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Background: Muscle thickness (MT) quantification, which reflects the muscle function, can be measured using ultrasonography. Echo intensity (EI) quantified from the ultrasonography-derived skeletal muscle images reflects muscle quality. This study aimed to analyze the associations between handgrip strength, ultrasound-measured forearm MT, and EI in healthy young adults. Methods: Sixty healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 25 years participated in the study. Brightness mode ultrasonography (USG) was done to measure forearm radial and ulna MT. The EI was measured from an ultrasound image as a mean pixel value using a histogram in Adobe Photoshop. Individuals were tested for forearm handgrip strength using hand dynamometry. Results: Males had higher forearm MT and handgrip strength compared to females. Handgrip strength had a significant positive correlation with forearm radius, ulna MT (r = 0.726, 0.757 and P < 0.01), and forearm circumference (r = 0.529 and P < 0.01) and a negatively correlation with subcutaneous fat thickness (r = −0.496 and P < 0.01) and EI (r = −0.618 and P < 0.01). Linear regression showed a significant correlation between MT, circumference, and EI with handgrip strength (r = 0.825 and P < 0.001). After adjustment for the other two parameters, the forearm MT correlated positively and EI negatively with handgrip strength. Conclusion: USG can be more easily used than other imaging methods in research and clinical setting as it is nonhazardous, less expensive, versatile, and provides results faster. Thus, USG measurements in skeletal muscle are useful for measuring MT and subcutaneous fat thickness. EI measurement can be a convenient and noninvasive method for assessing muscle quality.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association of sarcopenia and low muscle attenuation with survival and other clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic search was done in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases for observational studies that documented the link between sarcopenia and outcomes of interest in patients with ovarian cancer, with long-term survival as a primary outcome. Other outcomes included risk of recurrence, progression-free survival and complications. Pooled effect sizes were reported as hazards ratio (HR), relative risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD). Random effects model was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected, of which all, except one, were retrospective in design. Low skeletal muscle index (SMI, indicating muscle mass) (HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.58) and low muscle quality (HR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.49) were associated with poor long-term survival, but not with the risk of recurrence and progression-free survival. Both low skeletal muscle index (SMI) (RR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.98) and low muscle quality (RR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.79) were associated with increased risk of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both low skeletal muscle mass and low muscle quality showed significant association with poor long-term survival and an increased risk of complications. However, they do not have a significant association with the risk of recurrence and progression-free survival. There is a need for more prospective studies to confirm these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) experience muscle quality loss, and is characterized by the enhanced echo intensity (EI) of the vastus medialis (VM) muscles and a high extracellular water-to-intracellular water (ECW/ICW) ratio of the thigh. This study aimed to elucidate the association between muscle degeneration and the worsening of functional disabilities and symptoms in patients with KOA over 3 years duration. Thirty-three patients with KOA who completed follow-up over 3 years were included in the analysis. The knee scoring system (KSS) was used to evaluate the functional abilities and symptoms. Based on the 3 years change in KSS scores, patients were classified into progressive or non-progressive groups. Muscle thickness (MT) and EI of the VM were determined using ultrasonography. The ECW/ICW ratio was measured using segmental-bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted with the groups as the dependent variables and VM-MT, VM-EI, and ECW/ICW ratio at baseline as independent variables, including potential confounders. Thirteen (39.4%) patients showed progressive features. VM-EI at baseline was significantly associated with the progression of functional disabilities (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 − 1.50) and symptoms (adjusted OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01 − 1.25). Enhanced VM-EI was associated with the worsening of functional disabilities and symptoms in patients with KOA over a period of 3 years. Therefore, the assessment of VM-EI using ultrasonography is a useful indicator for predicting the future worsening of KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-pond raceway aquaculture (IPRA) is the rational prescription for water eutrophication and improves the pond environment, enhancing production and the quality of fish. This experiment explored the growth performances and muscle quality of grass carp with stocking densities of 32 tail/m3 and 0.07 tail/m2 in IPRA and traditional pond culture (TPC), respectively. The hepatosomatic index, visceral mass ratio, and correction factor were statistically similar in IPRA compared to TPC. While the weight gain rate (p < 0.001) and the content of crude lipid (p < 0.05) in the flesh of grass carp were observed to be statistically promising in IPRA, the pH and water holding capacity, as well as hardness and chewiness, in grass carp muscle were not significantly different between the two culture systems. However, the 2-MIB concentration in the muscle was observed to increase continuously for the complete culture period in IPRA. The abundance of Proteobacteria was found to be higher in TPC (p < 0.05), while the richness of Planctomycetes was superior in IPRA (p < 0.05). Despite the high stocking density, the off-flavor in IPRA-produced grass carp had less of an impact on the flesh aesthetic quality compared to TPC. Considering all these facts, the results of this study show that grass carp with a better muscle quality can be produced from IPRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Our results revealed that the decrease in isometric knee extension muscle strength on the operated and nonoperated sides in patients with hip fractures was associated with not only a decrease in skeletal muscle mass but also a decrease in muscle quality, characterized by a decreased PhA. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the relationship between isometric knee extension muscle strength on the operated or nonoperated sides and PhA in patients with hip fractures at approximately 6 months postoperatively. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), PhA, knee extension muscle strength on the operated and nonoperated sides, and other physical function variables were assessed at approximately 6 months postoperatively. To identify predictors of knee extension muscle strength on the operated and nonoperated sides, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 90 patients with hip fractures were included (mean age, 80.1 ± 6.9 years). SMI (0.45) and PhA on the operated side (0.27) were the significant associated factors extracted for isometric knee extension muscle strength on the operated side (standardized partial regression coefficients), independent of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Movement control during one-leg standing on the nonoperated side (0.26), SMI (0.32), and PhA on the nonoperated side (0.40) were the significant associated factors extracted for isometric knee extension muscle strength on the nonoperated side, independent of age, sex and BMI. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the decrease in isometric knee extension muscle strength on the operated and nonoperated sides in patients with hip fractures at approximately 6 months postoperatively was associated with not only a decrease in skeletal muscle mass but also a decrease in muscle quality, characterized by a decreased PhA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscles play a fundamental role in people's lives and their evaluation provides significant information on health. Different tools have been used to evaluate muscle mass, and the evaluation of muscle thickness (MT) using ultrasound has been included as an alternative, which can be performed with the probe in different positions; however, these could present differences. The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are differences in the measurement of MT in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle using the probe in the longitudinal or transverse position, and to determine its association with the lean mass of the lower limbs. The results indicated no significant differences between MT measurements with the probe in the longitudinal and transverse positions (p =0.084). However, when associating these measurements with lower limb lean mass, it was found that transverse measurements had a strong association (r =0.547; p < 0.001), while longitudinal measurements had a moderate association (r =0.351; p =0.007). This suggests that measurements with the probe positioned transversely to measure the MT would be the best option. Therefore, it could be useful as an indicator of lower limb lean mass in the absence of tools, such as bioelectrical bioimpedance or magnetic nuclear resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we examined the association among total muscle mass, regional muscle mass, muscle quality, and various types of physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study included 195 community-dwelling older adults (61 males and 134 females). The muscle thickness and echo intensity of the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae were measured using ultrasound, and the skeletal muscle mass index was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical performance was measured using the 30-s standing test (CS30), Timed up-and-go test (TUG), 10-m maximum walking speed (10MWT), vertical jump test (VJT), and grip strength. Results: Partial correlation analysis after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index showed that CS30 was significantly correlated with muscle thickness and echo intensity of the quadriceps femoris. The TUG and VJT were significantly correlated with muscle thickness of the triceps surae, and grip strength was significantly correlated with muscle thickness of the triceps surae and skeletal muscle mass index. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that the echo intensity of the quadriceps femoris was a significant predictor of CS30, and the muscle thickness of the triceps surae was a significant predictor of TUG, VJT, and grip strength, whereas the skeletal muscle mass index was not a significant predictor of any physical performance test. Conclusion: Our results suggest that regional muscle mass and quality are more important than skeletal muscle mass index for predicting physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of BIA parameters have been investigated in relation to post-stroke recovery, except for body cell mass (BCM), which measures the body's cellular components involved in oxygen consumption and nutritional status. The aim of this longitudinal prospective study was to investigate in a cohort of subacute post-stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation the body composition parameters from BIA and the relationship between these parameters, in particular BCM, with both the performance in activity of daily living (ADL), measured by Barthel's Index at admission (BI T0), and the recovery in ADL, measured by change in BI from baseline (ΔBI). We analyzed 66 patients, before and after a six-week rehabilitation program and we found that patients' body composition after the rehabilitation protocol did not change. All lean mass and muscle quality parameters measured by BIA are positively correlated with BI T0. Moreover, patients with better recovery had higher values of BCM, such as other lean mass parameters and their related height-adjusted indices. Furthermore, BCM was independently associated both with ADL performance at admission, and most notably with recovery. These results suggest that assessing BCM at admission not only would improve the valuation of the nutritional status in post-stroke patients but would also potentially predict their recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish by-products are rich in collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen derived from fish by-products was used to replace fish meal to evaluate the effects on muscle quality and glycolipid metabolism of juvenile triploid crucian carp. A total of 240 juvenile fish with body weight of 10.01 ± 0.02 g were divided into four groups and fed four diets for 66 days: fish meal (FM) replaced with hydrolyzed collagen (HC) in 0% (Control), 2% (2% HC), 4% (4% HC), and 6% (6% HC), respectively. The results were as follows: The increased proportion of fish meal replaced with hydrolyzed collagen linearly and quadratically decreased the specific growth rate (SGR) of triploid crucian carp (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the SGR and intestinal α-amylase, trypsin and lipase activities in the 4% and 6% HC groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the control and 2% HC groups (p > 0.05). Total umami amino acids content, chewiness and myofiber density of muscle in the 4% and 6% HC groups, as well as the essential fatty acids content in all HC groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). All HC groups significantly increased the serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and decreased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). When the replacement amount reached 4%, the serum glucose and liver glycogen content, the liver and serum triglyceride (TG) content, and serum total cholesterol (T-CHO) content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) of the liver in all HC groups and lipolysis-related genes (lipoprotein lipase (LPL), carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT 1) and hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HADH)) of the liver in the 6% of HC group increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the expression levels of lipogenesis-related genes (fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP 1)) of the liver in the 4% HC and 6% HC groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the replacement of 2% fish meal with hydrolyzed collagen had no negative effects on the growth of triploid crucian carp, while the replacement of 4% fish meal with hydrolyzed collagen decreased SGR, but improved the muscle quality and decreased glycolipid levels. The maximum proportion of hydrolyzed collagen replacing fish meal should not exceed 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters correlate with muscle fiber composition, but it is unclear how these relate to in vivo contractile function. Purpose: To determine the relationship between DTI parameters of the vastus lateralis (VL) and in vivo knee extensor contractile. Methods: Thirteen healthy, premenopausal women underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the mid‐thigh to determine patellar tendon moment arm length and quadriceps cross‐sectional area. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) of the VL were determined using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Participants underwent an interpolated twitch (ITT) experiment before and after a fatiguing concentric‐eccentric isokinetic knee extension (60°·s−1). During the ITT, supramaximal electrical stimuli were delivered to elicit twitch responses from the knee extensors before, during, and after a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Knee extensor‐specific tension during twitch and MVIC were calculated from isometric torque data. Pearson's correlations were used to determine the relationship between muscle contractile properties and DTI parameters. Results: MD and RD were moderately correlated with peak twitch force and rate of force development. FA and AD were moderately inversely related to percent change in MVIC following exercise. Conclusion: MD and RD are associated with in vivo quadriceps twitch properties but not voluntary strength, which may reflect the mechanical properties of constituent fiber types. FA and AD appear to relate to MVIC strength following fatiguing exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the replacement of fish oil (sardine oil) by different combinations of alternative marine lipid ingredients as sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) throughout 14 days of ice storage. A practical diet (SARDINE) was used as a control, which included 9% sardine oil and 4.4% soybean oil, providing 2.3% of EPA + DHA. Two other experimental diets were formulated to achieve the same EPA + DHA values but completely devoid of soybean oil. In the ALGABLEND diet, 6.7% of salmon oil (salmon by-product) and 2% of algae biomass (Algaessence Feed™) partially replaced sardine oil. In the ALGAOIL diet, sardine oil was totally replaced with 10.1% salmon by-product oil and 3.3% algae oil (Veramaris®). All diets were equally well-accepted by European sea bass, resulting in similar growth performance, somatic indexes, and whole body composition. At the end of the trial, no significant differences were found in the EPA + DHA levels of fish muscle between dietary treatments, resulting in high values of EPA + DHA (> 0.62 g 100 g−1). Furthermore, replacing fish oil did not significantly affect the organoleptic and chemical properties of the fish samples. Parameters such as pH, water holding capacity, lipid oxidation, antioxidant capacity, color and texture presented similar values to those obtained for fish fed the SARDINE diet during the 14 days of storage in ice. In conclusion, these results show that combining algal oil (Veramaris®), algae blend (Algaessence Feed™) and salmon by-product oil can be a successful strategy for the fortification of European sea bass muscle in EPA and DHA while ensuring fish freshness, nutritional quality, and consumers’ health.

Cold plasma (CP) is a non-thermal novel technology for the processing of heat-sensitive food products, but there is concern regarding its impact on food quality. Voltage is one of the most direct factors affecting the bacteriostatic effect of CP. Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) was treated with CP at different voltages (10, 20, and 30 kV). The total viable count decreased as the CP voltage increased, reaching a maximum reduction of 1.54 lg CFU/g on golden pompano treated at 30 kV. No effects on water-holding capacity, pH, total volatile base nitrogen, and T2b relaxation time were observed, indicating that all CP treatments retained the freshness and bound water of the samples. However, as the CP voltage increased, peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances of golden pompano gradually increased, the protein tertiary structure unfolded, and α-helices converted to β-sheets, indicating inevitable lipid and protein oxidation caused by excessive CP voltage. Therefore, a suitable voltage of CP should be selected to inhibits the growth of microorganisms, which avoids deterioration of sea-foods quality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BACKGROUND: Measures of skeletal muscle function decline at a faster rate with ageing than do indices of skeletal muscle mass. These observations have been attributed to age-related changes in muscle quality, another functional determinant separate from skeletal muscle mass. This study tested the hypothesis that improved predictions of skeletal muscle strength can be accomplished by combining clinically available measures of skeletal muscle mass and quality. METHODS: The participants included 146 healthy adult (age ≥ 18 years, range 18-77 years; X ± SD 47 ± 17 years and body mass index 16.5-51.8 kg/m2 ; 27.7 ± 6.2 kg/m2 ) men (n = 60) and women (n = 86) in whom skeletal muscle mass was estimated as appendicular lean soft tissue (LST) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and skeletal muscle quality as bioimpedance analysis-derived phase angle and B-mode-evaluated echogenicity of mid-thigh skeletal muscle. Strength of the right leg and both arms was quantified as knee isokinetic extension and handgrip strength using dynamometers. The statistical significance of adding phase angle or echogenicity to strength prediction multiple regression models that included extremity-specific LST and other covariates (e.g. age and sex) was evaluated to test the study hypothesis. RESULTS: Right leg LST mass alone was significantly (P

Abstract Background Computed tomography (CT)‐derived measures of tissue quality can add to frailty assessment and improve selection of candidates for heart transplant. We investigated the prognostic value of CT measures of tissue density for predicting hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality post‐transplant. Methods All patients at a quaternary care hospital between 1999 to 2018 with preheart transplant CT scans and available data on transplant outcomes were eligible (n = 189), including a subset within the total cohort with scans 6‐month pretransplant (n = 103). Axial chest CT scans were analysed for liver and muscle density at the 12th thoracic vertebrae and aortic arch landmarks, respectively. Cox and linear regression models examined the risk of death and LOS, respectively, according to median (above or below) pectoral muscle density. Low‐density muscle (LDM) area and liver density were analysed as continuous variables. Results Out of 157 patients with readable CT scans (median age 55 years, interquartile range [50–60] 10% women), 31 died on 1‐year follow up. Patients with higher than and at median pectoral muscle density (39.5 Hounsfield Unit [HU]) had better 1‐year survival in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.673, 0.989; p = 0.039), with the 6‐month cohort showing a trend (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.603, 1.023; p = 0.074) towards improved survival. Conversely, every 5‐cm2 increase in pectoral LDM area was associated with 2.4‐day lower LOS (p = 0.045) in the overall cohort, and a 2.6‐day lower LOS in the 6‐month cohort (p = 0.05). Patients with higher ratio of normal‐density muscle to LDM had higher LOS (p

In order to explore the changes of Trachurus japonicus freshness quality during frozen storage, the color, conductivity, ice crystal size and morphology, texture, K value, TBA value, Raman spectrum, secondary structure of total protein, total sulfhydryl content, active sulfhydryl content and Ca2+-ATPase activity of myofibrillar protein were investigated during the frozen storage of −18 ℃ for 90 days with vacuum and air packaging. The results showed that the K value, L* value, whiteness value and TBA value of samples both in VP and AP groups increased gradually with the extend of storage time, among which the K value increased by 65.83% and 66.44% after frozen storage for 90 days, respectively. At the same time, the porosity of ice crystal in fish muscle increased gradually, while a* value, b* value, hardness, chewiness and resilience decreased gradually, however the cohesiveness and conductivity increased firstly and then decreased. The α-helix percentage of muscle protein decreased from 63.28% to 43.70% and 41.91%, respectively, while β-folding, β-turning and random curling percentage increased gradually. The total sulfhydryl content and active sulfhydryl content of myofibrillar protein decreased gradually, Ca2+-ATPase activity decreased by 63.58% and 72.52%, respectively. The packaging had little different effect on muscle quality during frozen storage, but had a certain effect on protein biochemical characteristics in which vacuum packaging effect was slightly better than that of air packaging. Correlation analysis showed that K value, whiteness value, TBA value, sulfhydryl content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, total protein secondary structure content of the samples of the two groups were significantly correlated (P

Objectives: To determine if anthropometric variables, body composition, medication and gender are associated with functional performance and to compare these variables between octogenarians with high and low functional performance. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were evaluated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed. Participants’ body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and functional performance by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A binomial logistic regression was performed. Results: One hundred and twenty-two octogenarians were included and separated into high and low function groups. The high function group showed lower values of WHtR (mean difference [MD] = 0.047, P = 0.025) and body fat (BF%) (MD = 3.54, P = 0.032) and higher values of apendicular skeletal muscle mass (ALM) (MD = 3.03, P = 0.001), HGS (MD = 6.11, P = 0.001) and SPPB score (MD = 4.20, P = 0.001). Women were more likely to be classified as low function (OR = 3.66, P = 0.002) and males showed 5.21 odds ratio (P = 0.021) of having high functional performance compared to females. Also, each decrease in age and medication use displayed 1.30 (P = 0.007) and 1.26 odds ratio increases (P = 0.008) in high functional performance. Conclusions: Older males display better functional performance than women, and decrements in age and medications increase the high functional performance odds ratio. Octogenarians with high functional performance displayed lower BF measurements and higher values of muscle mass and strength.

Background: There are limited reports on the factors affecting the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the quantity and quality of the preoperative psoas muscle are related to the FJS-12 in post-THA patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used mailed questionnaires and medical records. Questionnaires containing the FJS-12 were mailed to 752 patients who underwent THA at our hospital between April 2015 and August 2020. The quantity and quality of the psoas major muscle were measured by computed tomography. The association between FJS-12 and the quantity and quality of the psoas major muscle was assessed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for potentially relevant factors. Results: In total, 484 patients were included in the analysis. The FJS-12 score of the analyzed subjects was 75 points. Poor psoas major muscle quality was associated with a poor group of patients scoring

The effects of magnetic field-assisted immersion freezing (MF) with different intensities (20, 40, 60, and 80 mT) on the freezing process and muscle quality of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were studied in the present study. The results showed that, compared with immersion freezing (IF), 60 mT MF (MF-60) shortened the total freezing time, reduced thawing loss and cooking loss, and helped to maintain the water holding capacity and texture properties of frozen shrimp samples. In addition, the increase in the L* value of frozen shrimp samples was also inhibited by MF-60. The result of water distribution revealed that MF-60 reduced the mobility and loss of immobilized water and free water. The microstructure of MF-60 was characterized by smaller pores, indicating that MF-60 promoted the generation of fine ice crystals. Overall, MF-60 was beneficial in reducing ice crystal size and inhibiting the loss of shrimp muscle quality loss during the freezing process.

Background: Outcome assessment in stroke patients is essential for evidence-based stroke care planning. Computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of diagnosis in acute stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether CT-derived cervical fat-free muscle fraction (FFMF) as a biomarker of muscle quality is associated with outcome parameters after acute ischemic stroke. Methods: In this retrospective study, 66 patients (mean age: 76 ± 13 years, 30 female) with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation who underwent CT, including CT-angiography, and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy of the middle cerebral artery between August 2016 and January 2020 were identified. Based on densitometric thresholds, cervical paraspinal muscles covered on CT-angiography were separated into areas of fatty and lean muscle and FFMF was calculated. The study cohort was binarized based on median FFMF (cutoff value: < 71.6%) to compare clinical variables and outcome data between two groups. Unpaired t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (12.2 ± 4.4 vs. 13.6 ± 4.5, P = 0.297) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 4.4 ± 0.9, P = 0.475) at admission, and pre-stroke mRS (1 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.4, P = 0.489) were similar between groups with high and low FFMF. NIHSS and mRS at discharge were significantly better in patients with high FFMF compared to patients with low FFMF (NIHSS: 4.5 ± 4.4 vs. 9.5 ± 6.7; P = 0.004 and mRS: 2.9 ± 2.1 vs.3.9 ± 1.8; P = 0.049). 90-day mRS was significantly better in patients with high FFMF compared to patients with low FFMF (3.3 ± 2.2 vs. 4.3 ± 1.9, P = 0.045). Conclusion: Cervical FFMF obtained from routine clinical CT might be a new imaging-based muscle quality biomarker for outcome prediction in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proximal hamstring tendon avulsions (PHAs) may be treated nonoperatively or operatively. Little is known about the result of the injury, and its treatment, on the quality and function of the hamstring muscle after healing and rehabilitation. We hypothesized that the injured leg would have greater fatty infiltration and atrophy than the uninjured leg at follow-up and that these findings would correlate to muscle weakness. Methods: In a cross-sectional cohort study, 48 patients treated for PHA, either operatively or nonoperatively, were re-examined 2–11 years post-treatment. We measured muscle strength with isokinetic strength tests, and muscle volume and fatty infiltration with MRI. Primary outcomes were hamstring muscle quality, quantified by outlining the cross-sectional area slice-by-slice, and the degree of fatty infiltration estimated using the Goutallier grading method. Secondary outcome was concentric isokinetic hamstring muscle strength measured using BioDex at 60°/sec and tendon attachment assessed on MRI. Comparisons with the outcomes of the uninjured leg were made. Results: The total hamstring muscle volume was on average reduced by 9% (SD ± 11%, p < 0.001) compared to that of the uninjured leg. Fatty infiltration was significantly more severe in the injured hamstrings than in the uninjured hamstrings (p < 0.001). This was also true when only analyzing operatively treated patients. The reduction in muscle volume and increase in fatty infiltration correlated significantly (r = 0.357, p = 0.013), and there was also a statistically significant correlation with muscle atrophy and reduction in isokinetic strength (r = 494, p < 0.001). Conclusion: PHA injuries result in fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy and the muscle quality impairment correlates with residual muscle weakness. Key points: Proximal hamstring avulsion results in muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. The muscle degeneration after proximal hamstring avulsion is correlated to reduction in muscle strength. The muscle degeneration and its correlation to reduction in muscle strength hold true also for operatively treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the intra- and inter-muscular differences of the hamstring muscles using textural analysis of ultrasound (US) images, and the relationship between textural indicators with hamstring torque. Transverse US scans were obtained from 10 young males from four different measurement sites along the thigh of each individual hamstring muscle at rest. Maximum-knee-flexion isometric torque measurements were also obtained. Texture analysis was applied to US images, and five gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features were quantified: entropy (ENT), angular second moment (ASM), inverse difference moment (IDM), contrast (CON) and correlation (COR). The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 0.99, and the standard error of measurement ranged from 0.06 to 10.05%, indicating high test-retest reliability. Analysis of the variance indicated significant differences between measurement sites and individual muscles, with the proximal measurement sites having greater values for ASM, IDM and COR and lower values for ENT and CON compared with the distal sites. Additionally, only the COR at the proximal measurement site exhibited a significant relationship (r = -0.66) with strength. The present study indicated significant differences among hamstrings and measurement locations with respect to the textural analysis and may provide a novel indicator of hamstring functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are largely malnourished, which decreases overall survival. In this study, we found that phase angle in patients with CRC, measured by BIA, had a good diagnostic accuracy for detecting cancer complications in females and the risk of sarcopenia in males. These sex bias differences are relevant to understanding the nutritional status of CRC patients and their personalized nutritional treatment. Background: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are largely malnourished, which decreases overall survival and treatment efficacy and increases mortality rates. We hypothesize that angle phase might be associated with the risk of sarcopenia as well as cancer complications in patients with CRC. The inclusion of various nutritional status indicators and clinical cancer outcomes can result in significant variability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform an exploratory analysis of nutritional evaluation tools used to assess body composition and muscle quality in patients with CRC, in order to predict cancer complications and survival rate. Methods: A total of 127 patients with CRC were included in this study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and body composition were performed, which we used to obtain phase angle (PhA) values. Muscle function was assessed by hand-grip strength (HGS) and muscle quality and adipose tissue depot were performed using ultrasound techniques. Results: This study showed that there were significant differences in body composition between females and males, as well as in muscle quantity and quality. PhA was highly correlated with quadriceps rectus femoris of cross-sectional area (RF-CSA), circumference of quadriceps rectus femoris (RF-CIR), superficial subcutaneous abdominal fat (S-SAT), as well as HGS (p < 0.05). PhA was also correlated with water content in females, and with muscle mass and quality in males (p < 0.05). Specifically, we found that PhA was a good predictor for cancer complications in women and the risk of sarcopenia in men. In the linear model controlled for age and body mass index (BMI), high PhA value was associated with a decreased risk of complications in females (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.81, p < 0.05). High PhA value was associated with a decreased risk of sarcopenia in males (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.95, p < 0.05). In addition, Receiving Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that PhA had a good diagnostic accuracy for detecting cancer complications in females (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.894, 95% CI: 0.88–0.89, p < 0.05) and the risk of sarcopenia in males (AUC = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.91–0.92, p < 0.05). Conclusions: PhA can accurately predict oncological complications in women and sarcopenia in men. These differences are relevant to understanding the nutritional status of patients with CRC and their personalized nutritional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence supports a connection between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and NAFLD. The extent to which fatty liver contributes to impaired muscle contractility is not yet well established. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of NAFLD on dynapenia in patients with SO. In this study, 71 non-diabetic subjects (age 55 (7.8) years, BMI 35.2 kg/m2 (32.6–38.8)) were classified as having SO and non-sarcopenic obesity (NSO). SO patients displayed worse serum lipid profiles, higher body fat, and lower skeletal muscle mass (both total and appendicular) than NSO patients, despite the absence of any significant differences in body weight, glycometabolic parameters, and hepatic steatosis prevalence. A positive correlation between disposition index and muscle quality index (MQI) (r = 0.393, p = 0.013) emerged after controlling for menopause and body fat percentage. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, MQI was significantly positively associated with the disposition index (β: 0.059, SE: 0.002, p = 0.006) after adjustment for menopause, body fat percentage, and the presence of hepatic steatosis according to the hepatorenal index (HRI). Similar findings emerged when including liver enzyme levels in place of hepatic steatosis. Muscle quality was positively associated with β-cell function corrected for insulin resistance among patients with obesity and sarcopenic obesity, irrespective of the presence of fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of 2-minute walk test, 6-minute walk test and 10-meter walk test in frail older adults with dementia. Previous research supports strength corrected for BMI over absolute strength measures.[16],[19],[38],[39] To calculate laboratory MQI, the ratio of grip strength to the entire arm muscle in kilograms measured by DXA was obtained.[17],40-42 Body Composition Analysis and Anthropometric Measurements Body composition analysis was evaluated using DXA (General Electric-GE model 8548 BX1L, year 2005, Lunar DPX type, software Encore 2005; Rommelsdorf, Germany). [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aims: This study aimed to investigate the potential role of shear‐wave elastography (SWE) in evaluating muscle quality and assess its association with muscle strength and mass. Methods: A total of 129 patients aged 18–87 years were included. Patients aged >65 years underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Anthropometric measurements, assessment of physical performance, muscle strength (handgrip strength [HGS]), muscle mass (B‐mode muscle ultrasonography), and muscle quality (identified via SWE) were performed for all patients. Results: The median (interquartile range) age of participants was 69 (59–76) years and 62% (n = 80) were female. According to HGS, patients were divided into normal and low HGS groups, and there were 85 (65.9%) and 44 (34.1%) patients in each group, respectively. The median average value of SWE measurement (Vmean) of the rectus femoris (RF) in passive stretching was significantly lower in the low HGS group. In regression analyses, Vmean was significantly associated with HGS independently of age, sex, and body mass index. Optimal cutoff values of the Vmean value (m/s) of RF in passive stretching for predicting low HGS were ≤2.62 for male (area under the curve [AUC], 0.882; 95% CI, 0.705–0.938; P = <0.0001), and ≤2.52 for female (AUC, 0.719; 95% CI, 0.605–0.833; P = 0.002). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing SWE is a good predictor of muscle strength, and it could be a useful tool for evaluating muscle quality in clinical practice. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the presented cutoff values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department 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.)

[Objectives] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different ages on the slaughter performance, muscle quality and nutritional characteristics of 817 broilers. [Methods] Using 35, 42 and 49 day-old 817 broilers as experimental materials, the slaughter performance at different ages, the muscle quality of chicken breasts(pH value, water retention, color, and shear force, moisture distribution, texture, muscle fiber diameter), and nutritional indicators(basic chemical composition, the composition of amino acid and fatty acid)were measured. [Results] With the increase of age, the half-eviscerated yield percentage, eviscerated yield percentage, breast muscle percentage, leg muscle percentage and abdominal fat percentage of 817 broilers significantly increased (P<0.05). The pH24 h value, L*value, a*value, shear force value, bound water content, muscle fiber diameter, hardness, adhesiveness, crude protein, crude fat, ash, essential amino acids and saturated fatty acids content of breast meat significantly increased. However, cooking loss rate, drip loss rate, the relaxation time (T2b), and the content of moisture and monounsaturated fatty acid significantly reduced. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that pH24 h value was negatively correlated with cooking loss rate, drip loss rate, T2b, but positively correlated with bound water content; shear force value was positively correlated with hardness, muscle fiber diameter and crude protein, but negatively correlated with the cooking and drip loss rate. [Conclusions]With the increase of age, the meat production performance of 817 broilers improved, the water retention and color became better, and the nutritional value increased, but the hardness increased and the tenderness decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This short term structured, multimodal, home-based, self-help program was designed to reduce frailty of elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and detect the major predictors of frailty status improvement. Method: This study recruited T2DM patients aged 65 years and older from the DM shared care center in a regional hospital who were frail or prefrail according to Fried Frailty Phenotype. Short term (12 weeks) home-based intervention including an elastic band low resistance exercise, a smart bracelet monitored walking exercise, and nutrition consultation was conducted. Change of frailty status, functional outcomes, body composition and metabolic indices after intervention were analyzed. A logistic regression was applied to determine the predictive factors associated with frailty status improvement. Results: 81 participants were enrolled after they were fully consented. After 12 weeks' intervention, 60 participants completed the program. Since two participants with incomplete data were excluded, there were 58 remaining in the analysis. They were on average 71.7 ± 4.9 years old and 22 persons (36.7%) were male. 46 (79.3%) of them were prefrail and 12 (20.7%) were frail. The average duration between the pre-test and the post-test was 107.1 ± 25.6 days. The average incidence of home-based exercise was 1.4 ± 1.1 times a week. Fried Frailty Phenotype, handgrip strength, muscle quality, HbA1c, and symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes significantly improved. Initial poorer frailty status was the major predictor (OR = 104.446, 95% CI = 7.551-1444.726, p = 0.001) of frailty status improvement. Conclusions: Short term structured, multimodal, interdisciplinary, home-based, self-help program is effective in reducing frailty status among elderly T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeders and keepers of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) often add Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf extract to the water in the aquarium, but there is little information available about the effects of extract concentration on water quality and fish performance. In the current study, the effects of T. catappa extract on water quality, growth performance, feed utilization, skin coloration, bubble nest formation, digestive enzyme activity, muscle quality, whole-body composition, and hematological parameters of B. splendens were investigated. Seventy-five juvenile male fish (2-month-old, 0.80 − 0.95 g initial weight) were individually reared in 350-mL cylindrical plastic containers (8.3 cm diameter × 12.5 cm height). The fish were reared for 8 weeks in four concentrations of T. catappa leaf extract (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g L−1) and a control group was reared in water without the extract. The fish received an excess of a commercial floating feed (39.4% crude protein) for fighting fish twice daily (08.00 and 17.00 h). A leaf extract concentration of 0.25 g L−1 showed no significant effect on growth (specific growth rate = 1.62% body weight day−1), feed utilization (feed conversion ratio = 1.21 g feed g gain−1), viscerosomatic index, muscle quality, whole-body composition, and hematological parameters of reared fish (P > 0.05), but did show effects on some of the other metrics that were monitored. Water quality significantly improved during the experiment (P < 0.05). Increased skin lightness (L*) was observed in all experimental groups, but only fish reared in 0.125 g L−1 leaf extract increased skin redness/greenness (a*), hue (h*), and chroma (C*) (P < 0.05). Relative to the control, increments in bubble nest formation frequency (1.70-fold on average) and bubble nest size (1.52-fold on average) were correlated with the concentration of T. catappa leaf extract (P < 0.05). Specific activities of protein- and lipid-digesting enzymes were not negatively affected but some modulations were observed in treatments containing leaf extract at 0.125, 0.25, and 1 g L−1. Fish reared in the 0.25 g L−1 treatment exhibited a sparing effect of carbohydrate utilization indicated by decreased amylase specific activity, increased lipase specific activity, and stable amylase/trypsin ratios. The results suggest that 0.25 g L−1 of T. catappa leaf extract is a suitable concentration of the additive during the growing phase of male Siamese fighting fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether preoperative low-handgrip strength (HGS) defined by the Asian working group for sarcopenia could be a predictor of postoperative outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 327 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for c-stage I–III primary gastric cancer with pre-operative HGS records were included. The cut-off values of HGS were defined as 28 kg for males and 18 kg for females, with values below and above the cut-off defined as low-HGS and high-HGS, respectively. The primary outcome was infectious complications. We compared the postoperative outcomes of the groups after adjusting for the background using propensity score matching. Of the 327 patients, 246 (75.2%) and 81 (24.8%) were in the high and low-HGS groups, respectively. After adjusting for background, there were 57 patients in both groups. After matching, the low-HGS group had significantly more infectious complications (17.5% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis of infectious complications in the low-HGS group demonstrated chronic kidney disease and diabetes as independent risk factors (odds ratio 4.390, 95% confidence interval 1.120–17.20, p = 0.034). Preoperative low-HGS according to the Asian criteria was associated with infectious complications after gastrectomy. Chronic kidney disease and diabetes were independent risk factors for infectious complications among patients with low-HGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is accompanied by decrements in the size and function of skeletal muscle that compromise independence and quality of life in older adults. Developing therapeutic strategies to ameliorate these changes is critical but requires an in‐depth mechanistic understanding of the underlying physiology. Over the past 25 years, studies on the contractile mechanics of isolated human muscle fibres have been instrumental in facilitating our understanding of the cellular mechanisms contributing to age‐related skeletal muscle dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to characterize the changes that occur in single muscle fibre size and contractile function with ageing and identify key areas for future research. Surprisingly, most studies observe that the size and contractile function of fibres expressing slow myosin heavy chain (MHC) I are well‐preserved with ageing. In contrast, there are profound age‐related decrements in the size and contractile function of the fibres expressing the MHC II isoforms. Notably, lifelong aerobic exercise training is unable to prevent most of the decrements in fast fibre contractile function, which have been implicated as a primary mechanism for the age‐related loss in whole‐muscle power output. These findings reveal a critical need to investigate the effectiveness of other nutritional, pharmaceutical or exercise strategies, such as lifelong resistance training, to preserve fast fibre size and function with ageing. Moreover, integrating single fibre contractile mechanics with the molecular profile and other parameters important to contractile function (e.g. phosphorylation of regulatory proteins, innervation status, mitochondrial function, fibre economy) is necessary to comprehensively understand the ageing skeletal muscle phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: The concept of sagittal spinal malalignment is well established in spinal surgery. However, the effect of musculature on its development has not been fully considered and the position of the pelvis is mostly seen as compensatory and not necessarily a possible cause of sagittal imbalance.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM, erector spinae, and multifidus) and the psoas muscle on spinopelvic and spinal alignment.Study Design/setting: Retrospective cross-sectional study.Patient Sample: Patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion between 2014 and 2021 for degenerative conditions at a tertiary care center, with preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 12 months prior the surgery and a preoperative whole spine radiograph were included.Outcome Measures: PPM and psoas muscle measurements including the cross-sectional area (CSA), the functional cross-sectional area (fCSA), the amount of intramuscular fat (FAT), and the percentage of fat infiltration (FI). Spinopelvic measurements including lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA).Methods: A T2-weighted MRI-based quantitative assessment of the CSA, the fCSA and the amount FAT was conducted, and FI was further calculated. The regions of interest included the psoas muscle and the PPM on both sides at the L4 level that were summarized and normalized by the patient's height (cm2/m2). LL, PT, SS, PI, and SVA were determined on standing lateral radiographs. Spearman correlation was used to calculate the crude relationship between spinopelvic and muscle parameters. Multiple linear regression models with age, sex, LL, PT, SS, and SVA set as independent variables were established to determine the association with spinal muscle outcome measures.Results: A total of 150 patients (53.3% female) were included in the final analysis with a median age of 65.6 years and a median BMI of 28.2 kg/m2. Significant positive correlations were observed between PT (ρ=0.327), SVA (ρ=0.256) and PI (ρ=0.202) and the FIPPM. Significant negative correlations were detected for the PT and the fCSAPPM (ρ=-0.202) and PT and the fCSAPsoas (ρ=-0.191). Furthermore, a negative correlation was seen for PI and SVA and FIPsoas. PT (β=0.187; p=.006), SVA (β=0.155; p=.035), age (β=0.468; p<.001) and sex (β=0.235; p<.001) significantly predict FIPPM (corrected R2=0.393) as independent variables.Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential role of posterior paraspinal muscles and psoas muscle on pelvic retroversion and elucidated the relation to sagittal spinal malalignment. Although we cannot establish causality, we propose that increasing FIPPM, representing loss of muscular strength, may lead to increased pelvic retroversion and thus might be the initiating point for the development of the sagittal imbalance. These findings might challenge the well-known theory of increased pelvic retroversion being a compensatory mechanism for sagittal spinal balance. Thus, muscular weakness might be a factor involved in the development of sagittal spinal malalignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass, quality and function, which is particularly evident in respiratory muscles, has been associated with many clinical adverse outcomes. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the role of reduced muscle mass and quality in predicting ventilation weaning, complications, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and of hospital stay and mortality in patients admitted to ICU for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. This was an observational study based on a review of medical records of all adult patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Milan and intubated for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Muscle mass and quality measurement were retrieved from routine thoracic CT scans, when sections passing through the first, second or third lumbar vertebra were available. A total of 81 patients were enrolled. Muscle mass was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.02, 95% C.I. 1.00–1.03, p = 0.017), shorter ICU stay (OR 0.97, 95% C.I. 0.95–0.99, p = 0.03) and decreased hospital mortality (HR 0.98, 95% C.I. 0.96–0.99, p = 0.02). Muscle density was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.07, 95% C.I. 1.01–1.14; p = 0.02) and had an inverse association with the number of complications in ICU (Β −0.07, 95% C.I. −0.13 - −0.002, p = 0.03), length of hospitalization (Β −1.36, 95% C.I. −2.21 - −0.51, p = 0.002) and in-hospital mortality (HR 0.88, 95% C.I. 0.78–0.99, p = 0.046). Leveraging routine CT imaging to measure muscle mass and quality might constitute a simple, inexpensive and powerful tool to predict survival and disease course in patients with COVID-19. Preserving muscle mass during hospitalisation might have an adjuvant role in facilitating remission from COVID-19. • Routine CT scans are useful to characterise muscle mass, density and quality. • Preserved muscle mass and density predicted successful extubation in patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. • Low muscle mass and density predicted a fatal and/or complicated COVID-19 course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effects of sous vide (SV) cooking treatments on the physicochemical quality and volatile flavor of half-shell scallop (Chlamys farreri) during 30 d of chilled storage. The vacuum-packed scallop samples were cooked at 70 °C (SV-70) and 75 °C (SV-75) and maintained for 30 min. The samples were compared with the positive control (cooked at 100 °C for 10 min, CK). The results indicate that the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), pH, texture, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased, while the myofibrillar protein (MP) extraction rate of the CK, SV-70, and SV-75 samples significantly decreased with increasing chilled storage time. Significantly, the SV cooking treatments maintained a much higher water-holding capacity of scallop muscle, compared with the conventional cooking process at 100 °C. Additionally, the SV-75 cooking treatment maintained relatively stable TVBN, pH, and MDA content, springiness, and shearing force properties of scallop samples, especially during 0–20 d of storage. Volatile flavor analysis showed that a total of 42 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in the scallop samples, and there were no considerable differences in these VOCs between the CK and SV-75 cooked samples (0 d). Overall, the SV cooking treatments effectively maintained acceptable and stable physicochemical and volatile flavor properties of half-shell scallop samples during chilled storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revija Šport is the property of Sport: Revija Za Teoreticna in Praticna Vprasanja Sporta 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.)

Abstract Background Patients on hemodialysis often suffer from reduced muscle strength and exercise capacity due to the decreased quantity and quality of muscle. Cumulative studies showed ultrasound echo intensity (EI) had great potential in evaluating muscle quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between EI of skeletal muscle and physical function of patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods Cross-sectional area (CSA) and mean EI of the right rectus femoris were measured by ultrasound to evaluate the quantity and quality of the muscle, respectively. Physical function was measured by handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed, sit-to-stand 60 s (STS-60) test, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. Results A total of 107 patients on hemodialysis were included, with women accounting for 37.3% (n = 40), and a mean age of 53.53 ± 12.52 years. Among the patients on hemodialysis, EI was moderately and negatively correlated with HGS (r = − 0.467, P

【Objective】The study was conducted to explore the effects of compound probiotics on the growth performance and muscle quality of tilapia and aquaculture water environment under zero-water exchange condition, with a view to providing references for emission reduction as well as efficient and healthy aquaculture in fishery industry.【Method】Taking tilapia as research object and regular water exchange aquaculture mode as control group, a full-cycle aquaculture test of tilapia was carried out by adding compound probiotics under zero-water exchange condition (experimental group), and a comparative analysis on growth performance, muscle quality of tilapia and main water quality, microbial community structure was conducted.【Result】Under zero-water exchange condition, the survival rate of tilapia of the experimental group was 83.3%, significantly higher than the control group; feed coefficient was 2.3, significantly lower than the control group; as for the muscle quality, crude protein content of the experiment group was 22.17%, significantly higher than the control group. Main water quality of the experimental group stayed stable through the full-cycle of aquaculture period, the water temperature was 26.5-30.5℃, pH was 7.0-8.0, nitrite of water sample was 0.039 mg/L, significantly lower than the control group. The dominant bacteria was similar between experimental and control groups, however, the diversity index of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group.【Conclusion】Under zero-water exchange condition, adding compound probiotics in aquaculture water improved the survival rate of tilapia, reduced the feed conversion rate, and improved the muscle quality of tilapia. Meanwhile, the experimental group had strong improving effects on the water environment of aquaculture to some certain extent, and increased the diversity index of bacterial community. During the whole aquaculture production cycle, the zero-water exchange aquaculture of tilapia with high-activity compound probiotics had a good substitution effect for the conventional aquaculture model which relies on frequent water changes to release environmental pressure.

Abstract Background We aimed to investigate the association of age-related differences in the intracellular-to-total water ratio with explosive strength of the plantar flexors. Methods A total of 60 young (21–33 years) and older (64–83 years) individuals were recruited. Intracellular- (ICW) and total-water (TW) content within the right leg was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy as indicators of muscle cell mass and whole muscle mass within the segment, respectively. ICW divided by TW (ICW/TW) was calculated as an index of the occupancy of muscle cells within whole muscle. Rate of torque development (RTD) and electromyography (EMG) activity during maximal voluntary isometric plantar flexion were measured as indicators of explosive muscle strength and neuromuscular activity, respectively. RTD was calculated from three time windows of 0–50, 50–100, and 100–200 ms. Time-to-peak torque (TPT) was assessed from evoked twitch contraction. Results Compared with young participants, older participants showed lower ICW/TW (−7%, P < 0.001), RTD (−25 to −40%, P = 0.003 to 0.001), and longer TPT (+11%, P < 0.001). ICW/TW associated positively with RTD (r = 0.377 to 0.408, P = 0.004 to 0.001) and negatively with TPT (r = −0.392, P = 0.002), but not with EMG activity. RTD was associated positively with EMG for each time window (r = 0.527 to 0.607, P < 0.001). Conclusions These results indicate that ICW/TW may be a useful predictor of the age-related decrease in RTD, and that the decrease in ICW/TW with age may reflect age-associated changes in intrinsic contractile properties.

To explore the impact of different exercise intensities on the growth, muscle quality, and volatile compounds of largemouth bass, this study involved 270 fish with an initial weight of 96.05 ± 18.87 g. They were divided into three groups: a control group (CG) exposed to a constant current speed of 0.30 cm/s for 24 h/day; an interval exercise group (IE) exercising at a rate of 2 body lengths per second (bl/s) for 8 h/day; and a sustained exercise group (SE) exercising continuously at 2 bl/s for 24 h/day. The experiment was conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system over a period of 90 days. Results revealed that SE exhibited remarkably greater body mass and condition factor (CF), with higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to IE and CG (P < 0.05). SE exhibits superior growth performance. No significant differences was observed among the three groups in terms of centrifugal loss, drip loss, liquid loss, stored loss, and cooked rate. However, in terms of frozen leakage, the IE was considerably lower than the CG and SE (P < 0.05).In terms of raw meat texture, the hardness, chewiness, and shearing of the SE were notably greater than the CG (P < 0.05), and the SE were superior in hardness compared to the IE (P < 0.05). Regarding cooked meat texture, the SE exhibited significantly superior hardness, chewiness, springiness, and shearing compared to both the CG and IE (P < 0.05). The IE demonstrated higher levels of chewiness, springiness, and shearing compared to the CG (P < 0.05). With respect to nutritional indicators, the crude protein content of both the SE and IE was significantly higher than that of the CG. In terms of volatile substances, the CG had relatively high levels of carboxylic acid compounds and alcohol compounds in this experiment. The ketone compounds in the IE were significantly higher than those in the CG and SE. 2-Methylbutanoic acid methyl ester had the highest content in the SE. The results show that interval swimming exercise training and sustained exercise training can effectively improve the sensory quality of fish muscle, effectively remove the irritating smell in the muscle, and produce aromatic odor. Consequently, exercise training at varying intensities has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the growth and muscle quality of largemouth bass, offering potential strategies for improving fish product quality in the aquaculture industry. This contributes to increased efficiency and sustainability in fish farming practices and provides valuable insights for regulating the nutritional quality of fish muscle in future recirculating aquaculture system models. [Display omitted] • Sustained exercise group's weight gain rate increased by 15%. • Swimming training significantly improved muscle texture. • Interval training improved fish flesh water retention. • Swimming training improved muscle flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Patients with gout have impaired muscle quality. • Patients with gout may be at increased risk of sarcopenia. • The importance of sarcopenia in rheumatic diseases is increasingly recognized. Patients with gout are at elevated risk of multiple vascular and metabolic comorbidities. Whether they are also at risk of sarcopenia, which is known to affect patients with other rheumatic diseases, has not been previously assessed. We examined whether patients with gout have decreased lumbar muscle quality and quantity, indicating an association between gout and sarcopenia. Fifty gout subjects and 25 controls, ages 45–80, underwent computed tomography imaging of the lumbosacral spine. We measured muscle quantity (skeletal muscle area [SMA] and index [SMI]) and quality (skeletal muscle radiation attenuation [SMRA] and intermuscular adipose tissue [IMAT] area and index [IMATI]) of the psoas and erector spinae muscles at the L3 level. Seventy subjects (45 gout and 25 controls) were included in the analysis. Gout subjects had higher BMI, more kidney disease and hypertension, lower exercise frequency, and higher mean serum urate and creatinine vs. controls. Lumbar SMRA was significantly lower in gout subjects vs. controls, indicating reduced muscle quality. Lumbar IMAT area was significantly higher in gout subjects vs. controls, as was lumbar IMATI, indicating increased muscle adiposity. These differences persisted after adjusting for potential confounders. In contrast, there was no significant difference between gout and control groups in lumbar SMA or lumbar SMI, suggesting that muscle quantity may not be routinely affected by the diagnosis of gout. Gout patients exhibit decreased lumbar muscle quality compared with controls, consistent with an association between gout and sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European catfish (Silurus glanis) plays an important role in aquaculture due to its fast growth rate, its resistance to different environmental conditions, its adaptability to different rearing systems and the high nutritional and qualitative properties of the meat. Studies by many researchers have proven that coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has beneficial biological effects in fish, but studies regarding its or other phyto-additives influence on the meat quality of European catfish are sparse. The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of coriander seeds powder as phyto-additive (2 and 4%) in dry food pellets given to the European catfish, on chemical composition of its muscle. The coriander seed powder was administered 14 weeks in fish feed in two trials in duplicate: 2% and 4% to one-year-old European catfish. Three hundred fish were randomly selected and stocked into 6 tanks, 50 fish per tank. At the end of the experiment, 5 fish were collected from each tank, euthanized and used for the evaluation of the muscle quality. A piece of epaxial muscle from the highest part of the body was sampled, and subjected to the assessment of the crude protein and fat content, ash and moisture. The results revealed that coriander do not have a significant influence on muscle quality in general, but led to a significant (p£0.01) decrease of crude fat content.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of enzymatically hydrolyzed poultry by-products (EHPB) on the growth and muscle quality of largemouth bass. Different concentrations of EHPB (0.00, 3.10, 6.20, 9.30, and 12.40%) were added to replace fishmeal (0.00 (control), 8.89 (EHPB1), 17.78 (EHPB2), 26.67 (EHPB3), and 35.56% (EHPB4)), respectively, in dietary supplementation. The results revealed that the growth performance and muscle amino acid and fatty acid remained unaltered in EHPB1 (p > 0.05). EHPB1 showed significant reduction in muscle hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and muscle fiber count and exhibited a significant increase in muscle fiber volume. The decrease in muscle hardness, gumminess, and chewiness means that the muscle can have a more tender texture. The expression of protein metabolism-related genes reached the highest levels in EHPB1 and EHPB2 (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of s6k and igf-1 in EHPB2 and EHPB1 were significantly lower than those in the control group. Compared to the control group, the expression of muscle production-associated genes paxbp-1 was higher in EHPB1, and myod-1, myf-5, and syndecan-4 were higher in EHPB2. The mRNA levels of muscle atrophy-related genes, in EHPB4 and EHPB2, were significantly lower than those in the control group. Therefore, the EHPB1 group plays a role in promoting the expression of genes related to muscle formation. In summary, replacing 8.89% of fishmeal with EHPB in feed has no effect on growth and may improve back muscle quality in largemouth bass.

Abstract Background Methods that facilitate muscle quality measurement may improve the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Current research has focused on the phase angle (PhA) obtained through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as an indicator of cellular health, particularly cell membrane integrity and cell function. The current study therefore aimed to evaluate the relationship between the PhA and muscle quality and muscle‐related parameters and to determine factors associated with the PhA. Moreover, we attempted to determine the cut‐off value of PhA for predicting sarcopenia. Methods First‐year university students (830 male students, 18.5 ± 0.6 years old; 422 female students, 18.3 ± 0.5 years old) and community‐dwelling elderly individuals (70 male individuals, 74.4 ± 5.5 years old; 97 female individuals, 73.1 ± 6.4 years old) were included. PhA and other body composition data were measured using BIA, while muscle quality was calculated by dividing handgrip strength by upper limbs muscle mass. The relationship between PhA and the aforementioned parameters were then analysed, after which the cut‐off value of PhA for predicting sarcopenia was examined. Results Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and muscle quality were independently associated with PhA in both sexes [male (age: standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.43, P

IntroductionIn patients with cancer, low muscle mass has been associated with a higher risk of fatigue, poorer treatment outcomes, and mortality. To determine body composition with computed tomography (CT), measuring the muscle quantity at the level of lumbar 3 (L3) is suggested. However, in patients with cancer, CT imaging of the L3 level is not always available. Thus far, little is known about the extent to which other vertebra levels could be useful for measuring muscle status. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation of the muscle quantity and quality between any vertebra level and L3 level in patients with various tumor localizations.MethodsTwo hundred-twenty Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-CT images of patients with four different tumor localizations were included: 1. head and neck (n = 34), 2. esophagus (n = 45), 3. lung (n = 54), and 4. melanoma (n = 87). From the whole body scan, 24 slices were used, i.e., one for each vertebra level. Two examiners contoured the muscles independently. After contouring, muscle quantity was estimated by calculating skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Muscle quality was assessed by calculating muscle radiation attenuation (MRA). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether the other vertebra levels correlate with L3 level.ResultsFor SMA, strong correlations were found between C1–C3 and L3, and C7–L5 and L3 (r = 0.72–0.95). For SMI, strong correlations were found between the levels C1–C2, C7–T5, T7–L5, and L3 (r = 0.70–0.93), respectively. For MRA, strong correlations were found between T1–L5 and L3 (r = 0.71–0.95).DiscussionFor muscle quantity, the correlations between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with esophageal cancer. For muscle quality, the correlations between the other levels and L3 are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with melanoma. If visualization of L3 on the CT scan is absent, the other thoracic and lumbar vertebra levels could serve as a proxy to measure muscle quantity and quality in patients with head and neck, esophageal, lung cancer, and melanoma, whereas the cervical levels may be less reliable as a proxy in some patient groups.