Abstract: A machine tool system capable of decreasing the operator's burden in setting the parameters. A machine tool system includes a working machine capable of machining a bar and a bar feeder capable of delivering the bar to the working machine according to the machining of the bar. The bar feeder delivers the bar in accordance with a set parameter. The bar feeder updates the parameter according to parameter information transmitted from the working machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter useful for the treatment of diseases such as articular disease and discopathy. The chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter contains, as an active ingredient, chondroitin sulfate glucuronyltransferase protein and/or chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 protein, or a gene encoding the enzyme protein(s).

Abstract: The invention provides a chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter useful for the treatment of diseases such as articular disease and discopathy. The chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter contains, as an active ingredient, chondroitin sulfate glucuronyltransferase protein and/or chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 protein, or a gene encoding the enzyme protein(s).

Abstract: A porous body comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers, which has a half-value period of strength of 0.8-1.6 hours, the half-value period of strength being the time until the strength of the porous body of 10 mm×10 mm×4 mm comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers is reduced to half, after the porous body degassed by pressure reduction to 3 kPa (absolute pressure) for 10 minutes in a phosphate buffer saline is given a 20-% strain at a speed of 10 mm/minute.

Abstract: This invention provides novel composite biomaterials having excellent bioadaptability and bone inductivity and a process for producing the same. The composite biomaterials comprise hydroxyapatite, collagen, and alginate and have microporous structures in which the c-axis of the hydroxyapatite is oriented along the collagen fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter useful for the treatment of diseases such as articular disease and discopathy. The chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter contains, as an active ingredient, chondroitin sulfate glucuronyltransferase protein and/or chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 protein, or a gene encoding the enzyme protein(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing porous and composite materials comprising steps of: freezing a complex containing at least one calcium salt selected from calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite and collagen, at least a part of which is gelatinized; and then lyophilizing the resultant. The porous and composite materials obtained by the method of the present invention have large pore diameters, high porosities, and adequate mechanical strengths and biodegradability. Thus, they are suitable for implants such as bone fillers, drug carriers for sustained-release, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides novel composite biomaterials having excellent bioadaptability and bone inductivity and a process for producing the same. The composite biomaterials comprise hydroxyapatite, collagen, and alginate and have microporous structures in which the c-axis of the hydroxyapatite is oriented along the collagen fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial vertebra having a bone-marrow regenerating function, comprising a hydroxyapatite (HAp)/collagen (Col) composite body formed by pressure-dehydrating a coprecipitate of hydroxyapatite and collagen to have a nanocomposite structure in which HAp particles are conjugated along a Col fiber while aligned each of the c-axes of the HAp particles along the Col fiber. The HAp/Col composite body is formed with a perforated aperture for allowing a blood vessel and an osteogenic cell to intrude thereinto. The present invention also provides a biodecomposable/bioabsorbable support for fixing an artificial vertebra, comprising a polylactic acid plate prepared by injection-molding molten polylactic acid and then extrusion-molding the injection-molded polylactic acid in such a manner that it is draw-oriented in a uniaxial direction. The plate has four corner regions each formed with a screw hole for fixing the plate to vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material for sustained chemical-release in vivo, which comprises a hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) nanocomposite formed as a coprecipitate, and a chemical consisting at least one of a drug and a bioactive substance including a growth factor and a DNA enzyme. The hydroxyapatite (HAp) has a specific surface area in the range of 50 to 300 m2/g. The hydroxyapatite (HAp) and the collagen (Col) are combined in such a manner that the crystals of the hydroxyapatite (HAp) are oriented in the C-axis direction around the fibers of the collagen (Col). The chemical is carried on the surface of the hydroxyapatite (HAp), the surface of the collagen (Col) and in a hydrated water of the hydroxyapatite (HAp) and the collagen (Col). The sustained chemical-release material can be prepared in the form of a bioabsorbable capsule, or in the form of allowing in vivo administration by injection and in-vivo gelation after said administration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing porous and composite materials comprising steps of: freezing a complex containing at least one calcium salt selected from calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite and collagen, at least a part of which is gelatinized; and then lyophilizing the resultant. The porous and composite materials obtained by the method of the present invention have large pore diameters, high porosities, and adequate mechanical strengths and biodegradability. Thus, they are suitable for implants such as bone fillers, drug carriers for sustained-release, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biomaterial for nerve reconstruction, which comprises chitin or chitosan with a surface modified by a laminin fragment having an amino acid sequence of YIGSR or IKVAV.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial vertebra having a bone-marrow regenerating function, comprising a hydroxyapatite (HAp)/collagen (Col) composite body formed by pressure-dehydrating a coprecipitate of hydroxyapatite and collagen to have a nanocomposite structure in which HAp particles are conjugated along a Col fiber while aligned each of the c-axes of the HAp particles along the Col fiber. The HAp/Col composite body is formed with a perforated aperture for allowing a blood vessel and an osteogenic cell to intrude thereinto. The present invention also provides a biodecomposable/bioabsorbable support for fixing an artificial vertebra, comprising a polylactic acid plate prepared by injection-molding molten polylactic acid and then extrusion-molding the injection-molded polylactic acid in such a manner that it is draw-oriented in a uniaxial direction. The plate has four corner regions each formed with a screw hole for fixing the plate to vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A novel medicine capable of inducing osteogenesis at lower dosage is provided. The osteogenesis inducing medicine contains a lipid-bound glycosaminoglycan, composed of a glycosaminoglycan conjugated with a lipid, or a pharmacologycally accepted salt of the lipid-bound glycosaminoglycan as the effective ingredient of the medicine.