Stress Injury Research Articles

Educational Intervention Improves Female Athlete Triad Awareness in Female Collegiate Swimmers

Introduction: The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is characterized by high energy expenditure and low caloric intake, leading to dysregulation of menstruation and bone metabolism. Triad-associated relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) adversely affects performance and mental health. Risk factors are underrecognized in swimmers, who are less likely to present with bone stress injuries because of swimming’s non-weightbearing nature. Our objective was to quantify knowledge about the Triad and REDs among collegiate swimmers and demonstrate the value of educational intervention. Methods: Members of two Division III women’s varsity swim teams completed a Qualtrics survey, consisting of 35 Triad and REDs questions, and 13 demographics questions. Participants then attended an in-person, 20-minute educational session focused on Triad risk factors and prevention, after which they completed a post-session survey. The post-session survey contained 13 additional questions using a Likert scale, where 1=Strongly Agree and 5=Strongly Disagree. Pre- and post-session data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Thirty-one swimmers were included. Pre-session, 9.7% of respondents named one or more Triad components, compared to 96.8% after (p<0.0001). 9.7% could define the REDs acronym pre-session, compared to 87.1% after (p<0.0001). Participants better understood the Triad post-session (mean Likert score=1.23) and found the session helpful (mean=1.23), but in a hypothetical scenario, felt relatively uncomfortable contacting medical staff about Triad symptoms (mean=1.87, p=0.0002). Of the 35.5% who believed they may be experiencing Triad components, 72.7% indicated the session motivated them to seek help. Conclusions: Female collegiate swimmers’ low baseline Triad and REDs knowledge improved significantly after an educational intervention. Survey responses highlighted the importance of heightened Triad awareness, but also its continued stigmatization. The session encouraged swimmers with self-identified Triad symptoms to seek help, underscoring the importance of continued education efforts, especially in sports where the Triad is underrecognized.

BIOMEHANICAL AND POSTURAL EVALUATION OF OPTIMAL BIKE FIT FOR NON-TRAUMATIC INJURY PREVENTION AMONG CYCLISTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

This review article assesses the evidence for the efficacy of bike fit and its impact on cyclist’s posture in averting overuse injuries in cycling and provides a summary of research using a biomechanical approach to give evaluations of joint kinematics, kinetics, or muscle activity. Databases were searched for published material like Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between 1980 and 2023. Posture, bike fit, and biomechanics of cycling were few keywords used. Twenty-four published articles were included in this review. Clearance of 1–2 inches should be present between the ground and tyres when the bike is lifted while straddling it, for straight and parallel to ground top tubes and sloping top tubes, respectively. Handlebar height should be 1–2 inches below the top of the saddle. The reach of the handlebars should be measured by placing an elbow on the tip of saddle and extended fingers should touch the transverse part of the handlebars. The ball of foot should sit over the pedal axis. In cyclist’s seated position, the knee flexion angle of the extended leg at 6 o’clock position should be 25–30[Formula: see text]. With pedals at 3 and 9 o’clock, the front of the patella should be directly in line with the front of the crank arm. About 10 to 15[Formula: see text] anterior saddle tilt significantly reduces low back discomfort.

Ultrasonographic measurements of gastro-soleus fascia thickness in midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A case-control study

BackgroundThe Achilles tendon is one of the thickest, largest, and strongest tendons in the human body. Biomechanically, the AT represents the conjoint tendon of the triceps surae muscle, placed in series with the plantar fascia (PF) to ensure force transmission from the triceps surae toward the toes during walking, running, and jumping. Commonly encountered in the diagnostic evaluation of heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy (AT) refers to a combination of pathological changes affecting the tendon itself often resulting from excessive repetitive stress and overuse. Nevertheless, increasing evidence demonstrates that structural alterations due to overuse or abnormal patterns of skeletal muscle activity are not necessarily restricted to the muscles or tendons but can also affect the fascial tissue. At the same time, there has been recent discussion regarding the role of the fascial tissue as a potential contributor to the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of several musculoskeletal disorders including tendinopathies. To the best of our knowledge, ultrasound (US) imaging studies on the fascial structures related to the triceps surae complex, as well as their possible correlation with Achillodynia have never been presented in the current literature. MethodsIn the present study, a comparative US imaging evaluation of textural features of the suro-Achilleo-plantar complex was performed in 14 healthy controls and 14 symptomatic subjects complaining of midportion AT. The thickness of the Achilles tendon, paratenon, intermuscular fascia, and PF has been assessed with US. In addition, both groups underwent the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), a disease-specific questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms of AT. Correlations between quantitative ultrasound measures and VISA-A scores were determined through Pearson or Spearman's rho correlations. ResultsOur ultrasonographic findings revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in Achilles tendon and paratenon thicknesses between AT patients and controls. No significant differences were observed between groups in PF at the calcaneal insertion as all mean measures were within the expected range of a normal PF on US imaging. In contrast, in tendinopathic subjects, the deep intermuscular fascia between medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles is significantly (p<0.01) and considerably thickened compared to those of healthy subjects. Moderate correlations exist between tendon and paratenon thicknesses (r= 0.54, p= 0.04) and between MG-SOL fascia and tendon thicknesses (r= 0.58, p= 0.03). Regarding symptom severity and US morphological findings, the Spearman ρ test showed no correlation. ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that, in symptomatic subjects, US alterations are not restricted to paratenon and intratendinous areas, but also affect upstream structures along the myofascial chain, resulting in thickening of the fascia interposed between MG and SOL muscles. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MG-SOL fascia thickening and abnormalities in AT, paratenon, and symptom severity. Thus, US alterations in the fascial system should be interpreted within the clinical context of patients with AT as they may in turn represent important predictors of subsequent clinical outcomes and could help healthcare professionals and clinicians to refine non-operative treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols for this disease.

Differences in cricket fast bowling kinematics between grass and artificial surface pitches

ABSTRACT Cricket fast bowling training and research are often conducted on artificial turf, while matches are played on natural grass. It is unknown if technique differs between the different surfaces; therefore, the aim of this study was to explore if fast bowling technique differed between surfaces. Shoe slip distance and kinematic and temporal parameters previously associated with ball release velocity and lumbar bone stress injury were determined for eight male sub-elite fast bowlers using three-dimensional motion analysis on grass and artificial surfaces. Paired t-test and statistical parametric mapping were used to identify differences in technique between surfaces. Significantly greater slip distance was observed during back and front foot contact on the artificial surface compared to bowling on the grass surface. No kinematic or temporal parameter significantly differed between surfaces, therefore fast bowling technique is likely similar between grass and artificial surfaces, and previous research utilising artificial surfaces in fast bowling research is likely to be valid.

Alleviating Effect of Lipid Phytochemicals in Seed Oil (Brassica napus L.) on Oxidative Stress Injury Induced by H2O2 in HepG2 Cells via Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway.

α-tocopherol (α-T), β-sitosterol (β-S), canolol (CA), and sinapic acid (SA) are the four main endogenous lipid phytochemicals (LP) found in Brassica napus L. seed oil, which possess the bioactivity to prevent the risk of several chronic diseases via antioxidant-associated mechanisms. Discovering the enhancer effects or synergies between LP is valuable for resisting oxidative stress and improving health benefits. The objectives of this study were to identify a potentially efficacious LP combination by central composite design (CCD) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and to investigate its protective effect and potential mechanisms against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Our results indicated that the optimal concentration of LP combination was α-T 10 μM, β-S 20 μM, SA 125 μM, and CA 125 μM, respectively, and its CAA value at the optimal condition was 10.782 μmol QE/100 g. At this concentration, LP combination exerted a greater amelioration effect on H2O2-induced HepG2 cell injury than either antioxidant (tea polyphenols or magnolol) alone. LP combination could reduce the cell apoptosis rate induced by H2O2, lowered to 10.06%, and could alleviate the degree of oxidative damage to cells (ROS↓), lipids (MDA↓), proteins (PC↓), and DNA (8-OHdG↓). Additionally, LP combination enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPX, and HO-1), as well as the T-AOC, and increased the GSH level in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LP combination markedly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its associated antioxidant proteins. It also increased the expression levels of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant target gene (HO-1, SOD-1, MnSOD, CAT, GPX-1, and GPX-4) and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Keap1. The oxidative-stress-induced formation of the Keap1/Nrf2 complex in the cytoplasm was significantly blocked by LP treatment. These results indicate that LP combination protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism involving the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways.

Galangin attenuates chlorpyrifos-induced kidney injury by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation and upregulating Nrf2 and farnesoid-X-receptor in rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a highly toxic commonly used pesticide and can seriously harm human health. This study assessed the potential of galangin (GAL), an antioxidant flavonoid, to attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney injury caused by CPF, emphasizing the role of farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and Nrf2. Rats were supplemented with CPF and GAL for 28 days. CPF increased serum creatinine, urea and Kim-1, provoked several tissue alterations, and increased kidney ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, iNOS, and caspase-3. GAL effectively ameliorated serum kidney injury markers, ROS, MDA, and TNF-α, suppressed NF-κB p65, iNOS, and caspase-3, and enhanced antioxidants. GAL suppressed Keap1 and upregulated FXR, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 in CPF-administered rats. GAL exhibited binding affinity with Keap1, FXR, caspase-3, iNOS, HO-1, and NF-κB. In conclusion, GAL is effective in preventing CPF nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is linked to upregulation of antioxidants, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and FXR.

Curcumin Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Increases Survival in Mice.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used to treat multiple types of cancer, but its clinical application is limited by cardiotoxicity, mainly due to oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties, but its potential protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate CUR's efficacy in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress in the hearts of BALB/c mice. Mice received a DOX dose of 9 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg; half of the mice received daily doses of 100 mg/kg CUR for 15 days. Survival analysis, histopathological examination, and oxidative stress markers were assessed to determine the cardioprotective effects of CUR. Results showed that CUR significantly reduced oxidative damage and improved survival rates, particularly at the lower DOX dose (9 mg/kg). Mice treated with DOX-9 mg/kg plus CUR showed improved health conditions and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl production, and protein carbonylation. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced cardiac tissue damage. In conclusion, CUR combined with a lower dose of DOX effectively reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury, enhancing survival in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that CUR is a promising adjunct therapy to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, potentially improving the DOX therapeutic index in cancer treatment.

MOF-818 Nanozyme Suppresses Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Injury.

There remains a lack of effective drugs to alleviate the kidney stones caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. The MOF-818 nanozyme is utilized to lessen the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) effectively, restore the membrane potential of mitochondria, regulate the cell cycle, decrease cell death, hinder the recruitment of macrophages, and mitigate the release of inflammatory factors in macrophages. These effects are attributed to the nanozyme's ability to mimic the enzyme properties of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). It is demonstrated that this nanozyme can reduce kidney calcium oxalate crystal deposition by reducing the renal injury caused by high concentration oxalate, upregulate the expression levels of SOD and CAT in tissues, downregulate adhesion proteins and inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α, and promote the polarization of macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype in the rat model induced by ethylene glycol. Overall, MOF-818 has the potential to effectively suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory harm caused by high levels of oxalate, hence lowering the likelihood of stone formation. MOF-818 nanozyme is also expected to be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stones and provide an experimental theoretical basis for the development of new nanomedicines.

Calpeptin improves the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease-like complications of diabetes mellitus rats by regulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is considered an accelerator of AD. Our previous study has confirmed that the Calpain inhibitor Calpeptin may alleviate AD-like complications of diabetes mellitus. This work further investigated its underlying mechanism. Diabetes mellitus rat model was constructed by a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin, followed by the administration of Calpeptin. Moreover, rats were micro-injected with LV-TXNIP-OE/vector into the CA1 region of the hippocampus one day before streptozotocin injection. The Morris water maze test assessed the spatial learning and memory ability of rats. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting detected the expression of the pericyte marker PDGFRβ, tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, calpain-1, calpain-2, APP, Aβ, Aβ-related, and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins. Immunofluorescence staining examined the blood vessel density and neurons in the hippocampus. Evans blue extravasation and fluorescence detected the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rats. Additionally, the oxidative stress markers and inflammatory-related factors were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Calpeptin effectively reduced the expression of Calpain-2 and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, improved the decreased pericyte marker (PDGFR-β) and cognitive impairment in hippocampus of DM rats. The neuronal loss, microvessel density, permeability of BBB, Aβ accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress injury in the hippocampus of DM rats were also partly rescued by calpeptin treatment. The influence conferred by calpeptin treatment was reversed by TXNIP overexpression. These data demonstrated that calpeptin treatment alleviated AD-like symptoms in DM rats through regulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, calpeptin may be a potential drug to treat AD-like complications of diabetes mellitus.

In Silico and In Vivo Studies of β-Sitosterol Nanoparticles as a Potential Therapy for Isoprenaline-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Myocardial Infarction, Targeting Myeloperoxidase.

This study aimed to compare the effects of β-sitosterol nanoparticles (BETNs) and β-sitosterol (BET) on cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, and inflammation in a myocardial infarction (MI) rat model using in silico and in vivo methods. β-Sitosterol (BET) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) ligand-receptor binding affinities were evaluated using Autodock Vina for docking and Gromacs for dynamics simulations. BET nanoparticles, prepared via solvent evaporation, had their size confirmed by a nanoparticle analyzer. ISO-induced cognitive impairment in rats was assessed through Morris water maze and Cook's pole climbing tests. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac injury were evaluated by measuring GSH, SOD, MDA, MPO, CkMB, LDH, lipid profiles, and ECGs. Histopathology of the CA1 hippocampus and myocardial tissue was performed using H&E staining. In silico analyses revealed strong binding affinities between BET and MPO, suggesting BET's potential anti-inflammatory effect. BETN (119.6 ± 42.6 nm; PDI: 0.809) significantly improved MI-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats (p < 0.001 ***), increased hippocampal GSH (p < 0.01 **) and SOD (p < 0.01 **) levels, and decreased hippocampal MDA (p < 0.05 *) and MPO levels (p < 0.01 **). BETNs also elevated cardiac GSH (p < 0.01 **) and SOD (p < 0.01 **) levels and reduced cardiac MPO (p < 0.01 **), CkMB (p < 0.001 **) and LDH (p < 0.001 **) levels. It restored lipid profiles, normalized ECG patterns, and improved histology in the hippocampal CA1 region and myocardium. Compared with BET treatment, BETNs were more effective in improving cognitive impairment, oxidative damage, and inflammation in MI rats, suggesting its potential in treating cognitive dysfunction and associated pathological changes in MI.

Applying a Holistic Injury Prevention Approach to Elite Triathletes.

(1) Background: Studies on injury prevention programs are lacking for triathletes. The aim of the present study was to describe the results of a holistic (injury) training prevention program (HITP), based on training load control and strength training, in elite triathletes. (2) Methods: The study was conducted over 2021-2023 and involved 18 males and 10 females from the same training group. The HITP itself included various methods of fatigue monitoring, strength training focused on the prevention of overuse injuries (OIs), cycling skills training, and recovery strategies. The total number and type of injuries that were sustained, subsequent training/competition absence time, and injury incidence were determined. (3) Results: Twenty-four injuries were recorded over all three seasons, i.e., 0.65 injuries per 1000 h of training and competition exposure. Fourteen injuries were traumatic injuries (TIs) and ten were OIs. Of the OIs, four were of minimal severity, two were mild, three were moderate, and one was severe (accounting for 1-3, 4-7, 8-28, and >28 days of training absenteeism, respectively). A total of 46.4% of the participants did not present any type of injury and 71,4% did not incur any OIs. Average absenteeism was 17.3 days per injury. (4) Conclusions: The HITP design and implementation resulted in low OI and severe injury incidence. Due to their unpredictable nature, the number of TIs was not reduced. The TIs were suffered more frequently by men. Women are more likely to suffer from OIs, so it is particularly important to prevent OIs in women.

Platform Design for Optical Screening and Conditioning for Injury Resilience.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) among active duty soldiers result in more than 10 million limited duty days each year and account for more than 70% of the medically nondeployable population. Overuse injuries in lower limbs from running, foot marching long distances with heavy loads, and lifting heavy objects are the most common types of injuries in the military. Physical training and rehabilitation exercises for greater resiliency through aerobic, muscle strength, endurance, and agility conditioning programs can prevent or reduce the effects of MSKIs if Soldiers adhere to proper biomechanics and training techniques. We are introducing a three-dimensional (3D) camera-based platform for Optical Screening and Conditioning for Injury Resilience (OSCIR) that is designed to identify and correct high-risk movement patterns based on quantifiable biomechanical measurements in clinical or field settings. Our goal is to improve resilience to MSKI by offering greater access to quality of movement skills in warfighters through an autonomous device that can be used in Sports Medicine and Reconditioning Team (SMART) clinics and High-Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) sites. OSCIR fuses four pairs of Kinect Azure cameras into a concise footprint to achieve suitable sampling rates and an unobstructed field of view for accurate dynamic movement tracking using a custom point cloud solution. We designed a unique multistage 3D joint tracking algorithm architecture to methodically isolate the human body point cloud from the background, identify individual limb segments, and perform iterative joint optimization at the global and local joint levels. We evaluated the feasibility of our prototype system among N = 12 control participants (6 M/6 F; 21-37 years) in compliance with the Western Institutional Review Board (Tracking #20225920, approved on November 4, 2022). Five task-specific MSKI outcome metrics identified by end-user physical therapists and athletic trainers as indicators for movement quality were assessed across 7 lower-extremity exercises derived from standardized MSK assessment/conditioning batteries used in the military. Data were recorded concurrently by OSCIR and a reference standard Vicon motion capture system for validating system accuracy. Task-specific MSKI indicators for knee flexion and hip flexion range of motion achieved an average error of 4.05 ± 2.34°, while 3D position-based postural outcomes of left-right foot distance, left-right hand distance, and step length obtained mean absolute errors of 2.58 ± 2.30 cm. Results support the feasibility of our system in achieving outcomes that are comparable to currently accepted laboratory standards. Our study describes the integration process for a 3D camera-based clinical system for MSKI conditioning and rehabilitation. The impact of our system will enable key stakeholders in the military to manage MSKIs in warfighters by automating key assessment and rehabilitation test batteries; making tests more readily accessible, and interpretations more accurate by providing objective biomechanical measures. OSCIR is undergoing turn-key design features to serve as a screening tool for warfighters to readily assess susceptibility to MSKI or as a training platform to help guide exercise techniques to achieve resiliency against future injuries.

Probiotic‐rich bean sprouts alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation induced by a diet with an increased fat‐to‐carbohydrate energy ratio

SummaryThe rat's model evaluated the function of sprouted beans enriched with probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v in alleviating dyslipidaemia, inflammation and disturbed redox homeostasis caused by a high‐lard diet. Sprouted beans improved the total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver, regardless of whether the feeds had a higher content of low‐molecular antioxidants or were additionally enriched with probiotics. The reduction of inflammation (lowered level of C‐reactive protein) and restoration of triglycerides and total cholesterol to the levels recorded in the control group (AIN‐93M) were especially observed in the group supplemented with the control adzuki bean. Introducing sprouted legumes (both the control and probiotic‐rich) improved microbiota activity affected by a high‐lard diet. The highest, desirable reduction of urease (by 80%) and tryptophanase (by 78%) activity was found in the groups fed with probiotic‐rich adzuki and mung bean sprouts respectively. Sprouted beans improve the metabolism of individuals subjected to a diet with an increased fat‐to‐carbohydrate energy ratio, especially concerning oxidative stress injury and microbiota activity.

Multivitamin Compliance Reduces Injuries of Female Recruits at Air Force Basic Training: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Study.

Department of the Air Force basic military training (BMT) is the 7.5-week initial entry training for all enlisting U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits. Overuse musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) during training threaten success in BMT, and trainees with nutritional deficiencies are at higher risk. Several efforts are made at BMT to mitigate these issues to help trainees graduate on time, such as the distribution of multivitamins (MVI) to female recruits. However, trainee compliance with the prescribed MVI has been reported to be low, calling into question the effectiveness of this intervention. This study evaluated the effect of briefing modality offered to these trainees at the time of distribution on educational effectiveness, MVI compliance, and injury rates. This was a randomized controlled cohort study of BMT female trainees. Subjects included all female trainees of a single iteration of BMT concurrently completing training within the same squadron. At the outset of training, cohorts were randomly educated in one of two ways regarding the provided MVI. The control cohort (n = 80) was presented with the standard educational video created by BMT-registered dietitians, while the test cohort (n = 79) was presented the video and then also briefed in-person by a group of subject matter experts. At the end of BMT, the trainees completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, and compliance with the MVI. Additionally, a routinely collected training database was queried and analyzed for differences in injuries and training outcomes using the chi-squared test with significance set to α ≤ 0.05. Although both cohorts found their educational presentation useful, the "in-person" cohort reported significantly higher compliance rates and were found to be diagnosed with MSKI and bone stress injuries at significantly lower rates (43% and 66% relative risk reductions, respectively). Education to female BMT trainees regarding the MVI, which included a face-to-face discussion with subject matter experts, resulted in greater compliance and reduced incidence of MSKI and bone stress injury, compared to a video prepared by registered dietitians alone. Such educational approaches should continue to be strived for in this and other military population health measures. This study's implication of MVI efficacy for injury risk reduction in female trainees should be further studied, verified, and improved upon in this and other populations.

Imaging of Sacroiliac Pain: The Current State-of-the-Art.

Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) region is a common clinical manifestation, often caused by diseases involving the SI joints. This is typically due to inflammation or degenerative changes, while infections or cancer are less frequent causes. The SI joint is challenging to image accurately because of its distinct anatomical characteristics. For an accurate diagnosis, conventional radiography often needs to be supplemented with more precise methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Sacroiliitis, a common presenting feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), manifests as bone marrow edema, erosions, sclerosis, and joint space narrowing. Septic sacroiliitis and repetitive stress injuries in sports can also cause changes resembling inflammatory sacroiliitis. Other conditions, such as osteitis condensans ilii (OCI), can mimic the radiologic characteristics of sacroiliitis. Inflammatory lesions are diagnosed by concurrent erosions, hyperostosis, and ankylosis. Ligament ossifications or mechanical stress can also result in arthritic disorders. Determining the exact diagnosis can be aided by the distribution of the lesions. Inflammatory lesions can affect any part of the articulation, including the inferior and posterior portions. Mechanical lesions, such as those seen in OCI, often occur in the anterior middle region of the joint. In cases of idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament ossification is found at the joint borders. This pictorial essay describes common SI joint problems, illustrated with multimodal imaging data. We, also, discuss strategies for selecting the best imaging modalities, along with imaging pitfalls, key points, and approaches for treating patients with suspected inflammatory back pain.

Bone stress injuries in athletics (track and field) championships: findings from a prospective injury surveillance conducted across 24 international championships with 29,147 registered athletes

BackgroundAthletics (track and field) athletes are prone to develop bone stress injuries (BSIs) but epidemiological data on BSIs from top-level sports events are scarce.ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and characteristics of BSIs during 24 international athletics championships held from 2007 to 2023.MethodsBSI-related data were prospectively collected during 24 international athletics championships, including the Olympic Games (n = 3), World Outdoor Championships (n = 4), European Outdoor Championships (n = 6), World Indoor Championships (n = 3) and European Indoor Championships (n = 8). Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess the epidemiological characteristics of BSIs.ResultsBSIs accounted for 1.5% of all reported injuries (n = 36; 1.2 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI 0.8 to 1.6)). No significant difference of BSI incidence was detected between female (2.0 per 1000 athletes (95%CI: 0.9 to 2.3)) and male athletes (0.9 per 1000 athletes (95%CI: 0.4 to 1.4)) (relative risk (RR) = 1.73, 95%CI: 0.88 to 3.40). BSI incidence was significantly higher during outdoor championships (1.6 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI: 1.0 to 2.1)) as compared to indoor championships (0.2 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI: 0.0 to 0.5)) (RR = 10.4, 95%CI: 1.43 to 76.0). Most BSIs were sustained in the foot (n = 50%) or leg (n = 33%). BSIs were reported in athletes participating in endurance disciplines (52.8%) or in explosive disciplines (47.2%).ConclusionsBSIs represent a small portion of injuries sustained during international athletics championships. Collective results suggest that injury rates are higher in outdoor competitions as compared to indoor competitions. The most common injury locations comprise the foot and leg.Clinical Trial NumberNot applicable.

Hippocratea africana Root Extract and Fractions Attenuated Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Injuries in Rats

Hippocratea africana Root Extract and Fractions Attenuated Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Injuries in Rats

Protective effects of Chinese bayberry pomace wine against oxidative stress on Drosophila melanogaster

The Chinese bayberry pomace wine (CPW) was prepared with the assisted fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria, and its antioxidant effect on Drosophila melanogaster was researched. After mixed fermentation, CPW had a better color, which means there was more retention of anthocyanins, and the functional activity of anthocyanins could enhance the antioxidant capacity of flies. We found that the lifespan of flies exposed to CPW was prolonged, and the reproductive capacity of these flies was decreased. The food intake of flies was also influenced by CPW with gender differences. Furthermore, CPW alleviated the excessive proliferation of the intestinal precursor cells of H2O2-induced flies and activated the transcription level of antibacterial peptide genes. CPW had a protective effect on H2O2-induced acute injury flies, with an increased survival rate, enhanced SOD and CAT activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in flies. The expression of oxidative stress-related genes including CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and CAT was also significantly upregulated by CPW, but the downregulation effect of CPW on age-related gene expression such as methuselah (MTH), the target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomaiprotein S6 kinase (S6K) was sex-specific. These results suggested that CPW played an important role in anti-oxidative stress injury, which was beneficial to promoting the reuse of by-products from Chinese bayberry processing.

Polysaccharides isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. mitigate intestinal radiation injury through relieving mucosal inflammation and reshaping gut microbiota in mice

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (H. sabdariffa) shows considerable promise in alleviating oxidative stress injury through its rich content of phytochemicals, especially polysaccharides, yet its efficacy in treating intestinal radiation injury remains unclear. Here, we purified one water-soluble polysaccharides from H. sabdariffa (HSP1), and subsequently explored its role in relieving intestinal radiation injury via a mouse model of abdominal irradiation. The results demonstrated that HSP1 intervention effectively improved gut barrier function by restoring mucus secretion and upregulating tight junction proteins. Additionally, HSP1 mitigated oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and reduced the inflammatory response through restraining the activation of pattern recognition receptors. Moreover, HSP1 modulated the balance of gut microbiota by suppressing pathogenic bacteria, while promoting the growth of beneficial symbiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136. Altogether, this study highlights the protective potential of HSP1 against intestinal radiation injury, providing primary data for further applications of H. sabdariffa polysaccharides as radioprotectors.

Substructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Martensitic Stainless Steel During a High Cycle Number of Repetitive High Stress Loading–Unloading Process

Substructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Martensitic Stainless Steel During a High Cycle Number of Repetitive High Stress Loading–Unloading Process