45 research outputs found
Subsequent cultivation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells on the devitalised tissue
The regeneration of cartilage lesions still represents a major challenge.
Cartilage has a tissue-specific architecture, complicating recreation by
synthetic biomaterials. A novel approach for reconstruction is the use of
devitalised cartilage. Treatment with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) achieves
devitalisation while biomechanical properties are remained. Therefore, in the
present study, cartilage was devitalised using HHP treatment and the potential
for revitalisation with chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was
investigated. The devitalisation of cartilage was performed by application of
480 MPa over 10 minutes. Effective cellular inactivation was demonstrated by
the trypan blue exclusion test and DNA quantification. Histology and electron
microscopy examinations showed undamaged cartilage structure after HHP
treatment. For revitalisation chondrocytes and MSCs were cultured on
devitalised cartilage without supplementation of chondrogenic growth factors.
Both chondrocytes and MSCs significantly increased expression of cartilage-
specific genes. ECM stainings showed neocartilage-like structure with positive
AZAN staining as well as collagen type II and aggrecan deposition after three
weeks of cultivation. Our results showed that HHP treatment caused
devitalisation of cartilage tissue. ECM proteins were not influenced, thus,
providing a scaffold for chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and
chondrocytes. Therefore, using HHP-treated tissue might be a promising
approach for cartilage repair
Nuclear Fusion (FUSION): Plasma Heating Systems – Microwave Plasma Heating & Current Drive Systems
Making asylum work? Civic stratification and labor-related regularization among rejected asylum seekers in Germany
Rejected asylum seekers often do not return to their countries of origin and face precarious living conditions in destination countries. Taking Germany as a strategic case, we investigate whether labor-related regularization, or "laborization," may serve as a solution for such migrants. We analyze the factors determining access to such regularization and how labor-related regularization relates to migrants' needs and aspirations. Based on extensive desk research and interviews with stakeholders, including (rejected) asylum seekers in Stuttgart, we find that laborization provides resourceful and "deserving" individuals with valuable opportunities to realize their aspirations, but it is insufficient to fully address non-deportability