Toll-like receptor 9 expression in mucoepidermoid salivary gland carcinoma may associate with good prognosis.

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. Although several biomarkers have been evaluated, histological grade remains the most valuable prognostic marker. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is an immune receptor recognizing microbial DNA.

Collagen and mineral deposition in rabbit cortical bone during maturation and growth: effects on tissue properties.

We characterized the composition and mechanical properties of cortical bone during maturation and growth and in adult life in the rabbit. We hypothesized that the collagen network develops earlier than the mineralized matrix. Growth was monitored, and the rabbits were euthanized at birth (newborn), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months of age.

Biomechanical, biochemical and structural correlations in immature and mature rabbit articular cartilage.

Objective: The structure and composition of articular cartilage change during development and growth. These changes lead to alterations in the mechanical properties of cartilage. In the present study, biomechanical, biochemical and structural relationships of articular cartilage during growth and maturation of rabbits are investigated.

Comparison of single-phase isotropic elastic and fibril-reinforced poroelastic models for indentation of rabbit articular cartilage.

Classically, single-phase isotropic elastic (IE) model has been used for in situ or in vivo indentation analysis of articular cartilage. The model significantly simplifies cartilage structure and properties. In this study, we apply a fibril-reinforced poroelastic (FRPE) model for indentation to extract more detailed information on cartilage properties.

Changes in subchondral bone mineral density and collagen matrix organization in growing horses.

Objective: The effects of growth and maturation on the mineral deposition and the collagen framework of equine subchondral bone (SCB) were studied.

Materials And Methods: Osteochondral specimens (diameter 6 mm) from the left metacarpophalangeal joint of 5-(n=8), 11-(n=8) and 18-month-old (n=6) horses were investigated at two differently loaded sites (Site 1 (S1): intermittent peak loading; Site 2 (S2): habitual loading). The SCB mineral density (BMD) was measured with peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT), and the data were adjusted against the volume fraction (Vv) of the bone extracellular matrix (ECM).