Spinal cord
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Secondary analysis of existing data. ⋯ Diabetes imposes an additional financial burden on individuals with TSCI an already vulnerable population with high health care costs. The burden is more pronounced in minorities with TSCI. Providers should be aware of the higher prevalence of diabetes among patients with TSCI and pursue a policy of testing early and vigilant management. Further studies are needed regarding special interventions for managing diabetes in the TSCI population.
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Descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. ⋯ The most common cause for TSCI was RTC, followed by assault. In-hospital mortality was high and the waiting period from the time of accident to spinal surgery was long, especially for women. The aetiology and high mortality of TSCI in Botswana indicate that improvements in roadway safety and medical care may decrease the TSCI incidence and mortality.
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To investigate the signaling pathways after astrocytes were activated in neuropathic pain. ⋯ JNK signal transduction pathway is involved in the pain signaling transduction of astrocytes.
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A follow up on an ongoing prospective cohort study. ⋯ SDB is common and severe among SCI/D patients. Screening questionnaires do not appear to differentiate between those with and without SDB. Even when SDB was recognized, many patients remained untreated. The increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in SCI/D patients could represent a consequence of untreated SDB, and improving diagnosis and management of SDB has the potential to improve outcomes for these patients.
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Spinal cord edema contributes to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with functional recovery after SCI. Early myelotomy may be a promising surgical intervention for reducing SCI-induced edema. However, it remains unclear whether myelotomy can reduce SCI-induced edema. In addition, aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and aquaporin-9 (AQP9) have important roles in the regulation of water homeostasis. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of myelotomy on AQP4 and AQP9 expression and spinal cord edema in a rat model of moderate SCI. ⋯ Myelotomy improves locomotor function, reduces edema in rats with SCI and is associated with decreased expression of AQP4 and AQP9.