Quasi-experimental translational study with pre- and post-measures. To determine the effects of t... more Quasi-experimental translational study with pre- and post-measures. To determine the effects of the Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Activity in the Community (SCIPA Com) intervention on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and associated outcomes among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Young Men's Christian Associations and community fitness centers, Australia and New Zealand. SCIPA Com consisted of three stages: (i) training exercise professionals via the Train the Trainers Spinal Cord Injury course; (ii) implementation of supervised physical activity programs twice a week for 30 to 60 min for 8 to 12 weeks; and (iii) follow-up assessments on health outcomes over 9 months. Participants with SCI were classified as active or inactive by baseline LTPA levels and linear mixed methods compared LTPA between groups over time. Sixty-four community-dwelling participants with SCI completed customized physical activity programs. Compared with baseline, there were significant im...
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, 2015
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a loss of locomotor function with associated compromise... more Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a loss of locomotor function with associated compromise of the musculo-skeletal system. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a potential therapy following SCI, but little is known about its effects on the musculo-skeletal system. Here, we examined locomotor recovery and the musculo-skeletal system after thoracic (T7-9) compression SCI in adult rats. Daily WBV was started at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days after injury (WBV1-WBV28 respectively) and continued over a 12-week post-injury period. Intact rats, rats with SCI but no WBV (sham-treated) and a group that received passive flexion and extension (PFE) of their hind limbs served as controls. Compared to sham-treated rats, neither WBV nor PFE improved motor function. Only WBV14 and PFE improved body support. In line with earlier studies we failed to detect signs of soleus muscle atrophy (weight, cross sectional diameter, total amount of fibers, mean fiber diameter) or bone loss in the femur (length, weight, ...
Combinations of Ca(2+) channel inhibitors have been proposed as an effective means to prevent exc... more Combinations of Ca(2+) channel inhibitors have been proposed as an effective means to prevent excess Ca(2+) flux and death of neurons and glia following neurotrauma in vivo. However, it is not yet known if beneficial outcomes such as improved viability have been due to direct effects on intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. Here, the effects of combinations of Lomerizine (Lom), 2,3-dioxo-7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-quinoxalinyl]acetic acid monohydrate (YM872), 3,5-dimethyl-1-adamantanamine (memantine (Mem)) and/or adenosine 5'-triphosphate periodate oxidized sodium salt (oxATP) to block voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, Ca(2+) permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, NMDA receptors and purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) respectively, on Ca(2+) concentration and viability of primary mixed cortical (MC) cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) insult, were assessed. The contribution of ryanodine-sensitive intracellular st...
Pearl nacre, a biomineralisation product of molluscs, has growing applications in cosmetics, as w... more Pearl nacre, a biomineralisation product of molluscs, has growing applications in cosmetics, as well as dental and bone restoration, yet a systematic evaluation of its biosafety is lacking. Here, we assessed the biocompatibility of nacre with two human primary dermal fibroblast cell cultures and an immortalised epidermal cell line and found no adverse effects. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See
A novel allograft paradigm was used to test whether adult mammalian central axons regenerate with... more A novel allograft paradigm was used to test whether adult mammalian central axons regenerate within a peripheral nerve environment containing intact sensory axons. Retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration was compared following anastomosis of dorsal root ganglia grafts or conventional peripheral nerve grafts to the adult rat optic nerve. Dorsal root ganglia grafts comprised intact sensory and degenerate motor axons, whereas conventional grafts comprised both degenerating sensory and motor axons. Retinal ganglion cell axons were traced after 2 months. Dorsal root ganglia survived with their axons persisting throughout the graft. Comparable numbers of retinal ganglion cells regenerated axons into both dorsal root ganglia (10537223) and conventional grafts (13237881; P40.05). The results indicate that an intact sensory environment supports central axon regeneration. NeuroReport 17:195^199
Sublethal concentrations of zinc and cadmium limited the growth of batch cultures of the ciliate ... more Sublethal concentrations of zinc and cadmium limited the growth of batch cultures of the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. Electron microscopy of cultured populations revealed many electron-dense cytoplasmic granules in cells exposed to zinc (60 ppm), but fewer in cells grown with less zinc (6 ppm) or cadmium (2 ppm). Ultrastructural abnormalities were observed only in cells grown with cadmium. These contained autophagic vacuoles and had damaged nuclei. Zinc was shown to exert a protective effect against cadmium toxicity both in terms of growth and ultrastructural appearance. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis revealed both zinc and cadmium within the cytoplasmic granules of cells exposed to these metals. Since the granules are normally composed predominantly of calcium and magnesium, these ions are implicated in the intracellular detoxication of zinc and cadmium. Zinc was detected only in the granules, while cadmium was also found in autophagic vacuoles and damaged nuclei.
Injections of the axonal marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were made into optic tracts and/or v... more Injections of the axonal marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were made into optic tracts and/or visual centres of Setonix brachyurus, a small wallaby (quokka) during development and in adults. Distributions of HRP-labeUed and unlabelled cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer were estimated from sections or wholemounts counterstained with cresyl violet. Between 20 and 40 days postnatal we did not observe an area centralis or visual streak in either the labelled or unlabelled cell populations. These regional specialisations arose between 60 and 80 days within the labelled cell population, while unlabelled cells remained approximately evenly distributed. Our findings suggest there is no 'hidden' area centralis and visual streak within the evenly distributed total cell population of the retinal ganglion cell layer at stages before cells can be classified on morphological grounds I .
Focus Group. To develop a unified, regional spinal cord injury (SCI) research strategy for Austra... more Focus Group. To develop a unified, regional spinal cord injury (SCI) research strategy for Australia and New Zealand. Australia. A 1-day structured stakeholder dialogue was convened in 2013 in Melbourne, Australia, by the National Trauma Research Institute in collaboration with the SCI Network of Australia and New Zealand. Twenty-three experts participated, representing local and international research, clinical, consumer, advocacy, government policy and funding perspectives. Preparatory work synthesised evidence and articulated draft principles and options as a starting point for discussion. A regional SCI research strategy was proposed, whose objectives can be summarised under four themes. (1) Collaborative networks and strategic partnerships to increase efficiency, reduce duplication, build capacity and optimise research funding. (2) Research priority setting and coordination to manage competing studies. (3) Mechanisms for greater consumer engagement in research. (4) Resources an...
Severe injury to the epidermal barrier often results in scarring and lifelong functional deficits... more Severe injury to the epidermal barrier often results in scarring and lifelong functional deficits, the outcome worsening with a number of factors including time taken to heal. We have investigated the potential of exogenous metallothionein IIA (Zn 7-MT-IIA), a naturally occurring small cysteine-rich protein, to accelerate healing of burn wounds in a mouse model. Endogenous MT-I/II expression increased in basal keratinocytes concurrent with reepithelialization after a burn injury, indicating a role for MT-I/II in wound healing. In vitro assays of a human keratinocyte cell line indicated that, compared with saline controls, exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA significantly increased cell viability by up to 30% (p < 0.05), decreased apoptosis by 13% (p < 0.05) and promoted keratinocyte migration by up to 14% (p < 0.05), all properties that may be desirable to promote rapid wound repair. Further in vitro assays using immortalized and primary fibroblasts indicated that Zn7-MT-IIA did not affect fibroblast motility or contraction (p > 0.05). Topical administration of exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA (2 mg/mL) in vivo, immediately postburn accelerated healing, promoted faster reepithelialization (3 days: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 8.9 AE 0.3 mm diameter vs. MT-I/II, 7.1 AE 0.7 mm; 7 days: PBS 5.8 AE 0.98 mm vs. MT-I/II, 3.6 AE 1.0 mm, p < 0.05) and reduced epidermal thickness (MT-I/II: 45 AE 4 mm vs. PBS: 101 AE 19 mm, p < 0.05) compared with controls. Our data suggest that exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA may prove a valuable therapeutic for patients with burns and other skin injuries.
The lack of reproducibility in many areas of experimental science has a number of causes, includi... more The lack of reproducibility in many areas of experimental science has a number of causes, including a lack of transparency and precision in the description of experimental approaches. This has far-reaching consequences, including wasted resources and slowing of progress. Additionally, the large number of laboratories around the world publishing articles on a given topic make it difficult, if not impossible, for individual researchers to read all of the relevant literature. Consequently, centralized databases are needed to facilitate the generation of new hypotheses for testing. One strategy to improve transparency in experimental description, and to allow the development of frameworks for computer-readable knowledge repositories, is the adoption of uniform reporting standards, such as common data elements (data elements used in multiple clinical studies) and minimum information standards. This article describes a minimum information standard for spinal cord injury (SCI) experiments, its major elements, and the approaches used to develop it. Transparent reporting standards for experiments using animal models of human SCI aim to reduce inherent bias and increase experimental value.
Quasi-experimental translational study with pre- and post-measures. To determine the effects of t... more Quasi-experimental translational study with pre- and post-measures. To determine the effects of the Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Activity in the Community (SCIPA Com) intervention on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and associated outcomes among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Young Men's Christian Associations and community fitness centers, Australia and New Zealand. SCIPA Com consisted of three stages: (i) training exercise professionals via the Train the Trainers Spinal Cord Injury course; (ii) implementation of supervised physical activity programs twice a week for 30 to 60 min for 8 to 12 weeks; and (iii) follow-up assessments on health outcomes over 9 months. Participants with SCI were classified as active or inactive by baseline LTPA levels and linear mixed methods compared LTPA between groups over time. Sixty-four community-dwelling participants with SCI completed customized physical activity programs. Compared with baseline, there were significant im...
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, 2015
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a loss of locomotor function with associated compromise... more Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a loss of locomotor function with associated compromise of the musculo-skeletal system. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a potential therapy following SCI, but little is known about its effects on the musculo-skeletal system. Here, we examined locomotor recovery and the musculo-skeletal system after thoracic (T7-9) compression SCI in adult rats. Daily WBV was started at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days after injury (WBV1-WBV28 respectively) and continued over a 12-week post-injury period. Intact rats, rats with SCI but no WBV (sham-treated) and a group that received passive flexion and extension (PFE) of their hind limbs served as controls. Compared to sham-treated rats, neither WBV nor PFE improved motor function. Only WBV14 and PFE improved body support. In line with earlier studies we failed to detect signs of soleus muscle atrophy (weight, cross sectional diameter, total amount of fibers, mean fiber diameter) or bone loss in the femur (length, weight, ...
Combinations of Ca(2+) channel inhibitors have been proposed as an effective means to prevent exc... more Combinations of Ca(2+) channel inhibitors have been proposed as an effective means to prevent excess Ca(2+) flux and death of neurons and glia following neurotrauma in vivo. However, it is not yet known if beneficial outcomes such as improved viability have been due to direct effects on intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. Here, the effects of combinations of Lomerizine (Lom), 2,3-dioxo-7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-quinoxalinyl]acetic acid monohydrate (YM872), 3,5-dimethyl-1-adamantanamine (memantine (Mem)) and/or adenosine 5'-triphosphate periodate oxidized sodium salt (oxATP) to block voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, Ca(2+) permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, NMDA receptors and purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) respectively, on Ca(2+) concentration and viability of primary mixed cortical (MC) cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) insult, were assessed. The contribution of ryanodine-sensitive intracellular st...
Pearl nacre, a biomineralisation product of molluscs, has growing applications in cosmetics, as w... more Pearl nacre, a biomineralisation product of molluscs, has growing applications in cosmetics, as well as dental and bone restoration, yet a systematic evaluation of its biosafety is lacking. Here, we assessed the biocompatibility of nacre with two human primary dermal fibroblast cell cultures and an immortalised epidermal cell line and found no adverse effects. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See
A novel allograft paradigm was used to test whether adult mammalian central axons regenerate with... more A novel allograft paradigm was used to test whether adult mammalian central axons regenerate within a peripheral nerve environment containing intact sensory axons. Retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration was compared following anastomosis of dorsal root ganglia grafts or conventional peripheral nerve grafts to the adult rat optic nerve. Dorsal root ganglia grafts comprised intact sensory and degenerate motor axons, whereas conventional grafts comprised both degenerating sensory and motor axons. Retinal ganglion cell axons were traced after 2 months. Dorsal root ganglia survived with their axons persisting throughout the graft. Comparable numbers of retinal ganglion cells regenerated axons into both dorsal root ganglia (10537223) and conventional grafts (13237881; P40.05). The results indicate that an intact sensory environment supports central axon regeneration. NeuroReport 17:195^199
Sublethal concentrations of zinc and cadmium limited the growth of batch cultures of the ciliate ... more Sublethal concentrations of zinc and cadmium limited the growth of batch cultures of the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. Electron microscopy of cultured populations revealed many electron-dense cytoplasmic granules in cells exposed to zinc (60 ppm), but fewer in cells grown with less zinc (6 ppm) or cadmium (2 ppm). Ultrastructural abnormalities were observed only in cells grown with cadmium. These contained autophagic vacuoles and had damaged nuclei. Zinc was shown to exert a protective effect against cadmium toxicity both in terms of growth and ultrastructural appearance. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis revealed both zinc and cadmium within the cytoplasmic granules of cells exposed to these metals. Since the granules are normally composed predominantly of calcium and magnesium, these ions are implicated in the intracellular detoxication of zinc and cadmium. Zinc was detected only in the granules, while cadmium was also found in autophagic vacuoles and damaged nuclei.
Injections of the axonal marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were made into optic tracts and/or v... more Injections of the axonal marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were made into optic tracts and/or visual centres of Setonix brachyurus, a small wallaby (quokka) during development and in adults. Distributions of HRP-labeUed and unlabelled cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer were estimated from sections or wholemounts counterstained with cresyl violet. Between 20 and 40 days postnatal we did not observe an area centralis or visual streak in either the labelled or unlabelled cell populations. These regional specialisations arose between 60 and 80 days within the labelled cell population, while unlabelled cells remained approximately evenly distributed. Our findings suggest there is no 'hidden' area centralis and visual streak within the evenly distributed total cell population of the retinal ganglion cell layer at stages before cells can be classified on morphological grounds I .
Focus Group. To develop a unified, regional spinal cord injury (SCI) research strategy for Austra... more Focus Group. To develop a unified, regional spinal cord injury (SCI) research strategy for Australia and New Zealand. Australia. A 1-day structured stakeholder dialogue was convened in 2013 in Melbourne, Australia, by the National Trauma Research Institute in collaboration with the SCI Network of Australia and New Zealand. Twenty-three experts participated, representing local and international research, clinical, consumer, advocacy, government policy and funding perspectives. Preparatory work synthesised evidence and articulated draft principles and options as a starting point for discussion. A regional SCI research strategy was proposed, whose objectives can be summarised under four themes. (1) Collaborative networks and strategic partnerships to increase efficiency, reduce duplication, build capacity and optimise research funding. (2) Research priority setting and coordination to manage competing studies. (3) Mechanisms for greater consumer engagement in research. (4) Resources an...
Severe injury to the epidermal barrier often results in scarring and lifelong functional deficits... more Severe injury to the epidermal barrier often results in scarring and lifelong functional deficits, the outcome worsening with a number of factors including time taken to heal. We have investigated the potential of exogenous metallothionein IIA (Zn 7-MT-IIA), a naturally occurring small cysteine-rich protein, to accelerate healing of burn wounds in a mouse model. Endogenous MT-I/II expression increased in basal keratinocytes concurrent with reepithelialization after a burn injury, indicating a role for MT-I/II in wound healing. In vitro assays of a human keratinocyte cell line indicated that, compared with saline controls, exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA significantly increased cell viability by up to 30% (p < 0.05), decreased apoptosis by 13% (p < 0.05) and promoted keratinocyte migration by up to 14% (p < 0.05), all properties that may be desirable to promote rapid wound repair. Further in vitro assays using immortalized and primary fibroblasts indicated that Zn7-MT-IIA did not affect fibroblast motility or contraction (p > 0.05). Topical administration of exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA (2 mg/mL) in vivo, immediately postburn accelerated healing, promoted faster reepithelialization (3 days: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 8.9 AE 0.3 mm diameter vs. MT-I/II, 7.1 AE 0.7 mm; 7 days: PBS 5.8 AE 0.98 mm vs. MT-I/II, 3.6 AE 1.0 mm, p < 0.05) and reduced epidermal thickness (MT-I/II: 45 AE 4 mm vs. PBS: 101 AE 19 mm, p < 0.05) compared with controls. Our data suggest that exogenous Zn 7-MT-IIA may prove a valuable therapeutic for patients with burns and other skin injuries.
The lack of reproducibility in many areas of experimental science has a number of causes, includi... more The lack of reproducibility in many areas of experimental science has a number of causes, including a lack of transparency and precision in the description of experimental approaches. This has far-reaching consequences, including wasted resources and slowing of progress. Additionally, the large number of laboratories around the world publishing articles on a given topic make it difficult, if not impossible, for individual researchers to read all of the relevant literature. Consequently, centralized databases are needed to facilitate the generation of new hypotheses for testing. One strategy to improve transparency in experimental description, and to allow the development of frameworks for computer-readable knowledge repositories, is the adoption of uniform reporting standards, such as common data elements (data elements used in multiple clinical studies) and minimum information standards. This article describes a minimum information standard for spinal cord injury (SCI) experiments, its major elements, and the approaches used to develop it. Transparent reporting standards for experiments using animal models of human SCI aim to reduce inherent bias and increase experimental value.
Uploads
Papers by S. Dunlop