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Zeng CW, Tsai HJ. The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13938. [PMID: 37762240 PMCID: PMC10530783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813938] [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] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that results in a wide range of physical impairments and disabilities. Despite the advances in our understanding of the biological response to injured tissue, no effective treatments are available for SCIs at present. Some studies have addressed this issue by exploring the potential of cell transplantation therapy. However, because of the abnormal microenvironment in injured tissue, the survival rate of transplanted cells is often low, thus limiting the efficacy of such treatments. Many studies have attempted to overcome these obstacles using a variety of cell types and animal models. Recent studies have shown the utility of zebrafish as a model of neural regeneration following SCIs, including the proliferation and migration of various cell types and the involvement of various progenitor cells. In this review, we discuss some of the current challenges in SCI research, including the accurate identification of cell types involved in neural regeneration, the adverse microenvironment created by SCIs, attenuated immune responses that inhibit nerve regeneration, and glial scar formation that prevents axonal regeneration. More in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the neural regeneration mechanisms, proteins, and signaling pathways involved in the complex interactions between the SCI microenvironment and transplanted cells in non-mammals, particularly in the zebrafish model, which could, in turn, lead to new therapeutic approaches to treat SCIs in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Zeng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
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Lemos N, Fernandes GL, Ribeiro AM, Maia-Lemos PS, Contiero W, Croos-Bezerra V, Tomlison G, Faber J, Oliveira ASB, Girão MJBC. Rehabilitation of People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Using a Laparoscopically Implanted Neurostimulator: Impact on Mobility and Urinary, Anorectal, and Sexual Functions. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:233-245. [PMID: 35248460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the impact of the laparoscopic implantation of neuromodulation electrodes (Possover-LION procedure) on mobility and on sexual, urinary, and anorectal functions of people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Longitudinal analysis of 30 patients with chronic SCI (21 ASIA impairment scale (AIS) A, eight AIS B, and one AIS C) submitted to the Possover-LION procedure for bilateral neuromodulation of femoral, sciatic, and pudendal nerves. Assessments were performed before the surgical procedure and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was evolution in walking, measured by the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury score, preoperatively and at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in overall mobility (Mobility Assessment Tool for Evaluation of Rehabilitation score), urinary function and quality of life (Qualiveen questionnaire), and bowel (time for bowel emptying proceedings and Wexner's Fecal Incontinence Severity Index [FISI]) and sexual functions (International Index of Erectile Function for men and Female Sexual Function Index for women). Surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, and perioperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS Qualitatively, 18 of 25 (72%) patients with thoracic injury and 3 of 5 (60%) patients with cervical injury managed to establish a walker-assisted gait at one-year follow-up (p < 0.0001). A total of 11 (47.8%) have improved in their urinary incontinence (p < 0.0001), and seven (30.4%) improved their enuresis (p = 0.0156). The FISI improved from a median of 9 points preoperatively to 5.5 at 12 months (p = 0.0056). Of note, 20 of 28 (71.4%) patients reported an improvement on genital sensitivity at 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), but this was not reflected in sexual quality-of-life questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Patients experienced improved mobility and genital sensitivity and a reduction in the number of urinary and fecal incontinence episodes. By demonstrating reproducible outcomes and safety, this study helps establish the Possover-LION procedure as an addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the rehabilitation of patients with chronic SCI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered at the WHO Clinical Trials Database through the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-REBEC (Universal Tracking Number: U1111-1261-4428).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nucelio Lemos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo L Fernandes
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Augusta M Ribeiro
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila S Maia-Lemos
- Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wellington Contiero
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Croos-Bezerra
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology and Neuropelveology, Increasing-Institute of Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - George Tomlison
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jean Faber
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Acary S B Oliveira
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel J B C Girão
- Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
Historical evidence suggests that prostheses have been used since ancient Egyptian times. Prostheses were usually utilized for function and cosmetic appearances. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, prostheses such as artificial hands can not only improve functional, but have psychological advantages as well and, therefore, can significantly enhance an individual’s standard of living. Combined with advanced science, a prosthesis is not only a simple mechanical device, but also an aesthetic, engineering and medical marvel. Prosthetic limbs are the best tools to help amputees reintegrate into society. In this article, we discuss the background and advancement of prosthetic hands with their working principles and possible future implications. We also leave with an open question to the readers whether prosthetic hands could ever mimic and replace our biological hands.
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Alam M, Li S, Ahmed RU, Yam YM, Thakur S, Wang XY, Tang D, Ng S, Zheng YP. Development of a battery-free ultrasonically powered functional electrical stimulator for movement restoration after paralyzing spinal cord injury. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:36. [PMID: 30850027 PMCID: PMC6408863 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used to restore movements in paretic limbs after severe paralyses resulting from neurological injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Most chronic FES systems utilize an implantable electrical stimulator to deliver a small electric current to the targeted muscle or nerve to stimulate muscle contractions. These implanted stimulators are generally bulky, mainly due to the size of the batteries. Furthermore, these battery-powered stimulators are required to be explanted every few years for battery replacement which may result in surgical failures or infections. Hence, a wireless power transfer technique is desirable to power these implantable stimulators. METHODS Conventional wireless power transduction faces significant challenges for safe and efficient energy transfer through the skin and deep into the body. Inductive and electromagnetic power transduction is generally used for very short distances and may also interfere with other medical measurements such as X-ray and MRI. To address these issues, we have developed a wireless, ultrasonically powered, implantable piezoelectric stimulator. The stimulator is encapsulated with biocompatible materials. RESULTS The stimulator is capable of harvesting a maximum of 5.95 mW electric power at an 8-mm depth under the skin from an ultrasound beam with about 380 mW/cm2 of acoustic intensity. The stimulator was implanted in several paraplegic rats with SCI. Our implanted stimulator successfully induced several hindlimb muscle contractions and restored leg movement. CONCLUSIONS A battery-free miniature (10 mm diameter × 4 mm thickness) implantable stimulator, developed in the current study is capable of directly stimulating paretic muscles through external ultrasound signals. The required cost to develop the stimulator is relatively low as all the components are off the shelf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rakib Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yat Man Yam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suman Thakur
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028 India
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Serena Ng
- Community Rehabilitation Service Support Centre, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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