Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Hideaki Nakajima, Kazuya Honjoh, Shuji Watanabe, Ai Takahashi, Arisa Kubota, Akihiko Matsumine
Summary: The incidence of cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) without major bone injury is increasing, particularly among older individuals with pre-existing cervical spinal canal stenosis. The demographics, neurological injury, treatment, and prognosis of this type of CSCI differ from those with bone or central cord injury. The optimal management of CSCI without major bone injury is a subject of debate among spine surgeons worldwide. This narrative review aims to address unresolved clinical questions and discuss treatment strategies based on current findings.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Samineh Mesbah, Tyler Ball, Claudia Angeli, Enrico Rejc, Nicholas Dietz, Beatrice Ugiliweneza, Susan Harkema, Maxwell Boakye
Summary: The study found that in individuals with clinically motor complete spinal cord injury, the extent of recovery of lower limb voluntary movements with scES is significantly influenced by the percentage of lumbosacral enlargement coverage by the electrode array and the position of the electrode relative to the lumbosacral enlargement and conus tip.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Samineh Mesbah, Tyler Ball, Claudia Angeli, Enrico Rejc, Nicholas Dietz, Beatrice Ugiliweneza, Susan Harkema, Maxwell Boakye
Summary: The study showed that in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury, there was a significant correlation between the coverage rate of lumbosacral enlargement by the electrode array and the position of the electrode, and the number of joints moved during voluntary lower limb movements. However, there was no significant correlation between the cross-section area of the spinal cord at C3 or the length of severe myelomalacia and the ability to move the lower limbs voluntarily.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kanyanat Mahitthiharn, Apichana Kovindha, Tawikar Kaewchur, Leslie R. Morse, Sintip Pattanakuhar
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and influencing factors of spinal cord injury (SCI)-related osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Thai people with chronic SCI. The results showed that SCI-related osteoporosis and fragility fractures are common in Thais with chronic SCI, with female gender and longer duration of SCI increasing the risk of these conditions.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Mary Solou, Anastasios A. Politis, Ioannis Ydreos, Evangelos K. Papadopoulos, Stamatios Banos, Georgios Savvanis, Maria M. Gavra, Efstathios J. Boviatsis, Lampis C. Stavrinou
Summary: Treatment of spinal cord injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. Early decompression remains a reasonable option, but there is no specific evidence supporting the use of laminectomy alone.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Piera Lalli, Claudia Mautino, Chiara Busso, Francesca Bardesono, Marco Di Monaco, Lorenzo Lippi, Marco Invernizzi, Marco Alessandro Minetto
Summary: This study investigates the reproducibility and accuracy of REMS for femoral BMD estimation and the reproducibility and discriminative power of the REMS-derived femoral fragility score. The results show excellent test-retest reproducibility for REMS, but minimal to poor diagnostic concordance between DXA and REMS.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jadwiga N. Bilchak, Kyle Yeakle, Guillaume Caron, Dillon Malloy, Marie-Pascale Cote
Summary: Increasing KCC2 activity to restore chloride homeostasis and endogenous inhibition is an effective approach to reduce spastic symptoms in individuals with SCI, potentially avoiding severe side effects and improving quality of life.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Soshi Samejima, Rita Hanna, Brinda K. Cariappa, Rene Arvizu, Surabhi Nimbalkar, Rhea Montgomery-Walsh, Sandra L. Galindo, Richard Henderson, Abed Khorasani, Chet T. Moritz, Sam Kassegne
Summary: There is increasing evidence that electrical stimulation delivered via spinal neural interfaces using carbon-based neural arrays can improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury. In this study, a novel cervical epidural implant with carbon-based surface electrodes was designed, fabricated, and characterized in vivo. The array demonstrated biomechanical compatibility and stable performance for at least four weeks in a rat model of spinal cord injury. These findings highlight the potential of carbon-based electrodes as a spinal neural interface for both mechanistic research and functional restoration in animal models of spinal cord injury.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenbin Guo, Katherine Shapiro, Zhaoxia Wang, Kody Armann, Bing Shen, Jicheng Wang, James R. Roppolo, William C. de Groat, Changfeng Tai
Summary: This study successfully induced efficient and low-pressure voiding in chronic SCI cats by implanting a PNS, suggesting the potential development of a novel neuroprosthesis for humans to restore bladder function after SCI.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vaibhav Patil, Enda O'Connell, Leo R. Quinlan, Howard Fearnhead, Siobhan McMahon, Abhay Pandit
Summary: This study presents an in vitro model of mixed glial culture to induce inflammation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, replicating acute and chronic inflammatory phases associated with spinal cord injury. The researchers observed differential modulation of inflammatory pathways over 21 days, with mitochondrial dysfunction associated with cytokine treatment. The developed model, along with the high-throughput screening platform, facilitates the screening of anti-reactive glial therapeutics for SCI treatment.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Shu-Yu Wu, Jia-Fong Jhang, Hsin-Ho Liu, Jian-Ting Chen, Jian-Ri Li, Bin Chiu, Sung-Lang Chen, Hann-Chorng Kuo
Summary: Bladder dysfunction is a common complication after chronic spinal cord injury, which can lead to renal function loss, urinary tract infection, and other serious issues. Effective patient care and bladder management options are crucial for preserving renal function and improving clinical outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Timothy D. Faw, Bimal Lakhani, Petra Schmalbrock, Michael V. Knopp, Keith R. Lohse, John L. K. Kramer, Hanwen Liu, Huyen T. Nguyen, Eileen G. Phillips, Anna Bratasz, Lesley C. Fisher, Rochelle J. Deibert, Lara A. Boyd, Dana M. McTigue, D. Michele Basso
Summary: Experience-dependent white matter plasticity offers new potential for rehabilitation-induced recovery after neurotrauma. Downhill training increases myelin water fraction in brain motor learning regions and mixed motor and sensory tracts of the ventral cervical spinal cord in humans, and induces oligodendrogenesis and improves sensorimotor recovery in mice with thoracic SCI.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Jiansong Chen, Yiguo Shen, Xiaobo Shao, Weiliang Wu
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal cord tumor cause significant damage to the spinal cord, leading to multiple impairments and high morbidity and mortality. The treatment options for these conditions are limited and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the review, the role of inflammasomes in SCI and spinal cord tumors is highlighted, and targeting inflammasomes is suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaoping Ren, Weihua Zhang, Jie Qin, Jian Mo, Yi Chen, Jie Han, Xinjian Feng, Sitan Feng, Haibo Liang, Liangjue Cen, Xiaofei Wu, Linxuan Han, Rongyu Lan, Haixuan Deng, Huihui Yao, Zhongquan Qi, Hongjun Gao, Lishan Wei, Shuai Ren
Summary: This study tested spinal cord fusion (SCF) using the neuroprotective agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in different animal models and developed a new clinical procedure called vascular pedicle hemisected spinal cord transplantation (vSCT) for the treatment of paraplegic patients. The results demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of vSCT in re-establishing the continuity of spinal nerve fibers, potentially restoring motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous functions in paraplegic patients. Further clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Jiang, Tao Qin, Peng Gao, Zhiwen Tao, Xiaowei Wang, Mengyuan Wu, Jun Gu, Bo Chu, Ziyang Zheng, Jiang Yi, Tao Xu, Yifan Huang, Hao Liu, Shujie Zhao, Yongxin Ren, Jian Chen, Guoyong Yin
Summary: The expression of SIRT1 in spinal cord endothelial cells is decreased after spinal cord injury (SCI). SIRT1 has the ability to reduce endothelial reactive oxygen species production and protect endothelial barrier function, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for promoting functional recovery against blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption following SCI.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicholas Santino, Victoria Larocca, Sander L. Hitzig, Sara J. T. Guilcher, B. Catharine Craven, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter
Summary: This study is the first to show evidence of a negative association between LTPA and loneliness among people with SCI/D, and it establishes a conceptual model for understanding the potential mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between LTPA and life satisfaction among people with SCI/D.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Stephanie R. Cimino, Sander L. Hitzig, B. Catharine Craven, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter, Joyce Li, Sara J. T. Guilcher
Summary: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of perceived social isolation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the factors that contribute to it. The study found that disrupted social networks, the importance of feeling heard, employment, hobbies and sports, the built environment, and individual traits all impact perceived social isolation.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marylou Guihan, Kayla Roddick, Tomas Cervinka, Cara Ray, Christopher Sutton, Laura Carbone, Frances M. Weaver
Summary: This study highlights the important role of physical therapists and occupational therapists in rehabilitating lower extremity fractures in individuals with spinal cord injury or disorders. Their expertise in recommending braces and devices, seating assessments, skills training, and caregiver support is crucial in the rehabilitation process.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jenna C. Gibbs, Eleni M. Patsakos, Desiree B. Maltais, Dalton L. Wolfe, Dany H. Gagnon, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in improving endocrine-metabolic disease (EMD) risk in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings suggest that electrical stimulation-assisted training and exercise, dietary interventions can have positive effects on certain EMD outcomes, but there are also inconsistencies and low-quality evidence. Further long-term studies are needed to fully understand the impact of these rehabilitation approaches in mitigating EMD risk.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Julio Cesar Furlan, Maureen Pakosh, Beverley Catharine Craven, Milos Radomir Popovic
Summary: This scoping review highlights the potential effects of functional electrical stimulation therapy in combination with task-specific training on the neuromuscular system during rehabilitation following CNS injury or disease. While most studies focused on muscle changes, there remains a significant gap in understanding the actual mechanisms of action of FEST + TST.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jawad Chishtie, Iwona Anna Bielska, Aldo Barrera, Jean-Sebastien Marchand, Muhammad Imran, Syed Farhan Ali Tirmizi, Luke A. Turcotte, Sarah Munce, John Shepherd, Arrani Senthinathan, Monica Cepoiu-Martin, Michael Irvine, Jessica Babineau, Sally Abudiab, Marko Bjelica, Christopher Collins, B. Catharine Craven, Sara Guilcher, Tara Jeji, Parisa Naraei, Susan Jaglal
Summary: This scoping review aims to summarize the evidence of interactive visualization applications, methods, and tools used in population health and health services research in the past 15 years. The findings reveal that interactive visualization methods are widely used in epidemiologic surveillance, resource planning, health service monitoring and quality, and medication use patterns. These methods play an important role in knowledge discovery, hypothesis generation and testing, and decision support.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Eleni M. Patsakos, Mark T. Bayley, Ailene Kua, Christiana Cheng, Janice Eng, Chester Ho, Vanessa K. Noonan, Matthew Queree, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering acute injury that leads to changes in sensory, motor, and autonomic function. The Can-SCIP Guideline aims to integrate existing clinical practice guidelines to provide a comprehensive and cohesive care for adults with SCI in Canada. The guideline includes 585 recommendations, with 96 pertaining to the Components of the Ideal SCI Care System and 489 pertaining to the Management of Secondary Health Conditions.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan, Naaz Kapadia, Dany H. Gagnon, Molly C. Verrier, Jennifer Holmes, Heather Flett, Farnoosh Farahani, S. Mohammad Alavinia, Maryam Omidvar, Matheus J. Wiest, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: This study aimed to develop a set of structure, process, and outcome indicators to improve the quality of upper extremity rehabilitation for individuals living with spinal cord injury or disease, with the ultimate goal of increasing the proportion of tetraplegic individuals achieving improved upper extremity function by 18 months post-rehabilitation.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emma A. Bateman, Vidya A. Sreenivasan, Farnoosh Farahani, Sheila Casemore, Andrea D. Chase, Jennifer Duley, Ivie K. Evbuomwan, Heather M. Flett, Anellina Ventre, B. Catharine Craven, Dalton L. Wolfe
Summary: The SCI IEQCC network was established to systematically improve the quality and equity of tertiary spinal cord injury rehabilitation care in Ontario by implementing best practices and quality indicators, resulting in significant progress in emotional well-being, sexual health, walking, and wheeled mobility within 18 months despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matteo Ponzano, Matheus J. Wiest, Andre Coleman, Emily Newton, Maureen Pakosh, Eleni M. Patsakos, David S. K. Magnuson, Lora M. Giangregorio, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: This scoping review explores the current use of ALP and B-ALP in studies of SCI, both in humans and animal models, and identifies potential areas for future research. The findings suggest conflicting evidence regarding changes in ALP levels in SCI patients compared to controls, while B-ALP appears to be influenced by certain treatment interventions.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Andrea Bandini, Mehdy Dousty, Sander L. Hitzig, B. Catharine Craven, Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan, Jose Zariffa
Summary: A wearable vision-based system for measuring hand use in individuals living with tetraplegia was developed and validated, with measures of hand function correlated with clinical assessments of hand function and independence.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kim Phung, Laura McAdam, Jinhui Ma, Hugh J. McMillan, Stefan Jackowski, Maya Scharke, Mary-Ann Matzinger, Nazih Shenouda, Khaldoun Koujok, Jacob L. Jaremko, Kevin Smit, Scott Walker, Colleen Hartigan, Nasrin Khan, Victor N. Konji, Lynn MacLeay, Marika Page, Elizabeth Sykes, Marie-Eve Robinson, Nathalie Alos, Elizabeth A. Cummings, Josephine Ho, Anne Marie Sbrocchi, Robert Stein, David Saleh, B. Catharine Craven, Utkarsh J. Dang, Kerry Siminoski, Frank Rauch, Leanne M. Ward
Summary: This study found that markers of systemic glucocorticoid exposure, such as shorter stature, greater bone age delay, and lower lumbar spine bone mineral density, were associated with spine fragility in patients with DMD.
OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Arrani Senthinathan, B. Catherine Craven, Andrew M. Morris, Melanie Penner, Karen Tu, Susan B. Jaglal
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate antibiotic prescribing and urine culture testing patterns for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a primary care Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) cohort. The study found that the average annual number of antibiotic prescriptions for UTIs was 1.9 for the SCI cohort, and urine cultures were conducted for 58.1% of antibiotic prescriptions. Physician characteristics, such as gender and training, were found to be associated with the choice of antibiotic and whether a urine culture was ordered. Patient characteristics did not show any association.
Article
Orthopedics
Lora Giangregorio, Robert Bleakney, Sheila Brien, Scotty Butcher, Brian Chan, Philip Chilibeck, Michaela Devries, Larry Funnell, Ravi Jain, Heather Keller, James Milligan, Marina Mourtzakis, Bonny O'Hare, Lehana Thabane, Angela Cheung
Summary: This trial aims to evaluate the effect of resistance training on lumbar spine bone mineral density in individuals with low BMD, and also examine its impact on other health outcomes, cost effectiveness, and potential harms.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ahreum Lee, Caitlin McArthur, George Ioannidis, Jonathan D. Adachi, Lauren E. Griffith, Lehana Thabane, Lora Giangregorio, Suzanne N. Morin, William D. Leslie, Justin Lee, Alexandra Papaioannou
Summary: The study examined the associations between cognition, frailty, falls, and self-reported incident fractures. The results showed significant associations between frailty, falls in the past 12 months, and self-reported incident fractures, while no association was found between cognition and incident fractures. Furthermore, the association between frailty and incident fractures was more pronounced in individuals aged 65 years or older.