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Lee FS, Cruz CJ, Allen KD, Wachs RA. Gait assessment in a female rat Sprague Dawley model of disc-associated low back pain. Connect Tissue Res 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39287332 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2024.2395287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gait disturbances are common in human low back pain (LBP) patients, suggesting potential applicability to rodent LBP models. This study aims to assess the influence of disc-associated LBP on gait in female Sprague Dawley rats and explore the utility of the open-source Gait Analysis Instrumentation and Technology Optimized for Rodents (GAITOR) suite as a potential alternative tool for spontaneous pain assessment in a previously established LBP model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Disc degeneration was surgically induced using a one-level disc scrape injury method, and microcomputed tomography was used to assess disc volume loss. After disc injury, axial hypersensitivity was evaluated using the grip strength assay, and an open field test was used to detect spontaneous pain-like behavior. RESULTS Results demonstrated that injured animals exhibit a significant loss in disc volume and reduced grip strength. Open field test did not detect significant differences in distance traveled between sham and injured animals. Concurrently, animals with injured discs did not display significant gait abnormalities in stance time imbalance, temporal symmetry, spatial symmetry, step width, stride length, and duty factor compared to sham. However, comparisons with reference values of normal gait reported in prior literature reveal that injured animals exhibit mild deviations in forelimb and hindlimb stance time imbalance, forelimb temporal symmetry, and hindlimb spatial symmetry at some time points. CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that the disc injury may have very mild effects on gait in female rats within 9 weeks post-injury and recommends future in depth dynamic gait analysis and longer studies beyond 9 weeks to potentially detect gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei San Lee
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Carlos J Cruz
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wachs
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Chihab S, Eng T, Kaiser JM, Khan NM, Doan TN, Drissi H. Early signs of osteoarthritis in differing rat osteochondral defects. J Orthop Res 2024. [PMID: 38965674 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical models of osteochondral defects (OCDs) are fundamental test beds to evaluate treatment modalities before clinical translation. To increase the rigor and reproducibility of translational science for a robust "go or no-go," we evaluated disease progression and pain phenotypes within the whole joint for two OCD rat models with same defect size (1.5 x 0.8 mm) placed either in the trochlea or medial condyle of femur. Remarkably, we only found subtle transitory changes to gaits of rats with trochlear defect without any discernible effect to allodynia. At 8-weeks post-surgery, anatomical evaluations of joint showed early signs of osteoarthritis with EPIC-microCT. For the trochlear defect, cartilage attenuation was increased in trochlear, medial, and lateral compartments of the femur. For condylar defect, increased cartilage attenuation was isolated to the medial condyle of the femur. Further, the medial ossicle showed signs of deterioration as indicated with decreased bone mineral density and increased bone surface area to volume ratio. Thus, OCD in a weight-bearing region of the femur gave rise to more advanced osteoarthritis phenotype within a unilateral joint compartment. Subchondral bone remodeling was evident in both models without any indication of closure of the articular cartilage surface. We conclude that rat OCD, placed in the trochlear or condylar region of the femur, leads to differing severity of osteoarthritis progression. As found herein, repair of the defect with fibrous tissue and subchondral bone is insufficient to alleviate onset of osteoarthritis. Future therapies using rat OCD model should address joint osteoarthritis in addition to repair itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Chihab
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy Eng
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jarred M Kaiser
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nazir M Khan
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thanh N Doan
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hicham Drissi
- Atlanta Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kaiser JM, Bernard FC, Pucha K, Raval SK, Eng T, Fulton T, Anderson SE, Allen KD, Dixon JB, Willett NJ. Mild exercise expedites joint clearance and slows joint degradation in a joint instability model of osteoarthritis in male rats. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:912-921. [PMID: 38642879 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.03.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exercise remains a hallmark treatment for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and may maintain joint homeostasis in part by clearing inflammatory cytokines, cells, and particles. It remains largely unknown whether exercise-induced joint clearance can provide therapeutic relief of PTOA. In this study, we hypothesized that exercise could slow the progression of preclinical PTOA in part by enhancing knee joint clearance. DESIGN Surgical medial meniscal transection was used to induce PTOA in 3-month-old male Lewis rats. A sham surgery was used as a control. Mild treadmill walking was introduced 3 weeks post-surgery and maintained to 6 weeks post-surgery. Gait and isometric muscle torque were measured at the study endpoint. Near-infrared imaging tracked how exercise altered lymphatic and venous knee joint clearance during discrete time points of PTOA progression. RESULTS Exercise mitigated joint degradation associated with PTOA by preserving glycosaminoglycan content and reducing osteophyte volume (effect size (95% Confidence Interval (CI)); 1.74 (0.71-2.26)). PTOA increased hind step widths (0.57 (0.18-0.95) cm), but exercise corrected this gait dysfunction (0.54 (0.16-0.93) cm), potentially indicating pain relief. Venous, but not lymphatic, clearance was quicker 1-, 3-, and 6-weeks post-surgery compared to baseline. The mild treadmill walking protocol expedited lymphatic clearance rate in moderate PTOA (3.39 (0.20-6.59) hrs), suggesting exercise may play a critical role in restoring joint homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that mild exercise has the potential to slow disease progression in part by expediting joint clearance in moderate PTOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarred M Kaiser
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital, Decatur, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | - Fabrice C Bernard
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Krishna Pucha
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | | | - Tracy Eng
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital, Decatur, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | - Travis Fulton
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital, Decatur, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | - Shannon E Anderson
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - J Brandon Dixon
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Nick J Willett
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital, Decatur, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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Cruz CJ, Yeater TD, Griffith JL, Allen KD. Vagotomy accelerates the onset of symptoms during early disease progression and worsens joint-level pathogenesis in a male rat model of chronic knee osteoarthritis. OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE OPEN 2024; 6:100467. [PMID: 38655014 PMCID: PMC11035058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Low vagal tone is common in osteoarthritis (OA) comorbidities and results in greater peripheral inflammation. Characterizing vagal tone's role in OA pathogenesis may offer insights into OA's influences beyond the articular joint. We hypothesized that low vagal tone would accelerate onset of OA-related gait changes and worsen joint damage in a rat knee OA model. Methods Knee OA was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by transecting the medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus. Then, left cervical vagus nerve transection (VGX, n = 9) or sham VGX (non-VGX, n = 6) was performed. Gait and tactile sensitivity were assessed at baseline and across 12 weeks, with histology and systemic inflammation evaluated at endpoint. Results At week 4, VGX animals showed limping gait characteristics through shifted stance times from their OA to non-OA limb (p = 0.055; stance time imbalance = 1.6 ± 1.6%) and shifted foot strike locations (p < 0.001; spatial symmetry = 48.4 ± 0.835%), while non-VGX animals walked with a balanced and symmetric gait. Also at week 4, while VGX animals had a mechanical sensitivity (50% withdrawal threshold) of 13.97 ± 7.70 compared to the non-VGX animal sensitivity of 29.74 ± 9.43, this difference was not statistically significant. Histologically, VGX animals showed thinner tibial cartilage and greater subchondral bone area than non-VGX animals (p = 0.076; VGX: 0.80 ± 0.036 mm2; non-VGX: 0.736 ± 0.066 mm2). No group differences in systemic inflammation were observed at endpoint. Conclusions VGX resulted in quicker onset of OA-related symptoms but remained unchanged at later timepoints. VGX also had thinner cartilage and abnormal bone remodeling than non-VGX. Overall, low vagal tone had mild effects on OA symptoms and joint remodeling, and not at the level seen in common OA comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J. Cruz
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Taylor D. Yeater
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jacob L. Griffith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Williams KE, Andraca Harrer J, LaBelle SA, Leguineche K, Kaiser J, Karipott S, Lin A, Vongphachanh A, Fulton T, Rosenthal JW, Muhib F, Ong KG, Weiss JA, Willett NJ, Guldberg RE. Early Resistance Rehabilitation Improves Functional Regeneration Following Segmental Bone Defect Injury. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3236150. [PMID: 37886569 PMCID: PMC10602073 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3236150/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical loading is integral to bone development and repair. The application of mechanical loads through rehabilitation are regularly prescribed as a clinical aide following severe bone injuries. However, current rehabilitation regimens typically involve long periods of non-loading and rely on subjective patient feedback, leading to muscle atrophy and soft tissue fibrosis. While many pre-clinical studies have focused on unloading, ambulatory loading, or direct mechanical compression, rehabilitation intensity and its impact on the local strain environment and subsequent bone healing have largely not been investigated. This study combines implantable strain sensors and subject-specific finite element models in a pre-clinical rodent model with a defect size on the cusp of critically-sized. Animals were enrolled in either high or low intensity rehabilitation one week post injury to investigate how rehabilitation intensity affects the local mechanical environment and subsequent functional bone regeneration. The high intensity rehabilitation animals were given free access to running wheels with resistance, which increased local strains within the regenerative niche by an average of 44% compared to the low intensity (no-resistance) group. Finite element modeling demonstrated that resistance rehabilitation significantly increased compressive strain by a factor of 2.0 at week 1 and 4.45 after 4 weeks of rehabilitation. The resistance rehabilitation group had significantly increased regenerated bone volume and higher bone bridging rates than its sedentary counterpart (bone volume: 22.00 mm3 ± 4.26 resistance rehabilitation vs 8.00 mm3 ± 2.27 sedentary; bridging rates: 90% resistance rehabilitation vs 50% sedentary). In addition, animals that underwent resistance running had femurs with improved mechanical properties compared to those left in sedentary conditions, with failure torque and torsional stiffness values matching their contralateral, intact femurs (stiffness: 0.036 Nm/deg ± 0.006 resistance rehabilitation vs 0.008 Nm/deg ± 0.006 sedentary). Running on a wheel with no resistance rehabilitation also increased bridging rates (100% no resistance rehabilitation vs 50% sedentary). Analysis of bone volume and von Frey suggest no-resistance rehabilitation may improve bone regeneration and hindlimb functionality. These results demonstrate the potential for early resistance rehabilitation as a rehabilitation regimen to improve bone regeneration and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie E. Williams
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Julia Andraca Harrer
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA
| | - Steven A. LaBelle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 841123
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Kelly Leguineche
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Jarred Kaiser
- Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA
- Emory University, Decatur, GA
| | - Salil Karipott
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Angela Lin
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Alyssa Vongphachanh
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Travis Fulton
- Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA
| | - J. Walker Rosenthal
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Farhan Muhib
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 841123
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Keat Ghee Ong
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Jeffrey A. Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 841123
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 841123
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Nick J. Willett
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Robert E. Guldberg
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
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Chan KM, Griffith JL, Pacheco YC, Allen KD. Wheel Running Exacerbates Joint Damage after Meniscal Injury in Mice, but Does Not Alter Gait or Physical Activity Levels. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:1564-1576. [PMID: 37144624 PMCID: PMC10524358 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exercise and physical activity are recommended to reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, exercise has dose effects, with excessive exercise accelerating OA development and sedentary behaviors also promoting OA development. Prior work evaluating exercise in preclinical models has typically used prescribed exercise regimens; however, in-cage voluntary wheel running creates opportunities to evaluate how OA progression affects self-selected physical activity levels. This study aimed to evaluate how voluntary wheel running after a surgically induced meniscal injury affects gait characteristics and joint remodeling in C57Bl/6 mice. We hypothesize that injured mice will reduce physical activity levels as OA develops after meniscal injury and will engage in wheel running to a lesser extent than the uninjured animals. METHODS Seventy-two C57Bl/6 mice were divided into experimental groups based on sex, lifestyle (physically active vs sedentary), and surgery (meniscal injury or sham control). Voluntary wheel running data were continuously collected throughout the study, and gait data were collected at 3, 7, 11, and 15 wk after surgery. At end point, joints were processed for histology to assess cartilage damage. RESULTS After meniscal injury, physically active mice showed more severe joint damage relative to sedentary mice. Nevertheless, injured mice engaged in voluntary wheel running at the same rates and distances as mice with sham surgery. In addition, physically active mice and sedentary mice both developed a limp as meniscal injury progressed, yet exercise did not further exacerbate gait changes in the physically active mice, despite worsened joint damage. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data indicate a discordance between structural joint damage and joint function. Although wheel running after meniscal injury did worsen OA-related joint damage, physical activity did not necessarily inhibit or worsen OA-related joint dysfunction or pain in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara M. Chan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Jacob L. Griffith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Yan Carlos Pacheco
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Thurlow NA, Chan KM, Yeater TD, Allen KD. Effects of Repeat Test Exposure on Gait Parameters in Naïve Lewis Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.19.537488. [PMID: 37131645 PMCID: PMC10153156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Rodent gait analysis has emerged as a powerful, quantitative behavioral assay to characterize the pain and disability associated with movement-related disorders. In other behavioral assays, the importance of acclimation and the effect of repeated testing have been evaluated. However, for rodent gait analysis, the effects of repeated gait testing and other environmental factors have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, fifty-two naïve male Lewis rats ages 8 to 42 weeks completed gait testing at semi-random intervals for 31 weeks. Gait videos and force plate data were collected and processed using a custom MATLAB suite to calculate velocity, stride length, step width, percentage stance time (duty factor), and peak vertical force data. Exposure was quantified as the number of gait testing sessions. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate the effects of velocity, exposure, age, and weight on animal gait patterns. Relative to age and weight, repeated exposure was the dominant parameter affecting gait variables with significant effects on walking velocity, stride length, fore and hind limb step width, fore limb duty factor, and peak vertical force. From exposure 1 to 7, average velocity increased by approximately 15 cm/s. Together, these data indicate arena exposure had large effects on gait parameters and should be considered in acclimation protocols, experimental design, and subsequent data analysis of rodent gait data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nat A. Thurlow
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kiara M. Chan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Taylor D. Yeater
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Chan KM, Bowe MT, Allen KD. Recommendations for the analysis of rodent gait data to evaluate osteoarthritis treatments. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:425-434. [PMID: 36435413 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral assays of animal pain and disability can increase the clinical relevance of a preclinical study. However, pain and symptoms are difficult to measure in preclinical models. Because animals often alter their movement patterns to reduce or avoid joint pain, gait analysis can be an important tool for quantifying OA-related symptoms in rodents. Technologies to measure rodent gait continue to advance and have been the focus of prior reviews. Regardless of the techniques used, the analysis of rodent gait data can be complex due to multiple confounding variables. The goal of this review is to discuss recent advances in the understanding of OA-related gait changes and provide recommendations on the analysis of gait data. Recent studies suggest OA-affected animals reduce vertical loading through their injured limb while walking, indicating dynamic ground reaction forces are important data to collect when possible. Moreover, gait data analysis depends on accurately measuring and accounting for the confounding effects of velocity and other covariates (such as animal size) when interpreting shifts in various gait parameters. Herein, we discuss different statistical techniques to account for covariates and interpret gait shifts. In particular, this review will discuss residualization and linear mixed effects models, including how both techniques can account for inter- and intra-animal variability and the effects of velocity. Furthermore, this review discusses future considerations for using rodent gait analysis, while highlighting the intricacies of gait analysis as a tool to measure joint function and behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara M Chan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Markia T Bowe
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Chan KM, Yeater TD, Allen KD. Age alters gait compensations following meniscal injury in male rats. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:2780-2791. [PMID: 35285977 PMCID: PMC9470788 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With age, susceptibility to osteoarthritis (OA) and OA-related pain and disability increases. Like in OA patients, gait patterns in rodent OA models shift to protect the injured limb during loading. However, unlike in OA patients, it is unknown how age affects gait changes in rodent OA models. In this study, gait compensations following meniscal injury in 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old rats were evaluated to examine age-effects of OA-related joint dysfunction. Rats 3, 6, and 9 months received medial collateral ligament transection plus medial meniscus transection (MCLT + MMT) surgery (n = 8/age group) or a skin incision (n = 8/age group). Postsurgery, rats underwent gait testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Postmortem, joints were processed for histology to assess cartilage damage. MCLT + MMT rats walked with reduced vertical loading in their injured limbs immediately after injury and throughout OA progression. Compared to sham-operated limbs, 6- and 9-month MCLT + MMT animals reduced loading in their injured limbs while 3-month MCLT + MMT animals did not. MCLT + MMT rats also increased stance time on the injured limb compared to the contralateral limb. Additionally, for the MCLT + MMT animals, 6- and 9-month animals had significantly worse cartilage damage compared to 3-month animals. These data indicated age at injury onset affects how animals load the OA-affected joint, with older animals developing gait compensations that more markedly reduce weight on the injured limb during walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara M. Chan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Taylor D. Yeater
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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10
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Pukale DD, Farrag M, Leipzig ND. Detection of locomotion deficit in a post-traumatic syringomyelia rat model using automated gait analysis technique. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252559. [PMID: 34762669 PMCID: PMC8584658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Syringomyelia (SM) is a spinal cord disorder in which a cyst (syrinx) filled with fluid forms in the spinal cord post-injury/disease, in patients syrinx symptoms include loss of pain and temperature sensation or locomotion deficit. Currently, there are no small animal models and connected tools to help study the functional impacts of SM. The objective of this study was to determine the detectability of subtle locomotion deficits due to syrinx formation/expansion in post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTSM) rat model using the recently reported method of Gait Analysis Instrumentation, and Technology Optimized for Rodents (GAITOR) with Automated Gait Analysis Through Hues and Areas (AGATHA) technique. First videos of the rats were collected while walking in an arena (using GAITOR) followed by extracting meaningful locomotion information from collected videos using AGATHA protocol. PTSM injured rats demonstrated detectable locomotion deficits in terms of duty factor imbalance, paw placement accuracy, step contact width, stride length, and phase dispersion parameters compared to uninjured rats due to SM. We concluded that this technique could detect mild and subtle locomotion deficits associated with PTSM injury, which also in future work could be used further to monitor locomotion responses after different treatment strategies for SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak D. Pukale
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mahmoud Farrag
- Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nic D. Leipzig
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
- Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
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Subcutaneous priming of protein-functionalized chitosan scaffolds improves function following spinal cord injury. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 110:110656. [PMID: 32076364 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Strategies using neural stem cells (NSCs) to aid regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) show much promise, but challenges remain regarding implementation and efficacy. In this work, we explored the use of an NSC-seeded scaffold consisting of covalently immobilized interferon-γ and rat NSCs within a hydrogel matrix (methacrylamide chitosan). We placed the scaffolds within the subcutaneous environment of rats, allowing them to incubate for 4 weeks in order to prime them for regeneration prior to being transplanted into a right lateral hemisection SCI model in the same animal. We found that subcutaneous priming reduced the lineage commitment of encapsulated NSCs, as observed by increased nestin expression and decreased NeuN expression. When combined with intracellular σ peptide administration (which reduces inhibition from the glial scar), subcutaneous maturation improved functional outcomes, which were assessed by BBB score and quantitative gait parameters (fore and hind limb duty factor imbalance, right and left paw placement accuracy). Although we did not observe any direct reconnection of the transplanted cells with the host tissue, we did observe neurofilament fibers extending from the host tissue into the scaffold. Importantly, the mechanism for improved functional outcomes is likely an increase in trophic support from subcutaneously maturing the scaffold, which is enhanced by the administration of ISP.
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12
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Gillespie D, Yap MH, Hewitt BM, Driscoll H, Simanaviciute U, Hodson-Tole EF, Grant RA. Description and validation of the LocoWhisk system: Quantifying rodent exploratory, sensory and motor behaviours. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 328:108440. [PMID: 31560929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that analysing whisker movements and locomotion allows us to quantify the behavioural consequences of sensory, motor and cognitive deficits in rodents. Independent whisker and feet trackers exist but there is no fully-automated, open-source software and hardware solution, that measures both whisker movements and gait. NEW METHOD We present the LocoWhisk arena and new accompanying software (ARTv2) that allows the automatic detection and measurement of both whisker and gait information from high-speed video footage. RESULTS We demonstrate the new whisker and foot detector algorithms on high-speed video footage of freely moving small mammals, and show that whisker movement and gait measurements collected in the LocoWhisk arena are similar to previously reported values in the literature. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) We demonstrate that the whisker and foot detector algorithms, are comparable in accuracy, and in some cases significantly better, than readily available software and manual trackers. CONCLUSION The LocoWhisk system enables the collection of quantitative data from whisker movements and locomotion in freely behaving rodents. The software automatically records both whisker and gait information and provides added statistical tools to analyse the data. We hope the LocoWhisk system and software will serve as a solid foundation from which to support future research in whisker and gait analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gillespie
- School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Moi Hoon Yap
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Brett M Hewitt
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; CSols Ltd, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX, UK
| | - Heather Driscoll
- School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ugne Simanaviciute
- School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma F Hodson-Tole
- Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Dpt. Lifesciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Bounds HA, Poeta DL, Klinge PM, Burwell RD. Paw-Print Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Recordings (PrAnCER): A Low-Cost, Open-Access Automated Gait Analysis System for Assessing Motor Deficits. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31449248 DOI: 10.3791/59596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait analysis is used to quantify changes in motor function in many rodent models of disease. Despite the importance of assessing gait and motor function in many areas of research, the available commercial options have several limitations such as high cost and lack of accessible, open code. To address these issues, we developed PrAnCER, Paw-Print Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Recordings, for automated quantification of gait. The contrast-enhanced recordings are produced by using a translucent floor that obscures objects not in contact with the surface, effectively isolating the rat's paw prints as it walks. Using these videos, our simple software program reliably measures a variety of spatiotemporal gait parameters. To demonstrate that PrAnCER can accurately detect changes in motor function, we employed a haloperidol model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We tested rats at two doses of haloperidol: high dose (0.30 mg/kg) and low dose (0.15 mg/kg). Haloperidol significantly increased stance duration and hind paw contact area in the low dose condition, as might be expected in a PD model. In the high dose condition, we found a similar increase in contact area but also an unexpected increase in stride length. With further research, we found that this increased stride length is consistent with the bracing-escape phenomenon commonly observed at higher doses of haloperidol. Thus, PrAnCER was able to detect both expected and unexpected changes in rodent gait patterns. Additionally, we confirmed that PrAnCER is consistent and accurate when compared with manual scoring of gait parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley A Bounds
- Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University
| | - Devon L Poeta
- Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University
| | - Petra M Klinge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University
| | - Rebecca D Burwell
- Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University;
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14
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Abbas W, Masip Rodo D. Computer Methods for Automatic Locomotion and Gesture Tracking in Mice and Small Animals for Neuroscience Applications: A Survey. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E3274. [PMID: 31349617 PMCID: PMC6696321 DOI: 10.3390/s19153274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscience has traditionally relied on manually observing laboratory animals in controlled environments. Researchers usually record animals behaving freely or in a restrained manner and then annotate the data manually. The manual annotation is not desirable for three reasons; (i) it is time-consuming, (ii) it is prone to human errors, and (iii) no two human annotators will 100% agree on annotation, therefore, it is not reproducible. Consequently, automated annotation for such data has gained traction because it is efficient and replicable. Usually, the automatic annotation of neuroscience data relies on computer vision and machine learning techniques. In this article, we have covered most of the approaches taken by researchers for locomotion and gesture tracking of specific laboratory animals, i.e. rodents. We have divided these papers into categories based upon the hardware they use and the software approach they take. We have also summarized their strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Abbas
- Multimedia and Telecommunications Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Masip Rodo
- Multimedia and Telecommunications Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Reiter AJ, Kivitz GJ, Castile RM, Cannon PC, Lakes EH, Jacobs BY, Allen KD, Chamberlain AM, Lake SP. Functional Measures of Grip Strength and Gait Remain Altered Long-term in a Rat Model of Post-traumatic Elbow Contracture. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:2730666. [PMID: 30958506 PMCID: PMC6611348 DOI: 10.1115/1.4043433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) is a debilitating condition, particularly in the elbow. Previously, we established an animal model of elbow PTJC quantifying passive post-mortem joint mechanics and histological changes temporally. These results showed persistent motion loss similar to what is experienced in humans. Functional assessment of PTJC in our model was not previously considered; however, these measures would provide a clinically relevant measure and would further validate our model by demonstrating persistently altered joint function. To this end, a custom bilateral grip strength device was developed, and a recently established open-source gait analysis system was used to quantify forelimb function in our unilateral injury model. In vivo joint function was shown to be altered long-term and never fully recover. Specifically, forelimb strength in the injured limbs showed persistent deficits at all time points; additionally, gait patterns remained imbalanced and asymmetric throughout the study (although a few gait parameters did return to near normal levels). A quantitative understanding of these longitudinal, functional disabilities further strengthens the clinical relevance of our rat PTJC model enabling assessment of the effectiveness of future interventions aimed at reducing or preventing PTJC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. Reiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
and Materials Science,
Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Griffin J. Kivitz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
and Materials Science,
Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Ryan M. Castile
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
and Materials Science,
Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Paul C. Cannon
- Seed Production Innovation,
Bayer Crop Science,
St. Louis, MO 63146
| | - Emily H. Lakes
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department
of Biomedical Engineering,
University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Brittany Y. Jacobs
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department
of Biomedical Engineering,
University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department
of Biomedical Engineering,
University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Aaron M. Chamberlain
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Spencer P. Lake
- Department of Mechanical Engineeringand Materials Science,
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,Department of Biomedical Engineering,Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO 63130
e-mail:
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16
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Ham TR, Farrag M, Soltisz AM, Lakes EH, Allen KD, Leipzig ND. Automated Gait Analysis Detects Improvements after Intracellular σ Peptide Administration in a Rat Hemisection Model of Spinal Cord Injury. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 47:744-753. [PMID: 30627839 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A promising treatment strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI) is to reduce inhibition from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). For example, administering intracellular σ peptide (ISP) can improve the ability of axons to cross inhibitory CSPGs and improve function in rodent models of SCI. To translate such treatments into the clinic, we need robust and sensitive methods for studying rodent models. In this study, we applied a newly developed suite of quantitative gait analysis tools: gait analysis instrumentation and technology optimized for rodents (GAITOR), which consists of an arena and open-source software (AGATHA: automated gait analysis through hues and areas). We showed that GAITOR can be used to detect subtle functional improvements (measured by hindlimb duty factor imbalance) in rats following ISP administration in a T10 hemisection injury model. We demonstrated that SCI-specific parameters (right paw placement accuracy and phase dispersion) can be easily added to GAITOR to track recovery. We confirmed the gait observations via retrograde tracer uptake. We concluded that GAITOR is a powerful tool for measuring recovery after moderate/mild SCI, and could be used to replace expensive/inflexible commercially-available gait analysis techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Mahmoud Farrag
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Andrew M Soltisz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Emily H Lakes
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nic D Leipzig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA. .,Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA.
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17
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Ham T, Cyrus Rezvanifar S, Thomas VS, Amini R. Using Hands-On Physical Computing Projects to Teach Computer Programming to Biomedical Engineering Students. J Biomech Eng 2018; 140:2681447. [PMID: 30003254 DOI: 10.1115/1.4040226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rapid advancements in the multidisciplinary field of biomedical engineering (BME) require competitive engineers with skill sets in a broad range of subjects including biology, physiology, mechanics, circuits, and programming. Accordingly, such a need should be reflected in the training of BME students. Among those skills, computer programming is an essential tool that is used in a wide variety of applications. In this paper, we have provided our experience in incorporating project-based learning, a promising approach in active learning, for teaching computer programming to BME students. We describe a low-cost method for using physical, hands-on computing that directly relates to BME. Additionally, we detail our efforts to teach multiple programming languages in one semester and provide a detailed analysis of the outcomes. We also provide basic materials for other instructors to adapt to fit their own needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 e-mail:
| | - S Cyrus Rezvanifar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 e-mail:
| | - Vineet S Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 e-mail:
| | - Rouzbeh Amini
- Mem. ASME Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 e-mail:
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18
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Miranpuri GS, Schomberg DT, Stan P, Chopra A, Buttar S, Wood A, Radzin A, Meudt JJ, Resnick DK, Shanmuganayagam D. Comparative Morphometry of the Wisconsin Miniature Swine TM Thoracic Spine for Modeling Human Spine in Translational Spinal Cord Injury Research. Ann Neurosci 2018; 25:210-218. [PMID: 31000959 DOI: 10.1159/000488022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Spine and spinal cord pathologies and associated neuropathic pain are among the most complex medical disorders to treat. While rodent models are widely used in spine and spinal cord research and have provided valuable insight into pathophysiological mechanisms, these models offer limited translatability. Thus, studies in rodent models have not led to the development of clinically effective therapies. More recently, swine has become a favored model for spine research because of the high congruency of the species to humans with respect to spine and spinal cord anatomy, vasculature, and immune responses. However, conventional breeds of swine commonly used in these studies present practical and translational hurdles due to their rapid growth toward weights well above those of humans. Methods In the current study, we evaluated the suitability of a human-sized breed of swine developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Miniature SwineTM (WMSTM), in the context of thoracic spine morphometry for use in research to overcome limitations of conventional swine breeds. The morphometry of thoracic vertebrae (T1-T15) of 5-6 months-old WMS was analyzed and compared to published values of human and conventional swine spines. Results The key finding of this study is that WMS spine more closely models the human spine for many of the measured vertebrae parameters, while being similar to conventional swine in respect to the other parameters. Conclusion WMS provides an improvement over conventional swine for use in translational spinal cord injury studies, particularly long-term ones, because of its slower rate of growth and its maximum growth being limited to human weight and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurwattan Singh Miranpuri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dominic T Schomberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Patricia Stan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Abhishek Chopra
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Seah Buttar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Department of Animal Sciences, Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alexandra Radzin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer J Meudt
- Department of Animal Sciences, Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel K Resnick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam
- Department of Animal Sciences, Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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19
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Jacobs BY, Lakes EH, Reiter AJ, Lake SP, Ham TR, Leipzig ND, Porvasnik SL, Schmidt CE, Wachs RA, Allen KD. The Open Source GAITOR Suite for Rodent Gait Analysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9797. [PMID: 29955094 PMCID: PMC6023937 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotive changes are often associated with disease or injury, and these changes can be quantified through gait analysis. Gait analysis has been applied to preclinical studies, providing quantitative behavioural assessment with a reasonable clinical analogue. However, available gait analysis technology for small animals is somewhat limited. Furthermore, technological and analytical challenges can limit the effectiveness of preclinical gait analysis. The Gait Analysis Instrumentation and Technology Optimized for Rodents (GAITOR) Suite is designed to increase the accessibility of preclinical gait analysis to researchers, facilitating hardware and software customization for broad applications. Here, the GAITOR Suite’s utility is demonstrated in 4 models: a monoiodoacetate (MIA) injection model of joint pain, a sciatic nerve injury model, an elbow joint contracture model, and a spinal cord injury model. The GAITOR Suite identified unique compensatory gait patterns in each model, demonstrating the software’s utility for detecting gait changes in rodent models of highly disparate injuries and diseases. Robust gait analysis may improve preclinical model selection, disease sequelae assessment, and evaluation of potential therapeutics. Our group has provided the GAITOR Suite as an open resource to the research community at www.GAITOR.org, aiming to promote and improve the implementation of gait analysis in preclinical rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Y Jacobs
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Emily H Lakes
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Alex J Reiter
- Washington University in St. Louis, School of Engineering and Applied Science, St. Louis, 63130, USA
| | - Spencer P Lake
- Washington University in St. Louis, School of Engineering and Applied Science, St. Louis, 63130, USA
| | - Trevor R Ham
- University of Akron, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Akron, 44325, USA
| | - Nic D Leipzig
- University of Akron, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Akron, 44325, USA
| | - Stacy L Porvasnik
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Christine E Schmidt
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wachs
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA.,University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Biological Systems Engineering, Lincoln, 68588, USA
| | - Kyle D Allen
- University of Florida, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, 32611, USA.
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20
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Lakes EH, Allen KD. Quadrupedal rodent gait compensations in a low dose monoiodoacetate model of osteoarthritis. Gait Posture 2018; 63:73-79. [PMID: 29723651 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent gait analysis provides robust, quantitative results for preclinical musculoskeletal and neurological models. In prior work, surgical models of osteoarthritis have been found to result in a hind limb shuffle-stepping gait compensation, while a high dose monoiodoacetate (MIA, 3 mg) model resulted in a hind limb antalgic gait. However, it is unknown whether the antalgic gait caused by MIA is associated with severity of degeneration from the high dosage or the whole-joint degeneration associated with glycolysis inhibition. RESEARCH QUESTION This study evaluates rodent gait changes resulting from a low dose, 1 mg unilateral intra-articular injection of MIA compared to saline injected and naïve rats. METHODS Spatiotemporal and dynamic gait parameters were collected from a total of 42 male Lewis rats spread across 3 time points: 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-injection. To provide a detailed analysis of this low dose MIA model, gait analysis was used to uniquely quantify both fore and hind limb gait parameters. RESULTS Our data indicate that 1 mg of MIA caused relatively minor degeneration and a shuffle-step gait compensation, similar to the compensation observed in prior surgical models. SIGNIFICANCE These data from a 1 mg MIA model show a different gait compensation compared to a previously studied 3 mg model. This 1 mg MIA model resulted in gait compensations more similar to a previously studied surgical model of osteoarthritis. Additionally, this study provides detailed 4 limb analysis of rodent gait that includes spatiotemporal and dynamic data from the same gait trial. These data highlight the importance of measuring dynamic data in combination with spatiotemporal data, since compensatory gait patterns may not be captured by spatial, temporal, or dynamic characterizations alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H Lakes
- J Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Institute for Cell & Tissue Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kyle D Allen
- J Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Institute for Cell & Tissue Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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21
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Byron CD, Granatosky MC, Covert HH. An anatomical and mechanical analysis of the douc monkey (genus Pygathrix), and its role in understanding the evolution of brachiation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 164:801-820. [PMID: 29023639 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pygathrix is an understudied Asian colobine unusual among the Old World monkeys for its use of arm-swinging. Little data exists on the anatomy and mechanics of brachiation in this genus. Here, we consider this colobine to gain insight into the parallel evolution of suspensory behavior in primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study compares axial and appendicular morphological variables of Pygathrix with other Asian colobines. Additionally, to assess the functional consequences of Pygathrix limb anatomy, kinematic and kinetic data during arm-swinging are included to compare the douc monkey to other suspensory primates (Ateles and Hylobates). RESULTS Compared to more pronograde species, Pygathrix and Nasalis share morphology consistent with suspensory locomotion such as its narrower scapulae and elongated clavicles. More distally, Pygathrix displays a gracile humerus, radius, and ulna, and shorter olecranon process. During suspensory locomotion, Pygathrix, Ateles, and Hylobates all display mechanical convergence in limb loading and movements of the shoulder and elbow, but Pygathrix uses pronated wrist postures that include substantial radial deviation during arm-swinging. DISCUSSION The adoption of arm-swinging represents a major shift within at least three anthropoid clades and little data exist about its transition. Across species, few mechanical differences are observed during arm-swinging. Apparently, there are limited functional solutions to the challenges associated with moving bimanually below branches, especially in more proximal forelimb regions. Morphological data support this idea that the Pygathrix distal forelimb differs from apes more than its proximal end. These results can inform other studies of ape evolution, the pronograde to orthograde transition, and the convergent ways in which suspensory locomotion evolved in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Byron
- Department of Biology, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
| | - M C Granatosky
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - H H Covert
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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22
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Jacobs BY, Dunnigan K, Pires-Fernandes M, Allen KD. Unique spatiotemporal and dynamic gait compensations in the rat monoiodoacetate injection and medial meniscus transection models of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017; 25:750-758. [PMID: 27986622 PMCID: PMC5403559 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In rodent osteoarthritis (OA) models, behavioral changes are often subtle and require highly sensitive methods to detect these changes. Gait analysis is one assay that may provide sensitive, quantitative measurement of these behavioral changes. To increase detection sensitivity of gait assessments relative to spatiotemporal gait collection alone, we combined our spatiotemporal and dynamic gait collection systems. Using this combined system, gait was assessed in the rat medial meniscus transection (MMT) model and monoiodoacetate (MIA) injection model of knee OA. DESIGN 36 male Lewis rats were separated into MMT (n = 8), medial collateral ligament transection (MCLT) (n = 8), skin incision (n = 4), MIA injection (n = 8), and saline injection (n = 8) groups. After initiation of OA, gait data were collected weekly in each group out to 4 weeks. RESULTS The MMT and MIA injection models produced unique pathologic gait profiles, with MMT animals developing a shuffling gait and MIA injection animals exhibiting antalgic gait. Spatiotemporal changes were also observed in the MMT model at week 1 (P < 0.01), but were not observed in the MIA injection model until week 3 (P < 0.01). Dynamic gait changes were observed in both models as early as 1 week post-surgery (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Combined analysis of spatiotemporal and dynamic gait data increased detection sensitivity for gait modification in two rat OA models. Analyzing the combined gait data provided a robust characterization of the pathologic gait produced by each model. Furthermore, this characterization revealed different patterns of gait compensations in two common rat models of knee OA.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptation, Physiological
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Biopsy, Needle
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gait/physiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Injections, Intra-Articular
- Iodoacetic Acid/pharmacology
- Male
- Menisci, Tibial/drug effects
- Menisci, Tibial/pathology
- Menisci, Tibial/surgery
- Osteoarthritis, Knee/drug therapy
- Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Random Allocation
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Lew
- Spatio-Temporal Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- B Y Jacobs
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - K Dunnigan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - M Pires-Fernandes
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - K D Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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