Effect of Particle Size and Application Pressure in Air-Borne Particle Abrasion on the Adhesion of Polyetheretherketone.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the effect of different particle sizes and pressures on the shear bond strength (SBS) and the roughness (Ra) of polyetheretherketone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 117 polyetheretherketone specimens were fabricated and divided into a control (CN: no air-particle abrasion) and eight pre-treatment groups (air-abraded with 50- or 110-µm Al2O3 particles at 1(A), 1.5(B), 2(C), and 2.5(D) bar). The adhesive, Visio.link was used. Thermal aging was performed. Surface properties, SBS and failure mode were assessed. Data was analyzed by linear regression, Pearson correlation and Dunnett's T3 test for pairwise comparisons (p⟨0.05). RESULTS: The highest and lowest Ra were found in the 110D and CN groups respectively, and the highest SBS results were obtained from the 50B group. Pressure and particle size showed significant difference on the investigated properties (p⟨0.001). Only adhesive failure was observed in the CN, and resin cohesive failure was observed in addition to adhesive failure in the overall study groups. CONCLUSION: The air-borne particle abrasion procedures and the adhesive material combination are critical to the strength of the polyetheretherketone bond. The combination of visio.link with the pre-treatment option of 50-µm Al2O3 particles applied at 1.5-bar pressure delivered the most favorable results.

Long term follow-up of four patients with Keutel syndrome.

Keutel syndrome (KS) [OMIM 245150] is an autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome characterized by multiple peripheral pulmonary stenoses (PPS), brachytelephalangia, inner ear deafness, and abnormal cartilage ossification or calcification. Mutations in the matrix Gla protein (MGP) gene have been reported in different unrelated families with KS previously. MGP is an extracellular matrix protein and calcification inhibitor; mutations in its encoding gene result in cartilage ossification or calcification, the main presenting feature of KS. This report describes the findings of four sisters with KS born to consanguineous parents were followed for 26 years in an irregular fashion. During follow-up of the patients over the years the complications appear to be mostly involving the respiratory system. Permanent skin rashes, papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid, asthma, massive bullous pulmonary emphysema, severe systemic arterial hypertension, and short term memory loss were observed during long term follow-up. The fertility status of the patients were also observed and infertility was observed in one of three married patients.