Fiber Size Research Articles

Extraction of collagen morphological features from second-harmonic generation microscopy images via GLCM and CT analyses: A cross-laboratory study.

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy provides a high-resolution label-free approach for noninvasively detecting collagen organization and its pathological alterations. Up to date, several imaging analysis algorithms for extracting collagen morphological features from SHG images-such as fiber size and length, order and anisotropy-have been developed. However, the dependence of extracted features on experimental setting represents a significant obstacle for translating the methodology in the clinical practice. We tackled this problem by acquiring SHG images of the same kind of collagenous sample in various laboratories using different experimental setups and imaging conditions. The acquired images were analyzed by commonly used algorithms, such as gray-level co-occurrence matrix or curvelet transform; the extracted morphological features were compared, finding that they strongly depend on some experimental parameters, whereas they are almost independent from others. We conclude with useful suggestions for comparing results obtained in different labs using different experimental setups and conditions.

Performance Simulation of Muon Detectors Based on Structural Design and Array Layout of Plastic Scintillators

The performances of muon detectors have prominent effects on the accuracy and application scenario of muon imaging. Previous studies have paid more attention to the performance improvements of muon detectors in the assembly of imaging systems and optimization of imaging algorithms, while, the structural design and array layout of plastic scintillators in muon detectors have received less attention. In this work, the simulation models of plastic scintillator, wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers, and muon source are constructed in the Geant4 software. On this basis, different factors affecting light collection efficiency (LCE) have been investigated, including muon hitting position, plastic scintillator cross-sectional shape and size, and WLS fiber size and position. Meanwhile, the influences of scintillator array layout, average width, and muon energy on the position resolution performance of the detector are investigated. The constructive results have been listed as follows: (a) the longitudinal length of the plastic scintillator unit, the shape and size of the WLS fiber, and the position of the WLS fiber have a large impact on the LCE. (b) The Right-angled triangle staggered layout is suitable for small-sized scintillators with single-energy muon hitting, and the Rhombus staggered layout is suitable for large-sized scintillators with multiple-energy muon hitting. This work provides theoretical support for the structural design and array layout of plastic Scintillators, and it has an important significance as a guide for the design of the subsequent muography system.

Unpacking the packaged optical fiber bio-sensors: understanding the obstacle for biomedical application.

A biosensor is a promising alternative tool for the detection of clinically relevant analytes. Optical fiber as a transducer element in biosensors offers low cost, biocompatibility, and lack of electromagnetic interference. Moreover, due to the miniature size of optical fibers, they have the potential to be used in microfluidic chips and in vivo applications. The number of optical fiber biosensors are extensively growing: they have been developed to detect different analytes ranging from small molecules to whole cells. Yet the widespread applications of optical fiber biosensor have been hindered; one of the reasons is the lack of suitable packaging for their real-life application. In order to translate optical fiber biosensors into clinical practice, a proper embedding of biosensors into medical devices or portable chips is often required. A proper packaging approach is frequently as challenging as the sensor architecture itself. Therefore, this review aims to give an unpack different aspects of the integration of optical fiber biosensors into packaging platforms to bring them closer to actual clinical use. Particularly, the paper discusses how optical fiber sensors are integrated into flow cells, organized into microfluidic chips, inserted into catheters, or otherwise encased in medical devices to meet requirements of the prospective applications.

Structure Optimization for Cellulose‐Based Separator through Fiber Size Regulation for High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

Cellulose‐based separator exhibits excellent electrolyte affinity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, which acts as a promising alternative to commercial polyolefin separators in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Fiber size in cellulose‐based separators plays a crucial role in determining their physicochemical structure and mechanical strength, as well as the electrochemical performance of corresponding LMBs. Herein, the fiber size in cellulose‐based separators was first time regulated to optimize their mechanical stability and the related battery performance. The influences of fiber size in the separator on chemical structure, mechanical properties, surface morphology, electrochemical behavior were investigated in detail, in which the underlying mechanism between separator structure and the related performance was elucidated. As a result, the separator optimized by fiber size regulation exhibited excellent thermal stability under 180 °C, good tensile strengths of 6.0 MPa and Young's moduli of 315.9 MPa, superior room temperature ionic conductivity of 1.87 mS cm‐1, as well as significantly improved electrochemical performance of corresponding batteries. It can be concluded that structure optimization for cellulose‐based separator through fiber size regulation is an effective and indispensable approach towards high safety and high performance LMBs.

Enabling low molecular weight electrospinning through binary solutions of polymer blends

The formation of nanofibrous membranes via electrospinning is typically restricted to high molecular weight polymers in an appropriate solvent, correlated with the necessary formation of polymer chain entanglements that are needed to achieve successful production of electrospun fibers. The present work extends the electrospinning of low molecular weight polymers by investigating the electrospinning of a binary solution system consisting of two different low molecular weight polymers, using as a model system polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin in different ratios. The viscosities of the polymer solutions were characterized as a proxy for polymer chain entanglement and the resulting fibers were morphologically characterized by SEM imaging and further assessed water contact angle and molecular composition to determine the impact and homogeneity of the binary mixtures. We found that unitary solutions of either PCL or gelatin failed to generate proper fibers despite indications of chain entanglement. In contrast, binary solutions of low molecular weight PCL and gelatin generated different fiber quality and size distributions, depending on the ratio used, with direct correlations between fiber properties and the PCL:Gelatin ratio. It was discovered that the ratio of PCL to gelation was most predictive for successful fiber generation, with effective electrospinning occurring only for a define intermediate range of high blend ratios while both low and high blended binary solutions resulted in poor fiber production. Our study confirmed that this behavior was independent from absolute polymer concentration, indicating a unique interaction between these binary species which exists only under specific ratio concentrations and indicates promising new avenues to process low molecular weight polymers solutions.

Interfacial property enhancement of carbon fiber/epoxy composites via constructing a gradual modulus interphase with a waterborne bio‐based spiro diacetal epoxy emulsion

AbstractIn this article, to explore the utilization of bio‐based epoxy resin in the preparation of sizing agents for carbon fibers (CFs), a bio‐based epoxy emulsion (S‐P‐S) derived from spiro diacetal epoxy (SDE) resin was prepared and compared to the traditional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) based emulsion (D‐P‐D) and a mixed emulsion of S‐P‐S and D‐P‐D (S‐P‐S&D‐P‐D). The CF sized with S‐P‐S (CF‐(S‐P‐S)) showed improved surface oxygen content (22.86%) and roughness (40.9 nm), enhancing wettability and interfacial bonding between the fiber and the matrix. Nanoindentation test and AFM results showed the enhanced interfacial stiffness and a gradual modulus interphase with a thickness of 381 nm in CF‐(S‐P‐S) reinforced epoxy resin composite (CF‐(S‐P‐S)/EP). Therefore, the resulting CF‐(S‐P‐S)/EP composite possesses the best mechanical properties, with the transverse fiber bundle tensile (TFBT) strength of 27.3 ± 1.45 MPa and the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of 85.6 ± 8.26 MPa. These results highlight the potential of the SDE‐based emulsion (S‐P‐S) to enhance the interfacial properties and mechanical performance of CF/EP composite, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum‐based epoxy resins.Highlights Emulsion (S‐P‐S) was prepared using spiro diacetal epoxy (SDE) for carbon fiber sizing. Properties of S‐P‐S sized CF (CF‐(S‐P‐S)) and its composite were evaluated. Spiro diacetal structure created a gradual modulus interphase in CF‐(S‐P‐S)/EP. The interfacial properties of the CF‐(S‐P‐S)/EP composite were greatly improved. Bio‐based SDE resin showed promise for optimizing carbon fiber composite interphase.

Effects of maternal inflammation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring pigs.

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of mid-gestational maternal inflammation on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring. Pregnant gilts were administered either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n=7) or saline (CON, n=7) from d 70-84 of gestation. Gilts assigned to the LPS treatment were administered an intravenous injection of reconstituted LPS every other day with a beginning does of 10 μg LPS/kg BW and subsequent doses increasing by 12%, while CON gilts received intravenous injections of comparable volumes of saline. Gilts farrowed naturally, and at d 66 of age a total of 59 pigs, both barrows and gilts began a 3-phase feeding regimen designed to meet or exceed nutrient requirements for growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were weighed on d 0, 35, 70, and 105 of the finishing trial to determine ADG, ADFI, and G:F. On d 106, pigs were slaughtered under supervision of the United States department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). Ending live weight (ELW), hot carcass weight (HCW), and dressing percentage were determined. Left side of carcasses were weighed and fabricated to determine carcass cutting yields. The semitendinosus was collected for histological samples. Fresh belly characteristics and loin quality were measured. Two chops were collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and proximate analysis. No differences (P ≥ 0.13) between LPS and CON pigs were observed for growth performance in phases 1, 2, 3, or overall (d 0-105) performance with the exception of overall G:F reduced in CON pigs compared with LPS pigs (P = 0.03). There was a tendency for carcass yield to be reduced (P = 0.06; 0.82% units) in LPS pigs compared with CON pigs. Additionally, longissimus muscle area (LMA) tended to be reduced (P = 0.10) 2.27cm2 in LPS compared with CON pigs. Loin chop quality traits including instrumental color, subjective color, marbling, firmness, pH, and drip loss were not different (P ≥ 0.09) between LPS and CON pigs. Fresh belly characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.22) between LPS and CON pigs. There were no differences in primal and subprimal weights, except for LPS pigs tended to have a reduction (P ≥ 0.07) in tenderloin and Canadian back weights compared with CON pigs. Furthermore, LPS pigs had no differences (P ≥ 0.25) in muscle fiber composition or size, however LPS pigs tended (P = 0.10) to have a 13% reduction in estimated muscle fibers number compared with CON pigs. In summary, mid gestational inflammation did not result in reduced meat quality, growth performance, or carcass yields of offspring.

Study on the Effects of Pasture Fiber on Thermal Properties of Slag Bricks.

In the context of ecological sustainability, this study focuses on the effect of variables of pasture fibers on the thermal properties of slag bricks made from a green recyclable material. This experiment uses slag as the binder, sand as the aggregate, and pasture fiber as an additive. The experimental variables include the additive content ratio of the pasture fiber, the size of the pasture fiber, and the type of pasture fiber. Significance analysis of the experimental results of the thermal performance tests is carried out using Minitab 18.1.0 software, and the optimal ratios for the thermal performance of the composite samples are derived from the response optimizer and conformity analysis. The results of the experiment's test analysis using Minitab 18 software indicate that, with an increase in pasture fiber content, the thermal performance of the composite samples initially decreases before increasing. Additionally, the lower the thermal conductivity of the composite sample, the lower the apparent density and the higher the porosity. Incorporating pasture fibers into slag bricks, as revealed in this study, reduces the waste of pasture resources in pastoral areas and promotes the development of sustainable building materials with favorable thermal properties.

Effect of castration method on porcine skeletal muscle fiber traits and transcriptome profiles

This study examined the effects of immunocastration and surgical castration on the histomorphometric and transcriptome traits of the porcine skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that the differences in duration of androgen deprivation resulting from different castration methods influence skeletal muscle biology in a muscle-specific manner. This was tested by analyzing samples of m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. semispinalis capitis (SSC) from immunocastrated (IC; n = 12), entire male (EM; n = 12), and surgically castrated (SC; n = 12) pigs using enzyme/immunohistochemical classification and histomorphometric analysis of myofibers, quantitative PCR, and RNA sequencing. The results confirmed the distinctive histomorphometric profiles of LD and SSC and the castration method related muscle-specific effects at the histomorphometric and transcriptome levels. Long-term androgen deficiency (surgical castration) significantly reduced the proportion of fast-twitch type IIa myofibers in LD (P<0.05), whereas short-term androgen deprivation (immunocastration) reduced the cross-sectional area of oxidative type I myofibers in SSC (P<0.05). At the transcriptional level, glycolytic LD adapted to long- and short-term androgen deprivation by upregulating genes controlling myoblast proliferation and differentiation to maintain fiber size. In contrast, increased protein degradation through the ubiquitin ligase-mediated atrophy pathway (significantly increased TRIM63 and FBXO32 expression; P<0.05) could underly reduced cross-sectional area of type I myofibers in the oxidative SSC in IC. Potential candidate genes (HK2, ARID5B, SERPINE1, and SCD) linked to specific metabolic profiles and meat quality traits were also identified in IC, providing a foundation for studying the effects of immunocastration on skeletal muscle fiber and carcass/meat quality traits.

Muscle Fibrosis, NF-κB, and TGF-β Are Differentially Altered in Two Models of Paralysis (Botox Versus Neurectomy).

Objective: Volumetric muscle loss results in intramuscular axotomy, denervating muscle distal to the injury and leading to paralysis, denervation, and loss of muscle function. Once the nerve is damaged, paralyzed skeletal muscle will atrophy and accumulate noncontractile connective tissue. The objective of this study was to determine differences in connective tissue, atrophy, and inflammatory signaling between two paralysis models, botulinum toxin (Botox), which blocks acetylcholine transmission while keeping nerves intact, and neurectomy, which eliminates all nerve-to-muscle signaling. Approach: Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized and received a sciatic-femoral neurectomy (SFN), Botox-induced muscle paralysis of the proximal femur muscles, quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, and calf muscles (BTX), or sham. Muscle force was measured 52 days postsurgery, and samples were collected for histology, protein, and mRNA assays. Results: SFN and BTX decreased twitch and tetanic force, decreased fiber size by twofold, and increased myogenic expression compared with controls. SFN increased the levels of all major extracellular matrix proteins correlating with fibrosis [e.g., laminin, fibronectin, and collagen type(s) I, III, VI]. SFN also increased profibrotic and proinflammatory mRNA compared with BTX and controls. Innovation: SFN and BTX were similar in gross morphology and functional deficiencies. However, SFN exhibited a higher amount of fibrosis in histological sections and immunoblotting. The present study shows evidence that nerve signaling changes NF-κB and TGF-β signaling, warranting future studies to determine the mechanisms involved. Conclusion: These data indicate that nerve signaling may influence fibrogenesis following denervation, but the mechanisms involved may differ as a function of the method of paralysis.

Extraction of micro fibrous cellulose from coconut husk by using chlorine free process: Potential utilization application as a filter aid

Cellulose is one of the most important linear, hydrophobic biopolymers built-up of several units of d-glucopyranose unite through beta-1,4-Glycosidic linkage. Due to these structural features, porous nature, swelling property and strength, cellulose has many industrial and biomedical applications. In this work, we have effectively isolated micro fibrous cellulose from waste coconut husk after removing lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities by repeated water washings, mechanical, alkali (NaOH) and chlorine free green hydrogen peroxide bleaching. This process provides about 42% w/w white to off white soft micro fibrous long and individual cylindrical rod-like microfibril having fiber size of ∼ 14 µm. The extracted micro fibrous cellulose was evaluated for structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties by using FTIR, SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, and DSC. The swelling capacity of extracted micro fibrous cellulose was investigated at different pH for different contact hours. The maximum percentage swelling capacity (PSC) (991.7%) was observed in 6 h at pH 9.4 which is comparable to PSC obtained (975%) at pH 7.4 in 24 h. The property of porous nature, and high surface area, enable it to use as an eco-friendly filter aid for effective removal of colored impurities from different chemicals and pharmaceutical substances, ensuring high quality purified material.

Inula helenium extract and lidocaine-loaded electrospun wound dressings for managing skin wounds pain and their healing: An in vitro and in vivo study.

The skin injuries pose a substantial public health challenge, not only due to their physical trauma but also the accompanying pain and complexities in wound healing. In the current research, Inula helenium extract and lidocaine were loaded into electrospun PVA/calcium alginate nanofibers to promote skin wounds healing and alleviate the resulting pain. Various in vitro experiments were utilized to characterize these dressings. Wound healing potential of these constructs and their analgesic effects were studied in a rat model of skin wounds. Our developed scaffolds released the loaded drugs in a slow manner and showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Fiber size measurement showed that drug-loaded and drug-free scaffolds had around 418.025 ± 140.11nm and 505.51 ± 93.29nm mean fiber size, respectively. Bacterial penetration assay confirmed that drug-loaded scaffolds reduced bacterial infiltration through the matrices. Wound healing study showed that on day 14th, the dressings loaded with inula helenium extract and lidocaine could close the wounds up to 91.26 ± 5.93%. In addition, these scaffolds significantly reduced the animals pain sensitivity. ELISA assay results implied that these dressings modulated inflammation and reduced tissue's oxidative stress.

Association analysis of indel variants and gene expression identifies MDM4 as a novel locus for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and power athlete status.

Insertions and deletions (indels) are the second most common type of variation in the human genome. However, limited data on their associations with exercise-related phenotypes have been documented. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between 18,370 indel variants and power athlete status, followed by additional studies in 357,246 individuals. In the discovery phase, the D allele of the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was over-represented in power athletes compared with control subjects (P=7.8×10-9) and endurance athletes (P=0.0012). These findings were replicated in independent cohorts, showing a higher D allele frequency in power athletes compared with control subjects (P=0.016) and endurance athletes (P=0.031). Furthermore, the D allele was positively associated (P=0.0013) with greater fat-free mass in the UK Biobank. MDM4 encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of p53, which induces muscle fibre atrophy. Accordingly, we found that MDM4 expression was significantly higher in the vastus lateralis of power athletes compared with endurance athletes (P=0.0009) and was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres (P=0.0062) and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres (P=0.0086). The association between MDM4 gene expression and an increased proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres was confirmed in two additional cohorts. Finally, we found that the MDM4 DD genotype was associated with increased MDM4 gene expression in vastus lateralis and greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. In conclusion, MDM4 is suggested to be a potential regulator of muscle fibre specification and size, with its indel variant being associated with power athlete status. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Which indel variants are functional and associated with sport- and exercise-related traits? What is the main finding and its importance? Out of 18,370 tested indels, the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was found to be the functional variant (affecting gene expression) and the most significant, with the deletion allele showing associations with power athlete status, fat-free mass and cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. Furthermore, the expression of MDM4 was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres.

Empowering PLA Bioplastics: Elevating applications horizon through groundbreaking Eco-Innovative Fibrillation, chain Extension, and crosslinking techniques

This comprehensive study introduces pioneering techniques in the toughening of polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrils, leveraging two distinct crosslinking methods to significantly enhance the material’s mechanical performance. Method 1 employs a silane/moisture crosslinking process, whereas Method 2 utilizes a tailored diisocyanate crosslinking approach, offering a more environmentally sustainable alternative. Molecular structural analysis was performed extensively by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), rheological assessments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Method 2 not only preserves TPU nanofibrils but also elevates the mechanical properties of PLA-TPU composites beyond the capabilities of Method 1. Notably, by leveraging the simultaneous crosslinking of TPU and chain extension of PLA with the tailored diisocyanate approach, we enhance PLA’s mechanical properties and energy absorption capabilities. These advancements are achieved without a high rubber content, which typically compromises strength/stiffness, thermomechanical stability, crystallization, and transparency of PLA. The resulting composites prepared via Method 2 display remarkable increases in tensile toughness, ranging from 30-60 MPa, and impact strength, achieving a span of 60–140 J/m. This is primarily due to the occurrence of a brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) at only 3 wt% nanofibril TPU content while maintaining a high PLA modulus of 3 GPa. This critical balance between chain-extending and crosslinking reactions ensures the maintenance of PLA’s inherent strength/stiffness, crystallization, and optical clarity. The research presented here marks a significant shift in the development of tougher, more thermally stable, transparent, and sustainable polymer blends and composites. Method 2, with its tailored fiber size reduction (90–280 nm), and environmental consciousness, broadens the horizon of PLA’s applications.

One Year of Heavy Resistance Training Modifies Muscle Fiber Characteristics in the Elderly.

Physical function declines with age, accelerating during the 6th decade of life, primarily due to loss in muscle mass and strength. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of one year of heavy resistance training in older adults (62-70 years) on muscle mass and strength. Further, we investigated muscle characteristics after the intervention by obtaining muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis to compare muscle fiber characteristics between the heavy resistance training (HRT) (n=10) and the sedentary control group (CON) (n=10). We found that one year of resistance training increased isometric muscle strength (p<0.0001, ES: 2.43 (Hedges' g)) and lean body mass (p<0.05, ES: 0.96), whereas cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis and lean leg mass were unaltered. At year 1, the percentage of type IIX muscle fibers was lower in HRT compared to CON (p<0.05, ES: 0.99), whereas the muscle fiber size did not differ between groups for the major fiber types (I and II). In conclusion, one year of resistance training in elderly improved muscle strength and lean body mass but not cross-sectional area and lean leg mass. This indicates that the increase in muscle strength may be caused by neuromuscular adaptations rather than morphological muscle tissue changes per se.

Does sex matter in the cheetah? Insights into the skeletal muscle of the fastest land animal.

The cheetah is considered the fastest land animal, but studies on their skeletal muscle properties are scarce. Vastus lateralis biopsies, obtained from male and female cheetahs as well as humans, were analysed and compared for fibre type and size, and metabolism. Overall, cheetah muscle had predominantly type IIX fibres, which was confirmed by the myosin heavy chain isoform content (mean±s.d. type I: 17±8%, type IIA: 21±6%, type IIX: 62±12%), whereas human muscle contained predominantly type I and IIA fibres (type I: 49±14%, type IIA: 43±8%, type IIX: 7±7%). Cheetahs had smaller fibres than humans, with larger fibres in the males compared with their female counterparts. Citrate synthase (16±6 versus 28±7 µmolmin-1g-1 protein, P<0.05) and 3-hydroxyacyl co-enzyme A dehydrogenase (30±11 versus 47±15 µmolmin-1g-1 protein, P<0.05) activities were lower in cheetahs than in humans, whereas lactate dehydrogenase activity was 6 times higher in cheetahs (2159±827 versus 382±161 µmolmin-1g-1 protein, P<0.001). The activities of creatine kinase (4765±1828 versus 6485±1298, P<0.05 µmolmin-1g-1 protein) and phosphorylase (111±29 versus 216±92 µmolmin-1g-1 protein) were higher in humans, irrespective of the higher type IIX fibres in cheetahs. Superoxide dismutase and catalase, markers of antioxidant capacity, were higher in humans, but overall antioxidant capacity was higher in cheetahs. To conclude, fibre type, fibre size and metabolism differ between cheetahs and humans, with limited differences between the sexes.

Identification of Genomic Predictors of Muscle Fiber Size.

The greater muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is associated with greater skeletal muscle mass and strength, whereas muscle fiber atrophy is considered a major feature of sarcopenia. Muscle fiber size is a polygenic trait influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, the genetic variants underlying inter-individual differences in muscle fiber size remain largely unknown. The aim of our study was to determine whether 1535 genetic variants previously identified in a genome-wide association study of appendicular lean mass are associated with the CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which better predict muscle strength) in the m. vastus lateralis of 148 physically active individuals (19 power-trained and 28 endurance-trained females, age 28.0 ± 1.1; 28 power-trained and 73 endurance-trained males, age 31.1 ± 0.8). Fifty-seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as having an association with muscle fiber size (p < 0.05). Of these 57 SNPs, 31 variants were also associated with handgrip strength in the UK Biobank cohort (n = 359,729). Furthermore, using East Asian and East European athletic (n = 731) and non-athletic (n = 515) cohorts, we identified 16 SNPs associated with athlete statuses (sprinter, wrestler, strength, and speed-strength athlete) and weightlifting performance. All SNPs had the same direction of association, i.e., the lean mass-increasing allele was positively associated with the CSA of muscle fibers, handgrip strength, weightlifting performance, and power athlete status. In conclusion, we identified 57 genetic variants associated with both appendicular lean mass and fast-twitch muscle fiber size of m. vastus lateralis that may, in part, contribute to a greater predisposition to power sports.

Towards greener wind power: Nanodiamond-treated flax fiber composites outperform standard glass fiber composites in impact fatigue tests

Wind energy is facing two major problems, recyclability of wind turbine blades, primarily made from fiberglass, and rain erosion on the blade’s leading edges. Here, we show that flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites have less impact fatigue damage than glass fiber (GF) composites made with the same resin. The novel treatment of flax with non-toxic nanodiamonds even boosts its outstanding performance. Nanodiamond-treated flax fiber (FFND) composites exhibit a damage incubation period up to 17 times as long as GF composites and have at least 74% less mass loss. This is connected to lower initial impact pressure, less shock wave reflections and better impact absorption of flax composites. The nanodiamonds act as fiber sizing, strengthening the fibers and their matrix interface. This delays fracturing and results in less erosion, making the biodegradable FFND a promising replacement for GF towards a fabrication of more sustainable and longer lasting wind turbine blades.

Is Bigger Better? Comparison of 150 µm and 200 µm Thulium Fiber for In Situ Lower-Pole Lithotripsy.

Introduction: The thulium fiber laser (TFL) generates a focused beam, which can be transmitted to laser fibers with small core diameters and may facilitate in situ lower-pole lithotripsy. This study compares lithotripsy performance of the 150 and 200 µm TFL in a lower pole benchtop kidney model. Materials and Methods: Using a 3D model printed from an actual kidney, in situ laser lithotripsy was performed on 1 cm lower-pole BegoStones (calcium oxalate monohydrate consistency) using four different settings (all 20W) and two fiber sizes (150 and 200 µm). Procedure time, laser time, total pulse energy, and fiber stripping were compared between the two fibers using an ANOVA or independent t-test. Results: The 150 µm fiber at 0.2 J × 100 Hz had the shortest lasing and procedure time (17.3 and 18.5 minutes) and lowest total pulse energy (20.75 kJ) compared with other study arms (p < 0.001). Overall procedure time, lasing time, and total pulse energy were significantly different between the 8 settings (p < 0.001 for all). At higher frequency (100 and 200 Hz), lasing time was significantly faster compared with 20 and 50 Hz (19.9 vs 27.3 minutes; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the average total procedure time was shorter with 150 µm compared with 200 µm regardless of settings (23.2 vs 29.8 minutes; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The 150 µm fiber results in shorter procedure and lasing time at lower total energy levels during lower-pole in situ lithotripsy. Overall, the fastest setting was 0.2 J and 100 Hz with the 150 µm fiber. Smaller laser fibers can potentially allow more efficient in situ laser lithotripsy with better irrigation and visibility at higher deflection angles.

Morpho-Functional Analyses Demonstrate That Tyrosol Rescues Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy.

Prolonged exposure to high dosages of dexamethasone, which is a synthetic glucocorticoid and a well-known anti-inflammatory drug, may lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species production, contributing to muscle wasting. The prevention of muscle atrophy by ingestion of functional foods is an attractive issue. In the last decade, natural antioxidant compounds have been increasingly investigated as promising molecules able to counteract oxidative-stress-induced muscle atrophy. Recently, we have demonstrated the antioxidant properties of two main olive oil polyphenols also known for their anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities in different cell models. Here, the preventive effect of tyrosol on dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy has been investigated by means of morpho-functional approaches in C2C12 myotubes. Dexamethasone-treated cells showed a reduced fiber size when compared to control ones. While long and confluent myotubes could be observed in control samples, those exposed to dexamethasone appeared as immature syncytia. Dysfunctional mitochondria and the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles contributed to myotube degeneration and death. Tyrosol administration before glucocorticoid treatment prevented muscle wasting and rescued mitochondrial and lysosomal functionality. These findings demonstrate that tyrosol attenuates dexamethasone-induced myotube damage, and encourage the use of this natural molecule in preclinical and clinical studies and in synergy with other functional foods or physical activity with the aim to prevent muscle atrophy.