Microstructures and properties of cancellous bone of avascular necrosis of femoral heads

The aim of this study is to investigate microscopic structure and characterize cancellous bone of avascular necrosis of the femoral head （ANFH）. The rabbit model of the ANFH is established. The histopathologic features are studied successfully. The differences between the steroidinjection group （S.G.） and the controlled group （C.G.） are examined, including the weight of rabbits, the hematological examination and the three-dimensional stnactures. It is found that the plasma levels of cholesterol （CHO）, high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） in S.G. are lower than those in C.G. when the triglyceride （TG） increased in the S.G.; but the bone mineral content （BMC） and the structural model index （SMI） of the organ and tissue decreased significantly in S.G. Three-dimensional structures of the femoral head are obtained using micro-computed tomography （CT） scanning and the mechanical model is established to analyze the influences of these structural changes on the mechanical properties of the cancellous bone.

An Ultrasonic Backscatter Instrument for Cancellous Bone Evaluation in Neonates

Ultrasonic backscatter technique has shown promise as a noninvasive cancellous bone assessment tool. A novel ultrasonic backscatter bone diagnostic （UBBD） instrument and an in vivo application for neonatal bone evaluation are introduced in this study. The UBBD provides several advantages, including noninvasiveness, non- ionizing radiation, portability, and simplicity. In this study, the backscatter signal could be measured within 5 s using the UBBD. Ultrasonic backscatter measurements were performed on 467 neonates （268 males and 199 females） at the left calcaneus. The backscatter signal was measured at a central frequency of 3.5 MHz. The delay （-/-1） and duration （7-2） of the backscatter signal of interest （SOl） were varied, and the apparent integrated backscatter （AIB）, frequency slope of apparent backscatter （FSAB）, zero frequency intercept of apparent backscatter （FIAB）, and spectral centroid shift （SCS） were calculated. The results showed that the SOl selection had a direct influence on cancellous bone evaluation. The AIB and FIAB were positively correlated with the gestational age （｜R｜ up to 0.45, P 〈 0.001） when -/-1 was short （〈 8 μS）, while negative correlations （｜R｜ up to 0.56, P 〈 0.001） were commonly observed for T1 〉 10 IJS. Moderate positive correlations （IRI up to 0.45, P 〈 0.001） were observed for FSAB and SCS with gestational age when 71 was long （〉 10 μs）. The 7-2 mainly introduced fluctuations in the observed correlation coefficients. The moderate correlations observed with UBBD demonstrate the feasibility of using the backscatter signal to evaluate neonatal bone status. This study also proposes an explicit standard for in vivo SOl selection and neonatal cancellous bone assessment.

Comparative Study on Inorganic Composition and Crystallographic Properties of Cortical and Cancellous Bone

Objective To comparatively investigate the inorganic composition and crystallographic properties of cortical and cancellous bone via thermal treatment under 700 ℃. Methods Thermogravimetric measurement, infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and X-ray photo-electron spectrometer were used to test the physical and chemical properties of cortical and cancellous bone at room temperature 250 ℃, 450 ℃, and 650 ℃, respectively. Results The process of heat treatment induced an extension in the a-lattice parameter and changes of the c-lattice parameter, and an increase in the crystallinity reflecting lattice rearrangement after release of lattice carbonate and possible lattice water. The mineral content in cortical and cancellous bone was 73.2wt% and 71.5wt%, respectively. For cortical bone, the weight loss was 6.7% at the temperature from 60 ℃ to 250℃, 17.4% from 250 ℃ to 450 ℃, and 2.7% from 450 ℃ to 700 ℃. While the weight loss for the cancellous bone was 5.8%, 19.9%, and 2.8 % at each temperature range, the Ca/P ratio of cortical bone was 1.69 which is higher than the 1.67 of stoichiometric HA due to the B-type CO32- substitution in apatite lattice. The CaJP ratio of cancellous bone was lower than 1.67, suggesting the presence of more calcium deficient apatite. Conclusion The collagen fibers of cortical bone were arrayed more orderly than those of cancellous bone, while their mineralized fibers ollkded similar. The minerals in both cortical and cancellous bone are composed of poorly crystallized nano-size apatite crystals with lattice carbonate and possible lattice water. The process of heat treatment induces a change of the lattice parameter, resulting in lattice rearrangement after the release of lattice carbonate and lattice water and causing an increase in crystal size and crystallinity. This finding is helpful for future biomaterial design, preparation and application.

Microstructural Modeling and Multiscale Mechanical Properties Analysis of Cancellous Bone

This paper is devoted to the microstructure geometric modeling and mechanical properties computation of cancellous bone.The microstructure of the cancellous bone determines its mechanical properties and a precise geometric modeling of this structure is important to predict the material properties.Based on the microscopic observation,a new microstructural unit cell model is established by introducing the Schwarz surface in this paper.And this model is very close to the real microstructure and satisfies the main biological characteristics of cancellous bone.By using the unit cell model,the multiscale analysis method is newly applied to predict the mechanical properties of cancellous bone.The effective stiffness parameters are calculated by the up-scaling multi-scale analysis.And the distribution of microscopic stress in cancellous bone is determined through the down-scaling procedure.In addition,the effect of porosity on the stiffness parameters is also investigated.The predictive mechanical properties are in good agreement with the available experimental results,which verifies the applicability of the proposed unit cell model and the validness of the multiscale analysis method to predict the mechanical properties of cancellous bone.

Effect of selected signals of interest on ultrasonic backscattering measurement in cancellous bones

This study examined how the signals of interest （SOI） effect on the backscattering measurement numerically based on 3-D finite-difference time-domain （FDTD） method. High resolution microstructure mappings of bovine cancellous bones provided by micro-CT were used as the input geometry for simulations. Backscatter coefficient （BSC）, integrated backscatter coefficient （IBC） and apparent integrated backscatter （AIB） were calculated with changing the start （L1） and duration （L2） of the SOl. The results demonstrated that BSC and IBC decrease as L1 increases, and AIB decreases more rapidly as L1 increases. The backscattering parameters increase with fluctuations as a function of L2 when L2 is less than 6 mm. However, BSC and IBC change little as L2 continues to increase, while AIB slowly decreases as L2 continues to increase. The results showed how the selections of the SOI effect on the backscattering measurement. An explicit standard for SOl selection was proposed in this study and short L1 （about 1.5 mm） and appropriate L2 （6 mm-12 mm） were recommended for the calculations of backscattering parameters.

Improved the biocompatibility of cancellous bone with compound physicochemical decellularization process

Due to the unique microstructures and components of extracellular matrix(ECM),decellularized scaffolds had been used widely in clinical.The reaction of the host toward decellularized scaffolds depends on their biocompatibility,which should be satisfied before applied in clinical.The aim of this study is to develop a decellularized xenograft material with good biocompatibility for further bone repair,in an effective and gentle method.The existing chemical and physical decellularization techniques including ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA),sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)and supercritical carbon dioxide(SC-CO2)were combined and modified to decellularize bovine cancellous bone(CB).After decellularization,almost 100%of A-Gal epitopes were removed,the combination of collagen,calcium and phosphate was reserved.The direct and indirect contact with macrophages was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and immunological response of the materials.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)were used in the in vitro cells’proliferation assay.The decellularized CB was proved has no cytotoxicity(grade 1)and no immunological response(NO,IL-2,IL-6 and TNF-α secretion inhibited),and could support MSCs proliferated continuedly.These results were similar to that of commercial decellularized human bone.This study suggests the potential of using this kind of combine decellularization process to fabricate heterogeneous ECM scaffolds for clinical application.

The spectrum entropy estimation method for ultrasonic backscattering signal in cancellous bones

In the application of cancellous bone ultrasound diagnosis based on backscattering method, it is of great importance to estimate fast and accurately whether the valid backscattering signal exists in the received signal. We propose a fast estimation method based on spectrum entropy method. With 984 records of adult calcaneus clinical data, we estimate the validity of the backscatter signal using this method. The results of the proposed method and the results of experience-base judgement were compared and analyzed. And two key parameters, the signal range length and the segment number of the spectrum entropy, were analyzed. The results show when the signal range length is 13 I^s and the segment number is 15 20, this method can get the best result （accuracy〉95%, sensitivity〉99%, specificity〉87%）, while taking little calculation time （1.5 ms）. Therefore, this spectrum entropy method can satisfy the accuracy and real-time requirements in the ultrasonic estimation for cancellous bone.

Enhanced critical-sized bone defect repair efficiency by combining deproteinized antler cancellous bone and autologous BMSCs

Previously we have demonstrated that calcinated antler cancellous bone（CACB） has great potential for bone defect repair,due to its highly similar composition and architecture to natural extracellular bone matrix.This study is aiming at seeking for an optimal strategy of combined application of CACB and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（BMSCs） in bone defect repair.In vitro study demonstrated that CACB promoted the adhesion,spreading and viability of BMSCs.Increased extracellular matrix production and expression of osteogenic markers in BMSCs were observed when seeded on CACB scaffolds.The cells ceased to proliferation in the dual effect of CACB and osteogenic induction at the early stage of incubation.Hence synergistic effect of CACB combined with autologous undifferentiated BMSCs in rabbit mandible critical-sized defect repair was further evaluated.Histological analysis results showed that loading the CACB with autologous BMSCs resulted in enhanced new bone formation and angiogenesis when compared with implanted CACB alone.These findings indicate that the combination of CACB and autologous BMSCs should become potential routes to improve bone repair efficiency

Differential involvement of Wnt signaling in Bmp regulation of cancellous versus periosteal bone growth

Bone morphogenetic proteins （Bmp） are well-known to induce bone formation following chondrogenesis, but the direct role of Bmp signaling in the osteoblast lineage is not completely understood. We have recently shown that deletion of the receptor Bmprla in the osteoblast lineage with Dmpl-Cre reduces osteoblast activity in general but stimulates proliferation of preosteoblasts specifically in the cancellous bone region, resulting in diminished periosteal bone growth juxtaposed with excessive cancellous bone formation. Because expression of sclerostin （SOST）, a secreted Wnt antagonist, is notably reduced in the Bmprla- deficient osteocytes, we have genetically tested the hypothesis that increased Wnt signaling might mediate the increase in cancellous bone formation in response to Bmprla deletion. Forced expression of human SOST from a Dmpl promoter fragment partially rescues preosteoblast hyperproliferation and cancellous bone overgrowth in the Bmprla mutant mice, demonstrating functional interaction between Bmp and Wnt signaling in the cancellous bone compat^a-tent. To test whether increased Wnt signaling can compensate for the defect in periosteal growth caused by Bmprla deletion, we have generated compound mutants harboring a hyperactive mutation （A214V） in the Wnt receptor Lrp5. However, the mutant Lrp5 does not restore periosteal bone growth in the Bmprla-deficient mice. Thus, Bmp signaling restricts cancellous bone accrual partly through induction of SOST that limits preosteoblast proliferation, but promotes periosteal bone growth apparently independently of Wnt activation.

Minimally Invasive Maxillofacial Surgery Using Digital Work Surgery: A Case of Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction after Maxillary Cystectomy

Introduction: Iliac particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) is commonly used as a high-quality reconstruction material;however, PCBM cannot be extracted in sufficient amounts to meet demand. To determine the appropriate amount of iliac PCBM to be collected, we used digital technology to measure the volume required for jaw reconstruction before surgery. Clinical Case: The patient, a 23-year-old man, underwent surgery for a calcifying odontogenic cyst. A maxillary cyst occupied the left anterior-premolar region (tooth 21 - 25) and the deciduous canine remained;a permanent canine was included in the cyst. We planned to preserve the teeth except for the impacted canine, completely excise the maxillary cyst, and preserve the alveolar ridge morphology. Preoperative digital imaging was used to determine the amount of alveolar ridge reconstruction required and accordingly determine the amount of iliac cancellous bone to be harvested. We used a titanium mesh tray and grafts of iliac particulate cancellous bone and marrow to reconstruct the alveolar ridge. The amount of iliac cancellous bone that needed to be collected was clarified and the supply amount could be collected in just the right amount;thus, the cortical bone of the iliac inner plate could be preserved. The alveolar bone morphology was reconstructed to allow the placement of dental implants as per the preoperative digital surgery. Three years after the operation, no sign of recurrence has been observed. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery was performed by clarifying the amount of iliac cancellous bone graft that needs to be harvested, which improved the accuracy of surgery.

Chromium Content in the Human Hip Joint Tissues

Objective Chromium has many important functions in the human body. For the osseous tissue, its role has not been clearly defined. This study was aimed at determining chromium content in hip joint tissues. Methods A total of 91 hip joint samples were taken in this study, including 66 from females and 25 from males. The sample tissues were separated according to their anatomical parts. The chromium content was determined by the AAS method. The statistical analysis was performed with U Mann-Whitney＇s non-parametric test, P〈0.05. Results The overall chromium content in tissues of the hip joint in the study subjects was as follows： 5.73 μg/g in the articular cartilage, 5.33 μ/g in the cortical bone, 27.86 μ/g in the cancellous bone, 5.95 μg/8 in the fragment of the cancellous bone from the intertrochanteric region, and 2.28 μ/g in the joint capsule. The chromium contents were observed in 2 group patients, it was 7.04 μ/g in people with osteoarthritis and 22.59 μ/g in people with fractures. Conclusion The observed chromium content was highest in the cancellous bone and the lowest in the joint capsule. Chromium content was significantly different between the people with hip joint osteoarthritis and the people with femoral neck fractures.

Comparative Study between Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds with Bull and Rat Cancellous Microarchitectures on Tissue Differentiations of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells： A Numerical Investigation

Tissue-engineered bone scaffolds provide temporary mechanical support for bone tissue growth. Mechanical stimuli are transferred to seeded cells through the scaffold structure to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. This paper presents a numerical investigation specifically on bone and cartilage tissue differentiation with the aim to provide a theoretical basis for scaffold design and bone defect repair in clinics. In this study, the scaffold structures were established on the basis of cancellous bone microarchitectures. For finite element simulations, inlet velocity and compressive strain were applied under in vitro culture conditions. The influences of this scaffold mor- phology and macro-level culture conditions on micro-mechanical stimuli at scaffold surfaces were investigated. Correlations between the microarchitectural parameters and the mechanical parameters, as well as the cell differentiation parameters were analyzed. Highly het- erogeneous stress distributions were observed on the scaffolds with irregular morphology. Cell differentiation on the scaffold was more sensitive to the inlet velocity than the axial strain. In addition, cartilage differentiation on the scaffolds with structures comprising more plate-like trabeculae was more pronounced than on those with more rod-like trabeculae. This paper is helpful to gain more insight into the mechanical environments under in vitro culture conditions that approximate the in vivo mechanical environments of Bone Marrow Stromal Ceils （BMSCs）.

Comparison of Concentrations of Lead and Cadmium in Various Parts of The Femur Head in Patients after Arthroplasty of The Hip Joint in Northwest Poland

Abstract Objective To determine the concentrations of lead （Pb） and cadmium （Cd） in three kinds of materials （cartilage, cortical bone, and cancellous bone） of the femur head obtained from patients in the process of operation. Methods Concentrations of Pb and Cd were determined in selected parts of the femur head of 30 patients after total hip arthroplasty, using ICP-AES （atomic absorption spectrophotometry）. Results Pb contained the highest concentration in cortical bone, while Cd did so in cancellous bone. There were statistically significant differences in the concentrations of both elements between the cartilage and cortical bone, and also differences in the concentration of Pb between the cartilage and cancellous bone. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of Pb or Cd between cortical and cancellous bone. Conclusion Comparative studies on toxic metals should take into account both analogous bones and their fragments, as even if they come from the same kind of bones （e.g. femur head）, clear differences exist in concentrations of heavy metals related to the sampling site and type of tissue （cartilage, cortical bone, and cancellous bone）.

Effects of Teriparatide and Aerobic Exercise on Lumbar Spine Microstructure in Ovariectomized and Tail-Suspended Rats

Osteoporosis is an increasingly prevalent malady of the elderly that is associated with bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis treatments focus on restoring bone strength and quality. Teriparatide (TPTD) is a therapeutic agent that has been shown to increase bone strength by improving the volume and connectivity of trabecular bone. Exercise is also known to have pro-osteogenic effects. Here we used a rat model of severe osteoporosis (ovariectomized and tail-suspension) to evaluate the effects of TPTD, exercise and a combination of TPTD and exercise on the microstructure of trabecular bone. TPTD mono-therapy and TPTD combined with exercise treatment significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) in the whole body. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that a combination of exercise and TPTD treatment significantly decreased bone surface to volume and trabecular separation compared with those of the control and exercise groups. Node-strut analysis indicated that exercise or TPTD alone did not affect trabecular bone connectivity. However, the combination of exercise and TPTD treatment significantly decreased measures of trabecular bone connectivity (node number) that are consistent with a transition from rod-like to plate-like of trabecular bone microstructures. The combination treatment with exercise and TPTD improved microstructure of trabecular bone in the OVX and tail-suspended rats. These results indicate that combining exercise with TPTD represents a viable means to improve cancellous bone strength in osteoporosis populations.

Estimating mean trabecular bone spacing based on the combination of Hilbert transform and fundamental frequency estimation

Ultrasonic backscatter signals from cancellous bone are sensitive to the microstructure of trabecular bone,and thus enable the feasibility to extract microstructural information of trabecular bone.The mean trabecular bone spacing(MTBS)is an important parameter for characterizing bone microstructure.This paper proposes an MTBS estimation method based on the combination of Hilbert transform and fundamental frequency estimation(CHF). The CHF was verified with ultrasonic backscatter signals from simulations and in vitro measurements at a central frequency of 5MHz.The CHF method was compared with the simplified inverse filter tracking(SIFT)method,Simons' Quadratic Transformation(QT)method,Singular Spectrum Analysis(SSA)method,and Spectral Autocorrelation(SAC)method.Monte-Carlo simulations were performed by varying the MTBS,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),standard deviation of regular spacing(SDRS),amplitude ratio of diffuse scattering to regular scattering(Ad)and frequency dependent attenuation(nBUA).The simulation results showed that the CHF method had a better performance in MTBS estimation under almost all the examination conditions except for SNR.The estimation percentage correct(EPC)was greater than 90% when the MTBS was in the range of 0.4to 1.4mm.In the in vitro measurements,the estimated EPC by the CHF method was91.25±7.81%(mean±standard deviation).A significant correlation was observed for the CHF-estimated MTBS and micro-computed tomography(μ-CT)-measured values(R^2=0.75,p<0.01).These results demonstrate that the CHF method is anti-interference for MTBS estimation and can be used to estimate trabecular bone spacing.