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J Neurotrauma 2021 05 27;38(9):1242-1250. Epub 2021 Jan 27.

Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Persons living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are potentially at risk for severe COVID-19 disease given that they often have decreased lung capacity and may lack the ability to effectively evacuate their lungs. Known risk factors for negative outcomes after COVID-19, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, disproportionally affect people with SCI and raise concerns for the mortality risk among persons with SCI. A rapid systematic review of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese literature on COVID-19 and SCI was performed using the keywords "spinal cord injury" and "COVID-19. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020 Dec 28. Epub 2020 Dec 28.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN. Electronic address:

Long-standing research in animal models and humans with stroke or incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) indicate that specific physical training variables, such as the specificity and amount of practice, may influence neurologic recovery and locomotor function. More recent data highlight the contributions of exercise intensity, as estimated indirectly by cardiovascular exertion, as potentially more important than previously considered. The effects of exercise intensity are well described in neurologically intact individuals, although confusion regarding the definitions of intensity and safety concerns have limited its implementation during physical rehabilitation of patients with neurologic injury. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021 May 14;161(5):e337-e347. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Department of Anesthesiology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital and College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, I-Shou University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, E-Da Hospital and E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Objectives: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is one of the major concerns of postoperative paraplegia during major vascular or aortic surgery. Since mitochondrial dysfunction develops at the early stage of SCI, this study tested the neuronal protective effect of transplantation of viable mitochondria to the ischemic cord in rats.

Methods: SCI was induced by crossclamping of thoracic aorta at T6 level for 25 minutes, followed by release of vascular clip to restore aortic blood flow in the anesthetized rats. Read More

J Clin Orthop Trauma 2019 Mar-Apr;10(2):269-273. Epub 2018 Apr 22.

Department of Emergency Medicine, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.

Hematopoietic failure (HF) has been observed in trauma hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) patients. Multiple factors are involved. Elevated serum levels of cytokines, catecholamine, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and decreased expression of erythropoietin receptor are associated with HF among T/HS. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Aug;97(35):e12181

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University Hospital Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Rationale: Spinal cord infarction is rarely caused by hypercoagulable states. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that can contribute to thrombotic events due to increased blood viscosity. We report a case of spinal cord infarction due to extensive aortic thrombosis caused by PV. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Feb;97(8):e9883

Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China. Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease, Beijing, China.

Rationale: The typical intraoperative presentation of vertebral artery injury (VAI) usually involves profuse bleeding and requires immediate treatment. However, an occult VAI may occur intraoperatively and result in delayed life-threatening epidural pseudoaneurysm several days postoperatively.

Patient Concerns: A 21-year-old man with compressive cervical myelopathy resulting from canal stenosis of skeletal fluorosis underwent decompression of C1 to C7 and instrumentation from C2 to C7. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2018 Feb 9;47:281.e5-281.e10. Epub 2017 Sep 9.

Department of General Surgery, Surgical Specialties and Organ Transplantation "Paride Stefanini", Policlinico "Umberto I" Hospital, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a less invasive option for managing traumatic injuries of the descending aorta in polytraumatized patients. Concerns arise when treating young patients with TEVAR. A 22-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department following a high-impact road traffic collision. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2015 Dec 1;32(24):1927-42. Epub 2015 Sep 1.

2 Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .

Cardiovascular (CV) issues after spinal cord injury (SCI) are of paramount importance considering they are the leading cause of death in this population. Disruption of autonomic pathways leads to a highly unstable CV system, with impaired blood pressure (BP) and heart rate regulation. In addition to low resting BP, on a daily basis the majority of those with SCI suffer from transient episodes of aberrantly low and high BP (termed orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysreflexia, respectively). Read More

J Neurosci 2015 Jan;35(2):648-57

Departments of Anatomy,

There is continuing controversy relating to the primary afferent neurotransmitter that conveys itch signals to the spinal cord. Here, we investigated the DRG and spinal cord expression of the putative primary afferent-derived "itch" neurotransmitter, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). Using ISH, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry, we conclude that GRP is expressed abundantly in spinal cord, but not in DRG neurons. Read More

Circ Res 2013 Feb;112(3):523-33

Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.

The enthusiasm for producing patient-specific human embryonic stem cells using somatic nuclear transfer has somewhat abated in recent years because of ethical, technical, and political concerns. However, the interest in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in which pluripotency can be obtained by transcription factor transduction of various somatic cells, has rapidly increased. Human iPSCs are anticipated to open enormous opportunities in the biomedical sciences in terms of cell therapies for regenerative medicine and stem cell modeling of human disease. Read More

Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2012 Dec;12(4):304-14

Pain Relief Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center Alkmaar, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD Alkmaar, The Netherlands.

Neuropathic pain, pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system, is relatively common, occurring in about 1% of the population. Studies in animal models describe a number of peripheral and central pathophysiological processes after nerve injury that would be the basis of underlying neuropathic pain mechanism. Additionally, neuro-imaging (positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging) provides insights in brain mechanisms corresponding with mechanistic processes including allodynia, hyperalgesia, altered sensation, and spontaneous pain. Read More

Spinal Cord 2012 Dec 7;50(12):869-77. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

Outpatient Clinic, Institut de Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Québec, Quebec, Quebec, Canada.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objectives: Review the literature on the acute or prophylactic treatment of autonomic dysreflexia in the context of sexual activities.

Setting: International. Read More

Klin Med (Mosk) 2011 ;89(2):8-13

Part 2 of this review concerns the application of melatonin (Mt) to the treatment of aged patients with cardiovascular diseases and other pathology with reference to its genoprotective and anticarcinogenic action. Effects of Mt on the cardiovascular system are underlain by its antioxidative, vasodilating, and sedative activities, the ability to regulate the heart rate and inhibit platelet aggregation. Certain authors report negative correlation between Mt production and blood cholesterol level. Read More

Langenbecks Arch Surg 2011 Apr 4;396(4):489-97. Epub 2011 Mar 4.

Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.

Purpose: Transplantation surgery suffers from a shortage of donor organs worldwide. Cell injection and tissue engineering (TE), thus emerge as alternative therapy options. The purpose of this article is to review the progress of TE technology, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as a cell source for artificial functional tissue. Read More

Arch Surg 2010 Oct;145(10):1006-11

Department of Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA.

Objective: To explore this newer treatment modality's benefits, technical concerns, and complications as currently understood during the management of patients with blunt aortic injury (BAI).

Data Sources: Data sources included relevant articles from published medical journals and current published texts.

Study Selection: Assimilation of the pertinent world's literature into a select representation of the current status of thoracic aortic endografting for trauma's (TAET) performance and outcomes. Read More

J Med Life 2010 Jul-Sep;3(3):275-85

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

The aim of this article is to analyze the vascular dysfunctions occurring after spinal cord injury (SCI). Vascular dysfunctions are common complications of SCI. Cardiovascular disturbances are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both acute and chronic stages of SCI. Read More

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010 Aug 27;140(2):400-7. Epub 2010 May 27.

Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.

Objective: We have demonstrated that therapeutic augmentation of systemic blood pressure during spinal cord ischemia plays an important role in minimizing spinal cord injury in both experimental and clinical aortic surgery. However, there remain concerns that excessively high blood pressure during spinal cord reperfusion may aggravate the reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of high blood pressure during spinal cord reperfusion on postoperative neurologic outcomes after aortic surgery in rabbits. Read More

Spinal Cord 2011 Jan 25;49(1):4-16. Epub 2010 May 25.

Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Introduction: Similarities between the clinical presentation of individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and astronauts are remarkable, and may be of great interest to clinicians and scientists alike.

Objectives: The primary purpose of this review is to outline the manner in which cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal, immune and sensory motor systems are affected by microgravity and SCI.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted (using PubMed) to evaluate the hallmark symptoms seen after spaceflight and SCI. Read More

Auton Neurosci 2009 Oct 29;150(1-2):116-21. Epub 2009 Apr 29.

Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and autonomic dysregulation are common health concerns in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Two therapies that may help improve cardiovascular control are body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and head-up tilt training (HUTT). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short-term BWSTT and HUTT on cardiac autonomic function. Read More

Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2009 ;37(1-2):165-91

Department of Physical Education and Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are susceptible to an array of secondary health complications. Some of these health concerns are attributable to the SCI per se, but many are secondary to the resulting immobility. For example, the incidence of pressure ulcers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are greatly increased in this population. Read More

J Neurosci Res 2008 Nov;86(14):3039-51

Neuroscience Unit, Laval University Medical Center (CHUL-CHUQ), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with the development of serious medical concerns. In fact, it is increasingly well documented that most SCI patients who survive the first 24 hr will rapidly develop, within a few months to a few years, cardiovascular problems, type II diabetes, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, immune deficiencies, and other life-threatening problems. The cellular mechanisms underlying these so-called secondary health complications remain unclear, and no drug or standard approach has been developed to specifically treat these complications. Read More

Phys Ther 2006 May;86(5):636-45

Department of Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Background And Purpose: Subjects with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease-related secondary complications, such as pressure ulcers and attenuated wound healing. It has been suggested that passive exercise enhances blood flow via mechanical pump effects or reflex activation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of passive leg movements and passive cycling on the arterial circulation in subjects with SCI. Read More

Prog Brain Res 2006 ;152:387-99

Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada.

Sex is a legitimate and fundamental need in humans. Substantial changes to both the autonomic and somatic nervous system occur after spinal cord injury, and result in altered sexual function and fertility potential. This chapter provides a clinical overview of the main sexual and reproductive concerns and priorities men and women face after spinal cord injury. Read More

Prog Brain Res 2006 ;152:289-97

Spinal Injuries Research Centre, Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Gate 1, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.

The consequences of spinal cord injury on the function of sympathetic pathways in the periphery have generally been ignored. We discuss two types of plasticity that follow disruption of sympathetic pathways in rats . The first relates to the partial denervation of sympathetic ganglia that would follow the loss of some preganglionic neurones. Read More

Pain 2005 Sep;117(1-2):104-11

Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections are performed for the treatment of radicular pain. Multiple recent case reports have raised safety concerns regarding neurologic deficits such as anterior spinal artery syndrome and cerebellar injury after these injections. To investigate the potential causes of these injuries, an anatomic study was conducted. Read More

Work 2005 ;25(1):77-88

Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA.

The purpose of this paper was to determine what drives workplace discrimination against people with disabilities. These findings are then compared to available literature on attribution theory, which concerns itself with public perceptions of the controllability and stability of various impairments. The sample included 35,763 allegations of discriminations filed by people with disabilities under the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read More

Kyobu Geka 2004 Apr;57(4):313-8

Division of Cardiovascular, Thoracic, and Pediatric Surgery, Kobe University, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.

Spinal cord injury such as paraparesis and paraplegia remains one of the major concerns in surgery on the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). We utilize spinal cord protection including cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD), adjuncts of aortic distal perfusion, reconstruction of the intercostal or lumbar arteries and deep hypothermia in TAAA repair. This report describes the results of surgical treatment for TAAA including postoperative neurological outcome. Read More

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2004 Mar;58(4):1268-79

Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Purpose: To investigate the possibility of using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to reduce the irradiated volumes of the normal lung and other critical structures in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to investigate the effect of IMRT on the potential of spreading low doses to large volumes of normal tissues in such treatment.

Methods And Materials: A retrospective treatment planning study was performed to compare IMRT and conventional three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) for 10 NSCLC patients (Stage I-IIIB). In the IMRT plans, three to nine coplanar beams were designed to treat 95% of the planning target volume with 63 Gy and to minimize the volumes of the normal lung, esophagus, heart, and spinal cord irradiated above their tolerance doses. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003 Mar;84(3):455-7

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare vascular complication of trauma. This case report concerns a 24-year-old man with a lumbar-level spinal cord injury (SCI) secondary to a gunshot wound who developed severe exacerbation of low back and flank pain during inpatient rehabilitation. Diagnostic investigations at an acute care hospital revealed a left lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm. Read More

Sud Med Ekspert 1995 Jan-Mar;38(1):3-6

Changes in the adrenergic nervous system and population of tissue basophils of human spinal arteries in the course of 24 h after a blunt injury to the spine were studied. A staged pattern of development of compensatory adaptive reaction of the mechanisms regulating the spinal circulation has been revealed. The detected time course of posttraumatic changes may be interesting as it concerns the diagnosis of the time when a blunt injury to the spine was inflicted. Read More