Use of texture feature maps for the refinement of Information derived from digital Intraoral radiographs of lytic and sclerotic lesions

The aim of this study was to examine whether additional digital intraoral radiography (DIR) image preprocessing based on textural description methods improves the recognition and differentiation of periapical lesions. (1) DIR image analysis protocols incorporating clustering with the k-means approach (CLU), texture features derived from co-occurrence matrices, first-order features (FOF), gray-tone difference matrices, run-length matrices (RLM), and local binary patterns, were used to transform DIR images derived from 161 input images into textural feature maps. These maps were used to determine the capacity of the DIR representation technique to yield information about the shape of a structure, its pattern, and adequate tissue contrast. The effectiveness of the textural feature maps with regard to detection of lesions was revealed by two radiologists independently with consecutive interrater agreement. (2) High sensitivity and specificity in the recognition of radiological features of lytic lesions, i.e., radiodensity, border definition, and tissue contrast, was accomplished by CLU, FOF energy, and RLM. Detection of sclerotic lesions was refined with the use of RLM. FOF texture contributed substantially to the high sensitivity of diagnosis of sclerotic lesions. (3) Specific DIR texture-based methods markedly increased the sensitivity of the DIR technique. Therefore, application of textural feature mapping constitutes a promising diagnostic tool for improving recognition of dimension and possibly internal structure of the periapical lesions

Changes of radiographic trabecular bone density and peri-implant marginal bone vertical dimensions around non-submerged dental implants with a laser-microtextured collar after 5 years of functional loading

Objectives: The progressive peri-implant bone remodeling caused by dynamic cycles of microdamage may change peri-implant bone characteristics and volume after the functional loading. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the radiographic trabecular bone density and peri-implant vertical dimensional changes around the non submerged dental implant with a laser-microtextured collar (NSLI)s after 5 years of functional loading. Methods: Digital periapical radiographs of 58 NSLIs supported fixed single crowns and fixed partial dentures in 26 patients (14 men, mean age of 52 ± 3.8 years) were used for comparative evaluation between the implant placement [Baseline (BSL)], the definitive Crowns Delivery (CD) and the 5 years post-functional loading examination (T5). Regions of interest (ROI) were taken into consideration for the measurement of mean gray levels, standard deviation, and variation coefficient. The texture parameters, such as contrast, correlation, angular second moment and entropy, were investigated by using the software ImageJ (v.1.50i), by means of the Gray-level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) Texture Tool plugin. Vertical Periimplant Marginal Bone Level (VPMBL) was assessed at the mesial and the distal sides of each implant by subtracting the measure at BSL from the measure at T5 by means of dedicate software (VixWin Platinum Imaging Software). Mixed regression models were adopted to analyze data. The possible effects of some variables, such as the use of provisional denture, location, crown/implant ratio, type of prosthetic design (single or splinted), on radiographic dimensional vertical changes, gray levels and texture analysis variables were also evaluated. Results: From BSL to T5, mesial and distal VPMBL showed a statistically significant gain of 0.9 ±0.5, and 0.10 mm ±0.6, respectively (P<0.05). From CD to T5, mean gray levels increased from 94.4±26.8) to 111.8±27.1 (P<0.05), while the coefficient of variation decreased from 0.08±0,03 to 0.05±0.04) (P<0.05). Variables showed no statistically significant correlation with texture parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusion: NSLIs showed an increase in radiographic vertical peri-implant marginal bone levels and bone density up to 5 years of loading

Fractal analysis of mandibular trabecular bone: optimal tile sizes for the tile counting method

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the optimal tile size for the fractal dimension of the mandibular trabecular bone using a tile counting method. Materials and Methods: Digital intraoral radiographic images were obtained at the mandibular angle, molar, premolar, and incisor regions of 29 human dry mandibles. After preprocessing, the parameters representing morphometric characteristics of the trabecular bone were calculated. The fractal dimensions of the processed images were analyzed in various tile sizes by the tile counting method. Results: The optimal range of tile size was 0.132 mm to 0.396 mm for the fractal dimension using the tile counting method. The sizes were closely related to the morphometric parameters. Conclusion: The fractal dimension of mandibular trabecular bone, as calculated with the tile counting method, can be best characterized with a range of tile sizes from 0.132 to 0.396 mm. ⓒ 2011 by Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Bio-inspired micro-structural design for CFRP: exploring damage mechanisms of nacre

Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are widely regarded as the material of choice for many aerospace and automotive applications, where high specific strength and stiffness are required. However, one of the main limitations to further extending the use of such materials is their inherent brittleness, which results in the difficulty to design damage-tolerant lightweight structures. Among the innovative solutions recently proposed to improve the damage tolerance of CFRP, biomimetics provides a valuable source of inspiration. In particular, of the many biological composites, nacre is one that provides a remarkably tough behaviour, due to its discontinuous tiled micro-structure leading to damage-diffusion and crack-deflection mechanisms acting at the micro-scale. In this work, a carbon-fibre/epoxy composite with nacre-inspired tiled micro-structure is firstly designed and synthesised. Analytical and numerical models are developed to identify suitable configurations for the tile geometry with interlocks, leading to tiles of about 600 μm which are then laser-engraved in the laminate plies. In-situ bending tests show how the nacre-like interlocking micro-structure succeeds in diverting cracks and avoiding localised failure, while toughness and heterogeneity of the interface between tiles are identified as key elements to promote further spreading of damage. In order to improve the ductility of the interface, a film-casting technique is developed to deposit extremely thin layers (~13 μm) of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) onto the interface of carbon/epoxy prepregs. Different patterns of PLA texture (including fractals) are explored, with DCB and 4ENF tests showing an increase in interlaminar toughness of about 80% for Mode I and 12% for Mode II. The film-casting method mentioned above is then used to modify the interfaces of the nacre-inspired laminate, by depositing thin PLA patches with fractal shape in between plies. This results in a thin texture of thermoplastic material that toughens the interface without significantly increasing the overall thickness of the laminate. Results show that damage diffusion is considerably enhanced by the tougher and more heterogeneous interface, which succeeds in creating more extensive pull-out of the interlocking tiles. Finally, the interaction between nacre-inspired discontinuous micro-structures and continuous fibre-reinforced layers is analysed. It is shown how continuous layers can be used to trigger unstable failure in the nacre-like material, to act as a crack-propagation barrier, or to change the morphology of damage by promoting a transition from brittle failure to energy-dissipating tile pull-out.Open Acces

Surface modification of zirconia-based bioceramics for orthopedic and dental applications

Debido a sus excelentes propiedades mecánicas y una excelente biocompatibilidad, el uso de las cerámicas de base de circona en aplicaciones dentales y ortopédicas ha crecido rápidamente durante las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, tanto la alúmina como la circona son bioinertes, lo cual dificulta su implantación en contacto directo con el hueso. Además, las infecciones siguen siendo una de las principales causas de fallo de implantes. Para resolver ambos problemas, se requiere un mejor diseño de la superficie: en particular, una topografía adecuada puede promover la osteointegración y limitar la adhesión bacteriana. Por otro lado, la fiabilidad a largo plazo es un asunto crítico para los implantes estructurales, y las cerámicas que contienen circona requieren una atención especial. Como para otras cerámicas, las alteraciones superficiales pueden comprometer sus propiedades mecánicas. Además, la transformación de fase de tetragonal a monoclínica, que les proporciona una tenacidad excepcional, puede ocurrir espontáneamente en presencia de agua, lo cual puede afectar las propiedades del material. La cinética de este fenómeno, conocido como envejecimiento hidrotérmico, es muy sensible a los cambios de procesamiento. Por lo tanto, cualquier modificación de la superficie debe ir acompañada de una evaluación de su impacto en la fiabilidad de los implantes. Basado en estas observaciones, el objetivo de esta tesis fue desarrollar procesos para modificar la superficie de los implantes a base de circona, en particular la topografía, sin comprometer sus propiedades mecánicas y estabilidad hidrotérmica. El esfuerzo de investigación se centró en dos materiales: la circona estabilizada con itria (3Y-TZP), que se utiliza cada vez más para aplicaciones dentales (por ejemplo: coronas, implantes), y la alúmina reforzada con circona (ZTA), que es el estándar actual en ortopedia para la fabricación de componentes cerámicos estructurales. Por lo tanto, este trabajo se puede dividir en dos partes principales. En la primera parte, se llevó a cabo un amplio estudio del ataque de la circona con ácido fluorhídrico (HF). Se demostró que ajustando el tiempo de decapado es posible controlar la rugosidad y la dimensión fractal de la superficie. Además, los resultados indican condiciones adecuadas para incrementar la rugosidad de forma rápida y uniforme, sin comprometer su resistencia mecánica ni tampoco su resistencia al envejecimiento. Basándose en estos hallazgos, se obtuvieron muestras con gradientes de rugosidad mediante inmersión con una velocidad controlada en una solución de ataque. Gracias a este método, que reduce drásticamente los esfuerzos y recursos necesarios para estudiar las interacciones célula-superficie, se realizó un análisis rápido de la influencia de la micro- y nano-topografía inducida por HF en las células madre mesenquimales. Se determinaron correlaciones entre parámetros de rugosidad y morfología celular, destacando la importancia de la optimización de la topografía a múltiples escalas para inducir la respuesta celular deseada. En la segunda parte, una estrategia integrada fue desarrollada para proporcionar propiedades antibacterianas y osteointegrativas a las superficies de ZTA La micro-topografía se controló mediante moldeo por inyección. Mientras tanto, un nuevo procedimiento que implica la disolución selectiva de la circona por HF (ataque selectivo) se utilizó para producir nano-rugosidad y una nanoporosidad superficial interconectada. La utilización potencial de la porosidad para la liberación de antibióticos fue demostrada, y se evidenció que la encapsulación liposomal puede aumentar la cantidad de fármaco cargada. Además, se demostró que el impacto del ataque selectivo sobre las propiedades mecánicas y la estabilidad hidrotermal era limitado. Por lo tanto, la combinación del moldeo por inyección y del ataque selectivo parece prometedora para la fabricación de componentes de ZTA implantables en contacto directo con el huesoDue to their outstanding mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility, the use of zirconia-based ceramics in dental and orthopedic applications has grown rapidly over the last decades. However, both alumina and zirconia are bioinert, which hampers their implantation in direct contact with bone. Furthermore, infections remain one of the leading causes of implant failure. To address both issues, an improved surface design is required: in particular, an adequate topography can promote osseointegration and limit bacterial adhesion. On the other hand, long-term reliability is a major concern for load-bearing implants, and zirconia-containing ceramics require special attention. As for other ceramics, surface alterations can impair their mechanical properties. Besides, the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation, which accounts for their exceptional toughness, can occur spontaneously in the presence of water, potentially deteriorating the material properties. The kinetics of this phenomenon, known as hydrothermal ageing, are highly sensitive to processing changes. Any surface modification of zirconia-containing ceramics should thus be accompanied by a careful assessment of its impact on implant reliability. Based on these observations, the objective of this thesis was to develop processes to modify the surface of zirconia-based implants, in particular the topography, without compromising their mechanical properties and hydrothermal stability. The research effort focused on two materials of particular interest: yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP), which is increasingly used for prosthodontic applications (e.g., crowns, implants), and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA), which is the current gold Standard in orthopedics for the fabrication of load-bearing ceramic components. Accordingly, this work can be divided into two main parts. In the first part, an extensive study of the hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching of zirconia was carried out. It was shown that monitoring etching time allows controlling the roughness and fractal dimension of the surface. Furthermore, the results indicated suitable processing conditions for a fast and uniform roughening of zirconia components, without compromising substantially their strength and ageing resistance. Based on these findings, zirconia samples with roughness gradients were obtained by immersing specimens into an etching solution with a controlled speed. Thanks to this method, which drastically reduces the efforts and resources necessary to study cell-surface interactions, a rapid screening of the influence of HF-induced micro- and nano-topography on mesenchymal stem cell morphology was conducted. Correlations between roughness parameters and cell morphology were evidenced, highlighting the importance of multiscale optimization of topography to induce the desired cell response. In the second part, an integrated strategy was developed to provide both osseointegrative and antibacterial properties to ZTA surfaces. The micro-topography was controlled by injection molding. Meanwhile a novel process involving the selective dissolution of zirconia by HF (selective etching) was used to produce nano-roughness and interconnected Surface nanoporosity. Potential utilization of the porosity for delivery of antibiotic molecules was demonstrated, and it was shown that liposomal encapsulation could improve drug loading. Furthermore, the impact of selective etching on mechanical properties and hydrothermal stability was shown to be limited. The combination of injection molding and selective etching thus appears promising for fabricating a new generation of ZTA components implantable in direct contact with bone

Effects of ionizing radiation on cortical bone microarchitecture: specific related alterations over time

Possui versão em CDFAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas GeraisTrabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)This study aimed to evaluate the cortical bone microarchitecture in rabbit tibias at intervals 7, 14 and 21 days after ionizing irradiation. Twelve adult male New Zealand rabbits were treated with a single radiation dose of 30Gy. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control (no radiation), Ir7, Ir14 and Ir21 days. Computadorized microtomography was used to analyze the microarchitecture of the cortical bone. The following parameters were used: cortical thickness (CtTh), bone volume (BV), total porosity (Ct.Po), intracortical porosity (CtPo (cl)), fractal dimension (FD) and degree of anisotropy (Ct.DA). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for all data followed by Tukey and Dunnet tests. The cortical thickness was different (p <0.01) between the control and irradiated groups, with thicker cortex to Ir 7 days. There was no difference between groups for total porosity, however, intracortical porosity revealed significance difference (p <0.001) between the irradiated groups and the control group, with a lower value for Ir7 days. The number of bone channels, fractal dimension and degree of anisotropy did not show significant difference between groups. The bone volume was lower in the Ir14 group in relation to control. In this way, the microarchitecture of the cortical bone can be affected by radiotherapy and the effects appear to be time-dependent. Cortical parameters found in the group Ir21 days were similar to the control group, suggesting that the cortical bone return to the regular conformation after 21 days

Texture analysis and Its applications in biomedical imaging: a survey

Texture analysis describes a variety of image analysis techniques that quantify the variation in intensity and pattern. This paper provides an overview of several texture analysis approaches addressing the rationale supporting them, their advantages, drawbacks, and applications. This survey’s emphasis is in collecting and categorising over five decades of active research on texture analysis.Brief descriptions of different approaches are presented along with application examples. From a broad range of texture analysis applications, this survey’s final focus is on biomedical image analysis. An up-to-date list of biological tissues and organs in which disorders produce texture changes that may be used to spot disease onset and progression is provided. Finally, the role of texture analysis methods as biomarkers of disease is summarised.Manuscript received February 3, 2021; revised June 23, 2021; accepted September 21, 2021. Date of publication September 27, 2021; date of current version January 24, 2022. This work was supported in part by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under Grants PTDC/EMD-EMD/28039/2017, UIDB/04950/2020, PestUID/NEU/04539/2019, and CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000016 and by FEDER-COMPETE under Grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028039. (Corresponding author: Rui Bernardes.)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of osteoconductive coatings for non-metallic bone implants

2008/2009The design of osseous implants, either load bearing or not, with desired mechanical and surface features that promote integration with bone and avoid risks of bone resorption and implant failure due to shear stresses, is still a challenging endeavour. The mechanical stresses which the skeleton undergoes affect bone formation and resorption processes. Bone remodelling is often promoted by adequate stress/strain conditions which are able to prevent bone mass loss. The largely used metallic implants offer several advantages like easy shape casting and modelling but include also several drawbacks like high stiffness if compared with the mechanical properties of native bone. A new generation of bone prosthesis is therefore indispensable to overcome the limitations of the obsolete metallic devices. In the orthopaedic framework, promising results have been achieved in the recent decades by three-dimensional structures named scaffolds. It is mandatory for any optimal scaffold to act as a temporary three-dimensional support for cell adhesion, growth and mineral matrix deposition. Moreover, ideal scaffolds should be able to integrate into surrounding tissue and mimic the structure and morphology of the natural bone tissue. Strict requirements for scaffolds are biocompatibility, a design closely resembling the natural extracellular matrix, an appropriate surface chemistry to promote cellular attachment, differentiation and proliferation and a sufficient mechanical strength to withstand in vivo stresses and physiological loading. Finally, the degradation of the ideal scaffold should proceed in a controlled way, keeping a sufficient structural integrity until the newly grown tissue has replaced the scaffold's supporting functions. Coupling a three-dimensional porous scaffold and a load bearing structure with suitable mechanical properties it is possible to obtain a device where the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the former are synergistically linked with the mechanical ones of the latter. In this work both the aspects – osteointegration and load bearing – of an ideal prosthesis have been investigated. Alginate/Hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds were developed to be used either as scaffolds for sub-critical defects or as coatings for load bearing non-metallic bone prostheses. In both cases the investigation aimed to select suitable components and casting procedures to obtain the best results. The features of the single components and of the final three-dimensional structure were extensively investigated in order to obtain the most clarifying characterization both in terms of physical-chemical properties and in terms of biological responsiveness. The experimental section of this work involved physical-chemical analysis that helped to characterize both the organic and the inorganic components of the scaffold, respectively alginate and hydroxyapatite, before and after composite assembling. This investigation, based on several techniques (NMR, Rheology, XRD, Raman and TEM) allowed to characterize in detail the scaffold’s components and revealed the possibility of using the hydroxyapatite as a source of calcium ions for the gelification of the alginate without loosing the paramount osteoinductive properties of the mineral. Micro Computed Tomography (µ-CT) was employed to understand quantitatively the architectural features of the three-dimensional matrix obtained after alginate gel casting process. Moreover, this tool allowed to assess the influence of different manufacturing protocols (e.g. concentration of the components, casting temperatures) on the scaffold’s final structure. The results obtained by means of µ-CT coupled with the ones of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis of the scaffolds showed an optimal interconnected porous structure with pore sizes ranging between 100 m and 300 m and over 88% porosity. Proliferation assays and SEM observations demonstrated that human osteosarcoma cell lines were able to proliferate, maintain osteoblast-like phenotype and massively colonize the scaffold structure. Once the in vitro behaviour of the structure was clear, in vivo tests were performed. Cone-like Alg/HAp scaffolds were tested on skeletally mature female New Zealand White rabbits and compared with positive (bioactive glass scaffold) and negative (without any implant) controls. Ex vivo investigations of the dissected samples were based on µ-CT and histological analysis and revealed high level of osteointegration and osteoconduction of the scaffolds. Moreover, efforts have been made to link the porous structure to the non-metallic fibre reinforced composite used as load bearing unit. Overall, these combined results indicate that the structure here developed is promising for being employed in orthopaedic applications.XXII Ciclo197