A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Telomeres are ribonucleoprotein structures that form a protective buffer at the ends of chromosomes, maintaining genomic integrity during the cell cycle. A decrease in average telomere length is associated with with age and with aging-related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over six months to compare the effects of the Astragalus-based supplement versus a placebo on telomere length (TL) in 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 56.

Lumbar intradiscal pressure measured in the anterior and posterolateral annular regions during asymmetrical loading.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of asymmetrical loading on intradiscal pressure. DESIGN: Human cadaveric lumbar spines were instrumented with multiple pressure sensors and subjected to external mechanical loads. BACKGROUND: Tears and radial fissures in the posterolateral annulus with no evidence of annular protrusion or nuclear extrusion are frequently observed in non-degenerated intervertebral discs.

Segmental stability and compressive strength of posterior lumbar interbody fusion implants.

Study Design: Human cadaveric study on initial segmental stability and compressive strength of posterior lumbar interbody fusion implants.

Objectives: To compare the initial segmental stability and compressive strength of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion construct using a new cortical bone spacer machined from allograft to that of titanium threaded and nonthreaded posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages, tested as stand-alone and with supplemental pedicle screw fixation.

Summary Of Background Data: Cages were introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional allografts.

A surgical approach to the ventral aspect of the lumbar vertebrae in the sheep model.

The sheep model is frequently used for pre-clinical trials of spinal implants and vertebral interbody fusion devices. The lack of a well-documented multisegmental approach to the ventral aspect of the lumbar vertebrae has limited these trials to a posterior approach to the spine. A retroperitoneal approach to the sheep lumbar vertebrae was established and tested.

The efficacy of interconnected porous hydroxyapatite in achieving posterolateral lumbar fusion in sheep.

Study Design: An animal study was performed to evaluate lumbar spinal fusion radiologically and mechanically.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of interconnected porous hydroxyapatite in achieving posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis in sheep.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterolateral spinal arthrodesis with autologous bone graft is the gold standard procedure for lumbar fusion.

Motor conduction alterations in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis following the onset of neurogenic claudication.

The pathogenesis of neurogenic claudication is thought to lie in relative ischemia of cauda equina roots during exercise. In this study we will evaluate the effect of the transient ischemia brought on by exercise on motor conduction in patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). We will also evaluate the sensitivity of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in detecting motor conduction abnormalities before and after the onset of neurogenic claudication.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of degenerative disc disease.

Understanding degenerative intervertebral disc diseases hinges on the ability to objectively and noninvasively assess the disc matrix composition and integrity. The potential of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging to meet these demands was evaluated. Analyzing the T1 and T2 signal patterns in the nucleus pulposus with increasing Thompson morphological grade revealed a significant reduction related to grade.

A new technique for measuring lumbar segmental motion in vivo. Method, accuracy, and preliminary results.

Study Design: A direct method for three-dimensional in vivo spine kinematic studies was developed and used to measure segmental motion patterns in healthy subjects.

Objectives: To validate the new method, and to study the L3-L4 segmental motion patterns for complex dynamic movements.

Summary Of Background Data: Conventional two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiographic methods have been used in the past to study spine kinematics.