DOT (Germany)

To address current and future capacity demands while supporting multiple wireless standards, Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) technology is poised to play a crucial role in the development of integrated optical-wireless networks. This technology, which combines microwave and optical networks to enable high-speed wireless access, is increasingly appealing as the anticipated data throughput in wireless communication rises and the industry adopts millimeter-wave frequencies for 5 G networks. The cost-effectiveness of the optoelectronic components used in RoF systems ensures that RoF technology will be pivotal in the design of future 5 G transport systems, including both backhaul and fronthaul applications. In this paper, we review the 5 G Fronthaul (F/H), Midhaul (M/H) and Backhaul (B/H) combinations and discuss the deployment of RoF technology for 5G fronthaul connectivity. [1]

The failure rate of orthodontic mini-screws depends strongly on primary stability and, thus, on insertion torque. Further improvement regarding the failure rate might be achieved by modifying the surface coating. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the stability of anewly designed and surface-modified orthodontic mini-screw in beagle dogs. Newly designed mini-screws coated either with DOTIZE® or DOTIZE®-copper (DOT GmbH, Rostock, Germany; each: n = 24) were inserted in the mandibles of eight beagle dogs for aduration of 8months. Insertion and removal torque were measured. These data were compared to values generated by using the artificial bone material Sawbones® (Sawbones Europe AB, Malmö, Sweden). Experiments with and without torque limitation (each: n = 5) were run. The bone-to-implant contact rate and the amount of bone between the threads were examined. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The success rates of the in vivo study reached high levels with 95.3% for the DOTIZE-coated and 90.5% for the DOTIZE-copper-coated screws, whereas the insertion and removal torque did not differ between the coatings. During insertion, atorque limitation of 20 Ncm was necessary to ensure that the recommended limit was not exceeded. The insertion in Sawbones without torque limitation revealed asignificantly higher torque compared to torque-limited insertion (18.2 ± 1.3 Ncm, 23.6 ± 1.3 Ncm). Bending occurred (n = 5) in the thread-free part of the mini-screw. Surface coating might be able to improve the performance of orthodontic mini-screws. The study showed high success rates and stable mini-screws until the end of observation. Further investigations are necessary.

Titanium-based nitride physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings, such as titanium nitride (TiN), are state-of-the-art solutions for surface modifications of CoCrMo-based implants for patients who are hypersensitive to metallic ions such as cobalt, chromium and nickel. Variations of the process parameters during the cathodic arc evaporation are known to exhibit an impact on the surface properties of coatings. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of the substrate bias and the nitrogen pressure on the surface properties of TiNbN coatings deposited on CoCrMo alloys in a limited parameter set. Eighteen parameter sets were coated with TiNbN. The substrate bias (−100 to −200 V) and the nitrogen pressure (0.3–3.0 Pa) were selected following a randomised, multifactorial response surface test design. The coating thickness, roughness, hardness and scratch resistance were measured following standardised procedures. The structure of the coating was analysed by SEM and XRD. The substrate bias and the pressure exhibited a significant impact on the coating thickness and the surface roughness. The grain growth was predominantly impacted by the bias. The parameter variation did not show any significant impact on the XRD, hardness or scratch test results.

AIMTo investigate osteoconductive and antimicrobial properties of a titanium-copper-nitride (TiCuN) film and an additional BONIT® coating on titanium substrates.METHODSFor micro-structuring, the surface of titanium test samples was modified by titanium plasma spray (TPS). On the TPS-coated samples, the TiCuN layer was deposited by physical vapor deposition. The BONIT® layer was coated electrochemically. The concentration of copper ions released from TiCuN films was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. MG-63 osteoblasts on TiCuN and BONIT® were analyzed for cell adhesion, viability and spreading. In parallel, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) were cultivated on the samples and planktonic and biofilm-bound bacteria were quantified by counting of the colony-forming units.RESULTSField emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed rough surfaces for TPS and TiCuN and a special crystalline surface structure on TiCuN + BONIT®. TiCuN released high amounts of copper quickly within 24 h. These release dynamics were accompanied by complete growth inhibition of bacteria and after 2 d, no planktonic or adherent S. epidermidis were found on these samples. On the other hand viability of MG-63 cells was impaired during direct cultivation on the samples within 24 h. However, high cell colonization could be found after a 24 h pre-incubation step in cell culture medium simulating the in vivo dynamics closer. On pre-incubated TiCuN, the osteoblasts span the ridges and demonstrate a flattened, well-spread phenotype. The additional BONIT®coating reduced the copper release of the TiCuN layer significantly and showed a positive effect on the initial cell adhesion.CONCLUSIONThe TiCuNcoating inhibits the formation of bacterial biofilms on orthopedic implants by influencing the “race for the surface” to the advantage of osteoblasts.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in sports medicine. Available PRP preparations differ in white blood cell, platelet, and growth factor concentrations, making standardized research and clinical application challenging. Purpose: To characterize a newly standardized procedure for pooled PRP that provides defined growth factor concentrations. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A standardized growth factor preparation (lyophilized PRP powder) was prepared using 12 pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) derived from different donors via apheresis. Blood samples and commercially available PRP (SmartPrep-2) served as controls (n = 5). Baseline blood counts were analyzed. Additionally, single PCs (n = 5) were produced by standard platelet apheresis. The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), interleukin (IL)–1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, mean differences, 95% CIs, and P values (analysis of variance). Results: All growth factor preparation methods showed elevated concentrations of the growth factors VEGF, bFGF, PDGF-AB, and TGF-β1 compared with those of whole blood. Large interindividual differences were found in VEGF and bFGF concentrations. Respective values (mean ± SD in pg/mL) for whole blood, SmartPrep-2, PC, and PRP powder were as follows: VEGF (574 ± 147, 528 ± 233, 1087 ± 535, and 1722), bFGF (198 ± 164, 410 ± 259, 151 ± 99, and 542), PDGF-AB (2394 ± 451, 17,846 ± 3087, 18,461 ± 4455, and 23,023), and TGF-β1 (14,356 ± 4527, 77,533 ± 13,918, 68,582 ± 7388, and 87,495). IGF-1 was found in SmartPrep-2 (1539 ± 348 pg/mL). For PC (2266 ± 485 pg/mL), IGF-1 was measured at the same levels of whole blood (2317 ± 711 pg/mL) but was not detectable in PRP powder. IL-1α was detectable in whole blood (111 ± 35 pg/mL) and SmartPrep-2 (119 ± 44 pg/mL). Conclusion: Problems with PRP such as absent standardization, lack of consistency among studies, and black box dosage could be solved by using characterized PRP powder made by pooling and lyophilizing multiple PCs. The new PRP powder opens up new possibilities for PRP research as well as for the treatment of patients. Clinical Relevance: The preparation of pooled PRP by means of lyophilization may allow physicians to apply a defined amount of growth factors by using a defined amount of PRP powder. Moreover, PRP powder as a dry substance with no need for centrifugation could become ubiquitously available, thus saving time and staff resources in clinical practice. However, before transferring the results of this basic science study to clinical application, regulatory issues have to be cleared.

Studies on bone cell ingrowth into synthetic, porous three-dimensional (3D) implants showed difficulties arising from impaired cellular proliferation and differentiation in the core region of these scaffolds with increasing scaffold volume in vitro. Therefore, we developed an in vitro perfusion cell culture module, which allows the analysis of cells in the interior of scaffolds under different medium flow rates. For each flow rate the cell viability was measured and compared with results from computer simulations that predict the local oxygen supply and shear stress inside the scaffold based on the finite element method. We found that the local cell viability correlates with the local oxygen concentration and the local shear stress. On the one hand the oxygen supply of the cells in the core becomes optimal with a higher perfusion flow. On the other hand shear stress caused by high flow rates impedes cell vitality, especially at the surface of the scaffold. Our results demonstrate that both parameters must be considered to derive an optimal nutrient flow rate.

In total joint replacement much effort has been made to reduce implant loosening. We investigated different implant coatings (copper integrated titanium dioxide (TiO2–Cu), titanium nitride (TiN), plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAAm), and calcium phosphate (CaP)) regarding the adhesion strength and wear resistance. Standardized scratch and adhesive tests were applied. Abrasive wear was measured with artificial bone and bone cement using a special testing machine. All tested coatings have higher bonding strengths than the 22 N/mm2 required for medical implant surface coatings by ASTM standard 4711-F. Using bone cement, wear testing revealed higher wear rates in most cases. Polished surfaces reduce the amount of wear, whereas rough surfaces highly increase the wear rate due to three-body wear, especially ceramic surfaces. In general, the application of bone cement in conjunction with modified implant surfaces can lead to an increase in wear rate.

Antibiotic loading of bone regenerative materials is a promising way to protect augmentation procedures from infection during the resorption phase of bone substitutes. Especially in the early stage of implantation, it should protect the grafted site against microbiological pathogens. The present study reports the release kinetics of gentamicin after loading from two synthetic bone filling materials. The first, BONITmatrix, is a biphasic calcium phosphate silica composite obtained by the sol-gel route consisting of 13% silicon dioxide (w/w) and calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate 60/40 w/w). The second, Synthacer, is a sintered hydroxyapatite ceramic. Gentamicin was loaded by dipping and by vacuum coating. Release kinetics of the loaded Gentamicin was investigated by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and by staphylococcus aureus assay. By dipping, loading failed for Synthacer, and it was 12.7 mg gentamicin per gram bone substitute for BONITmatrix. By vacuum coating, loading was 11.3 mg gentamicin per gram bone substitute for Synthacer and 7.4 mg gentamicin per gram bone substitute for BONITmatrix. Distinct release kinetics were measured. For Synthacer, a high initial release was followed by a lower protracted release level up to 28 days. For BONITmatrix release was continuous over the investigated 70-day period. The present data suggest that the porosity properties at the nano- and microscopic levels, or the composition are responsible for antibiotic loading and subsequent release.

Electrochemically deposited calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings are fast resorbable and existent only during the first period of osseointegration. In the present study, composite coatings with varying solubility (hydroxyapatite (HA), brushite with less HA and monetite (M) with less HA) were prepared and the influence of the degradation and the reprecipitation of CaP on osteoblastic cells were investigated. On the brushite composite coating a new precipitated, finely structured CaP phase was observed during immersion in cell culture medium with or without osteoblastic cells. The surface morphology of monetite and HA coatings were entirely unmodified under the same conditions. So it could be assumed that electrochemically deposited brushite with less HA acts as a precursor for new precipitated CaP. On this surface osteoblastic cells revealed a well-spread morphology with pronounced actin cytoskeleton and demonstrated good proliferation behaviour. Thus we suggest that brushite seems to be especially suitable for coating of implants as a matrix for nucleation and growth of new bone.