OBJECTIVE: To establish an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for determination of Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood. METHODS: The samples were digested by microwave digestion instrument. ICP-MS was applied to determine Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood by using 115In as an internal standard. RESULTS: The limits of detection were in the range of 0.00001-0.00249 microg/L. The accuracy of the method ranged from 90.1% to 110.7% and the precision ranged from 4.0% to 7.9%. CONCLUSION The method is accurate and rapid with superior sensitivity and linear range. It could be used in the poisoning cases caused by Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb.
Arsenic/blood* ; Cadmium/blood* ; Chromium/blood* ; Forensic Toxicology ; Humans ; Lead/blood* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Metals, Heavy/blood* ; Titanium/blood*

Osseointegration, the histological direct bone-to-implant contact, is the ultimate goal of implant healing and the first prerequisite for long-term success of endosseous implants. It is well-known that metal implants with rough surfaces achieve better osseointegration than those with smooth surfaces in vivo. The implantation of metal materials into bone is always accompanied by bleeding. The implant surface is initially coated with blood and these initial events could determine subsequent osseointegration. However, there is little concordance between in vitro results and in vivo findings regarding the effect of surface roughness on osseointegration. Here, we show that the osteoblast response to metal surfaces pre-treated with platelets and plasma proteins elucidates the superior osseointegration of rough surfaced implants in vivo. We found that osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and osteoblastic differentiation were significantly higher on a rough titanium surface pre-treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) than on the same surface without pretreatment. Furthermore, we found that the three-dimensional fibrillar network formed on the rough surface of the titanium by PRP pre-treatment might enhance osteoblast responses. Our results demonstrate why osseointegration is found to be most active on metal implants with a rough surface in vivo. We anticipate that our assay would be a useful tool for mimicking the in vivo model of osseointegration. Because cellular responses to the titanium implant that are pre-treated with platelet and plasma proteins on their surfaces after the biomimetic process in vitro, may be more similar to the events that occur in vivo.
Alloys* ; Biomimetics ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Proteins ; Hemorrhage ; Humans* ; In Vitro Techniques ; Osseointegration ; Osteoblasts* ; Platelet-Rich Plasma* ; Titanium*

Various microrobots are being studied for potential biomedical applications including targeted cell transportation, precise drug delivery, opening blocked blood vessels, micro-surgery, sensing, and scaffolding. Precise magnetic field control system is a coil system for wireless control of those microrobots for personalized and minimally invasive treatments. The microrobots for possible biomedical applications are fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) technologies. In this review, fabrication technologies for scaffold and ciliary microrobots will be introduced and their control methods will be discussed. Various materials are being used for the fabrication of the microrobot such as SU-8, IP-Dip, IP-L, silicon, etc. The scaffold and ciliary microrobots are fabricated by SU-8, IP-Dip, and IP-L because these materials showed the maximum performance for three-dimensional (3D) microrobots using a 3D laser lithography system. All or part of the structures are coated with nickel and titanium layers after fabrication of the structures for magnetic control and biocompatibility, respectively, of the microrobots.
Blood Vessels ; Humans ; Magnetic Fields ; Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems ; Nickel ; Silicon ; Titanium ; Transportation

Various microrobots are being studied for potential biomedical applications including targeted cell transportation, precise drug delivery, opening blocked blood vessels, micro-surgery, sensing, and scaffolding. Precise magnetic field control system is a coil system for wireless control of those microrobots for personalized and minimally invasive treatments. The microrobots for possible biomedical applications are fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) technologies. In this review, fabrication technologies for scaffold and ciliary microrobots will be introduced and their control methods will be discussed. Various materials are being used for the fabrication of the microrobot such as SU-8, IP-Dip, IP-L, silicon, etc. The scaffold and ciliary microrobots are fabricated by SU-8, IP-Dip, and IP-L because these materials showed the maximum performance for three-dimensional (3D) microrobots using a 3D laser lithography system. All or part of the structures are coated with nickel and titanium layers after fabrication of the structures for magnetic control and biocompatibility, respectively, of the microrobots.
Blood Vessels ; Humans ; Magnetic Fields ; Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems ; Nickel ; Silicon ; Titanium ; Transportation

Exposed to neutron flow, the phosphorus implanted TiNi alloy gets radioactive. This radioactive material is used in vascular stent for prevention and cure of restenosis. Phosphorus implantation is carried out in a plasma immerged ion implantation system, and the dose of phosphorus implantation is in the range of 2-10 x 10(17) cm-2. After ion implantation, the alloy is exposed to the slow neutron flow in a nuclear reactor, the dose of the slow neutron is 1.39-5.88 x 10(19) n/cm2. The radioactivity of the TiNi alloy was measured by liquid scintillation spectrometry and radio-chromic-film dosimetry. The result shows that whether the phosphorus is implanted or not, the TiNi alloy comes to be radioactive after exposure to neutron flow. Just after neutron irradiation, the radiation dose of phosphorus implanted TiNi alloy is about one hundred times higher than that of un-phosphorus implanted TiNi alloy. The radiation difference between phosphorus and un-phosphorus implanted alloy decreases as time elapses. Within three months after neutron irradiation, the average half-decay period of phosphorus implanted TiNi alloy is about 62 days. The radiation ray penetration of phosphorus implanted TiNi alloy is deeper than that of pure 32P; this is of benefit to making radiation uniformity between stent struts and reducing radiation grads beyond the edge of stent.
Alloys ; chemistry ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Nickel ; chemistry ; Phosphorus Radioisotopes ; chemistry ; Radiation Dosage ; Titanium ; chemistry

OBJECTIVE: The safety and efficacy of various fusion substitutes in pyogenic osteomyelitis has not been investigated. We evaluated and compared the cadaveric allograft and titanium cages used to reconstruct, maintain alignment and achieve fusion in the management of pyogenic spinal infection. METHODS: There were 33 patients with pyogenic osteomyelitis underwent fusion in this study. Fifteen of the 33 patients were operated on by fusion with allografts (cadaveric patella bones) and 18 of those were operated with titanium mesh cages filled with autologous cancellous iliac bone. After the affected disc and vertebral body resection with pus drainage, cadaveric allograft or titanium cages were inserted into the resected space. Posterior transpedicular screw fixation and rod compression in resected space, where cadaveric allograft or titanium cages were inserted, was performed to prevent the malposition in all patients except in 1 case. Recurrent infection was identified by serial erythrocyte sedimentation rate and cross reactive protein follow-up. Osseous union and recurred infection available at a minimum of 2 years following operation was identified. The amount of kyphosis correction and the subsidence were measured radiographically. RESULTS: Spinal fusion was achieved in 29 of 33 patients. In the cadaveric allograft group, 93.3% of patient (14 of 15) showed the osseous union while 83.3% of patient (15 of 18) in the titanium cage group showed union. Subsidence was noted in 12 of the patients. Twelve patients (36.3%) showed unsettling amounts of subsidence postoperatively whereas 46.6% of patients in the cadaveric allograft group and 37.7% of patients in the titanium cage group showed similar subsidence, respectively. There were statistical difference in the fusion rate (p=0.397) and subsidence rate (p=0.276) between the two groups. There was significant statistical difference in the postoperative improvement of segmental kyphosis between the two groups (p=0.022), that is the improvement in sagittal alignment was greater in the titanium cage group than in the cadaveric allograft group. There was no case of recurred infection. CONCLUSION: The cadaveric allograft and titanium cages are effective and safe in restoring and maintaining sagittal plane alignment without increased incidence in infection recurrence in pyogenic osteomyelitis. The postoperative improvement of segmental kyphosis was better in the cage group.
Blood Sedimentation ; Cadaver ; Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Kyphosis ; Osteomyelitis ; Patella ; Recurrence ; Spinal Fusion ; Suppuration ; Titanium ; Transplantation, Homologous

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective series. PURPOSE: We wanted to analyze the safety and effectiveness of using the newer generation metallic implants (pedicle screws and/or titanium mesh) for the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis. Overview of the Literature: There have been various efforts to prevent the development of a kyphotic deformity after the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis, including instrumentation of the spine. Pedicle screws and titanium mesh cages have become more and more popular for treating various spinal problems. METHODS: Twenty two patients who had tuberculous spondylitis were treated with anterior radical debridement and their anterior column of spine was supported with a tricortical iliac bone graft (12 patients) or by mesh (10 patients). Supplementary posterior pedicle screw instrumentation was performed in 17 of 22 patients. The combination of surgeries were anterior strut bone grafting and posterior pedicle screws in 12 patients, anterior titanium mesh and posterior pedicle screws in 5 patients and anterior mesh only without pedicle screws in 5 patients. The patients were followed up with assessing the laboratory inflammatory parameters, the serial plain radiographs and the neurological recovery. RESULTS: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were eventually normalized and there was no case of persistent infection or failure to control infection in spite of a mettalic implant in situ. The overall correction of kyphotic deformity was initially 8.9 degrees, and the loss of correction was 6.2 degrees. In spite of some loss of correction, this technique effectively prevented clinically significant kyphotic deformity. The preoperative Frankel grades were B for 1 patient, C for 4, D for 4 and E for 13. At the final follow-up, 7 of 9 patients recovered completely to Frankel grade E and only two patients showed a Frankel grade of D. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilizing the spine with pedicle screws and/or titanium mesh in patients with tubercuous spondylitis effectively prevents the development of kyphotic deformity and this did not prevent controlling infection when this technique was combined with radical debridement and anti-tuberculous chemotherapy.
Blood Sedimentation ; Bone Transplantation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Debridement ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine ; Spondylitis ; Titanium ; Transplants

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on hemogram in rats with gastric ulcer.

METHODSPhysicochemical properties of TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized. Twenty-four clear class SD male rats, aging 8 week-old, were randomly divided into 4 groups, 6 rats for each group. 20% acetic acid were injected into the rats' stomach on the border of gastric body and pyloric antrum, and hereby established the gastric ulcer model. The rats in 4 groups were exposed to TiO₂ nanoparticles through intragastric administration at 0, 10, 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively for 30 days. Afterwards, the rats were conducted blood routine test and blood coagulation test for analysis.

RESULTSTiO₂ nanoparticles were anatase crystals, closely spherical shape, whose average grain diameter was (75 ± 15) nm. The levels of white blood cell (WBC) count ((8.48 ± 3.28)×10⁹/L), lymphocyte (LYM) ((6.85 ± 2.53)×10⁹/L), monocyte (MOD) ((0.27 ± 0.12)×10⁹/L), granulocyte (GRN) ((1.37 ± 0.86)×10⁹/L), red blood cell (RBC) ((8.20 ± 0.49)×10⁹/L) and hematocrit (HCT) ((45.3 ± 1.4)%) in the 200 mg/kg dose group were significantly higher than those in the control group ((2.63 ± 0.34)×10⁹/L, (2.25 ± 0.26)×10⁹/L, (0.05 ± 0.06)×10⁹/L, (0.33 ± 0.26)× 10⁹/L, (4.87 ± 2.37)×10⁹/L and (27.2 ± 13.3)%, respectively; t values were -3.449, -3.825, -3.554, -3.097, -2.972 and -2.936 respectively, P values all < 0.05). The levels of WBC ((6.88 ± 3.06)×10⁹/L), MOD ((0.20 ± 0.07)×10⁹/L), RBC ((7.79 ± 0.48)×10⁹/L) and HCT ((42.7 ± 2.8)%) in 50 mg/kg dose group were also statistically higher than those in the control group (t values were -2.507, -2.367, -2.605 and -2.511 respectively, all P values < 0.05). There was no statistically difference found in other blood routine index and coagulation index between the three experimental groups and control group.

CONCLUSIONThe long term intake of TiO₂ nanoparticles caused a statistically increase in the amount of WBC and RBC in rats with gastric ulcer; however, there was no obvious changes found in blood platelet and coagulation index.

Animals ; Hematologic Tests ; Male ; Metal Nanoparticles ; adverse effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stomach Ulcer ; blood ; Titanium ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the platelet adhesion ability on pure titanium surfaces modified with different techniques.

METHODSPure titanium specimens were treated with 5 different surface modification techniques, including machine polish (MP), dual acid-etch (DAE), sand blast-large grit and acid-etch (SLA), micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and anodized titania nanotube (TNT). The surface topographies of specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical compositions, surface roughness and static water contact angle of specimens were detected by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and contact angle analyzer respectively. Platelets were cultured on specimen surfaces for 30 min. The amount and viability of adhered platelets adhered were evaluated. Platelet distribution and morphology were observed by LSCM and SEM.

RESULTSSurface topographies of the five groups of specimens differed significantly. MP, DAE, SLA and MAO surfaces showed micro-scale topographies, while TNT surfaces showed nano-scale topography with nanotubes at the diameter of (80.46 ± 0.35) nm. The surface roughness of MAO was the highest among the 5 groups. TNT surfaces demonstrated the lowest roughness as well as the lowest static water contact angle as 13.55° ± 0.96°. The amount of platelets adhered on TNT surface was the greatest as (300 729 ± 8 325) platelet/µl and the viability was the highest (A450 value 2.14 ± 0.05). Platelet adhered intensively on TNT surfaces, forming pseudopodia, extending and connecting with each other.

CONCLUSIONSSurface properties of pure titanium affect platelet adhesion ability. Nano-scale topography can greatly improve platelet adhesion. Increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity can improve platelet adhesion ability.

Blood Platelets ; Dental Etching ; Dental Polishing ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Nanotubes ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Platelet Adhesiveness ; Surface Properties ; Titanium

We coated a thin TiO2 film on the surface of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy by activated sputter method in the present work. The blood platelet adherence and antithrombogenicity of the TiO2-coated Ni-Ti alloy were evaluated. The results showed that the platelets on the TiO2-coated Ni-Ti alloy were fewer than those on 316L stainless steel, and no agglomeration or distortion for the platelets on the coated alloy was found, which means less probability of blood coagulation for the alloy. The coagulation time on the coated Ni-Ti shape memory alloy was longer than that on the 316L. Compared with that on the 316L stainless steel, the TiO2 coated Ni-Ti shape memory alloy showed better blood compatibility, indicating that the Ni-Ti alloy with TiO2 coating is a kind of ideal biomedical materials with high clinical value.
Alloys ; chemistry ; Blood Coagulation ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; chemistry ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; Nickel ; chemistry ; Platelet Adhesiveness ; Stents ; Surface Properties ; Titanium ; chemistry