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Due to the shortage and high prices of fish meal and soybean meal, there is an urgent need to explore alternative sources of high-quality protein. Yellow mealworms, being a high protein, easy to raise, and low-cost insect resource, have significant potential in replacing protein in aquatic animal feed. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the value of yellow mealworms and its impact on fish growth performance, muscle quality, immune antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestinal health, in order to provide reference materials for the development of new types of aquatic animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study scrutinized the nutritional quality and serum biochemical indices of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) cultivated in traditional pond intercropping (TPI) and in-pond raceway system (IPRS) aquaculture setups. The findings showed that the TPI group exhibited a superior water-holding capacity, while the IPRS showcased heightened crude lipid content and levels of textural properties such as springiness. Moreover, significant differences emerged in the fatty acid profiles, with the TPI group manifesting higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFAs), EPA, DHA, and Σn-3, while the IPRS group exhibited elevated total saturated fatty acids (ΣSFAs). In terms of amino acids, valine and histidine levels were notably higher in the IPRS group, whereas lysine levels were reduced. Volatile compound analysis revealed significant variations, with the IPRS group containing more volatile substances with a better aroma, resulting in a better odor. The IPRS group performed better in serum biochemistry analysis. Additionally, grass carp in the IPRS group displayed an improved structure and greater coverage area of the visceral peritoneum, appearing lighter in color compared to the TPI group. TPI mainly influences nutritional elements; IPRSs primarily affect muscle texture, serum biochemistry, and overall health. This study aims to fill the gap in quality comparison research and provide an important scientific basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the muscle quality of different crustaceans, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of their muscle quality characteristics as a theoretical reference. In this work, seven major species of farmed and consumer crustaceans were selected, including crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), kuruma prawns (Penaeus japonicus), river prawns (Macrobranchium nipponense), and Chinese shrimp (Penaeus chinensis). Their morphometric parameters, nutritional composition, textural properties, and physical and chemical indexes were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that the meat content (MC, about 14.78%) of crayfish was significantly lower than that of the other six species. By contrast, pacific white shrimp had the highest MC, although the MCs of black tiger shrimp, kuruma prawns, and Chinese shrimp are greater than 40%. All seven crustacean species were high in protein and low in fat, while pacific white shrimp had the highest crude protein, crude lipid, and crude ash content compared to the other crustaceans. The content of threonine (Thr) was the highest in crayfish. The content of methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys) was the highest in freshwater prawns. The content of isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), and non–essential amino acid (NEAA) was the highest in pacific white shrimp. C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid, LA) was the highest in freshwater prawns and pacific white shrimp; C18:3n-3 (linolenic acid, LNA), C20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid, AA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were all the highest in crayfish; and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the highest in freshwater prawns, but the content was not significantly different from crayfish, pacific white shrimp, black tiger shrimp, and Chinese shrimp. Pacific white shrimp had the highest values for hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The redness values of crayfish, black tiger shrimp, and Chinese shrimp were significantly higher than those of the other three species except kuruma prawns. Compared to other crustaceans, river prawns had the highest drip loss and cooking loss. Black tiger shrimp and Chinese shrimp had the lowest cooking loss rates. The research shows that the tail muscle of the seven species of crustaceans is rich in protein, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and low in fat, representing a high-quality protein. Among these crustaceans, the main essential amino acids and essential fatty acids in the tail muscle of pacific white shrimp, freshwater prawns, and crayfish are higher in content and better in nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess whether changes in MRI-based measures of thigh muscle quality associated with statin use in participants with and without/at-risk of knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative study. Statin users and non-users were matched for relevant covariates using 1:1 propensity-score matching. Participants were further stratified according to baseline radiographic knee osteoarthritis status. We used a validated deep-learning method for thigh muscle MRI segmentation and calculation of muscle quality biomarkers at baseline, 2nd, and 4th visits. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in longitudinal 4-year measurements of muscle quality biomarkers, including cross-sectional area, intramuscular adipose tissue, contractile percent, and knee extensors and flexors maximum and specific contractile force (force/muscle area) were the outcomes of interest. Results: After matching, 3772 thighs of 1910 participants were included (1886 thighs of statin-users: 1886 of non-users; age: 62 ± 9 years (average ± standard deviation), range: 45–79; female/male: 1). During 4 years, statin use was associated with a slight decrease in muscle quality, indicated by decreased knee extension maximum (mean-difference, 95% CI: − 1.85 N/year, − 3.23 to − 0.47) and specific contractile force (− 0.04 N/cm2/year, − 0.07 to − 0.01), decreased thigh muscle contractile percent (− 0.03%/year, − 0.06 to − 0.01), and increased thigh intramuscular adipose tissue (3.06 mm2/year, 0.53 to 5.59). Stratified analyses showed decreased muscle quality only in participants without/at-risk of knee osteoarthritis but not those with established knee osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Statin use is associated with a slight decrease in MRI-based measures of thigh muscle quality over 4 years. However, considering statins' substantial cardiovascular benefits, these slight muscle changes may be relatively less important in overall patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This study was conducted to understand the biological characteristics of Duoluo goats. [Methods] With male and female Duoluo goats as the research object, related performance indexes were determined and analyzed after slaughter. [Results] The weights of one-year-old male and female Duoluo goats before slaughter were (25.68±2.37) and (24.51 ±1.97) kg, respectively; the dressing percentages were (43.55 ±3.24) % and (43.84 ±3.42) %, respec- tively; and the net meat percentages were (33.02 ±2.32) % and (34.19±2.46)%, respectively. (2) The cooked meat rates of male and female Duoluo goats were (65.49 ±1.42) % and (65.36±1.55) %, respectively; the shearing force was (5.48±1.24) and (5.65 ±1.02) N, respectively; and the loin-eye mus- cle areas were (8.95±1.72) and (8.82±1.15) cm², respectively. (3) The protein contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (20.07±0.42) and (19.47±1.22) g/100g, respectively; and the fat contents were (1.30 ±0.80) % and (2.92 ±0.55)%, respectively; and the cholesterol contents were (71.76±11.47) and (74.83±2.68) mg/100 g, respectively; (4) The Ca contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (69.53±10.89) and (63.00±4.56) mg/kg, respectively; the Fe contents were (16.73±1.83) and (14.77±0.58) mg/kg, respectively; and the Zn contents were (38.47 ±3.68) and (31.83 ±2.22) mg/kg, respectively. (5) In the muscles of male and female Duoluo goats, the contents of essential amino acids were (7.44±0.24) and (7.26±0.41) g/100 g, respectively; the contents of non-essential amino acids were (11.81 ±0.33) and (11.42 ±0.67) g/100 g, respectively; and the contents of flavor amino acids were (8.79±0.27) and (8.42 ±0.57) g/100 g, respectively. [Conclusions] This study lays a foundation for the excavation and utilization of the resource, Duoluo goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the modification of muscle quality of farmed tilapia through dietary fatty acid strategies, two diets were formulated. Diet SO, using soybean oil as the lipid source, and diet BO, using blended soybean and linseed oils, each including 0.58% and 1.35% α-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively, were formulated to feed juvenile tilapia for 10 weeks. The muscular nutrition composition, positional distribution of fatty acid in triglycerides (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs), volatile flavor, lipid mobilization and oxidation were then analyzed. The results showed that there was no distinct difference between the SO and BO groups in terms of the nutrition composition, including crude protein, crude lipid, TAGs, PLs, and amino acid. Although the fatty acid distribution characteristics in ATGs and PLs showed a similar trend in the two groups, a higher level of n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) and n-3 LC-PUFA (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid) bound to the glycerol backbone of TAGs and PLs was detected in the BO group than the SO group, whereas the opposite was true for n-6 PUFA. Additionally, the muscular volatile aldehyde and alcohol levels were higher in the BO group. Moreover, the expression of enzymatic genes and protein activities related to lipid mobilization (LPL, LPCAT, DGAT) and oxidation (LOX and GPX) was higher in the BO group. The results demonstrate that high-ALA diets may improve the fatty acid bioavailability and volatile flavor of tilapia by improving the lipid mobilization and oxidation, which provides new ideas for the improvement of muscle quality in farmed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To investigate the relationship between muscle quality and 1) patient-reported outcomes and 2) surgical outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution were identified. Outcomes were collected during the preoperative, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative periods. Those included were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale Back and Leg (VAS-Back and VAS-Leg, respectively), and the mental and physical component of the short-form 12 survey (MCS and PCS). Muscle quality was determined by 2 systems: the normalized total psoas area (NTPA) and a paralumbar-based grading system. Surgical outcomes including 90-day surgical readmissions and 1-year reoperations were also collected. Of the 218 patients identified, 150 had good paralumbar muscle quality and 165 had good psoas muscle quality. Bivariant analysis demonstrated no difference between groups regarding surgical outcomes (P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that better paralumbar muscle quality was not associated with any consistent changes in patient reported outcomes. Higher NTPA was associated with improved PCS at 6 months (est. = 6.703, [95% CI: 0.759–12.646], P = 0.030) and 12 months (est. = 6.625, [95% CI: 0.845–12.405], P = 0.027). There was no association between muscle quality and surgical readmissions or reoperations. Our analysis demonstrated that higher psoas muscle quality was associated with greater physical improvement postoperatively. Muscle quality did not affect surgical readmissions or reoperations. Additional studies are needed for further assessment of the implications of muscle quality on postoperative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echo intensity determined by muscle ultrasound has been proposed as an efficient method for the assessment of muscle quality. The influence of changing ultrasound parameter settings on echo intensity values was assessed using a standardized approach. In this repeated measures cross-sectional study, sixteen repeated scans of rectus femoris, gracilis, and rectus abdominis were taken in 21 middle-aged persons with a portable Mindray M7 premium ultrasound machine equipped with a linear 5.0–10.0 MHz transducer. The settings of three parameters were fixed: gain, depth, and frequency. The settings of the following adjustable parameters were changed over their entire range: dynamic range, gray map, line density, persistence, and IClear. Repeated measures analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of changing the settings on echo intensity values. In all three muscles, dynamic range, gray map, and IClear correlated significantly (rrm-values ranging between −0.86 and 0.45) with echo intensity. In all three muscles, the echo intensity values differed significantly across the dynamic range (p < 0.013), gray map (p < 0.003), and IClear (p < 0.003). In middle-aged subjects, echo intensity values of lower limb and trunk muscles are significantly related to ultrasound parameters and significantly differ across their respective setting range. For the assessment of muscle quality through ultrasound, it is suggested to fix parameter settings within their midrange in order to minimize the effect of setting-dependent factors on EI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dietary lipid or oil sources play important roles in modulating growth, immunity and muscle quality in animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), peanut oil (PO) and lard oil (LO) on the growth, fish body composition, digestive ability, hematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, immune capability, inflammatory responses and muscle quality in juvenile largemouth bass. Compared with PO and LO, FO and RO showed improvements in weight gain, fatty acid profiles, digestive abilities, innate capabilities and muscle qualities (hardness, firmness and chewiness) with higher collagen synthesizing abilities. The results in this study could provide relative references for the application of dietary lipid sources in largemouth bass and other fish species. This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), peanut oil (PO) and lard oil (LO) on growth, immunity and muscle quality in juvenile largemouth bass. After 8 weeks, the results showed that FO and RO could increase weight gain and serum alkaline phosphatase and apelin values compared with LO (p < 0.05). Except lower crude lipid contents, higher amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (15.83% and 14.64%) were present in the dorsal muscle of the FO and RO groups. Meanwhile, FO and RO could heighten mRNA levels of immune defense molecules (lysozyme, hepcidin, and transforming growth factor β1) compared with PO (p < 0.05). While SO could increase potential inflammatory risk via rising counts of white blood cells, platelets, neutrophils and monocytes, and mRNA levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 and IL-15), FO and RO could improve hardness, chewiness and springiness through increasing amounts of hydroxyproline, collagen and lysyl oxidase, and mRNA levels of collagen 1α2 and prolyl hydroxylase in the fish dorsal muscle. Moreover, FO and RO could improve firmness through increasing glycogen and glycogen synthase 1 levels when compared with LO (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results could provide dietary lipid source references during the feeding process of adult largemouth bass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies reported that knee extension strength on the operated side in patients with hip fractures was not recovered to the level on the non-operated side 6 months after surgery or later. In a cross-sectional study, we revealed that a reduction in isometric knee extension muscle strength on the operated side in patients with hip fractures approximately 6 months after surgery was associated with not only a reduction in skeletal muscle mass but also a reduction in muscle quality, characterized by a reduction in the phase angle (PhA). Furthermore, the mechanisms of knee extension strength improvement can be clarified in more detail using the minimal significant change as the index of recovery. However, no longitudinal studies have examined the factors for knee extension strength improvement based on the minimal significant change in patients with hip fractures 6 months after surgery. This study aimed to longitudinally examine the factors influencing the recovery of knee extension strength based on the minimal significant change in patients with hip fractures between 2 weeks and approximately 6 months after surgery. In this study, the outcomes used were basic and medical information, PhA, skeletal muscle index (SMI), pain, one-leg standing time, movement control during one-leg standing, and walking speed. For PhA, SMI, pain, one-leg standing time, movement control during one-leg standing, and walking speed, the amount of change was calculated by subtracting the data at 2 weeks from the data at 6 months. Group classification was determined by dividing the patients into two groups using a previous study as a reference: recovery group if the knee extension strength value approximately 6 months after surgery minus that 2 weeks after surgery was ≥3.3 kgf and non-recovery group if the value was <3.3 kgf. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between the recovery and non-recovery groups. The recovery group contained 55 patients, while the non-recovery group comprised 35 patients. The only significant factor associated with knee extension muscle strength in the recovery group was the amount of change in PhA. The odds ratio for the amount of change in PhA was 2.26. The discrimination rate of the model was 62.5%. Our results suggest that recovery of knee extension strength in patients with hip fractures after surgery was mainly because of improvements in muscle quality, not improvements in muscle mass or pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of physical disability, yet no studies have assessed the extent to which muscle quality, a measure reflecting muscle functionality, was altered in prediabetes and its specific phenotype. Objective: We evaluated their associations in a general US population with mediation analysis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. Participants with prediabetes were stratified as having an isolated defect (impaired fasting glucose [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], or impaired hemoglobin A1c [IA1c]), 2 defects (IFG + IGT, IFG + IA1c, or IGT + IA1c), or all defects (IFG + IGT + IA1c). Muscle quality was calculated as dominant grip strength divided by dominant arm muscle mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: We included 2351 participants (938 with prediabetes and 1413 with normoglycemia). Despite higher grip strength and larger arm muscle mass, arm muscle quality was lower in prediabetes and all prediabetes phenotypes (except for IGT) than normoglycemia (all P < .04), and was unrelated to prediabetes awareness. Arm muscle quality was decreased and the odds of low arm muscle quality was increased in prediabetes with increasing numbers of glucometabolic defects (both P < .001), with insulin resistance being the predominant mediator. HbA1c-defined prediabetes (IA1c) had lower arm muscle quality and higher odds of low arm muscle quality than blood glucose–defined prediabetes (IFG, IGT, or IFG + IGT). Conclusion: Muscle quality was impaired in prediabetes and its specific phenotype. Relative to blood glucose, elevated HbA1c might be a better predictor of reduced muscle quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rosemary extract (RE) had strong antioxidant activity which was used as an ideal substitute for antibiotic. However, few studies were explored its effects on fish species. Therefore, present study was conducted to determine the effects of RE on disease-resistance and nutrient metabolism in largemouth bass. Fish with initial body weight 9.07 g ± 0.01 g were fed with diets supplemented with gradient RE levels (0 %, 0.3 %, 0.6 % and 0.9 %) for 8 weeks. Following 8 weeks trial, Edwardsiella tarda challenge test were conducted to explore the ability of disease-resistance. Data on Edwardsiella tarda challenge test showed that all experimental groups exhibited higher survival rate than control group. RE supplementation significantly decreased the Ca2+ concentration and apoptosis rate and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential in blood cells. Meanwhile, the plasma biochemical indexes of antioxidant, immune response and key regulators in antioxidant, immune response presented an increasing pattern after RE supplementation. The growth trial results showed that visceral adipose index (VAI) and abdominal fat weight (AFW) showed a decreasing trend with the increase of RE addition levels, which further decreased growth performance. Further analyzed the lipid metabolism, we found that dietary RE addition markedly inhibited growth hormone-insulin like growth factor (GH-IGF), target of rapamycin (TOR) signalings and activated amino acid response (AAR) signaling to enhance lipid catabolism. Beyond that, the increased antioxidant capacity in turn reduces muscle cooking loss, hardness and increased muscle cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness. In conclusion, based on immunity, antioxidant capacity, disease-resistance and muscle quality, dietary 0.3–0.6 % RE addition was suggested in aquafeeds.

Protein demand from aquaculture exacerbates environmental pressures. Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus, MA) is a new aquaculture species in southern China and has great potential for future promotion. In this study, we used Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) to replace 0–20 % of fishmeal in the feed, respectively. A 10-week aquaculture experiment was conducted on 600 MAs with five groups of F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %) set up with equal nitrogen (approximately 50.00 % crude protein) and equal fat (about 5.50 % crude fat) feeds. The experimental results showed that replacing fishmeal with different proportions of SPP significantly reduced FCR (p < 0.05), increased WGR and SGR (p < 0.05), and reduced the feeding cost, with the best performance in F2. Polynomial analysis combining WGR and SGR showed that the optimum percentage of substitution was 10.93 % and 11.09 % in MA diets, respectively. The addition of SPP significantly reduced the levels of EPA and DHA content (p < 0.05), significantly increased the proportion of C14:0, C16:1, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3 (p < 0.05), and a high proportion of SPP addition significantly decreased saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). The length of intestinal villi and the secretion levels of Chymotrypsin and Pepsin were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the secretion level of Lipase was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. A low percentage of SPP increased microbial diversity in MA’s gut. Functional pathways related to metabolic functions were the most obvious broad groups with the most significant changes in relative abundance in the experimental group, and Plesiomonas and Aeromonas may be the key microorganisms involved in regulating the digestion and metabolism of SPP in the gut of MA.

This study explored the role of dietary yeast nucleotide (YN) on the growth performance and muscle quality of juvenile largemouth bass (LMB). Six experimental extruded diets containing 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% of YN respectively were fed to LMB (7.03 ± 0.04 g) for 8 weeks. The results showed excellent growth performance that WGR of LMB fed 0.2% YN diet was significantly higher than the control and other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The YN groups had higher crude protein and serum total protein contents, but lower crude lipid and serum triglyceride levels than the control (P < 0.05). The higher accumulation of free essential amino acids, Thr, Asp, Glu, Lys and Met were observed in muscle of LMB fed YN diets. Free amino acids, free flavor amino acids, Asp, Glu, Pro, Lys and Ala in LMB muscle of 0.2% and 0.4% groups were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, polyunsaturated fatty acids and EPA in muscle were significantly higher in the YN group compared to the control (P < 0.05). The hardness, chewiness, and gumminess of the muscle in the LMB were enhanced when fed the YN diet. Gumminess was significantly higher in the YN group than in the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant increase in both numbers and proportions of muscle fiber (< 20 μm) observed within the YN groups when compared to those within the control (P < 0.05), whereas intercellular space showed an opposite trend. The expression levels of MyoD, Myf5, and Myf6 genes were significantly higher in the YN group compared to the control at dietary levels ranging from 0.2% to 0.6% (P < 0.05). Based on the comprehensive evaluation of indicators, this study suggests that optimal dietary supplementation of YN is between 0.2% and 0.4%.

Abstract Background Aging is associated with changes in body composition, and preventing loss of muscle mass and accumulation of excess adipose tissue in middle‐aged adults may reduce age‐related conditions at older ages. Dietary intake is one lifestyle factor shown to improve or maintain body composition. However, few studies have examined the Healthy Eating Index2015 (HEI2015), a measure of diet quality, and the association with body composition in adult men and women. Methods Participant data (n = 3017) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study were used to examine the associations of the HEI2015 with body composition measures at Year 25 (Y25), including (1) 25 year‐change in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference and (2) a computed tomography (CT) scan at Y25 measured muscle mass, muscle quality (better quality = less lipid within the muscle), and adipose tissue depots visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and adipose within skeletal muscle (intermuscular adipose tissue; IMAT). Dietary intake was assessed by a diet history three times over 20 years, at years 0, 7, and 20. HEI2015, averaged over three exams, was created and categorized into quintiles. Multiple regression analysis evaluated the associations of body composition stratified across quintiles of HEI2015 adjusted for demographic characteristics, energy intake, lifestyle factors, and baseline anthropometric measures as appropriate. Race–sex interaction was tested (Pinteraction > 0.30). Results Over 25 years of follow‐up, averaged HEI2015 was significantly and inversely associated with weight gain (Quintile 1 (Q1) 37.3 lb vs. 32.9 in Q5; Ptrend = 0.01), change in BMI (Q1 5.8 kg/m2 vs. 5.0 in Q5; Ptrend = 0.005), and change in waist circumference (Q1 17.5 cm vs. 15.2 cm in Q5; Ptrend

This study evaluated muscle composition, quality, and strength of non-weight bearing and weight bearing muscles between males and females. Twenty-eight, healthy males (n = 14; mean ± SD; age = 25.1 ± 4.2 years; height = 181.9 ± 10.6 cm; weight = 91.6 ± 17.2 kg) and females (n = 14; age = 25.0 ± 3.4 years; height = 165.9 ± 6.9 cm; weight = 66.0 ± 10.2 kg) underwent body composition assessment to estimate body fat (%BF) and total-body, arm, and leg fat-free mass (TFFM, ArmFFM, and LegFFM, respectively) and muscle composition via B-mode ultrasound to measure muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA), echo intensity (EI), and thickness (mT) of four muscles [rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR)]. Additionally, upper- [handgrip strength (HG)] and lower-body [leg extension (LE)] maximal strength were measured, recorded, and expressed relative to FFM to determine muscle quality (MQ) for the dominant arm and leg, respectively. Males had greater TFFM, ArmFFM, and LegFFM (p < 0.001), mCSA for RF, VL, FCR, and FDS (p < 0.001), and mT for RF, VL (p < 0.001–0.006). Females had greater EI for RF, VL, and FDS (p = 0.003–0.01). Negative correlations were identified between EI and MQ for all muscles in males and females, however, no significance was determined. Despite the sex differences in absolute strength and size, muscle quality (relative strength) was not different for the upper nor lower body.

To investigate and compare the changes in muscle quality of hooked, trawl-net, and radar-net hairtail (Trichiurus haumela, HH, TH, and RH) during thermal processing, the physicochemical properties of three kinds of hairtail were determined under heating at 30, 50, 70 and 90 °C for 10 min. Additionally, the muscle tissues were observed via Oil Red O (ORO) staining, Masson staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that with increased heating temperature, pH, L*, b*, chewiness, and gumminess in hairtail muscle increased, while a* and shearing force decreased. The springiness, relative contents of hydrophobic and disulfide bonds, myosin surface hydrophobicity, and TCA-soluble peptide content increased first and then decreased. However, the relative contents of ionic and hydrogen bonds showed an opposite trend. Histological observations revealed that heating disrupted hairtail muscle tissue, manifested by the blurriness and disorder of myofibrils and breakage of myofibrillar bundle membranes. The RH muscle exhibited the highest chewiness, gumminess, and chemical force levels, accompanied by the lowest content of TCA-soluble peptide. Furthermore, the RH muscle presented the greatest fat droplet content, diffusivity, and integrity of collagen and myofibers. Correlation analysis revealed a close correlation between muscle quality and protein function in HH, TH, and RH. This study provides a theoretical basis for the difference in muscle quality in three different types of hairtail.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables direct measurements of muscle volume and quality, allowing for an in-depth understanding of their associations with anthropometric traits, and health conditions. However, it is unclear which muscle volume measurements: total muscle volume, regional measurements, measurements of muscle quality: intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) or proton density fat fraction (PDFF), are most informative and associate with relevant health conditions such as dynapenia and frailty. Methods: We have measured image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) including total and regional muscle volumes and measures of muscle quality, derived from the neck-to-knee Dixon images in 44,520 UK Biobank participants. We further segmented paraspinal muscle from 2D quantitative MRI to quantify muscle PDFF and iron concentration. We defined dynapenia based on grip strength below sex-specific cut-off points and frailty based on five criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, grip strength, low physical activity and slow walking pace). We used logistic regression to investigate the association between muscle volume and quality measurements and dynapenia and frailty. Results: Muscle volumes were significantly higher in male compared with female participants, even after correcting for height while, IMAT (corrected for muscle volume) and paraspinal muscle PDFF were significantly higher in female compared with male participants. From the overall cohort, 7.6% (N = 3,261) were identified with dynapenia, and 1.1% (N = 455) with frailty. Dynapenia and frailty were positively associated with age and negatively associated with physical activity levels. Additionally, reduced muscle volume and quality measurements were associated with both dynapenia and frailty. In dynapenia, muscle volume IDPs were most informative, particularly total muscle exhibiting odds ratios (OR) of 0.392, while for frailty, muscle quality was found to be most informative, in particular thigh IMAT volume indexed to height squared (OR = 1.396), both with p-values below the Bonferroni-corrected threshold (p < 8.8 × 10−5). Conclusion: Our fully automated method enables the quantification of muscle volumes and quality suitable for large population-based studies. For dynapenia, muscle volumes particularly those including greater body coverage such as total muscle are the most informative, whilst, for frailty, markers of muscle quality were the most informative IDPs. These results suggest that different measurements may have varying diagnostic values for different health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether amplitude modulation (A-mode) ultrasound (US) provides accurate and reliable measurements comparable to those obtained using brightness modulation (B-mode) US under diverse conditions. Thirty healthy participants (15 women and 15 men) underwent measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), muscle thickness (MT), and muscle quality (MQ) in the trapezius and biceps brachii muscles using both US modes before and after exercises designed to stimulate the respective muscles. Among the three key indices, the results demonstrated the high validity of the A-mode, with minimal mean differences (MDs) between the two devices less than 0.91 mm and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) exceeding 0.95 for all measures. In addition, the correlation coefficients between the error scores and average scores for the trapezius and biceps brachii suggested no evidence of systematic error. The trapezius MT and MQ significantly increased, and the biceps brachii MT significantly increased after the exercises (p < 0.05). Notably, both the A- and B-modes exhibited the same trend in these post-exercise changes in the muscle. This study suggests that low-cost and low-resolution A-mode US provides measurements of SFT, MT, and MQ similar to the more expensive, high-resolution B-mode imaging. A-mode US is an affordable and portable alternative for muscle assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sarcopenia and bone loss are both common in older individuals. However, the association between sarcopenia and bone fractures has not been evaluated longitudinally. In this study, we evaluated the association between computed tomography (CT)-based erector spinae muscle area and attenuation and vertebral compression fracture (VCF) in elderly individuals in a longitudinal study. Methods This study recruited individuals 50 years of age and older, who did not have VCF and underwent CT imaging for lung cancer screening during January 2016 to December 2019. Participants were followed up annually until January 2021. Muscle CT value and muscle area of the erector spinae were determined for muscle assessment. Genant score was used to define new-onset VCF. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between muscle area/attenuation and VCF. Results Of the 7 906 included participants, 72 developed new VCF over a median follow-up of 2 years. Large area of the erector spinae (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.7) and high bone attenuation (adjusted HR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.5) were independently associated with VCF. High muscle attenuation was associated with severe VCF (adjusted HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24–0.86). The addition of muscle area improved the area under the curve of bone attenuation from 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74–0.86) to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.91; p  = .001). Conclusions CT-based muscle area/attenuation of the erector spinae was associated with VCF in elderly individuals, independently of bone attenuation. The addition of muscle area improved the performance of bone attenuation in predicting VCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: Investigate the relationship between cognitive function and phase angle, a measure of muscle quality. Findings: Phase angle consistently decreased with worsening general cognition in individuals with Alzheimer's dementia or amnesic mild cognitive impairment in men. Message: Our study strengthened the findings of the very few previous studies indicating that low muscle quality is associated with poor cognitive function. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and phase angle (PhA), an indicator of muscle quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled outpatients who visited a memory clinic at the Nagoya University hospital from January 2016 to June 2022. We enrolled 153 participants with body composition measurements. Inclusion criteria were a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 20–30 and a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia (AD) or amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The background characteristics of the participants were compared according to AD and aMCI. Next, linear regression analysis was performed with PhA as the objective variable. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed for AD diagnosis. Results: PhA was lower in the AD group (P = 0.009). In linear regression analysis, PhA consistently decreased with worsening ADAS score. In logistic regression analysis, high PhA was associated with absence of AD. Gender-specific analyses showed these associations existed only in men. Conclusions: Our study of patients with AD and aMCI found that PhA decreased with worsening of cognitive function. Compared with aMCI, AD was associated with significantly lower PhA. Our results strengthen the limited evidence in the literature showing that low muscle quality is associated with poor cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glycating effects, with preliminary evidence suggesting it may improve important chronic disease risk factors in adults with cardiometabolic conditions. In this randomised controlled trial, 43 adults (30%F) living with prediabetes or T2DM consumed carnosine (2 g) or a matching placebo daily for 14 weeks to evaluate its effect on glucose metabolism assessed via a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included body composition analysis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), calf muscle density by pQCT, and anthropometry. Carnosine supplementation decreased blood glucose at 90 min (−1.31 mmol/L; p = 0.02) and 120 min (−1.60 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and total glucose area under the curve (−3.30 mmol/L; p = 0.04) following an oral glucose tolerance test. There were no additional changes in secondary outcomes. The carnosine group results remained significant before and after adjustment for age, sex, and change in weight (all>0.05), and in further sensitivity analyses accounting for missing data. There were no significant changes in insulin levels. This study provides preliminary support for larger trials evaluating carnosine as a potential treatment for prediabetes and the initial stages of T2DM. Likely mechanisms may include changes to hepatic glucose output explaining the observed reduction in blood glucose without changes in insulin secretion following carnosine supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to compare the effects of crystalline L-lysine and L-glutamate (CAA), Lys-Glu dipeptide (KE) on the growth and muscle development of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), and related molecular mechanisms. Five experimental diets (CR, 0.5% CAA, 1.5% CAA, 0.5% KE, 1.5% KE) containing Lys and Glu as free (Lys and Glu, CAA) dipeptide (Lys-Glu, KE) forms were prepared, respectively. A total of 450 juvenile grass carp with an initial weight of 10.69 ± 0.07 g were randomly assigned to 15 cages, and 5 treatments with 3 replicates of 30 fish each for 61 days of feeding. The results showed that the group of 0.5% KE exhibited the best growth performances according to the indicator's weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR), although no statistically significant occurred among all groups; diet supplemented with 0.5% CAA significantly elevated the condition factor (CF) and viscerasomatic index (VSI) of juvenile grass carp. Diet supplemented with different Lys and Glu co-forms at different levels promoted the muscle amino acid content compared with those of CR group. Comparing with the CR group and other groups, the hardness of 0.5% CAA group significantly increased, and the springiness of 0.5% KE group excelled. Both the muscle fiber diameter and density of 0.5% KE group showed significant difference with those of the CR group, and a negative correlation between them was also observed. To uncover the related molecular mechanism of the differences caused by the different co-forms of Lys and Glu, the effect of different diets on the expressions of protein absorption, muscle quality, and antioxidation-related genes was analyzed. The results suggested that comparing with those of CR group, the dipeptide KE inhibited the expressions of genes associated with protein metabolism, such as AKT, S6K1, and FoxO1a but promoted PCNA expression, while the free style of CAA would improve the FoxO1a expression. Additionally, the muscle development–related genes (MyoD, MyOG, and Myf5) were significantly boosted in CAA co-form groups, and the expressions of fMYHCs were blocked but fMYHCs30 significantly promoted in 0.5% KE group. Finally, the effect of different co-forms of Lys and Glu on muscle antioxidant was examined. The 0.5% CAA diet was verified to increase GPX1a but obstruct Keap1 and GSTP1 expressions, resulting in enhanced SOD activity and reduced MDA levels in plasma. Collectively, the different co-forms of Lys and Glu influenced the growth of juvenile grass carp, and also the muscle development and quality through their different regulation on the protein metabolism, muscle development– and antioxidative-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, selectively bred rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with improved fillet yield were reared on three commercially available diets that varied in dietary lipid content: low lipid (LL, 18%), moderate lipid (ML, 24%), and high lipid (HL, 29%–33%). The objective was to determine if a genotype by diet interaction affects product yield and muscle quality traits in high fillet yield (HY) and low fillet yield (LY) lines of rainbow trout. Main effects of the genetic line (p < 0.05) were observed for viscera yield, carcass yield, and fillet yield that were more favorable in the HY line. Analysis of muscle quality traits indicated that selection for fillet yield did not compromise fillet quality. A genotype by diet interaction (p < 0.05) was observed for viscera lipid content at the 2 kg harvest, for which viscera lipid content was similar between the HY and LY lines for the LL and HL diets, but greater (p < 0.05) in the LY line for the ML diet. Collectively, these findings indicate that higher product yields in the selectively bred HY line of rainbow trout will persist across diets with variable crude lipid/energy contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dietary protein sources on the growth performance, muscle flavor substances, and quality structure of Triploid Crucian Carp. Three isonitrogenous (32.00%), isolipidic (8.00%), and isoenergetic (18.00 MJ kg−1) practical diets were formulated. These diets consisted of fishmeal as the animal-derived protein source (AP), a combination of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein source (PP), and a mixture of fishmeal, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal as the mixed protein source (MP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of fish and each tank was stocked with 25 fish (11.5 ± 0.4 g). The fish were fed until apparent satiation twice a day. The results showed a significant enhancement in the growth performance of Triploid Crucian Carp in the AP group compared with both the MP and PP groups (p < 0.05). Dietary plant derived protein can remarkably reduce the crude lipid content and increase the moisture content of the whole body and the dorsal muscle (p < 0.05). The antioxidant ability of fish in the PP group and MP group was better than that in the AP group (p < 0.05). Regarding free amino acids composition of muscle, the contents of glycine, methionine, and lysine were significantly enhanced in the AP group, while the histidine content was significantly increased in the PP group (p < 0.05). In terms of texture, dietary plant protein significantly improved the muscular hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The activities of intestinal trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of fish in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the AP group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of hepatopancreas TOR and IGF1 genes in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the MP group (p < 0.05). The present results indicate dietary fishmeal significantly improved the growth performance and muscular flavor glycine content, while dietary plant-based protein increased crude protein content, antioxidant ability, and muscular texture performance of Triploid Crucian Carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of rutin on meat quality and muscle antioxidant capacity of broilers. [Methods]A total of 256 1-day-old healthy male broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 replicates per group and 8 broilers per replicate. The control group was fed basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 250, 500 and 1 000 mg·kg-1 rutin, respectively. On the 42nd day of this experimental period, 1 broiler(close to the average body weight)was selected from each replicate for slaughtering and sampling to determine the related indexes of muscle quality, moisture distribution, fatty acid content, antioxidant capacity in muscle. [Results]Compared with the control group, the supplementation of 250, 500 and 1 000 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly reduced the drip loss of the pectoralis major(PM)muscle at postmortem 24 and 48 h(PT<0.05), and the supplementation of 250 and 500 mg·kg-1 rutin decreased the cooking loss and shear force values of the PM muscle, respectively(PT<0.05). The supplementation of 500 and 1 000 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly increased the pH24 h value of PM muscle(PT<0.05); the supplementation of 500 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly decreased the relaxation time T22 of free water in breast muscle of broilers(PT<0.05), and the pH24 h and drip loss at 24 and 48 h were linearly or quadratic correlated with the supplemental level of rutin(PT<0.05). In terms of fatty acid content, dietary 250 and 500 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly increased the content of stearic acid in PM muscle of broilers(PT<0.05), and dietary 500 and 1 000 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly increased the contents of arachidonic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)in PM muscle of broilers(PT<0.05). At the same time, the contents of palmitoleic acid and tetracenoic acid in PM muscle of 500 mg·kg-1 rutin group significantly increased(PT<0.05), and the content of γ-linoleic acid of 1 000 mg·kg-1 rutin group significantly decreased(PT<0.05). In terms of antioxidant capacity, dietary 500 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly decreased MDA content in PM muscle(PT<0.05), increased T-SOD activity(PT<0.05), and significantly increased Nrf2 and SOD mRNA expressions levels in PM muscle(PT<0.05). 250 mg·kg-1 rutin significantly increased SOD mRNA expression level(PT<0.05), and there was a linear or quadratic correlation between rutin supplemental level and MDA content, Nrf2 and GSH-Px mRNA expression level(P<0.05). [Conclusions]Dietary rutin improves meat quality of broilers by enhancing the water retention of muscle, increasing the pH24 h value of breast muscle and improving the proportion of fatty acids in breast muscle, which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway and the enhancement of antioxidant capacity. Under the conditions of this experiment, the appropriate supplementation of rutin is 500 mg·kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: One-leg standing time (OLST) has been frequently used physical performance measure; however, what muscular characteristics OLST represents remains uncertain. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between OLST and muscle characteristics to clarify the possibility of using OLST as a physical performance measure. Methods: Study participants comprised 1144 older adults aged 65 years or older. Computed tomography images provided mid-thigh skeletal muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value. OLST was measured for a maximum of 60 s. Static postural instability was assessed using a posturography. Results: A frequency of OLST < 20 s was increased by quartiles of muscle cross-sectional area (Q1: 33.6, Q2: 12.8, Q3: 13.6, Q4: 11.9%, P < 0.001) and mean attenuation value (Q1: 32.3, Q2: 21.7, Q3: 14.3, Q4: 7.7%, P < 0.001). Results of the multinomial regression analysis indicated that muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value were independently associated with an OLST of less than 20 s. The crude odds ratio of OLST less than 20 s for the lowest quartiles of both cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value was 4.19 (95% CI: 3.01 − 5.84). The cross-sectional area of muscles with greater fat deposition was inversely associated with OLST, while that with smaller fat deposition showed a positive association with OLST, indicating why mean attenuation value and cross-sectional area were independently associated with OLST. No clear relationship was observed with static postural instability. Conclusion: OLST was a simply measurable quantifiable physical measure representing the loss of muscle mass and quality in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During stroke rehabilitation, the whole-body Phase Angle (PhA) from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is measured to assess whole-body muscle quality, which reflects cellular integrity and function. The segmental BIA is a valuable method for assessing the body composition of specific body segments, such as the arms, legs, and hemisoma. After a stroke insult, patients frequently experience hemiparesis, and segmental PhA from segmental BIA appears to be an appropriate parameter for examining the muscle quality of affected and unaffected limbs separately. This study aims to investigate whether segmental PhA is more informative than whole-body PhA in (a) assessing the deterioration of muscle quality in post-stroke patients and (b) monitoring its recovery following rehabilitative treatment. This longitudinal study recruited subacute post-stroke patients who were admitted to our rehabilitation center. At admission, demographic, anamnestic, and clinical information, such as the presence of comorbidities, were recorded. BIA was used to evaluate the whole-body PhA and segmental PhA of the affected and unaffected hemisoma, arms, and legs at admission (T0) and after a six-week rehabilitation program (T1). The modified Barthel Index (mBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), and Motricity Index of the Upper (MI-UE) and Lower (MI-LE) Extremities were evaluated at T0 and T1 to determine the patient's Activity of Daily Living (ADL) performance, upper limb motor performance, and upper and lower limb muscle strength, respectively. We evaluated segmental and whole-body BIA in 70 subacute post-stroke patients (women n = 34, ischemic n = 56, mean age 70 ± 11) at T0 and T1. Whole-body PhA values of the patients were below the normal range. Considering segmental data, the affected hemisoma, arm, and leg had considerably lower PhA values as compared to the unaffected body segments. Furthermore, at T1, the PhA values of all affected body segments improved, while those of the unaffected ones and whole-body PhA did not. At both T0 and T1, the segmental PhA values of the affected body segments showed to be related with all clinical outcome measures, while whole-body PhA correlated only with mBI. This study emphasizes the significance of measuring segmental PhA in hemiparetic subacute stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation treatment. Segmental PhA is a more accurate parameter to evaluate rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiparesis because it can distinguish affected from unaffected body segments, hence facilitating accurate monitoring of muscle quality improvements resulting from a rehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implications of different liquid nitrogen freezing (LNF) temperatures (−35 °C, −65 °C, −95 °C, and −125 °C) on the ice crystal and muscle quality of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were investigated in this essay. The results showed that better muscle quality was maintained after LNF treatment compared to that after air blast freezing (AF) treatment. As the freezing temperature of liquid nitrogen decrease, the freezing speed accelerated, with the freezing speed of LNF at −125 °C being the fastest. However, an excessively fast freezing speed was not conducive to maintaining the quality of shrimp. Among all the freezing treatments, LNF at −95 °C led to the lowest thawing losses and cooking losses, and the highest L* values, indicating that LNF at −95 °C could keep the water holding capacity of frozen shrimp better than that with other freezing methods. At the same time, LNF at −95 °C resulted in higher water holding capacity, and hardness values for shrimps than those with other frozen treatments (p < 0.05). In addition, the results of the water distribution of shrimps showed that treatment with a −95 °C LNF reduced the migration rate of bound and free water. Meanwhile, the microstructural pores of shrimps in the −95 °C LNF group were smaller, indicating that the ice crystals generated during −95 °C LNF were relatively smaller than those generated via other frozen treatments. In conclusion, an appropriate LNF temperature (−95 °C) was beneficial for improving the quality of frozen shrimp, and avoiding freezing breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective alternative to moderate intensity continuous training for improvements in body composition and aerobic capacity; however, there is little work comparing different modalities of HIIT. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric- (PLYO) and cycle-oriented (CYC) HIIT on body composition, aerobic capacity, and skeletal muscle size, quality, and function in recreationally trained females. Young (21.7 ± 3.1 yrs), recreationally active females were quasi-randomized (1:1 ratio) to 8 weeks of twice weekly PLYO (n = 15) or CYC (n = 15) HIIT. Body composition (four-compartment model), VO2peak, countermovement jump performance, muscle size, and echo intensity (muscle quality), as well as strength and power of the knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured before and after training. Both groups showed a similar decrease in body fat percentage (p < 0.001; η p 2 = 0.409) and echo intensity (p < 0.001; η p 2 = 0.558), and an increase in fat-free mass (p < 0.001; η p 2 = 0.367) and VO2peak (p = 0.001; η p 2 = 0.318). Muscle size was unaffected (p > 0.05), whereas peak torque was reduced similarly in both groups (p = 0.017; η p 2 = 0.188) and rapid torque capacity was diminished only for the knee extensors after CYC (p = 0.022; d = −0.67). These results suggest that PLYO and CYC HIIT are similarly effective for improving body composition, aerobic capacity, and muscle quality, whereas muscle function may express moderate decrements in recreationally active females. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05821504) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle quality concept can be analyzed from a morphological and functional perspectives that include relation between these properties. Morphological muscle quality considers muscle composition, architectural and structural properties. Functional muscle quality has been defined as a ratio between muscle strength or power per unit of muscle mass or area. Biological and adaptative changes to ageing must be considered when interpretation of muscle quality assessment is done in a clinical or research context. One of the conditions that requires an adequate homologation in terminology is sarcopenia, to establish definition and cut-off points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated muscle composition, quality, and strength of non-weight bearing and weight bearing muscles between males and females. Twenty-eight, healthy males (n = 14; mean ± SD; age = 25.1 ± 4.2 years; height = 181.9 ± 10.6 cm; weight = 91.6 ± 17.2 kg) and females (n = 14; age = 25.0 ± 3.4 years; height = 165.9 ± 6.9 cm; weight = 66.0 ± 10.2 kg) underwent body composition assessment to estimate body fat (%BF) and total-body, arm, and leg fat-free mass (TFFM, ArmFFM, and LegFFM, respectively) and muscle composition via B-mode ultrasound to measure muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA), echo intensity (EI), and thickness (mT) of four muscles [rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR)]. Additionally, upper- [handgrip strength (HG)] and lower-body [leg extension (LE)] maximal strength were measured, recorded, and expressed relative to FFM to determine muscle quality (MQ) for the dominant arm and leg, respectively. Males had greater TFFM, ArmFFM, and LegFFM (p < 0.001), mCSA for RF, VL, FCR, and FDS (p < 0.001), and mT for RF, VL (p < 0.001–0.006). Females had greater EI for RF, VL, and FDS (p = 0.003–0.01). Negative correlations were identified between EI and MQ for all muscles in males and females, however, no significance was determined. Despite the sex differences in absolute strength and size, muscle quality (relative strength) was not different for the upper nor lower body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Shrimp is widely consumed around the world. Since muscle is the primary edible component of shrimp, muscle quality (particularly texture) has a direct impact on the economic value of shrimp products. However, reports on the shrimp muscle quality influenced by transportation are rather limited, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. RESULTS: During the simulated transportation, the water pH and total ammonia‐nitrogen content and un‐ionized ammonia contents were elevated. Furthermore, reductions in shrimp muscle water‐holding capacity, hardness, and shear value with intensive myofibrillar protein degradation were detected. Simulated transportation decreased the pH and glycogen content of shrimp muscle while increasing lactic dehydrogenase activity and lactate content, resulting in an elevated level of free calcium ions and increased μ‐calpain and general proteolytic activities. Water exchange could improve the water quality and reduce the mortality of shrimp during transportation, as well as decrease muscle textural softening by alleviating these stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining water quality and, in particular, reducing ammonia are critical to improving shrimp survival and muscle quality during live transportation. This study is of great significance for the better maintenance of the textural properties of shrimp meat. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Renal disease is a major problem in terms of community health and the economy. Skeletal muscle is involved in crosstalk with the kidney. We therefore investigated the relationship between muscle quality and quantity, and renal parenchymal volume (RPV). Methods The association between the parameters of skeletal muscle and RPV/body surface area (BSA) was analyzed by computed tomography in 728 middle-aged participants without kidney disease or diabetes mellitus in a cross-sectional study. A retrospective cohort study of 68 participants was undertaken to analyze the association between changes in RPV/BSA and muscle parameters. Parameter change was calculated as follows: parameter at the follow-up examination/parameter at the baseline examination. The normal attenuation muscle (NAM) and low attenuation muscle (LAM) were identified by Hounsfield Unit thresholds of +30 to +150, and –29 to +29, respectively. Results Positive correlations were found between estimated glomerular filtration rate and RPV/BSA (r = 0.451, P  < .0001). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the NAM index was positively related to RPV/BSA (β = 0.458, P  < .0001), whereas the LAM index was negatively related to RPV/BSA (β = –0.237, P  < .0001). In this cohort study, a change in the LAM index was independently associated with a change in RPV/BSA (β = –0.349, P  = .0032). Conclusion Both trunk muscle quantity and quality were associated with renal volume related to renal function in nondiabetic people. An increase in low quality muscle volume might be related to a decrease in renal volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: It is well known that components of sarcopenia (i.e., decreased muscle strength and mass) are related to falls in older adults. However, the possible effects of changes in muscle quality on falls have not been identified. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in muscle quality reflected by muscle stiffness derived from shear-wave elastography (SWE) and its association with falls in older adults. Methods: A total of 101 geriatric outpatients were included in the study. Assessments of physical performance, muscle strength (handgrip strength), muscle mass (muscle ultrasonography and bioelectrical impedance analysis), and muscle stiffness of the medial head of gastrocnemius (GCM) in relaxation and passive stretching were performed. The history of falls in the previous year was questioned and recorded. Results: The median (25–75 percentiles) age of participants was 73 (69–77) years, and 66.3% (n = 67) were female. According to fall history, participants were divided into non-fallers and fallers groups, and 72 (71.3%) and 29 (28.7%) participants were in each group, respectively. The median muscle stiffness of (Emean) the GCM in passive stretching was significantly lower in the fallers group (p < 0.001), and it was significantly correlated with the number of falls in the previous year (r: – 0.274, p: 0.010). In regression analyses, the Emean value of GCM in passive stretching was significantly associated with falls independent of confounders (OR: 0.944, 95% CI 0.90–0.98, p = 0.010). Discussion and conclusion: This is the first study to reveal the relationship between falls and SWE-defined lower GCM stiffness independently of muscle mass and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosteatosis, excess muscle fat infiltration, is a novel prognostic factor in cancer patients. To define myosteatosis, skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) is most commonly used, while intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is newly introduced. We aimed to compare SMD-defined and IMAT-defined myosteatosis for predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore whether patients with both low SMD and high IMAT had a shorter OS than patients with low SMD or high IMAT alone. We consecutively and prospectively recruited adult patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC at a teaching hospital. The mean SMD of all skeletal muscle areas and the area of IMAT on the unenhanced chest computed tomography (CT) images at the 12th thoracic vertebral level were segmented using Mimics version 21.0. Myosteatosis was defined by either low SMD (SMD-defined myosteatosis) or high IMAT (IMAT-defined myosteatosis). The optimal cutoffs for low SMD and high IMAT were also determined using the maximally selected rank statistics method. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the associations of OS with low SMD, high IMAT, and a combination of them. We included 565 patients (345 men and 220 women; mean age 58.5 ± 9.0 years). Lower IMAT exhibited a tendency toward a favorable prognosis in men (p = 0.0015) and women (p < 0.0001); whereas higher SMD tended to have a favorable prognosis in men (p = 0.0006) and women (p < 0.0001). At baseline, 423 (74.9 %) participants had high IMAT, 432 (76.5 %) participants had low SMD and 370 (65.5 %) participants had both high IMAT and low SMD. Compared to those without either high IMAT or low SMD, the participants with either high IMAT or low SMD had a shorter OS, while the participants with both High IMAT and Low SMD had the shortest OS (log-rank p < 0.0001). After adjustment for the same confounders, high IMAT (HR, 1.44; 95 % CI, 1.10–1.87) and low SMD (HR, 1.92; 95 % CI, 1.36–2.43) were separately associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, the combination of high IMAT and low SMD indicated a higher risk of poor prognosis (HR, 2.43; 95 % CI, 1.62–3.66). Both SMD-defined and IMAT-defined myosteatosis are highly prevalent in patients with advanced NSCLC and may serve as independent prognostic factors for OS. The diagnosis of myosteatosis might consider a combination of low SMD and high IMAT because this would help identify patients at a higher risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quadriceps muscle is one of the human body's largest and most clinically important muscles and is evaluated using mid-thigh computed tomography (CT); however, its relationship with motor function and sarcopenia remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the relationship between the crosssectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps muscle, CT attenuation value (CTV), dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry muscle mass measurements, and muscle strength and motor function to evaluate the relationship between muscle mass loss and motor function decline, determine the diagnostic ability for sarcopenia, and confirm the usefulness of quadriceps muscle CT evaluation. Methods: A total of 472 middle-aged and older community dwellers (254 men and 218 women) aged =40 years (mean age: 62.3 years) were included in this study. The quantity and quality of the quadriceps muscle were assessed using CSA and CTV (CSA×CTV) as a composite index multiplied by quality and quantity. Age-adjusted partial correlations by sex with eight motor functions (knee extension muscle strength, power, normal walking speed, fast walking speed, grip strength, sit-up ability, balance ability, and reaction time) were evaluated, including correction methods for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Further, the accuracy of sarcopenia diagnosis was evaluated using appendicular muscle mass with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, grip strength, and walking speed as the gold standard, and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: In men, CSA and CSA×CTV were significantly associated with seven of the eight motor functions (p<0.05), excluding only balance ability. BMI-corrected CSA was significantly correlated with all eight motor functions in men and women (p<0.05). In the diagnosis of sarcopenia based on skeletal muscle index, CSA (area under the curve (AUC) 0.935) and CSA×CTV (AUC 0.936) and their correction by height (CSA/height (AUC 0.917) and CSA×CTV/height (AUC 0.920)) were highly accurate and useful for diagnosis in men but moderately accurate in women (CSA (AUC 0.809), CSA×CTV (AUC 0.824), CSA/height (AUC 0.799), CSA×CTV/height (AUC 0.814)). Conclusion: The present results showed that a single CT image of the quadriceps muscle at the mid-thigh is useful for diagnosing sarcopenic changes, such as loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, and muscle function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis (sc) is generally demonstrated to improve antioxidant and immune functions in mammal. The present study through physiological and transcriptome analysis revealed alterations in muscle metabolisms of triploid crucian carp (Carassius auratus) cultured at different concentrations of S. chinensis diets (sc0, sc0.125%, sc0.25%, sc0.5%, sc1%, sc2%) after 8 weeks. The serum antioxidant enzyme activities analysis showed that dietary S. chinensis could reduce oxidative stress and increase organismic antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the detected results of muscle components presented that the amino acids and two flavor nucleotides of GMP and IMP significantly elevated while muscle crude lipid significantly reduced in S. chinensis feeding groups. In addition, springiness, chewiness, and fiber density in S. chinensis feeding groups muscle were significantly upregulated while muscle fiber diameter and area showed an opposite trend. By comparative transcriptome analysis of the muscles, functional enrichments of differentially expressed genes showed that multiple terms were related to purine metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and peroxisome. Finally, some key hub genes such as egln, gst, ggct, su1b, pi3kr4, myh9, lpl, gcdh, mylk, and col4a were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Taken together, our findings facilitate the understanding of the molecular basis underlying the muscle quality effect of dietary S. chinensis in triploid crucian carp, which provides valuable insights into the nutritional strategies of the aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Laying hens, selectively bred for high egg production, often suffer from bone fragility and fractures, impacting their welfare and causing economic losses. Additionally, gut health and muscle quality are crucial for overall health and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on performance, bone metabolism, intestinal morphology, and muscle quality in laying hens. Forty-eight Bovans Brown hens were divided into a control group and an HMB-supplemented group (0.02% HMB in diet). The study spanned from the 31st to the 60th wk of age. Assessments included bone mechanical testing, serum hormonal analysis, histological analysis of bone and intestine, and muscle quality analysis. The HMB supplementation led to decreased feed intake without affecting body weight or laying rate in laying hens. It caused an increase in both mean daily and total egg weight, indicating improved feed utilization, without influencing the feed intake to egg weight ratio. Enhanced bone formation markers and altered intestinal morphometric parameters were observed, along with improved trabecular bone structure. However, no changes in measured other bone quality indices, including geometric, densitometric, or mechanical properties were observed. Muscle analysis revealed no significant changes in overall meat quality, except for a decrease in cholesterol content and alterations in the fatty acid profile, notably a reduction in total n-3 polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In conclusion, although not all effects of HMB supplementation were unequivocally beneficial, the positive changes in performance data and trabecular bone microarchitecture support further research into various doses and durations of supplementation. Such studies are necessary to fully understand and optimize the benefits of HMB for enhancing the health and productivity of laying hens.

Abstract Background Paraspinal muscle fat infiltration is associated with spinal degeneration and low back pain, however, quantifying muscle fat using clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques continues to be a challenge. Advanced MRI techniques, including chemical‐shift encoding (CSE) based water–fat MRI, enable accurate measurement of muscle fat, but such techniques are not widely available in routine clinical practice. Methods To facilitate assessment of paraspinal muscle fat using clinical imaging, we compared four thresholding approaches for estimating muscle fat fraction (FF) using T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, with measurements from water–fat MRI as the ground truth: Gaussian thresholding, Otsu's method, K‐mean clustering, and quadratic discriminant analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), mean absolute errors, and mean bias errors were calculated for FF estimates from T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI with water–fat MRI for the lumbar multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), quadratus lumborum (QL), and psoas (PS), and for all muscles combined. Results We found that for all muscles combined, FF measurements from T1‐ and T2‐weighted images were strongly positively correlated with measurements from the water–fat images for all thresholding techniques (r = 0.70–0.86, p

Abstract Resistance training could counter hypertension and improve muscle quality (MQ), but current evidence about the correlation between MQ and hypertension is limited. The authors aimed to explore this correlation using the data of participants aged 20–59 from NHANES 2011–2014 via a cross‐sectional study. The MQ was quantified as handgrip strength (kg)/lean soft tissue mass (kg) of the dominant arm. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were mainly utilized to investigate the MQ—hypertension association; linear trend tests and subgroup analysis were also conducted. Moreover, the authors employed weighted multivariate linear regression models to uncover the association between blood pressure (BP) and MQ. Four thousand four hundred and sixty‐nine individuals were enrolled, and 1167 were hypertensive. Hypertensive participants had a lower MQ than normotensive participants. In the totally adjusted model, each unit elevation in MQ was related to a 7% reduction in hypertension prevalence (p =.002). There was a decreasing trend in hypertension prevalence and in systolic BP as the MQ increased from the bottom to the top quartile across all three models (p for trend ≤.01), with a 28% difference (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.95) in hypertension prevalence and a 1.88 mm Hg (95% CI: −3.56, −0.20) difference in SBP between the top and bottom quartiles in the fully adjusted model. Subgroup analysis further confirmed the MQ—hypertension inverse association. In conclusions, the MQ was negatively associated with hypertension prevalence and systolic BP, which suggests the MQ may be a protective factor for hypertension and need to be improved.

Abstract Background The function of the paraspinal muscles and especially the psoas muscle in maintaining an upright posture is not fully understood. While usually considered solely as a hip flexor, the psoas muscle and its complex anatomy suggest that the muscle has other functions involved in stabilizing the lumbar spine. The aim of this study is to determine how the psoas muscle and the posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM; erector spinae and multifidus) interact with each other. Methods A retrospective review including patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgery between 2014 and 2021 at a tertiary care center was conducted. Patients with a preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed within 12 months prior to surgery were considered eligible. Exclusion criteria included previous spinal surgery at any level, lumbar scoliosis with a Cobb Angle > 20° and patients with incompatible MRIs. MRI-based quantitative assessments of the cross-sectional area (CSA), the functional cross-sectional area (fCSA) and the fat area (FAT) at L4 was conducted. The degree of fat infiltration (FI) was further calculated. FI thresholds for FIPPM were defined according to literature and patients were divided into two groups (

Abstract Background The association between muscle defects and hypertension is well-established. However, the absence of pertinent and uncomplicated clinical indicators presents a challenge. Relative muscle strength (RMS) may offer a viable indicator. This study aimed to explore the association between RMS and hypertension. Methods A total of 12,720 individuals aged ≥ 45 years from the 2011 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included. Grip strength was recorded and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was estimated using a validated mathematical formula. The RMS was calculated as the ratio of grip strength to ASM. Hypertension was determined based on previous diagnosis, history of hypertension medication use, and current blood pressure. Logistic regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between RMS and hypertension. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 41.7% (5,307/12,720 patients). RMS was negatively correlated with hypertension with an OR (95% CI) of 0.68 (0.59–0.79) for males, 0.81 (0.73–0.90) for females, and 0.78 (0.72–0.85) for the entire population after adjusting for related covariates including age, education, marital history, smoking history, drinking history, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. The trend test showed a linear association among males, females, or the entire population. Stratified analysis showed a consistent negative correlation between RMS and hypertension. Conclusions Higher RMS is an independent protective factor against hypertension and efforts to promote RMS may be beneficial for the prevention and management of hypertension.

Abstract A good muscle quality index (MQI) may have an inverse relationship with psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence has related MQI to psychosocial variables in this population. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the relationship between the MQI and psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in Chilean adolescents. In this quantitative correlational design study, sixty adolescents participated voluntarily (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 15.11 ± 1.78 years). Anthropometric parameters, prehensile strength, MQI, and psychosocial variables were evaluated. The results showed that adolescents with high levels of MQI presented lower levels of depression (7.50 ± 6.06 vs. 10.97 ± 5.94), anxiety (5.64 ± 4.81 vs. 9.66 ± 5.12), and stress (6.79 ± 5.09 vs. 10 ± 5.58), in addition to reported lower abdominal obesity (WtHR, 0.47 ± 0.07 vs. 0.52 ± 0.07) than those with low levels of MQI. The group with high levels of MQI reported a higher prevalence of nonanxiety (81.3%, p = 0.031) and a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity (55.8%, p = 0.023). Likewise, a significant inverse association was evidenced between MQI and depression (β; -6.18, 95% CI; -10.11: -2.25, p = 0.003), anxiety (β; -6.61, 95% CI; -9.83: -3.39, p

ABSTRACT Inflammation, changes in nutrient absorption and gut dysbiosis are common conditions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. These factors may lead to variations in macro- and micronutrients and, particularly, to an imbalance of protein metabolism, loss of muscle mass and development of sarcopenia. This narrative review aims to present the set of factors with impact in muscle strength and physical performance that may potentially mediate the relation between inflammatory bowel disease and sarcopenia. Studies that associated changes in muscle strength, sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease were selected through a literature search in databases Medline, Pubmed and Scielo using relevant keywords: muscle strength, physical performance, sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic inflammation is currently reported as a determinant factor in the development of muscle atrophy in inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, strength decline in inflammatory bowel disease patients may be also influenced by changes in body composition and by gut dysbiosis. Measures of muscle strength and physical performance should be considered in the initial identification of sarcopenia, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, for a timely intervention can be provided. Presence of proinflammatory cytokines, high adiposity, malabsorption and consequent deficits of macro and micronutrients, loss of muscle mass, and gut dysbiosis may be the main factors with impact in muscle strength, that probably mediate the relation between inflammatory bowel disease and sarcopenia.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the influence of glutathione (GSH) on growth performance, lipid metabolism and muscle quality of hybrid crucian carp (initial body weight: 15.03 ± 0.11 g) fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Five experimental diets were prepared in this study: the control diet (6.17% fat), HFD (12.37% fat), and HFD with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg GSH supplementation, respectively. The results indicated that feeding HFD to hybrid crucian carp remarkably reduced weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities of serum and liver, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities of liver, but significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liver compared to the control group. After adding 200–600 mg/kg GSH to HFD, the WGR, SGR, as well as serum and liver T-AOC activity of hybrid crucian carp increased significantly. Moreover, the supplementation of 400 mg/kg GSH significantly increased the activities of T-SOD, catalase (CAT) of serum and liver, as well as the GSH-Px, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and GR of liver, but decreased MDA content of serum and liver compared to the HFD. The HFD significantly increased muscle crude lipid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents and fiber diameter, but decreased chewiness, gumminess, hardness and fiber density compared to the control group. The addition of 400–600 mg/kg GSH significantly increased muscle chewiness, gumminess, hardness, and decreased muscle fiber diameter of HFD-fed hybrid crucian carp. Meanwhile, the addition of 200–600 mg/kg GSH significantly reduced the mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content and increased the PUFA content of muscle compared to the HFD. The HFD significantly up-regulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes (dgat2 and srebp1) and down-regulated the expression of lipolysis genes (lpl, hsl and acox1) of liver compared to the control group. The addition of 400–600 mg/kg GSH significantly decreased the expression of lipid synthesis genes (dgat2 and srebp1) and increased the expression of lipolysis genes (hsl, lpl, acox1 and pparα) of HFD-fed hybrid crucian carp. This study demonstrated that GSH effectively ameliorated the decline of growth performance and muscle quality of hybrid crucian carp caused by HFD, and reduced the risk of liver lipid deposition of hybrid crucian carp by regulating the expression of genes related to liver lipid metabolism.