scholarly journals Testing if Micro-CT Is Capable of Quantitating the Extent of Proteoglycan-Aggrecan Induced Axial Spondyloarthritis in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Han ◽  
ZhaoHui Zheng ◽  
Qiang Liang ◽  
Kui Zhang ◽  
FengFan Yang ◽  
...  

ObjectiveInjections of proteoglycan aggrecan (PGA) have been reported to induce axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) in BALB/c mice. It is considered to be a model for radiographic ax-SpA. However, evaluation of the extent of axial disease by histopathological assessment of every intervertebral space is labor-intensive. The objective of our paper is to test the feasibility of Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) in rapidly enumerating the number of intervertebral spaces affected in each mouse.MethodsArthritis was induced in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injections of PGA. Involvement of several spinal segments, and selected sacroiliac and hip joints were evaluated by histopathology. The involvement of all intervertebral spaces, sacroiliac and hip joints was evaluated by Micro-CT.ResultsBALB/c mice injected with PGA developed histopathology of SpA-like axial lesions, including spondylitis, sacroiliac joint arthritis and hip joint arthritis. Micro-CT allowed us to clearly enumerate the number of lesions in each mouse.ConclusionMicro-CT allows quantitative assessment of the extent of axial involvement in PGA-induced mouse spondylitis. This can be a useful tool in assessing therapeutic interventions.

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (11) ◽  
pp. 2286-2289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Nash ◽  
Ennio Lubrano ◽  
Alberto Cauli ◽  
William J. Taylor ◽  
Ignazio Olivieri ◽  
...  

Axial involvement in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains common and can be defined in terms of spinal disease alone or in combination with peripheral manifestations. Diagnosis is based upon inflammatory spinal symptoms or the presence of radiological sacroiliitis and other radiographic signs of spondylitis, or by criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) defined by ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society). Although recent data are scarce for efficacy of traditional therapies for axial disease (e.g., nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, methotrexate, etc.), limited data are available for targeted biologics and novel agents. We identify and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for treatment of axial disease in PsA. This review is an update of the axial PsA section of the treatment recommendations project by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).


Author(s):  
Gozde Serindere ◽  
Ceren Aktuna Belgin ◽  
Kaan Orhan

Background: There are a few studies about the evaluation of maxillary first premolars internal structure with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The aim of this study was to assess morphological features of the pulp chamber in maxillary first premolar teeth using micro- CT. Methods: Extracted 15 maxillary first premolar teeth were selected from the patients who were in different age groups. The distance between the pulp orifices, the diameter of the pulp and the width of the pulp chamber floor were measured on the micro-CT images with the slice thickness of 13.6 µm. The number of root canal orifices and the presence of isthmus were evaluated. Results: The mean diameter of orifices was 0.73 mm on the buccal side while it was 0.61 mm on palatinal side. The mean distance between pulp orifices was 2.84 mm. The mean angle between pulp orifices was -21.53°. The mean height of pulp orifices on the buccal side was 4.32 mm while the mean height of pulp orifices on the palatinal side was 3.56 mm. The most observed shape of root canal orifices was flattened ribbon. No isthmus was found in specimens. Conclusion: Minor anatomical structures can be evaluated in more detail with micro-CT. The observation of the pulp cavity was analyzed using micro-CT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Taylor Flaherty ◽  
Maryam Tamaddon ◽  
Chaozong Liu

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Tzu-Hung Lin ◽  
Jane S. C. Tsai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60 and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Alba-Tercedor ◽  
Wayne B. Hunter ◽  
Ignacio Alba-Alejandre

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1995
Author(s):  
Mirko Sinico ◽  
Suraj Dinkar Jadhav ◽  
Ann Witvrouw ◽  
Kim Vanmeensel ◽  
Wim Dewulf

Recently, the use of novel CuCr1 surface-modified powder for reliable laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) manufacturing has been proposed, enabling a broader LPBF processing window and longer powder storage life. Nevertheless, virgin CuCr1 powder is also LPBF processable, on the condition that a high-energy density is employed. In this work, we compare two dense specimens produced from virgin and surface-modified CuCr1 powder. Furthermore, a third sample fabricated from surface-modified powder is characterized to understand an abnormal porosity content initially detected through Archimedes testing. Utilizing high-resolution micro-CT scans, the nature of the defects present in the different samples is revealed. Pores are analyzed in terms of size, morphology and spatial distribution. The micro-CT data reveal that the virgin CuCr1 dense specimen displays keyhole pores plus pit cavities spanning multiple layer thicknesses. On the other hand, the sample fabricated with the surface-modified CuCr1 powder mainly contains small and spherical equi-distributed metallurgical defects. Finally, the CT analysis of the third specimen reveals the presence of a W contamination, favoring lack-of-fusion pores between subsequent LPBF layers. The LPBF melting mode (keyhole or conductive), the properties of the material, and the potential presence of contaminants are connected to the different porosity types and discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Young Kim ◽  
Hyo-Won Jang ◽  
Jung-In Kim ◽  
In-Ho Cha

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of administering intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) before tooth extraction versus after tooth extraction on the risk of developing MRONJ in experimental animal model. Twenty-five ovariectomized rats received 6 weeks of bisphosphonate therapy. They were classified into 3 groups, based on the timing of the medication, as Control, Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups. For Control group, normal saline was administered before and after tooth extraction. iPTH was administered during 4 weeks before tooth extraction for Pre-PTH group and after tooth extraction for Post-PTH group. The animals were euthanized 8 weeks after tooth extraction. Macroscopic, histological, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histomorphometric examinations were conducted. The incidences of impaired healing were 11.11% both in Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups, which was lower than the Control group (42.86%). Bone healing in the extraction socket, based on micro-CT and histomorphometry evaluations, was best in Post-PTH and worst in Control group. The Pre-PTH group showed moderate healing pattern. Despite of limitations in this study, the authors identified Pre-PTH group seems to have positive effect on extraction socket healing. With regard to timing, administering iPTH after tooth extraction was superior to applying it before tooth extraction.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽  
Kleoniki Keklikoglou

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for embryos and juveniles of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.


Author(s):  
T. Makino ◽  
Y. Neishi ◽  
D. Shiozawa ◽  
Y. Neishi ◽  
D. Shiozawa ◽  
...  

 The objective of the present paper is to clarify the effect of defect length in depth direction on rolling contact fatigue (RCF) crack propagation in high strength steel. RCF test and synchrotron radiation micro computed tomography (SR micro CT) imaging were conducted. In the case of the defect with the 15 ?m diameter, flaking life decreased with increasing defect length. In a comparison of the CT image and the SEM view, the shapes of defects and the locations of the horizontal cracks were almost the same respectively. The mechanism of RCF crack propagation was discussed by finite element (FE) analysis. Defects led to higher tensile residual stress than that without defects in the region where the defect exists. The shear stress range at 0.1 mm in depth on the middle line of the defect and the range of mode II stress intensity factor at the bottom of a vertical crack increased with increasing defect length.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 6351-6358
Author(s):  
Gabrielė Česaitienė ◽  
Tadas Venskutonis ◽  
Vita Mačiulskienė ◽  
Vaidotas Cicėnas ◽  
Vykintas Samaitis ◽  
...  

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