Rosiglitazone (RSG) is an insulin-sensitizing drug used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Clinical trials show that women taking RSG experience more limb fractures than patients taking other T2DM drugs. The purpose of this study is to understand how RSG (3mg/kg/day and 10mg/kg/day) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (0.7mg/kg/week) alter bone quality in the male, female and female ovariectomized (OVX) Zucker fatty rat model over a 12 week period. Bone quality was evaluated by mechanical testing of cortical and trabecular bone. Microarchitecture, bone mineral density (BMD), cortical bone porosity, bone formation/resorption and mineralization were also measured. Female OVX RSG10mg/kg rats had significantly lower vertebral BMD and compromised trabecular architecture versus OVX controls. Increased cortical porosity and decreased mechanical properties occurred in these rats. ALN treatment prevented these negative effects in the OVX RSG model. Evidence of reduced bone formation and excess bone resorption was detected in female RSG-treated rats.

Rosiglitazone (RSG) is an insulin-sensitizing drug used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Clinical trials show that women taking RSG experience more limb fractures than patients taking other T2DM drugs. The purpose of this study is to understand how RSG (3mg/kg/day and 10mg/kg/day) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (0.7mg/kg/week) alter bone quality in the male, female and female ovariectomized (OVX) Zucker fatty rat model over a 12 week period. Bone quality was evaluated by mechanical testing of cortical and trabecular bone. Microarchitecture, bone mineral density (BMD), cortical bone porosity, bone formation/resorption and mineralization were also measured. Female OVX RSG10mg/kg rats had significantly lower vertebral BMD and compromised trabecular architecture versus OVX controls. Increased cortical porosity and decreased mechanical properties occurred in these rats. ALN treatment prevented these negative effects in the OVX RSG model. Evidence of reduced bone formation and excess bone resorption was detected in female RSG-treated rats.

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a byproduct of the rendering industries. It is found to be responsible for the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals and is no longer used as a feed to animals. There are various methods for disposal of MBM such as land filling, incineration, combustion, pyrolysis and gasification. Gasification appears to be one of the best options. High temperature of gasification reaction destroys the potential BSE pathogens and produces gases which can be further used to produce valuable liquid chemicals by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or to generate electricity. Gasification of meat and bone meal followed by thermal cracking/ reforming of tar was carried out using oxygen and steam separately at atmospheric pressure using a two-stage fixed bed reaction system in series. The first stage was used for the gasification and the second stage was used for thermal cracking/ reforming of tar.<p> Meat and bone meal was successfully gasified in the two-stage fixed bed reaction system using two different oxidants (oxygen and steam) separately. In gasification using oxygen, the effects of temperature (650 850 °C) of both stages, equivalence ratio (ER) (actual O2 supply/stoichiometric O2 required for complete combustion) (0.15 0.3) and the second stage packed bed height (40 100 mm) on the product (char, tar and gas) yield and gas (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8) composition were studied. It was observed that the two-stage process increased hydrogen production from 7.3 to 22.3 vol. % (N2 free basis) and gas yield from 30.8 to 54.6 wt. % compared to single stage. Temperature and equivalence ratio had significant effects on the hydrogen production and product distribution. It was observed that higher gasification (850 °C) and cracking (850°C) reaction temperatures were favorable for higher gas yield of 52.2 wt. % at packed bed height of 60 mm and equivalence ratio of 0.2. The tar yield decreased from 18.6 wt. % to 14.2 wt. % and that of gas increased from 50.6 wt. % to 54.6 wt. % by changing the packed bed height of second stage from 40 to 100 mm while the gross heating value (GHV) of the product gas remained almost constant (16.2 16.5 MJ/m3).<p> In gasification using steam, effects of temperature (650 850 °C) of each stage, steam/MBM (wt/ wt) (0.4 -0.8), and packed bed height (40 -100 mm) in second stage on the product (Char, liquid and gas) distribution and gas (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, other H/C) composition were studied. It was observed that higher reaction temperature (850 °C) was favorable for high gas and hydrogen yields. Char gasification improved from 27 to 13 wt. % and hydrogen yield increased from 36.2 to 49.2 vol. % with increase in steam/MBM (wt/ wt), while with increased in packed bed height increased gas (29.5 to 31.6 wt. %) and hydrogen (45 to 49.2 vol. %) yields. It didnt show substantial effect on heavier hydrocarbons.<p> The kinetic parameters for the pyrolysis of meat and bone meal were determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at three different heating rates (10, 15 and 25 °C/min) using distributed activation energy model (DAEM). The activation energy was found in the range of 60-246 kJ/mol for the temperature range of 496-758 K and their corresponding frequency factors were 6.63 x 103 to 8.7 x 1014 s-1.

Bone strength plays an important role in reducing fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a condition as a result of low bone strength and is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and loss of bone mass, leading to increased fracture risk (Osteoporosis Canada, 2009). Impact loading through exercise has been well established as an activity to maintain and improve bone health (Schwab & Klein, 2008), with high impact activities eliciting a larger response in bone adaptation over low impact activities (Daly, 2007; Guadalupe-Grau, Fuentes, Guerra & Calbet, 2009). The high impact loading of brick breaking within martial arts should be of sufficient magnitude to elicit bone adaptation. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to examine if the bones of the loaded arm among martial artists with brick breaking experience appear to have adapted to the high impact loading of brick breaking. In order to address this the specific objectives are (1) determine if brick breakers have a larger percent side-to-side difference over age and size matched controls in bone strength index (BSIc) at the 4% radius and 6% ulna, SSIp at the 65% ulna and 50% humerus, and grip strength. (2) Determine if the total number of lifetime brick breaks is correlated with percent side-to-side difference in strength strain index (SSIp), a measure of torsional strength, at the 50% humerus. (3) Confirm the load experienced during the brick break can be considered high impact (>4 X body weight). METHODS: Male brick breakers (N=13, mean age 31.1 (SD 10.5) yrs) and their age and size matched controls (N=13, mean age 31.7 (10.8) yrs) had measurements of SSIp on both arms mid-humeri using pQCT (Stratec XCT2000). Brick breaking history was obtained by questionnaire. SSIp between arms in both groups was assessed by dependant t-tests and percent side-to-side difference (bilateral asymmetry) iii between groups was assessed by independent t-test. Brick breaking force was assessed with 9 black belt participants performing a total of 13 brick break attempts by striking a standard stack of 8 patio blocks on a force platform. RESULTS: Dominant humerus SSIp was 7.7% (124 mm3, p<0.001) greater in brick breakers and 5.3% (96 mm3, p=0.023) greater in controls. Side-to-side differences did not differ between the groups (mean difference of 2.4%, p=0.333). Brick breaking history of total breaks was moderately correlated (r=0.73, p=0.002) with torsional bone strength side-to-side difference. Peak vertical forces ranged from 2075 N to 4496 N (mean: 2960 N). CONCLUSION: Brick breakers bone strength in the loaded arm seemed to have not adapted to high impact forces. However, the association between total number of breaks (impacts) and side-to-side strength difference suggests that a minimum number of loading sessions may be required before significant strength adaptation occurs. The forces experienced during a brick breaking strike approach forces that are considered high impact in lower body activities.

Breast cancer has a high propensity to metastasize to bone. While the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with metastatic breast cancer progression are being identified, the changes that drive metastatic progression are poorly understood. Proteases, and in particular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), have been shown to play a pivotal role in certain aspects of tumor metastasis by modifying the affected microenvironment. Bone matrix-depositing mouse MC3T3 osteoblasts were co-cultured with metastatic human MDA-MB-23 1 (MDA23 1) cells or the bone-homing MDA-MB 231-1 833/TR (1 833/TR) variant in an effort to identify novel, osteoclast-independent, changes to the tumor/bone microenvironment. Co-culture-induced changes in the complete “protease and inhibitor” expression profile in the osteoblasts and the tumor cells were then determined using targeted murine and human specific microarray chips (CLIP-CHIP TM ). This analysis revealed an increase in the RNA expression of collagenase-3 (MMP 13) in the co-cultured osteoblasts that was confirmed by qPCR. Further, Western blotting indicated increased MIvIP13 protein secretion into the bone matrixltumor microenvironment by the co-cultured MC3T3 cells. The elevation in osteoblast-produced MMP13 was observed when the co- cultured tumor cells were in direct contact or separated by filters. Additionally, the elevation was also induced by conditioned medium derived from separate MDA23 1 or 1 833/TR cultures, which indicates that a soluble factor produced by the tumor cells is capable of inducing MMP 13. One soluble factor that appears to be produced by 1 833iTR cultures is oncostatin M. Oncostatin M is an interleukin-6 family cytokine that is known to upregulate MMP13 synthesis and secretion during chondrogenesis. Genome-wide Affymetrix® analysis revealed, and qPCR analysis confirmed, that oncostatin M receptor-specific subunit RNA was also significantly upregulated in co-cultured osteoblasts. Therefore, breast tumor cells may be capable of initiating protein degradative changes in the bone microenvironment that are independent of the much studied osteolytic degradation initiated by osteoclast activation.

Results: Age of gymnasts was positively associated with BMD at all measured sites (p <0.001; r=0.62-0.68). Weight was positively associated with BMD at all measured sites (p <0.001; r=0.82-0.90). Lean body mass was positively associated with BMD at all measured sites (p <0.001; r=0.74-0.87). Body fat percentage was positively associated with BMD at all measured sites (p <0.001-p=0.01; r=0.39-0.54). However, calcium intake was not significantly associated with any of the BMD sites. Sunlight exposure and indirect estimates of vitamin D were not significantly associated with any of the BMD sites; all r-values indicated a weak positive association with BMD. Of the gymnasts who had experienced menses (n=15), those with regular menstrual periods (n=8) had significantly higher BMD values at the arm, leg, trunk, rib, and spine, and total body than those who did not have regular menstrual periods (n=7). There was no significant difference in BMD for gymnasts who had regular periods at the pelvis. A regression analysis was performed. The predictors total BMD values from the regression equation were the following: regular menses, height, weight, percent kilocalorie requirement consumed from predicted kilocalorie needs, calcium intake with supplements, lean body mass, hourly deficits >300 kilocalories from predicted kilocalorie needs, and hourly surpluses >300 kilocalories from predicted kilocalorie needs.

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a byproduct of the rendering industries. It is found to be responsible for the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals and is no longer used as a feed to animals. There are various methods for disposal of MBM such as land filling, incineration, combustion, pyrolysis and gasification. Gasification appears to be one of the best options. High temperature of gasification reaction destroys the potential BSE pathogens and produces gases which can be further used to produce valuable liquid chemicals by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or to generate electricity. Gasification of meat and bone meal followed by thermal cracking/ reforming of tar was carried out using oxygen and steam separately at atmospheric pressure using a two-stage fixed bed reaction system in series. The first stage was used for the gasification and the second stage was used for thermal cracking/ reforming of tar.<p> Meat and bone meal was successfully gasified in the two-stage fixed bed reaction system using two different oxidants (oxygen and steam) separately. In gasification using oxygen, the effects of temperature (650 850 °C) of both stages, equivalence ratio (ER) (actual O2 supply/stoichiometric O2 required for complete combustion) (0.15 0.3) and the second stage packed bed height (40 100 mm) on the product (char, tar and gas) yield and gas (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8) composition were studied. It was observed that the two-stage process increased hydrogen production from 7.3 to 22.3 vol. % (N2 free basis) and gas yield from 30.8 to 54.6 wt. % compared to single stage. Temperature and equivalence ratio had significant effects on the hydrogen production and product distribution. It was observed that higher gasification (850 °C) and cracking (850°C) reaction temperatures were favorable for higher gas yield of 52.2 wt. % at packed bed height of 60 mm and equivalence ratio of 0.2. The tar yield decreased from 18.6 wt. % to 14.2 wt. % and that of gas increased from 50.6 wt. % to 54.6 wt. % by changing the packed bed height of second stage from 40 to 100 mm while the gross heating value (GHV) of the product gas remained almost constant (16.2 16.5 MJ/m3).<p> In gasification using steam, effects of temperature (650 850 °C) of each stage, steam/MBM (wt/ wt) (0.4 -0.8), and packed bed height (40 -100 mm) in second stage on the product (Char, liquid and gas) distribution and gas (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, other H/C) composition were studied. It was observed that higher reaction temperature (850 °C) was favorable for high gas and hydrogen yields. Char gasification improved from 27 to 13 wt. % and hydrogen yield increased from 36.2 to 49.2 vol. % with increase in steam/MBM (wt/ wt), while with increased in packed bed height increased gas (29.5 to 31.6 wt. %) and hydrogen (45 to 49.2 vol. %) yields. It didnt show substantial effect on heavier hydrocarbons.<p> The kinetic parameters for the pyrolysis of meat and bone meal were determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at three different heating rates (10, 15 and 25 °C/min) using distributed activation energy model (DAEM). The activation energy was found in the range of 60-246 kJ/mol for the temperature range of 496-758 K and their corresponding frequency factors were 6.63 x 103 to 8.7 x 1014 s-1.

Bone strength plays an important role in reducing fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a condition as a result of low bone strength and is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and loss of bone mass, leading to increased fracture risk (Osteoporosis Canada, 2009). Impact loading through exercise has been well established as an activity to maintain and improve bone health (Schwab & Klein, 2008), with high impact activities eliciting a larger response in bone adaptation over low impact activities (Daly, 2007; Guadalupe-Grau, Fuentes, Guerra & Calbet, 2009). The high impact loading of brick breaking within martial arts should be of sufficient magnitude to elicit bone adaptation. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to examine if the bones of the loaded arm among martial artists with brick breaking experience appear to have adapted to the high impact loading of brick breaking. In order to address this the specific objectives are (1) determine if brick breakers have a larger percent side-to-side difference over age and size matched controls in bone strength index (BSIc) at the 4% radius and 6% ulna, SSIp at the 65% ulna and 50% humerus, and grip strength. (2) Determine if the total number of lifetime brick breaks is correlated with percent side-to-side difference in strength strain index (SSIp), a measure of torsional strength, at the 50% humerus. (3) Confirm the load experienced during the brick break can be considered high impact (>4 X body weight). METHODS: Male brick breakers (N=13, mean age 31.1 (SD 10.5) yrs) and their age and size matched controls (N=13, mean age 31.7 (10.8) yrs) had measurements of SSIp on both arms mid-humeri using pQCT (Stratec XCT2000). Brick breaking history was obtained by questionnaire. SSIp between arms in both groups was assessed by dependant t-tests and percent side-to-side difference (bilateral asymmetry) iii between groups was assessed by independent t-test. Brick breaking force was assessed with 9 black belt participants performing a total of 13 brick break attempts by striking a standard stack of 8 patio blocks on a force platform. RESULTS: Dominant humerus SSIp was 7.7% (124 mm3, p<0.001) greater in brick breakers and 5.3% (96 mm3, p=0.023) greater in controls. Side-to-side differences did not differ between the groups (mean difference of 2.4%, p=0.333). Brick breaking history of total breaks was moderately correlated (r=0.73, p=0.002) with torsional bone strength side-to-side difference. Peak vertical forces ranged from 2075 N to 4496 N (mean: 2960 N). CONCLUSION: Brick breakers bone strength in the loaded arm seemed to have not adapted to high impact forces. However, the association between total number of breaks (impacts) and side-to-side strength difference suggests that a minimum number of loading sessions may be required before significant strength adaptation occurs. The forces experienced during a brick breaking strike approach forces that are considered high impact in lower body activities.

Acoustic emission(AE) is one of the most sensitive techniques to non invasively monitor deformation, fatigue, and fracture of many materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential to use AE to detect local failure events within porous ceramic materials. The primary material of interest was mineralized trabecular bone. A better understanding of the failure of trabecular bone is highly relevant to skeletal fragility diseases such as osteoporosis. This study sought to develop a post processing technique that could strengthen the relation between the events detected and the phenomena occurring as a specimen is loaded. The deficiency in other techniques is that they did not fully make a quantitative correlation between acoustic emission event characteristics and the physical occurrence of damage events. The study evaluated the use of seismic power laws because these laws were able to attach a quantitative model to an earthquake and its successive aftershocks. Earthquake transmission has similar propagation attributes when compared to acoustic emission; seismic waves radiate from the epicenter of an earthquake. Acoustic waves radiate from the source of energy release in an acoustic emission event. The study measured the acoustic emission response of trabecular bone and highly oriented ceramics. The bone and ceramics were extracted in two perpendicular directions so that the structural orientation was different. The study sought to evaluate if the power-laws could differentiate the acoustic emission response based on varying the material and varying the structural orientation. The samples were quasi-statically compressed; the mechanical and acoustic emission data were simultaneously recorded. The study found that using the seismic power-law did not statistically differentiate the directional orientation for trabecular bone or ceramic specimens. Acoustic emission did indicate that event detection was different for each type of the of material. Correlations were established with the acoustic emission response and the mechanical testing data. These relationships were explainable because of the mechanical properties of the material.

Blood-borne biochemical markers were used to track comparative rates of bone turnover in horses fed differing amounts of Ca, P and Mg. Bone turnover was tracked by serum osteocalcin, bone resorption by the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and bone formation by the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP). Twenty-four long-yearling Quarter Horses were blocked by gender and age, randomly assigned to one of four diets and subjected to 128 d of race training. Horses entered the study at approximately 20 months of age. The study was conducted in 32-d periods, each consisting of 28 d of race training followed by a 4-d fecal and urine collection, or a 4-d rest period. Blood samples were taken weekly during the training period. Serum and plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of osteocalcin, the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP). Urine was collected for analysis of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and creatinine. Onset of training resulted in elevated concentrations of ICTP, PICP and osteocalcin. Horses consuming the highest levels of Ca, P and Mg exhibited higher concentrations of PICP and lower concentrations of ICTP indicating greater bone formation coupled with lesser amounts of bone resorption. Further, ICTP, PICP and osteocalcin concentrations decreased dramatically following 4-d of confinement and relative inactivity. Therefore it appears that feeding minerals at levels greater than current NRC recommendations provided a protective effect on the developing skeleton of the young racehorse. Additionally, the biochemical markers used in this study were sensitive enough to track daily changes in bone activity resulting from daily changes in stress to the skeleton.