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Human Bone (human + bone)
Terms modified by Human Bone Selected AbstractsDifferentiating Human Bone from Animal Bone: A Review of Histological MethodsJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2007Maria L. Hillier M.Sc. ABSTRACT: This review brings together a complex and extensive literature to address the question of whether it is possible to distinguish human from nonhuman bone using the histological appearance of cortical bone. The mammalian species included are rat, hare, badger, racoon dog, cat, dog, pig, cow, goat, sheep, deer, horse, water buffalo, bear, nonhuman primates, and human and are therefore not exhaustive, but cover those mammals that may contribute to a North American or Eurasian forensic assemblage. The review has demonstrated that differentiation of human from certain nonhuman species is possible, including small mammals exhibiting Haversian bone tissue and large mammals exhibiting plexiform bone tissue. Pig, cow, goat, sheep, horse, and water buffalo exhibit both plexiform and Haversian bone tissue and where only Haversian bone tissue exists in bone fragments, differentiation of these species from humans is not possible. Other primate Haversian bone tissue is also not distinguishable from humans. Where differentiation using Haversian bone tissue is undertaken, both the general microstructural appearance and measurements of histological structures should be applied. Haversian system diameter and Haversian canal diameter are the most optimal and diagnostic measurements to use. Haversian system density may be usefully applied to provide an upper and lower limit for humans. [source] An in,vitro Assay to Measure Targeted Drug Delivery to Bone MineralCHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 5 2010Wolfgang Jahnke Dr. Abstract Targeted delivery of drugs to their site of action is a promising strategy to decrease adverse effects and enhance efficacy, but successful applications of this strategy have been scarce. Human bone is a tissue with unique properties due to its high hydroxyapatite mineral content. However, with the exception of bisphosphonates, bone mineral has not been targeted in a successful clinical application of drugs that act on bone, such as anti-resorptive or bone anabolic agents. Herein we present an NMR-based in,vitro assay to measure binding affinities of small molecules to hydroxyapatite (HAP) or bone powder. Binding was shown to be specific and competitive, and the assay can be carried out in a direct binding format or in competition mode. A selection of clinically relevant bisphosphonates was ranked by their binding affinity for HAP. The binding affinity decreases in the order: pamidronate > alendronate > zoledronate > risedronate > ibandronate. The differences in binding affinities span a factor of 2.1 between pamidronate and ibandronate, consistent with previous studies. The rank order is very similar with bone powder, although the binding capacity of bone powder is smaller and binding kinetics are slower. A zoledronate derivative that lacks the central hydroxy group binds to HAP with 2.3-fold weaker affinity than zoledronate itself. Any small molecule can be analyzed for its binding to HAP or bone powder, and the binding of common bone-staining agents such as alizarin and its derivatives was confirmed in the new assay. This assay supports a strategy for targeted delivery of drugs to bone by attaching a bone-affinity tag to the active drug substance. [source] Selective Electron Beam Melting of Cellular Titanium: Mechanical PropertiesADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2008P. Heinl Cellular titanium seems to be a promising material for medical implant applications due to an elastic modulus comparable with human bone and an interconnected porosity which facilitates bone ingrowth. This paper reports the mechanical properties of non-stochastic cellular Ti-6Al-4V structures fabricated by Selective Electron Beam Melting depending on different unit cell sizes and varying energy input per unit length of the electron beam. [source] A Unique Microcracking Process Associated with the Inelastic Deformation of Haversian BoneADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2009Vincent Ebacher Abstract Since the discovery of the Haversian system in human bone over three hundred years ago, researchers have been wondering about its mechanical advantages. Despite positive experimental evidences on the intervention of Haversian systems in the fracture process, the contributions of Haversian systems to bone fracture have been obscure. Here a unique microcracking process accompanying the inelastic deformation of Haversian bone is reported that may shine light on its structural advantages over other bones. When compressed transversely, the concentric bone lamellae surrounding each Haversian canal allow multiple radial microcracks and arc-shaped cracks to develop intralamellarly. Groups of circumferential arc-shaped microcracks develop in high shear zones and radiate out in oblique directions from each Haversian canal. At the cortical bone level, where the Haversian systems are randomly distributed within the interstitial matrix, multiple nucleations and stable development of such arc-shaped cracks happen to most Haversian systems progressively. As a result, Haversian bone is not sensitive to the presence of Haversian canals and demonstrates high inelastic strains at macroscopic level. [source] Hepatic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived UE7T-13 cells: Effects of cytokines and CCN family gene expressionHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2007Takashi Shimomura Aim:, Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are expected to be an excellent source of cells for transplantation. We aimed to study the culture conditions and involved genes to differentiate MSC into hepatocytes. Methods:, The culture conditions to induce the efficient differentiation of human bone marrow-derived UE7T-13 cells were examined using cytokines, hormones, 5-azacytidine and type IV collagen. Results:, We found that combination of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with type IV collagen coating induced hepatic differentiation of UE7T-13 cells at over 30% frequency, where expression of albumin mRNA was increased over 20-fold. The differentiated cells had functions of albumin production, glycogen synthesis and urea secretion as well as expressing hepatocyte-specific genes. In addition, these cellshave binuclear and cuboidal morphology, which is a characteristic feature of hepatocytes. During hepatic differentiation, UE7T-13 cells showed depressed expression of WISP1 and WISP2 genes, members of the CCN family. Conversely, knockdown of WISP1 or WISP2 gene by siRNA stimulated hepatic differentiation. The effect of aFGF/bFGF/HGF/type IV collagen coating and WISP1-siRNA on hepatic differentiation was additive. Conclusion:, The present study suggests that aFGF/bFGF/HGF/type IV collagen coating is the efficient condition for hepatic differentiation of UE7T-13 cells, and that WISP1 and WISP2 play an important role in hepatic transdifferentiation of these cells. [source] Bulk Metallic Glasses with Functional Physical PropertiesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 45 2009W. H. Wang Abstract In this review, we report on the formation of a variety of novel, metallic, glassy materials that might well have applications as functional materials. The metallic glasses, with excellent glass-forming ability, display many fascinating properties and features such as excellent wave-absorption ability, exceptionally low glass-transition temperatures (,35,60,°C) approaching room temperature, ultralow elastic moduli comparable to that of human bone, high elasticity and high strength, superplasticity and polymer-like thermoplastic formability near room temperature, an excellent magnetocaloric effect, hard magnetism and tunable magnetic properties, heavy-fermion behavior, superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity, and polyamorphism, all of which are of interest not only for basic research but also for technological applications. A strategy based on elastic-moduli correlations for fabrication of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with controllable properties is presented. The work has implications in the search for novel metallic glasses with unique functional properties, for advancing our understanding of the nature and formation of glasses, and for extending the applications of the materials. [source] High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the investigation of gout in palaeopathologyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 2 2010D. Swinson Abstract Gout is a disease caused by the abnormal accumulation of uric acid in the body, which can result in sodium urate crystals forming tophi at joints, with associated erosion of bone and cartilage. Only two examples of tophi have been reported from archaeological individuals, and the diagnosis of gout based on dry bone manifestations can be difficult. This paper presents preliminary results of a new technique to aid the diagnosis of gout in palaeopathology, namely high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Five archaeological skeletons with suspected gout (diagnosed using visual and radiological analysis) and three controls were analysed. Two of the gouty individuals had a white powder in their erosive lesions. HPLC showed the presence of uric acid in bone in four of the five individuals with evidence of gouty arthritis and was negative for uric acid in bone from the three controls. The white powder was also positive for uric acid. With reliance on the presence of articular erosions, cases of gout will be missed in archaeological human bone. HPLC measurement of uric acid could prove useful in the differential diagnosis of erosive arthropathy in archaeology. It may also be useful in identifying individuals with an increased body pool of uric acid, linked to conditions included in the term ,metabolic syndrome'. As a result, HPLC uric acid measurement also has the potential to provide additional information on health and lifestyle in past communities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Necropoli of Pill'e Matta Quartucciu (Cagliari, Sardinia): wild bee and solitary wasp activity and bone diagenetic factorsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 3 2009E. Pittoni Abstract During the excavation at the necropolis and the laboratory studies, a variety of damage was found in the human bone remains. This damage included round holes, irregular bone destruction and irregular etching. This can be found especially in the skulls and in the long bones, and sometimes in the vertebrae and on the hands and feet. The exceptionality of this demanded meticulous study in order to define whether it was a diagenetic phenomenon of biological origin. Further studies revealed that the damage to the bones was produced by three kinds of Hymenoptera that build galleries: one of these belongs to the Sphecidae family, the other two to the Halictidae family. During the excavation of a grave it had been observed that a Halictidae had invaded the burial context and consequently contributed to the taphonomic and diagenetic process. The laboratory activities were directed towards the measurement of the damage to the human bone remains in 45 tombs. A histogram shows that the holes are not the result of accidental lesions, and the more frequent percentage values show similarities with the dimensions of holes built by the insects. The observations and the results of the study at the archaeological site enabled me to establish how significant the role of the insects had been, in particular of the Hymenoptera, in modifying the condition of the bone remains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Anthropological and physicochemical investigation of the burnt remains of Tomb IX in the ,Sa Figu' hypogeal necropolis (Sassari, Italy) , Early Bronze AgeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 2 2008G. Piga Abstract Excavations carried out in Tomb IX of the hypogeic necropolis of ,Sa Figu', near the village of Ittiri (Sassari, Italy), supplied burnt human bone remains and pottery unambiguously referred to the Early Bronze Age (characterised by the local culture of ,Bonnannaro'). Besides the anthropological study, we have investigated and evaluated the possibility of a funerary cremation practice in Sardinian pre-history, a subject that has previously not been considered from a scientific point of view. Making use of a calibration procedure based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) line-broadening analysis, related to the microstructural properties, it was possible to estimate the combustion temperature to which the fragmented bones were subjected. It was found that the studied bones reached temperatures varying from 400°C up to a maximum of 850°C. This spread of values suggested inhomogeneous combustion of the bones, which seems compatible with funerary cremation practices. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analysis and interpretation of flint toolmarks found on bones from West Tump long barrow, GloucestershireINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2004M. J. Smith Abstract West Tump is a Neolithic chambered tomb originally excavated in 1880. The mound was found to contain a mixed skeletal assemblage, the majority of which was disarticulated. Between 2000 and 2001 material from the site including human bone was re-examined with a portion of this project focused on taphonomic evidence observed on the human skeletal material. Amongst the factors selected for investigation were deliberate toolmarks. Three specimens were identified as exhibiting toolmarks. Analysis demonstrated that the observed features were cutmarks, consistent with the use of flint tools. However those on two of the specimens were found to be both post-mortem and recent. The cutmarks observed on the remaining specimen, a right clavicle, were identified as having been inflicted during the peri-mortem period and consistent with decapitation. British Neolithic mortuary practice has been the subject of ongoing debate since the earliest excavations of relevant sites, but until very recently few assemblages from such contexts have been re-examined and much of the data in use has derived from sources of considerable age and questionable reliability. The selective removal of specific skeletal elements (particularly skulls) has repeatedly been described in the literature regarding the collective funerary monuments of this period. It has often been assumed that such practices took place after the soft tissues had decayed. One of the examples discussed, suggests this may not always have been the case and the potential significance of this finding is discussed in addition to a possible interpretation of the cutmarks seen on the remaining specimens. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Destruction of microstructure in archaeological bone: a case study from PortugalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Mary Jackes Abstract Sampling of archaeological human bone may not be justified, contrary to former high expectations regarding adult age assessment based on histomorphometry. The alterations in buried bone as a result of bacterial action are readily visible in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). An understanding of the chemical and structural changes to cortical bone requires work at the level of a few microns. This paper reports on problems encountered during analyses of samples of human bone from Mesolithic (ca. 8000 calbp) shell midden sites at Muge in central Portugal, and the methods used to try and overcome these problems. We believe we have shown that these Mesolithic bones are partly comprised of bacterially reprecipitated mineral, which has had collagen removed, with consequent obliteration of bone microstructure. We conclude that microbial destruction of the structure of archaeological bone can be a serious impediment to analysis of the characteristics of the population represented by those skeletal remains. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comments on Neutron diffraction studies of collagen in human cancellous bone by Skakle & Aspden (2002)JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2004Sidney Lees Comments are made on a paper by Skakle & Aspden [J. Appl. Cryst. (2002), 35, 506508] regarding the lateral spacing of collagen in human bone. [source] Natural bone collagen scaffold combined with OP-1 for bone formation induction in vivoJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Yu Qian Abstract The scaffold is a key element to osteogenic tissue engineering as it provides a microenvironment for bone formation. Natural bone collagen scaffold (NBCS) is a novel biomaterial scaffold acid-extracted from organic human bone. The objective of this study was to characterize NBCS and evaluate the osteoconductivity of the scaffold, in combination with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), using a rabbit posteolateral lumbar fusion model. Thirty two rabbits were divided into 4 experimental groups, autograft, NBCS alone, OP-1 alone or NBCS combined with OP-1. Bone formation was evaluated by micro-CT, quantitative histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR at 6 weeks postoperatively. By scanning electronic microscope, we showed that NBCS maintains a porous, interconnecting microarchitecture. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that NBCS combined with OP-1 significantly induced (p < 0.01) bone formation at the fusion site as compared to control groups. This was confirmed by quantitative histological analysis which demonstrated that the NBCS combined with OP-1 significantly enhanced bone matrix area (17.7 mm2) (p < 0.05) and bone marrow cavity size (71.3 mm2) (p < 0.05) as compared to the controls. Immunohistochemical assessment and RT-PCR also demonstrated that NBCS combined with OP-1 enhanced type I collagen and osteonectin expression. Together, these results suggest that NBCS is an effective scaffold for osteogenesis, and combined with growth factors such as OP-1, possesses both osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties that are sufficient for bone regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [source] Treatment of Skeletally Mature Ovariectomized Rhesus Monkeys With PTH(1-84) for 16 Months Increases Bone Formation and Density and Improves Trabecular Architecture and Biomechanical Properties at the Lumbar Spine,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007John Fox PhD Abstract Histomorphometric studies of treatments for osteoporosis in humans are restricted to iliac crest biopsies. We studied the effects of PTH(1-84) treatment at the lumbar spine of skeletally mature ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. PTH increased bone turnover, rapidly normalized BMD, and increased vertebral compressive strength. PTH increased trabecular bone volume primarily by increasing trabecular number by markedly increasing intratrabecular tunneling. Introduction: Histomorphometric studies of the anabolic properties of PTH(1-84) (PTH) and related peptides in human bone are restricted to iliac crest biopsies. The ovariectomized (OVX) monkey is an accepted model of human postmenopausal bone loss and was used to study the effects of PTH treatment at clinically relevant skeletal sites. Materials and Methods: Skeletally mature rhesus monkeys were OVX or sham-operated and, after a bone depletion period of 9 months, treated daily for 16 months with PTH (5, 10, or 25 ,g/kg). Markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin) and resorption (urine N-telopeptide [NTX]) and lumbar spine BMD were measured throughout the study. Trabecular architecture and vertebral biomechanical properties were quantified at 16 months. Results: PTH treatment induced dose-dependent increases in bone turnover but did not increase serum calcium. Osteocalcin was significantly increased above OVX controls by 1 month. NTX was significantly elevated at 1 month with the highest dose, but not until 12 months with the 5 and 10 ,g/kg doses. Lumbar spine BMD was 5% lower in OVX than in sham animals when treatment was started. All PTH doses increased BMD rapidly, with sham levels restored by 3,7 months with 10 and 25 ,g/kg and by 16 months with 5 ,g/kg. PTH treatment increased trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), primarily by increasing trabecular number, and dose-dependently increased bone formation rate (BFR) solely by increasing mineralizing surface. The largest effects on BV/TV and yield load occurred with the 10 ,g/kg dose. The highest dose reduced trabecular thickness by markedly increasing intratrabecular tunneling. Conclusions: PTH treatment of OVX rhesus monkeys increased bone turnover and increased BV/TV, BMD, and strength at the lumbar spine. All PTH doses were safe, but the 10 ,g/kg dose was generally optimal, possibly because the highest dose resulted in too marked a stimulation of bone remodeling. [source] A Novel Tetracycline Labeling Schedule for Longitudinal Evaluation of the Short-Term Effects of Anabolic Therapy With a Single Iliac Crest Bone Biopsy: Early Actions of Teriparatide,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006Robert Lindsay MD Abstract We describe a quadruple tetracycline labeling method that allows longitudinal assessment of short-term changes in bone formation in a single biopsy. We show that 1 month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation. Introduction: Iliac crest biopsy, with histomorphometric evaluation, provides important information about cellular activity in bone. However, to obtain longitudinal information, repeat biopsies must be performed. In this study, we show the capability to obtain short-term longitudinal information on bone formation in a single biopsy using a novel, quadruple labeling technique. Materials and Methods: Two tetracycline labels were administered using a standard 3 days on, 12 days off, 3 days on format. Four weeks later, the tetracycline labeling was repeated using the same schedule but with a different tetracycline that can be distinguished from the first by its color under fluorescent light. Iliac crest biopsies were performed 1 week later and prepared undecalcified for histomorphometry. Indices of bone formation 1 month apart were measured and calculated using the two sets of labels. We used this method to investigate the early effects of teriparatide [hPTH(1-34)] treatment on bone formation. The results were compared with those from a group of control subjects who were quadruple-labeled, but did not receive hPTH(1-34). Results: Treatment with hPTH(1-34) dramatically stimulated bone formation on cancellous and endocortical surfaces. This was achieved by both an increase in the linear rate of matrix apposition and extension of the bone-forming surface. New bone was deposited on previously quiescent surfaces (i.e., modeling-based formation), but a proportion of this could occur by encroachment from adjacent resorption cavities. Conclusions: A single transiliac crest bone biopsy, after sequential administration of two sets of tetracycline labels is a useful approach to study the short-term effects of anabolic agents on human bone. One month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation. [source] Gap junctional communication in human osteoclasts in vitro and in vivoJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 6a 2008A. F. Schilling Abstract Bone-forming cells are known to be coupled by gap junctions, formed primarily by connexin43 (Cx43). The role of Cx43 in osteoclasts has so far only been studied in rodents, where Cx43 is important for fusion of mononuclear precursors to osteoclasts. Given the potential importance for human diseases with pathologically altered osteoclasts, we asked whether a similar influence of Cx43 can also be observed in osteoclasts of human origin. For this purpose, Cx43 mRNA expression was studied in a time course experiment of human osteoclast differentiation by RT-PCR. Localization of Cx43 in these cells was determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. For the assessment of the effect of gap junction inhibition on cell fusion, gap junctions were blocked with heptanol during differentiation of the cells and the cells were then evaluated for multinuclearity. Paraffin sections of healthy bone and bone from patients with Paget's disease and giant cell tumour of the bone were used to study Cx43 expression in vivo. We found mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 in fully differentiated osteoclasts as well as in precursor cells. This expression decreased in the course of differentiation. Consistently, we found a lower expression of Cx43 in osteoclasts than in bone marrow precursor cells in the histology of healthy human bone. Blockade of gap junctional communication by heptanol led to a dose-dependent decrease in multinuclearity, suggesting that gap junctional communication precedes cell fusion of human osteoclasts. Indeed, we found a particularly strong expression of Cx43 in the giant osteoclasts of patients with Paget's disease and giant cell tumour of the bone. These results show that gap junctional communication is important for fusion of human mononuclear precursor cells to osteoclasts and that gap junctional Cx43 might play a role in the regulation of size and multinuclearity of human osteoclasts in vivo. [source] In vitro differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to epithelial lineageJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Virgil P, unescu Abstract Our study examined whether human bone marrow-derived MSCs are able to differentiate, in vitro, into functional epithelial-like cells. MSCs were isolated from the sternum of 8 patients with different hematological disorders. The surface phenotype of these cells was characterized. To induce epithelial differentiation, MSCs were cultured using Epidermal Growth Factor, Keratinocyte Growth Factor, Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Insulin-like growth Factor-II. Differentiated cells were further characterized both morphologically and functionally by their capacity to express markers with specificity for epithelial lineage. The expression of cytokeratin 19 was assessed by immunocytochemistry, and cytokeratin 18 was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (Taq-man). The data demonstrate that human MSCs isolated from human bone marrow can differentiate into epithelial-like cells and may thus serve as a cell source for tissue engineering and cell therapy of epithelial tissue. [source] Rotating three-dimensional dynamic culture of adult human bone marrow-derived cells for tissue engineering of hyaline cartilageJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Shinsuke Sakai Abstract The method of constructing cartilage tissue from bone marrow-derived cells in vitro is considered a valuable technique for hyaline cartilage regenerative medicine. Using a rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor developed in a NASA space experiment, we attempted to efficiently construct hyaline cartilage tissue from human bone marrow-derived cells without using a scaffold. Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the iliac crest of nine patients during orthopedic operation. After their proliferation in monolayer culture, the adherent cells were cultured in the RWV bioreactor with chondrogenic medium for 2 weeks. Cells from the same source were cultured in pellet culture as controls. Histological and immunohistological evaluations (collagen type I and II) and quantification of glycosaminoglycan were performed on formed tissues and compared. The engineered constructs obtained using the RWV bioreactor showed strong features of hyaline cartilage in terms of their morphology as determined by histological and immunohistological evaluations. The glycosaminoglycan contents per µg DNA of the tissues were 10.01,±,3.49 µg/µg DNA in the case of the RWV bioreactor and 6.27,±,3.41 µg/µg DNA in the case of the pellet culture, and their difference was significant. The RWV bioreactor could provide an excellent environment for three-dimensional cartilage tissue architecture that can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of adult human bone marrow-derived cells. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 517,521, 2009 [source] Multilineage mesenchymal differentiation potential of human trabecular bone-derived cellsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 5 2002Ulrich Nöth Abstract Explant cultures of adult human trabecular bone fragments give rise to osteoblastic cells, that are known to express osteoblast-related genes and mineralize extracellular matrix. These osteoblastic cells have also been shown to undergo adipogenesis in vitro and chondrogenesis in vivo. Here we report the in vitro developmental potential of adult human osteoblastic cells (hOB) derived from explant cultures of collagenase-pretreated trabecular bone fragments. In addition to osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, these cells are capable of chondrogenic differentiation in vitro in a manner similar to adult human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells. High-density pellet cultures of hOB maintained in chemically defined serum-free medium, supplemented with transforming growth factor-,1, were composed of morphologically distinct, chondrocyte-like cells expressing mRNA transcripts of collagen types II, IX and X, and aggrecan. The cells within the high-density pellet cultures were surrounded by a sulfated prote-oglycan-rich extracellular matrix that immunostained for collagen type II and proteoglycan link protein. Osteogenic differentiation of hOB was verified by an increased number of alkaline phosphatase-positive cells, that expressed osteoblast-related transcripts such as alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteopontin and osteocalcin, and formed mineralized matrix in monolayer cultures treated with ascorbate, ,-glycerophosphate, and bone morphogenetic protein-2. Adipogenic differentiation of hOB was determined by the appearance of intracellular lipid droplets, and expression of adipocyte-specific genes, such as lipoprotein lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ,2, in monolayer cultures treated with dexamethasone, indomethacin, insulin and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine. Taken together, these results show that cells derived from collagenase-treated adult human trabecular bone fragments have the potential to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages in vitro, indicating their developmental plasticity and suggesting their mesenchymal progenitor nature. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] Age, gender, and bone lamellae elastic moduliJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000C. E. Hoffler To enhance preventative and therapeutic strategies for metabolic bone diseases and bone fragility disorders, we began to explore the physical properties of bone tissue at the cellular level. Proximal femurs were harvested from 27 cadavera (16 male and 11 female) for in vitro measurement of the mechanical properties. We measured the variations in lamellar-level elastic modulus and hardness in human bone as a function of age and gender to identify microstructural properties responsible for age and gender-related reductions in the mechanical integrity. The lateral femoral necks were examined, and age, gender, height, body mass, and body mass index were not found to correlate with lamellar-level elastic modulus or hardness. This result was consistent for osteonal, interstitial, and trabecular tissue. These data suggest that increased bone mass maintenance, known to occur in heavier individuals, is not accompanied by increases in the lamellar-level elastic modulus or hardness. The independence of elastic modulus and hardness from age and gender suggests that age and gender-related decreases in mechanical integrity do not involve alterations in elastic modulus or hard ness of the extracellular matrix. Lamellar-level ultimate, fatigue, and fracture toughness properties should also be investigated. Other factors, such as tissue mass and organization, may also contribute to age and gender-related decreases in the mechanical integrity. [source] Precipitation of Carbonated Calcium Phosphate Powders from a Highly Supersaturated Simulated Body Fluid SolutionJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2007Ingo Hofmann Carbonated hydroxy apatite (CHA) powders were prepared by precipitation from a modified simulated body fluid (5 × M-SBF). The ionic concentrations were five times higher than in human blood plasma with the exception of Mg2+ and HCO3, concentrations that were reduced in order to accelerate crystal growth. Spheroaggregates of CHA platelets with molar (Ca+Mg)/P ratios ranging from 1.44 to 1.56 were obtained after precipitation at 50°C. The crystallite size in the c direction was approximately 31 nm and depending on the precipitation time, a CO32, content of 1.8,5.2 wt% was determined. Using this low-temperature precipitation method, CHA powders with a high specific surface area of 83 m2/g and a composition and crystallite size close to those of the mineral phase of human bone were obtained. [source] Human mesenchymal stem cells as a stable source of VEGF-producing cellsJOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 4 2008Harumi Kagiwada Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a positive regulator and plays a crucial role in angiogenesis. We demonstrate that VEGF was highly expressed in cultures of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and the high expression level was maintained during prolonged culture periods (checked up to passage 10). We also confirmed that in vivo hMSCs engrafted into immunodeficient mice could survive and secreted human VEGF. These findings suggest that implantation of hMSCs is a practical means as a source of VEGF production and might be effective in neoangiogenesis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Brief communication: Identification of the authentic ancient DNA sequence in a human bone contaminated with modern DNAAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Abigail S. Bouwman Abstract We present a method to distinguish authentic ancient DNA from contaminating DNA in a human bone. This is achieved by taking account of the spatial distribution of the various sequence families within the bone and the extent of degradation of the template DNAs, as revealed by the error content of the sequences. To demonstrate the veracity of the method, we handled two ancient human tibiae in order to contaminate them with modern DNA, and then subjected segments of the bones to various decontaminating treatments, including removal of the outer 1,2 mm, before extracting DNA, cloning, and obtaining a total of 107 mitochondrial DNA sequences. Sequences resulting from the deliberate contamination were located exclusively in the outer 1,2 mm of the bones, and only one of these 27 sequences contained an error that could be ascribed to DNA degradation. A second, much smaller set of relatively error-free sequences, which we ascribe to contamination during excavation or curation, was also located exclusively in the outer 1,2 mm. In contrast, a family of 72 sequences, displaying extensive degradation products but identifiable as haplogroup U5a1a, was distributed throughout one of the bones and represents the authentic ancient DNA content of this specimen. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Proteasome Inhibition Causes Apoptosis of Normal Human Plasma Cells Preventing Alloantibody ProductionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009D. K. Perry Antibody production by normal plasma cells (PCs) against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) can be a major barrier to successful transplantation. We tested four reagents with possible activity against PCs (rituximab, polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib) to determine their ability to cause apoptosis of human bone marrow-derived PCs and subsequently block IgG secretion in vitro. IVIG, rituximab and rATG all failed to cause apoptosis of PCs and neither rituximab nor rATG blocked antibody production. In contrast, bortezomib treatment led to PC apoptosis and thereby blocked anti-HLA and antitetanus IgG secretion in vitro. Two patients treated with bortezomib for humoral rejection after allogeneic kidney transplantation demonstrated a transient decrease in bone marrow PCs in vivo and persistent alterations in alloantibody specificities. Total IgG levels were unchanged. We conclude that proteasome activity is important for PC longevity and its inhibition may lead to new techniques of controlling antibody production in vivo. [source] EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SAMPLE PREPARATION METHODS ON STABLE CARBON AND OXYGEN ISOTOPE VALUES OF BONE APATITE: A COMPARISON OF TWO TREATMENT PROTOCOLS*ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 1 2010C. J. YODER Researchers have long debated the appropriateness of stable isotope analysis of bone apatite to reconstruct the diets of ancient animals. The debate has centred, in part, on diagenesis of bone mineral from interaction with the burial environment. A number of acetic acid treatments are used to remove diagenetic carbonates from samples; however, less is known on how different protocols alter stable isotope values. We compare two common acetic acid solution treatments (0.1 M versus 1.0 M-buffered) to examine the effects on carbon and oxygen isotope values and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra in human bone from different burial contexts. Results indicate that both treatments have a similar effect on isotope values and FTIR spectra in bone apatite. [source] How Did Mississippians Prepare Maize?ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 1 2004The Application of Compound-Specific Carbon Isotope Analysis to Absorbed Pottery Residues From Several Mississippi Valley Sites A newly developed compound-specific stable carbon isotope technique allows the detection of maize in absorbed organic pottery residues. This method was applied to absorbed organic residues from a variety of Mississippi Valley potsherds, and successfully identified maize components. Maize was cooked in sampled vessels less often than expected, but otherwise fitted expected patterns of maize use derived from stable carbon isotope analysis of human bone from the region. Absorbed organic pottery residue analysis is useful in determining pottery use, particularly in concert with other analytical methods. [source] Fresh-frozen vs. embalmed bone: is it possible to use formalin-fixed human bone for biomechanical experiments on implants?CLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009Ayhan Cömert Abstract Purpose: As formalin is an extremely reactive electrophilic chemical that reacts with tissues, the purpose of this study was to explore whether formalin fixation could potentially alter the mechanical properties of bone tissue and have an effect on the primary stability measurements of implants. Material and methods: ,3.3 × 8 mm, ,4.1 × 8 mm, and ,4.8 × 8 mm implants were placed on sockets prepared into the anterior surface of the radius of two fresh-frozen human cadavers. The insertion torque of each implant was quantified using a strain-gauged torque-wrench connected to a data acquisition system at a sample rate of 10 KHz, and resonance frequency analysis measurements were also undertaken for each implant. The cadavers were then subjected to embalment with 10% formalin for 3 months, and the same experiments were undertaken on the contra lateral radius of the cadavers. Results: The insertion torques before and after chemical fixation were similar for ,3.3 mm (P>0.05), and higher values were obtained for ,4.1 mm and ,4.8 mm implants after chemical fixation (P<0.05). The resonance frequency analysis values before and after chemical fixation were similar for all implants (P>0.05). Conclusions: Implants have higher insertion torque values in formalin-fixed bone than fresh-frozen human bone, but similar implant stability quotients in both cases. The insertion torque technique can detect the difference between formalin-fixed and fresh-frozen human bone, but resonance frequency analysis cannot. [source] Freeze-dried bone for maxillary sinus augmentation in sheepCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002Part II: Biomechanical findings Abstract: This study examines the biomechanical loading capacity of dental implants placed in the posterior maxilla in conjunction with subantral augmentation with either homogeneous demineralized freeze-dried bone from sheep (s-DFDB) or heterogeneous demineralized freeze-dried human bone (h-DFDB) as grafting material in sheep. In 36 adult female mountain sheep, the Schneiderian membrane was elevated extraorally in both maxillary sinuses, and two titanium plasma-flame-sprayed cylindrical implants were inserted in each lateral antral wall. Three groups of 18 maxillary sinuses each were augmented with s-DFDB, h-DFDB and autogenous bone from the illiac crest, respectively. In the remaining 18 sinuses, the subantral hollow space was left empty. Pull-out tests were carried out after intervals of 12, 16 and 26 weeks. The mean pull-out force needed, irrespective of time, was 259.3 N in the empty control group, 356.7 N in the group augmented with autogenous bone, 278.1 N in the test group augmented with h-DFDB and 365.2 N in the group augmented with s-DFDB, revealing no significant difference between the individual groups (P > 0.05). The implants of the group augmented with autogenous bone showed an increase in the mean pull-out force from 223.8 N after 12 weeks to 523.7 N after 26 weeks. The nonaugmented control group yielded values of 248 N after 12 weeks, which rose to 269.8 N at the last test, while the values of the h-DFDB group increased from 275.4 N to 325.4 N. The highest initial pull-out values were obtained in the s-DFDB group. They amounted to 310.5 N after 12 weeks and rose to 481.4 N after 26 weeks. Time thus proved to have a significant influence on the pull-out forces (P = 0.014) with a statistically proven linear trend (P = 0.007). The findings of this experimental study indicate that the use of homogeneous DFDB in one-stage sinus lift procedures results in a mechanical loading capacity of implants comparable to that achieved by autogenous cancellous bone from the iliac crest. In contrast, the use of heterogenous-DFDB resulted in only slightly higher pull-out forces than those observed in the nonaugmented control group after 26 weeks. [source] Nanocomposite Synthesis: Embryonic States of Fluorapatite,Gelatine Nanocomposites and Their Intrinsic Electric-Field-Driven Morphogenesis: The Missing Link on the Way from Atomistic Simulations to Pattern Formation on the Mesoscale (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 22 2009Mater. Fractal aggregates of fluorapatite,gelatine nanocomposites (SEM image taken by Yigit Öztan, MPI CPfS),which bears a strong resemblance to the biosystem hydroxyapatite,collagen, a key material in human bones and teeth,are formed from bundles of calcified protein molecules representing the first (embryonic) states of shape development and leading to extended processes of self-organisation. This process has been studied in detail by P. Simon et al., and is reported on page 3596. [source] Did elephants hang from trees?GEOLOGY TODAY, Issue 2 2002the giant sloths of South America One hundred years ago, the discovery of fresh-looking, red, hairy skin and huge piles of dung of an extinct animal caused a media storm. The remains were found jumbled with human bones and tools on the floor of a cave near the southern tip of South America. Were the huge, cumbersome, hamster-like creatures known as ground sloths still roaming the remote forests? [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||