测定了去卵巢大鼠骨元素含量和血清相关激素和细胞因子含量,分析了去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢紊乱的机制。将健康4月龄SD大鼠18只随机分成3组：正常对照组,假去卵巢大鼠组和去卵巢大鼠组。结果表明,去卵巢大鼠骨Ca、Mg、S、Mn、Zn等含量显著降低,P含量显著升高,血清E2、P、CT、GH等含量显著降低,IL-6、FSH、LH等含量显著升高。提示去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢紊乱是雌激素水平下降与其他因素共同作用的结果。     

拉曼光谱在骨组织研究中的应用

拉曼光谱具有快速、无损、能同时提供无机和有机成分信息,包括矿物晶格和胶原蛋白二级结构信息等特点,在骨组织研究中有着重要应用。本文结合本课题组工作,对骨组织的光谱背景处理、拉曼光谱在骨的力学性能、骨科疾病、成像研究以及活体检测等方面的应用进行了综述。     

我国口腔生物力学研究进展与展望

本文综述了我国口腔生物力学研究现状、研究手段、达到的水平以及临床应用状况、并作了展望。      

人的密质骨的力学性能

本文把骨组织看作是一种材料和骨骼系统的粘弹性结构元件,评述了它们的力学性能.首先描述了骨的结构,包括宏观结构、微结构和超微结构.随后是骨的力学性能.第三部分介绍了哈弗氏骨的力学模型.笔者指出,单个哈弗氏骨可考虑为正交铺设的胶原纤维增强的粘弹性厚壁筒.最后讨论了哈弗氏骨的应力-应变关系.显然,简单的弹性关系是不可用于实际的.      

Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Alternatives,Bisphenol F and Tetramethyl Bisphenol F on Osteoclast Differentiation

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical environmental endocrine disruptor that exhibits estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties and can cause the collapse of bone homeostasis by an imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Various BPA substitutes, structurally similar to BPA, have been used to manufacture ‘BPA-free’ products; however, the regulatory role of BPA alternatives in osteoclast differentiation still remains unelucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these chemicals on osteoclast differentiation using the mouse osteoclast precursor cell line RAW 264.7. Results confirmed that both BPA and its alternatives, bisphenol F and tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF), were nontoxic to RAW 264.7 cells. In particular, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cell staining and activity calculation assays revealed that TMBPF enhanced osteoclast differentiation upon stimulation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). Additionally, TMBPF activated the mRNA expression of osteoclast-related target genes, such as the nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and cathepsin K (CtsK). Western blotting analysis indicated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, including phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38. Together, the results suggest that TMBPF enhances osteoclast differentiation, and it is critical for bone homeostasis and skeletal health.     

Ceramics based on double magnesium–sodium phosphates for bone regeneration

The fabrication of ceramics based on double phosphates MgNaPO₄ and Mg₄Na(PO₄)₃ is considered. Volume changes in phase transformations of MgNaPO₄ and Mg₄Na(PO₄)₃ upon thermal treatment in a range of 800–1100 °C and their effect on the microstructure of ceramics are studied.     

Biodegradable ultra high strength poly(L-lactide) rods for bone fixation

The hydrostatic molecular orientation technique was used to explore the highest mechanical improvements achievable for poly-L-lactide (PLLA). The mechanical attributes of these materials designed for bone fracture fixation devices, i.e. bending strength and modulus were measured and compared with those prepared by stretching method. The starting samples were prepared by conventional melt extrusion at 200 °C followed by hydrostatic extrusion at 140 °C using glycerin filled extruder. Uniaxially stretched rods were prepared by drawing in silicon oil at 120 °C. The physical properties of these rods are inadequate as mechanical supports in the dynamic healing process of the bone. Moreover, they underwent a marked strength deterioration when immersed in aqueous buffered solution for 90 days. On the other hand, the hydrostatic extrusion technique produced rods with progressively higher bending strength that showed only a small drop after 90 days hydrolytic degradation. Micrographs suggested a superior molecular orientation and packing, which could be associated with the improved performance. The hydrostatic extrusion technique proved to be a safe and effective approach for strengthening biodegradable polymeric materials for dynamic mechanical support in orthopedic medical devices.