bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients With High Bone Mass Phenotype Exhibit Enhanced Osteoblast Differentiation and Inhibition of Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qiu Weimin , Andersen Tom E , Bollerslev Jens , Mandrup Susanne , Abdallah Basem M , Kassem Moustapha 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Genetic mutations in the LRP5 gene affect Wnt signaling and lead to changes in bone mass in humans. Our in vivo and in vitro results show that activated mutation T253I of LRP5 enhances osteogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis. Inactivating mutation T244M of LRP5 exerts opposite effects.
Introduction: Mutations in the Wnt co-receptor, LRP5, leading to decreased or increased canonical Wnt signaling, result in osteoporosis or a high bone mass (HBM) phenotype, respectively. However, the mechanisms whereby mutated LRP5 causes changes in bone mass are not known.
Materials and Methods: We studied bone marrow composition in iliac crest bone biopsies from patients with the HBM phenotype and controls. We also used retrovirus-mediated gene transduction to establish three different human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) strains stably expressing wildtype LRP5 (hMSC-LRP5WT), LRP5T244 (hMSC-LRP5T244, inactivation mutation leading to osteoporosis), or LRP5T253 (hMSC-LRP5T253, activation mutation leading to high bone mass). We characterized Wnt signaling activation using a dual luciferase assay, cell proliferation, lineage biomarkers using real-time PCR, and in vivo bone formation.
Results: In bone biopsies, we found increased trabecular bone volume and decreased bone marrow fat volume in patients with the HBM phenotype (n = 9) compared with controls (n = 5). The hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 but not hMSC-LRP5T244 transduced high level of Wnt signaling. Wnt3a inhibited cell proliferation in hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253, and this effect was associated with downregulation of DKK1. Both hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 showed enhanced osteoblast differentiation and inhibited adipogenesis in vitro, and the opposite effect was observed in hMSC-LRP5T244. Similarly, hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 but not hMSC-LRP5T244 formed ectopic mineralized bone when implanted subcutaneously with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate in SCID/NOD mice.
Conclusions: LRP5 mutations and the level of Wnt signaling determine differentiation fate of hMSCs into osteoblasts or adipocytes. Activation of Wnt signaling can thus provide a novel approach to increase bone mass by preventing the age-related reciprocal decrease in osteogenesis and increase in adipogenesis.
Chromosome 2q32 May Harbor a QTL Affecting BMD Variation at Different Skeletal Sites
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Yong-Jun , Xiao Peng , Shen Hui , Deng Hong-Yi , Papasian Christopher J , Drees Betty M , Hamilton James J , Recker Robert R , Deng Hong-Wen 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
BMDs at different skeletal sites share some common genetic determinants. Using PCA and bivariate linkage analysis, we identified a QTL on chromosome 2q32 with significant pleiotropic effects on BMDs at different skeletal sites.
Introduction: BMDs at the hip, spine, and forearm are genetically correlated, suggesting the existence of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with concurrent effects on BMDs at these three skeletal sites. Consequently, it is important to identify these QTLs in the human genome and, for those implicated QTLs, it is important to differentiate between pleiotropic effects, caused by a single gene that concurrently effects these traits, and co-incident linkage, caused by multiple, closely linked, genes that independently effect these traits.
Materials and Methods: For a sample of 451 American white pedigrees made up of 4498 individuals, we evaluated the correlations between BMDs at the three skeletal sites. We carried out principal component analysis (PCA) for the three correlated traits and obtained a major component, PC1, which accounts for &gt;75% of the co-variation of BMDs at the three sites. We subsequently conducted a whole genome linkage scan for PC1 and performed bivariate linkage analysis for pairs of the three traits (i.e., forearm/spine BMD, hip/forearm BMD, and hip/spine BMD).
Results: Chromosome region 2q32, near the marker GATA65C03M, showed strong linkage to PC1 (LOD = 3.35). Subsequent bivariate linkage analysis substantiated linkage at 2q32 for each trait pair (LOD scores were 2.65, 2.42, and 2.13 for forearm/spine BMD, hip/forearm BMD, and hip/spine BMD, respectively). Further analyses rejected the hypothesis of co-incident linkage (p0[forearm/spine] = 0.0005, p0[hip/forearm] = 0.004, p0(hip/spine] = 0.001) but failed to reject the hypothesis of pleiotropy (p1[forearm/spine] = 0.35, p1[hip/forearm] = 0.07, p1[hip/spine] = 0.15).
Conclusions: Our results strongly support the conclusion that chromosome region 2q32 may harbor a QTL with pleiotropic effects on BMDs at different skeletal sites.
Extracellular Matrix Made by Bone Marrow Cells Facilitates Expansion of Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells and Prevents Their Differentiation Into Osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Xiao-Dong , Dusevich Vladimir , Feng Jian Q , Manolagas Stavros C , Jilka Robert L 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
We cultured MSCs on an ECM made by bone marrow cells to attempt to reconstitute the MSC niche. This ECM promoted replication of mesenchymal progenitors and retention of their multipotentiality. We conclude that the marrow ECM facilitates expansion of mesenchymal progenitors and hypothesize that it plays an important role in the maintenance of MSC stemness.
Introduction: Mesenchymal colony-forming cells of the bone marrow comprise mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their transit amplifying progeny, which we term mesenchymal colony-forming units (MCFUs). These progenitors undergo self-renewal and can differentiate into many different cell types including osteoblasts. However, they lose their unique properties when cultured on tissue culture plastic. This indicates that a critical feature of the marrow microenvironment that facilitates retention of stem cell properties is missing in such culture systems. In other tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM) forms part of the specialized niche that controls stem cell behavior. Therefore, we examined whether a marrow cell–derived ECM promotes retention of the stem cell characteristics of MCFUs in vitro.
Materials and Methods: A cell-free ECM was prepared from cultured murine marrow adherent cells. The replication and multipotentiality of murine MCFUs maintained on this marrow cell–derived ECM were examined in vitro and in vivo and compared with the behavior of MCFUs maintained on plastic.
Results: The marrow cell–derived ECM was made up of collagen types I, III, and V, syndecan-1, perlecan, fibronectin, laminin, biglycan, and decorin, similar to the composition of the marrow ECM. This ECM preparation promoted MCFU replication, restrained their “spontaneous” differentiation toward the osteoblast lineage, and preserved their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes. Moreover, transplantation of MCFUs expanded on the marrow cell–derived ECM into immunocompromised mice generated five times more bone and eight times more hematopoietic marrow compared with MCFUs expanded on plastic.
Conclusions: The marrow ECM facilitates expansion of MCFUs in vitro while preserving their stem cell properties. We hypothesize that the ECM made by bone marrow cells plays an important role in the maintenance of MSC function.
Treatment With Anti-γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Antibody Attenuates Osteolysis in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mice
Authors: Ishizuka Yasuyuki , Moriwaki Sawako , Kawahara-Hanaoka Miyuki , Uemura Yasunori , Serizawa Isao , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Shibata Shunichi , Kanaya Toshimichi , Takata Takashi , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Niida Shumpei 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The effectiveness of a new antibody treatment on arthritis-associated osteolysis was studied by using CIA mice. GGT, a newly identified bone-resorbing factor, was upregulated in arthritic joints. We generated monoclonal antibodies against GGT and injected them into CIA mice. Mice treated with antibodies showed a reduction in osteoclast number and bone erosion.
Introduction: γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) acts as a bone-resorbing factor that stimulates osteoclast formation. GGT expression has been detected in active lymphocytes that accumulate at inflammation sites, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesize that GGT is an effective target for suppression of arthritis-related osteoclastogenesis and joint destruction. Here, we describe the therapeutic effect of neutralizing antibodies against GGT on joint destruction using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model.
Materials and Methods: GGT expression in the synovium of RA patients and CIA mice was determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against recombinant human GGT (GGT-mAbs) using BALB/c mice. Antibody treatment was performed by intraperitoneal injections of GGT-mAbs into CIA mice. Effects of antibody treatment on arthritis and bone erosion were evaluated by incidence score, arthritis score, and histopathological observations. The role of GGT in osteoclast development was examined by using the established osteoclastogenic culture system.
Results: GGT expression was significantly upregulated in inflamed synovium. Immunohistochemistry revealed that GGT was present in lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages, as well as capillaries. Injection of GGT-mAbs significantly decreased the number of osteoclasts and attenuated the severity of joint destruction in CIA mice. In vitro examination showed that GGT enhanced RANKL-dependent osteoclast formation. GGT stimulated the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts and its receptor RANK in osteoclast precursors, respectively.
Conclusions: This study indicates that inflamed synovial tissue–derived GGT acts as a risk factor for joint destruction and that the antibody-mediated inhibition of GGT significantly decreases osteoclast number and bone erosion in CIA mice. GGT antagonists might be novel therapeutic agents for attenuating joint destruction in RA patients.
Comparisons of Body Size, Composition, and Whole Body Bone Mass Between North American and South African Children
Authors: Micklesfield Lisa K , Norris Shane A , Nelson Dorothy A , Lambert Estelle V , van der Merwe Lize , Pettifor John M 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
We compared whole body BMC of 811 black, white, and mixed ancestral origin children from Detroit, MI; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Cape Town, South Africa. Our findings support the role of genetic and environmental influences in the determination of bone mass in prepubertal children.
Introduction: Higher bone mass and lower fracture rates have been shown in black compared with white children and adults in North America.
Materials and Methods: We compared whole body BMC (WBBMC), whole body fat mass (WBFM), and whole body fat free soft tissue (WBFFST) data between three ethnic groups of children from Detroit, MI (n = 181 white, USW; n = 230 black, USB), Johannesburg, South Africa (n = 73 white, SAW; n = 263 black, SAB), and Cape Town, South Africa (n = 64 mixed ancestral origin, SAM).
Results: SAB and SAW groups were slightly older than USW and USB groups (9.5 ± 0.3 versus 9.3 ± 0.1 yr); however, USB and USW boys were significantly taller, were heavier, and had a higher BMI than SAM and SAB boys. USB girls were significantly taller than SAB girls and heavier than SAB and SAM girls. In South Africa and the United States, black children had a significantly higher WBBMC than white children, after adjusting for selected best predictors. After adjusting for age, weight, and height, WBBMC was significantly higher in the SAB and SAW boys than in USW and USB and in the SAM group compared with the USW and USB groups. WBFFST and WBFM made significant contributions to a best linear model for log(WBBMC), together with age, height, and ethnicity. The best model accounted for 79% of the WBBMC variance. When included separately in the model, the model containing WBFFST accounted for 76%, and the model containing WBFM accounted for 70%, of the variance in WBBMC.
Conclusions: WBBMC is lower in children of European ancestry compared with African ancestry, irrespective of geographical location; however, South African children have significantly higher WBBMC compared with USB and USW groups, thereby acknowledging the possible contribution of environmental factors. Reasons for the significantly higher WBBMC in the children of mixed ancestral origin compared with the other groups need to be studied further.
INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTION AND NUTRIENTS ON BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES AND YIELD OF WHEAT GROWN IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF ALLAHABAD CITY
Authors: Agrawal S. B. , Singh Anoop , Rathore Dheeraj 
Published: August 2007

Agricultural production is greatly affected by the increase of urban air pollution in many cities of India and other developing countries. The present field study investigated the interacting effect of air pollutants and mineral nutrients on physiological and biochemical processes and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) plants grown in pots from germination to maturity having similar edaphic conditions at nine sites in periurban areas of Allahabad city having different concentration of air pollutants. SO2, NO2 and O3 in ambient air were found in the ranges between 2.5 to 42.5, 10.13 to 65.04 and 3.33 to 30.83 μg m-3, respectively. Various physiological and biochemical processes showed adverse effect at sites receiving higher pollution load. Reduction in photosynthetic pigments, protein and ascorbic acid contents was noticed with an increase in pollution load, while phenol content was increased. Higher reduction in grain yield was noticed at heavily polluted sites. Fertilizer amendment showed positive response in minimizing the negative impact of air pollution by increasing the photosynthetic pigments and yield of wheat plants. The present investigation also suggests that urban air quality of Allahabad city is affecting the agricultural production unfavorably in periurban areas.

Key words:	Air pollution, mineral nutrients, photosynthetic pigments, protein, yield, Triticum

Ecoprint Vol.11(1) 2004
PALAEO-ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PALAEOCENE CALCAREOUS ALGAE FROM THE CAUVERY BASIN, INDIA
Authors: Kishore S. 
Published: August 2007

Palaeocene limestone of the Ninniyur Formation of the Cauvery Basin contains abundant well-preserved calcareous algae. These various types of calcareous algal seem to be controlled by the characteristics of each type environments in which they developed and thus they provide useful palaeo-ecological information of the Ninniyur Formation. The distribution patterns of these groups of calcareous algae, extending from tidal flat to reefal environments have been observed in the Palaeocene of the Ninniyur Formation, Cauvery Basin South India.

Key words:	Ninniyur formation, Calcareous algae, Palaeoecology.

Ecoprint Vol.11(1) 2004.
How to control illegal wildlife trade in the Himalayas
Authors: Chaudhary Ramesh P 
Published: August 2007

Review of
Cites Implementation in Nepal and India – Law, Policy and Practice
by Ravi Sharma Aryal
Bhrikuti Academic Publications, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2004
200 pp, ISBN 99933-673-4-6
NRs 995, US$ 25 (paperback)

The international illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products is one the major engines driving species to extinction. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which defines standards for use of wildlife and their products, represents a major global commitment to reverse this trend. It remains to be seen whether the terms of this treaty will be enforced. Focusing on Nepal and its neighbors, Aryal discusses the obstacles to its successful implementation: imprecise legislation, inconsistent policies, lack of coordination among relevant institutions (particularly, those responsible for regulating international trade), and the deadly threat posed by poachers determined to protect their endangered livelihoods. Aryal’s recommendations are detailed, far-reaching, and compelling.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 15-16, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Himalayan perceptions: Environmental change and the well-being of mountain peoples
Authors: Ives Jack D 
Published: August 2007

Preview of
Himalayan perceptions: Environmental change and the well-being of mountain peoples
by JD Ives
Routledge, London and New York
To be published in August 2004

Himalayan Perspectives returns to the enormously popular development paradigm that Ives dubbed the ‘Theory of Himalayan Degradation’. According to this seductive construct, poverty and overpopulation in the Himalayas was leading to degradation of highland forests, erosion, and downstream flooding. In the ‘Himalayan Dilemma’, Ives and Messerli exposed this “Theory” as a dangerous collection of assumptions and misrepresentations. While most scholars in the field promptly conceded Ives and Messerli’s points, the Theory has somehow survived as the guiding myth of development planners and many government agencies. In his new book, Ives returns to drive a stake through the heart of this revenant. His book not only reviews the research that, over the past 15 years, has confirmed the arguments of the ‘Himalayan Dilemma’; it also takes a close look at all those destructive factors that were overlooked by the conveniently simplistic ‘Theory of Himalayan Environmental Degradation’: government mismanagement, oppression of mountain minorities, armed conflict, and inappropriate tourism development.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 17-19, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
The Convention on Biological Diversity's 2010 target
Authors: Balmford Andrew , Bennun Leon , Brink Ben Ten 
Published: August 2007

Governments are often accused of responding only to short-term and parochial considerations. It is therefore remarkable
that representatives of 190 countries recently committed themselves at the Convention on Biological Diversity to
reducing biodiversity loss. This presents conservation biologists with perhaps their greatest challenge of the decade.
The authors of this Policy Forum describe approaches to identifying more of the earth’s biological diversity;
understanding how biological, geophysical, and geochemical processes interact; and presenting scientific knowledge
in time to contribute to and achieve the 2010 target.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.43-45
Application of Markowitz and Sharpe Models in Nepalese Stock
Authors: Paudel Dr. Rajan Bahadur , Koirala Sujan 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to test whether or not Markowitz and Sharpe models of portfolio selection offer better investment alternatives to Nepalese investors. It has been done by applying those models in a sample of 30 stocks traded in Nepalese stock market. The study finds that the application of these elementary models developed about a half century ago offer better options for making decision in the choice of optimal portfolios in Nepalese stock market.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 18-35
Stock Market and Economic Development: a Causality Test
Authors: G.C. Surya Bahadur , Neupane Suman 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

An attempt has been made in this paper to examine the existence of causality relationship between stock market and economic growth based on the time series data for the year 1988 to 2005 using Granger causality test. The study finds the empirical evidence of long-run integration and causality of macroeconomic variables and stock market indicators even in a small capital market of Nepal. The causality has been observed only in real terms but not in nominal variables. In econometric sense, it depicts that the stock market plays significant role in determining economic growth and vice versa. Interestingly, the causation is evident with a lag of 3 to 4 years. Also, the paper reveals the importance of stock market development for fostering economic development.
Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 36-44
Remittance Income in Nepal: Need for Economic Development
Authors: Gaudel Yadav Sharma 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
Remittance as a major source of foreign currency to the developing nation has become a substantial component of making current account surplus in the balance of payments. It is argued that many workers from Nepal going abroad for employment are no doubt young, energetic, laborious and enthusiastic. They do hard work for earning large remittance income to support their families. However, the downside of remittances reflects the view that remaining young generation for long time outside without family may increase their vulnerability and ultimately they will have a tendency to leave their homeland. Thus, in order to recover the loss of economically active labor force to the domestic economy, they should be encouraged to come back again with skilled knowledge for utilizing their savings and working experience for development to the productive areas in accordance with the priority of the national development plans.
Journal of Nepalese Business StudiesIII/I pp. 9-17
Arsenic and other heavy metals in the rivers of central Nepal
Authors: Emerman Steven H 
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to measure fluvial As, Co, Cu, Fe, and Zn in order to determine whether central Nepal has a geographically-limited source of As. Seventeen rivers in central Nepal outside and eight rivers inside the heavily polluted Kathmandu valley were sampled monthly for six months. Outside the Kathmandu valley, fluvial As (11 ± 1 mg/l), Co (110 ± 30 mg/l), Cu (93 ± 4 mg/l), Fe (550 ± 80 mg/l), and Ni (50 ± 3 mg/l) were over 5, 550, 13, and 13 times the global averages for each respective element, while Zn (27 ± 4 mg/l) was very close to the global average. The only statistically significant differences between inside and outside the Kathmandu valley were pH (inside: 7.13 ± 0.06, outside: 8.13 ± 0.06), Fe (inside: 1060 ± 90 mg/l) and Cu (inside: 70 ± 10 mg/l) so that Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn levels inside the Kathmandu valley were all naturally occurring. Fluvial As was correlated both in space and time with pH. Outside the Kathmandu valley, fluvial As decreased when pH decreased, due to the increase in the number of positively-charged sorption sites on river bed sediment. Inside the polluted Kathmandu valley, fluvial As increased when pH decreased, due to the organic complexation of As and the negative correlation between organic matter and pH. Central Nepal has multiple sources of As associated with mineralisation of Co,
Cu, Fe, and Ni, but not Pb-Zn.
Ethnomedicinal uses of plants among the Newar community of Pharping village of Kathmandu District, Nepal
Authors: Balami N. P. 
Published: August 2007

The present paper highlights 119 species of plants used as medicine by the Newar community of Pharping village of Kathmandu district. All reported medicinal plants were used for 35 types of diseases like Diabetes, Epilepsy, Fever, Jaundice, Rheumatism and other condition such as incense, spice and flavourant etc.
Key words: Ethnomedicine, Newar, Pharping village, Kathmandu district.