Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the productivity and career prospects of musculoskeletal researchers

Academic researchers faced a multitude of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including widespread shelter-in-place orders, workplace closures, and cessation of in-person meetings and laboratory activities. The extent to which these challenges impacted musculoskeletal researchers, specifically, is unknown. We developed an anonymous web-based survey to determine the pandemic's impact on research productivity and career prospects among musculoskeletal research trainees and faculty. There were 116 musculoskeletal (MSK) researchers with varying demographic backgrounds who completed the survey. Of respondents, 48.3% (n = 56) believed that musculoskeletal funding opportunities decreased because of COVID-19, with faculty members more likely to hold this belief compared to nonfaculty researchers (p = 0.008). Amongst MSK researchers, 88.8% (n = 103) reported research activity was limited by COVID-19, and 92.2% (n = 107) of researchers reported their research was not able to be refocused on COVID-19-related topics, with basic science researchers less likely to be able to refocus their research compared to clinical researchers (p = 0.030). Additionally, 47.4% (n = 55) reported a decrease in manuscript submissions since the onset of the pandemic. Amongst 51 trainee researchers, 62.8% (n = 32) reported a decrease in job satisfaction directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. In summary, study findings indicated that MSK researchers struggled to overcome challenges imposed by the pandemic, reporting declines in funding opportunities, research productivity, and manuscript submission. Trainee researchers experienced significant disruptions to critical research activities and worsening job satisfaction. Our findings motivate future efforts to support trainees in developing their careers and target the recovery of MSK research from the pandemic stall

Simulated-Physiological Loading Conditions Preserve Biological and Mechanical Properties of Caprine Lumbar Intervertebral Discs in Ex Vivo Culture

Low-back pain (LBP) is a common medical complaint and associated with high societal costs. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is assumed to be an important causal factor of LBP. IVDs are continuously mechanically loaded and both positive and negative effects have been attributed to different loading conditions

Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods

Background In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or to aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab-to-lab variability jeopardizes the much-needed progress in the field. Here, an international group of spine scientists collaborated to standardize extraction and expansion techniques for NP cells to reduce variability, improve comparability between labs and improve utilization of funding and resources. Methods The most commonly applied methods for NP cell extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation were identified using a questionnaire to research groups worldwide. NP cell extraction methods from rat, rabbit, pig, dog, cow, and human NP tissue were experimentally assessed. Expansion and re-differentiation media and techniques were also investigated. Results Recommended protocols are provided for extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation of NP cells from common species utilized for NP cell culture. Conclusions This international, multilab and multispecies study identified cell extraction methods for greater cell yield and fewer gene expression changes by applying species-specific pronase usage, 60–100 U/ml collagenase for shorter durations. Recommendations for NP cell expansion, passage number, and many factors driving successful cell culture in different species are also addressed to support harmonization, rigor, and cross-lab comparisons on NP cells worldwide

Mechanism of parathyroid hormone-mediated suppression of calcification markers in human intervertebral disc cells

In degenerative intervertebral discs (IVD), type X collagen (COL X) expression (associated with hypertrophic differentiation) and calcification has been demonstrated. Suppression of COL X expression and calcification during disc degeneration can be therapeutic. In the present study we investigated the potential of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH) in suppressing indicators of calcification potential (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ca2+, inorganic phosphate (Pi)), and COL X expression. Further, we sought to elucidate the mechanism of PTH action in annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells from human lumbar IVDs with moderate to advanced degeneration. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and alterations in the markers of calcification potential were analysed. PTH increased type II collagen (COL II) expression in AF (~200 %) and NP cells (~163 %) and decreased COL X levels both in AF and NP cells (~75 %). These changes in the expression of collagens were preceded by MAPK phosphorylation, which was increased in both AF and NP cells by PTH after 30 min. MAPK signalling inhibitor U0126 and protein kinase-A inhibitor H-89 DCH attenuated PTH stimulated COL II expression in both cell types. PTH decreased ALP activity and increased Ca2+ release only in NP cells. The present study demonstrates that PTH can potentially retard IVD degeneration by stimulating matrix synthesis and suppressing markers of calcification potential in degenerated disc cells via both MAPK and PKA signalling pathways. Inhibition of further mineral deposition may therefore be a viable therapeutic option for improving the status of degenerating discs

Best Paper NASS 2013: Link-N can stimulate proteoglycan synthesis in the degenerated human intervertebral discs

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the most common cause of back pain. Presently there is no medical treatment, leaving surgery as the only offered option. Here we evaluate the potential of Link-N to promote extracellular matrix regeneration in human IVDs. Human disc cells cultured in alginate and intact human discs were exposed to a combination of Link-N and 35SO4 in the presence or absence of interleukin (IL)-1, and the effect on proteoglycan synthesis was evaluated. In addition, message levels of aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, a Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5 were evaluated in alginate cultures. Human disc cells responded in a dose dependent manner with maximal proteoglycan synthesis at 1 µg/mL Link-N. Link-N treatment also induced proteoglycan synthesis in intact human discs, and a prolonged effect was found up to one week after Link-N treatment. Message levels of proteinases were decreased by Link-N in the presence of IL-1. Thus, Link-N can promote proteoglycan synthesis and deplete proteinase expression in adult human discs. Link-N could therefore be a promising candidate for biologically-induced disc repair, and could provide an alternative to surgical intervention for early stage disc degeneration