Tracking of spaceflight-induced bone remodeling reveals a limited time frame for recovery of resorption sites in humans.

Mechanical unloading causes bone loss, but it remains unclear whether disuse-induced changes to bone microstructure are permanent or can be recovered upon reloading. We examined bone loss and recovery in 17 astronauts using time-lapsed high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and biochemical markers to determine whether disuse-induced changes are permanent. During 6 months in microgravity, resorption was threefold higher than formation.

Incomplete recovery of bone strength and trabecular microarchitecture at the distal tibia 1 year after return from long duration spaceflight.

Determining the extent of bone recovery after prolonged spaceflight is important for understanding risks to astronaut long-term skeletal health. We examined bone strength, density, and microarchitecture in seventeen astronauts (14 males; mean 47 years) using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT; 61 μm). We imaged the tibia and radius before spaceflight, at return to Earth, and after 6- and 12-months recovery and assessed biomarkers of bone turnover and exercise.

Pre-flight exercise and bone metabolism predict unloading-induced bone loss due to spaceflight.

Objectives: Bone loss remains a primary health concern for astronauts, despite in-flight exercise. We examined changes in bone microarchitecture, density and strength before and after long-duration spaceflight in relation to biochemical markers of bone turnover and exercise.

Methods: Seventeen astronauts had their distal tibiae and radii imaged before and after space missions to the International Space Station using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT.

Internal validation of STRmix™ - A multi laboratory response to PCAST.

We report a large compilation of the internal validations of the probabilistic genotyping software STRmix™. Thirty one laboratories contributed data resulting in 2825 mixtures comprising three to six donors and a wide range of multiplex, equipment, mixture proportions and templates. Previously reported trends in the LR were confirmed including less discriminatory LRs occurring both for donors and non-donors at low template (for the donor in question) and at high contributor number.

In vitro initial stability of a stemless humeral implant.

Background: Stemless humeral prostheses have been recently introduced. We measured for the first time their in vitro primary stability and analyzed the influence of three clinically important parameters (bone quality, implant size and post-operative loading) on micromotion. We also assessed if displacement sensors are appropriate to measure implant micromotion.

Sperm elution: an improved two phase recovery method for sexual assault samples.

This report describes the validation of a two phase cell recovery technique for the elution of two common cell types, epithelia and spermatozoa, from frequently examined items submitted as part of sexual assault casework. Furthermore, separation of cell types prior to microscopic examination of cell pellets improves the scientist's confidence in observing and scoring spermatozoa that may be present. During the validation, Orchid Cellmark's Sperm Elution© method consistently recovered a greater number of spermatozoa from simulated sexual assault items and swabs taken following consensual sexual intercourse compared to a water extraction technique.

Differences in endplate deformation of the adjacent and augmented vertebra following cement augmentation.

Vertebral cement augmentation can restore the stiffness and strength of a fractured vertebra and relieve chronic pain. Previous finite element analysis, biomechanical tests and clinical studies have indirectly associated new adjacent vertebral fractures following augmentation to altered loading. The aim of this repeated measures in situ biomechanical study was to determine the changes in the adjacent and augmented endplate deformation following cement augmentation of human cadaveric functional spine units (FSU) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: a systematic review of 69 clinical studies.

Study Design: Systematic literature review.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty using the data presented in published clinical studies, with respect to patient pain relief, restoration of mobility and vertebral body height, complication rate, and incidence of new adjacent vertebral fractures.

Summary Of Background Data: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have been gaining popularity for treating vertebral fractures.

Effect of compliant flooring on impact force during falls on the hip.

Compliant flooring represents a promising but understudied strategy for reducing impact force and hip fracture risk due to falls in high-risk environments such as nursing homes, hospitals, gymnasiums, and senior centers. We conducted "pelvis release experiments" with young women (n=15) to determine whether floor stiffness influences peak hip impact force during safe, low-height falls. During the trials, we used a pelvic sling and electromagnet to lift and instantly release the participant from a height of 5 cm above a force plate, which measured the force applied to the hip region during impact.

In situ intercellular mechanics of the bovine outer annulus fibrosus subjected to biaxial strains.

In situ intercellular strains in the outer annulus fibrosus of bovine caudal discs were determined under two states of biaxial strain. Confocal microscopy was used to track and capture images of fluorescently labelled nuclei at applied Lagrangian strains in the axial direction (E(A)(S)) of 0%, 7.5% and 15% while the circumferential direction (E(C)(S)) was constrained to either 0% or -2.