Osteoconduction in keratin-hydroxyapatite composite bone-graft substitutes.

Reconstituted keratin-hydroxyapatite (K-HA) composites have shown potential as nonload-bearing bone graft substitute material. This in vivo study investigated the bone regeneration response of keratin plus 40% HA composite materials in comparison to collagen counterparts and an unfilled defect site. The implantation site was a noncritical size defect created in the long bones (tibia) of sheep, with observations made at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks postimplantation.

Effects of chronic lithium administration on renal acid excretion in humans and rats.

Lithium therapy's most common side effects affecting the kidney are nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) and chronic kidney disease. Lithium may also induce a distal renal tubular acidosis. This study investigated the effect of chronic lithium exposure on renal acid-base homeostasis, with emphasis on ammonia and citrate excretion.