Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Marcus Raudner, Markus M. Schreiner, Tom Hilbert, Tobias Kober, Michael Weber, Anna Szelenyi, Reinhard Windhager, Vladimir Juras, Siegfried Trattnig
Summary: The study evaluated GRAPPATINI, an accelerated T-2 mapping sequence that combines undersampling and model-based reconstruction to facilitate clinical implementation of T-2 mapping of the lumbar intervertebral disc. Results showed that T2 values obtained using GRAPPATINI were significantly different for normal discs compared to bulging or herniated discs, as well as discs with and without annular tears. The study concluded that GRAPPATINI can be used as a quantitative imaging biomarker to detect disc pathologies while significantly reducing acquisition time.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chao-yang Gong, Hai-hong Zhang
Summary: Autophagy plays a dual role in intervertebral disc degeneration, as inducing autophagy can slow down the process while excessive autophagy activation-mediated apoptosis may accelerate degeneration.
Review
Orthopedics
G. Chao-yang, C. Peng, Z. Hai-hong
Summary: This article summarizes the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of IVDD and its application in treatment.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kexin Dang, Kehuan Wang, Gang Liu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the dynamic softening and hardening behaviors of TC31 titanium alloy material during high-temperature deformation, exploring the microstructure evolution under factors such as deformation temperature, strain rate, and strain. The results showed that the softening and hardening of the material were dependent on the deformation temperature and strain rate, and changed dynamically with the strain.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Vernengo, Helen Bumann, Nadine Kluser, Astrid Soubrier, Amra Secerovic, Jan Gewiess, Jan Ulrich Jansen, Cornelia Neidlinger-Wilke, Hans-Joachim Wilke, Sibylle Grad
Summary: Chemonucleolysis is an established method for creating organ culture models of intervertebral disc degeneration. The effects of different enzymes used in chemonucleolysis need to be compared to gain a better understanding of how these models mimic human degeneration. The study induced chemonucleolysis in bovine IVDs and evaluated the cellular, biochemical, and histological properties after 7 days.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huigang Shi, Nan Zong, Shaopeng Li, Jianwen Le, Guangfa Huang, Jiuxiao Li, Jianwei Mao, Weijie Lu
Summary: We observed an interesting phenomenon in a new polycrystalline zirconium alloy where the intensity and attenuation of yield drop behavior increase and decrease, respectively, with increasing strain. This yield discontinuity is attributed to the recombination of climb-dissociated partials introduced by previous strain, and the work hardening or softening stage with increasing or decreasing partial dislocations results in the progressive intensification or attenuation of yield drop, respectively. The anisotropic response of the strain hardening-softening transition leads to relatively higher values of yield drop and increment-decrement transition strain along the rolling direction (-5.5 MPa and -21%, respectively) compared to the transverse direction (-4.6 MPa and -10%, respectively).
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Zhang, Shibin Shu, Zhenhua Feng, Yong Qiu, Hongda Bao, Zezhang Zhu
Summary: Stabilization of microtubules promotes the expression of COL2 in nucleus pulposus cells, alleviating disc degeneration. This study identifies microtubule as a promising therapeutic target for IDD and up-regulates COL2 synthesis via the Hippo-Yap pathway. Targeting microtubule acetylation may be an effective strategy for treating IDD.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zongtai Liu, Jiabo Zhu, Haiyan Liu, Changfeng Fu
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common clinical symptom and a significant cause of low back pain. The mechanisms involved in IDD include persistent inflammation, functional cell loss, accelerated extracellular matrix decomposition, imbalance of functional components, and genetic metabolic disorders. Inflammation interacts with other mechanisms and is closely associated with pain production. Natural substances with anti-inflammatory functions offer new options for mitigating degeneration and have potential clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bogdan Costachescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Raluca Ioana Teleanu, Bogdan Florin Iliescu, Marius Radulescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Marius Gabriel Dabija
Summary: This article introduces the harm of low back pain and the pathogenesis and treatment methods of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), focusing on bioactive compounds, cell therapy, and other emerging treatment options.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Marcus Raudner, Daniel F. Toth, Markus M. Schreiner, Tom Hilbert, Tobias Kober, Vladimir Juras, Reinhard Windhager, Siegfried Trattnig
Summary: Synthetic images derived using GRAPPATINI can be used for clinical assessment with high inter-rater and intra-rater agreements comparable to conventional T2w TSE, indicating good diagnostic performance in routine clinical practice.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Guillaume Marc Albertini, Fabio Stabile, Oliver Marsh, Ane Uriarte
Summary: This study retrospectively evaluated neurological grade, MRI findings, surgical outcomes, and short-term recovery in French Bulldogs with intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), comparing cervical and thoracolumbar IVDE. The results showed that thoracolumbar IVDE tended to cause more severe neurological dysfunction and required more extensive surgical treatment than cervical IVDE.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mohd Taha Parvez, Arshad Hussain Khan, M. Yaqoob Yasin
Summary: The study investigates the nonlinear dynamic response of laminated composite cylindrical shell under external periodic force with forcing frequency varied in the spectral vicinity of first and second natural frequency, exploring the parameters influencing the transition between softening and hardening nonlinear behavior of the shell. The research also explains the nonlinear restoring force dynamics leading to differences in the positive and negative half cycle response amplitude, and reveals significant higher harmonic contributions detrimental to fatigue design of structures.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Wentao Zhang, Tianze Sun, Ying Li, Ming Yang, Yantao Zhao, Jing Liu, Zhonghai Li
Summary: Stem cell therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration is emerging as a potential treatment option, with evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials showing its effectiveness in relieving pain and symptoms, reversing the degenerative cascade, delaying the aging process, and maintaining spinal function. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and effects of stem cells in IDD treatment.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
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)
Review
Cell Biology
Huagui Huang, Xin Liu, Jinzuo Wang, Moran Suo, Jing Zhang, Tianze Sun, Wentao Zhang, Zhonghai Li
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a complex and not yet fully understood cause of low back pain. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells derived from the fetal umbilical cord have shown promising results in regenerating intervertebral discs. These cells have excellent characteristics and can potentially replace the commonly used sources of mesenchymal stem cells. However, the survival of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells within the disc is crucial for their regenerative capacity, and biomaterial scaffolds have shown potential in aiding their survival.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
D. Dalos, G. Huber, Y. Wichern, K. Sellenschloh, K. Pueschel, K. Mader, M. M. Morlock, K. H. Frosch, T. O. Klatte
Summary: The biomechanical evaluation and analysis of tunnel widening of three different suture button devices used in acromioclavicular joint repair showed that the Low Profile AC Repair System had inferior properties compared to the AC TightRope and AC Dog Bone devices, leading to significant tunnel widening. Clinicians should carefully select the type of acromioclavicular repair device used and consider tunnel widening as a potential complication.
KNEE SURGERY SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY ARTHROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Dominika Ignasiak, Pascal Behm, Anne F. Mannion, Fabio Galbusera, Frank Kleinstuck, Tamas F. Fekete, Daniel Haschtmann, Dezso Jeszenszky, Laura Zimmermann, Sarah Richner-Wunderlin, Alba Vila-Casademunt, Ferran Pellise, Ibrahim Obeid, Javier Pizones, Francisco J. Sanchez Perez-Grueso, Muhammed Ilkay Karaman, Ahmet Alanay, Caglar Yilgor, Stephen J. Ferguson, Markus Loibl
Summary: Sagittal malalignment is a risk factor for mechanical complications after surgery for adult spinal deformity. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between postoperative changes in loads at the proximal segment and realignment, as well as the relationships between absolute postoperative loads and postoperative alignment measures. Patient-specific alignments were simulated based on clinical and radiographic data to predict loads at the proximal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Tobias Konow, Peter J. J. Schlieker, Frank Lampe, Benjamin Ondruschka, Michael M. M. Morlock, Gerd Huber
Summary: Aseptic loosening is a major cause of re-revisions of cementless revision stems. This study investigated how femur morphology and preparation methods affect the primary stability of revision stems and found that the individualized Dorr classification CCS and UFC can provide a good estimation of primary stability.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anita Fung, Ingmar Fleps, Peter A. Cripton, Pierre Guy, Stephen J. Ferguson, Benedikt Helgason
Summary: Sideways falls causing femoral fractures are a major concern for the elderly, and current prevention methods are not very effective. Prophylactic femoral augmentation systems involving ceramic-based bone cements are gaining attention as a potential alternative. This study evaluated the mechanical effectiveness of different bone cement injection patterns and found that supporting the femoral neck cortex is crucial in preventing fractures.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Stephanie Huber, Yann Ladner, Martin J. Stoddart, Michael Leunig, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: The study aimed to characterize the transcriptome and mechanobiological function of the labrum, a fibrocartilaginous ring surrounding the acetabulum. RNA-seq and gene ontology analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization between the labrum and cartilage tissue. Mechanical loading upregulated genes related to the extracellular matrix and preserved tissue adaptation mechanism. This research provides important insights for the development of labrum tissue-engineering solutions.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jenny Carlsson, Anna Braesch-Andersen, Stephen J. Ferguson, Per Isaksson
Summary: A dynamic phase-field fracture finite element model is used to investigate rapid bone fracture in human trabecular bone based on high-resolution three-dimensional computed tomography images. The model is compared to quasi-static experimental results and a quasi-static phase-field finite element model. The experiment shows complex crack evolution with multiple crack fronts and crack arrests, while the quasi-static phase-field fracture model can reasonably capture the fractures in the experiment. At higher load rates, inertia effects significantly contribute to increased stiffness, higher peak forces, and more cracks spread over a larger volume. The study concludes that dynamic fracture models are necessary for simulating rapid bone fracture.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Claudius Steffen, Kay Sellenschloh, Magdalena Willsch, Ana Prates Soares, Michael M. Morlock, Max Heiland, Kilian Kreutzer, Gerd Huber, Carsten Rendenbach
Summary: This study aimed to examine whether patient-specific 3D-printed miniplates provide increased interosteotomy movement (IOM) and lower stiffness compared to reconstruction plates. The findings showed that miniplate fixation resulted in higher IOM in the distal gap, while there was no significant difference between the groups in the mesial gap. Surgeons should evaluate the primary use of 3D-printed miniplates in mandibular reconstruction due to advantages of intraoral plate removal and safe osteosynthesis.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Salim E. E. Darwiche, Anna Kaczmarek, Peter Schwarzenberg, Brendan J. J. Inglis, Beat Lechmann, Peter Kronen, Stephen J. J. Ferguson, Hannah Dailey, Brigitte von Rechenberg, Karina Klein
Summary: Therapies using electromagnetic field technology show evidence of enhanced bone regeneration, resulting in improved new bone structure and biomechanical properties. The study suggests that combining electric and magnetic field treatment can accelerate bone healing and transform orthopedic implants into active devices for stimulating bone tissue.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fabio D'Isidoro, Clara Brockmann, Bernd Friesenbichler, Thomas Zumbrunn, Michael Leunig, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: This study used a moving fluoroscopic robot to measure the hip joint motion of 15 patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) during unrestricted activities of daily living. The results showed that current pre-clinical wear testing procedures do not accurately reflect the in-vivo daily motions of THA patients. The patient-specific kinematics measured can be used for in vitro and computational simulations to investigate the impact of individual motion patterns on predicted wear or impingement.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aapo Ristaniemi, Amra Secerovic, Vincent Dischl, Francesco Crivelli, Sarah Heub, Diane Ledroit, Gilles Weder, Sibylle Grad, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: The physiological and degenerative levels of maximum principal strains and stresses in bovine intervertebral disc tissue were determined through finite element analysis. It was found that when applying 0.1 MPa of compression and +/- 2-3 degrees of flexion and +/- 1-2 degrees of torsion, the mechanical parameters remained at physiological levels. However, with +/- 6-8 degrees of flexion in combination with +/- 2-4 degrees of torsion, the stresses in the outer annulus fibrosus exceeded degenerative levels. These findings provide important guidelines for bioreactor experiments with bovine intervertebral discs.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andre M. Souza Plath, Stephanie Huber, Serena R. R. Alfarano, Daniel F. F. Abbott, Minghan Hu, Victor Mougel, Lucio Isa, Stephen J. J. Ferguson
Summary: To improve the integration of osteoarthritis scaffold-based grafts, electrospun poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone)/zein-based scaffolds were proposed. The zein surface segregation in the membranes changed the hydrophobic behavior of the materials and increased the cell yield and metabolic activity. The co-electrospun PCL/zein scaffolds showed promising surface and biocompatibility properties for articular-tissue-engineering applications.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoyu Du, Sean Ronayne, Seunghun S. Lee, Jackson Hendry, Douglas Hoxworth, Ryan Bock, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of 3D-printed polyether ether ketone/silicon nitride (PEEK/SiN) scaffolds with a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure. The scaffolds demonstrated similar mechanical properties to trabecular bone and stimulated osteogenic differentiation. As a result, PEEK/SiN TPMS scaffolds show significant potential for bone tissue engineering and as candidates for spinal fusion implants.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Basil Achermann, Katja Oberhofer, Stephen J. Ferguson, Silvio R. Lorenzetti
Summary: Velocity-based training (VBT) is monitored using kinematics measured by expensive devices. This study evaluates the accuracy and precision of the Apple Watch 7 and Enode Pro device for measuring velocity during the back squat exercise. The results show that the barbell-mounted Apple Watch is the most valid for assessing propulsive and peak lifting velocity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jean Schoeller, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Stephen J. J. Ferguson, Markus Rottmar, Jonathan Avaro, Yvonne Elbs-Glatz, Michael Chung, Rene M. Rossi
Summary: The ability of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers to release ibuprofen for the treatment of chronic wounds was evaluated. The electrospinning of different compositions of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) copolymers was optimized, and the release kinetics of ibuprofen from the nanofibers at different temperatures were studied. The scaffolds also showed no cytotoxicity to normal human fibroblasts, indicating their potential for use in chronic wound treatment.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Xiaoyu Du, Yijun Zhou, Lingzhe Li, Cecilia Persson, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: Investigating the dynamic properties of implants is crucial for their safety and compatibility with natural spinal tissue. This study presents a simplified model of a cantilever beam to explore the effects of holes/pores on the structures. The natural frequencies and damping ratios of cantilever beams with open holes made of polycarbonate (PC) were investigated numerically, analytically, and experimentally. Finite element analysis accurately simulated the damped vibration behavior of cantilever beams with open holes, highlighting the potential of this method for analyzing the dynamic response of complex structures and improving implant design.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Nathan D. Camarillo, Rafael Jimenez-Silva, Frances T. Sheehan
Summary: This article discusses the statistical dependence between multiple measurements from the same participant and provides recommendations for using these measurements when they are not independent.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
J. Huet, A. -S. Boureau, A. Sarcher, C. Cornu, A. Nordez
Summary: Standard compression in freehand 3D ultrasound induces a bias in volume calculations, but minimal compression and gel pad methods have similar results. With a trained examiner and precautions, the bias can be minimized and become acceptable in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
C. Lariviere, A. H. Eskandari, H. Mecheri, F. Ghezelbash, D. Gagnon, A. Shirazi-Adl
Summary: Recent developments in musculoskeletal modeling have focused on model customization. Personalization of the spine profile may affect estimates of spinal loading and stability. This study investigates the biomechanical consequences of changes in the spinal profile and finds that personalizing the spine profile has medium to large effects on trunk muscle forces and negligible to small effects on spinal loading and stability.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Luke T. Mattar, Arash B. Mahboobin, Adam J. Popchak, William J. Anderst, Volker Musahl, James J. Irrgang, Richard E. Debski
Summary: Exercise therapy fails in about 25.0% of cases for individuals with rotator cuff tears, and one reason for this failure may be the inability to strengthen and balance the muscle forces that keep the humeral head in the correct position. This study developed computational musculoskeletal models to compare the net muscle force before and after exercise therapy between successfully and unsuccessfully treated patients. The study found that unsuccessfully treated patients had less inferiorly oriented net muscle forces, which may increase the risk of impingement.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Natsuki Sado, Takeshi Edagawa, Toshihide Fujimori, Shogo Hashimoto, Yoshikazu Okamoto, Takahito Nakajima
Summary: The existing methods for predicting hip and lumbosacral joint centres in Japanese adults are biased and differ between sexes. We propose new regression equations that consider soft-tissue thickness, sex differences, and a height-directional measure, and validate them using leave-one-out cross-validation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Peimin Yu, Xuanzhen Cen, Qichang Mei, Alan Wang, Yaodong Gu, Justin Fernandez
Summary: This study aimed to explore the intra-foot biomechanical differences among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), copers, and healthy individuals during dynamic tasks. The study found that copers and CAI individuals had smaller dorsiflexion angles and copers presented a more eversion position compared to healthy participants. Copers also had greater dorsiflexion angles in the metatarsophalangeal joint and more inversion moments in the subtalar joint during certain tasks. These findings can help in designing interventions to restore ankle joint functions in CAI individuals.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Jon Skovgaard Jensen, Anders Holsgaard-Larsen, Anders Stengaard Sorensen, Per Aagaard, Jens Bojsen-Moller
Summary: This study investigates the biomechanical effects of robot-assisted body weight unloading (BWU) on gait patterns in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamic robot-assisted BWU enables reduced kinetic requirements without distorting biomechanically normal gait patterns during overground walking.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
