News

In a groundbreaking development from Ohio State University, researchers have uncovered how spinal cord injuries can drastically disrupt the body’s metabolism, potentially leading to severe conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The study, recently published in Cell Reports Medicine, reveals that abnormal activity in neurons following a spinal injury can cause an excessive breakdown of triglycerides in fat tissue, resulting in the release of free fatty acids and glycerol into vital organs, including the liver. This metabolic disarray was linked to complications in the function of visceral fat, which plays a critical role not only in energy storage but also in regulating blood sugar levels. Researchers focused on the communication between sensory neurons and abdominal fat to unveil the underlying causes of metabolic dysfunction post spinal cord injury. Lead researcher Andrea Tedeschi, assistant professor of neuroscience at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, alongside postdoctoral researcher Debasish Roy, pinpointed that the malfunction in fat tissue metabolism is due to a maladaptive reorganization of the sensory system. Using a mouse model with neuron-specific spinal cord injuries, the team observed that sensory neurons displayed abnormal synapse function, triggering disturbing changes in the fat tissue metabolism. The study identified that the alpha2delta1 receptor protein, which is known to increase its expression following a spinal cord injury, plays a significant role in the erratic metabolic shifts observed. Source: Neuroscience News

NASCAR Cup series driver Erik Jones has been sidelined with a spinal fracture following a serious collision at the Talladega Superspeedway. The incident unfolded during a Stage 3 crash that involved heavy contact with Bubba Wallace’s car, which sent Jones’ vehicle careening head-on into the wall. After initial evaluation at the Talladega infield care center, Jones was promptly transported to a Birmingham hospital on Sunday. The medical update provided by his team, Legacy Motor Club, revealed that Jones sustained a significant injury—a compression fracture in a lower vertebra. As a consequence, Corey Heim will now take the wheel at the upcoming Dover race in place of the injured Jones. According to officials, no specific timetable has been established for Jones’ return to racing. Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, emphasized that the athlete’s health and recovery are the establishment’s utmost concern, assuring that Jones will be granted the time necessary for thorough healing. Johnson expressed firm support for both Jones and his wife during this challenging period, and anticipates Jones’ presence at the track, asserting a cordial outlook for his recovery. Currently, after facing a 35th-place finish at Talladega owing to the crash, Jones stands 20th in the point rankings this season. His performance this year peaked with an eighth-place finish at Daytona, shaping his current average standing at 21st. Source: Yahoo Sports

In an unfortunate turn of events, a severe car accident has occurred, resulting in spinal cord injuries for those involved. The specific details regarding the location or the individuals affected by the accident have not been fully disclosed. This tragic incident has highlighted the critical needs and challenges faced by individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Studies have shown that individuals with SCI face numerous obstacles in navigating their new circumstances. Comprehensive information and proper support at the right stages of care is crucial for coping effectively with the injury. Families, healthcare professionals, and personal care assistants play pivotal roles in the rehabilitation and ongoing care for SCI patients. There is a persistent demand for evidence-based practices and the dissemination of specialist expertise in SCI care services to meet the needs of those living with SCI. A nationwide project was launched in Sweden between 2021 and 2022, aiming to prioritize needs and questions requiring answers to enhance the lives of people with SCI. This project sought to highlight the knowledge gaps in the field and how those gaps could be filled. A survey gathered inputs from various stakeholders, including people with SCI, their relatives, and professionals working in the field, totaling 459 statements. Source: Nature.com

Minnesota Twins’ top prospect, Brooks Lee, has been sidelined with a back injury, forcing him to extend his time away from the game for at least an additional month. Lee’s condition was recently diagnosed as a herniated disc, after initially being treated for back spasms at the onset of the minor league season. A herniated disc results from the protrusion of the disc’s soft core through its tougher outer layer, often due to intense rotational motion coupled with vertical force—a movement similar to a baseball swing. Acute herniations can put pressure on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Despite the severity of his condition, herniated discs are common and typically resolve without needing surgery. Professional athletes, especially baseball players, have a high incidence of asymptomatic disc herniations, and those with symptoms generally have successful returns to play. Non-surgical recovery averages around six months, while post-surgery returns can take about eight months. Lee is reportedly halfway through a recommended eight-week rehabilitation program, supervised by a renowned back specialist in the United States, Dr. Robert Watkins. The focus of the rehabilitation is to build core and lower back strength and decrease nerve irritation. In some cases, cortisone injections may be administered to reduce nerve inflammation. Most individuals with disc herniations recover within the eight-week rehabilitation window and are able to resume their activities. Source: Twins Daily

In Taoyuan, Taiwan, a comprehensive study was conducted by the Taoyuan General Hospital’s Department of Physiotherapy to investigate the feasibility of combining cervicocranial flexion exercises (CCFE) and neck flexor endurance training with conventional pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The groundbreaking research aimed at determining whether such an exercise regime could notably enhance lung function in this patient population. The trial was rigorously designed with a randomised controlled methodology, ensuring the blinding of assessors and adherence to intention-to-treat analysis. Over the course of the study, thirteen participants who had suffered spinal cord injuries within the past year were carefully selected and placed into two distinct groups for the purpose of the intervention. The experimental group underwent a specific regimen that incorporated CCFEs and neck flexor endurance exercises, alongside their standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. The control group, meanwhile, received general neck stretching exercises in addition to the routine cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatments that are normally administered. Key lung function parameters—including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and inspiratory capacity (IC)—were diligently measured on a weekly basis to effectively gauge short-term outcomes. Patient experiences with respect to dyspnea, pain, and neck stiffness were also documented throughout the study’s duration. Source: Nature.com

In Lucan, a community has rallied in support of Elizabeth McNicholas, a 34-year-old local resident grappling with severe brain and spinal injuries. A fundraiser is set to take place on April 26 at the Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club, with the aim of helping Elizabeth access crucial neurorehabilitation that is not available in Ireland. Confined to a full-time wheelchair and suffering from complex medical needs alongside severe neuropathic pain, Elizabeth McNicholas’s life changed drastically during her academic years. Her conditions forced her to abandon her Domestic Science teacher-training after a diagnosis derailed her studies. In a bid to regain some semblance of normalcy, Elizabeth underwent several critical surgeries in Istanbul in 2018. The operations provided a glimmer of hope for Elizabeth, leading to an improvement in her condition. Subsequent summers saw Elizabeth engaging in intensive neurorehabilitation at the Neurokinex Gatwick clinic in the UK. Through dedication and exhaustive work, she achieved milestones such as sitting up unaided and improved the functioning of her right arm. These notable improvements underscore the importance of continuing her specialized treatment. The high costs associated with the specialized neurorehabilitation at Neurokinex Gatwick present financial barriers, necessitating the community’s support to fund Elizabeth’s ongoing therapy. Source: The Echo Newspaper

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier’s football career came to an abrupt end following a severe spinal cord injury during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2017. Shazier, once a key defensive player for the Steelers, faced a critical life change due to the injury sustained in the midst of his prime in the NFL. The incident took place on what seemed an ordinary defensive play as Shazier tackled Bengals receiver Josh Malone. Although it appeared to be a routine stop, Shazier’s tackle technique led to an unfortunate outcome as his helmet made contact with Malone’s thigh pads. The impact immediately brought Shazier to the ground, where he was seen reaching for his lower back in pain. Further examination of the circumstances revealed that Shazier should not have been participating in the match. Prior to the incident, he had sustained a sprained ankle in a game against the Green Bay Packers. Despite this, Shazier, their coaching staff, and the team’s medical personnel made a game-time decision to allow him to play, a choice that would have far-reaching consequences for Shazier’s health and career. Source: Steelers Now

In a professional setback, AEW wrestler The Blade has sustained a lower back injury, potentially impacting his active status in the wrestling circuit. The Blade, who has amassed a 63-58 win/loss record, conveyed the news of his injury through social media, particularly detailing issues with two bulging discs, identified as L2 L3 and L4 L5. Such injuries are notoriously challenging within the sporting domain, especially in professional wrestling, where athletic performance heavily relies on physical agility and strength. Bulging discs lead to considerable pain and can greatly impair an athlete’s range of motion. For The Blade, this means a hiatus from wrestling as he focuses on rehabilitation and recovery. The lumbar region, denoted as ‘L’ in medical terms, pertains to the lower part of the spine. In The Blade’s case, multiple sections are affected, signaling the severity of his condition. Although recovery timelines remain uncertain, it is essential for him to prioritize his health before resuming the intensive demands of his profession. The physical demands of sports entertainment regularly place its performers at risk of such injuries, made all the more challenging given their extensive travel and frequent performances worldwide. Wrestling fans have extended their support to The Blade in light of his announcement, hoping for his quick return to the ring after his full recovery. While injuries are indeed common in contact sports like wrestling, they often pave the way for periods of growth and reflection. Source: Pro Wrestling News

In a concerted effort to enhance emergency response capabilities, the Adams Center at the University of Montana became the stage for the state’s most extensive collegiate medical simulation training event to date. The exercise, meticulously planned and executed on Wednesday, aimed to prep health care students and professionals for potential injuries or emergencies at college sporting fixtures. The training was orchestrated by the University of Montana’s College of Health and involved around 50 aspiring health care experts from varied programs — the UM Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana, UM Masters of Athletic Training, and Missoula College Paramedicine programs. The simulation marked a significant milestone as the largest interprofessional medical simulation ever within the Montana University System. Kerry Haney, a respected pharmacy faculty member, detailed the complexities involved when attending to an injured athlete, especially when considering the intricacies of extricating them from cumbersome sports gear without exacerbating potential spinal injuries. This foci of the exercise underlined the critical nature of the skill required for such delicate operations. The medical scenarios acted out at the training event captured the unpredictable nature of sports-related health crises. Griz football players, volunteering as mock casualties, lay amid the facility to offer a realistic approach for the participants. They learned to carefully maneuver their ‘patients,’ removing helmets and other equipment while adeptly applying necessary medical support, such as bracing to prevent further injury. Source: Missoulian

In Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, a cycling incident on Sunday has left a man with substantial injuries. Simon Moss, 44, encountered a pothole, obscured by rainwater, leading to a serious crash that resulted in a broken jaw, loss of four teeth, and a fractured spine. Moss, a father of two, was cycling with friends at the time of the accident and has been hospitalized since. Jez Honor, a fellow cyclist, expressed his concerns regarding the increasingly perilous condition of the local roads after witnessing the event. The pothole in question, reportedly measured at 27 centimeters deep, had been inspected by the Milton Keynes Council just three days prior to the incident. The council has guidelines in place for potholes deeper than 7.5 centimeters, mandating a safety response within hours and a permanent fix within 28 days. In response to the crash, the council expressed their sorrow regarding Moss’s injuries and extended an invitation to both cyclists to discuss the claims process after having the pothole repaired shortly after the accident. Source: Yahoo Movies UK