Search Results (683)

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is becoming increasingly prevalent with the global population aging. Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for muscle assessment; however, concerns regarding radiation exposure have prompted interest in lower-dose imaging protocols. This study investigated the performance of radiomics-based machine learning (ML) models for sarcopenia detection using abdominal CT (APCT) and low-dose CT (LDCT). Methods: Radiomics features were extracted from CT images following skeletal muscle segmentation, and ML models were developed using logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest. Model performance was evaluated using fivefold cross-validation with out-of-fold predictions. Results: The random forest model demonstrated the best performance among the evaluated models, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.720 (95% CI: 0.532–0.881) for APCT and 0.692 (95% CI: 0.573–0.801) for LDCT. Model interpretation using SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis identified several intensity-based radiomics features, including TotalEnergy, as important contributors to sarcopenia prediction. Conclusions: These findings suggest that radiomics features derived from LDCT images may provide useful information for sarcopenia detection. Because LDCT is widely used in clinical settings such as lung cancer screening, radiomics analysis of LDCT images may offer an additional opportunity for opportunistic sarcopenia assessment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Remnant cholesterol (remnant-C), derived from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is an important risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Given the metabolic link between dyslipidemia and skeletal muscle dysfunction, we aimed to evaluate the association between remnant-C and two key components of sarcopenia—low muscle mass and myosteatosis (ectopic fat deposition in skeletal muscle). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 11,570 patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) for health check-ups. Remnant-C was calculated as total cholesterol minus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We conducted multivariable logistic and linear analyses to assess the association between remnant-C and low muscle mass, defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body mass index. Additional analysis examined the relationship between remnant-C and myosteatosis, defined using the NAMA (normal attenuation muscle area) divided by TAMA (total abdominal muscle area) index, a novel index derived from muscle quality mapping of abdominal CT scans. Results: Low muscle mass was observed in 244 males (3.9%) and 74 females (1.4%). Myosteatosis affected 950 males (15.0%) and 800 females (15.3%). There was an increasing prevalence of both low muscle mass and myosteatosis across remnant-C quartiles. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for low muscle mass in the highest remnant-C quartile compared with the lowest quartile were 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–3.26) for males and 1.37 (95% CI 0.68–2.76) for females. The corresponding ORs for myosteatosis were 1.37 (95% CI 1.11–1.69) for males and 1.24 (95% CI 0.96–1.59) for females. Conclusions: Elevated remnant-C level is associated with low muscle mass and myosteatosis, especially in male patients. Individuals with higher remnant-C levels may warrant comprehensive evaluation for skeletal muscle health. Full article

This study examined the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) level and starch: fat ratio (SFR) on glucose and lipid metabolism in geese. A total of 360 male Jiangnan White geese were allocated to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with two CP levels (14.5% and 16.5%) and three SFRs (SFR_20:1, SFR_11:1, and SFR_5:1) from 28 to 63 days of age. Under the low-protein condition, Both the SFR_11:1 and SFR_5:1 group enhanced body weight of geese at 63 d, but SFR _5:1 increased subcutaneous and abdominal fat deposition. Dietary SFR changed liver cholesterol metabolism and glycogen content, while CP levels mainly affected the activity of enzymes related to liver glucose and lipid metabolism: 14.5% CP increased AMPK and ACC activity, but decreased FAS, CS and G6PC activity. Both CP level and SFR altered muscle fatty acid composition, but the effect of SFR was usually more significant. An SFR of 11:1 was beneficial for improving the muscle fatty acid profile. Gene expression analysis further revealed that low protein compensatorily regulated liver energy metabolism, while excessive fat in low SFR diets led to lipid metabolism disorders. In conclusion, optimizing the energy structure of low-protein diets, especially by maintaining a medium SFR (11:1), could improve glucose and lipid metabolism in geese while increasing body weight. Full article

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease characterized by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and disrupted calcium homeostasis. While transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) and transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) are known to mediate receptor-operated calcium entry (ROCE) and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), respectively, the specific contributions of SOCE and ROCE to AAA pathogenesis, and the regulatory interaction between transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) and TRPC1 remain unexplored. In this study, we analyzed human AAA tissues, a papain-induced mouse model, and angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells using histology, wire myography, calcium imaging, and patch-clamp electrophysiology. We observed significant upregulation of TRPM8, TRPC1, and TRPC6 in both human and experimental AAA, with TRPC1 identified as a key mediator of SOCE under pathological conditions. Pharmacological activation of TRPM8 by menthol attenuated TRPC1-mediated SOCE and associated vasoconstriction, effects that were partially reversed by the TRPM8 antagonist A-2. In Ang II-treated cells, TRPM8 activation reduced SOCE and store-operated calcium currents (I_SOCC), effects that were largely abolished by TRPC1 knockdown. These findings suggest that TRPM8 may limit excessive calcium ion (Ca²⁺) influx and vascular remodeling in AAA, pointing to a potential endogenous mechanism to counteract maladaptive calcium signaling in AAA progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: Abdominal wall and extrapelvic endometriosis are uncommon entities that may mimic other surgical conditions and delay diagnosis. This study evaluated their clinicopathological, diagnostic, and surgical features in a single-center case series. Methods: This retrospective study included 29 patients with histopathologically confirmed abdominal wall or extrapelvic endometriosis treated at a tertiary referral center between 2009 and 2025. Demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical history, CA-125 levels, imaging findings, lesion size, and surgical features were analyzed. Abdominal wall cases were further evaluated based on the presence of muscle or fascial invasion. Results: Abdominal wall lesions comprised 93.1% of cases, while extrapelvic lesions (6.9%) were all vaginal. Most cases had a history of cesarean section; however, one patient had no prior abdominal surgery, consistent with spontaneous disease, with concomitant endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Muscle or fascial invasion was observed in 63.0% of cases. Both CA-125 levels (p = 0.005) and CA-125 positivity (≥35 U/mL) (p = 0.029) were significantly higher in patients with invasion. Cyclic symptoms were present in 89.7% of patients, and mesh repair was required in two cases with large lesions. Conclusions: Abdominal wall endometriosis should be suspected in patients with cyclic pain or swelling at surgical sites, particularly after cesarean delivery, although it may occur without prior surgery. Deep muscle and fascial invasion may be associated with elevated CA-125 levels and increased CA-125 positivity, sometimes requiring wider excision and mesh repair. These findings may support earlier diagnosis and surgical planning. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a 12-week structured aquatic exercise program incorporating multiple immersion depths on muscle strength, postural alignment, and static balance in middle-aged women. Eighteen women in their 40s were randomly allocated to an aquatic exercise group (AG, n = 9) or a control group (CG, n = 9). The AG participated in a 12-week aquatic exercise program twice weekly in an indoor rehabilitation pool with progressively increased intensity (RPE 11–13 for weeks 1–6 and 14–16 for weeks 7–12) and multiple immersion depths (knee, waist, and xiphoid process levels). The CG was instructed to refrain from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 12 weeks. Outcomes included dominant handgrip strength, a 60-s abdominal curl-up test, postural alignment (3D posture analysis), and static balance (single-leg stance test). Data were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA. Significant group × time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.003), 60-s abdominal curl-up performance (p < 0.001), pelvic tilt alignment (p = 0.017), and single-leg stance time (p < 0.001). The AG improved handgrip strength (25.62 ± 2.81 to 27.57 ± 2.13 kg), 60-s abdominal curl-up performance (26.89 ± 2.93 to 41.56 ± 3.05 repetitions), pelvic tilt alignment (10.94 ± 3.46 to 7.63 ± 0.17), and single-leg stance time (29.49 ± 2.81 to 34.65 ± 2.60 s), whereas the CG showed no meaningful changes. No significant interaction effects were observed for head displacement, shoulder asymmetry, hip alignment, or knee alignment (all p > 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest that a structured aquatic exercise program incorporating multiple immersion depths may improve muscle strength, trunk muscular endurance, pelvic tilt alignment, and static balance in middle-aged women compared with a non-exercise control group. However, because this study did not include a fixed-depth aquatic exercise comparator, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that exercise incorporating multiple immersion depths is superior to fixed-depth aquatic exercise. Full article

Assessment of trunk function in sports settings remains challenging, as conventional strength measurements may not reflect integrated trunk stabilization. Abdominal pressure (AP), measured non-invasively using an abdominal cuff device, has been proposed as an indicator of coordinated trunk muscle activity; however, its association with sport-specific performance remains unclear. This study examined the within-session reliability of AP and its task-specific associations with performance measures in adolescent female volleyball players. Twenty-six athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. AP was measured twice within a single session, and reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and Bland–Altman analysis. Associations between AP and 20 m sprint time, T-test performance, and countermovement jump (CMJ) height were assessed using Pearson’s and partial correlations controlling for normalized trunk and hip flexion strength (N/kg). AP showed high reliability (ICC(3,1) = 0.941; 95% CI: 0.873–0.973). AP was significantly correlated with 20 m sprint time and T-test performance, but not with CMJ height. The association with sprint performance remained after adjustment, whereas that with T-test performance was attenuated. These findings suggest that AP is associated with sprint performance and may reflect task-specific associations, rather than representing a generalized or mechanistic indicator of trunk stabilization. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to clarify causal relationships. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) and manual resistance (MR), applied independently and with simultaneous application during side-lying hip abduction (SHA). Muscle activation patterns were assessed using the electromyographic activity of the gluteus medius (GM), quadratus lumborum (QL), and internal oblique (IO), along with the GM/QL ratio, and lumbopelvic control was assessed using lateral pelvic tilt (LPT). It was hypothesized that the simultaneous application of ADIM and MR during SHA would influence muscle activation patterns and lumbopelvic control compared to each intervention alone. Materials and Methods: Healthy young male participants (n = 22) performed SHA under three conditions: ADIM alone, MR alone, and ADIM with MR. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity of the GM, QL, and IO. The GM/QL activity ratio and LPT angle were also assessed to evaluate lumbopelvic control. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). However, the findings may have limited generalizability to other populations. Results: The ADIM with MR condition significantly increased IO activity (p < 0.05, d_z = 1.07, 95% CI [54.65, 62.26]) and the GM/QL ratio (p < 0.05, d_z = 0.87, 95% CI [1.42, 1.73]) while reducing QL activity (p < 0.05, d_z = −1.04, 95% CI [48.52, 56.24]) and lateral pelvic tilt compared to the MR condition (p < 0.05, d_z = −1.85, 95% CI [4.88, 6.06]). In addition, GM activity was significantly higher in the MR and ADIM with MR conditions than in the ADIM condition (p < 0.05, η_p² = 0.812). Conclusions: The simultaneous application of ADIM and MR during SHA may enhance IO activation and the GM/QL ratio while reducing compensatory LPT. However, these findings should be interpreted as acute experimental responses, and their clinical applicability remains to be determined. Full article

Wuhua Yellow Chicken (WYC) is a Guangdong heritage breed known for its characteristic “three yellow” phenotype and distinctive meat flavour. Despite its commercial importance, data on muscle flavour chemistry remain scarce. In this study, 180 one-day-old chicks (90 cocks, 90 hens, 18 replicates of 5 chickens per sex) were raised to 20 weeks under cage conditions, after which slaughter traits, meat physicochemical indices, proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and volatile compounds were measured. Cocks were heavier and had higher eviscerated yields and leg muscle percentages, whereas hens accumulated more abdominal fat (6.47–0.46%, p < 0.01). Shear force was greater in cock breast muscle (2.86–2.13 kg·f, p < 0.01), indicating firmer texture. Cock breast muscle contained more crude protein (26.89%) and less crude fat. Amino acid totals were identical between sexes (21.10 g/100 g), with all six essential amino acids surpassing FAO/WHO reference values; lysine scored highest (168%). Unsaturated fatty acid proportions were 63.33% (cocks) and 66.64% (hens), with PUFA/SFA ratios of 61.95% and 53.60%, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 10 volatile compounds in cocks and 14 in hens; aldehydes dominated in both, with hexanal alone accounting for over 50%. Hen muscle contained a richer volatile profile, including additional ketone and ester compounds. These data collectively confirm that WYC is nutritionally dense, organoleptically appealing, and well-suited for further breed promotion. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia and impaired bone quality are increasingly recognized as important determinants of outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). However, longitudinal data describing early post-transplant musculoskeletal changes in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, particularly according to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) status, remain limited. Aim: To evaluate longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle mass and vertebral bone attenuation after LT in patients with chronic HBV infection and to assess the impact of concomitant HCC and clinical subgroups on these patterns. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 99 adult patients who underwent LT for chronic HBV infection (HBV alone, n = 59; HBV + HCC, n = 40) between January 2018 and December 2024. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography examinations obtained before transplantation and at approximately 6 (POD180) and 12 months (POD365) after transplantation were analyzed. Skeletal muscle was assessed using psoas muscle area (PMA) and psoas muscle index (PMI), while bone quality was evaluated using mean vertebral trabecular attenuation averaged across L1–4. Longitudinal changes were examined according to HCC status, sex, Child–Pugh class, and survival status. Results: Repeated-measures analyses of longitudinal changes demonstrated a significant decline in both PMA and PMI at POD180 and POD365 compared with pre-transplant values (PMA: p = 0.006; PMI: p = 0.009). These patterns were comparable between patients with HBV alone and those with HBV-related HCC, with no significant differences between groups (all p > 0.05). Male patients consistently exhibited higher PMA and PMI values than female patients across all assessed time points (both p < 0.001). In contrast, neither Child–Pugh class nor mortality status was associated with differences in PMA or PMI levels (all p > 0.05). L1–4 attenuation declined markedly by POD180 and remained below baseline at POD365 (p < 0.001). Although overall L1–4 values did not differ between disease groups (p = 0.109), the temporal pattern of L1–4 change differed according to survival status (p = 0.026), with a greater decline observed in non-survivors. Conclusions: In patients with chronic HBV undergoing LT, early post-transplant loss of skeletal muscle and vertebral bone attenuation is common and persists throughout the first year of follow-up. These changes occur similarly in patients with and without HCC. CT-based assessment of muscle and bone parameters, particularly L1–4 attenuation, may therefore support early post-transplant risk stratification. Full article

As one of the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide, hernia repair addresses a pathological condition caused by muscle weakness and defects in the muscle wall. Despite its prevalence, hernia surgery remains challenging due to complications such as organ occlusion, seroma, persistent pain, tissue adhesions, and wound infection. Surgical meshes have become the preferred choice for abdominal wall hernia repair, aiming to restore the physical integrity and functionality of the musculofascial layers. Although various types of hernia mesh are available on the market to mitigate post-reconstruction complications, none have proven to be a perfect solution for reducing hernia recurrence. In this review, we explore the etiology of hernias, the materials and structures used in designing hernia meshes, and the emerging multifunctional trends aimed at addressing not just one aspect of the complications but the overall range of complications following hernia repair. We discuss strategies to mitigate side effects and establish the characteristics of ideal hernia repair meshes. Lastly, this review outlines future research directions for developing successful hernia repair solutions, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes and minimize recurrence rates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nuclear receptor corepressors NCOR1 and NCOR2 are key regulators of transcriptional repression, chromatin remodelling, and immunometabolic signalling. While NCOR1 has already been linked to vascular biology, its relevance in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unclear, particularly for NCOR2. This study aimed to investigate the expression, cellular localisation, and molecular interactions of NCOR1/2 in human AAA tissue. Methods: Human AAA samples (elective and ruptured) (n = 45) and non-aneurysmal control aortas (n = 18) were obtained from our Swiss Vascular Biobank. Transcriptomic profiling was performed using ribosomal RNA-depleted RNA sequencing. Differential expression and correlation analyses were performed using DESeq2/EdgeR and Spearman rank correlation with Benjamini–Hochberg correction. Cellular localisation was assessed through immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Bulk transcriptomic analyses showed no significant differences in NCOR1 or NCOR2 expression between AAA and controls. IHC revealed that NCOR1 was found in endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and inflammatory infiltrates, while NCOR2 was primarily associated with macrophages. Correlation analyses suggest that NCOR1 interacts with various cellular markers, proteolytic enzymes, inflammatory mediators, and epigenetic regulators, including the lncRNA MALAT1. NCOR2 showed distinct associations with remodelling enzymes, TGFB1 signalling, selective epigenetic modifiers, and lncRNA H19. Conclusions: The lack of transcriptional differences in NCOR1 and NCOR2 between AAA and controls does not exclude cell-type-specific regulation or functional relevance. The specific cellular distributions and molecular associations in human AAA imply that NCOR1 and NCOR2 play non-redundant roles in vascular remodelling, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation. Our findings highlight NCOR pathways as potential modulators of AAA pathophysiology and promising targets for future therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hernia and pelvic organ prolapse often involve defects necessitating reinforcement with synthetic materials. Polypropylene meshes of varying weights are commonly used in abdominal wall repair; however, their impact on tissue response, potentially linked to adverse events during wound healing, remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the tissue response to lightweight polypropylene (LWPP) and heavyweight polypropylene (HWPP) grafts used for abdominal wall defect closure in Wistar rats. Methods: Abdominal wall defects were surgically created in male Wistar rats and repaired using either LWPP (43 g/m²) or HWPP (76 g/m²) mesh. Three weeks post-implantation, tissue response and wound closure were evaluated across different phases by assessing expression of CD68, CD56, GATA-3, CD138, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen deposition. Results: HWPP promoted a more pronounced foreign body response, as evidenced by increased CD68, CD56, and CD138 expression, while LWPP improved tissue compliance, enhanced fibroblast migration, and increased vimentin-associated cellular activity. Conclusions: Three weeks post-implantation, HWPP was found to induce a stronger inflammatory response, whereas LWPP implantation was associated with increased vimentin expression, indicating differences in the balance between inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling during early wound healing. Full article

Background: The breathing cycle consists of abdominal breathing (AB), for which the diaphragm is responsible, and thoracic breathing (TB), generated by the intercostal muscles. Contraction of the two portions of the diaphragm accounts for 80% percent of inspiration. While bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causes severe shortness of breath, hemidiaphragm paralysis (HDP) gives fewer symptoms at rest, making it difficult to recognize and diagnose. Because this condition is rare, little is known regarding its consequences on breathing efficiency. Hypothesis: Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that body positions substantially affect the efficiency of breathing in a patient with unilateral hemidiaphragm paralysis and the corresponding physiological parameters. Aims: To measure and compare the amplitudes of abdominal and chest movements in different body positions in an individual with HDP and measure parameters indicating breathing efficiency. Patient and Methods: The patient had HDP due to iatrogenic phrenic nerve injury. Changes in the circumference of the abdomen and chest were measured during inhalation and exhalation with respiratory plethysmography belts (placed on standardized reproducible positions on the chest and abdomen) in different body positions: sitting (SI), standing (ST), lying (SU) and prone (PR). Breathing frequency was calculated, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured with a pulse oximeter. Results: The percentage (%) contributions of abdominal breathing were SI: 16.0; ST: 50.3; SU: −53.5; PR: 1.1. A negative sign shows paradoxical breathing. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) in the four positions was SI: 93%; ST: 93%; SU: 82%; and PR: 82%, whereas the respiratory rate (1/min) was SI:19.4; ST: 15.0; SU: 37.5; PR: 35.9. Conclusions: Body position markedly influences the relative contributions of abdominal and thoracic breathing and overall respiratory efficiency in patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis; abdominal breathing in the supine and prone positions is greatly reduced leading to decreased blood oxygen saturation, a compensatory increase in respiratory rate, and severe dyspnea even at rest. Full article

Background: Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (RCPD) is a recently described upper esophageal sphincter motility disorder caused by the inability of the cricopharyngeus muscle to relax, prohibiting belching. While clinical features and treatment have been reported, early-life experiences remain unclear. This study aimed to explore childhood experiences, comorbidities, and family history in adults reporting symptoms consistent with RCPD. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included adults recruited through an online community focused on RCPD who reported cardinal symptoms consistent with RCPD. The survey collected and descriptively analyzed demographics, symptom profile, family history, neonatal and childhood experiences, psychological factors, and physician visits. Results: Of 225 respondents, 207 met inclusion criteria (mean age 32 years; 69% female). Nearly all experienced abdominal bloating (98%), gurgling noises (98%), flatulence (90%), and inability to belch (100%). Painful hiccupping, a newer described symptom, was reported by 80%. Symptoms began before age 25 in 97%, and 29% reported a first-degree relative affected. Common early-life experiences included emetophobia (39%), anxiety (38%), and difficulty being burped as an infant (20%). No statistically significant crude differences were detected in symptom severity, frequency, gender, or age of onset by presence of experiences. Only 36% felt that any physician understood their condition, and 18% reported their gastroenterologist improved their symptoms. Conclusions: Psychological early-life experiences and family history were common, but exploratory analyses did not detect statistically significant differences in symptom burden by their presence. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating the disorder’s pathophysiology. Limited physician recognition highlights the need for greater clinical awareness of this emerging esophageal motility disorder. Full article