Low Stiffness Research Articles

Elastin recoil is driven by the hydrophobic effect

Elastin is an extracellular matrix material found in all vertebrates. Its reversible elasticity, robustness, and low stiffness are essential for the function of arteries, lungs, and skin. It is among the most resilient elastic materials known: During a human lifetime, arterial elastin undergoes in excess of 2 × 109 stretching/contracting cycles without replacement, and slow oxidative hardening has been identified as a limiting factor on human lifespan. For over 50 y, the mechanism of entropic recoil has been controversial. Herein, we report a combined NMR and thermomechanical study that establishes the hydrophobic effect as the primary driver of elastin function. Water ordering at the solvent:protein interface was observed as a function of stretch using double quantum 2H NMR, and the most extensive thermodynamic analysis performed to date was obtained by measuring elastin length and volume as a function of force and temperature in normal water, heavy water and with cosolvents. When stretched, elastin's heat capacity increases, water is ordered proportional to the degree of stretching, the internal energy decreases, and heat is released in excess of the work performed. These properties show that recoil in elastin under physiological conditions is primarily driven by the hydrophobic effect rather than by configurational entropy as is the case for rubber. Consistent with this conclusion are decreases in the thermodynamic signatures when cosolvents that alter the hydrophobic effect are introduced. We propose that hydrophobic effect-driven recoil, as opposed to a configurational entropy mechanism where hardening from crystallization can occur, is the origin of elastin's unusual resilience.

Targeting Bacterial Nanocellulose Properties through Tailored Downstream Techniques.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biodegradable polysaccharide with unique properties that make it an attractive material for various industrial applications. This study focuses on the strain Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488, a strain with the ability to produce high yields of BNC under acidic growth conditions and a promising candidate to use for industrial production of BNC. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the effects of downstream treatments on the structural and mechanical characteristics of BNC. When compared to alkaline-treated BNC, autoclave-treated BNC exhibited around 78% superior flexibility in average, while it displayed nearly 40% lower stiffness on average. An SEM analysis revealed distinct surface characteristics, indicating differences in cellulose chain compaction. FTIR spectra demonstrated increased hydrogen bonding with prolonged interaction time with alkaline solutions. A thermal analysis showed enhanced thermal stability in alkaline-treated BNC, withstanding temperatures of nearly 300 °C before commencing degradation, compared to autoclaved BNC which starts degradation around 200 °C. These findings provide valuable insights for tailoring BNC properties for specific applications, particularly in industries requiring high purity and specific mechanical characteristics.

Acute Effects of Countermovement Jumps with Post-activation Potentiation Utilizing Additional Elastic Resistance during Eccentric Stretching Phase

<p>目的：本研究欲探究下蹲階段輔以彈性阻力之反向跳預先活動，對於6分鐘恢復時間後之跳躍表現的活化後增益效應。方法：本研究招募11名國立大學體育相關科系男性學生為受試對象，施以2循環、每循環5次的反向跳預先活動，且於下蹲制動階段介入外加彈性阻力，阻力強度分為0% BW、15% BW、30% BW三種情境，並於預先活動介入前與介入後第6分鐘後進行前測與後測。以兩塊測力板擷取前測與後測之反向跳過程中垂直地面反作用力值與時間，並計算發力率、跳躍高度、修正式反應力量指標以及下肢勁度。以相依樣本 t-test 進行統計檢驗，統計水準訂為 α = .05，比較前測與後測的下肢動態力量特徵之參數是否有差異。結果：本研究結果顯示，三種介入模式皆顯著提升反向跳制動末點力值 (p < .05)。15% BW與30% BW的介入模式顯著提升制動期與推蹬期發力率 (p < .05)。30 % BW的介入模式顯著提升反向跳下肢勁度、修正式反應力量指標，並縮短制動期時間 (p < .05)。結論：本研究之介入應有助於增進牽張反射機制之效益，尤其是在離心制動階段的肌力特徵表現上，因此，建議在進行具備牽張反射機制之動作執行前，可透過反向跳下蹲階段輔以30% BW彈性阻力進行下肢動態肌力活化之預先活動，以助於後續之運動表現。</p> <p> </p><p>Purpose: The current study aimed at exploring the immediate effect of pre-activities of countermovement jumps, with elastic resistance and 6 minutes of recovery time, on post-activation potentiation during squatting phase. Method: Eleven male college students recruited from the Physical Education department at National Dong Hwa University were asked to perform pre-activities of countermovement jumps (2 cycles, 5 repetitions for each cycle), with elastic resistances (0% BW, 15% BW, and 30% BW) during the squatting phase, followed by pre-tests and post-tests before and after six minutes of recovery time. Two AMTI force plates were used to collect data on vertical ground reaction force and time during countermovement jumps for pre- and post-tests. Rate of force development, jump heights, reactive strength index modified, and lower extremity stiffness were calculated accordingly. Dependent sample t-test was conducted (α=.05) to determine if there were significant differences in the parameters related to lower extremity dynamic strength between the pre- and post-tests. Results: Pre-activities with all three interventions significantly increased the ground reaction forces during the breaking phase (p < .05). Pre-activities with elastic resistances of 15% and 30% BW significantly elevated the rates of force development during the breaking and propulsive phases (p < .05). Pre-activities with 30% BW elastic resistance significantly led to increased lower extremity stiffness, reactive strength index modified, and decreased breaking time (p < .05). Conclusion: The added elastic resistance enhanced the benefits of stretch reflex mechanism, especially the muscle strength characteristics during the eccentric breaking phase. Based on our finding, countermovement jumps with pre-activity with elastic resistance of 30% BW is recommended prior to performing movements concerning stretch reflex mechanism.</p> <p> </p>

Probing Tissue Viscoelasticity With STL Ultrasound Shearwave Spectroscopy Using Cole-Cole Diagrams.

Viscoelasticity is mapped by dispersion in shearwave elastography. Incomplete spectral information of shearwaves is therefore used to estimate mechanical stiffness. We propose capturing the "full-waveform-information" of the shear wave spectra to better resolve complex shear modulus μ* (ω). Approach is validated on phantom models, animal tissues, and feasibility demonstrated on human post-delivery placenta. We captured robust estimates of μ* in ex-vivo livers subjected to water bath ablation, glutaraldehyde exposure and in the placenta. Complex modulus at 200 Hz is more reflective of tissue stiffness than cross-correlation estimate. Bias increased in phantoms with higher gelatin (G) (0.65: 6% G) and oil (O) (0.58: 6% G and 40% O) concentration, compared to elastic phantoms with low stiffness (0.33: 3% G). Actual tissues also reported higher bias in cross-correlation estimate (rabbit liver: 0.61, porcine liver: 2.20, and human placenta: 0.63). Stiffness is sensitive to ablation temperature, where the overall modulus changed from 3.02 KPa at 16 °C to 2.75 KPa at 56 °C in water bath. With exposure to Glutaraldehyde, the overall modulus increased from 2.37 to 9.03 KPa. Reconstruction errors in the loss modulus decreased by 68% with the power law compared to a Maxwell model in porcine livers with Cole-Cole inverse fitting. Omitting Shear wave attenuation leads to bias. Reconstruction of rheological response with a model is sensitive to its architecture and also the framework. We use "full spectral information" in ultrasound shear wave elastography to better map μ*(ω) changes in viscoelastic tissues.

Experimental investigation of wave induced flapping foil for marine propulsion: Heave and pitch stiffness effect

The submerged hydrofoil has the capability to harness wave energy and convert it into thrust to work with the ship's power system. The current series of experiments investigated the interaction of a passive submerged hydrofoil with regular waves through a comparison of the generated horizontal forces. Springs provide the restoring force for the hydrofoil's heave/pitch motion, corresponding to heave spring and pitch spring. Maintaining a constant heave spring stiffness (490 N/m), subsequent statistical analysis summarized the force trends at different pitch stiffnesses (16–300 N/m) and suggested an optimal pitch spring stiffness in regular waves. A pulse-shaped force signal was observed and explained as a result of low pitch stiffness. Experiments with different spring setups revealed that the heave spring contributes to the harmonic force generated by the fully passive foil. Additionally, by varying wave conditions with limited wave amplitudes and frequencies, tests reproduced the variation of force signals over time and assessed their dependence on wave parameters.

Plastic deformation effect on contact behaviour in granular materials

Contact tests on machined and natural granite showed that extensive plastic deformation which extends to the core shape is happening before the cross-over from the behaviour of an elastic rough surface to the Hertzian behaviour of an elastic smooth contact when all asperities have yielded in the surface. The plastic deformation, which was found to take place when the estimated maximum stresses at the contact reaches about 0.6 of the material hardness, affects the behaviour during normal loading as the material will start to deform at constant stiffness after reaching these stresses. The plastic deformation during lateral loading also affects the applicability of lateral loading models. The data yielded a much lower lateral stiffness which is around one order of magnitude less than that predicted by the available contact models.

Fracturing and Dome‐Shaped Surface Displacements Above Laccolith Intrusions: Insights From Discrete Element Method Modeling

AbstractInflation of viscous magma intrusions in Earth's shallow crust often induces strain and fracturing within heterogeneous host rocks and dome‐shaped ground deformation. Most geodetic models nevertheless consider homogeneous, isotropic, and linear‐elastic media wherein stress patterns indicate the potential for failure, but without simulating actual fracturing. We present a two‐dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) application to simulate magma recharge in a pre‐existing laccolith intrusion. In DEM models, fractures can propagate during simulations. We systematically investigate the effect of the host rock toughness (resistance to fracturing), stiffness (resistance to deformation) and the intrusion depth, on intrusion‐induced stress, strain, displacement and spatial fracture distribution. Our results show that the spatial fracture distribution varies between two end‐members: (a) for high stiffness or low toughness host rock or a shallow intrusion: extensive cracking, multiple vertical surface fractures propagating downward and two inward‐dipping highly cracked shear zones that connect the intrusion tip with the surface; and (b) for low stiffness or high toughness host rock or a deeper intrusion: limited cracking, one central vertical fracture initiated at the surface, and two inward‐dipping fractures at the intrusion tips. Abrupt increases in surface displacement magnitude occur in response to fracturing, even at constant magma injection rates. Our modeling application provides a novel approach to considering host rock mechanical strength and fracturing during viscous magma intrusion and associated dome‐shaped ground deformation, with important implications for interpreting geodetic signals at active volcanoes and the exploitation of geothermal reservoirs and mineral deposits.

Sound transmission loss through steel-framed building partitions

Load-bearing steel-stud walls pose a unique acoustical challenge because both the spacing and the mil thickness of the studs can significantly affect the acoustical performance of these walls. A single wall type in a load-bearing steel building may actually include many acoustically distinct walls as the stud spacing and mil thickness change from floor to floor in the building due to the different loads. This can be especially challenging on delegated design projects where the final selection of the steel studs is left to the framing contractor and may not be included in the project documents supplied to the acoustical consultant, if there even is one on the project. In prior ASA presentations, Ben Shafer has clearly documented the effects of steel stud spacing and mil thickness on acoustical performance. This presentation adds to Ben’s prior work by investigating the effects of resilient sound isolation clips on wall performance. Clips are a unique application because the spacing of both the clips, and the hat channels does not change with changing stud spacing and because the low stiffness of the rubber isolators should reduce the effect of stud stiffness. This presentation will present the results of recent lab tests of walls with resilient sound isolation clips and compare the results to the data previously presented by Mr. Shafer.

Enhanced bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects through BMP2 release from engineered poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels

The clinical standard therapy for large bone defects, typically addressed through autograft or allograft donor tissue, faces significant limitations. Tissue engineering offers a promising alternative strategy for the regeneration of substantial bone lesions. In this study, we harnessed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels, optimizing critical parameters including stiffness, incorporation of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) cell adhesion motifs, degradability, and the release of BMP2 to promote bone formation. In vitro we demonstrated that human bone marrow derived stromal cell (hBMSC) proliferation and spreading strongly correlates with hydrogel stiffness and adhesion to RGD peptide motifs. Moreover, the incorporation of the osteogenic growth factor BMP2 into the hydrogels enabled sustained release, effectively inducing bone regeneration in encapsulated progenitor cells. When used in vivo to treat calvarial defects in rats, we showed that hydrogels of low and intermediate stiffness optimally facilitated cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation promoting the efficient repair of bone defects. Our comprehensive in vitro and in vivo findings collectively suggest that the developed hydrogels hold significant promise for clinical translation for bone repair and regeneration by delivering sustained and controlled stimuli from active signaling molecules.

Application study of multidisciplinary collaboration (MDT) integrated management model in perioperative management of patients with infectious nonunion.

To explore the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) integrated intervention model in the perioperative management of patients with infectious nonunion. 80 patients with infectious bone defects treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were selected. They were classified into MDT-integrated perioperative group (study group) and conventional control group according to the different management patterns, with 40 cases each. The incidence of wound infection, pin tract infection, delayed bone healing, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), joint stiffness, and nutritional indicators were compared between the two groups. The rates of wound infection (P = 0.042), pin tract infection of Grade II or above (P = 0.006), delayed bone healing (P = 0.006), DVT (P = 0.033), and joint stiffness (P = 0.023) in the MDT integrated perioperative (study) group were significantly lower than those in the conventional care group (P < 0.05). With the extension of intervention time, the changes in body weight, levels of serum albumin (ALB), pre-albumin (PA), hemoglobin (Hb), and serum sodium (Na) in the study group were higher than those in the conventional care group (P < 0.05). The application of the MDT integrated intervention model in the perioperative period of patients with infectious nonunion is beneficial in reducing the risks of wound infection and pin tract infection of Grade II or above, lowering the incidence rates of lower limb DVT and joint stiffness, and reducing the risk of malnutrition, demonstrating high clinical application value.

Effect of impregnated organophilic (hydrophobic) nano clay on asphalt binder properties and performance

This research paper presents the effects of electrophilic modification on raw nano clay (which is hydrophilic in nature) through wet impregnation method to transform it into hydrophobic nature. The reactivity, adsorption capability, and compatibility of nano clay with hydrocarbon and organic materials are improved by entailing functional group (QAS) on raw nano clay surface. Impact of impregnated organophilic nano clay (hydrophobic) on asphalt binder properties and mixture’s performance are studied. Organophilic(hydrophobic) nano clay with 3–5% content to the weight of the binder were selected after extensive trials for modification of asphalt binder. To analyze the electrophilic changes in organophilic nano clay (ONC) and its bonding chemistry with asphalt binder, FTIR analysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques were utilized. In addition, viscosity, low & high-temperature stiffness, bitumen bond strength, and phase separation were studied in the lab. The effect of organophilic nano clay modified binder on asphalt mixture was also measured by deploying rut resistance, moisture susceptibility& fatigue resistance tests. The study revealed that raw nano clay showed chemical compatibility with asphalt binder after electrophilic modification through wet impregnation method. ONC modified binder had better rheological properties, homogenized composition, and storage stability than hydrophilic nature. Mixtures prepared with ONC showed better resistance to rutting, fatigue, and moisture susceptibility.

Optimizing 3D printed ankle-foot orthoses for patients with stroke: Importance of effective elastic modulus and finite element simulation

Patients with stroke often use ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for gait improvement. 3D printing technology has become a popular tool in recent years for the production of AFOs due to its strengths on customization and rapid manufacturing. However, the porosity of the 3D printed materials affects the kinetic features of these orthoses, leading to its lower-strength than solid ones. The effective elastic modulus of 3D printed material was measured following standard test method to obtain the kinetic features precisely in a finite element simulation. This study demonstrated that the porosity of 3D printed samples using 100% fill density was 11% for PLA and 16% for Nylon. As a result, their effective elastic modulus was reduced to 1/3 and 1/12 of fully solid objects, respectively, leading to a lower stiffness of 3D printed orthoses. A fatigue testing platform was built to verify our finite element model, and the findings of the fatigue test were consistent with the analysis of the finite element model. Further, our AFO has been proven to have a lifespan exceeding 200 thousand steps. Our study highlights the significance of determining the actual porosity of 3D printed samples by calculating the effective elastic modulus, which leads to a more precise finite element simulation and enables reliable prediction of the kinetic features of the AFO. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the production and optimization of 3D printed AFOs for patients with stroke.

Mediating effect of fat mass, lean mass, blood pressure and insulin resistance on the associations of accelerometer-based sedentary time and physical activity with arterial stiffness, carotid IMT and carotid elasticity in 1574 adolescents

This study examined the mediating effect of total body fat mass, lean mass, blood pressure (BP) and insulin resistance on the associations of sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid elasticity in 1574 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort, UK. ST, LPA and MVPA were assessed with ActiGraph accelerometer. ST and LPA were sex-categorised in tertiles as low (reference), moderate and high, while MVPA was categorised as <40 min/day (reference), 40–<60 min/day and ≥60 min/day. cfPWV, cIMT and carotid elasticity were measured with Vicorder and ultrasound. Fat mass and lean mass were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed. Mediation analyses structural equation models and linear mixed-effect models adjusted for cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors were conducted. Among 1574 adolescents [56.2% female; mean (SD) age 15.4 (0.24) years], 41% males and 17% females accumulated ≥60 min/day of MVPA. Higher ST was associated with lower cIMT partly mediated by lean mass. Higher LPA (standardized β = −0.057; [95% CI −0.101 to −0.013; p = 0.014]) and the highest LPA tertile were associated with lower cfPWV. BP had no significant mediating effect movement behaviour relations with vascular indices. Lean mass partially mediated associations of higher MVPA with higher cIMT (0.012; [0.007–0.002; p = 0.001], 25.5% mediation) and higher carotid elasticity (0.025; [0.014–0.039; p = 0.001], 28.1% mediation). HOMA-IR mediated the associations of higher MVPA with higher carotid elasticity (7.7% mediation). Engaging in ≥60 min/day of MVPA was associated with higher carotid elasticity. In conclusion, higher LPA was associated with lower arterial stiffness, but higher MVPA was associated with thicker carotid wall explained by higher lean mass.

Scapular muscle dynamic stiffness of asymptomatic subjects and subjects with chronic shoulder pain, at rest and isometric contraction conditions.

Muscle stiffness had a crucial role in joint stability, particularly, at the shoulder complex. Although changes in upper trapezius muscle stiffness have been described for shoulder pain, contradictory findings have been obtained. Also, existing data regarding scapular muscles are, majorly, about trapezius. Myotonometry is a method used to assess stiffness; however, the reliability values of scapular muscle stiffness through this method have not been assessed in shoulder pain conditions. The present study aims to compare scapular muscles' stiffness (trapezius, serratus anterior, and levator scapulae) between subjects with and without chronic shoulder pain and to evaluate the related test-retest reliability. Twenty-two symptomatic and twenty-two asymptomatic subjects participated in a cross-sectional study. The dynamic muscular stiffness of scapular muscles, at rest and during an isometric contraction, was measured bilaterally with myotonometry, in two moments. The differences in bilateral averaged values between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects and the effect of the group (group presenting pain in the dominant or non-dominant side, and asymptomatic group) and of the limb (unilateral painful or asymptomatic limb, and bilateral asymptomatic limbs) were investigated. Test-retest intra-rater reliability was determined. An effect of the group was observed at rest, for middle trapezius stiffness, and during contraction, for middle and lower trapezius stiffness. For middle trapezius, increased values were observed in the group presenting pain in non-dominant side comparing to both groups or to group presenting pain in dominant side. The intraclass correlation coefficient, majorly, ranged between 0.775 and 0.989. Participants with pain in the non-dominant side presented an increased middle trapezius' stiffness. Globally, high reliability was observed for scapular muscles dynamic stiffness.

Analysis of stress state and crack initiation time around hard-brittle particles in nickel-based alloys by interface model

The finite element method was used to simulate the stress distribution around hard-brittle particles with different particle-matrix interface states in nickel-based alloy with different sample thicknesses under 760 ℃/357 MPa and 980 ℃/250 MPa. The cohesive interface model was used to simulate different particle-matrix interface states. The effects of particle-matrix interface states, geometric characteristics of particles, particle positions in the sample, matrix orientation, and other factors on stress distribution were summarized. Through a thorough analysis of the stress distribution surrounding the particles, the crack initiation time was calculated. The results showed that the maximum stress around the particles was greater when the interface was in completely de-bonded CD state (no binding force between particles and the matrix) compared to the completely bonded CB state (completely coherent between particle and matrix). Furthermore, when the interface was CD, the larger the aspect ratio of the particles, and the closer they were to the surface of the sample, the greater the maximum stress around the particles. When the interface stiffness was reduced (due to mismatch or damage), the stress distribution did not change significantly under high interface stiffness conditions. However, when the interface stiffness decreased to a certain extent, the maximum stress value rapidly increased. In addition, the stress concentration factor began to change when the ratio of sample thickness to particle size (ξ) was less than 5. When the interfacial bonding was weak (with low interface stiffness), the crack initiation time around particles with large aspect ratio decreased significantly with the decrease of interface stiffness. Compared with the condition of 760℃/357 MPa (the same ratio of load to yield strength at 980℃), the crack initiation time around the particle was shorter at 980℃/250 MPa, and the influence of particle geometric features was smaller.

Isogeometric analysis of magneto-electro-elastic functionally graded Mindlin microplates

In this study, an accurate numerical method for the static and dynamic response analysis of magneto-electro-elastic functionally graded (MEEFG) microplates with complex geometries is proposed with the application of isogeometric analysis (IGA). Leveraging Hamilton's principle and the extended modified couple stress theory, the weak form of motion equations is derived. By performing convergence analysis, the accuracy of the proposed numerical method is verified. To show the applicability of the new method, the influences of the microstructure effect and gradient index on the static and dynamic behaviors of both the MEEFG square and elliptical microplates with various boundary conditions are discussed in detail. Results illustrate that the microstructure effect dominated by the couple stress effect has an obvious impact on both the mechanical and electromagnetic behavior of structures with microscopic scales which will cause hardening of microstructural stiffness, whereas the macrostructures are minimally affected by the couple stress effect. Besides, microstructures with lower stiffness exhibit a more pronounced microstructure effect and a greater degree of stiffness hardening. The proposed IGA method could serve as a basis for the design and optimization of microelectromechanical devices with complex shapes.

Study on stiffness matching strategy of longitudinal sleeper and fastener to reduce tunnel wall vibration

With the increase of the running time of the subway system, long-term use will lead to the reduction of damping, the change of the operating state of the wheels and the track, and the effect of vibration damping measures will gradually weaken. In order to maintain a low level of environmental vibration in vibration sensitive areas, the reconstruction of some existing lines with high level vibration is imminent. In order to solve this problem, this paper focuses on the reconstruction of the existing line of longitudinal sleeper track, which is commonly used in the middle and high level vibration reduction measure in the subway. Because of the high cost of reconstruction of the slab and its lower part, this paper tries to realize the reconstruction of the existing longitudinal sleeper track by changing the fastener system. In this paper, the environmental vibration prediction model of longitudinal sleeper track is established by using the theory of infinite long period structure and the 2.5-dimensional finite element and boundary element (2.5D FE-BE) environmental vibration prediction model. The validity of the numerical model is determined by comparing the field experiment with the numerical simulation. On the basis of the above, the stiffness matching of longitudinal sleeper and fastener is explored by using the verified numerical model. The reasons for the poor vibration reduction effect of the existing longitudinal sleeper matching floating rail fastener (low stiffness) are analyzed. And the matching strategy of the supporting stiffness for vibration reduction of longitudinal sleeper and fastener are summarized.

In vivo measurement of the biomechanical properties of human skin with motion-corrected Brillouin microscopy.

Biomechanical testing of human skin in vivo is important to study the aging process and pathological conditions such as skin cancer. Brillouin microscopy allows the all-optical, non-contact visualization of the mechanical properties of cells and tissues over space. Here, we use the combination of Brillouin microscopy and optical coherence tomography for motion-corrected, depth-resolved biomechanical testing of human skin in vivo. We obtained two peaks in the Brillouin spectra for the epidermis, the first at 7 GHz and the second near 9-10 GHz. The experimentally measured Brillouin frequency shift of the dermis is lower compared to the epidermis and is 6.8 GHz, indicating the lower stiffness of the dermis.

Evaluation of tendon and ligament microstructure and mechanical properties in a canine model of mucopolysaccharidosis I.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by deficient alpha-l-iduronidase activity, leading to abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cells and tissues. Synovial joint disease is prevalent and significantly reduces patient quality of life. There is a strong clinical need for improved treatment approaches that specifically target joint tissues; however, their development is hampered by poor understanding of underlying disease pathophysiology, including how pathological changes to component tissues contribute to overall joint dysfunction. Ligaments and tendons, in particular, have received very little attention, despite the critical roles of these tissues in joint stability and biomechanical function. The goal of this study was to leverage the naturally canine model to undertake functional and structural assessments of the anterior (cranial) cruciate ligament (CCL) and Achilles tendon in MPS I. Tissues were obtained postmortem from 12-month-old MPS I and control dogs and tested to failure in uniaxial tension. Both CCLs and Achilles tendons from MPS I animals exhibited significantly lower stiffness and failure properties compared to those from healthy controls. Histological examination revealed multiple pathological abnormalities, including collagen fiber disorganization, increased cellularity and vascularity, and elevated GAG content in both tissues. Clinically, animals exhibited mobility deficits, including abnormal gait, which was associated with hyperextensibility of the stifle and hock joints. These findings demonstrate that pathological changes to both ligaments and tendons contribute to abnormal joint function in MPS I, and suggest that effective clinical management of joint disease in patients should incorporate treatments targeting these tissues.

Lower left atrial function in young individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy controls: an echocardiographic study

In adulthood, individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus may develop a condition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, subclinical changes to the heart in diabetes are likely to occur prior to the clinical presentation. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare left atrial function by echocardiography between 43 individuals with type 1 diabetes and 43 healthy controls, aged 10–30 years. All participants underwent echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking measurements for left atrial phase function parameters. Physical capacity was assessed by exercise test on a bicycle. Results showed that participants with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower left atrial function parameters than healthy controls (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between HbA1c means and reservoir and conduit strain (p < 0.05) and individuals with BMI < 30 showed a lower left atrial stiffness (p < 0.05). Individuals with type 1 diabetes and a higher physical capacity did not differ from their healthy peers. Results indicate that lower HbA1c levels, BMI < 30 and a higher physical capacity are favourable in terms of left atrial function in children and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Left atrial strain by echocardiography might become a new important tool in assessing heart function in T1DM.