Spine Shape Research Articles

Combination of tea polyphenols and proanthocyanidins prevents menopause-related memory decline in rats via increased hippocampal synaptic plasticity by inhibiting p38 MAPK and TNF-α pathway

ABSTRACT Objective Many studies have examined the beneficial effects of tea polyphenols (TP) and proanthocyanidins (PC) on the memory impairment in different animal models. However, the combined effects of them on synaptic, memory dysfunction and molecular mechanisms have been poorly studied, especially in the menopause-related memory decline in rats. Methods In this rat study, TP and PC were used to investigate their protective effects on memory decline caused by inflammation. We characterized the learning and memory abilities, synaptic plasticity, AMPAR, phosphorylation of the p38 protein, TNF-ɑ, structural synaptic plasticity-related indicators in the hippocampus. Results The results showed that deficits of learning and memory in OVX + D-gal rats, which was accompanied by dendrites and synaptic morphology damage, and increased expression of Aβ1-42 and inflammation. The beneficial effects of TP and PC treatment were found to prevent memory loss and significantly improve synaptic structure and functional plasticity. TP+PC combination shows more obvious advantages than intervention alone. TP and PC treatment improved behavioral performance, the hippocampal LTP damage and the shape and number of dendrites, dendritic spines and synapses, reduced the burden of Aβ and decreased the inflammation in hippocampus. In addition, TP and PC treatment decreased the expressions of Iba-1, TNF-α, TNFR1, and TRAF2. Conclusions These results provided a novel evidence TP combined with PC inhibits p38 MAPK pathway, suppresses the inflammation in hippocampus, and increase the externalization of AMPAR, which may be one of the mechanisms to improve synaptic plasticity and memory in the menopause-related memory decline rats.

A review of the taxonomy of spiny-backed orb-weaving spiders of the subfamily Gasteracanthinae (Araneae, Araneidae) in Thailand.

Spiny-backed orb-weaving spiders of the subfamily Gasteracanthinae are broadly distributed in the Old World. Despite their use as a model species in biology, evolution, and behavior because of their extraordinary characteristics, the systematics of this group of spiders are still poorly understood. This study elucidates the systematics of Gasteracanthinae in Thailand based on morphological and molecular-based analyses. In total, seven species from three genera, namely Gasteracantha, Macracantha, and Thelacantha, were recorded in Thailand. Shape of abdominal spines, pattern of sigilla, and female genitalia are significant characters for species identification. In contrast, coloration shows highly intraspecific variation in most species within Gasteracanthinae. A phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of COI, 16S, and H3 genes recovered Gasteracanthinae as a monophyletic group and supports the existence of three clades. Gasteracantha hasselti is placed as a sister taxon to Macracantha arcuata. Hence, we propose to transfer G. hasselti to Macracantha. Moreover, molecular species delimitation analyses (ABGD, bPTP, and GMYC) using 675 bp of COI gene support all nominal species, with evidence of possible additional cryptic species.

Exendin-4 improves long-term potentiation and neuronal dendritic growth in vivo and in vitro obesity condition

Metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes has emerged as a significant issue worldwide. Recent studies have highlighted the relationship between metabolic imbalance and neurological pathologies such as memory loss. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secreted from gut L-cells and specific brain nuclei plays multiple roles including regulation of insulin sensitivity, inflammation and synaptic plasticity. Although GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have neuroprotective function, the specific mechanism of their action in brain remains unclear. We investigated whether exendin-4, as a GLP-1RA, improves cognitive function and brain insulin resistance in metabolic-imbalanced mice fed a high-fat diet. Considering the result of electrophysiological experiments, exendin-4 inhibits the reduction of long term potentiation (LTP) in high fat diet mouse brain. Further, we identified the neuroprotective effect of exendin-4 in primary cultured hippocampal and cortical neurons in in vitro metabolic imbalanced condition. Our results showed the improvement of IRS-1 phosphorylation, neuronal complexity, and the mature of dendritic spine shape by exendin-4 treatment in metabolic imbalanced in vitro condition. Here, we provides significant evidences on the effect of exendin-4 on synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and neural structure. We suggest that GLP-1 is important to treat neuropathology caused by metabolic syndrome.

Artificial intelligence clustering of adult spinal deformity sagittal plane morphology predicts surgical characteristics, alignment, and outcomes.

AI algorithms have shown promise in medical image analysis. Previous studies of ASD clusters have analyzed alignment metrics-this study sought to complement these efforts by analyzing images of sagittal anatomical spinopelvic landmarks. We hypothesized that an AI algorithm would cluster preoperative lateral radiographs into groups with distinct morphology. This was a retrospective review of a multicenter, prospectively collected database of adult spinal deformity. A total of 915 patients with adult spinal deformity and preoperative lateral radiographs were included. A 2 × 3, self-organizing map-a form of artificial neural network frequently employed in unsupervised classification tasks-was developed. The mean spine shape was plotted for each of the six clusters. Alignment, surgical characteristics, and outcomes were compared. Qualitatively, clusters C and D exhibited only mild sagittal plane deformity. Clusters B, E, and F, however, exhibited marked positive sagittal balance and loss of lumbar lordosis. Cluster A had mixed characteristics, likely representing compensated deformity. Patients in clusters B, E, and F disproportionately underwent 3-CO. PJK and PJF were particularly prevalent among clusters A and E. Among clusters B and F, patients who experienced PJK had significantly greater positive sagittal balance than those who did not. This study clustered preoperative lateral radiographs of ASD patients into groups with highly distinct overall spinal morphology and association with sagittal alignment parameters, baseline HRQOL, and surgical characteristics. The relationship between SVA and PJK differed by cluster. This study represents significant progress toward incorporation of computer vision into clinically relevant classification systems in adult spinal deformity. Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Etelis boweni sp. nov., a new cryptic deepwater eteline snapper from the Indo-Pacific (Perciformes: Lutjanidae).

A new species of Etelis is described based on 16 specimens collected from the Red Sea and Western Australia, with confirmed genetic records throughout the Indo-West Pacific. It is similar to and was often misidentified as Etelis carbunculus Cuvier, with both species sharing the diagnostic character of low number of developed gill rakers. Nonetheless, the two species are genetically divergent and differ morphologically in adult body length; proportions of eye, snout, cheek and caudal fin; shape of head, opercular spine and sagittal otolith; and coloration of the tip of the upper caudal fin. Etelis boweni has a wide Indo-west Pacific distribution that largely overlaps with E. carbunculus, and the two species are often caught on the same fishing line.

Species delimitation of the praying mantis emHierodula/em empatellifera/em (Audinet-Serville) based on morphological and molecular characters (Mantodea: Mantidae).

An integrative taxonomic analysis of Hierodula patellifera (Audinet-Serville) is presented based on morphological and molecular characters (COI, 28S rDNA). During repeated trips to the Korean peninsula, we collected unusual specimens from Wanju-gun. They were similar to H. patellifera, but can be distinguished by a larger body size, the number and shape of spines on foreleg, and the shape of male genitalia. To examine the phenotypes and delimit H. patellifera from fourteen sampled populations, we used forecoxal spines and male genitalia as key morphological characters, as well as molecular data including gene tree monophyly and genetic divergence data. The molecular analyses (p-distance, neighbor-joining, and parsimony analyses) did not separate the specimens as two distinct species. The diagnostic characters of H. patellifera are illustrated with habitus images.

Finite element assessment of a disc-replacement implant for treating scoliotic deformity

BackgroundBracing and spinal fusion surgery have long been the primary methods for idiopathic scoliosis correction; however, there exist multiple limitations with both techniques. Growth modulation techniques have recently been attempted, but are typically performed across multiple vertebral elements. The aim of this study was to quantify the corrective abilities of a dual-angled, wedge shaped, rigid disc implant designed to correct spinal deformity. MethodsThe 3D spinal geometry of four patients was reconstructed using calibrated radiographs, from which personal finite element models were created. Coronal and sagittal Cobb angles and axial stress distribution were calculated pre- and post- simulation of device implantation at the apical vertebral element. FindingsInsertion of a rigid wedged implant resulted in up to 90.1% coronal correction with kyphotic normalization, and reduced axial stress differential within adjacent vertebrae by up to 83.3%. This correction in axial stress differential was seen to propagate to subjacent vertebrae in both rostral and caudal directions. Insertion of two implants yielded greater correction with respect to all three measures. InterpretationLocal Cobb angle correction, increased kyphotic angle, and a decrease in axial stress differential with adjacent and subjacent vertebral levels demonstrate a potential for deformity correction from within the disc space. The decrease in axial stress differential demonstrates a capacity for growth modulation and reversal of the Heuter-Volkmann principle. Based on qualitative views of spinal shape following device implantation, the wedged implant proved more efficacious in correcting single thoracic curves than double major curves.

Role of machine learning in management of degenerative spondylolisthesis: a systematic review

Background: Machine learning is a field of artificial intelligence that allows a computer system to learn through repetitive processes and improve with experience. Precise study of medical data benefits early disease recognition, patient care, and community services. Methods: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for effectiveness of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the management of spondylolisthesis. A literature search of published and unpublished articles resulted in the retrieval of more than 1000 potential studies on the subject area. Eight were reviewed according to inclusion criteria. Results: Expert medical doctors examined the pelvis and lumbar spine shape and orientation to diagnose spondylolisthesis. However, some shape and orientation parameters were misleading and unclear. Therefore, automatic diagnosis methods (classification methods) have been proposed to help medical doctors. The most important parameter of classification was found to be the grade of spondylolisthesis. Conclusions: Although the proposed results may be misleading, the studies provided evidence to suggest that two-thirds of the patients with grade I spondylolisthesis were stable enough to tolerate decompression without fusion, but that one-third of the patients appeared to develop instability over time. This instability often led to reoperation for spinal fusion at the level of listhesis. It is possible to create a predictive machine learning algorithm that is calibrated and accurate to predict discharge placement. Level of Evidence: Level I.

Four new species of Litoblatta from Argentina with a key to species based on males (Blattaria: Ectobiidae: Blattellinae).

New diagnostic characters were used to study the genus Litoblatta Hebard: paraprocts, styles due to their shape and distribution of spines, and sclerites of the genitalia of the male with emphasis on the right complex. Male and female genitalia are described in detail. Four new species of cockroaches are described, Litoblatta elisae, Litoblatta lutea, Litoblatta misionerae, and Litoblatta tucumanae. The number of species recorded for Argentina rises to 7 and a key for male determination is provided. The geographic distribution of the studied species of cockroaches is extended.

Neuronal hibernation following hippocampal demyelination

Cognitive dysfunction occurs in greater than 50% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Hippocampal demyelination is a prominent feature of postmortem MS brains and hippocampal atrophy correlates with cognitive decline in MS patients. Cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for neuronal dysfunction in demyelinated hippocampi are not fully understood. Here we investigate a mouse model of hippocampal demyelination where twelve weeks of treatment with the oligodendrocyte toxin, cuprizone, demyelinates over 90% of the hippocampus and causes decreased memory/learning. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is considered to be a major cellular readout of learning and memory in the mammalian brain. In acute slices, we establish that hippocampal demyelination abolishes LTP and excitatory post-synaptic potentials of CA1 neurons, while pre-synaptic function of Schaeffer collateral fibers is preserved. Demyelination also reduced Ca2+-mediated firing of hippocampal neurons in vivo. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we investigated the number, shape (mushroom, stubby, thin), and post-synaptic densities (PSDs) of dendritic spines that facilitate LTP. Hippocampal demyelination did not alter the number of dendritic spines. Surprisingly, dendritic spines appeared to be more mature in demyelinated hippocampi, with a significant increase in mushroom-shaped spines, more perforated PSDs, and more astrocyte participation in the tripartite synapse. RNA sequencing experiments identified 400 altered transcripts in demyelinated hippocampi. Gene transcripts that regulate myelination, synaptic signaling, astrocyte function, and innate immunity were altered in demyelinated hippocampi. Hippocampal remyelination rescued synaptic transmission, LTP, and the majority of gene transcript changes. We establish that CA1 neurons projecting demyelinated axons silence their dendritic spines and hibernate in a state that may protect the demyelinated axon and facilitates functional recovery following remyelination.

How Homo-sapiens began our journeys on the Earth?

We provide a “reader digest” version about the life forms evolved on the Earth and wish to emigrant to the other planet. E.g. Moon, Mars. First of all, the enormous gravitational force attracted two huge massive black holes (because photons could not be escaped) into a big bang collision circa 13.8 billion years (estimated by the background radiation 3oK). It has produced the spinal shape Milky Way (due to the conservation of angular momentum). The Milky Way is filled with stars and planets, according to 2020 Nobel Prizes in Physics by Roger Penrose (Oxford) and Andrea Ghez(UCLA), as well as Reinhard Genzel (Max-Planck) based on the NSF NASA supported Laser Interference Gravitationwave Observation (LIGO) experiments (operated by MIT & Caltech). We wish to answer how we began our life journeys on the Earth. Burning hydrogen’s became the water on almost all the planets. The Sun fused about 13 helium atoms to the heavy element irons and ejected out and captured by the bigger and closer Earth than the Mars. Then the Earth core fission some iron isotopes generated spinning current produced kilo-Tesla magnetic field which has warded off the constant bombardment of solar flares burning off water from the Earth. The water interacted with other chemical element Nitrogen and Carbon to build about 20 amino acids to proteins for regenerative beings. The reproduction is made of billions twisted pairs and spooling winding together into DNA genes in each cell with dozen co-evolved partners Mitochondria with its own DNA into reproductive life.

Abl2:Cortactin Interactions Regulate Dendritic Spine Stability via Control of a Stable Filamentous Actin Pool.

Dendritic spines act as the receptive contacts at most excitatory synapses. Spines are enriched in a network of actin filaments comprised of two kinetically distinct pools. The majority of spine actin is highly dynamic and regulates spine size, structural plasticity, and postsynaptic density organization. The remainder of the spine actin network is more stable, but the function of this minor actin population is not well understood, as tools to study it have not been available. Previous work has shown that disruption of the Abl2/Arg nonreceptor tyrosine kinase in mice compromises spine stability and size. Here, using cultured hippocampal neurons pooled from both sexes of mice, we provide evidence that binding to cortactin tethers Abl2 in spines, where Abl2 and cortactin maintain the small pool of stable actin required for dendritic spine stability. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of GFP-actin, we find that disruption of Abl2:cortactin interactions eliminates stable actin filaments in dendritic spines, significantly reducing spine density. A subset of spines remaining after Abl2 depletion retain their stable actin pool and undergo activity-dependent spine enlargement, associated with increased cortactin and GluN2B levels. Finally, tonic increases in synaptic activity rescue spine loss following Abl2 depletion by promoting cortactin enrichment in vulnerable spines. Together, our findings strongly suggest that Abl2:cortactin interactions promote spine stability by maintaining pools of stable actin filaments in spines.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dendritic spines contain two kinetically distinct pools of actin. The more abundant, highly dynamic pool regulates spine shape, size, and plasticity. The function of the smaller, stable actin network is not well understood, as tools to study it have not been available. We demonstrate here that Abl2 and its substrate and interaction partner, cortactin, are essential to maintain the stable pool in spines. Depletion of the stable actin pool via disruption of Abl2 or cortactin, or interactions between the proteins, significantly reduces spine stability. We also provide evidence that tonic increases in synaptic activity promote spine stability via enrichment of cortactin in spines, suggesting that synaptic activity acts on the stable actin pool to stabilize dendritic spines.

Reproducing asymmetrical spine shape fluctuations in a model of actin dynamics predicts self-organized criticality

Dendritic spines change their size and shape spontaneously, but the function of this remains unclear. Here, we address this in a biophysical model of spine fluctuations, which reproduces experimentally measured spine fluctuations. For this, we characterize size- and shape fluctuations from confocal microscopy image sequences using autoregressive models and a new set of shape descriptors derived from circular statistics. Using the biophysical model, we extrapolate into longer temporal intervals and find the presence of 1/f noise. When investigating its origins, the model predicts that the actin dynamics underlying shape fluctuations self-organizes into a critical state, which creates a fine balance between static actin filaments and free monomers. In a comparison against a non-critical model, we show that this state facilitates spine enlargement, which happens after LTP induction. Thus, ongoing spine shape fluctuations might be necessary to react quickly to plasticity events.

Does Matching Roussouly Spinal Shape and Improvement in SRS-Schwab Modifier Contribute to Improved Patient-reported Outcomes?

Retrospective review. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of matching Roussouly and improving in Schwab modifier following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The Roussouly Classification system of sagittal spinal shape and the SRS-Schwab classification system have become important indicators of spine deformity. No previous studies have examined the outcomes of matching both Roussouly type and improving in Schwab modifiers postoperatively. Surgical ASD patients with available baseline (BL) and 1 year (1Y) radiographic data were isolated in the single-center spine database. Patients were classified by their "theoretical" and "current" Roussouly types as previously published. Patients were considered a "Match" if their theoretical and current Roussouly types were the same, or a "Mismatch" if the types differed. Patients were noted as improved if they were Roussouly "Mismatch" preoperatively, and "Match" at 1Y postop. Schwab modifiers at BL were categorized as follows: no deformity (0), moderate deformity (+), and severe deformity (++) for PT, SVA, and PI-LL. Improvement in SRS-Schwab was defined as a decrease in any modifier severity at 1Y. 103 operative ASD patients (61.8 years, 63.1% female, 30 kg/m2) were included. At baseline, breakdown of "current" Roussouly type was: 28% Type 1, 25.3% Type 2, 32.0% Type 3, 14.7% Type 4. 65.3% of patients were classified as Roussouly "Mismatch" at BL. Breakdown of BL Schwab modifier severity: PT (+: 41.7%, ++: 49.5%), SVA (+: 20.3%, ++: 50%), PI-LL (+: 25.2%, ++: 46.6%). At 1 year postop, 19.2% of patients had Roussouly "Match". Analysis of Schwab modifiers showed that 12.6% improved in SVA, 42.7% in PI-LL, and 45.6% in PT. Count of patients who both had a Roussouly type "Match" at 1Y and improved in Schwab modifier severity: nine PT (8.7%), eight PI-LL (7.8%), and two SVA (1.9%). There were two patients (1.9%) who met their Roussouly type and improved in all three Schwab. 1Y matched Roussouly patients improved more in health-related quality of life scores (minimal clinically important difference [MCID] for Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], EuroQol-5D-3L [EQ5D], Visual Analogue Score Leg/Back Pain), compared to mismatched, but was not significant (P > 0.05). Match Roussouly and improvement in PT Schwab met MCID for EQ5D more (P = 0.050). Matched Roussouly and improvement in SVA Schwab met MCID for ODI more (P = 0.024). Patients who both matched Roussouly sagittal spinal type and improved in SRS-Schwab modifiers had superior patient-reported outcomes. Utilizing both classification systems in surgical decision-making can optimize postop outcomes.Level of Evidence: 3.

Morphology and Phylogeny of Scrippsiella precaria Montresor & Zingone (Thoracosphaerales, Dinophyceae) from Korean Coastal Waters

The dinoflagellate genus Scrippsiella is a common member of phytoplankton and their cysts are also frequently reported in coastal sediments worldwide. However, the diversity of Scrippsiella in Korean waters has not been fully investigated. Here, several isolates of Scrippsiella precaria collected from Korean waters and germinated from resting cysts were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The resting cysts were characterized by pointed calcareous spines and one or two red accumulation bodies, and the archeopyle was mesoepicystal, representing the loss of 2–4′ and 1–3a paraplates. Rounded resting cysts were found in culture, and an increase in spine length was observed until 8 days of development. Korean isolates of S. precaria had the plate formula of Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7″, 6C, 4S, 5‴, 2⁗. There were differences in the cell size and location of the red body between Korean isolates and previously described cells of S. precaria. In addition, the Korean isolates of S. precaria had two types of the 5″ plate that either contacted the 2a plate or not. Molecular phylogeny based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences revealed that the Korean isolates were nested within the subclade of PRE (S. precaria and related species) in the clade of Scrippsiella sensu lato, and that the PRE subclade had two ribotypes: ribotype 1 consisting of the isolates from Korea, China, and Australia, and ribotype 2 consisting of the isolates from Italy and Greece. Lineages between isolates of ribotype 1 were likely to be related to the dispersal by ocean currents and ballast waters from international shipping, and the two types of spine shapes and locations of the 5″ plates may be a distinct feature for ribotype 1.

Mechanochemical Modeling of AMPAR Trafficking in Dendritic Spines

AMPAR, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, is an ionotropic, glutamatergic receptor that is commonly used as a readout for synaptic plasticity. AMPAR density at the postsynaptic density (PSD) is known to change during long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) triggered by spine activation. The signaling pathways underlying AMPAR density modification have been studied, however, the mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking and how signaling interacts with those mechanisms is less understood and currently quite controversial. Here we construct a deterministic, reaction-diffusion model of the signaling network underlying AMPAR dynamics in geometries inspired by realistic spine shapes to elucidate the role of biophysical factors on signaling and trafficking modalities. We find that both AMPAR endocytosis and exocytosis, and AMPAR lateral membrane diffusion play important but temporally segregated roles in AMPAR trafficking at the PSD.

Two new deep-sea species of the genus Henricia (Asteroidea: Spinulosida: Echinasteridae) from Japanese waters

Two new deep-sea Henricia species, Henricia margarethae n. sp. and Henricia fragilis n. sp. are described from Sagami Bay and the Ogasawara Islands in Japan. The two new species show an affinity with eight congeners in having multiple furrow spines and abactinal papular areas which are larger than surrounding plates. The two species described herein are characterized by the arrangement of abactinal pseudopaxillae, the arrangement of abactinal papulae, the shape and arrangement of abactinal spines, the length of intermarginal and ventrolateral series, and the armament of superomarginal, inferomarginal, and adambulacral plates.

Sagittal spine shape literacy in the general adult population, assessed by a novel, simple graphical tool.

[Purpose] The sagittal shape of the spine is associated with back-pain, balance and quality of life. We developed, evaluated and report the responses of a graphical tool to assess sagittal spine shape knowledge (literacy). [Participants and Methods] Two hundred and fifty adults were randomly assigned, in a cross-sectional crossover study, to free-hand draw and select the “ideal” sagittal spine shape. We evaluated the inter and intra-rater reliability and agreement between tests and the sagittal and lordotic spine literacy between the drawing and selection test versions. [Results] Drawing test inter- and intra-rater agreement was 79% and 80% respectively. Drawing vs. selection agreement was 43%. More participants drew than selected the correct spine (30% vs. 21%) (p<0.001) and lumbar lordosis shape (56% vs. 42%) (p<0.001). Test order did not affect spine shape literacy scores. A significantly poorer literacy trend was observed with spine pain presence (p=0.02). [Conclusion] We developed a reliable method to evaluate spine shape literacy and established that only 21% and 42% of our sample demonstrated correct sagittal spine and lordotic spine shape literacy, respectively. The low literacy scores suggests that consideration of including spine shape literacy in health literacy and self-management programs may be warranted, especially in ageing populations.

A Statistical Model of Spine Shape and Material for Population-Oriented Biomechanical Simulation

In population-oriented ergonomics product design and musculoskeletal kinetics analysis, digital spine models of different shape, pose and material property are in great demand. The purpose of this study was to construct a parameterized finite element spine model with adjustable spine shape and material property. We used statistical shape model approach to learn inter-subject shape variations from 65 CT images of training subjects. Second order polynomial regression was used to model the age-dependent changes in vertebral material property derived from spatially aligned CT images. Finally, a parametric spine generator was developed to create finite element instances of different shapes and material properties. For quantitative analysis, the generalization ability to emulate spine shapes of different people was evaluated by fitting into 17 test CT images. The median fitting accuracy was 0.8 for Dice coefficient and 0.43 mm for average surface distance. The age-dependent bone density regression curve was also proved to well agree with large population statistics data. Finite element simulation was performed to compare how shape parameters influenced the biomechanics distribution of spine. The proposed parametric finite element whole spine model will assist the design process of new devices and biomechanical simulation towards a wide range of population.

Surface Topography Assessments of Spine Shape Change within the Day in Healthy Male Adults

Surface topography is a no-invasive, radiation-free method that can measure sufficient surface spine parameters by the structured back surface scan and a precise anatomical landmarks recognition. The purpose of the present study was to measure the spine shape parameter changes within the day via the DIERS Formetric 4D analysis system. Ten male healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the experiment. All participants were sedentary people with the average sitting time during study or work t ≥ 8 h and without any back disease in the past six months. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, which set time points within the day as variable and shape results as the dependent variable. The significant difference could be found for the trunk length VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.011. There was a significant difference (p = 0.024) between time slots of 9 am and 7 pm with 95%CI (–15.83, –1.01) and MD –8.42. No significant difference statistically for the scoliosis angle and the p-value of the one-way ANOVA test is 0.715. There was no significant difference for trunk inclination VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.284. Statistical analysis depicted no significant difference for the trunk imbalance VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.730. Trunk length VP-DM was significantly decreased in the afternoon and evening. This may be a potential back pain risk for sedentary individuals. Regular physical activity and mild to moderate exercise are recommended to improve spinal stability and maintain spinal shape.