Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaoming Zhao, Hongyun Ma, Hao Han, Liuyang Zhang, Jing Tian, Bo Lei, Yingang Zhang
Summary: With the aging population, spinal degeneration seriously affects the quality of life for middle-aged and elderly patients. Injectable biomaterials have gained attention as a minimally invasive and precise repair option for irregular defects. However, the design and functional control of bioactive injectable biomaterials for efficient spinal degeneration treatment remains a challenge.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Mathilde Padrona, Manon Maroquenne, Hanane El-Hafci, Lucille Rossiaud, Herve Petite, Esther Potier
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of glucose depletion on bovine nucleus pulposus explant homeostasis using a relevant ex vivo model representative of the unique intervertebral disc microenvironment. Exposure to low glucose conditions led to a significant decrease in cell viability but had minimal effects on cell phenotype, senescence, matrix catabolism, and inflammatory mediator production.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Eduard Bezuglov, Artemii Lazarev, Arseniy Petrov, Alesia Brodskaia, Anastasiya Lyubushkina, Kamila Kubacheva, Evgeny Achkasov, Vladimir Nikolenko
Summary: Elite professional soccer players have a high prevalence of asymptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal changes, which are significantly associated with age. The most common pathologic condition was disc desiccation. Age was found to be associated with degenerative changes, while weight and body mass index did not show any association.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Sebastian Wangler, Amir Kamali, Christina Wapp, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Sonja Haeckel, Claudia Fortes, Lorin M. Benneker, Lisbet Haglund, R. Geoff Richards, Mauro Alini, Marianna Peroglio, Sibylle Grad
Summary: MSC’s secretome composition was analyzed after exposure to different IVD environments, showing more complex secretome induced by IVD conditioned media compared to IL-1 beta stimulation. The secretome reflected different activity based on IVD pathological status, with implications for tailored secretome therapy development.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Sisi Yang, Louis Lassalle, Ahmed Mekki, Gautier Appert, Francois Rannou, Christelle Nguyen, Marie-Martine Lefevre-Colau, Celine Mutschler, Jean-Luc Drape, Antoine Feydy
Summary: The study demonstrated that an MRI protocol consisting of only sagittal T2-weighted Dixon fat and water images provided good diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement in lumbar degenerative disc disease with Modic changes, suggesting it could be a viable option for a shortened MRI protocol.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Nico Sollmann, Kai Mei, Isabelle Riederer, Monika Probst, Maximilian T. Loeffler, Jan S. Kirschke, Peter B. Noel, Thomas Baum
Summary: The study found that radiation dose for MDCT exams of the spine can be reduced by using sparse sampling and virtually lowered tube currents combined with statistical iterative reconstruction. However, image quality and contrast decreased with virtual lowering of tube current and sparse sampling.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Ho Hwang, You Jung Kang, Hyeong-Guk Son, Hansang Cho, Hyuk Choi
Summary: This study investigated the inflammatory response of microglial cells in a reconstituted degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) model. The findings suggest that degenerative IVD may induce degenerative microglial proinflammation, leading to the development of low back pain (LBP).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Kai Sun, Xingzhi Jing, Jiachao Guo, Xudong Yao, Fengjing Guo
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction is crucial in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. Targeting mitophagy pathways may offer promising therapeutic strategies for degenerative joint diseases.
Review
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Mubashir Hussain, Deepika Koundal, Jatinder Manhas
Summary: In this paper, a detailed review is conducted on the application of different DL methodologies in the diagnosis of disc diseases. The focus is on maximizing decision analysis in terms of medical imaging modalities, datasets, pre-processing techniques, DL models, and performance metrics for DDD classification. Most studies use pre-trained models or construct new DL models for DDD classification. Furthermore, this review outlines eight open challenges for researchers in this field. This study enhances researchers' knowledge and provides comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of DL techniques in the medical diagnosis of DDD.
COMPUTERS & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Dilip Chand Raja Soundararajan, Chitraa Tangavel, Sharon Miracle Nayagam, Sri K. S. Vijayanand, R. Sunmathi, Monica Steffi Matchado, Raveendran Muthurajan, Ajoy Prasad Shetty, Rishi Mugesh Kanna, K. Dharmalingam
Summary: This study utilized proteomic analysis to compare the expression of SLRPs in fetal, healthy adult, and degenerated discs. The results showed a universal decrease in SLRPs abundance in degenerated discs, associated with an increase in MMPs and a reduction in TIMPs. Fetal discs were mainly engaged in ribosomal pathways, while healthy adult discs primarily participated in ECM maintenance and basic metabolic pathways.
Review
Cell Biology
Min Xiang, Ling Liu, Tingrui Wu, Bo Wei, Huan Liu
Summary: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which consist of multiple intermediate sequences, play important roles in various biological functions by interacting with proteins, mRNA, and non-coding RNAs. This article focuses on the functions of RBPs in degenerative joint diseases (IVDD and OA) and reviews the latest advancements in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RBPs. It provides a novel perspective on the pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and treatment of OA and IVDD.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carlo A. Mallio, Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, Caterina Bernetti, Luca Ambrosio, Bruno Beomonte Zobel, Carlo C. Quattrocchi, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide and places a significant socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective tool for diagnosing degenerative disc disease, it is unable to detect subtle changes in tissue composition and cell metabolism. Therefore, researchers are developing innovative quantitative MRI modalities to enable early diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin-Woo Kim, Neunghan Jeon, Dong-Eun Shin, So-Young Lee, Myongwhan Kim, Dong Hun Han, Jae Yeon Shin, Soonchul Lee
Summary: The intervertebral disc is a complex joint structure with nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilaginous endplate. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc involves cellular, compositional, and structural changes, with significant alterations in the extracellular matrix composition with age. The hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1 alpha is crucial in regulating various processes of intervertebral disc degeneration and may serve as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for inhibiting this degeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Tara Shelby, Emily S. Mills, Andy Ton, Jeffrey C. Wang, Raymond J. Hah, Sheeraz A. Qureshi, Ram K. Alluri
Summary: This narrative review examines the role of sex hormones in degenerative disc disease (DDD). It suggests that estrogen deficiency can negatively impact disc function and structural integrity, while testosterone supplementation may have chondrogenic effects. Understanding the regulatory processes of sex hormones can help develop novel therapies for DDD.
GLOBAL SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Francesca B. Pizzini, Mattia Poletti, Alberto Beltramello, Mario Muto, Alessandra Splendiani, Sara Mehrabi, Giuseppe Costanzo, Vincenzo Vitiello, Antonio Barile, Stefano Colagrande, Giancarlo Mansueto, Stefano Bastianello
Summary: A consensus was reached among experts from Italian radiological societies to propose an optimized MRI protocol for studying degenerative spine disease, harmonize the nomenclature to international standards, and improve communication among healthcare professionals and patients. The international terminological recommendations were translated and adapted to the Italian context, with clinical cases used to illustrate main classifications.
INSIGHTS INTO IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Arjan C. Y. Loenen, David C. Noriega, Carlos Ruiz Wills, Jerome Noailly, Pierce D. Nunley, Rainer Kirchner, Keita Ito, Bert van Rietbergen
Summary: Finite element analysis was used to predict the biomechanical effects of adjusting posterior instrumentation, showing that it may cause excessive forces on screws and non-physiological joint loading.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Baumgartner, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Christine L. Le Maitre, Francis Wignall, Stephen M. Richardson, Judith Hoyland, Carlos Ruiz Wills, Miguel A. Gonzalez Ballester, Michael Neidlin, Leonidas G. Alexopoulos, Jerome Noailly
Summary: Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc are a major risk factor for low back pain, with accelerated progression in some individuals as they age. Understanding the disease requires identifying key regulatory processes at various levels, from cells to organs. Experimental research and computational modeling have contributed significantly to our understanding of cell signaling pathways and complex interactions within the intervertebral disc.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenjian Yang, Damien Lacroix, Lay Poh Tan, Jinju Chen
Summary: Changes in the apparent moduli of cells are related to cell abnormalities and diseases. Indentation is a common method used to measure these moduli, but the protocol employed can affect the results. A finite element model of key intracellular components has been developed to study indentation protocol-dependent cell mechanics, which has shown that the moduli obtained with conical indenters decrease with increasing cone angle. The interplay between indenter geometry and intracellular components has also been investigated for understanding the structure-mechanics-function relationships of cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Peter Endre Eltes, Marton Bartos, Benjamin Hajnal, Agoston Jakab Pokorni, Laszlo Kiss, Damien Lacroix, Peter Pal Varga, Aron Lazary
Summary: A new method utilizing CT scan, 3D reconstruction, FEA analysis, CAD design, and 3D printing technology was proposed to assist surgeons in performing optimal surgical technique for revision surgery of non-union at the lumbosacral level, specifically addressing complications such as broken screws. Results showed that the modified bicortical convergent insertion technique is stiffer compared to monocortical divergent placement, indicating the potential for improved surgical outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Arjan C. Y. Loenen, Jerome Noailly, Keita Ito, Paul C. Willems, Jacobus J. Arts, Bert van Rietbergen
Summary: This study used patient-specific finite element models to evaluate local strain patterns on the surface of trussed titanium interbody fusion cages in lumbar spine fusion surgery. The results showed that approximately 30% of the cage surface experienced strain values relevant for preserving bone homeostasis and stimulating bone formation. Variations in surface strains and endplate contact pressures were more dependent on loading conditions rather than between individual patients.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Peter Endre Eltes, Mate Turbucz, Jennifer Fayad, Ferenc Bereczki, Gyoergy Szoke, Tamas Terebessy, Damien Lacroix, Peter Pal Varga, Aron Lazary
Summary: 25 special forces members have completed a 3-month training course and successfully adapted to various environments. They will participate in local counter-terrorism operations and other special missions, and continue training.
FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Segarra-Queralt, Michael Neidlin, Laura Tio, Jordi Monfort, Joan Carles Monllau, Miguel A. Gonzalez Ballester, Leonidas G. Alexopoulos, Gemma Piella, Jerome Noailly
Summary: This study proposes a network-based model at the chondrocyte level to explain the complex mechanisms of osteoarthritis progression. By analyzing literature and enriching the network, we obtained a molecular interaction network that represents chondrocyte activity and accurately predicts the outcomes of OA treatment based on experimental data.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simone Tassani, Laura Tio, Francisco Castro-Dominguez, Jordi Monfort, Juan Carlos Monllau, Miguel Angel Gonzalez Ballester, Jerome Noailly
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between clinical treatment choice, gait functionality, and kinetics in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Results showed that functionality was related to treatment decisions, but age and body mass index were also influencing factors.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Paola Bermudez-Lekerika, Katherine B. Crump, Sofia Tseranidou, Andrea Nueesch, Exarchos Kanelis, Ahmad Alminnawi, Laura Baumgartner, Estefano Munoz-Moya, Roger Compte, Francesco Gualdi, Leonidas G. Alexopoulos, Liesbet Geris, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Christine L. Le Maitre, Jerome Noailly, Benjamin Gantenbein
Summary: Low back pain is a common and serious medical condition caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). IDD leads to abnormal extracellular matrix production and metabolic changes, triggering a cascade of degenerative processes. Immune cells and inflammatory factors can accelerate this process, but catabolic ECM disruption can also occur without immune cell infiltration. Various factors, including environmental conditions and genetics, can induce this metabolic imbalance. Understanding immune modulation and the role of intervertebral disc cells in IDD is crucial for the treatment of back pain.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Segarra-Queralt, Gemma Piella, Jerome Noailly
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and pain. Mechanical loads can induce changes in chondrocyte gene expression through mechanotransduction, leading to either chondroprotection or cartilage degradation. This study develops a network model to simulate the effects of mechanical loads on chondrocyte activity, showing that inflammation and excessive loading have negative effects on chondrocyte metabolism, and anti-inflammatory therapies may be promising for OA management.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Morteza Rasouligandomani, Alex del Arco, Ferran Pellise, Miguel Gonzalez A. Ballester, Fabio Galbusera, Jerome Noailly
Summary: This retrospective observational study aimed to improve prediction accuracy of proximal junctional failure (PJF) by using biomechanical and geometrical descriptors. The study found that bending moment (BM) was the most effective in discriminating PJF cases, while other geometrical descriptors did not adequately predict PJF.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jun Pan, Damien Lacroix, Yilu Zhou, Bin Wang
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Maria Segarra-Queralt, Michael Neidlin, Laura Tio, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Ballester, Gemma Piella, Jerome Noailly
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jordi Mill, Victor Agudelo, Chi Hion Li, Jerome Noailly, Xavier Freixa, Oscar Camara, Dabit Arzamendi
Summary: This study identified key blood flow characteristics leading to device-related thrombosis (DRT) in patients treated with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using patient-specific flow simulations. Stagnant blood flow, recirculation with low flow velocities, and regions with high flow complexity combined with low wall shear stress were found to be the most relevant factors associated with DRT. Patient-specific flow simulations were successfully used to predict blood flow patterns with different device configurations, showing potential for optimal settings to minimize the risk of DRT.
REC-INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
L. Baumgartner, J. J. Reagh, M. A. Gonzalez Ballester, J. Noailly
Summary: Low back pain is closely related to intervertebral disc failure, but the key factors in microtrauma development are not fully understood. In silico modeling, such as the hybrid Agent-based model used in this study, offers a promising approach to simulate cellular behavior in complex environments. The study successfully predicted cell behavior and mRNA expression of Nucleus Pulposus cells in different conditions.