Human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs), the primary cellular constituents of the intervertebral disc, are central to the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction leads to intracellular metabolic imbalance and has been implicated in IVDD. This study investigated the role and molecular mechanism of glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-challenged HNPCs relevant to IVDD. HNPCs were exposed to H2O2 to establish an oxidative stress model. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and mitochondrial membrane potential. GLUD1 expression was quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The regulatory relationship between METTL3 and GLUD1 was examined by MeRIP-qPCR and a luciferase reporter assay. H2O2 treatment decreased OCR and mitochondrial membrane potential in HNPCs and reduced alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) levels and GLUD1 expression. GLUD1 knockdown exacerbated H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas GLUD1 overexpression alleviated it. METTL3 regulated GLUD1 mRNA stability by inducing GLUD1 m6A modification via YTHDF2, thereby modulating H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. GLUD1 protects HNPCs from H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through the glutamate/α-KG metabolic axis.

This research explores the vertical force-velocity (FV) profiles of female volleyball players at different maturation stages and examines the correlation between these profiles and spike jump. Forty-two volleyball players (≥1 year training) were grouped by maturation stage-pre-PHV (n=9), mid-PHV (n=14), or post-PHV (n=19)-determined using anthropometric measurements (standing height, sitting height, leg length, and weight) and the Mirwald method to estimate maturity offset. FV profiles were assessed using Samozino's method with countermovement jumps under different loads. ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests analyzed group differences, while correlation analysis explored links between FV profiles and spike jump height (SJ). Significant variances were observed among maturity groups concerning FV profile parameters, which included maximal force (F0), maximal velocity (V0), and maximal power (Pmax) (p<0.05, η2=0.19-0.69). Players at more advanced maturity stages demonstrated higher force parameters yet lower velocity values. Furthermore, only weak correlations emerged between spike jump height and parameters such as F0 and Pmax (p<0.05, r=0.31-0.39). Post-PHV female volleyball players exhibited greater force production, but lower velocity compared to pre- and mid-PHV players. The weak correlations between force-velocity profiles and spike jump height suggest that other factors may contribute to spike jump performance. Further research is needed to elucidate these determinants across different maturation stages.

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of a modified knee joint functional exercise method combined with a goniometer in patients after joint replacement.Methods:Sixty patients who underwent orthopedic knee replacement were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 30, conventional intervention) and an intervention group (n = 30, modified knee functional exercise method combined with a goniometer). Postoperative knee function (Knee Society Score, KSS), compliance with functional exercises, and quality of life were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Results:Before the intervention, as well as two days post-operation and on the day of discharge, there were no significant differences in KSS scores between the two groups. However, at 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-operation, the intervention group showed significantly higher KSS scores compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The compliance rate of knee joint function exercise in the intervention group was significantly higher (P<0.05). After intervention, the PF, GH, VT, and MH dimensions of quality-of-life scores in the intervention group were higher than those before intervention and higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion:The modified knee functional exercise method combined with an goniometer effectively improves knee function, enhances training compliance, and improves the quality of life in patients following joint replacement.

Objectives:To explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy (SE) on the relationship between medication adherence (MA) and illness perception (IP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:A convenient sampling method was used to select 238 RA patients undergoing treatment at two hospitals in Guangzhou, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, utilizing a general information questionnaire, a chronic disease SE scale, an IP scale, and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-A). R software (Version 4.2.2) was used to construct a mediation model to examine the impact of SE and IP on MA among RA patients. The bootstrap method was employed to validate the mediating role of SE.Results:The average scores for IP, SE, and MA were 120.50 ± 12.32, 29.36 ± 8.49, and 21.22 ± 2.96, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that SE was positively correlated with IP (r = 0.23, p < 0.01) and MA (r = 0.195, p < 0.001). IP was also positively correlated with MA (r = 0.532, p < 0.05). The mediating effect of SE in the relationship between IP and MA was confirmed.Conclusions:SE partially mediates the relationship between IP and MA in patients with RA.

Objectives:Collegiate Track and Field and Cross-Country (TF-XC) athletes require high training volumes, potentially contributing to their elevated injury rates. But concurrent examination of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI), health, anatomical structure, and performance is rare. This study’s purpose was to compare training habits, MSKI history, bone health, body composition, muscle morphology, and neuromuscular characteristics between collegiate TF-XC athletes and controls.Methods:Thirty TF-XC athletes (n=21 females; n=9 males) and 30 physically active, sex-, age-, and body mass-matched controls completed training and MSKI history questionnaires, Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry scans, ultrasonography of the lower body musculature, and knee extensor isometric force testing with surface electromyography. Independent t-tests, analyses of covariance, and Cohen’s d effect sizes compared group differences, and α=0.050.Results:Athletes presented a 3-fold higher MSKI incidence than controls (p<0.001; d=0.96), despite greater total body bone mineral density (BMD) Z-Scores (p=0.008; d=0.81) and regional BMD (all p≤0.005; d≥0.78), and lower muscle echogenicity (better muscle quality) (all p≤0.002; d≥0.87). However, athletes’ muscle size and force production were similar to controls (both p≥0.200; d≤0.62).Conclusions:Though TF-XC demonstrated better bone health and muscle quality than non-athletes, their muscle size and force similarities may suggest potential sport-specific mechanical loading inadequacies, coinciding with high MSKI rates.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by autonomous secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hypercalcemia. Whereas bone mineral density (BMD) is generally preserved at skeletal sites rich in trabecular bone, such as the lumbar spine (LS), studies, using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCΤ) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCΤ), have revealed disruption of both cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture, even in the contemporary ‘asymptomatic’ form of the disease, highlighting the catabolic effect of PHPT on bone. Moreover, epidemiological studies reported increased fracture risk in patients with PHPT, even in those with BMD T-score within normal or osteopenic range, suggesting that there is a discrepancy between BMD and fracture risk in patients with PHPT and that new diagnostic methods are needed for assessing bone fragility in this population. Surgery is the only definitive treatment for PHPT. Non-surgical treatment is recommended in patients who do not meet the criteria for surgical management, in patients who deny surgical treatment or are high-risk surgical patients. The most frequently used agents are bisphosphonates, denosumab, cinacalcet and vitamin D supplementation.

This study aims to assess how enhancing upper limb function on the affected side of stroke influences the gait of the lower limb. Forty eligible stroke patients were randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group, with 20 patients in each group. Both groups underwent dynamic evaluation using artificial intelligence and computer vision before treatment. This evaluation focused on analyzing the range of motion of the shoulder and elbow during the gait cycle, as well as various gait parameters (such as step length, step speed, and percentage of stance phase) on the affected side. Following evaluation, the control group received routine rehabilitation treatment. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. However, following treatment, there was a notable improvement in the motion of the shoulder and elbow joints on the affected side among patients in the treatment group (p<0.05), whereas the control group showed only slight improvement, which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The improvement in upper limb function on the affected side also appears to positively influence gait recovery. However, it's important to note that the observation period was relatively short. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this effect is sustained over the long term.

Objectives:Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the body and impacts approximately 5% of the U.S. population costing nearly $5 billion/year. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing is considered the gold standard for CTS diagnosis. Classification systems exist that categorize CTS severity based on EDX findings. This investigation evaluated EDX findings across consecutive CTS severity categories within existing classification systems and consolidated classifications.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 665 hands from 468 patients undergoing EDX testing for suspected CTS. Complete classification systems and consolidated classifications were evaluated for discrimination capability across consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Additional analysis evaluated the relationship of sex and age factors and CTS severity.Results:Consolidated classifications demonstrated superior discrimination capability between consecutive CTS severity categories regardless of classification system used. Demographic factors significantly influenced EDX findings and categorization of CTS severity.Conclusions:This study underscores the value of consolidated classifications for enhancing discrimination between consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Demographic factors should be considered when interpreting EDX findings for the purpose of categorizing CTS severity. Future research should refine existing classification systems and explore additional factors influencing CTS severity used to inform medical management.

Objectives:This study investigated the impact of hamstring strain injuries (HSI) and vision on muscle recruitment and postural control in athletes with HSI.Methods:Fourteen athletes with HSI and fourteen healthy controls performed a single-leg balance task under eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions while leaning to the maximum forward and backward. The root-mean-square electromyography (EMG), median frequency, and center of pressure (COP) trajectories were calculated for 15 seconds. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess differences between the groups and eye conditions.Results:Individuals with HSI exhibited lower hamstring activation during postural leans in the lateral hamstring (p = 0.009) during forward lean and both lateral (p = 0.001) and medial hamstring (p < 0.001) during backward lean. There were no significant changes in median frequency between the groups. Consequently, this resulted in a greater sway range and a larger 95% confidence ellipse area. The eye conditions primarily affected EMG frequency and COP parameters during leaning in both directions.Conclusion:Athletes with HSI exhibit a persistent deficit in hamstring activation, adversely affecting their postural control. These muscle impairments may compromise balance control and may impact sports performance. Therefore, implementing balance training programs should be considered in clinical rehabilitation for HSI.