ABSTRACT
Objective@#To fabricate Ti alloy frameworks for a maxillary complete denture with three-dimensional printing (3DP) technique, such as selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), and to evaluate the microstructure of these frameworks and their adaptation to the die stone models.@*Methods@#Thirty pairs of edentulous casts were divided into 3 groups randomly and equally. In each group, one of the three techniques (SLM, EBM, conventional technique) was used to fabricate Ti alloy frameworks. The base-cast sets were transversally sectioned into 3 sections at the distal of canines, mesial of first molars, and the posterior palatal zone. The gap between the metal base and cast was measured in the 3 sections. Stereoscopic microscope was used to measure the gap. Three pieces of specimens of 5 mm diameter were fabricated with Ti alloy by SLM, EBM and the traditional casting technology (as mentioned above). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the differences of microstructure among these specimens.@*Results@#The gaps between the metal base and cast were (99.4±17.0), (98.2±26.1), and (99.6± 16.1) μm in conventional method; (99.4 ± 22.8), (83.1 ± 19.3), and (103.3 ± 13.8) μm in SLM technique; (248.3±70.3), (279.1±71.9), and (189.1±31.6) μm in EBM technique. There was no statistical difference in the value of gaps between SLM Ti alloy and conventional method Ti alloy group (P>0.05). There was statistical difference among EBM Ti alloy, conventional method Ti alloy and SLM Ti alloy group (P<0.05). The SLM Ti alloy showed more uniform and compact microstructure than the cast Ti alloy and EBM Ti alloy did.@*Conclusions@#SLM technique showed initial feasibility to manufacture the dental base of complete denture. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the denture frameworks prepared by SLM indicate that these dentures are appropriate for clinical use. EBM technique is inadequate to make a complete denture now.
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ObjectiveTo compare the values of serum citrulline, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and intes-tinal trefoil factor (ITF) in diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal injury in critically ill children.MethodsA total of 84 critically ill children were enrolled. The serum citrullin, IFABP, and ITF were measured by high performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The testing results and clinical data were analyzed.ResultsCompared with non gastroin-testinal injury group, the serum citrulline level was signiifcantly lower and IFABP and ITF levels were signiifcantly higher in gas-trointestinal injury group (allP<0.05). In critically ill children, the serum citrulline level was negatively correlated with C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and hospitalization time (r=-0.36 to -0.31,P<0.01).ConclusionsThe levels of citrulline, IFABP and ITF have diagnostic values for acute gastrointestinal injury in critically ill children. The level of citrulline may relfect the degree of acute gastrointestinal injury in critically ill children.
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Objective To investigate the application of ~(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose hybrid PET/CT (~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT) imaging in clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Seventy two consecutive patients with NSCLC undergoing ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT before radiotherapy were analyzed. The results were compared with previous CT scan and conventional clinical staging. The patients were followed-up for at least 6 months. Results Among the 72 patients, the staging grade was changed in 27 patients due to the result of ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT in whom with 20 patients having their grade raised and 7 lowered. Radical treatment was changed to palliative treatment in view of a raise of staging grade. Because of distant metastasis was detected by ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, 14 patients received palliative treatment. Compared with CT, 47 more lymph nodes and 26 distant metastases were found with ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, and the patients in question received radiotherapy and palliative treatment accordingly. Conclusion ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, by changing the clinical staging in 37.5% (27/72) NSCLC patients, has impact on treatment strategy and treatment planning of radiotherapy in NSCLC patients. Patients were frequently spared unnecessary treatment, and management was more appropriately targeted.