The aim of this in vitro study was to analyse the performance of CAD/CAM resin-based composites for the fabrication of long-term temporary fixed dental prostheses (FDP) and to compare it to other commercially available alternative materials regarding its long-term stability. Four CAD/CAM materials [Structur CAD (SC), VITA CAD-Temp (CT), Grandio disc (GD), and Lava Esthetic (LE)] and two direct RBCs [(Structur 3 (S3) and LuxaCrown (LC)] were used to fabricate three-unit FDPs. 10/20 FDPs were subjected to thermal cycling and mechanical loading by chewing simulation and 10/20 FDPs were stored in distilled water. Two FDPs of each material were forwarded to additional image diagnostics prior and after chewing simulation. Fracture loads were measured and data were statistically analysed. SC is suitable for use as a long-term temporary (two years) three-unit FDP. In comparison to CT, SC featured significantly higher breaking forces (SC > 800 N; CT < 600 N) and the surface wear of the antagonists was (significantly) lower and the abrasion of the FDP was similar. The high breaking forces (1100–1327 N) of GD and the small difference compared to LE regarding flexural strength showed that the material might be used for the fabrication of three-unit FDPs. With the exception of S3, all analysed direct or indirect materials are suitable for the fabrication of temporary FDPs.

Esophagectomy often presents anastomotic leaks (AL), due to tenuous perfusion of gastric conduit fundus (GCF). Hybrid (endovascular/surgical) ischemic gastric preconditioning (IGP), might improve GCF perfusion. Sixteen pigs undergoing IGP were randomized: (1) Max-IGP (n = 6): embolization of left gastric artery (LGA), right gastric artery (RGA), left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA), and laparoscopic division (LapD) of short gastric arteries (SGA); (2) Min-IGP (n = 5): LGA-embolization, SGA-LapD; (3) Sham (n = 5): angiography, laparoscopy. At day 21 gastric tubulation occurred and GCF perfusion was assessed as: (A) Serosal-tissue-oxygenation (StO2) by hyperspectral-imaging; (B) Serosal time-to-peak (TTP) by fluorescence-imaging; (C) Mucosal functional-capillary-density-area (FCD-A) index by confocal-laser-endomicroscopy. Local capillary lactates (LCL) were sampled. Neovascularization was assessed (histology/immunohistochemistry). Sham presented lower StO2 and FCD-A index (41 ± 10.6%; 0.03 ± 0.03 respectively) than min-IGP (66.2 ± 10.2%, p-value = 0.004; 0.22 ± 0.02, p-value < 0.0001 respectively) and max-IGP (63.8 ± 9.4%, p-value = 0.006; 0.2 ± 0.02, p-value < 0.0001 respectively). Sham had higher LCL (9.6 ± 4.8 mL/mol) than min-IGP (4 ± 3.1, p-value = 0.04) and max-IGP (3.4 ± 1.5, p-value = 0.02). For StO2, FCD-A, LCL, max- and min-IGP did not differ. Sham had higher TTP (24.4 ± 4.9 s) than max-IGP (10 ± 1.5 s, p-value = 0.0008) and min-IGP (14 ± 1.7 s, non-significant). Max- and min-IGP did not differ. Neovascularization was confirmed in both IGP groups. Hybrid IGP improves GCF perfusion, potentially reducing post-esophagectomy AL.

Previously, we described prostate cancer (PCa) detection (83% sensitivity; 67% specificity) in seminal plasma by CE-MS/MS. Moreover, advanced disease was distinguished from organ-confined tumors with 80% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The discovered biomarkers were naturally occurring fragments of larger seminal proteins, predominantly semenogelin 1 and 2, representing endpoints of the ejaculate liquefaction. Here we identified proteases putatively involved in PCa specific protein cleavage, and examined gene expression and tissue protein levels, jointly with cell localization in normal prostate (nP), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), seminal vesicles and PCa using qPCR, Western blotting and confocal laser scanning microscopy. We found differential gene expression of chymase (CMA1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP7), and upregulation of MMP14 and tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in BPH. In contrast tissue protein levels of MMP14 were downregulated in PCa. MMP3/TIMP1 and MMP7/TIMP1 ratios were decreased in BPH. In seminal vesicles, we found low-level expression of most proteases and, interestingly, we also detected TIMP1 and low levels of TIMP2. We conclude that MMP3 and MMP7 activity is different in PCa compared to BPH due to fine regulation by their inhibitor TIMP1. Our findings support the concept of seminal plasma biomarkers as non-invasive tool for PCa detection and risk stratification.

Denna rapport behandlar genomförandet av ett examensarbete på högskolenivå inom maskinteknik vid Högskolan i Borås. Examensarbetet har utförts hos SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut AB, enheterna SP Safety – Mechanical Research i Borås och Göteborg samt Food and Bioscience i Göteborg. Den största delen av arbetet har utförts vid sektionen Mechanical Research Göteborg. Målet med examensarbetet var att kombinera analys av experimentell bilddata från konfokalmikroskopi och mekanisk lastdata från en dragcell som gradvis deformerar ett polyuretanskum med modellering av skummets mekaniska egenskaper med hjälp av finita elementmetoder (FEM). Syftet var att bestämma elasticitetsmodul och Poissons tal. En viktig del av projektet var också att säkerställa hög repeterbarhet och möjliggöra vidareutveckling av metodiken genom att skapa rutiner för hur de olika delmomenten i arbetscykeln bäst utförs. Polyuretanskum, liksom många andra mjuka heterogena biomaterial saknar i dagsläget uppmätta eller beräknade mekaniska egenskaper. Därför finns potential för att den framtagna metodiken kommer till användning för att bestämma materialparametrar och analysera beteenden för fler av dessa material. Genom att bestämma materialparametrarna är det sedan möjligt att¬ utföra hållfasthetsberäkningar på sådana material, och korrelera materialparametrarna till processparametrarna vid tillverkningen för att optimera materialets egenskaper. Studien började med att ett prov av polyuretanskum placerades i en dragcell där det utsattes för en kraft så att det gradvis deformerades. Med hjälp av ett konfokalmikroskop kan hela deformationsprocessen följas i hög upplösning. De framtagna bildserierna analyserades sedan med hjälp av DaVis, en mjukvara som genomför så kallad digital image correlation-analys, med vars hjälp lokala förskjutningar kunde bestämmas. För att kunna utföra FEM-beräkningar delades materialstrukturen in i elementnät med hjälp av den fritt tillgängliga programvaran OOF2. Elementnät och förskjutningsdata importerades sedan till Matlab och insticksmodulen CalFEM. Med hjälp av CalFEM konstruerades en materialmodell med elasticitetsmodul och Poissons tal som inparametrar. Valideringskriterium användes för att säkerställa korrektheten i finita elementanalyserna. Elasticitetsmodulen bestämdes till 4.6 MPa och Poissons tal till 0.33 ± 0.06. Med tillgängliga data kunde inte modellen användas för att uppskatta båda parametrarna samtidigt. Poissons tal bestämdes genom manuell analys av bildserierna. Metodiken kan förbättras och vidareutvecklas genom att analysera fler provbitar för att ta hänsyn till lokala fluktuationer i materialstrukturen, samt avbilda provet i tredimensioner. Tredimensionell avbildning skulle också möjliggöra konstruktion av en tredimensionell beräkningsmodell av materialet. / This bachelor thesis deals with the implementation of a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Borås. The thesis work has been conducted at SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden AB at the departments SP Safety – Mechanical Research in Borås and Gothenburg and Food and Bioscience in Gothenburg. The major part of the work has been done at the Mechanical Research department in Gothenburg. The aim of the thesis work was to combine analysis of experimental image data from confocal laser scanning microscopy and mechanical load data from a tensile cell that gradually deforms a polyurethane foam with modelling of the mechanical properties of the foam using finite element methods (FEM). The purpose was to determine Young’s modulus and Poisson's ratio. A crucial part of the project was also to facilitate a high degree of repeatability and further development of the method through establishing routines and best practices for how to implement different parts of the method. There is currently a lack of measured or calculated properties for polyurethane foams, as is the case also for many other soft heterogeneous biomaterials. This implies that the developed method has potential use for determining material parameters and analyzing behavior also for other materials of this type. Determining the material parameters facilitates strength calculations on these materials and makes it possible to correlate material parameters to process parameters during manufacturing to optimize material performance. The polyurethane foam was placed in a tensile cell, exposed to a force and slowly, gradually deformed. Using a confocal microscope, the entire deformation process can be observed at high resolution. The obtained image series were then analyzed using DaVis, a software that can perform so called digital image correlation analysis where local displacements could be determined. In order to perform the finite element calculations, the material structure was divided into an element mesh using the software OOF2. The element mesh and displacement data were then imported to Matlab and the plugin module CalFEM. Using CalFEM, a material model involving Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio was created. Young’s modulus was determined to be 4.6 MPa and Poisson’s ratio 0.33 ± 0.06. Using the available data, the model was insufficient to determine both parameters simultaneously. Therefore, Poisson’s ratio was determined through manual analysis of the image series. The method can be improved and further developed mainly by analyzing several samples to account for local fluctuations in the material structure and by using three-dimensional imaging methods. The latter would also open up for creating a three-dimensional model of the material.

L’objectif de cette étude a été de formuler et caractériser des émulsions simples huile/eau d’intérêt pharmaceutique stabilisées par de la β-lactoglobuline (β-lg), de la gomme arabique (GA), de la gomme xanthane (GX) et des mélanges β-lg:GA et β-lg:GX. Les concentrations massiques totales des dispersions de biopolymères étaient de 1 % et ont été augmentées à 2,5 % si les émulsions formulées n’étaient pas stables. Le mélange β-lg:GA a été réalisé à pH 4,2 afin de permettre la formation de complexes par interactions électrostatiques attractives entre la β-lg et la GA. Deux ratios β-lg:GA ont été étudiés : 2:1 et 1:2. Enfin, le mélange β-lg:GX a été effectué à pH 7, où les deux biopolymères étant chargés négativement ne se complexent pas et à un ratio de 1:1. Une étude de stabilité des émulsions a été menée sur 6 mois. Les stabilités obtenues ont pu être classées par ordre croissant : GA 2,5 % < β-lg:GA 2,5 % < β-lg 2,5 % < GX 1 % = β-lg:GX 1 %. Plusieurs mécanismes de stabilisation ont été mis en évidence grâce à l’étude des propriétés interfaciales des biopolymères, à l’étude des propriétés rhéologiques des émulsions et à des observations au microscope confocal à balayage laser des émulsions après marquage des biopolymères à la fluorescence. La β-lg et la GA sont toutes deux capables de s’adsorber à l’interface des globules huileux alors que la GX augmente la viscosité de la phase continue. L’association β-lg:GA conduit à la formation d’une double couche interfaciale stabilisante. Enfin, l’association β-lg:GX combine les mécanismes de stabilisation de la protéine, par adsorption interfaciale et de la gomme, par augmentation de la viscosité de la phase continue. / The main objective of this study was to formulate and characterize oil-in-water simple emulsions of pharmaceutical interest stabilized by β-lactoglobulin (β-lg), gum arabic (GA), xanthan gum (XG), and mixtures of β-lg:GA and β-lg:XG. The total biopolymer final concentration in the dispersions was 1 (w/w) % and could be raised to 2.5 (w/w) % if the formulated emulsions were not stable. β-lg:GA mixing was performed at pH 4.2 to allow attractive electrostatic interactions between the two biopolymers and thus the formation of complexes. Two protein:polysaccharide ratios were investigated: 2:1 and 1:2. Conversely, β8lg:XG mixing was performed at pH 7, where both biopolymers are negatively charged, in order to avoid the complex formation, and with a 1:1 ratio. A stability study was conducted for emulsions over a 6-month period. The obtained stabilities could be classified increasingly: GA 2.5 % < β-lg:GA 2.5 % < β-lg 2.5 % < XG 1 % = β-lg:XG 1 %. Several stabilization mechanisms were evidenced by the study of the biopolymer interfacial properties, the study of emulsion rheology and by confocal laser scanning microscopy observations with labeled fluorescent biopolymers. β-lg and GA were both able to adsorb at the interface of oil globule. XG enhanced the continuous phase viscosity. β-lg:GA mixing led to the formation of a stabilizing interfacial double layer. Finally, β-lg:XG association combined the stabilization mechanisms of both biopolymers, respectively: interfacial adsorption and enhancement of the continuous phase viscosity.

A ausência de adaptação passiva em prótese sobre implantes pode sobrecarregar implantes, componentes protéticos e tecido ósseo, levando à perda óssea marginal e até da osseointegração. A soldagem é utilizada com frequência para melhorar o assentamento de estruturas metálicas de próteses em geral e de próteses sobre implantes. Além disso, a precisão no assentamento da peça protética pode estar relacionada com os cuidados na técnica de confecção da mesma. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, por meio de microscopia óptica e confocal a laser, a adaptação marginal de barras metálicas tipo protocolo de Branemark, de ligas de niquel-cromo (NiCr) em monobloco e soldadas, confeccionadas a partir de enceramento convencional. Para isso, foi confeccionado um modelo mestre, simulando quatro implantes sobre o qual foram adaptados transferentes e análogos que serviram para transferir a posição dos implantes para o modelo de gesso. Os enceramentos obtidos pelo método convencional foram fundidos em monobloco e em partes separadas (seccionados), sendo os últimos, posteriormente soldados utilizando as técnicas convencional a maçarico e TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas). As leituras da adaptação da barra em cada implante foram feitas nas peças em monobloco (n=5) e nas peças seccionadas (n=10), antes e após as diferentes técnicas de soldagem. Pelo método de medição de microscopia óptica, foram realizadas as medições em duas regiões pré-determinadas ( Vestibular e Lingual ), com três repetições, totalizando 6 leituras por implante. Já no método de microscopia Confocal a laser, foi realizada somente na Vestibular. Para comparar os dados obtidos quanto ao desajuste marginal entre componente protético/implante, considerando-se as peças em monobloco, as peças soldadas, as técnicas de soldagem (maçarico e TIG), os métodos de medição e a posição dos implantes, foram realizados testes estatísticos, onde para cada uma das análises realizadas foi determinada a aplicação do Teste de Normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk ou Kolmogorov-Smirnov (alfa = 5%)) para determinação da distribuição da amostra. Para a amostra com distribuição normal foi determinada a utilização do teste paramétrico, Análise de Variância, enquanto que a amostra com distribuição não normal, determinou-se a utilização do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal Wallis. Os resultados encontrados foram estatisticamente significantes para comparação método e técnica, sugerindo que as peças em monobloco apresentaram maior desadaptação que as peças soldadas, e que as peças soldadas pela técnica convencional não apresentaram diferença estatística, em relação as soldadas pela técnica TIG. Em relação a comparação dos métodos de medição, houve diferença estaticamente significante, onde a microscopia Confocal a laser obteve os maiores valores de desadaptação. A interação técnica e método não houve diferenças estatísticas. Na comparação de diferentes secções e soldada, para os 2 métodos de medição, em relação ao fator Secção, não houve diferença significante onde 3 secções apresentam os menores resultados e as soldadas tiveram igualdade em relação a 1 secção. Pelo fator Técnica houve diferença estatisticamente significante, onde a técnica convencional obteve as maiores médias. A interação Secção e Técnica, não teve efeito significante. A adaptação marginal da peça em relação a posição do implante na arcada, não houve diferença estatística, para ambos os métodos. Houve diferença apenas no fator Técnica, pela microscopia óptica, onde a Monobloco teve os maiores resultados e a Solda Convencional e TIG, tiveram igualdade nos resultados. A investigação de sistemas de confecção de estruturas da prótese e de técnicas de soldagem é importante na busca pela produção de próteses sobre dente ou sobre implante com precisão no ajuste marginal que possa ser comprovado visual e numericamente utilizando-se recursos tecnológicos que assegurem a utilização clínica das peças protéticas. / The lack of passive adaptation in prosthesis over implant can overload implants, prosthetics components and bone tissue, leading to marginal bone loss and even osseointegration. Weldering is used frequently to improve the settlement of metal structures of prosthetic in general and prosthesis over implants. In addition, the settlement precision of the workpiece may be related to the care in the technique of manufacturing the same. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through optical and confocal Laser microscopy, the marginal adaptation of metal bars Branemark protocol type alloy nickel-chromium (NiCr) monoblock and welded, made from conventional waxing .For this, a master model was made to simulate four implants were adapted over which transferents and analogs that served to transfer the position of the implants for the cast model. Waxing obtained by the conventional method were cast in one-piece and separate parts (sectioned), the latter being subsequently welded using the conventional techniques blowtorch and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas).The bar adjustment of readings in each implant were made in monoblock pieces (n = 5) and the severed pieces (n = 10) before and after different weldering techniques. By optical microscopy measurement method, measurements were performed in two predetermined regions (Vestibular and lingual), with three replications, totaling 6 readings per implant. However in the methodology of Confocal laser microscope, was done only on Vestibular. To compare the data obtained on the misfit between prosthetic/implant component, considering the pieces monoblock, the welded parts, the weldering techniques (torch and TIG), measurement methods and the position of the implants, tests were performed statistical where for each of the analyzes determined the application of Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (alpha = 5%)) to determine the distribution of the sample. For the sample of normal distribution was determined using the parametric test, analysis of variance, while the sample with non-normal distribution was determined using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The results found were statistically significant for method and technique comparison, suggesting that the monoblock parts showed higher misfit than welded parts, and the parts welded by conventional technique showed no statistical difference in relation welded by TIG technique. Regarding the comparison of measurement methods, there was no statistically significant difference, where the Laser Confocal microscopy obtained the greatest misfit. The technical interaction and method there were no statistical differences. When comparing different sections and welded to the two measurement methods, in relation to Section factor, there was no significant difference where 3 sections have the lowest results and welded had equality with 1 section. The technical factor was no statistically significant difference, the conventional technique had the highest averages. The interaction and Technical Section had no significant effect. The marginal adaptation of the play in relation to the implant in the arch position, there was no statistical difference for both methods. There was a difference only in the technical factor, by optical microscopy, where Monoblock had the greatest results and Conventional Welding and TIG, had equality in results. The research of making the prosthesis structures systems and weldering techniques is important in the search for production of prosthetic tooth or on precisely implant the marginal adjustment that can be verified visually and numerically using technological resources to ensure clinical use of prosthetic pieces.

In dieser Doktorarbeit wird die Hypothese geprüft, ob Osteozyten einen direkten Einfluss auf die Knocheneigenschaften in ihrer unmittelbaren Umgebung haben. Der zentrale Experimentieransatz ist dabei die Korrelation der Organisation des Osteozytennetzwerks mit den Mineraleigenschaften des Knochens auf der Submikrometerebene. Es wird gezeigt, dass bereits die anfängliche Ausrichtung der Osteoblasten entscheidend für die Synthese von hoch ausgerichtetem Knochenmaterial ist. Die dabei entstehenden Osteozytennetzwerke sind so organisiert, dass die Osteozyten und ihre Zellfortsätze jeweils einen möglichst kleinen Abstand zum Knochenmineral haben. Deshalb wird vermutet, dass genau diese Netzwerkorganisation mitentscheidend ist, wie gut die Zellen das Mineral in ih-rer Umgebung beeinflussen können. Messungen der Knochenmineraleigenschaften auf Submikrometerebene mit Röntgenkleinwinkelstreuung bestätigen diese Vermutung. Dabei wird deutlich, dass Knochenmaterial in der Nähe der Osteozyten durch andere Mineraleigenschaften geprägt ist. Um zu klären, wie Osteozyten Mineral in ihrer direkten Umgebung verändern können, werden Mechanismen der passiven Mineralherauslösung aus der mineralisierten Oberfläche des Osteozytennetzwerks untersucht. Es wird gezeigt, dass kalziumarme ionische Lösungen unter physiologischen Bedingungen große Mengen von Kalzium-Ionen aus dem Knochen lösen und diese dann durch die Osteozytennetzwerkstrukturen diffundieren können. Zum Abschluss wurde medullärer Knochen von Hühnern als ein Modellsystem für rasanten Knochenumbau untersucht. Dieser spezielle Knochentyp dient den Hennen als labiles Kalziumreservoir und ermöglicht dadurch die tägliche Eierschalenproduktion. Experimente am medullären Knochen-material zeigen insbesondere die Bedeutung von weniger stabilen Mineralstrukturen die benötigt werden um den Knochen an den schnellen, sich wiederholenden Knochenauf- sowie Abbau optimal anzupassen. / This thesis aims to test the hypothesis whether osteocytes have a direct influence on bone material properties in their vicinity. In this regard, the concomitant ana-lysis of osteocyte network organization and bone ultrastructural properties on the submicron level is the central approach to answer this question. In this work, it is shown that already initial cell-cell alignment during the process of bone formation is crucial for the synthesis of highly organized bone. Furthermore it is proposed that the occurrence of highly ordered osteocyte networks visualized with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has a strong impact on the ability of osteocytes to directly influence bone material properties. These highly organized networks are another consequence of initial cell-cell alignment and are found to be arranged such as to feature short mineral cell distances. Examination of sub-micron mineral properties with scanning small angle x-ray scattering (sSAXS) shows that bone material in the direct vicinity of osteocytes and their cell proc-esses shows different mineral properties compared to bone further away in the depth of the tissue. Moreover, mechanisms of passive mineral extraction from the mineralized surface of the osteocyte network, due to the treatment with calcium poor ionic solutions, are investigated. It is shown that this chemical process occurring under physiological conditions leads not only to the dissolution of considerable amounts of calcium, but also to efficient diffusion of these ions through the osteocyte network structures. Finally, medullary bone which is intended as a labile calcium source for daily egg shell formation in hens is used as a model system for rapid bone turnover rates. This bone type in particular indicates the importance of uniquely adapted, less stable mineral structures to fit the requirements for rapid bone resorption as well as reformation.

A ausência de adaptação passiva em prótese sobre implantes pode sobrecarregar implantes, componentes protéticos e tecido ósseo, levando à perda óssea marginal e até da osseointegração. A soldagem é utilizada com frequência para melhorar o assentamento de estruturas metálicas de próteses em geral e de próteses sobre implantes. Além disso, a precisão no assentamento da peça protética pode estar relacionada com os cuidados na técnica de confecção da mesma. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, por meio de microscopia óptica e confocal a laser, a adaptação marginal de barras metálicas tipo protocolo de Branemark, de ligas de niquel-cromo (NiCr) em monobloco e soldadas, confeccionadas a partir de enceramento convencional. Para isso, foi confeccionado um modelo mestre, simulando quatro implantes sobre o qual foram adaptados transferentes e análogos que serviram para transferir a posição dos implantes para o modelo de gesso. Os enceramentos obtidos pelo método convencional foram fundidos em monobloco e em partes separadas (seccionados), sendo os últimos, posteriormente soldados utilizando as técnicas convencional a maçarico e TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas). As leituras da adaptação da barra em cada implante foram feitas nas peças em monobloco (n=5) e nas peças seccionadas (n=10), antes e após as diferentes técnicas de soldagem. Pelo método de medição de microscopia óptica, foram realizadas as medições em duas regiões pré-determinadas ( Vestibular e Lingual ), com três repetições, totalizando 6 leituras por implante. Já no método de microscopia Confocal a laser, foi realizada somente na Vestibular. Para comparar os dados obtidos quanto ao desajuste marginal entre componente protético/implante, considerando-se as peças em monobloco, as peças soldadas, as técnicas de soldagem (maçarico e TIG), os métodos de medição e a posição dos implantes, foram realizados testes estatísticos, onde para cada uma das análises realizadas foi determinada a aplicação do Teste de Normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk ou Kolmogorov-Smirnov (alfa = 5%)) para determinação da distribuição da amostra. Para a amostra com distribuição normal foi determinada a utilização do teste paramétrico, Análise de Variância, enquanto que a amostra com distribuição não normal, determinou-se a utilização do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal Wallis. Os resultados encontrados foram estatisticamente significantes para comparação método e técnica, sugerindo que as peças em monobloco apresentaram maior desadaptação que as peças soldadas, e que as peças soldadas pela técnica convencional não apresentaram diferença estatística, em relação as soldadas pela técnica TIG. Em relação a comparação dos métodos de medição, houve diferença estaticamente significante, onde a microscopia Confocal a laser obteve os maiores valores de desadaptação. A interação técnica e método não houve diferenças estatísticas. Na comparação de diferentes secções e soldada, para os 2 métodos de medição, em relação ao fator Secção, não houve diferença significante onde 3 secções apresentam os menores resultados e as soldadas tiveram igualdade em relação a 1 secção. Pelo fator Técnica houve diferença estatisticamente significante, onde a técnica convencional obteve as maiores médias. A interação Secção e Técnica, não teve efeito significante. A adaptação marginal da peça em relação a posição do implante na arcada, não houve diferença estatística, para ambos os métodos. Houve diferença apenas no fator Técnica, pela microscopia óptica, onde a Monobloco teve os maiores resultados e a Solda Convencional e TIG, tiveram igualdade nos resultados. A investigação de sistemas de confecção de estruturas da prótese e de técnicas de soldagem é importante na busca pela produção de próteses sobre dente ou sobre implante com precisão no ajuste marginal que possa ser comprovado visual e numericamente utilizando-se recursos tecnológicos que assegurem a utilização clínica das peças protéticas. / The lack of passive adaptation in prosthesis over implant can overload implants, prosthetics components and bone tissue, leading to marginal bone loss and even osseointegration. Weldering is used frequently to improve the settlement of metal structures of prosthetic in general and prosthesis over implants. In addition, the settlement precision of the workpiece may be related to the care in the technique of manufacturing the same. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through optical and confocal Laser microscopy, the marginal adaptation of metal bars Branemark protocol type alloy nickel-chromium (NiCr) monoblock and welded, made from conventional waxing .For this, a master model was made to simulate four implants were adapted over which transferents and analogs that served to transfer the position of the implants for the cast model. Waxing obtained by the conventional method were cast in one-piece and separate parts (sectioned), the latter being subsequently welded using the conventional techniques blowtorch and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas).The bar adjustment of readings in each implant were made in monoblock pieces (n = 5) and the severed pieces (n = 10) before and after different weldering techniques. By optical microscopy measurement method, measurements were performed in two predetermined regions (Vestibular and lingual), with three replications, totaling 6 readings per implant. However in the methodology of Confocal laser microscope, was done only on Vestibular. To compare the data obtained on the misfit between prosthetic/implant component, considering the pieces monoblock, the welded parts, the weldering techniques (torch and TIG), measurement methods and the position of the implants, tests were performed statistical where for each of the analyzes determined the application of Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (alpha = 5%)) to determine the distribution of the sample. For the sample of normal distribution was determined using the parametric test, analysis of variance, while the sample with non-normal distribution was determined using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The results found were statistically significant for method and technique comparison, suggesting that the monoblock parts showed higher misfit than welded parts, and the parts welded by conventional technique showed no statistical difference in relation welded by TIG technique. Regarding the comparison of measurement methods, there was no statistically significant difference, where the Laser Confocal microscopy obtained the greatest misfit. The technical interaction and method there were no statistical differences. When comparing different sections and welded to the two measurement methods, in relation to Section factor, there was no significant difference where 3 sections have the lowest results and welded had equality with 1 section. The technical factor was no statistically significant difference, the conventional technique had the highest averages. The interaction and Technical Section had no significant effect. The marginal adaptation of the play in relation to the implant in the arch position, there was no statistical difference for both methods. There was a difference only in the technical factor, by optical microscopy, where Monoblock had the greatest results and Conventional Welding and TIG, had equality in results. The research of making the prosthesis structures systems and weldering techniques is important in the search for production of prosthetic tooth or on precisely implant the marginal adjustment that can be verified visually and numerically using technological resources to ensure clinical use of prosthetic pieces.

Introduction : La chronicité de la rhinosinusite, sa résistance aux antibiotiques, et ses exacerbations aiguës laissent croire que les biofilms sont impliqués dans la rhinosinusite chronique. Objectifs : Nous avons évalué la capacité des bactéries Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylocoques à coagulase négative et Staphylococcus aureus à former des biofilms par un essai in vitro, et si cette capacité de formation a un lien avec l’évolution de la maladie. Nous avons évalué in vitro l’effet de la moxifloxacine, un antibiotique utilisé dans le traitement de la rhinosinusite chronique sur des biofilms matures de Staphylococcus aureus. Méthodes : Trent et une souches bactériennes ont été isolées de 19 patients atteints de rhinosinusite chronique et qui ont subit au moins une chirurgie endoscopique des sinus. L’évolution de la maladie a été notée comme "bonne" ou "mauvaise" selon l’évaluation du clinicien. La production de biofilm a été évaluée grâce à la coloration au crystal violet. Nous avons évalué la viabilité du biofilm après traitement avec la moxifloxacine. Ces résultats ont été confirmés en microscopie confocale à balayage laser et par la coloration au LIVE/DEAD BacLight. Résultat et Conclusion : Vingt deux des 31 souches ont produit un biofilm. La production d’un biofilm plus importante chez Pseudomonas aeruginosa et Staphylococcus aureus était associée à une mauvaise évolution. Ceci suggère un rôle du biofilm dans la pathogenèse de la rhinosinusite chronique. Le traitement avec la moxifloxacine, à une concentration de 1000X la concentration minimale inhibitrice réduit le nombre des bactéries viables de 2 à 2.5 log. Ces concentrations (100 µg/ml - 200 µg/ml) sont faciles à atteindre dans des solutions topiques. Les résultats de notre étude suggèrent que l’utilisation de concentrations supérieure à la concentration minimale inhibitrice sous forme topique peut ouvrir des voies de recherche sur de nouveaux traitements qui peuvent être bénéfiques pour les patients atteints de forme sévère de rhinosinusite chronique surtout après une chirurgie endoscopique des sinus. / Introduction: The role of biofilms in chronic diseases is increasingly recognized. Chronic rhinosinusitis, with its chronic indolent course, resistance to antibiotics, and acute exacerbations, has an evolution that parallels that of other biofilm-related diseases. Objectives: 1-To develop an in vitro method to assess the biofilm formation capacity. 2- To determine whether biofilm-forming capacity of bacteria demonstrated in chronic rhinosinusitis has an impact on persistence of the disease following endoscopic sinus surgery. 3- To determine the in vitro activity of moxifloxacin against Staphyylococcus aureus in biofilm form. Method: Thirty-one bacterial strains recovered from 19 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis at least one year post-endoscopic sinus surgery. Evolution of disease was assessed by questionnaire and endoscopy as favorable or unfavorable. The bacteria were cultured on a 96-well culture plaque and a semi-quantitative method using crystal violet to quantify biofilm production was used. Confirmation of the effect of the antimicrobial agents on viability was performed with confocal laser microscopy, using a LIVE/DEAD BacLight staining. Results: Twenty-two of 31 samples produced a biofilm thicker or equal to the positive control. Biofilm formation was associated with a poor evolution for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but not for coagulase-negative staphylococci. Biofilm treated with moxifloxacin at 1000X (0.1mg/ml – 0.2 mg/ml) gave a 2 to 2.5 log reduction in number of viable bacteria. Conclusion: We have shown that Crystal violet method is able to detect biofilm formation. There is a correlation between in vitro biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and unfavorable evolution after endoscopic sinus surgery, suggesting a role for biofilm in chronic rhinosinusitis. Increased concentrations of moxifloxacin, easily attainable in topical solutions have a potential role in the management of biofilm infections.

A conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR) and two moving bed bioreactors coupled with ultrafiltration membrane filtration were operated for close to six months to investigate biological nutrient removal and potential fouling inducing parameter mitigation. Unique to one of the moving bed membrane bioreactors (MBMBR) was a newly designed media that incorporated a hydrodynamic exterior carrier with a highly porous interior packing. Preliminary investigation indicates that nitrogen compounds were superiorly removed in the two MBMBRs when compared with the MBR. This is a result of denitrification processes occurring in anoxic micro-zones found within the depths of the biofilm affixed to media. Fouling propensity was found to be increased by over four times in the MBMBR systems as compared to the MBR. Mixed liquor, permeate and filtrate analysis, membrane fibre examination and permeability tests indicated that colloidal organic carbon, as well as soluble microbial products were the dominant fouling inducing compounds. / Manuscript format / The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada