WingAnalogy: a computer vision-based tool for automated insect wing asymmetry and morphometry analysis.

WingAnalogy is a computer tool for automated insect wing morphology and asymmetry analysis. It facilitates project management, enabling users to import pairs of wing images obtained from individual insects, such as left and right, fore- and hindwings. WingAnalogy employs image processing and computer vision to segment wing structures and extract cell boundaries, and junctions.

Hyaluronate-heparin conjugate gels for the delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2).

The stability and activity of recombinant growth factors administered locally for the repair of damaged tissue can be directly influenced by the physical structure and chemical composition of the delivery matrix. This study describes a novel basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) delivery system synthesized by the conjugation of a structure-stabilizing polymer, hyaluronate (HA), with a sulfated glycosaminoglycan, heparin (HP), that has inherent specific binding sites for members of the FGF family. The biopolymers were formed via stable amine or labile imine bonds by coupling amine-modified HA with oxidized heparin.

Spinal fusion with recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 combined with a mineralized collagen matrix.

The availability of recombinant osteoinductive growth factors and new osteoconductive matrices offers an alternative to the use of autogenous bone (autograft) for grafting indications. This study evaluates the bone-forming activity of a mineralized collagen matrix combined with recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 in a rabbit posterolateral spinal fusion model. The activity of three distinct matrix-growth factor formulations is assessed by radiographic, histologic, and mechanical strength methods.

Inductive activity of recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5.

Growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) superfamily that is required for proper skeletal patterning and development in the vertebrate limb. Based on the homology of GDF-5 with other bone-inducing BMP family members, the inductive activity of a recombinant form of human GDF-5 (rhGDF-5) was evaluated in a series of in vitro assays and in vivo bone-formation models. The in vitro response to rhGDF-5 resulted in the formation of chondrogenic nodules in fetal rat calvarial cells cultured in the context of collagen or collagen/hyaluronate extracellular matrices.

Novel formulation of fibroblast growth factor-2 in a hyaluronan gel accelerates fracture healing in nonhuman primates.

Recent advances in understanding the biology of fracture healing and the availability of specific macromolecules has resulted in the development of novel treatments for injuries to bone. Fibroblast growth factor-2 or basic fibroblast growth factor (4 mg/ml), a potent mitogen, and hyaluronan (20 mg/ml), an extracellular matrix component, were combined into a viscous gel formulation intended for direct, percutaneous injection into fresh fractures. In an experimental primate fracture model, a bilateral 1-mm-gap osteotomy was surgically created in the fibulae of baboons.