Background: Immune cells play crucial roles after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, incomplete knowledge of immune contributions to injury and repair hinders development of SCI therapies. We leveraged single-cell observations to describe key populations of immune cells present in the spinal cord and changes in their transcriptional profiles from uninjured to subacute and chronic stages of SCI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in children is a rare condition with dangerous sequelae, and with only 22 other cases reported in the literature, treatment algorithms are poorly understood. Quick identification of the classic tried of sepsis, back pain and neurological deficit is critical. Source identification difficult and often cannot be identified.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToll-like receptors (TLRs) are mediators of the innate immune response to exogenous pathogens. They have also been implicated in sterile inflammation associated with systemic injury and non-infectious diseases via binding of endogenous ligands, possibly released by damaged cells. Emerging evidence indicates that some TLRs play a role in nervous system injury and especially in injury-elicited pain and sterile inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn intact, fully functional spine is the result of a complex sequence of embryological events involving both nervous and musculoskeletal system precursors. Deviations from this highly ordered system can result in congenital abnormalities ranging from clinically insignificant cosmetic changes to CNS malformations that are incompatible with life. Closure of the neural tube, which is believed to be the embryological event gone awry in these cases, is complete by just 28 days' gestation, often before pregnancy is detected.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStaphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are major human pathogens of increasing importance due to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant strains. Evidence suggests that the ability to form matrix-encased biofilms contributes to the pathogenesis of S. aureus and S.
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