Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant device, in particular an implant device placed between bony, cartilaginous or soft tissues or between prosthetic surfaces to restore or create a gap. More particular the present invention is directed to an implant device made from polymeric material and having a stiffness gradient as well as a limited dimensional deformation, wherein the implant device has a stiffness gradient and a limited dimensional deformation and preferably is at least partially anisotropic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant device, in particular an implant device placed between bony, cartilaginous or soft tissues or between prosthetic surfaces to restore or create a gap. More particular the present invention is directed to an implant device made from polymeric material and having a stiffness gradient as well as a limited dimensional deformation, wherein the implant device has a stiffness gradient and a limited dimensional deformation and preferably is at least partially anisotropic.

Abstract: The present application discloses the Tv-stp-1 serine/threonine phosphatase gene from Trichostrongylus vitrinus, and compounds that are useful as invertebrate control agents.

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, two lateral sections defining a central axis, and a substantially hollow interior chamber, each section having a superior and inferior vertebral contacting surface. The hollow chamber is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section.

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material having a circular-shaped hollow body with a sleeve. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, and two lateral sections defining a central axis. The hollow body is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section. The surface of the bone implant has surface irregularities of at least 2 ?m, and the at least two partitions have at least one perforation.

Abstract: A bioactive surface layer that is particularly suited for medical implants and prostheses. A variable portion of the 0.1 to 50.0 ?m thick, porous surface layer includes calcium phosphate phases. The surface layer contains amorphous or nanocrystalline calcium phosphates and the pore density on the surface of the surface layer ranges from 104 to 108 pores/mm2. The ratio of Ca/P over the entire surface layer ranges from 0.5 to 2.0. The surface layer has a high solubility so that it can act as a contributor of calcium phosphate for the formation of bone.

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material having a circular-shaped hollow body with a sleeve. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, and two lateral sections defining a central axis. The hollow body is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section. The surface of the bone implant has surface irregularities of at least 2 &mgr;m, and the at least two partitions have at least one perforation.

Abstract: A PCR-based method for the identification of species of the genus Eimeria, (commonly known as coccidia), is described. The method is genus-specific and utilizes either, or both, of two novel primer sets; designated WW1 (SEQ ID NO:31) and WW3r (SEQ ID NO:32), and, WW2 (SEQ ID NO:33) and WW4r (SEQ ID NO:34).

Abstract: A bioactive surface layer with 0.01 &mgr;m to 5 mm thickness is suitable for a metallic bone implant. The surface layer has the following composition: (A) calcium compounds (CaX) consisting of crystalline calcium phosphate (CaP), calcium apatites (CaAp) and/or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in a proportion expressed by the following equation: 100% (CaX)=&Sgr;[x % (CaP)+y % (CaCO3)], in which x+y+z=100, 0≦x≦100; 0≦y≦100; 0≦z≦100, and in the form of particles 20 nm to 4 mm; and (B) amorphous or crystalline metal oxide (MeO). The ratio between CAX and MeO in the surface layer can be preferably varied as a result of the specific coating process. The thickness of the surface layer lies between 0.01 &mgr;m and 5 mm and the CaX particles are 20 nm to 4 mm large.

Abstract: A shaft for an articulation endoprosthesis has a metallic core (1), a proximally connected neck part (10) and an envelope (2) made of a non-metallic, elastic material that distally surrounds the core. Adherence between the core (1) and the envelope is ensured by a form fit and/or by a frictional connection. The non-metallic material of the envelope has a modulus of elasticity between 500 and 10,000 N/mm.sup.2. The envelope is provided with an additional superficial layer (3) made of biocompatible material having thickness of less that 600 .mu.m and a higher surface hardness than the envelope (2).