bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Facet Tropism with Lumbar Disk Herniation
Authors: Chadha M. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Study Design Analytical cross-sectional hospital-based cohort study. Objective (1) To determine whether there is an association between facet tropism and the occurrence of lumbar disk herniation at that level. (2) In patients with facet tropism at the herniated disk level, to determine whether there is an association between facet tropism and the side of disk herniation (sagittal or coronal). Background Facet tropism is defined as asymmetry between left and right facet joint angles and is postulated as a possible etiological cause in occurrence of disk herniation. A correlation in literature is still being debated. Materials and Methods Total 60 patients (18 to 40 years) with single disk herniation (L3-L4, L4-L5, or L5-S1) were selected. Exclusion criteria included multiple/recurrent disk herniation, spondylolisthesis, transitional vertebra, scoliosis, previous surgery/trauma/infection, and significant facetal arthropathy. Facet angles were measured using 3 Tesla MRI by two surgeons and mean taken to minimize bias. Facet tropism was defined as difference of 10 degrees in facet joint angles between right and left sides. Normal adjacent disk was used as control. We also examined if disk herniated towards the side of more coronally oriented facet. Results Overall we found a statistically significant association of facet tropism with lumbar disk herniation ( p = 0.0009). However, analyzing each level separately, an association of facet tropism with lumbar disk herniation was found to be statistically significant at the L5S1 level ( p = 0.0094) but not at L4L5 level ( p = 0.145). Of 19 cases having tropism at the herniated disk level, the disk had herniated towards the sagittally oriented facet in 13 ( p = 0.11). Conclusion Statistically significant association exists between facet tropism and lumbar disk herniation at L5-S1. Same does not hold true at L4-5. There is no statistically significant association between facet tropism and the side of the disk herniation (sagittal or coronal) but the numbers were small. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared
Regulation of Chemokine Expression by Interleukin-1 in Human Intervertebral Disk Degeneration
Authors: Phillips K. L. E. , Chiverton N. , Haddock G. , Bunning R. , Cross A. , Le Maitre C. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction It is established that Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is expressed by native nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and that disregulated expression is associated with the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration1. IL-1 has been shown to regulate diverse cellular functions within the IVD including those related to catabolic and anabolic activities2. Here the regulatory potential of IL-1 on chemokines that we have previously identified within the human IVD is investigated to address the hypothesis that regulatory interrelationships exist between cytokines and chemokines in the IVD. Materials and Methods Primary human NP cells cultured in alginate beads were subjected to 48 hours treatment with IL-1. RNA extracted from these cultures was used in qRT-PCR gene expression analysis to determine the effects of treatment on the expression of selected target chemokine genes. Cell culture supernatants from these cultures were used to determine the effects of treatment on protein production of selected chemokines. Results Constitutive expression of CXCL8, CCL2, and CCL7 was observed in alginate bead cultured primary human NP cells. Following 48 hours IL-1 treatment expression of CXCL8 and CCL2 was upregulated (Fig. 1A). Constitutive expression of IL-1 and CCL3 was not observed in alginate cultured primary human NP cells however, expression was induced following 48 hours IL-1 treatment (Fig. 1B). Conclusion This study demonstrates the regulatory potential of IL-1 in relation to a number of chemokines some of which have not been shown previously and adds to the body of evidence implicating IL-1 as a key regulator of NP cell biology. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared Le Maitre et al. Arthritis Research and Therapy 2007;7:R732-R745 Le Maitre et al. Arthritis Research and Therapy 2007;9:R77
Characterization of miRNA Expression in Human Lumbar Disks
Authors: Ohrt-Nissen S. , Dahl B. , Friis-Hansen L. , Nielsen F. C. , Vikeså J. , Lajer C. , Rossing M. , Døssing K. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction MicroRNA (miRNA) are short ∼22 nucleotide RNA sequences that regulate mRNA translation, and more than 900 humans miRNAs are known. miRNAs have been shown to play a role in synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Since inflammation play a role in intervertebral disk degeneration, we wanted to isolate miRNA from human lumbar intervertebral disks and subsequently characterize the difference in miRNA expression between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus. Materials and Methods A total of 14 patients undergoing anterior interbody fusion for degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine were included. During surgery, biopsies from the intervertebral disks (IVD) were immediately stored in RNA-Later, transported to the laboratory within a day, and then frozen at −80°C. RNA extraction was performed using the Trizol method. Global miRNA expression analysis was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip(r) miRNA array. Results We developed a method allowing for the extraction of miRNA from human IVDs, yielding 1 to 4 microgram of total RNA Per 100 mg of disk. Total 27 miRNAs had a higher expression in the fibrosus and 10 had the highest expression in the pulposus. Among the top 15 signaling pathways most likely to be controlled by these miRNA's were the TGFβ, PDGF, IGF EGF, and actin cytoskeletal pathway. Conclusion This is the first time miRNA have been demonstrated in the human IVD. The miRNA expression differs between the miRNA expressed in the nucleus pulposus and AF. The identified miRNAs control signaling pathways is important for maintenance of the IVD. Future studies may determine the importance of miRNA in the development of IVD disease. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared
Vertebral Bone Remodeling after Disk Degeneration-Quantitative Microanalysis in a Porcine Nucleotomy Model
Authors: Omlor G. , Lorenz S. , Huettner F. , Holschbach J. , Richter W. , Gühring T. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Changes in vertebral endplate sclerosis and permeability seem to be a crucial aspect in the course of disk degeneration. Detailed information on microstructural changes of the subchondral bone of the endplates and the trabecular vertebral bone is missing, especially when bony remodeling runs parallel with disk remodeling or not. Therefore, the goal of this study was to analyze this in an established disk degeneration model on minipigs. Materials and Methods Animals were divided into three groups. Group 1 and 2 received partial nucleotomy with a 16G-biopsy-cannula to induce moderate disk degeneration and were followed for 13 and 24 weeks, respectively. Group 3 did not receive surgery and served as controls. A total of 24 disks and 48 endplates with subchondral bone and trabecular vertebral bone were analyzed histologically and by quantitative micro-CT. Standardized elliptical volumes of interest were analyzed by Skyscan-micro-CT-software. Results Both group 1 and 2 showed disk degeneration with significant loss of disk height, higher disk- and endplate-degeneration-scores, fibrous scarring, and loss of notochordal cells ( p < 0.05 compared to controls). Micro-CT revealed less sclerosis (BV/TV) and reduced trabecular thickness of subchondral bone underneath the endplates 13 weeks after nucleotomy compared to untreated controls ( p < 0.05 group 1 vs. group 2 and 3); after 24 weeks, however, values turned back to those of controls again. The same correlation was found in more distant trabecular vertebral bone, though BV/TV values were lower. Separate analysis of changes above and below the operated disk did not show differences. Conclusion Contrary to the concept of simultaneous bony endplate sclerosis and disk degeneration, we found reduced BV/TV and trabecular thickness early after nucleotomy induced disk degeneration. At later stages of disk degeneration, sclerosis was not higher than in healthy controls, indicating that disk degeneration can proceed independently from endplate sclerosis. The vertebral bone is highly reactive to disk disturbances but does not automatically react with increased sclerosis. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared
New Validated Classification for Intervertebral Disk Histology
Authors: Rutges J. , Duit R. , Kummer J. , Bekkers J. , Oner F. , Castelein R. , Dhert W. , Creemers L. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVD) is considered as one of the main causes of chronic low back pain. Consequently, the research on the pathophysiology of IVD degeneration is significantly intensified and new treatment strategies are being developed. In most basic science and pre-clinical studies, histology is an important outcome variable. Nevertheless, an adequately validated histological classification for IVD degeneration is still lacking. Moreover, the existing classifications are elaborate and difficult to use for inexperienced observers. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop and to validate a new histological classification for IVD degeneration. This new classification subsequently was compared to the frequently used nonvalidated classification of Boos et al. Materials and Methods The new classification was applied to sections from 61 human IVDs from all macroscopic degeneration grades. The sections were scored twice by two independent inexperienced observers, twice by an experienced IVD researcher, and once by an experienced pathologist. For comparison, the sections were also scored according to the classification described by Boos et al by two experienced IVD researchers. Macroscopic grading according to Thompson et al and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were used for validation of both classifications. Results The new classification had an excellent intra- and a good interobserver reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (CC) of 0.84 and 0.73, respectively. Intra and interobserver reliability was comparable for both experienced and inexperienced observers. Statistically significant correlations were found between the new classification, the macroscopic score, GAG content in the nucleus pulposus and age, CC 0.791, −0.620 and 0.687, respectively. The reliability of the Boos classification was comparable to the new classification, however, the CCs for the macroscopic score, GAG content, and age were all low. Conclusion The new histological classification for IVD degeneration is a valuable instrument for evaluating IVD degeneration in human IVD sections and is reliable to use for both inexperienced and experienced researchers. This classification could significantly contribute to the standardization of histological grading of degenerative IVDs. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared
Removal of Mitochondria-Generated Reactive Oxygen Species Delays Age-Associated Disk Degeneration
Authors: Vo N. A. , Nasto L. A. , Robinson A. , Sowa G. , Wipf P. , Robbins P. , Kang J. , Niedernhofer L. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals are byproducts of oxidative metabolism that cause cellular damage and are implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Mitochondria are the main cellular sites of ROS production. Recent studies reported a positive correlation between mitochondria dysfunction and age-associated disk cellular senescence and apoptosis. Hence, we hypothesize that reducing mitochondria-generated ROS would slow the onset of age-related intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). We tested this hypothesis by chronically treating the Errc1-/D mouse model of accelerated aging with XJB-5-131, a mitochondria-targeted free radical scavenger previously demonstrated to be therapeutic in rodent models of hemorrhagic shock and sepsis. Materials and Methods Pairs of 5-week-old siblings of Ercc1-/▵ mice were treated with XJB-5-131 or oil carrier control (intraperitoneal injections, 2 mg/Kg, 3×/week, 15 weeks). Total proteoglycan content (safranin-O histology, DMMB assay) and synthesis (35S-sulfate incorporation) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to assess disk mitochondria number and morphology in Ercc1-/▵ mice and wild-type littermates. Results TEM showed greater mitochondrial death in discs of Ercc1-/▵ mice compared to their wild-type littermates. Compared to oil-treated Ercc1-/▵ controls, disks from XJB-5-131 treated Ercc1-/▵mice showed greater (1.3×) proteoglycan matrix content and higher (1.9×) rate of proteoglycan synthesis. Conclusion Errc1-/Dmouse model of a human progeria had previously established as an accurate model of spine aging. Treatment of Errc1-/Dmice with a mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger decreased disk proteoglycan loss. This result is consistent with our in vitro studies which showed XJB-5-131 is able to rescue reduced proteoglycan synthesis mediated by oxidative stress in human disk cells grown at high oxygen (20 vs. 5% oxygen). The findings in this study suggest that oxidative damage originating from mitochondria dysfunction plays an important role in disk health. The mitochondrial-targeted ROS free radical scavenger XJB-5-131 is potentially therapeutic in delaying the onset of age-related IDD. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared
The Evaluation of Digital Rectal Examination for Assessment of Anal Tone
Authors: Sherlock K. E. , Turner W. , Elsayed S. , Bagouri E. , Baha L. , Boszczyk B. M. , McNally D. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Cauda equina syndrome represents the constellation of symptoms and signs resulting from compression of lumbosacral nerve routes. Combined with subjective neurological findings, a reduction in anal tone is an important sign deeming further imaging necessary. Digital rectal examination (DRE) is an invasive procedure used to assess anal tone despite debated accuracy. Our main objective was to investigate the validity of DRE for assessment of anal tone. Materials and Methods Total 75 doctors completed a questionnaire documenting their grade, especiality, and experience in performing DRE. A model anus, using a pressure transducer surrounding an artificial canal, was assembled and calibrated. Participants performed four DREs on the model (with a break between attempts), and predicted tone as “reduced” or “normal” (35 and 60 mm Hg respectively), followed by a “squeeze” test. Total 30 health care assistants (HCAs) partook as a control group with no training in DRE. Results In each attempt 60, 61, 63, and 72% of doctors correctly identified the anal tone, respectively (average accuracy: 64%). HCAs had an identical average accuracy of 64%. Total 100% of participants correctly felt the squeeze test. For doctors no correlation was found between confidence in assessing anal tone using DRE and a correct result. Total 71% had received previous training in DRE with 64% of these taught how to assess anal tone. Total 43% of doctors felt that further training would be beneficial. Conclusion The results demonstrate that accuracy in assessing anal tone using DRE is limited with overall correctness of 64%. Poor correlation exists between perceived level of skill and study result. Doctors were not significantly more able than HCAs to detect correct tone. Therefore, DRE for the assessment of anal tone is not a wholly accurate tool. A squeeze test may be of greater value if interpreted correctly. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared
Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up of the Mobility and Disk Changes at the Index Level Stabilized by Isobar Hybrid Stabilization
Authors: Fu L. , Zhang P. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction To test whether the application of Isobar could prevent degeneration at the index and adjacent level. Materials and Methods Total 27 patients underwent decompressive discectomy and stabilized with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using Isobar. The mobility and disk changes by MRI were evaluated radiologically after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Results All patients finished a mean follow-up of 39 months (range: 24 to 50 months). Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement in mean postoperative visual analog scale score by 38.3 points ( p < 0.01) and Oswestry disability index by 20.9 points ( p < 0.01). Disk height ratio and intervertebral angle were maintained at the index level and adjacent level ( p > 0.05). Range of motion averaged 2.81° at the index level, and range of motion at the adjacent level remained unchanged ( p > 0.05). The wooden score at the index level showed no statistically changes. No reoperation or screw loosening was recorded. Conclusion Hybird Isobar stabilization leads to excellent clinical and radiological results in a minimum follow-up of 2 years. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared Athiviraham A, Wali ZA, Yen D. Predictive factors influencing clinical outcome with operative management of lumbar spinal stenosis . Spine 2011;11:613–617 Caputy AJ, Spence CA, Bejjani GK, et al. The role of spinal fusion in surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a review . Neurosurgical Focus 1997;3:e3; discussion 1 p following e4 Herkowitz HN, Sidhu KS. Lumbar spine fusion in the treatment of degenerative conditions: current indications and recommendations . Journal of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon 1995;3:123–135 Sonntag VK, Marciano FF. Is fusion indicated for lumbar spinal disorders? Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1995;20:138S-142S Bridwell KH, Sedgewick TA, O'Brien MF, et al. The role of fusion and instrumentation in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis . Journal of Spinal Disorder 1993;6:461–472
Cervical Arthroplasty with Prodisc-C System: Our Experience
Authors: Grasso G. , Certo F. , Pirrone A. G. , Iacopino D. 
Published: June 2012

Introduction The Prodisc-C system (Synthes, USA), used in cervical arthroplasty, has been revealed as valid alternative to arthrodesis. Artificial disk replacement has the aim to preserve the physiological motion segment of the cervical spine and to decrease the kinematic strain on the adjacent levels. However, to date, with existing prostheses, the risk of adjacent segment disease and heterotopic ossification have not been proven to be definitively reduced by using artificial disk replacement. In this study, we present our experience over 5 years follow-up. The heterotopic ossification rate (HO), range of motion of the segments operated, as well as the strain of the adjacent levels, and the clinical outcome of patients following cervical arthroplasty are shown. Materials and Methods In our study, 35 consecutive patients (20 male, 15 female) were included. Patients presenting with clinical symptoms of degenerative disorders of the cervical spine-axial and radicular pain or radicular compromise and their corresponding signs on MRI-soft disk hernia or spondylosis, undergone surgical procedure. The following parameters were assessed before the procedure and 6 months, and each year postoperatively. Clinical condition (NDI and SF36), axial pain and radicular pain scores (VAS), and x-ray findings were assessed. Results Total 5 years following the surgical procedure, significant improvement in NDI, cervical, and radicular pain were assessed. HO was detected in 30% of the segments operated and a complete loss of the arthroplasty mobility in 5% of the cases. Conclusion The Prodisc-C system seems to favor a prompt improvement of the clinical and neurological symptoms. Although, in our experience, the system preserved the motion segment, further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of this system and its advantage with respect to arthrodesis. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared
Transformations from WISE to 2MASS, SDSS and BVI Photometric Systems: II. Transformation Equations for Red-Clump Stars
Authors: Bilir S. , Karaali S. , Dağtekin N. D. , Önal Ö. , Ak S. , Ak T. , Cabrera-Lavers A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe present colour transformations for the conversion of Wide-Field Survey Explorer W1, W2, and W3 magnitudes to the Johnson–Cousins BVIc, Sloan Digital Sky Survey gri, and Two Micron All Sky Survey JHKs photometric systems, for red clump (RC) stars. RC stars were selected from the Third Radial Velocity Experiment Data Release. The apparent magnitudes were collected by matching the coordinates of this sample with different photometric catalogues. The final sample (355 RC stars) was used to obtain metallicitydependent and free-of-metallicity transformations. These transformations combined with known absolute magnitudes at shorter wavelengths can be used in space density determinations for the Galactic (thin and thick) discs at distances larger than the ones evaluated with JHKs photometry alone, hence providing a powerful tool in the analysis of Galactic structure.
Inequalities for eigenvalues of selfadjoint operators
Authors: Hook Stephen M. 
Published: June 2012

We establish several inequalities for eigenvalues of selfadjoint operators in Hilbert space. The results are quite general. In particular, let

Ω
\Omega

be a region in

R

n

,
∂
Ω

{{\mathbf {R}}^n},\partial \Omega

its boundary and

Δ
\Delta

the Laplace operator in

R

n

{{\mathbf {R}}^n}

. Let

p
(
x
)

p(x)

be a polynomial of degree

m
m

having nonnegative real coefficients. We show that if the problems (1)

−
Δ
u
=
λ
u

- \Delta u = \lambda u

in

Ω
;
u
=
0

\Omega ;u = 0

on

∂
Ω

\partial \Omega

; (2)

p
(
−
Δ
)
υ
=
μ
υ

p( - \Delta )\upsilon = \mu \upsilon

in

Ω
;
υ

\Omega ;\upsilon

and its first

m
−
1
derivatives
=
0
on
∂
Ω

m - 1 \text {derivatives}=0 \text {on} \partial \Omega

; and (3)

(
−
Δ

)
m

w
=
v
w

{( - \Delta )^m}w = vw

in

Ω
;
w

\Omega ;w

and its first

m
−
1
derivatives
=
0
on
∂
Ω

m - 1 \text {derivatives}=0 \text {on} \partial \Omega

are selfadjoint with discrete spectra of finite multiplicity

λ
1

≤

λ
2

≤
⋯

{\lambda _1} \leq {\lambda _2} \leq \cdots

etc. then (4)

p
(

Γ
i

1

/

m

)
≥

μ
i

≥
p
(

λ
i

)

p(\Gamma _i^{1/m}) \geq {\mu _i} \geq p({\lambda _i})

for each index

i
i

. The set of problems (1), (2), (3) and the result (4) is only one example of our more general result. The above problems (1), (2), and (3) can be thought of as related through the single operator given by the Laplacian. We also establish results for eigenvalues for unrelated operators. Let

A
A

,

B
B

and

A
+
B

A + B

be selfadjoint on domains

D
A

,

D
B

{D_A},{D_B}

, and

D

A
+
B

{D_{A + B}}

with

D

A
+
B

⊆

D
A

∩

D
B

{D_{A + B}} \subseteq {D_A} \cap {D_B}

. If

A
A

,

B
B

, and

A
+
B

A + B

have discrete spectra

{

λ
i

}

i
=
1

∞

,
{

μ
i

}

i
=
1

∞

\{ {\lambda _i}\} _{i = 1}^\infty ,\{ {\mu _i}\} _{i = 1}^\infty

and

{

Γ
i

}

i
=
1

∞

\{ {\Gamma _i}\} _{i = 1}^\infty

arranged in ascending order, as above, then inequality (5)

∑

i
=
1

n

Γ
i

≥

∑

i
=
1

n

(

λ
i

+

v
i

)

\sum \nolimits _{i = 1}^n {{\Gamma _i}} \geq \sum \nolimits _{i = 1}^n {({\lambda _i} + {v_i})}

is established for each positive integer

n
n

.