Osseointegration of hydroxyapatite and remodeling-resorption of tricalciumphosphate ceramics.

Background: Cancellous bone defects surrounded by still intact bone structures never heal. Ceramics offer a solution providing osteoconductive scaffolds.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether structured β-TCP and HA implants can reconstruct cancellous bone defects, which role micro- and macro-porosity, stiffness and surface area play; finally the indication for both materials based on its resorbability.

Value and limits of μ-CT for nondemineralized bone tissue processing.

An experimental approach was performed on 20 giant rabbits to establish the possibilities and limitations of μ-CT for routine processing of nondemineralized bone tissue. Hydroxyapatite (HA) or β-tricalciumphosphate (β-TCP) bead implants or a melange of both, microchambered and solid, were implanted into a standardized and precise defect in the patellar groove. The bone-healing phase was chosen for the histology considering 1 or 2 days, and 2, 3, and 6 weeks.

Ultrastructural changes in acute lung allograft rejection: novel insights from an animal study.

Background: Acute rejection (AR) episodes after lung transplantation (Tx) are orchestrated by cells of the innate and adaptive immune system targeting the engrafted organ. The assessment and classification of pathologic changes of AR relies essentially on conventional histology. Herein we apply the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify and characterize ultrastructural changes of the pulmonary graft after lung Tx.

Immunosuppression and lung cancer of donor origin after bilateral lung transplantation.

Analysis of databases from transplant recipients revealed a 3-5 fold higher risk to develop de novo malignancies under continued immunosuppression. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we describe a patient who received a bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage 'usual interstitial pneumonia' (UIP) resulting in idiopathic lung fibrosis.

How bone forms in large cancellous defects: critical analysis based on experimental work and literature.

The behaviour of physiological biomaterials, β-tricalciumphosphate and hydroxyapatite, is analysed based on current literature and our own experimental work. The properties of graft substitutes based on ceramic materials are clearly defined according to their scientific efficiency. The strength of the materials and their biodegradability are still not fully evaluated.