This study introduces the first fabrication of porous titanium/hydroxyapatite interpenetrating phase composites through an innovative processing method. The approach combines additive manufacturing of a customized titanium skeleton with the infiltration of an injectable hydroxyapatite foam, followed by in situ foam hardening at physiological temperature. This biomimetic process circumvents ceramic sintering and metal casting, effectively avoiding the formation of secondary phases that can impair mechanical performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCharacterization of brain infarct lesions in rodent models of stroke is crucial to assess stroke pathophysiology and therapy outcome. Until recently, the analysis of brain lesions was performed using two techniques: (1) histological methods, such as TTC (Triphenyltetrazolium chloride), a time-consuming and inaccurate process; or (2) MRI imaging, a faster, 3D imaging method, that comes at a high cost. In the last decade, high-resolution micro-CT for 3D sample analysis turned into a simple, fast, and cheaper solution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe complex shape of embryonic cartilage represents a true challenge for phenotyping and basic understanding of skeletal development. X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) enables inspecting relevant tissues in all three dimensions; however, most 3D models are still created by manual segmentation, which is a time-consuming and tedious task. In this work, we utilised a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically segment the most complex cartilaginous system represented by the developing nasal capsule.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: X-ray microtomography (μCT) has become an invaluable tool for non-destructive analysis of biological samples in the field of developmental biology. Mouse embryos are a typical model for investigation of human developmental diseases. By obtaining 3D high-resolution scans of the mouse embryo heads, we gain valuable morphological information about the structures prominent in the development of future face, brain, and sensory organs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe role of seabirds as sea-land biovectors of nutrients is well documented. However, no studies have examined whether and how colonial seabirds that differ in diet may influence terrestrial vegetation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to describe and compare plant communities located in the vicinity of the two most common types of seabird colonies in Arctic, occupied by piscivorous or planktivorous species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe chalcone synthase (CHS) gene controls the first step in the flavonoid biosynthesis. In flax, CHS down-regulation resulted in tannin accumulation and reduction in lignin synthesis, but plant growth was not affected. This suggests that lignin content and thus cell wall characteristics might be modulated through CHS activity.
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