scholarly journals OPF/PMMA Cage System as an Alternative Approach for the Treatment of Vertebral Corpectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 6912
Author(s):  
Asghar Rezaei ◽  
Hugo Giambini ◽  
Alan L. Miller ◽  
Xifeng Liu ◽  
Benjamin D. Elder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Pmma Bone Cement ◽  
Kinematic Analyses ◽  
Poly Ethylene ◽  
Vertebral Defects

The spinal column is the most common site for bone metastasis. Vertebral metastases with instability have historically been treated with corpectomy of the affected vertebral body and adjacent intervertebral discs, and have more recently been treated with separation surgery. With demographics shifting towards an elderly population, a less-invasive surgical approach is necessary for the repair of vertebral defects. We modified a previously reported expandable hollow cage composed of an oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] (OPF) containment system that could be delivered via a posterior-only approach. Then, the polymer of interest, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement, was injected into the lumen of the cage after expansion to form an OPF/PMMA cage. We compared six different cage formulations to account for vertebral body and defect size, and performed a cage characterization via expansion kinetics and mechanical testing evaluations. Additionally, we investigated the feasibility of the OPF/PMMA cage in providing spine stability via kinematic analyses. The in-vitro placement of the implant using our OPF/PMMA cage system showed improvement and mechanical stability in a flexion motion. The results demonstrated that the formulation and technique presented in the current study have the potential to improve surgical outcomes in minimally invasive procedures on the spine.

scholarly journals Experimental substantiation of osteotransplant application in traumatic vertebral defects

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
V. V. Rerikh ◽  
Yu. A. Predein ◽  
A. M. Zaidman ◽  
A. D. Lastevsky ◽  
V.A. Bataev V.A. Bataev V.A. Bataev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Graft ◽  
Bone Tissue ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Allogeneic Bone ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Ray Density ◽  
Vertebral Defects

Objective. To analyze the features of bone tissue formation during plasty of vertebral body defect or fracture with an allogeneic bone graft in an experiment in vitro. Material and Methods. Models of the vertebral body defect (fracture of the cranioventral part with penetration into the nucleus pulposus) were created in an experiment on 20 mini-pigs of the same age. Plasty of traumatic defects was performed with allogeneic bone graft or autologous bone. CT, histological, and spectrometric studies of microscopic specimens were carried out at 14, 30, 90, and 180 day. Reparative osteogenesis, X-ray density, Ca and P content, and microhardness were studied. Results. After implantation of allogeneic bone graft, an organ-specific bone similar to the recipient’s bone in morphological structure, X-ray density, mineral composition and microhardness, was formed on the 90th day (P = 0.01). After transplantation of autobone, the regenerate formed by this day in the central part was in a phase of resorption and restructuring with lower indices of X-ray density, content of Ca and P, and microhardness (P = 0.01). Conclusion. Аfter plasty of vertebral body traumatic defects with allogeneic bone graft, the organ-specific bone tissue is formed at an earlier time and reliably exhibits greater mineralization and strength.

scholarly journals Plectin ensures intestinal epithelial integrity and protects colon against colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 691-702
Author(s):  
Alzbeta Krausova ◽  
Petra Buresova ◽  
Lenka Sarnova ◽  
Gizem Oyman-Eyrilmez ◽  
Jozef Skarda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intercellular Junctions ◽  
Protein Profiling ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
In Vitro Feeding

AbstractPlectin, a highly versatile cytolinker protein, provides tissues with mechanical stability through the integration of intermediate filaments (IFs) with cell junctions. Here, we hypothesize that plectin-controlled cytoarchitecture is a critical determinant of the intestinal barrier function and homeostasis. Mice lacking plectin in an intestinal epithelial cell (IEC; PleΔIEC) spontaneously developed colitis characterized by extensive detachment of IECs from the basement membrane (BM), increased intestinal permeability, and inflammatory lesions. Moreover, plectin expression was reduced in the colons of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and negatively correlated with the severity of colitis. Mechanistically, plectin deficiency in IECs led to aberrant keratin filament (KF) network organization and the formation of dysfunctional hemidesmosomes (HDs) and intercellular junctions. In addition, the hemidesmosomal α6β4 integrin (Itg) receptor showed attenuated association with KFs, and protein profiling revealed prominent downregulation of junctional constituents. Consistent with the effects of plectin loss in the intestinal epithelium, plectin-deficient IECs exhibited remarkably reduced mechanical stability and limited adhesion capacity in vitro. Feeding mice with a low-residue liquid diet that reduced mechanical stress and antibiotic treatment successfully mitigated epithelial damage in the PleΔIEC colon.

In vitro effects of temperature on red blood cell deformability and membrane stability in human and various vertebrate species

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Adam Attila Matrai ◽  
Gabor Varga ◽  
Bence Tanczos ◽  
Barbara Barath ◽  
Adam Varga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Red Blood Cell ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Cell Deformability ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
The Way ◽  
Rbc Deformability

BACKGROUND: The effects of temperature on micro-rheological variables have not been completely revealed yet. OBJECTIVE: To investigate micro-rheological effects of heat treatment in human, rat, dog, and porcine blood samples. METHODS: Red blood cell (RBC) - buffer suspensions were prepared and immersed in a 37, 40, and 43°C heat-controlled water bath for 10 minutes. Deformability, as well as mechanical stability of RBCs were measured in ektacytometer. These tests were also examined in whole blood samples at various temperatures, gradually between 37 and 45°C in the ektacytometer. RESULTS: RBC deformability significantly worsened in the samples treated at 40 and 43°C degrees, more expressed in human, porcine, rat, and in smaller degree in canine samples. The way of heating (incubation vs. ektacytometer temperation) and the composition of the sample (RBC-PBS suspension or whole blood) resulted in the different magnitude of RBC deformability deterioration. Heating affected RBC membrane (mechanical) stability, showing controversial alterations. CONCLUSION: Significant changes occur in RBC deformability by increasing temperature, showing inter-species differences. The magnitude of alterations is depending on the way of heating and the composition of the sample. The results may contribute to better understanding the micro-rheological deterioration in hyperthermia or fever.

scholarly journals Pro-Inflammatory and Neurotrophic Factor Responses of Cells Derived from Degenerative Human Intervertebral Discs to the Opportunistic Pathogen Cutibacterium acnes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2347
Author(s):  
Manu N. Capoor ◽  
Anna Konieczna ◽  
Andrew McDowell ◽  
Filip Ruzicka ◽  
Martin Smrcka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Acne Vulgaris ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
Cutibacterium Acnes ◽  
Pre Treatment

Previously, we proposed the hypothesis that similarities in the inflammatory response observed in acne vulgaris and degenerative disc disease (DDD), especially the central role of interleukin (IL)-1β, may be further evidence of the role of the anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium) acnes in the underlying aetiology of disc degeneration. To investigate this, we examined the upregulation of IL-1β, and other known IL-1β-induced inflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors, from nucleus-pulposus-derived disc cells infected in vitro with C. acnes for up to 48 h. Upon infection, significant upregulation of IL-1β, alongside IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was observed with cells isolated from the degenerative discs of eight patients versus non-infected controls. Expression levels did, however, depend on gene target, multiplicity and period of infection and, notably, donor response. Pre-treatment of cells with clindamycin prior to infection significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study confirms that C. acnes can stimulate the expression of IL-1β and other host molecules previously associated with pathological changes in disc tissue, including neo-innervation. While still controversial, the role of C. acnes in DDD remains biologically credible, and its ability to cause disease likely reflects a combination of factors, particularly individualised response to infection.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Morphological and Release Profiles in Ocular Implants of Acetazolamide Prepared by Electrospinning

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Mariana Morais ◽  
Patrícia Coimbra ◽  
Maria Eugénia Pina
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Coating Film ◽  
Sustained Drug Release ◽  
Coated Implant ◽  
Poly Ethylene ◽  
Coaxial Fibers ◽  
Release Profiles

The visual impairment that often leads to blindness causes a higher morbidity rate. The goal of this work is to create a novel biodegradable polymeric implant obtained from coaxial fibers containing the dispersed drug—acetazolamide—in order to achieve sustained drug release and increase patient compliance, which is of the highest importance. Firstly, during this work, uncoated implants were produced by electrospinning, and rolled in the shape of small cylinders that were composed of uniaxial and coaxial fibers with immobilized drug inside. The fibers were composed by PCL (poly ε-caprolactone) and Lutrol F127 (poly (oxyethylene-b-oxypropylene-b-oxyethylene)). The prepared implants exhibited a fast rate of drug release, which led to the preparation of new implants incorporating the same formulation but with an additional coating film prepared by solvent casting and comprising PCL and Lutrol F127 or PCL and Luwax EVA 3 ((poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)). Implants were characterized and in vitro release profiles of acetazolamide were obtained in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C. The release profile of the acetazolamide from coated implant containing Luwax EVA 3 is considerably slower than what was observed in case of coated implants containing Lutrol F127, allowing a sustained release and an innovation relatively to other ocular drug delivery systems.

The Effectiveness of a Hinged Elbow Orthosis in Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 2827-2835
Author(s):  
Ranita H.K. Manocha ◽  
James A. Johnson ◽  
Graham J.W. King
Keyword(s):  
Medial Collateral Ligament ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Biomechanical Study ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Valgus Stress ◽  
Active Motion ◽  
Early Return

Background: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are common after elbow trauma and in overhead throwing athletes. A hinged elbow orthosis (HEO) is often used to protect the elbow from valgus stress early after injury and during early return to play. However, there is minimal evidence regarding the efficacy of these orthoses in controlling instability and their influence on long-term clinical outcomes. Purpose: (1) To quantify the effect of an HEO on elbow stability after simulated MCL injury. (2) To determine whether arm position, forearm rotation, and muscle activation influence the effectiveness of an HEO. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seven cadaveric upper extremity specimens were tested in a custom simulator that enabled elbow motion via computer-controlled actuators and motors attached to relevant tendons. Specimens were examined in 2 arm positions (dependent, valgus) and 2 forearm positions (pronation, supination) during passive and simulated active elbow flexion while unbraced and then while braced with an HEO. Testing was performed in intact elbows and repeated after simulated MCL injury. An electromagnetic tracking device measured valgus angulation as an indicator of elbow stability. Results: When the arm was dependent, the HEO increased valgus angle with the forearm in pronation (+1.0°± 0.2°, P = .003) and supination (+1.5°± 0.0°, P = .006) during active motion. It had no significant effect on elbow stability during passive motion. In the valgus position, the HEO had no effect on elbow stability during passive or active motion in pronation and supination. With the arm in the valgus position with the HEO, muscle activation reduced instability during pronation (–10.3°± 2.5°, P = .006) but not supination ( P = .61). Conclusion: In this in vitro study, this HEO did not enhance mechanical stability when the arm was in the valgus and dependent positions after MCL injury. Clinical Relevance: After MCL injury, an HEO likely does not provide mechanical elbow stability during rehabilitative exercises or when the elbow is subjected to valgus stress such as occurs during throwing.

scholarly journals The pathophysiologic role of the protein kinase Cδ pathway in the intervertebral discs of rabbits and mice: In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

2012 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1950-1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B. Ellman ◽  
Jae-Sung Kim ◽  
Howard S. An ◽  
Jeffrey S. Kroin ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Protein Kinase Cδ
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