A ausência do perfeito ajuste e o assentamento passivo dos pilares sobre implantes podem provocar tensões inadequadas na interface de osseointegração, possibilitando problemas mecânicos e biológicos. A fotoelasticidade é uma técnica experimental para análise de tensões capaz de produzir resultados confiáveis e fiéis aos parâmetros clínicos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar por meio de microscopia ótica a adaptação marginal entre pilares intermediários tipo mini pilar cônico e a estrutura metálica com desenho geométrico em viga I fundida com liga de cobalto-cromo (CoCr). Analisaram-se, também, por meio de fotoelasticidade, as tensões geradas ao redor dos implantes por essa mesma estrutura metálica quando submetida a cargas estáticas em função da variação do número de pilares (4 ou 5) e da inclinação dos implantes distais (para o modelo de 5 implantes). As análises foram feitas antes e após o seccionamento das barras e soldagem a laser. Foram obtidas dez infraestruturas em viga I, fundidas em monobloco, utilizando-se liga de cobalto cromo. A análise da adaptação marginal foi realizada em estereomicroscópio sob aumento de 20X. Modelos fotoelásticos para 4 ou 5 implantes foram confeccionados e realizada a mensuração da tensão ao redor dos implantes. As barras foram seccionadas e soldadas por laser e novas medidas de adaptação marginal foram realizadas, bem como foram confeccionados novos modelos fotoelásticos para as estruturas soldadas. A análise da passividade das vigas I em monobloco não se mostrou estatisticamente significante (p≤0,05), a passividade no pilar oposto foi sempre menor que a do pilar parafusado antes e após a soldagem a laser, não houve diferença estatística no desajuste vertical entre as vigas I para quatro e cinco implantes, antes e após a soldagem a laser. A soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical nas vigas I. A análise fotoelástica mostrou que a soldagem a laser ocasionou menor tensão nos implantes quando não há aplicação de carga na viga I para quatro implantes, mas aumentou a tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. Assim, pode-se concluir que a soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical entre os pilares e o implante, e menor tensão ao redor dos implantes em vigas I de quatro implantes, e maior tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. / The absence of perfect fit and passivity on implants can cause stress on the osseointegration interface, enabling biomechanical problems. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique for stress analysis can produce reliable results and faithful to clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess by light microscopy the marginal adaptation of mini pillar intermediate and superstructure with geometric design I beam with cast cobalt-chromium (CoCr). It was analyzed also by means of photoelasticity, the tensions generated around the implants by the same metal superstructure when subjected to static loads due to the variation in the number of implants (4 or 5) and tilting the distal (for model 5 implants). Analyses were made before and after sectioning of the bars and laser welding. It was obtained ten I-beam superstructure I, cast in cobalt chromium alloy. The analysis of marginal adaptation was performed in a stereomicroscope under magnification 20X. Photoelastic models for 4 or 5 implants were made and carried out the measurement of the tension surrounding the implants. The bars were cut and welded by laser and marginal adaptation of new measures were taken and new photoelastic models were made for welded structures. The analysis of the passivity of the I-beams in a single block was not statistically significant (p≤0.05), passivity on the pillar opposite was always less than the abutment screws before and after laser welding, there was no statistical difference in the vertical misfit between I-beams for four and five implants before and after laser welding. The laser welding has generated greater passivity and lower beams in vertical misfit I. The photoelastic analysis showed that laser welding caused less stress on the implants when there is no application of load over four implants, but increased the tension for five implants. Thus, it can be concluded that laser welding generated more passivity and less vertical fit between the pillars and the implant, and less tension around the implants in four implants, and higher stress for five implants.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a relatively common sports-related injury for which the current treatment is reconstruction with an autograft or allograft. Drawbacks associated with each of the current options would make a prosthetic alternative advantageous, however, artificial ligaments are not widely used, having failed due to lack of biocompatibility and mechanical insufficiencies. To develop the next-generation prosthetic ACL, design control principles were applied including specification of comprehensive design inputs, risk analysis, and verification testing. A design was proposed utilizing polyvinyl alcohol and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, selected for good biocompatibility and mechanical strength and stiffness suitable for ACL replacement. A biomimetic fibrous rope pattern was designed for the intra-articular ligament section of the prosthetic that produced a close match the static tensile behavior of the native ACL and which also demonstrated good resistance to fatigue and creep. A calcium phosphate coating was recommended for the sections of the device lying within the bone tunnel to increase the rate of osseointegration. The proposed design was then evaluated in a computational simulation to assess functional restoration and the effects of installation parameters such as tension and tunnel orientation on knee kinematics. The encouraging results of preclinical verification testing support further in vivo evaluation of the proposed design.

This thesis explores methods for enhancing digital image-like sensations which might be similar to those experienced by blind users of electronic visual prostheses. Visual prostheses, otherwise referred to as artificial vision systems or bionic eyes, may operate at ultra low image quality and information levels as opposed to more common electronic displays such as televisions, for which our expectations of image quality are much higher. The scope of the research is limited to enhancement by digital image processing: that is, by manipulating the content of images presented to the user. The work was undertaken to improve the effectiveness of visual prostheses in representing the visible world. Presently visual prosthesis development is limited to animal models in Australia and prototype human trials overseas. Consequently this thesis deals with simulated vision experiments using normally sighted viewers. The experiments involve an original application of existing image processing techniques to the field of low quality vision anticipated from visual prostheses. Resulting from this work are firstly recommendations for effective image processing methods for enhancing viewer perception when using visual prosthesis prototypes. Although limited to low quality images, recognition of some objects can still be achieved, and it is useful for a viewer to be presented with several variations of the image representing different processing methods. Scene understanding can be improved by incorporating Region-of-Interest techniques that identify salient areas within images and allow a user to zoom into that area of the image. Also there is some benefit in tailoring the image processing depending on the type of scene. Secondly the research involved the construction of a metric for basic information required for the interpretation of a visual scene at low image quality. The amount of information content within an image was quantified using inherent attributes of the image and shown to be positively correlated with the ability of the image to be recognised at low quality.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1998. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1995. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1995. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações dos tecidos periimplantares, ao redor de implantes instalados em diferentes profundidades em relação à crista óssea, e sob protocolos de reabilitação protética convencional e imediato. Cinco cães receberam trinta implantes, três por hemi-mandíbula (seis por cão), na região dos quatro pré-molares inferiores que foram extraídos 90 dias antes. Cada região foi divida pelos subgrupos convencional (protocolo convencional, instalação da prótese 120 dias após os implantes) e imediato (protocolo imediato, instalação da prótese 1 dia após a cirúrgia de implantes). Os implantes foram inseridos em três profundidades diferentes: ao nível (ao nível do rebordo ósseo), -1 mm (1 mm apicalmente à crista óssea) e -2 mm (2 mm apicalmente à crista óssea). Após acompanhamento por 45 dias da reabilitação instalada foi realizada avaliação clínica e radiográfica e, os dados foram analisados estatisticamente (p< 0.05). A posição do tecido marginal (PTM) não foi alterada pelo protocolo de instalação, e sim pelo nível de inserção da junção implante-conector protético (JIC) em relação a crista óssea (BC). A reabsorção da BC em função do nível de inserção de JIC foi relativamente uniforme para os diferentes grupos. Estes achados sugerem cautela ao posicionar a JIC de implantes apicalmente à BC. / Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in tissues around dental implants inserted in different levels in relation to crestal bone (BC) under early and delayed loading conditions. Thirty implants were inserted in five mongrel dogs were used in this study, from which, the lower premolars were removed, and 90 days after, in one side, three dental implants were inserted (Delayed subgroup, implants installed 120 days before loading) in three different levels in relation to crestal bone (Bone Level, Minus1 and Minus2 groups), and three implants were inserted on remain ridge (Early subgroup, implants were loaded 48 hours after installed). The metallic prostheses were installed in both sides and preserved for 45 days. The clinical and radiographic analyses were performed. Data was submitted to statistics, under a 5% level of significance. The load conditions did not interfered on the position of marginal soft tissues (PTM), those changes evaluated because of the insert level of the implant-abutment junction (JIC) in to BC. The BC resorption was similar in all types of insertion levels of the implants. The present finds suggest caution on insertion of the implant in an apical position level in relation to BC. / Orientador: Elcio Marcantonio / Coorientador: Elcio Marcantonio Junior / Banca: Walter Martins Junior / Banca: Luis Antonio Borelli Barros / Mestre

O sucesso do tratamento com implantes depende do conhecimento teórico-prático do profissional, das condições biológicas do paciente, e também das propriedades mecânicas dos componentes protéticos e cirúrgicos. A complicação mecânica mais comum é a mobilidade da prótese relacionada ao afrouxamento ou fratura dos parafusos protéticos. Dois testes de fadiga podem avaliar as propriedades mecânicas destes materiais: ensaios monotônicos unidirecionais e testes de flexão rotacional. As vantagens dos dispositivos de flexão rotacional são: baixo custo, ensaios mais rápidos, permite gerar dados relevantes e fornece uma previsão mais realista da longevidade clínica. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o funcionamento do dispositivo de flexão rotacional desenvolvido por Ferreira (2010) e os seus efeitos em dois sistemas de implante de hexágono externo (Munhão Personalizável-Neodent e Pilar Cônico-Neodent). A amostra foi composta por 2 grupos: A- 5 implantes com munhão; B- 5 implantes com Pilar Cônico. Os pilares protéticos foram adaptados para o dispositivo e instalados com torque recomendado pelo fabricante. A carga cíclica de 29,4 N foi aplicada em ângulo de 45 º sobre o eixo longitudinal dos espécimes a uma frequência de 18Hz. O número de ciclos para falhar foi registrado e estabelecido um limite máximo de 5x106. Após a ciclagem, o torque de remoção foi mensurado eletronicamente e os componentes da interface implante-intermediário foram analisados através de um microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Na configuração escolhida para os testes, nenhuma das amostras sofreu falhas críticas (fratura ou soltura) durante 5x106 ciclos. Os grupos apresentaram redução no torque de pelo menos 10 NCm nos parafusos de fixação. As imagens do MEV demonstraram nível reduzido de deformação e desgastes das amostras. Componentes do dispositivo precisam ser revistos para assegurar melhor fixação do implante, controle adequado de temperatura, estabelecimento da frequência e carga ideais, visando também possibilitar aumento do momento de força aplicado aos espécimes. O dispositivo de Ferreira (2010) demonstrou ser um aparelho portátil, resistente e versátil, mas necessita de adaptações para se tornar apto a realizar quaisquer ensaios de flexão rotativa. / Implant treatment success depends on theoretical and practical knowledge, biological conditions of the patient, and also mechanical properties of surgical and prosthetic components. The most common mechanical complications are prosthesis mobility related to abutment and/or prosthetic screw fracture or loosening. Two fatigue tests can study mechanical properties of these materials: Unidirectional bend-release fatigue testing and rotational fatigue testing. The advantages of rotational bending devices include lower cost, faster tests, can generate relevant data and provide more realistic prediction of clinical performance. Thus, the aim of this study was evaluate the performance of a rotating bending device developed by Ferreira (2010) and its effects on two external hex implant systems (conical abutment-Neodent and personalized abutment-Neodent). The sample comprised two groups: A-5 with Munhão system B-5 with Conical abutment. The abutments were adapted to the device and installed with recommended torque by manufacturer. A cyclic load of 29,4 N was applied 45º angled on the long axis of the specimens at a rate of 18 Hz. The number of cycles to failure was recorded. A cutoff of 5x106 cycles was applied as an upper limit. After cycling, torque force was electronically measured and components of implant-abutment interface were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In chosen test configurations, none of specimens suffered critical failures (fracture/loosening) for 5x106 cycles. Both groups had torque reduction at least 10 Ncm in abutment screws. SEM images showed a low level deformation and wear of samples. Testing machine components must be reviewed to ensure better implant fixation, adequate temperature control, establish ideal frequency and load, also aiming to increase bending force moment applied to specimens. Ferreira (2010) devices proved to be a portable, rugged and versatile, but require adaptations to become able to perform any rotational bending tests.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-03-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:16:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 basilio_ma_me_arafo.pdf: 801760 bytes, checksum: 7941402e0f93534f3eda18455ce01460 (MD5) / Com o objetivo de prevenir o afrouxamento, parafusos do pilar com lubrificantes sólidos de superfície foram desenvolvidos e introduzidos no mercado. Assim, foi proposto avaliar a efetividade de parafusos de liga de titânio com e sem tratamento de superfície sobre a estabilidade de pilares em zircônia (ZrO2) após carga cíclica, bem como observar alterações estruturais por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Para isso, 20 pilares UCLA em ZrO2 foram fixados sobre implantes do tipo hexágono externo com torque de 20 Ncm e divididos em 2 grupos (n=10), conforme o parafuso do pilar: (A) pilar-implante e parafuso de liga de titânio (Ti); (B) pilar-implante e parafuso de liga de titânio com cobertura Diamond Like Carbon (DLC/Ti). O valor do torque reverso (pré-carga) foi mensurado antes e após o carregamento. O teste foi realizado de acordo com a norma ISO 14801. Cargas cíclicas (0,5 x 106; 15 Hz) entre 11 - 211 N foram aplicadas com 30º de inclinação em relação ao longo eixo dos implantes. As médias dos grupos foram calculadas e comparadas utilizando análise de variância de dois fatores e testes F (α=0,05). Os resultados mostraram que antes do carregamento a média do grupo Ti foi significativamente maior que a do grupo DLC/Ti (p=0,021). Após o carregamento ambas as médias 14 diminuíram significativamente, sem diferença significante entre elas (p=0,499). As imagens obtidas na MEV revelaram micro-fraturas na base de assentamento do pilar. Nas condições estudadas, concluiu-se que: (1) os parafusos estudados apresentaram efetividade similar com relação à manutenção da pré-carga; (2) a redução significativa no torque reverso e os danos observados na MEV indicam que o acompanhamento dos pacientes é necessário para assegurar a longevidade das restaurações de ZrO2 implanto-suportadas. / In an attempt to prevent screw-loosening problem, abutment screws with surface treatment were developed. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate comparatively the effectiveness of titanium alloy coated screws and noncoated screws on the stability of ZrO2-ceramic abutments after cyclic loading, as soon as observe possible microdamaging in the structure of the components using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). For this, 20 prefabricated ZrO2-ceramic UCLA abutments were tightened to 20 Ncm on their respective external hex implants and divided equally into 2 groups (n=10), according to the type of screws used: (A) implant-abutment and noncoated titanium alloy screw (Ti); (B) implant–abutment and titanium alloy screw with Diamond Like Carbon surface coating (DLC/Ti). The reverse torque value (preload) of the abutment screw was measured before and after loading. The tests were performed according to ISO norm 14801. A cyclic loading (0,5 x 106; 15 Hz) between 11 - 211 N was applied at an angle of 30 degrees to the long axis of the implants. Group means were calculated and compared using ANOVA and F tests (α=0,05). The results showed that before cyclic loading, the mean of Ti group was significantly higher than the DLC/Ti group (p=0,021). After cyclic loading, both means decreased significantly, with no significant differences 16 between them (p=0,499). Under the studied conditions, it can be concluded that: (1) the two abutment screw types presented similar effectiveness in maintaining preload; (2) the significant decrease in reverse torque values and the microdamaging detected at SEM analysis indicate that patient follow-up is needed to ensure the integrity of the ZrO2-ceramic single-implant restorations.