European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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To introduce the new method of spinal canal "Rule of Nine" on axial computed tomography (CT) to determine whether ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be resected completely and safely. ⋯ Our new method can be used to determine whether OPLL can be resected completely and safely, and identify potential risks and complications.
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Intervertebral disc degeneration related to postmenopausal osteoporosis is an important issue in spinal disorder research. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salmon calcitonin (sCT), as an antiresorptive medication, on lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration using a rat ovariectomy (OVX) model. ⋯ Salmon calcitonin treatment was effective in delaying the process of the disc degeneration in OVX rats. The underlying mechanisms may be related to preservation of structural integrity and function of vertebrae, and affecting extracellular matrix metabolism by modulating the expressions of MMPs, aggrecan and type II collagen to protect the disc from degeneration.
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To investigate whether depression symptomatology is associated with low back pain (LBP) in twins aged 70+ and whether this effect depends on a person's physical activity (PA) status. ⋯ High depression symptomatology predicted incident LBP. This effect is supposedly not attributable to genetic or shared environmental factors. Physical activity did not moderate the effect of depression symptomatology on LBP.
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To determine the role of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling in human cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration. ⋯ These findings demonstrated that Ihh promotes CEP degeneration. Blocking Ihh pathway has potential clinical usage for attenuating CEP degeneration.
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To clarify the relationship between laminoplasty opening angle (LOA) and the increase in sagittal canal diameter (SCD) in double-door cervical laminoplasty (DDCL) and to predict the increase in SCD using the resulting formula. ⋯ The formula accurately showed the relationship between LOA and the increase in SCD in DDCL. Based on the LOA, increases in SCD following C3-C7 laminoplasty can be accurately predicted using this formula. This enables DDCL based on accurate individual LOAs, which prevents inadequate or excessive opening.