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Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021 May 11;23(7):40. Epub 2021 May 11.

Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Hospital Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Purpose Of Review: To summarize current key recommendations in the evaluation and management of mental health disorders associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI) among pediatric patients, based on a review of recent evidence-based literature and clinical experience.

Recent Findings: Anticipating potential mental health risks among youth with SCI and implementing early multidisciplinary management improves physical and mental health outcomes. When caregivers of youth with SCI model healthy coping strategies, it promotes healthy coping strategies in patients themselves. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2021 May 7:1-8. Epub 2021 May 7.

Clinic for Spinal Cord Injuries, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

To investigate the baseline knowledge of autonomic functions and specifically the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury (ISAFSCI) among medical students and to present the effective methods in learning of the ISAFSCI Interventional training session A tertiary hospital. 37 medical students Before training, a self-rating questionnaire including 24 concepts extracted from the ISAFSCI was administrated to the students. Then students were divided into two groups. Read More

Cell Prolif 2021 May 7:e13050. Epub 2021 May 7.

Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Korea.

Objectives: In this study, we study the transplantation of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)-induced M2-phenotype (M2) macrophages and their ability to promote anti-neuroinflammatory effects and functional recovery in a spinal cord injury (SCI) model.

Methods: To this end, compared to the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), we evaluated whether TUDCA effectively differentiates bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) into M2 macrophages.

Results: The M2 expression markers in the TUDCA-treated BMDM group were increased more than those in the GM-CSF-treated BMDM group. Read More

Front Neurosci 2021 20;15:615103. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Coupling between cervical and lumbar spinal networks (cervico-lumbar coupling) is vital during human locomotion. Impaired cervico-lumbar coupling after neural injuries or diseases can be reengaged via simultaneous arm and leg cycling training. Sensorimotor circuitry including cervico-lumbar coupling may further be enhanced by non-invasive modulation of spinal circuity using transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). Read More

Regen Med 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe CNS injury that results in abnormalities in, or loss of, motor, sensory and autonomic nervous function. miRNAs belong to a new class of noncoding RNA that regulates the production of proteins and biological function of cells by silencing translation or interfering with the expression of target mRNAs. Following SCI, miRNAs related to oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis and many other secondary injuries are differentially expressed, and these miRNAs play an important role in the progression of secondary injuries after SCI. Read More

J Orthop Case Rep 2020 May-Jun;10(3):57-59

Department of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, India.

Introduction: Hydatid disease is caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus which is also known as the dog tapeworm. This disease is a relatively uncommon cause of spinal cord and dural compression.

Case Report: We came across a peculiar case in a 41-year-old male patient who presented to us with pus discharge from a surgical wound over lower back for 10 days. Read More

Surg Neurol Int 2021 14;12:163. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States.

Background: When gunshot injuries occur to the spine, bullet fragments may be retained within the spinal canal. Indications for bullet removal include incomplete spinal cord injury, progressive loss of neurologic function including injury to the cauda equina, and dural leaks with impending risk of meningitis.

Case Description: Here, we present a 34-year-old male with a missile penetrating spinal injury to the cauda equina. Read More

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2021 May 5. Epub 2021 May 5.

Rehabilitation Unit, ULSS (Local Health Authority) Euganea - Camposampiero Hospital, Padua, Italy.

Introduction: Stroke is the third leading cause of adult disability world-wide, and lower extremity motor impairment is one of the major determinants of long-term disability. Although robotic therapy is becoming more and more utilized in research protocols for lower limb stroke rehabilitation, the gap between research evidence and its use in clinical practice is still significant. The aim of this study was to determine the scope, quality, and consistency of guidelines for robotic lower limb rehabilitation after stroke, in order to provide clinical recommendations. Read More

Cureus 2021 Mar 30;13(3):e14192. Epub 2021 Mar 30.

Medicine, Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.

The human brain is one of the most mystifying biological structures in nature. Overwhelming research, technology, and innovations in neuroscience have augmented clinical assessments, diagnosis, and treatment capabilities. Nonetheless, there is still much to be discovered about nervous system disorders and defects. Read More

SA J Radiol 2021 1;25(1):2038. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Background: The introduction of the Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification system has created the need for a holistic imaging approach that encompasses both functional (neurological) and morphological information.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if there was a correlation between the blunt cervical spinal cord injury diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fraction anisotropy (FA) value and the American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale motor score.

Method: Diffusion tensor imaging was performed on 26 patients with blunt cervical spine injury (all men with a median age of 46 years) admitted to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital spinal unit. Read More

Front Psychol 2021 15;12:612350. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.

People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are at risk of feeling socially disconnected. Competitive esports present an opportunity for people with SCI to remotely engage in a community. The aim of this study is to discuss barriers to esports participation for people with SCI, present adaptive solutions to these problems, and analyze self-reported changes in social connection. Read More

Bone Joint J 2021 May;103-B(5):971-975

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of using MRI scans to calculate the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

Methods: A total of 100 patients were retrospectively included in the study. The SINS score was calculated from each patient's MRI and CT scans by two consultant musculoskeletal radiologists (reviewers 1 and 2) and one consultant spinal surgeon (reviewer 3). Read More

J Nepal Health Res Counc 2021 Apr 23;19(1):32-38. Epub 2021 Apr 23.

Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, San Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Background: The outcome of exercises depends on participants' level of exercise participation. We aimed to investigate the level of exercise participation in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods: All participants with traumatic spinal cord injury undergoing inpatient physiotherapy at a rehabilitation center were recruited. Read More

Exp Neurol 2021 Apr 30;342:113725. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address:

The current high obesity rates mean that neurological injuries are increasingly sustained on a background of systemic pathology, including liver inflammation, which likely has a negative impact on outcomes. Because obesity involves complex pathology, the effect of hepatic inflammation alone on neurological recovery is unknown. Thus, here we used a gain-of-function model to test if liver inflammation worsens outcome from spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Read More

Exp Neurol 2021 Apr 28;342:113722. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) disrupt neural pathways between the brain and spinal cord, causing impairment of motor function and loss of independent mobility. Spontaneous plasticity in spared neural pathways improves function but is often insufficient to restore normal function. One unique approach to augment plasticity in spinal synaptic pathways is acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), meaning brief exposure to mild bouts of low oxygen, interspersed with normoxia. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021 Apr 28. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital.

Objective: To examine the associations among social networks and loneliness on health and life satisfaction in adults with chronic spinal cord injury / dysfunction (SCI/D).

Design: Cross-sectional telephone survey study.

Setting: Tertiary SCI rehabilitation centre. Read More

Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 2021 Apr;46(4):259-65

College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on locomotor activity and the expression of high-mobility group box-1(HMGB1) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) in mice with spinal cord injury(SCI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of SCI at the acute stage.

Methods: Forty-eight female C57BL/6 mice were equally randomized into 3 groups: sham operation, model and EA. The SCI model was established by clamping the spinal cord with a serrefine after laminectomy at the 1st lumbar vertebra(L1). Read More

Healthcare (Basel) 2021 Apr 22;9(5). Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, Korea.

Background: An inversion device, which is used to suspend one's body and perform traction therapy, was introduced as an inversion table under the name of "Geokkuri" in South Korea. Fall injuries while hanging on inversion tables are among the most devastating spine injuries, as the likelihood of severe neurological sequelae such as tetraplegia increases. However, its enormous danger has been overlooked and this devastating injury has become a common clinical entity over time. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2021 4;38:128. Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Service de Neurochirurgie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo de Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Intraspinal tumors are uncommon. Positive diagnosis is based on medical imaging exams, in particular MRI. Anatomopathological examination allows for definitive diagnosis. Read More

Mil Med Res 2021 04 29;8(1):29. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Clinical Occupational Medicine, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), 44139, Dortmund, Germany.

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is also a combat-related injury that is increasing in modern warfare. The aim of this work is to inform medical experts regarding the different course of bladder cancer in able-bodied patients compared with SCI patients based on the latest medical scientific knowledge, and to present decision-making aids for the assessment of bladder cancer as a late sequela of traumatic SCI.

Methods: A study conducted between January 1998 and December 2019 in the BG Trauma Hospital Hamburg formed the basis for the decision-making aids. Read More

Neural Regen Res 2021 Dec;16(12):2557-2562

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.

In spinal cord injuries, external forces from various directions occur at various velocities. Therefore, it is important to physically evaluate whether the spinal cord is susceptible to damage and an increase in internal stress for external forces. We hypothesized that the spinal cord has mechanical features that vary under stress depending on the direction and velocity of injury. Read More

Mol Pain 2021 Jan-Dec;17:17448069211011326

Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Microglia activation following peripheral nerve injury has been shown to contribute to central sensitization of the spinal cord for the development of neuropathic pain. In a recent study, we reported that the amount of nerve damage does not necessarily correlate with chronic pain development. Here we compared the response of spinal microglia, using immunohistochemistry as a surrogate of microglial activation, in mice with two different types of crush injury of the sciatic nerve. Read More

Praxis (Bern 1994) 2021 Apr;110(6):324-335

Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen.

Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestation, and Treatment The acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) represents an injury to the spinal cord with disproportionately greater motor impairment of the upper than the lower extremities, with bladder dysfunction and with varying degrees of sensory loss below the level of the respective lesion. The mechanism of ATCCS is most commonly a traumatic hyperextension injury of the cervical spine at the base of an underlying spondylosis and spinal stenosis. The mean age is 53 years, and segments C4 to Th1 are most frequently affected. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2021 Apr 27:1-10. Epub 2021 Apr 27.

Unidad de Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.

Context: Pressure ulcers or injuries, arise from ischemic damage to soft tissues induced by unrelieved pressure over a bony prominence. They are usually difficult to treat with standard medical therapy and often they recur. In the search for better treatment options, promising alternative forms of treatment are today emerging. Read More

Chirurg 2021 Apr 27. Epub 2021 Apr 27.

, Gerichtsberg 24, 19395, Plau am See, Deutschland.

This article describes the life of the Hessian physician Wilhelm Wagner (1848-1900) and his great importance for Upper Silesia. The initial years of Wagner's effectiveness in Königshütte (Upper Silesia) coincided at that time with the just beginning dissemination of antisepsis and its success. Parallel to this development Wagner turned more and more towards surgery. Read More

Neurosurg Rev 2021 Apr 26. Epub 2021 Apr 26.

Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India.

The connection between gastrointestinal microbiota and the brain has been described in ancient medical texts and is now well established by research. It is a bidirectional communication which plays a critical role in regulating not only the gastrointestinal homeostasis but has also been linked to higher emotional and cognitive functions. Recent studies have sought to expand on this concept by providing concrete evidence of the influence of gut microbiome on a wide array of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2021 Apr 26;21(1):275. Epub 2021 Apr 26.

Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201619, China.

Background: Fear of falling (FoF) and physical activity (PA) are important psychological and behavioral factors associated with falls. No instrument quantifies the link between these two factors to evaluate the risk of falls. We aimed to design a scale linking FoF with PA (Composite Activities-specific Risk of Falls Scale, CARFS) for people with various disability levels. Read More

Int J Spine Surg 2021 Apr 1;15(2):213-218. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Background: Postoperative C5 palsy is a common complication following cervical decompression, occurring more frequently after posterior-based procedures. It has been theorized that this is the result of C5 nerve stretch resulting from spinal cord drift with these procedures. As such, it is thought to be less common after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). Read More

Front Hum Neurosci 2021 9;15:548558. Epub 2021 Apr 9.

Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.

Background: Functional changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) are related to changes in cortical plasticity. These changes can be measured with electroencephalography (EEG) and has potential to be used as a clinical biomarker.

Method: In this longitudinal study participants underwent a total of 30 sessions of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) over a course of 6 weeks. Read More

Saudi Med J 2021 May;42(5):543-549

From the Department of Orthopedic (Al-Otaibi M) and from the College of Medicine (Almutairi, Al-Otaibi K, Alghaeb, Al-Hadi), King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To evaluate the level of public awareness regarding cervical spine injuries among adult residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2020. It involved structured questionnaires, collecting information on participant socio-demographic characteristics, first responder training status, and the awareness of cervical spine trauma and suitable first aid response. Read More