Risk Of Injury Research Articles

The Influence of Tepuk Tebak Games as Occupational Health and Safety Education on the Knowledge Level of Hair Salon Workers and Customers

Working in a hair salon involves exposure to various potential hazards, such as harmful chemicals from hair care products, the risk of injury from sharp tools, and non-ergonomic working postures. These issues can be addressed by enhancing workers' knowledge of occupational safety and health practices by providing education using available educational media. This study aims to analyze the impact of implementing educational media in the form of games on increasing knowledge among salon workers and clients using salon services. The research method used is a pre-experimental study with a single-group pre-test and post-test design. The data obtained comes from two types of sources: primary data and secondary data. Primary data were collected through interviews and direct field observations using a questionnaire as the research instrument, while secondary data were obtained through a literature review. The study showed a significant increase in workers' knowledge after being educated through games. The average knowledge score of workers increased from 45 (pre-test) to 97.5 (post-test). Similarly, salon clients' knowledge also significantly increased from an average score of 67.76 (pre-test) to 93.16 (post-test), with a p-value (<0.001).

Invasive Arterial BP Measurements in the Emergency Department-When, if Ever, is it Indicated?

Extremes of blood pressure (BP) are common among patients that visit emergency departments. In this review article, we discuss the specific indications for invasive blood pressure monitoring in the ED, particularly in the context of undifferentiated shock and hypertensive emergencies. In most cases, non-invasive techniques suffice for blood pressure monitoring, however, in certain patient presentations intermittent automated oscillometry bears significant drawbacks. The most evident drawback is the extended intervals between measurements. Invasive BP (IBP) monitoring offers a pivotal tool for patients with critical illness who require accurate, timely, blood pressure monitoring and indirectly monitors for complications involving vital organ systems. In the management of patients with critical illness or at risk for end organ injury, invasive methods that directly measure BP via arterial cannulation continues to be an established standard. Overall, evaluating patients on an individual basis, with the understanding that patients who present with extreme blood pressure values need closer monitoring, should prompt consideration of invasive methods of blood pressure monitoring.

Utilizing deep learning-based causal inference to explore vancomycin's impact on continuous kidney replacement therapy necessity in blood culture-positive intensive care unit patients.

Patients with positive blood cultures in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk for septic acute kidney injury requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), especially when treated with vancomycin. This study developed a machine learning model to predict CKRT and examined vancomycin's impact using deep learning-based causal inference. We analyzed ICU patients with positive blood cultures, utilizing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III data set. The primary outcome was defined as the initiation of CKRT during the ICU stay. The machine learning models were developed to predict the outcome. The deep learning-based causal inference model was utilized to quantitatively demonstrate the impact of vancomycin on the probability of CKRT initiation. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between the variables and the susceptibility of vancomycin. A total of 1,318 patients were included in the analysis, with 41 requiring CKRT. The Random Forest and Light Gradient Boosting Machine exhibited the best performance, with Area Under Curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve values of 0.905 and 0.886, respectively. The deep learning-based causal inference model demonstrated an average 7.7% increase in the probability of CKRT occurrence when administrating vancomycin in total data set. Additionally, that younger age, lower diastolic blood pressure, higher heart rate, higher baseline creatinine, and lower bicarbonate levels sensitized the probability of CKRT application in response to vancomycin treatment. Deep learning-based causal inference models showed that vancomycin administration increases CKRT risk, identifying specific patient characteristics associated with higher susceptibility.IMPORTANCEThis study assesses the impact of vancomycin on the risk of continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with blood culture-positive infections. Utilizing deep learning-based causal inference and machine learning models, the research quantifies how vancomycin administration increases CKRT risk by an average of 7.7%. Key variables influencing susceptibility include baseline creatinine, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and bicarbonate levels. These findings offer insights into managing vancomycin-induced kidney risk and may inform patient-specific treatment strategies in ICU settings.

Physeal-Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction For Skeletally Immature Knee: A Case Report

Introduction : ACL injuries are common in the knee and often caused by non-contact sports or dynamic valgus knee movements. There has been an increase in competitive sports at younger ages, resulting in higher levels of competition and greater recognition of sports injuries by coaches and specialists. Case Report : Patient is a 14 year old woman with the initials RNF came to the emergency room of the hospital with complaints of pain in the right knee accompanied by a feeling of instability after suffering an injury while playing football with the mechanism of injury: when the patient was running and was about to change direction by supporting her right leg, suddenly the patient felt pain and there was a sound in the right knee area. After history, physical examination, and supporting test, diagnosis was made as complete ACL tear and surgery was planned in the form of ACL reconstruction using the physeal sparing technique. Discussion : The risk of ACL damage is greater in young and active individuals. The physeal-sparing technique is a relatively safe approach with few complications. It reduces knee pain at the donor site and lowers the risk of nerve damage. This method also reduces the risk of joint damage after physical activity. Young athletes who returned to sports after ACL reconstruction showed a much higher rate of injury, with a 30 to 40 times greater risk of ACL injury compared to uninjured youth. Effective communication among patient and specialist therapeutic is crucial for a successful surgery and safe return to sports and daily activities. Conclusion : Full ACL reconstruction using a physeal-sparing technique in young patients is a safe method that protects the growth plate and avoids the complications. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this approach in treating ACL injuries in young patients.

Feasibility and Clinical Efficacy of Focal Pulsed Field Ablation in Patients With Non-Pulmonary Vein Triggered Atrial Arrhythmia From the Superior Caval Vein.

In patients with atrial arrhythmias originating from the superior vena cava (SVC), the use of radiofrequency energy to isolate the SVC is associated with a significant risk of injury both to the phrenic nerve and the sinus node. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) may overcome the disadvantages of thermal energy and improve both ablation efficacy and safety. We report the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of focal monopolar PFA in patients with the origin of their atrial arrhythmia in the SVC. Nine patients (7 men, age 66 ± 8 years) with SVC-induced paroxysmal AF (n = 3), persistent AF (n = 5), or frequent premature atrial beats (n = 1) underwent SVC isolation using focal monopolar PFA. Acute circumferential SVC isolation was achieved in all cases, using 22 Ampere (A) or 25 A in areas with or without phrenic capture, respectively. The safety profile was excellent: two patients had transient sinus arrest and two had transient phrenic nerve stunning. Sinus node and phrenic nerve function recovered during the procedure, and no permanent damage was observed at follow-up. Coronary vasospasm occurred (and quickly resolved after injection of nitroglycerin) in one patient during additional ablation of a focal atrial tachycardia at the coronary sinus ostium. Kidney function remained stable before and after ablation in all patients. In this patient cohort with SVC-triggered atrial arrhythmia, isolation using focal monopolar PFA was feasible, effective, and safe. No permanent injury to the phrenic nerve or sinus node was observed.

Limb Symmetry Index in Collegiate Dancers Using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test and Single Leg Hops.

Introduction: Dance is physically demanding and often involves unilateral movements performed within a small base of support. Prior authors have reported that dancers use one leg preferentially over the other (ie, lower extremity asymmetry). Increased leg asymmetry-quantified using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), is associated with increased injury risk. Clinicians often use LSI to make return-to-performance decisions (eg, >85% performance on injured vs non-injured limb). However, limited research has examined leg symmetry in collegiate dancers. Purpose: To examine LSI in collegiate dancers using the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) and single-leg hop test (SLH). Methods: 120 healthy collegiate dancers (105 females, 15 males; 18.31 ± 0.80 years; 164.18 ± 7.12 cm; 61.18 ± 8.46 kg) performed the mSEBT (normalized to % leg-length: LL) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions and the SLH test (normalized to % body height: BH) across both legs using previously published guidelines. mSEBT scores were averaged for all three directions per leg. SLH scores were averaged per leg. LSI was calculated as (lower value/higher value) × 100 to obtain a percentage. Results: Mean mSEBT scores were 95.7 ± 14.2%LL (lower score) and 96.6 ± 14.3%LL (higher score). Dancers LSI for mSEBT was 99.1 ± 0.9%. Mean SLH scores were 82.8 ± 13.3%BH (lower score) and 86.4 ± 13.5%BH (higher score). Dancers LSI for SLH was 95.9 ± 3.5%. Conclusions: Dancers' LSI% was greater than 90% for mSEBT and SLH, concurrent with the normal values of LSI > 90% in healthy, physically active adults. Dancers displayed lower leg symmetry. Practitioners can thus use the contralateral leg as a reference for return-to-performance decisions following injury in dancers. LSI should be integrated into a comprehensive screening process to identify large (>85%) asymmetries and guide training programs post-injury to assist educators and practitioners' evidence-based return-to-performance decisions. Future researchers should examine LSI in other dance genres and across levels.Level of Evidence: 2C.

Association between pulse pressure and risk of acute kidney injury after intracerebral hemorrhage.

The aim of this study was to determine whether pulse pressure (PP), an indicator of arterial stiffness, was independently associated with the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We enrolled patients with acute ICH from a multicenter stroke registry in Fukuoka, Japan, from June 2007 to September 2019. The mean PP, measured three times on the third day after admission, was categorized into three groups based on tertiles: G1 < 54 mmHg, G2 54-64 mmHg, and G3 ≥ 65 mmHg. AKI was defined as an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥150% in serum creatinine levels above baseline during hospitalization. The associations between PP and AKI were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Overall, 1512 patients with acute ICH (mean age: 69.8 ± 13.5 years; 56.4% men) were included in the analysis. The incidence rates of AKI were 5.6%, 11.0%, and 13.2% in groups G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of AKI was significantly elevated in G2 (1.77 [1.07-2.91]) and G3 (1.82 [1.10-3.03]) compared to G1, even after adjusting for initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) values on admission and subsequent SBP reductions. This significant association was observed in patients with an initial SBP < 200 mmHg (P for heterogeneity, 0.045) and those receiving intravenous antihypertensive therapy in the acute stage (P for heterogeneity, 0.03). High PP should be recognized as a novel potential risk factor for AKI following ICH. High pulse pressure was significantly associated with an increased risk of acute kidneyinjury following intracranial hemorrhage. Pulse pressure should be recognized as anovel potential risk factor and one of the predictors of acute kidney injury afterintracranial hemorrhage.

Combined bisoprolol and trimetazidine ameliorate arsenic trioxide -induced acute myocardial injury in rats: targeting PI3K/GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/iNOS signaling pathways, inflammatory mediators and apoptosis

Background Arsenic-trioxide (ATO) is an effective therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Unfortunately, its utility is hindered by the risk of myocardial injury. Both bisoprolol (BIS) and trimetazidine (TMZ) have various pharmacological features, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Aim The cardioprotective effects of BIS and TMZ were studied, and their mechanistic role in ameliorating ATO-induced myocardial injury. Materials and Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allotted into five groups as follows: normal control group (received normal saline, orally), ATO group (7.5 mg/kg, orally), BIS (8 mg/kg, orally), TMZ (60 mg/kg, orally), and finally combination group (BIS+TMZ+ATO). Following 21 days, samples of serum and cardiac tissues were obtained to perform biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. Results The present study showed that ATO caused myocardial injury evidenced by changes in serum biomarkers (Aspatate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and cardiac troponin-1), electrolyte imbalance, and lipid profiles alongside histopathologic changes. In addition, ATO administration significantly elevated malondialdehyde, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase, myloperoxidase, total nitrite, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, 8-Hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, and caspase-3 expression contemporaneously with down-regulation of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, heme oxygenase 1, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, p-PI3K, and Bcl-2 expression. Interestingly, pretreatment with BIS and TMZ significantly reversed the detrimental effects of ATO-induced myocardial injury at both cellular and molecular levels. Otherwise, combining the two drugs displayed more enhancement than each drug alone. Conclusion The present research depicted that BIS and TMZ have the potential to protect the heart and provide therapeutic benefits by preventing acute heart injury induced by ATO. This is achieved by reversing the redox-sensitive pathway, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis.

Intracisternal vs intraventricular injection of AAV1 result in comparable, widespread transduction of the dog brain.

Widespread distribution of transduced brain cells following delivery of AAV vectors into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the cisterna magna (CM) has been demonstrated in large animal brains. In humans, intraventricular injection is preferred to intracisternal injection for CSF delivery due to the risk of brain stem injury. One study in the dog reported adverse reactions to AAV vectors expressing GFP injected into the lateral ventricle but not when injected into the CM. In contrast, AAV expressing mammalian genes in diseased animals have not triggered adverse responses since many genetic diseases also have compromised immune systems. Differences in circulation of CSF from each site could potentially affect vector spread within the brain, but a direct comparison has not been made using both a mammalian gene and immunologically normal animals. In this study we evaluated the dopamine-2-receptor (D2R) variant D2R80A, which is inactivated for intracellular signaling and has been used as a reporter gene in large animal brains. No adverse reactions to the D2R80A gene were observed from either injection route in normal dogs and both routes resulted in comparable distribution of D2R80A within the brain.

How to minimize mechanical power during controlled mechanical ventilation

High intrapulmonary pressures, large tidal volumes, and elevated respiratory rates during controlled mechanical ventilation can lead to barotrauma, volutrauma, and atelectrauma. Mechanical power—defined as the product of the pressure–volume integral and respiratory rate—consolidates these three risk factors into a single, intuitive parameter. Several studies have demonstrated that higher mechanical power correlates with an increased risk of lung injury and mortality, prompting the suggestion that mechanical power should be minimized. However, under the constraint of maintaining a fixed alveolar minute ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), it remains unclear how to adjust respiratory rate and tidal volume to minimize mechanical power. This study provides an analytical solution to this optimization problem. Accordingly, only the elastic component of mechanical power should be targeted for minimization. Regardless of lung elastance or resistance, or the mode and settings of the ventilator, the elastic power is minimized at a tidal volume equal to twice the anatomic dead space, or approximately 4.4 ml/kg of body weight.

Touch-down condition control for the bipedal spring-mass model in walking

Behaviors of animal bipedal locomotion can be described, in a simplified form, by the bipedal spring-mass model. The model provides predictive power, and helps us understand this complex dynamical behavior. In this paper, we analyzed a range of gaits generated by the bipedal spring-mass model during walking, and proposed a stabilizing touch-down condition for the swing leg. This policy is stabilizing against disturbances inside and outside the same energy level and requires only internal state information. In order to generalize the results to be independent of size and dimension of the system, we nondimensionalized the equations of motion for the bipedal spring-mass model. We presented the equilibrium gaits (a.k.a fixed point gaits) as a continuum on the walking state space showing how the different types of these gaits evolve and where they are located in the state space. Then, we showed the stability analysis of the proposed touch-down control policy for different energy levels and leg stiffness values. The results showed that the proposed touch-down control policy can stabilize towards all types of the symmetric equilibrium gaits. Moreover, we presented how the peak leg force changes within an energy level and as it varies due to the type of the gait since peak force is important as a measurement of injury or damage risk on a robot or animal. Finally, we presented simulations of the bipedal spring-mass model walking on level ground and rough terrain transitioning between different equilibrium gaits as the energy level of the system changes with respect to the ground height. The analysis in this paper is theoretical, and thus applicable to further our understanding of animal bipedal locomotion and the design and control of robotic systems like ATRIAS, Cassie, and Digit.

Is Unilateral Extended Pterional Craniotomy Preferable Over Bicoronal (Bifrontal) Craniotomy in Large or Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas?

Bicoronal incision and bifrontal craniotomy are commonly used for resecting large (4-6 cm) or giant ( 6cm) olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). Although the bifrontal approach provides good bilateral visual access to the anterior cranial fossa, it is associated with the risk of injury to the frontal bridging veins and superior sagittal sinus, infection, and CSF leakage due to the frontal sinus neighborhood. This was a retrospective review of 16patients (nine men and seven women) with large and giant OGMs operated through unilateral extended pterional craniotomy between 2010 and 2022. The radiological characteristics, clinical features,and surgical outcomes were evaluated. All patients underwent surgical resection via a unilateral extended pterional approach.The mean age of patients was 62.1 years. The most common presenting symptoms were altered consciousness, seizures, headache,and anosmia. Ten (62.5%) and 6 (37.5%) patients had large (4-6 cm) and giant ( 6 cm) OGMs, respectively. The mean tumor diameter was 6.3cm (range:4-9). Simpson grade2 resection was achieved in all 16 patients. Unilateral extended pterional craniotomy offers a safe and effective alternative to the bilateral coronal approach for large and giant OGMs, minimizing risks of frontal lobe retraction, brain edema, and venous infarction. This approach allows for total resection with very low morbidity and mortality rates, making it a viable surgical approach for these complex tumors.

Comparison Of Surgical Techniques Used In Post-Traumatic And Non-Traumatic Rhinoseptoplasty

Introduction: The main goals of septorhinoplasty are to correct cosmetic and functional defects, which may occur in a patient with no history of previous trauma. As the most prominent facial feature, the nose has an increased risk of injury. Nasal fracture may eventually result in significant defects; posing challenges to the surgeon.Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the technique used in post-traumatic and non -traumatic cases of rhinoplasties.Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 227 patients, mean age 37.511.4 years, median 36 years, age range from 18 to 79 years. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 13.3 package StatSoft, Dell Statistica. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. The Chi2 or Fisher’s exact test - when the number in cells were less than 5, was respectively used to check whether there was a correlation between nasal injuries and surgical technique. The level of statistical significance was assumed to be equal to α=0.05.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the use of five techniques. Septal filtration to the spine (44.1% vs 10.7%), septal extension graft (5.9% vs 1.3%), spreader graft (41.1% vs 21.1%) and osteotomy (85.3% vs 61.0%) were all performed more in patients with nasal trauma. On the other hand, LC steal was performed significantly more often in patients without nasal trauma (36.5% vs 22.1%).Conclusions: Nose injuries lead to cosmetic and functional complications pose a challenge to the rhinoplasty surgeon. Optimal management in the case of posttraumatic nose requires surgeon's experience and precise surgical planning.

A Study of the Role of Physical Functioning and Physical Conditioning on the Influence of Competitive Sports Programmes

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the field of competitive sports has also witnessed revolutionary changes. Modern technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving athletes' performance, optimising training methods and preventing sports injuries. The aim of this study is to delve into the role of body functions and form states in competitive sports and how they affect athletes' competitive performance. By analysing the physical characteristics and training needs of athletes in different sports, it reveals the state effects of body function and form state on competitive sports. The study further proposes the enhancement of athletes' physical functioning and shape shape through scientific training methods. The application of these strategies will help athletes achieve optimal performance in training and competition, reduce the risk of injury, and improve athletic performance. With the continuous development and application of science and technology, we have reason to believe that competitive sports will become more scientific, efficient and humane.

The Relationship Between Core Muscle Endurance, Dynamic Balance, and Some Physiological Factors in Young Football Players with Genu Varum

Background: Genu varum, a common knee alignment issue, may negatively affect physical performance in athletes, particularly in sports requiring balance, agility, and strength, such as football. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of genu varum on dynamic balance, core muscle endurance, and various athletic performance metrics in male football players. Methods: This descriptive and correlational study included 42 young football players, 21 with genu varum and 21 without. All participants trained at least three times per week and were screened for genu varum using a caliper. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants completed tests to assess dynamic balance, core muscle endurance, lower body strength, agility, and speed. Key performance evaluations included the Sargent Jump test, a 9x4 meter agility test, and a 36-meter sprint. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Significant differences were found between the two groups. Players with genu varum showed reduced dynamic balance in all directions (anterior: P = 0.001, posterior-medial: P = 0.002, posterior-lateral: P = 0.004), lower body strength (P = 0.001), agility (P = 0.02), abdominal muscle endurance (P = 0.004), and sprint speed (P = 0.003) compared to players without genu varum. Conclusions: The findings indicate that genu varum adversely affects essential athletic performance components, including balance, strength, agility, and speed, in young football players. These deficits may increase the risk of injury and impede long-term athletic development.

Enhancing karate skill performance through virtual visuals and artificial intelligence techniques

In this paper, we explore the integration of virtual visuals and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance Karate skill performance, specifically focusing on circular strike skills. Traditional Karate training often lacks the diversity of sparring partners and the precise, real-time feedback necessary for optimal skill development. We propose a Mixed Interpretation Diagram (MID) as a display to present performance features, facilitating visual imagery and best practice simulations. By employing virtual sketches and intelligent sense rules, trainees can simulate optimal actions and enhance critical Karate skills. Additionally, we consider the use of Konashi intelligent bands and Reformer indoor screens to monitor muscular fatigue, providing early warnings for recovery tasks. The adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in sports training offers a new vision for enhancing human skill performance. Our v-sports system integrates state-of-the-art AI, human motion analysis, and virtual visual generation techniques, enabling personalized coaching for Karate practitioners. This paper addresses two key research problems: creating meaningful and intuitive body-movement-based presentations of self-image to optimize training, and generating efficient, professional models for guiding without a coach. We present a timeline and percentage breakdown for the development of an AI-assisted Karate training program. This program includes research on circular strike skills, virtual vision setup, AI model training, performance metrics implementation, and comprehensive system testing. The use of VR and AI in Karate training can significantly improve technique accuracy, movement efficiency, training engagement, and personalized feedback, ultimately enhancing overall performance and reducing injury risks. Our findings suggest that integrating VR and AI technologies into Karate training provides a more engaging, effective, and accessible training experience. Future research should focus on improving the accuracy and affordability of these technologies, integrating virtual and real-world training, and ensuring user safety.

Anthropometry, Neuroergonomics and Immersive Technologies for the Workplace’s Future: Safer, Self-Sustainable and Digital

Objective: The objective of this research is to identify the best ways to organize tasks, design interfaces and optimize work processes while respecting the cognitive limits, body size and know-how of the workforce. Theoretical Framework: It is possible to prevent occupational and work-related diseases. The future of work is being shaped by a convergence of disciplines that seek to optimize the interaction between humans and machines. Method: The method used included publications related to the topic on immersive training, movement programming and respect for anthropometric differences between genders. Results and Discussion: The results indicate a reduction in mental fatigue, a reduction in the cognitive load in tasks with the creation of work routines and greater attention and productivity. Research Implications: This review research shows how neuroergonomics, anthropometry and immersive technologies, considered pillars of transformation, have the potential to create safer, more efficient work environments adapted to the individual needs of workers. Originality/Value: The study of the physical dimensions and physical-mental characteristics of the human body in the design of equipment and workspaces makes it possible to create more comfortable and safe environments, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and occupational diseases.

Assessing the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury

Assessing the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury

Machine learning-based prediction model for sports injury risk in biomechanics: A case study of joint injuries in basketball at a university in Xi’an

Basketball players are prone to joint injuries due to the sport’s high intensity and physical demands. Early prediction of injury risk is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. Incorporating biomechanics, this study focuses on basketball players at a university in Xi’an, China, aiming to develop a machine learning-based model to predict joint injury risk using easily collectable data such as training load, fatigue levels, and previous injury history. Considering regional differences, we observed that local and northern Chinese students are generally taller, while students from southern China are typically shorter. This anthropometric variation was included in our sampling and analysis. Utilizing data from 100 basketball players, the Random Forest algorithm achieved the best predictive performance with an accuracy of 85%. Key risk factors identified include high training load, elevated subjective fatigue scores, and a history of previous joint injuries. Additionally, biomechanical data were integrated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of joint injuries, and the cellular responses to injury were explored. The results demonstrate that even with limited data types, machine learning methods can effectively predict joint injury risk among basketball players, providing a valuable tool for injury prevention.

Augmenting Endoscopic Transforaminal Spinal Decompression Surgery (Full Endoscopic Spine Surgery) Using Stimulated Electromyography Neuromonitoring Dilators.

Full endoscopic spine surgery via a transforaminal approach (FESS-TFA) offers a minimally invasive approach for spinal decompression. However, it carries a risk of nerve root irritation or injury. Existing intraoperative neuromonitoring primarily provides retrospective warnings of potential nerve disturbance. To introduce the use of stimulated electromyography neuromonitoring dilators in FESS-TFA for proactive nerve protection, enhanced localization, and potential reduction in radiation exposure. This technical note describes the first use of neuromonitoring dilators in FESS-TFA. A 6-mm dilator tipped with a stimulation electrode is introduced to provide real-time directional feedback regarding nerve proximity, allowing the surgeon to actively avoid accidental injury to the exiting nerve root. With the creation of a safe tract, subsequent introduction of working instruments would theoretically reduce the risk of neural injury. The technique was successfully applied in a case of T11/T12 severe spinal stenosis, facilitating safe instrument passage and nerve localization. We describe the surgical technique and provide illustrative intraoperative details. Neuromonitoring dilators represent a promising innovation in FESS-TFA with the potential to enhance patient safety and possibly streamline the procedure. Larger-scale studies are warranted to quantify the true impact of this technique on complication rates, operative time, and radiation exposure. This technique highlights a significant advancement in reducing neural complications during minimally invasive spinal surgeries. By proactively preventing nerve irritation or injury and reducing radiation exposure, it contributes to optimizing surgical workflows and improving patient outcomes.