Micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy and energy X-ray spectroscopy studies of facet joint degeneration: A comparison to clinical imaging.

Segmental degeneration in the human lumbar spine affects both the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Facet joint degeneration not only affects the cartilage surface, but also alters the cellular properties of the cartilage tissue and the structure of the subchondral bone. The primary focus of this study is the investigation of these microstructural changes that are caused by facet joint degeneration. Microstructural analyses of degenerated facet joint samples, obtained from patients following operative lumbar interbody fusion, have not previously been extensively investigated. This study analyzes human facet joint samples from the inferior articular process using scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate parameters of interest in facet joint degeneration such as elemental composition, cartilage layer thickness and cell density, calcification zone thickness, subchondral bone portion, and trabecular bone porosity. These microstructural analyses demonstrate fragmentation, cracking, and destruction of the cartilage layer, a thickened calcification zone, localized calcification areas, and cell cluster formation as pathological manifestations of facet joint degeneration. The detailed description of these microstructural changes is critical for a comprehensive understanding of the pathology of facet joint degeneration, as well as the subsequent development and efficacy analysis of regenerative treatment strategies.

Prevalence of low-risk and high-risk types of human papillomavirus and other risk factors for HPV infection in Germany within different age groups in women up to 30 years of age: an epidemiological observational study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is frequent in young women and persistent infection may lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, vaccination against HPV is recommended for young women in the age group from 12-17 years in Germany. However, epidemiological data on the prevalence of HPV types and risk factors for infection for younger women in Germany is scarce. To address this, an observational study was performed in Germany including 1,692 women aged 10-30 years. After a routine Pap smear, cervical swabs were tested for high-risk and low-risk HPV, respectively, using the Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) test, and genotyped using the PCR-based tests SPF(10)/LiPA(25) and PapilloCheck®. In addition, the women were interviewed regarding their medical history and lifestyle factors. Three hundred seventy-seven (22.28%) women had positive HC2 results. The proportion of HPV positive women was highest in the 20-22 age group with 28.3%. Predominant HPV types were HPV 16, 42, 51 and HPV 16, 51, 31 as defined by PapilloCheck® and SPF(10)/LiPA(25), respectively. 95.8% of women did not show signs of any cervical lesion. Adjusted analysis identified number of sexual partners (OR:1.105; 95% CI:[1.069-1.142]), smoking (OR:1.508; [1.155-1.968]), and vaccination against HPV (OR:0.589; [0.398-0.872]) rather than increasing age as risk associated with HPV infection. Comparison of the genotyping assays showed that they correspond well regarding the high-risk HPV types but less well for low-risk HPV types. This epidemiological study shows that high-risk HPV infection is common in young women in Germany. According to our data, vaccination of young women could have a potential impact on the prevention of HPV infection and cervical disease.