Multiphoton imaging and Raman spectroscopy of the bovine vertebral endplate.

The interface between the intervertebral disc and the vertebral body is important to the discs' biomechanics and physiology, and is widely implicated in its pathology. This study aimed to explore biochemically and structurally the bony endplate, cartilage endplate and intervertebral disc, below the nucleus and below the annulus in healthy bovine tails. Multiphoton imaging and spontaneous Raman spectroscopy were employed. Raman spectroscopy provided relative quantification of mineral and matrix components across the vertebral endplate and its adjacent areas with microscopic spatial resolution. Microscopy utilising second-harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon fluorescence (TPF) allowed for the structural identification of distinct endplate regions. The cartilage endplate was revealed as structurally distinct from both the bone and disc, supporting its biomechanical function as a transition zone between the soft and hard tissue components. The collagen fibres were continuous across the tidemark which defines the interface between the mineralised and non-mineralised regions of the endplate. Raman spectroscopy revealed gradients in phosphate and carbonate content through the depth of the endplate and also differences beneath the nucleus and annulus consistent with a higher rate of remodelling under the annulus.

Increased radiation dose and projected radiation-related lifetime cancer risk in patients with obesity due to projection radiography.

PURPOSE: Primarily to evaluate the radiation dose delivered to patients with obesity in projection radiography and its relationship to the patient's size. A secondary purpose is to estimate the subsequent projected radiation-related lifetime cancer risk to patients with obesity compared to normal-weight patients. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Data from 1964 patients from a bariatric clinic in the UK were reviewed with the relevant permission. 630 patients were identified to have a projection radiography history and were included in the study. Patients' dose area product (DAP) data were collected for all projection radiography. Multiple exams in one day including a single DAP reading and exams with no records of DAP and exposure factors were excluded. Correlations were calculated and data analysed to yield the third quartile for each examination using STATA 14. Absorbed doses were generated from PCXMC simulation, utilising DAP data from this study and the UK national diagnostic reference level (NDRL), to calculate the effective risk for patients with obesity compared to patients with normal-weight. RESULTS: Patients with obesity received higher DAPs for all examinations included in this study compared to NDRL. Abdominal and lumbar spine radiographs DAPs were the highest (17.6 and 30.31 Gy cm2) compared to the NDRL (2.5 and 4 Gy cm2). Only moderate to low correlations were found between patient's size and DAPs in the abdomen and chest radiographs. The projected radiation-related lifetime cancer risk for patients with obesity is up to 153% higher than for adult patients with normal weight. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity receive higher DAPs than normal-weight adults which may be in excess of that expected due to their size. Therefore, radiation-related lifetime cancer risk is increased in patients with obesity as a result of medical radiation exposures. This indicates more dose optimisation research is needed in this group of patients to reduce dose rate and variation.

The lumbar spine has an intrinsic shape specific to each individual that remains a characteristic throughout flexion and extension.

PURPOSE: We have previously shown that the lumbar spine has an intrinsic shape specific to the individual and characteristic of sitting, standing and supine postures. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that this intrinsic shape is detectable throughout a range of postures from extension to full flexion in healthy adults. METHODS: Sagittal images of the lumbar spine were taken using a positional MRI with participants (n = 30) adopting six postures: seated extension, neutral standing, standing with 30, 45 and 60° and full flexion. Active shape modelling (ASM) was used to identify and quantify 'modes' of variation in the shape of the lumbar spine. RESULTS: ASM showed that 89.5% of the variation in the shape of the spine could be explained by the first two modes; describing the overall curvature and the distribution of curvature of the spine. Mode scores were significantly correlated between all six postures (modes 1-9, r = 0.4-0.97, P < 0.05), showing that an element of intrinsic shape was maintained when changing postures. The spine was most even in seated extension (P < 0.001) and most uneven between 35 and 45° flexion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an individual's intrinsic lumbar spine shape is quantifiable and detectable throughout lumbar flexion and extension. These findings will enable the role of lumbar curvature in injury and low back pain to be assessed in the clinic and in the working and recreational environments.

The relationship between sagittal curvature and extensor muscle volume in the lumbar spine.

A previous modelling study predicted that the forces applied by the extensor muscles to stabilise the lumbar spine would be greater in spines that have a larger sagittal curvature (lordosis). Because the force-generating capacity of a muscle is related to its size, it was hypothesised that the size of the extensor muscles in a subject would be related to the size of their lumbar lordosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained, together with age, height, body mass and back pain status, from 42 female subjects. The volume of the extensor muscles (multifidus and erector spinae) caudal to the mid-lumbar level was estimated from cross-sectional area measurements in axial T1-weighted MRIs spanning the lumbar spine. Lower lumbar curvature was determined from sagittal T1-weighted images. A stepwise linear regression model was used to determine the best predictors of muscle volume. The mean lower lumbar extensor muscle volume was 281 cm(3) (SD = 49 cm(3)). The mean lower lumbar curvature was 30 ° (SD = 7 °). Five subjects reported current back pain and were excluded from the regression analysis. Nearly half the variation in muscle volume was accounted for by the variables age (standardised coefficient, B = -3.2, P = 0.03) and lower lumbar curvature (B = 0.47, P = 0.002). The results support the hypothesis that extensor muscle volume in the lower lumbar spine is related to the magnitude of the sagittal curvature; this has implications for assessing muscle size as an indicator of muscle strength.

A longitudinal MRI study of muscle atrophy during lower leg immobilization following ankle fracture.

PURPOSE: To investigate MRI biomarkers of muscle atrophy during cast immobilization of the lower leg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (8 male, 10 female), who had one lower leg immobilized in a cast, underwent 3.0 Tesla (T) MR imaging 5, 8, 15, 29, and 43 days after casting. Measurements were made on both lower legs of total muscle volume. Cross-sectional area (CSA), fractional water content, and T(2) were measured in tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL). Fiber pennation angle was measured in GM. RESULTS: Total muscle volume decreased by 17% (P < 0.001) over the 6 weeks of immobilization. The greatest loss in CSA (mean[SD]) was seen in GM (-23.3(8.7)%), followed by SOL (-19.0(9.8)%), GL (-17.1(6.5)%), and TA (-10.7(5.9)%). Significant reductions of CSA were also detectable in the contra-lateral leg. T(2) increased in all muscles: TA 27.0(2.5) ms to 29.6(2.8) ms (P < 0.001), GM 34.6(2.9) ms to 39.8(5.4) ms (P < 0.001) and SOL 34.4 (2.9) ms to 44.9(5.9) ms (P < 0.001). Small reductions were found in fractional water content. Pennation angle decreased in the cast leg (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Quantitative MR imaging can detect and monitor progressive biochemical and biophysical changes in muscle during immobilization.

The biomechanics of metaphyseal cone augmentation in revision knee replacement.

The demand for revision knee replacement (RKR) has increased dramatically with rising patient life expectancy and younger recipients for primary TKR. However, significant challenges to RKR arise from osseous defects, reduced bone quality, potential bone volume loss from implant removal and the need to achieve implant stability. This study utilizes the outcomes of an ongoing RKR clinical trial using porous metaphyseal cones 3D-printed of titanium, to investigate 1) bone mineral density (BMD) changes in three fixation zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, and diaphysis) over a year and 2) the biomechanical effects of the cones at 6 months post-surgery. It combines dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT) with patient-specific based finite element (FE) modelling. Bone loss (-0.086 ± 0.05 g/cm2) was found in most patients over the first year. The biomechanical assessment considered four different loading scenarios from standing, walking on a flat surface, and walking downstairs, to a simulated impact of the knee. The patient-specific FE models showed that the cones marginally improved the strain distribution in the bone and shared the induced load but played a limited role in reducing the risks of bone fracture or cement debonding. This technique of obtaining real live data from a randomized clinical trial and inserting it into an in-silico FE model is unique and innovative in RKR research. The tibia RKR biomechanics examined open up further possibilities, allowing the in-silico testing of prototypes and implant combinations without putting patients at risk as per the recommended IDEAL framework standards. This process with further improvements could allow rapid innovation, optimization of implant design, and improve surgical planning.

The intrinsic shape of the human lumbar spine in the supine, standing and sitting postures: characterization using an active shape model.

The shape of the lumbar spine in the sagittal plane varies between individuals and as a result of postural changes but it is not known how the shape in different postures is related. Sagittal images of the lumbar spines of 24 male volunteers were acquired using a positional magnetic resonance scanner. The subjects were imaged lying supine, standing and sitting. An active shape model was used to characterize shape in terms of independent modes of variation. Two modes were identified that described the total (mode 1) and distribution (mode 2) of the curvature. The spinal shape was found to be intercorrelated between the three postures for both modes, suggesting that the lumbar spine has an element of shape that is partially maintained despite postural alterations. Mode 1 values indicated that the spine was straightest when standing and curviest when sitting. Mode 2 values indicated that the distribution in the curvature was most even when sitting and least even when lying supine. Systematic differences in the behaviour of the spine, when changing posture, were found that suggest that the shape of the spine may affect its biomechanics.

In Vivo Assessment of Thoracic Vertebral Shape From MRI Data Using a Shape Model.

STUDY DESIGN: Feasibility study on characterizing thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images using a shape model. OBJECTIVES: Assess the reliability of characterizing thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images and estimate the normal variation in vertebral shape using a shape model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The characterization of thoracic vertebra shape is important for understanding the initiation and progression of deformity and in developing surgical methods. Methods for characterizing shape need to be comprehensive, reliable, and suitable for use in vivo. METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of the thoracic vertebrae were acquired from 20 adults. Repeat scans were acquired, after repositioning the participants, for T4, T8, and T12. Landmark points were placed around the vertebra on the images and used to create a shape model. The reliability was assessed using relative error (E%) and intraclass correlation (ICC). The effect of vertebral level, sex and age on vertebral shape was assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Five modes of variation were retained from the shape model. Reliability was excellent for the first two modes (mode 1: E% = 7, ICC = 0.98; mode 2: E% = 11, ICC = 0.96). These modes described variation in the vertebral bodies, the pedicle width and orientation, and the facet joint position and orientation with respect to the pedicle axis. Variation in vertebral shape was found along the thoracic spine and between individuals, but there was little effect of age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance images and shape modeling provides a reliable method for characterizing vertebral shape in vivo. The method is able to identify differences between vertebral levels and between individuals. The use of these methods may be advantageous for performing repeated measurements in longitudinal studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

The feasibility of using citizens to segment anatomy from medical images: Accuracy and motivation.

The development of automatic methods for segmenting anatomy from medical images is an important goal for many medical and healthcare research areas. Datasets that can be used to train and test computer algorithms, however, are often small due to the difficulties in obtaining experts to segment enough examples. Citizen science provides a potential solution to this problem but the feasibility of using the public to identify and segment anatomy in a medical image has not been investigated. Our study therefore aimed to explore the feasibility, in terms of performance and motivation, of using citizens for such purposes. Public involvement was woven into the study design and evaluation. Twenty-nine citizens were recruited and, after brief training, asked to segment the spine from a dataset of 150 magnetic resonance images. Participants segmented as many images as they could within three one-hour sessions. Their accuracy was evaluated by comparing them, as individuals and as a combined consensus, to the segmentations of three experts. Questionnaires and a focus group were used to determine the citizens' motivation for taking part and their experience of the study. Citizen segmentation accuracy, in terms of agreement with the expert consensus segmentation, varied considerably between individual citizens. The citizen consensus, however, was close to the expert consensus, indicating that when pooled, citizens may be able to replace or supplement experts for generating large image datasets. Personal interest and a desire to help were the two most common reasons for taking part in the study.

Microstructural characterization of annulus fibrosus by ultrasonography: a feasibility study with an in vivo and in vitro approach.

The main function of the intervertebral disc is biomechanical function, since it must resist repetitive high loadings, while giving the spine its flexibility and protecting the spinal cord from over-straining. It partially owes its mechanical characteristics to the lamellar architecture of its outer layer, the annulus fibrosus. Today, no non-invasive means exist to characterize annulus lamellar structure in vivo. The aim of this work was to test the feasibility of imaging annulus fibrosus microstructure in vivo with ultrasonography. Twenty-nine healthy adolescents were included. Ultrasonographies of L3-L4 disc were acquired with a frontal approach. Annulus fibrosus was segmented in the images to measure the thickness of the lamellae. To validate lamellar appearance in ultrasonographies, multimodality images of two cow tail discs were compared: ultrasonography, magnetic resonance and optical microscopy. In vivo average lamellar thickness was 229.7 ± 91.5 µm, and it correlated with patient body mass index and age. Lamellar appearance in the three imaging modalities in vitro was consistent. Lamellar measurement uncertainty was 7%, with good agreement between two operators. Feasibility of ultrasonography for the analysis of lumbar annulus fibrosus structure was confirmed. Further work should aim at validating measurement reliability, and to assess the relevance of the method to characterize annulus alterations, for instance in disc degeneration or scoliosis.

The effect of axial load on the sagittal plane curvature of the upright human spine in vivo.

Determining the effect of load carriage on the human spine in vivo is important for determining spinal forces and establishing potential mechanisms of back injury. Previous studies have suggested that the natural curvature of the spine straightens under load, but are based on modelling and external measurements from the surface of the back. In the current study, an upright positional MRI scanner was used to acquire sagittal images of the lumbar and lower thoracic spine of 24 subjects. The subjects were imaged in standing whilst supporting 0, 8 and 16 kg of load which was applied axially across the shoulders using an apron. An active shape model of the vertebral bodies from T10 to S1 was created and used to characterise the effect of load. The results from the shape model showed that the behaviour of the average-shaped spine was to straighten slightly. However, the shape model also showed that the effect of load exhibited systematic variation between individuals. Those who had a smaller than average curvature before loading straightened under load, whereas those who had a greater than average curvature before loading showed an increase in curvature under load. The variation in behaviour of differently shaped spines may have further implications for the effects of load in lifting manoeuvres and in understanding the aetiology of back pain.

A model-based approach for estimation of changes in lumbar segmental kinematics associated with alterations in trunk muscle forces.

The kinematics information from imaging, if combined with optimization-based biomechanical models, may provide a unique platform for personalized assessment of trunk muscle forces (TMFs). Such a method, however, is feasible only if differences in lumbar spine kinematics due to differences in TMFs can be captured by the current imaging techniques. A finite element model of the spine within an optimization procedure was used to estimate segmental kinematics of lumbar spine associated with five different sets of TMFs. Each set of TMFs was associated with a hypothetical trunk neuromuscular strategy that optimized one aspect of lower back biomechanics. For each set of TMFs, the segmental kinematics of lumbar spine was estimated for a single static trunk flexed posture involving, respectively, 40° and 10° of thoracic and pelvic rotations. Minimum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 0° to 0.7° and 0 mm to 0.04 mm, respectively. Maximum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 2.4° to 7.6° and 0.11 mm to 0.39 mm, respectively. The differences in kinematics of lumbar segments between each combination of two sets of TMFs in 97% of cases for angular deformation and 55% of cases for translational deformation were within the reported accuracy of current imaging techniques. Therefore, it might be possible to use image-based kinematics of lumbar segments along with computational modeling for personalized assessment of TMFs.

Estimation of in vivo inter-vertebral loading during motion using fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance image informed finite element models.

Finite element (FE) models driven by medical image data can be used to estimate subject-specific spinal biomechanics. This study aimed to combine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) in subject-specific FE models of upright standing, flexion and extension. Supine MR images of the lumbar spine were acquired from healthy participants using a 0.5 T MR scanner. Nine 3D quasi-static linear FE models of L3 to L5 were created with an elastic nucleus and orthotropic annulus. QF data was acquired from the same participants who performed trunk flexion to 60° and trunk extension to 20°. The displacements and rotations of the vertebrae were calculated and applied to the FE model. Stresses were averaged across the nucleus region and transformed to the disc co-ordinate system (S1 = mediolateral, S2 = anteroposterior, S3 = axial). In upright standing S3 was predicted to be -0.7 ±â€¯0.6 MPa (L3L4) and -0.6 ±â€¯0.5 MPa (L4L5). S3 increased to -2.0 ±â€¯1.3 MPa (L3L4) and -1.2 ±â€¯0.6 MPa (L4L5) in full flexion and to -1.1 ±â€¯0.8 MPa (L3L4) and -0.7 ±â€¯0.5 MPa (L4L5) in full extension. S1 and S2 followed similar patterns; shear was small apart from S23. Disc stresses correlated to disc orientation and wedging. The results demonstrate that MR and QF data can be combined in a participant-specific FE model to investigate spinal biomechanics in vivo and that predicted stresses are within ranges reported in the literature.

Variation in lifting kinematics related to individual intrinsic lumbar curvature: an investigation in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: Lifting postures are frequently implicated in back pain. We previously related responses to a static load with intrinsic spine shape, and here we investigate the role of lumbar spine shape in lifting kinematics. METHODS: Thirty healthy adults (18-65 years) performed freestyle, stoop and squat lifts with a weighted box (6-15 kg, self-selected) while being recorded by Vicon motion capture. Internal spine shape was characterised using statistical shape modelling (SSM) from standing mid-sagittal MRIs. Associations were investigated between spine shapes quantified by SSM and peak flexion angles. RESULTS: Two SSM modes described variations in overall lumbar curvature (mode 1 (M1), 55% variance) and the evenness of curvature distribution (mode 2 (M2), 12% variance). M1 was associated with greater peak pelvis (r=0.38, p=0.04) and smaller knee flexion (r=-0.40, p=0.03) angles; individuals with greater curviness preferred to lift with a stooped lifting posture. This was confirmed by analysis of those individuals with very curvy or very straight spines (|M1|>1 SD). There were no associations between peak flexion angles and mode scores in stoop or squat trials (p>0.05). Peak flexion angles were positively correlated between freestyle and squat trials but not between freestyle and stoop or squat and stoop, indicating that individuals adjusted knee flexion while maintaining their preferred range of lumbar flexion and that 'squatters' adapted better to different techniques than 'stoopers'. CONCLUSION: Spinal curvature affects preferred lifting styles, and individuals with curvier spines adapt more easily to different lifting techniques. Lifting tasks may need to be tailored to an individual's lumbar spine shape.

Markers of oxidative stress, skeletal muscle mass and function, and their responses to resistance exercise training in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) negatively affects skeletal muscle homeostasis in experimental models of ageing. However, little is known about the associations between circulating OS markers and parameters of muscle mass and function, and their responses to exercise training, in humans. METHODS: Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC, primary outcome) and isokinetic torque of the knee extensors at 30°â€¯s-1 (MIT), muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) and quality (MQ, secondary outcomes), and plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA, pro-OS), homocysteine (HCY, pro-OS), taurine (TAU, anti-OS), and protein sulphydryl groups (PSH, anti-OS) were measured in 27 healthy older males and 23 females at baseline and after an 18-week resistance exercise program, with or without a nutritional intervention (fish oil vs. placebo). RESULTS: After adjusting for age, glomerular filtration rate, and nutritional intervention, there were no significant correlations between baseline OS markers and muscle parameters, barring a positive association between TAU and MIT in females (r = 0.53, P = .035) and between MDA and MCSA in males (r = 0.69, P = .001). Training did not significantly change OS markers, except for a reduction in MDA in females (-0.27 µmol/L, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.02, P = .034). In females, there were significant correlations between baseline MDA and exercise-induced changes in MVC (P = .018), baseline TAU and changes in MCSA (P = .026), and baseline HCY and changes in MCSA (P = .046) and MQ (P = .022). In males, baseline MDA was significantly associated with exercise-induced changes in MVC (P = .040). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma MDA, HCY, and TAU were significantly associated with baseline and/or exercise-induced changes in muscle mass and function in healthy older adults, primarily in females. Pending further confirmation in other populations, specific OS markers, particularly MDA, might predict muscle responses to resistance exercise programs in old age.

Muscle function and size in the lumbar spine before and after a four week exercise intervention.

BACKGROUND: Exercise of the spinal muscles is recommended for a variety of rehabilitative reasons but it is not always clear whether interventions are effective in improving the performance of the muscles or whether their benefit is elicited via other mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of an exercise intervention on the size and exercise performance of the lumbar spine extensor muscles. METHODS: Eleven healthy participants undertook a four week programme of exercise. Magnetic resonance imaging and phosphorus spectroscopy were performed before and after the intervention to determine the time to fatigue and phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion during a muscle endurance test (modified Biering-Sørensen) together with muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). RESULTS: The post intervention measures were significantly different to the pre-intervention results for the time to fatigue (post-pre: 20.5 ± 22.7 s (P= 0.014)) and PCr depletion both at the point of fatigue (post-pre: 9.5 ± 11.9% (P= 0.024)) and at a matched time-point (post-pre: 12.2 ± 11.9% (P= 0.007)). CSA was not significantly different in any muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise improved the performance of the trunk muscles despite no impact on CSA. This demonstrated the importance of obtaining a wide range of measures when assessing the effectiveness of exercise intervention programmes.

The effects of needle damage on annulus fibrosus micromechanics.

Needle puncture of the intervertebral disc can initiate a mechanical and biochemical cascade leading to disc degeneration. Puncture's mechanical effects have been shown near the puncture site, mechanical effects should be observed far, relative to needle size, from the puncture site, given the disc-wide damage induced by the stab. The aim of this work was to quantify these far-field effects, and to observe the local structural damage provoked by the needle. Strips of cow tail annulus fibrosus underwent two consecutive mechanical loadings to 5% tensile strain; fifteen samples were punctured in a radial direction with a randomly assigned needle between the two loadings (needle gauges between 19 and 23). Ten samples (control group) were not punctured. During loading, the tissue strains were imaged using second harmonic generation microscopy in a <600×800µm region about 4.4mm from the puncture site. After mechanical testing, the puncture site was imaged in 3D. Puncture had no significant effect on annulus elastic modulus. Imaging showed a modest change in the shearing between fibre bundles however, the linear strain between bundles, intra-bundle shear and linear strain were not significantly affected. At the puncture site, detached lumps of tissue were present. These results suggest that the mechanical effects observed in intact discs are due to the depressurization of the disc, rather than the local damage to the annulus. Needle profiles could be designed, aiming at separating fibre bundles rather than cutting through them, to avoid leaving dying tissue behind. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Needle puncture of the intervertebral disc can initiate a mechanical and biochemical cascade leading to disc degeneration, but the link between the local damage of the puncture and the disc-wide effects is not well understood. This work aimed at determining the micro-mechanical effects of the puncture far from its site, and to observe the damage induced by the puncture with high resolution imaging. Results show that the puncture had modest effect far from the puncture, but lumps of tissue were left by the needle, detached from the disc; these could cause further damage through friction and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This suggests that the cascade leading to degeneration is probably driven by a biochemical response rather than disc-wide mechanical effects.

Bovine and degenerated human annulus fibrosus: a microstructural and micromechanical comparison.

The complex structure of the annulus fibrosus is strongly related to its mechanical properties. Recent work showed that it is possible to observe the relative movement of fibre bundles in loaded cow tail annulus; the aim of this work was to describe and quantify annulus fibrosus micromechanics in degenerated human disc, and compare it with cow tail annulus, an animal model often used in the literature. Second harmonic generation was used to image the collagen matrix in twenty strips of annulus fibrosus harvested from intervertebral disc of seven patients undergoing surgery. Samples were loaded to 6% tensile strain in 1% steps. Elastic modulus was calculated from loading curves, and micromechanical strains were calculated from the images using custom software. The same protocol was applied to twenty strips of annulus harvested from cow tail discs. Significant morphological differences were found between human and cow tail samples, the most striking being the lack of collagen fibre crimp in the former. Fibres were also observed bending and running from one lamella to the other, forming a strong flexible interface. Interdigitation of fibre bundles was also present at this interface. Quantitative results show complex patterns of inter-bundle and inter-lamellar behaviour, with inter-bundle sliding being the main strain mechanism. Elastic modulus was similar between species, and it was not affected by the degree of degeneration. This work gives an insight into the complex structure and mechanical function of the annulus fibrosus, which should be accounted for in disc numerical modelling.

Age-related changes in the effects of strength training on lower leg muscles in healthy individuals measured using MRI.

BACKGROUND: We previously measured the rate of regaining muscle strength during rehabilitation of lower leg muscles in patients following lower leg casting. Our primary aim in this study was to measure the rate of gain of strength in healthy individuals undergoing a similar training regime. Our secondary aim was to test the ability of MRI to provide a biomarker for muscle function. METHODS: Men and women were recruited in three age groups: 20-30, 50-65 and over 70 years. Their response to resistance training of the right lower leg twice a week for 8 weeks was monitored using a dynamometer and MRI of tibialis anterior, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles at 2 weekly intervals to measure muscle size (anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA)) and quality (T2 relaxation). Forty-four volunteers completed the study. RESULTS: Baseline strength declined with age. Training had no effect in middle-aged females or in elderly men in dorsiflexion. Other groups significantly increased both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion strength at rates up to 5.5 N m week-1 in young females in plantarflexion and 1.25 N m week-1 in young males in dorsiflexion. No changes were observed in ACSA or T2 in any age group in any muscle. CONCLUSION: Exercise training improves muscle strength in males at all ages except the elderly in dorsiflexion. Responses in females were less clear with variation across age and muscle groups. These results were not reflected in simple MRI measures that do not, therefore, provide a good biomarker for muscle atrophy or the efficacy of rehabilitation.

Sex differences in the effect of fish-oil supplementation on the adaptive response to resistance exercise training in older people: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise increases muscle mass and function in older adults, but responses are attenuated compared with younger people. Data suggest that long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may enhance adaptations to resistance exercise in older women. To our knowledge, this possibility has not been investigated in men. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effects of long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation on resistance exercise training-induced increases in muscle mass and function and whether these effects differ between older men and women. DESIGN: Fifty men and women [men: n = 27, mean ± SD age: 70.6 ± 4.5 y, mean ± SD body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 25.6 ± 4.2; women: n = 23, mean ± SD age: 70.7 ± 3.3 y, mean ± SD BMI: 25.3 ± 4.7] were randomly assigned to either long-chain n-3 PUFA (n = 23; 3 g fish oil/d) or placebo (n = 27; 3 g safflower oil/d) and participated in lower-limb resistance exercise training twice weekly for 18 wk. Muscle size, strength, and quality (strength per unit muscle area), functional abilities, and circulating metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Maximal isometric torque increased after exercise training to a greater (P < 0.05) extent in the long-chain n-3 PUFA group than in the placebo group in women, with no differences (P > 0.05) between groups in men. In both sexes, the effect of exercise training on maximal isokinetic torque at 30, 90, and 240° s-1, 4-m walk time, chair-rise time, muscle anatomic cross-sectional area, and muscle fat did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. There was a greater (P < 0.05) increase in muscle quality in women after exercise training in the long-chain n-3 PUFA group than in the placebo group, with no such differences in men (P > 0.05). Long-chain n-3 PUFAs resulted in a greater decrease (P < 0.05) than the placebo in plasma triglyceride concentrations in both sexes, with no differences (P > 0.05) in glucose, insulin, or inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: Long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation augments increases in muscle function and quality in older women but not in older men after resistance exercise training. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02843009.