Stress In Mucosa Research Articles

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of four-implants supported mandibular overdentures using two different attachments

Objective: To compare the biomechanical characteristics of four-implants mandibular overdentures supported by Locator attachment or bar-clip attachment under different mechanical loads using three-dimensional finite element analysis method. Methods: Two different models of four-implants supported mandibular overdentures using Locator attachment and bar-clip attachment (hereinafter called Locator model and bar-clip model) were established. Each model was subjected to five different mechanical loading conditions: 100 N vertical loading in central incisor (vertical load of incisor), 100 N vertical loading or oblique loading in canine (vertical or oblique loads of canines), 100 N vertical or oblique loading in mandibular first molar (vertical or oblique loads of mandibular first molar). The stress distributions in implants, peri-implant bone and mucosa were recorded under the above five conditions to evaluate the effects of different attachments on the biomechanical properties of implant-supported mandibular overdentures. Results: Regardless of loading conditions and types of attachments, the stress concentration in implants were located at the neck of implants, and the stress concentration in peri-implant bone was located in the cortical bone. The stress values in mucosa were always much smaller than those in implants and cortical bone. Regardless of loading positions (on canine or on mandibular first molar), the maximum stress at the bone interface around the implant under lateral loading was much higher than that under vertical loading. Under various loading conditions, the stress in implants and cortical bone of the Locator model (the highest von Mise stress value was respectively 79.5 and 22.3 MPa) were lower than that of bar-clip model (the highest von Mise stress value was 110.3 and 28.7 MPa respectively) while the maximum compressive stress in mucosa (0.198 MPa) in Locator model was slightly higher than that in the bar-clip model (0.137 MPa). Conclusions: In clinical practice, the lateral force applied to the implant-retained overdenture should be minimized to avoid complications caused by pathological loads. Under the same loading condition, the stress distributions in overdenture using Locator attachment are more dispersed, which is more conducive to long-term stability of implants.

Mucosal Immunity and B Cells in Teleosts: Effect of Vaccination and Stress.

Fish are subjected to several insults from the environment, which may endanger animal survival. Mucosal surfaces are the first line of defense against these threats, acting as a physical barrier to protect the animal but also functioning as an active immune tissue. Thus, four mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs), which lead the immune responses in gut, skin, gills, and nose, have been described in fish. Humoral and cellular immunity, as well as their regulation and the factors that influence the response in these mucosal lymphoid tissues, are still not well known in most fish species. Mucosal B-lymphocytes and immunoglobulins (Igs) are key players in the immune response that takes place in those MALTs. The existence of IgT as a mucosal specialized Ig gives us the opportunity of measuring specific responses after infection or vaccination, a fact that was not possible until recently in most fish species. The vaccination process is influenced by several factors, being stress one of the main stimuli determining the success of the vaccine. Thus, one of the major goals in a vaccination process is to avoid possible situations of stress, which might interfere with fish immune performance. However, interaction between immune and neuroendocrine systems at mucosal tissues is still unknown. In this review, we will summarize the latest findings about B-lymphocytes and Igs in mucosal immunity and the effect of stress and vaccination on B-cell response at mucosal sites. It is important to point out that a limited number of studies have been published regarding stress in mucosa and very few about the influence of stress over mucosal B-lymphocytes.

A comparative study on complete and implant retained denture treatments – A biomechanics perspective

Although implant-retained overdenture allows edentulous patients to take higher occlusal forces than the conventional complete dentures, the biomechanical influences have not been explored yet. Clinically, there is limited knowledge and means for predicting localized bone remodelling after denture treatment with and without implant support. By using finite element (FE) analysis, this article provides an in-silico approach to exploring the treatment effects on the oral mucosa and potential resorption of residual ridge under three different denture configurations in a patient-specific manner. Based on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans, a 3D heterogeneous FE model was created; and the supportive tissue, mucosa, was characterized as a hyperelastic material. A measured occlusal load (63N) was applied onto three virtual models, namely complete denture, two and four implant-retained overdentures. Clinically, the bone resorption was measured after one year in the two implant-retained overdenture treatment. Despite the improved stability and enhanced masticatory function, the implant-retained overdentures demonstrated higher hydrostatic stress in mucosa (43.6kPa and 39.9kPa for two and four implants) at the posterior ends of the mandible due to the cantilever effect, than the complete denture (33.4kPa). Hydrostatic pressure in the mucosa signifies a critical indicator and can be correlated with clinically measured bone resorption, pointing to severer mandibular ridge resorption posteriorly with implant-retained overdentures. This study provides a biomechanical basis for denture treatment planning to improve long-term outcomes with minimal residual ridge resorption.

Influence of Abutment Selection in Maxillary Kennedy Class II RPD on Elastic Stress Distribution in Oral Mucosa: An FEM Study

The aim was to study the influence of abutment selection on elastic stress distribution in oral mucosa in a maxillary removable partial denture (RPD) by means of 3-dimensional finite element models. Four RPD framework models of an equal size (by area) and underlying oral mucosa were produced for a Kennedy Class II arch. Each framework included an occlusal rest as part of a clasp assembly on one of four abutments (canine, first, and second premolars, and first molar) on the side contralateral to the edentulous ridge (tooth-supported side). Movement of the alveolar surface of the mucosa and the occlusal rest on the abutment adjacent to the ridge were fixed in a vertical direction. Movement of the rest on the tooth-supported side was restricted in all directions. Vertical or buccally oblique biting force was applied simultaneously on each of the locations representing three missing teeth. The frameworks with the contralateral side rest on the canine or the first premolar were less resistant to lateral forces than other framework designs, showing greater saddle displacements under the oblique force than the vertical force. The framework with the rest on the second premolar demonstrated relatively good resistance to deflection; however, both vertical saddle intrusion and the maximum equivalent stress in mucosa shown in all the models were within small ranges. The saddle movement was influenced by the abutment selection on the tooth-supported side, although resultant stress in the mucosa was insensitive to the abutment location.

Fluorographic study on the oxidative stress in the process of gastric mucosal injury: attenuating effect of vitamin E.

In vivo oxidative change was visualized in the gastric mucosa of rats and the alteration was analysed by using a fluorescence microscope equipped with a digital imaging processor during the development of mucosal damage. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-associated fluorescence increased after the repeated electrical stimulation on the gastric artery (irritation), suggesting the occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The increase was enhanced in the mid-zone of two adjacent collecting venules. Allopurinol attenuated the oxidative stress in mucosa, showing the involvement of xanthine oxidase. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence value in the blood taken from gastric vein was elevated by the irritation, suggesting that leucocyte-generated oxygen radicals also participate in this oxidative process. alpha-Tocopherol attenuated both the DCF activation and the increase in chemiluminescence value and prevented gastric mucosal injury. The present results suggest that alpha-tocopherol may be useful for the prevention of oxidative alteration in gastric mucosa.