Muscular Body Research Articles

Relative Strength, but Not Absolute Muscle Strength, Is Higher in Exercising Compared to Non-Exercising Older Women.

Exercise has been suggested for older adults. However, there is no consensus whether exercising older adults present better strength levels and body composition indexes compared with inactive counterparts. Our aim was to compare absolute and relative isokinetic muscular knee strength and body composition between exercising and non-exercising older women. Exercising (n = 20) and non-exercising (n = 21) groups were evaluated for body mass index (BMI), body composition, and isokinetic muscular knee strength. BMI (p = 0.005), total body mass (p = 0.01), fat mass (p = 0.01), and fat mass percentage (p = 0.01) were higher in non-exercising women, and the lean mass percentage was lower in the non-exercising group (p = 0.01). Isokinetic extensor and flexor knee muscle strength for dominant limbs presented higher peak torque values when corrected for total body mass (Nm·kg−1) in the exercising group (p < 0.05). Exercising older women presented better body composition and higher strength relative to total body mass, but not maximum absolute strength.

Aquatic Heterosexual Love and Wondrous Cliché Stereotypes: Amphibian Masculinity, the Beast Bridegroom Motif and ‘the Other’ in The Shape of Water.

This paper addresses the representation of masculinities in the award-winning romantic fantasy film The Shape of Water (2017). The study examines how The Shape of Water communicates with other texts and myths portraying aquatic entities such as Gill Man from The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and how the movie is tied to the folkloric tradition of monstrous love interest. Further, the text investigates how otherness is portrayed and constructed through the different representations in the movie. The paper concludes that the film’s diverse characters create a superficial appearance of an understanding for marginalised subjects. The Shape of Water is a classic beast bridegroom fairy tale with stagnated representations of feminine and masculine ideals that turn ‘the other’ into an instrument of self-realisation for a white subject. Moreover, the Amphibian Man is differentiated from his aquatic female counterparts through traditional masculine attributes such as a muscular body type, a reptilian appearance and being two-legged instead of having a fishtail.

TRANSFER OF THE RADIAL NERVE BRANCHES FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE ANTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE LESION: AN ANATOMICAL STUDY.

ABSTRACTObjective:This anatomical study aimed to analyze the possibility of transferring the radial nerve branches destined to the brachioradialis (BR), extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), and supinator (SM) muscles to innervate the AIN.Methods:Ten limbs from five male cadavers were prepared by intra-arterial injection of a solution of 10% glycerol and formalin.Results:The presence of only one branch to the BR muscle was noted in 7 limbs and two branches were noted in three limbs. In two members of a common trunk with branch to the ECRL. In eight cases, we identified one branch for the ERLC and two branches in two cases. We identified only one branch for the ECRB, while in six limbs, two branches were noted, penetrating the muscular body at two different points. We identified at least two branches innervating the supinator muscle. The AIN was detached from the median nerve distal to the intercondylar line of the humerus. In seven limbs, it originated from the nervous fascicles of the posterior region of the median nerve and from the posterolateral fascicles in three limbs. The flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles received more than one branch of the AIN in all limbs.Conclusion:The radial nerve branches for the ECRL, ECRB, and supinator muscles can be transferred directly to the AIN or to one of its branches after intraneural dissection, without tension even in elbow movements. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

Psychosocial factors underlying symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in a non-clinical sample of men

Muscle dysmorphia is primarily characterized by an excessive preoccupation that one's body is not muscular or lean enough. Muscle dysmorphia has shown clinical similarities with eating disorders. The present study aims to explore the psychosocial factors underlying muscle dysmorphia symptoms by referring to Stice's dual pathway model (1994), a theoretical model of eating disorders. Three hundred and eighty-six men were recruited to complete an online survey including questionnaires assessing social pressures to reach a muscular body and internalization of the muscular body, drive for muscularity, muscular-enhancing behaviors, negative affect, narcissistic traits, and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia. Path analyses showed that the original model has a good fit, without, however, confirming a significant relationship between the drive for muscularity and negative affect. Thus, social pressure to reach a muscular body and its internalization were associated to a drive for muscularity and then, to muscle dysmorphia symptoms. The drive for muscularity was indirectly related to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia through muscle-enhancing behaviors as well as negative affect (although, only for individuals with higher levels of narcissistic vulnerability). Results supported the adaptation of the Stice's model to explain muscle dysmorphia symptoms and underlined the possible influence of narcissistic vulnerability traits in this condition.

Body, masculinity and the male hero in Hindi cinema

ABSTRACTThe male body in the Hindi cinema much like its female counterpart, is malleable and ductile, amenable to the hegemonic concerns. The article posits that Hindi cinema has normatively presented idealized male bodies which are symbolically aligned with the changing aspirations of the nation: enervated, lean male bodies as stark reminder of the Mahatma Gandhi’s idealized body in the colonial era; well-fed bodies raised on the “promise of socialist plenty” of the Nehruvian era; bulky, muscular bodies as shaped and demanded by the discourse of Hindutva.

Association of Muscular Fitness and Body Fatness with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The FUPRECOL Study.

This study investigated the associations of muscular fitness and various indicators of body fatness with cardio-metabolic risk factors and determined the muscular strength and body fatness thresholds for detecting a high risk of cardio-metabolic dysfunction in young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1798 collegiate students (61.5% females, mean age 20.5 years). Muscular fitness was determined by using a handgrip strength test and normalized grip strength (NGS = handgrip (kg)/body mass (kg)). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percentage of fat mass (BF%), fat-mass index (FMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were also included as body fatness measurements. A high cardio-metabolic risk cluster was derived by assessing triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure. Logistic regression models showed that men and women with lower NGS had an increased cardio-metabolic risk odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 2.9, p = 0.006, and OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.5, p = 0.036, respectively). In both sexes, higher levels of all fatness parameters were also associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk (p < 0.001). In both men and women, high FMI had the highest OR for clustered risk (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.6 to 8.4, and OR = 7.3, 95% CI 3.4 to 9.7, p < 0.001, respectively). Combined analysis showed that unfitness (lower NGS) and high fat had the highest OR for WC and FMI in men and women, respectively (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.6 to 11.4, OR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 15.8, p < 0.01). Muscular strength and body fatness are independently and jointly associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in young adults, which suggests that both are predictor variables for this.

Female bodybuilders on Instagram: Negotiating an empowered femininity

Strength and femininity have in many ways been culturally constructed as two mutually exclusive phenomena. This paper considers how Instagram facilitates female body objectification and surveillance through an examination of female bodybuilders whose muscular bodies represent both resistance against and conformity to dominant cultural notions around women as fragile, weak, and subservient. We reveal how surveillance over the bodies of female bodybuilders on Instagram functions to reposition them as more (hetero)normatively feminine by encouraging them to present bodies which are ornamented, sexualized, and passive. We also reveal how female bodybuilders practise self-surveillance on Instagram by simultaneously resisting and conforming to this surveillance. In the process, these women manage to redefine femininity for themselves in ways which problematize dualistic notions around strength and femininity.

Мотиви за свързани с външния вид поведения при млади мъже с различен статус на телесното тегло: Качествено изследване

Изследването проучва мотивите за свързаните с външния вид поведения при млади мъже във възникваща зрелост (18-29 г.) с различен статус на телесното тегло. Проведени са 15 дълбинни полу-структурирани интервюта с мъже и 15 с жени, анализирани чрез тематичен анализ и интерпретативен феноменологичен анализ. Седем от петнадесетте млади мъже са с наднормено тегло или затлъстяване, като този статус на телесното тегло оказва значимо влияние върху съдържанието на мотивите за свързаните с външния вид поведения. Идентифицирани са девет мотива: да бъдеш с нормално тегло (по-слаб или по-едър, в зависимост от актуалния статус на телесното тегло); да не ти се подиграват другите; да имаш красиво/мускулесто тяло (стегнато, спортно тяло, или добре развито, мускулесто тяло); за здраве; за да се чувстваш добре; за висока самооценка; за да те харесват момичетата; за да можеш да победиш във физически сблъсък (включва да бъдеш физически силен и да предизвикваш уважение/респект у другите мъже); за (професионално) развитие в спорта. Първите пет мотива са свързани с поведенията на хранене (специален хранителен режим/диета) и с поведенията на физическа активност (спорт, физически упражнения, фитнес), а мотивът да имаш красиво/мускулесто тяло – и с прекомерни физически тренировки, прием на хранителни добавки и анаболни стероиди. Останалите мотиви са свързани с поведенията спорт, фитнес, прекомерни физически тренировки, прием на хранителни добавки и анаболни стероиди. Първите два мотива се отнасят до лицата със свръхтегло, третият – почти изцяло до мъжете с нормално тегло. Мотивите за здраве и да се чувстваш добре са сред най-универсалните (значими при всички статуси на телесното тегло). Последните 4 мотива могат да бъдат отнесени най-вече към нормалното тегло и добре развитата мускулатура.

Gender Differences in Nutritional Quality of Life of Young and Old Adults.

Background: Healthy eating is essential for individuals’ physical as well as psychological wellbeing. Women’s focus on achieving thin ideal physique and men’s aspiration for muscular body is likely to impact their food intake and consequently Nutritional Quality of Life (NQoL). Moreover, NQoL varies across different age groups owing to the varying nutritional needs with increasing age. Investigating NQoL across gender and age has useful implications for health counseling and practice. Objectives| To investigate differences in nutritional quality of life among gender and different age groups. To investigate gender and age group differences in knowledge of nutritional value of food. Methodology| A descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted. The sample consisted of 200 participants i.e., 100 younger adults between age range of 18-23 years and 100 older adults between age range of 40-60 years. Gender of participants was equally represented in both age groups. Nutritional Quality of Life (NQoL) Instrument and a self-developed Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire were administered on the sample to collect data. Results| Mean age of younger adults was 19.17 ± 1.18 and for older adults it was 48.17 ± 5.20. Findings showed that women scored significantly higher on psychological factor and social impact whereas men scored significantly higher on food impact and self-efficacy impact of NQoL. Moreover younger adults scored higher on self-efficacy than older adults and older adults scored higher on food impact, social impact, psychological factor and physical functioning than younger adults. Also interaction of gender and age was significant regarding knowledge of nutritional value of food; older women and younger men had more knowledge of nutritional value of food than younger women and older men. Conclusions| There were significant differences in nutritional quality of life. Also knowledge of nutritional value of food varied across gender and age groups.

Pluralistic Ignorance of Physical Attractiveness in the Gay Male Community

ABSTRACTResearchers have found that a disproportionate percentage of men diagnosed with eating disorders identify as gay, and there is extensive evidence that gay men have significantly more body image concerns than heterosexual men (Bosley, 2011). The current studies investigated whether pluralistic ignorance exists about what is considered attractive in the gay community. It was hypothesized that gay males would privately reject the notion that only a mesomorphic (thin and muscular) body type is attractive, yet incorrectly assume that their peers are attracted primarily to a mesomorphic body type. The studies found evidence for the existence of pluralistic ignorance about what is considered attractive in the gay community. Further, there was evidence for a significant association between pluralistic ignorance and body image concerns, particularly among men who were not in committed romantic relationships.

Protein Supplementation During a 6-Month Concurrent Training Program: Effect on Body Composition and Muscular Strength in Sedentary Individuals.

We examined the effect of a protein supplement on muscular strength and body composition during 6 months of a 5 days/week concurrent strength and endurance training program. Sedentary males (n = 26) and females (n = 25), 18-25 years, were randomly assigned to receive a protein (PRO, 42g/serving) or carbohydrate (CON) supplement twice daily. Strength and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were assessed at baseline, 3 (3M), and 6 (6M) months. Protein intake was higher in PRO (PRO: 2.2g/kg; CON: 1.1g/kg; p < .001). Females in both groups gained similar strength at 3M and 6M in bench press and hip sled. Males in PRO gained more bench press strength at 3M (PRO: 24.6 ± 3.2kg; CON: 14.3 ± 3.8kg; p = .06) and 6M (PRO: 34.4 ± 4.3kg; CON: 18.7 ± 5.1kg; p = .03) and hip sled strength at 3M (PRO: 67.7 ± 9.2kg; CON: 40.8 ± 10.8kg, p = .07) and 6M (PRO: 94.0 ± 10.6kg; CON: 65.1 ± 12.4kg; p = .09) compared with CON. Females in PRO experienced a greater reduction in fat mass over the course of the study (6M) than CON (PRO: -1.7 ± 0.5kg; CON: 0.1 ± 0.5kg; p = .06). Changes in lean mass were similar for females in PRO and CON. Loss in fat mass was similar for males in PRO and CON at 3M and 6M. Males in PRO gained more lean mass at 3M compared with CON (PRO: 3.2 ± 0.3kg; CON: 2.2 ± 0.4kg; p = .1) but similar gains at 6M (PRO: 2.6 ± 0.4kg; CON: 2.2 ± 0.5kg; p = .6). The results of this study demonstrate that PRO used during a concurrent training program may augment positive changes in body composition in young sedentary males and females, and strength gains in males.

Clinical features and determinants of VO2peak in de novo heart transplant recipients.

AIMTo study exercise capacity and determinants of early peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in a cohort of de novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients.METHODSTo determine possible central (chronotropic responses, cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic function) and peripheral factors (muscular exercise capacity and body composition) predictive of VO2peak, a number of different measurements and tests were performed, as follows: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed mean 11 wk after surgery in 81 HTx recipients > 18 years and was measured with breath by breath gas exchange on a treadmill or bicycle ergometer. Metabolic/respiratory measures include VO2peak and VE/VCO2 slope. Additional measures included muscle strength testing, bioelectrical impedance analysis, echocardiography, blood sampling and health-related quality of life. Based on the VO2peak (mL/kg per minute) median value, the study population was divided into two groups defined as a low-capacity group and a high-capacity group. Potential predictors were analyzed using multiple regression analysis with VO2peak (L/min) as the dependent variable.RESULTSThe mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the total study population was 49 ± 13 years, and 73% were men. This de novo HTx cohort demonstrated a median VO2peak level of 19.4 mL/kg per min at 11 ± 1.8 wk post-HTx. As compared with the high-capacity group, the low-capacity group exercised for a shorter time, had lower maximal ventilation, O2 pulse, peak heart rate and heart rate reserve, while the VE/VCO2 slope was higher. The low-capacity group had less muscle strength and muscular exercise capacity in comparison with the high-capacity group. In order of importance, O2 pulse, heart rate reserve, muscular exercise capacity, body mass index, gender and age accounted for 84% of the variance in VO2peak (L/min). There were no minor or major serious adverse events during the CPET.CONCLUSIONAlthough there is great individual variance among de novo HTx recipients, early VO2peak measures appear to be influenced by both central and peripheral factors.

복합 트레이닝 중년여성의 건강체력과 동맥경화지수 및 인슐린저항성에 미치는 영향

This study was analyzed the impact of anaerobic and aerobic complex training exercise to promote for applying physical fitness for health, arteriosclerosis value, and insulin resistance. Subjects were collected 30 mid-aged women in G region whose fat rate is over 30% and have no experiences as training program before applying experiment. By random assignment, finally assigned 15 subjects experimental group and 15 subject control group. Finally, total 24 subject data selected each group. As a results, first, the physical fitness for health(muscular strength, muscle endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility and body composition)were shown to have significant difference in trial in the interaction effect between groups. Second, the atherogenic index(TC/HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol /HDL-Cholesterol, TG/HDL-Cholesterol) were shown to have significant difference in trial of the interaction effect between groups. Third, the insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) was shown to have difference significantly in trial of the interaction effect between groups. In Conclusion, the anaerobic and aerobic complex training was promote the health strength, arteriosclerosis value and insulin resistance in middle aged women of the physical functions effectively.

Body and Embodiment in Goguryeo Mural Paintings: Focusing on the Influence of Confucian Culture

고구려 고분벽화 속 인물의 몸은 벽화분 내 주요 출현 위치에 따라 크게 세 부류로 구분된다. 첫째는 천장고임부 천인들의 작고 유려한 몸, 둘째는 무덤칸 내부 생활 장면 속 인물들의 밋밋한 몸, 셋째는 무덤칸 경계부 장사들의 크고 우락부락한 몸이다. 이러한 차이는 인물의 의복 착용 상태와도 연관되어, 두 번째 부류는 몸의 대부분이 의복으로 가려져 있음에 비해, 첫 번째와세 번째 부류 중에는 상체나 다리가 노출되어 있는 경우도 있다. 기존 연구에서는 위 세 부류 각각에 대한 설명이 시도되기는 하였으나 이들 사이의 관계에 대해서는 구체적인 논의가 이루어 지지 않았다. 고구려 고분벽화에 표현된 위와 같이 대조적인 형태의 몸을 이해하기 위해서는 무엇보다 먼저 현대의 이미지화되고 상품화된 몸에 길들여져 시각적 표현 주체와 대상을 서로로 부터 독립적으로 존재하는 것으로 여기는 이분법적인 사고에서 벗어나야 한다. 본고에서는 위와 같은 목적으로 20세기 후반부터 서구의 여러 학문 분야에서 집중적으로 논의된 ‘체화(體化, embodiment)’라는 개념을 고대 동아시아 유교 전통에서의 젠더화(genderization) 및 의례화 (ritualization)의 의미와 관련하여 역사적으로 맥락화하였다. 이에 기반하여, 인물 등장 고구려 벽화분 천장고임부에 주로 표현되는 천계(天界), 그리고 널길이나 무덤방 입구 벽면에 주로 표현되는 경계(境界)는 인물의 젠더화와 의례화가 이루어지지 않은 비-사회적 공간이었기 때문에 인물의 개성이나 드러난 몸 표현이 금지되지 않았던 것으로 해석하였다. 그에 비해 무덤방 내부 벽면은 인물의 개성이나 생물학적인 몸보다 사회적 관계의 조화와 유지를 위해 젠더화되고 의례 화된 몸 표현이 중요했던 공간으로 이해하였다.Diverse kinds of human or pseudo-human figures appear and disappear in Goguryeo mural paintings. They are largely divided into celestial beings near ceilings, social beings on the inside of chambers, and herculean beings on the border of chambers. While the celestial beings have free-floating slim bodies and the herculean beings huge or muscular bodies, the social beings have robot-like bodies. In previous studies these characteristics were discussed as separate topics from one another. In doing so little attention has been paid to relationships among those three different forms of human or pseudo-human beings. To understand such relationships, the concept of embodiment is introduced and examined in the context of Confucian culture. This leads to the suggestion that the contrast among the three forms of bodies was created and maintained as genderization and ritualization were closely intertwined in the definition and acknowledgement of social beings in 4-5C Goguryeo.

Relationship between skeletal muscle function, body composition, and weight loss in patients with advanced pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers

Muscle function and its correlation with body composition and weight loss have not been studied deeply in pancreas and gastrointestinal cancers. This research aims to determine the skeletal muscle function and its relationship with body compartments, significant weight loss, and performance status (ECOG) 0-2 in a population with advanced digestive cancers. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the relationship between muscular function, weight loss, and body composition. Patients with advanced digestive adenocarcinomas were evaluated. Muscle strength was examined by hand grip technique and body composition by bioimpedance analysis. Values of hemoglobin and albumin were measured in plasma. A sample of 81 patients was included. They had adenocarcinoma of stomach (n = 9), pancreas (n = 28), or colorectum (n = 44). With regard to skeletal muscle function, sub-maximal strength increased when percentage of weight loss decreased (p = 0.002) or when any of the following variables increased: skeletal muscle (p < 0.001), waist-hip ratio (p < 0.001), body surface area (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p = 0.001). According to multivariate analysis of these variables, only percentage of weight loss and skeletal muscle remained statistically significant. Endurance had no correlation with any of the variables. Higher weight loss was found in tumors of the upper tract (stomach and pancreas) in comparison with those of the lower tract (colorectal) (p = 0.005). In advanced digestive cancer, sub-maximal strength correlated inversely with weight loss and directly with skeletal muscle such as in lung and head and neck cancers. On the other hand, endurance had no correlation with any of the variables considered.

Men’s Muscularity Image—The Role among Polish Young Population

For many young men, enhancing their attractiveness as perceived by the opposite sex could be a potential reason for beginning physical activity. The aim of the study was to assess how women perceive male muscularity and how it could affect social relations between sexes. The intention was also to compare this assessment with the male view of the issue. An anonymous survey was conducted in electronic form and shared to Polish students. The questionnaire was completed by 5,190 respondents (4,043 women and 1,147 men). Women preferred a less muscular body than men. All muscle groups apart from the buttocks were also rated as more important by men than by women. The social role of muscularity, for example, in forming relationships with women was exaggerated by men. Men’s perception of their muscularity is not coherent with the way females perceive it.

Is There Any Relationship Between Body Image Perception, Eating Disorders, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorders in Male Bodybuilders?

Bodybuilding has increasingly become popular between males since male body shape has become a subject of interest in the last decades. Bodybuilders have desired to gain more muscle and paid attention to their body shape. Based on this purpose, they have string rules that include restrictive eating and excessive exercise program. Recent research has demonstrated that desiring more muscular body shape exhibits eating behavior problems and body dissatisfaction issues in bodybuilders. Limited research exists on the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in male bodybuilders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body image disturbance and eating disorders in 120 male bodybuilders. The Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40) was used to determine eating disorders, the Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory was used to determine bigorexia symptoms, and Bodybuilder Image Grid-Original (BIG O) and Scaled (BIG S) forms were used to detect the factors associated with body dissatisfaction. There was a positive relationship between Eating Attitude Test and Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory total scores. Eating Attitude Test was positively correlated with both fat and muscle dissatisfaction. Our results indicated that eating disorder psychopathology is positively related to body dissatisfaction and body dysmorphic disorders in male bodybuilders.

Physical Effects of Anabolic-androgenic Steroids in Healthy Exercising Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Many athletes use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) for physical enhancement but the magnitude of these gains and associated adverse effects has not been rigorously quantified. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO were searched to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials of AAS in healthy exercising adults that reported one of the following outcomes: muscular strength, body composition, cardiovascular endurance, or power. Two authors appraised abstracts to identify studies for full-text retrieval; these were reviewed in duplicate to identify included studies. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane method. Data were extracted in duplicate and pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model and to calculate the ratio of mean outcome improvement where possible. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) in muscle strength between AAS and placebo was 0.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.47; I = 12.7%; 21 studies). Change in strength was 52% greater in the AAS group compared to placebo. The SMD for change in lean mass between AAS and placebo was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.89; I = 26%; 14 studies). Due to missing data, fat mass, cardiovascular endurance, power, and adverse effects were summarized qualitatively. Only 13 of 25 studies reported adverse effects including increased low density lipoprotein (LDL), decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL), irritability, and acne. In healthy exercising adults, AAS use is associated with a small absolute increase in muscle strength and moderate increase in lean mass. However, the transparency and completeness of adverse effect reporting varied, most studies were of short duration, and doses studied may not reflect actual use by athletes.

Cephalopods Between Science, Art, and Engineering: A Contemporary Synthesis

ABSTRACT Cephalopods are outstanding animals. For centuries, they have provided a rich source of inspiration to many aspects of human cultures, from art, history, media and spiritual beliefs to the most exquisite scientific curiosity. Given their high esthetical value and ‘mysteriously’ rich behavioral repertoire they have functioned as boundary objects (or subjects) connecting seemingly distinct thematic fields. Interesting aspects of their being span from the rapid camouflaging ability inspiring contemporary art practices, to their soft and fully muscular body that curiously enough inspired both gastronomy and (soft) robotics. The areas influenced by cephalopods include ancient mythology, art, behavioural science, neuroscience, genomics, camouflage technology and bespoken robotics. Although these might seem far related fields, in this manuscript we want to show how the increasing scientific and popular interest in this heterogeneous class of animals have indeed prompted a high level of integration between scientific, artistic and sub-popular culture. We will present an overview of the birth and life of cephalopod investigations from the traditional study of ethology, neuroscience, and biodiversity to the more recent and emerging field of genomics, material industry and soft robotics. Within this framework, we will attempt to capture the current interest and progress in cephalopod scientific research that lately met both the public interest and the ‘liberal arts’ curiosity.

Muscular MRI-based algorithm to differentiate inherited myopathies presenting with spinal rigidity.

Inherited myopathies are major causes of muscle atrophy and are often characterized by rigid spine syndrome, a clinical feature designating patients with early spinal contractures. We aim to present a decision algorithm based on muscular whole body magnetic resonance imaging (mWB-MRI) as a unique tool to orientate the diagnosis of each inherited myopathy long before the genetically confirmed diagnosis. This multicentre retrospective study enrolled 79 patients from referral centres in France, Brazil and Chile. The patients underwent 1.5-T or 3-T mWB-MRI. The protocol comprised STIR and T1 sequences in axial and coronal planes, from head to toe. All images were analyzed manually by multiple raters. Fatty muscle replacement was evaluated on mWB-MRI using both the Mercuri scale and statistical comparison based on the percentage of affected muscle. Between February 2005 and December 2015, 76 patients with genetically confirmed inherited myopathy were included. They were affected by Pompe disease or harbored mutations in RYR1, Collagen VI, LMNA, SEPN1, LAMA2 and MYH7 genes. Each myopathy had a specific pattern of affected muscles recognizable on mWB-MRI. This allowed us to create a novel decision algorithm for patients with rigid spine syndrome by segregating these signs. This algorithm was validated by five external evaluators on a cohort of seven patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 94.3% compared with the genetic diagnosis. We provide a novel decision algorithm based on muscle fat replacement graded on mWB-MRI that allows diagnosis and differentiation of inherited myopathies presenting with spinal rigidity. • Inherited myopathies are rare, diagnosis is challenging and genetic tests require specialized centres and often take years. • Inherited myopathies are often characterized by spinal rigidity. • Whole body magnetic resonance imaging is a unique tool to orientate the diagnosis of each inherited myopathy presenting with spinal rigidity. • Each inherited myopathy in this study has a specific pattern of affected muscles that orientate diagnosis. • A novel MRI-based algorithm, usable by every radiologist, can help the early diagnosis of these myopathies.