EFFECTS OF RADIO-TRANSMITTERS ON FECAL GLUCOCORTICOID LEVELS IN CAPTIVE DICKCISSELS

We determined the effects of a leg-harness transmitter on fecal glucocorticoid levels of wild male Dickcissels (Spiza americana) in captivity. During the post-breeding season of 2001, we captured 10 male Dickcissels in central Missouri and housed them in individual pens of an outdoor aviary. We radio-tagged five birds; the other five were captured and handled, but were not radio-tagged. We collected fecal samples every other day prior to attachment (31 July– 21 August) and after attachment (24 August–20 September). Body condition and morphology were similar between control and transmitter-equipped birds. We observed a significant interaction between transmitter attachment and time since attachment. Compared to baseline levels, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were significantly lower in control (6.1 ± 13.7 ng g-1) than transmitter-equipped (102.3 ± 13.7 ng g-1) birds during the first 24 hr after attachment. Although transmitter- equipped birds showed elevated fecal glucocorticoid levels, the response was acute and returned to baseline levels within 48 hr

Novel Method for Loading Microporous Ceramics Bone Grafts by Using a Directional Flow

The aim of this study was the development of a process for filling the pores of a β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic with interconnected porosity with an alginate hydrogel. For filling of the ceramics, solutions of alginate hydrogel precursors with suitable viscosity were chosen as determined by rheometry. For loading of the porous ceramics with the gel the samples were placed at the flow chamber and sealed with silicone seals. By using a vacuum induced directional flow, the samples were loaded with alginate solutions. The loading success was controlled by ESEM and fluorescence imaging using a fluorescent dye (FITC) for staining of the gel. After loading of the pores, the alginate is transformed into a hydrogel through crosslinking with CaCl2 solution. The biocompatibility of the obtained composite material was tested with a live dead cell staining by using MG-63 Cells. The loading procedure via vacuum assisted directional flow allowed complete filling of the pores of the ceramics within a few minutes (10 ± 3 min) while loading through simple immersion into the polymer solution or through a conventional vacuum method only gave incomplete filling

Kidsgarden

This thesis solves the desing documentation for implementation of kidsgarden. The land is situated in the village Kramolna. Land is oriented to the southwest. The kidsgarden is detached as two-store building without basement. In kidsgarden there are designed three departments for children´s stay and multipurpose hall. The total projected number of children is 60. The building is founded on footings and covered with a flat roof. The building project is completed in accordance with layout, architecture and structural design and safety in use

Additional file 2: of Sustained release of rhBMP-2 from microporous tricalciumphosphate using hydrogels as a carrier

Dataset supporting Fig. 4. (TXT 1 kb

Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced SiC Composite (C/SiSiC) as an Alternative Material for Endoprosthesis: Fabrication, Mechanical and In-Vitro Biological Properties

Particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic implant loosening are a major cause of compromising the long-term results of total joint replacements. To date, no implant has been able to mirror radically the tribological factors (friction/lubrication/wear) of in vivo tribological pairings. Carbon-Fibre Reinforced SiC-Composites (C/SiSiC), a material primarily developed for brake technology, has the opportunity to fulfil this requirement. Until now, the material itself has not been used in medicine. The aim of this investigation was to test the suitability of C/SiSiC ceramics as a new material for bearing couples in endoprosthetics. After the preparation of the composites flexural strength was determined as well as the Young’s-modulus and the coefficient of friction. To investigate in vitro biological properties, MG 63 and primary human osteoblasts were cultured on C/SiSiC composites. To review the proliferation, the cytotoxicity standardized tests were used. The cell morphology was observed by light microscopy, ESEM, confocal and 3D-laserscanning microscopy. C/SiSiC possesses a high resistance to wear. Cells exhibited no significant alterations in morphology. Vitality was not impaired by contact with the ceramic composite. There was no higher cytotoxicity to observe. Regarding these results, C/SiSiC ceramics seem to be biologically and mechanically appropriate for orthopaedic applications

3D Powder Printed Bioglass and β-Tricalcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds

The use of both bioglass (BG) and β tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for bone replacement applications has been studied extensively due to the materials’ high biocompatibility and ability to resorb when implanted in the body. 3D printing has been explored as a fast and versatile technique for the fabrication of porous bone scaffolds. This project investigates the effects of using different combinations of a composite BG and β-TCP powder for 3D printing of porous bone scaffolds. Porous 3D powder printed bone scaffolds of BG, β-TCP, 50/50 BG/β-TCP and 70/30 BG/β-TCP compositions were subject to a variety of characterization and biocompatibility tests. The porosity characteristics, surface roughness, mechanical strength, viability for cell proliferation, material cytotoxicity and in vitro bioactivity were assessed. The results show that the scaffolds can support osteoblast-like MG-63 cells growth both on the surface of and within the scaffold material and do not show alarming cytotoxicity; the porosity and surface characteristics of the scaffolds are appropriate. Of the two tested composite materials, the 70/30 BG/β-TCP scaffold proved to be superior in terms of biocompatibility and mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds makes them unsuitable for load bearing applications. However, they can be useful for other applications such as bone fillers