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This study evaluated the effects of using a titanium mesh for localized alveolar ridge augmentation. Seven consecutively treated human subjects participated in the study. Clinical, radiographic, laboratory, and histologic/histomorphometric analysis revealed the efficacy of using the titanium mesh in conjunction with intraorally harvested autogenous bone graft and inorganic bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss). Radiographic measurements detected that a 2.86-mm vertical and 3.71-mm buccolabial ridge augmentation was achieved, while histomorphometry demonstrated that 36.4% of the grafted area consisted of bone. Laboratory measurements revealed 15.08% resorption of the graft for the first 6 months, which appeared to consolidate after placement of the implants. Exposure of the mesh did not appear to compromise the result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is often assumed that there is a direct relationship between the bone density adjacent to an implant, as revealed by radiographs, and the percent histologic osseointegration. Moreover, the lack of standardized methods for evaluation of histologic preparations makes it difficult to compare published studies, especially as little is known about the variables that influence these measurements. In this animal study, computer-assisted lineal analysis was used to evaluate the effects of subject, tooth position, and implant surface site on measured bone density and osseointegration in a bone augmentation experiment. Three sites--coronal lingual, apical lingual, and apical facial--were analyzed around each of 6 (3.75 x 8 mm) threaded machined titanium implants, as well as the apical facial site of 21 other implants placed in the mandibular premolar area of 5 dogs. In all sites, a progressive decrease in bone density was observed from bone adjacent to the implant to that at the titanium implant surface. There was an animal effect on osseointegration, but there were no differences between the mandibular premolar locations (second, third, and fourth). Most importantly, there were significant measurable effects attributable to the surface site examined. The need for carefully standardized histologic evaluations is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-assisted planimetry, computer-assisted lineal analysis, and point-counting stereology have been compared with respect to their reproducibility and the time required to analyze bone-implant integration. Sections of 6 threaded dental implants selected from a bone augmentation experiment for their wide range of new bone formation were analyzed by each method 3 times. The bone density and percentage of osseous integration were evaluated at 4 sites around each implant section. It was found that computer-assisted planimetry demonstrated a modest but significantly greater variance (P < .05) in bone density estimates when compared to the computer-assisted lineal analysis and point-counting methods. Computer-assisted planimetry requires a different method of measuring each parameter and separate fields of view to evaluate fields distant from the implant. However, this can all be accomplished with line probes, as in computer-assisted lineal analysis, which extend from the implant surface into the surrounding alveolar bone. Whereas computer-assisted planimetry requires a separate identification of the perimeter of each field to be analyzed (next to and distant from the implant), computer-assisted lineal analysis allows expansion of the field to be evaluated without creating a new field of view. Also, following a limited learning curve, both point-counting and computer-assisted lineal analysis required less time to complete than did computer-assisted planimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age verification of rubyfish (Plagiogeneion rubiginosum) was sought using the bomb radiocarbon chronometer procedure. Stable isotopes were investigated for life history characteristics. Radiocarbon (14C) and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) levels were measured in micro-samples from five otoliths that had been aged using a zone count method. All the core 14C measurements were ‘pre-bomb’ indicating ages of at least 45 years, and the 14C measurements across the otolith sections suggested that the zone-count ageing method described herein is not biased. Maximum estimated age was 100 years. There was no significant between-sex difference in the von Bertalanffy growth curves. The δ18O values indicated that rubyfish are near-surface as juveniles, and move deeper with age. Adults appear to reside in 600–1000 m; this is deeper than most trawl-capture data suggest, but not implausible, and has stock assessment implications. The δ13C values reflect fish metabolic rates, trophic feeding levels and oceanographic conditions. The stable isotopes record the environmental life history of each fish, and have value in distinguishing stocks and/or indicating vertical and latitudinal migratory patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]