Linear elastic fracture mechanics predicts that joint orientation is controlled by the stress field in which the joints propagate. Thus joint sets are effective proxies for stress trajectories during joint growth. Complexity in joint orientation indicates stress trajectory variability, a phenomenon quantified using an eigenvalue method that measures dispersion of joint normal vectors (i.e. pole...

We report the findings from independent prospective clinical and laboratory-based joint-simulator studies of the performance of ceramic femoral heads of 22.225 mm diameter in cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) acetabular cups. We found remarkable qualitative and quantitative agreement between the clinical and simulator results for the wear characteristics with time, and confirmed that ceramic femo...

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a degenerative joint condition developing in a short time frame in young growing gilts that may cause lameness at an older age, affecting welfare and leading to premature culling of breeding sows. Causes of OC are multifactorial including both genetic and environmental factors. Floor type has been suggested to affect OC prevalence and effects might be age dependent durin...

various cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have suggested that synthetic bedding is associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema while feather bedding seems to be protective. synthetic bedding items have higher house dust mite allergen levels than feather bedding items. this is possibly the mechanism involved although fungal and bacterial proinflammatory compounds and volatile org...

Two hundred seventy-three crossbred steer calves were fed until slaughter (November through May, 189 days) in either semi-confinement (partial overhead shelter, 88 sq. ft. per steer, concrete pen surface) or conventional open lots (windbreak, 448 sq. ft. per steer, dirt surface with mound). Within each housing system, cattle were provided with no bedding or bedding in the form of oat straw or s...

Laboratory facilities use many varieties of contact bedding, including wood chips, paper products, and corncob, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Corncob bedding, for example, is often used because of its high absorbency, ability to minimize detectable ammonia, and low cost. However, observations that mice eat the corncob lead to concerns that its use can interfere with dietary st...

Despite dairy farmers’ awareness of the importance of correct bedding for the health and comfort of their cows, they are often frugal with respect to these bedding materials in order to reduce costs. In addition, farmers are currently dependent on the availability and price fluctuations of traditional bedding materials. For these reasons, the scientific literature as well as the trade press poi...

There is growing appreciation that estrogen signaling pathways can be modulated by naturally occurring environmental compounds such as phytoestrogens and the more recently discovered xenoestrogens. Many researchers studying the effects of estrogens on brain function or behavior in animal models choose to use phytoestrogen-free food for this reason. Corncob bedding is commonly used in animal fac...