Teleguided self-ultrasound scanning for longitudinal monitoring of muscle mass during spaceflight.
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SUBMITTER: Scott JM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8047175 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundAs the interest in manned spaceflight increases, so does the requirement to understand the transcriptomic mechanisms that underlay the detrimental physiological adaptations of skeletal muscle to microgravity. While microgravity-induced differential gene expression (DGE) has been extensively investigated, the contribution of differential alternative splicing (DAS) to the plasticity and functional status of the skeletal muscle transcriptome has not been studied in an animal model. Therefore, by evaluating both DGE and DAS across spaceflight, we set out to provide the first comprehensive characterization of the transcriptomic landscape of skeletal muscle during exposure to microgravity.MethodsRNA-sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and morphological analyses were conducted utilizing total RNA and tissue sections isolated from the gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles of 30-week-old female BALB/c mice exposed to microgravity or ground control conditions for 9 weeks.ResultsIn response to microgravity, the skeletal muscle transcriptome was remodeled via both DGE and DAS. Importantly, while DGE showed variable gene network enrichment, DAS was enriched in structural and functional gene networks of skeletal muscle, resulting in the expression of alternatively spliced transcript isoforms that have been associated with the physiological changes to skeletal muscle in microgravity, including muscle atrophy and altered fiber type function. Finally, RNA-binding proteins, which are required for regulation of pre-mRNA splicing, were themselves differentially spliced but not differentially expressed, an upstream event that is speculated to account for the downstream splicing changes identified in target skeletal muscle genes.ConclusionsOur work serves as the first investigation of coordinate changes in DGE and DAS in large limb muscles across spaceflight. It opens up a new opportunity to understand (i) the molecular mechanisms by which splice variants of skeletal muscle genes regulate the physiological adaptations of skeletal muscle to microgravity and (ii) how small molecule splicing regulator therapies might thwart muscle atrophy and alterations to fiber type function during prolonged spaceflight.
| S-EPMC9153194 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSkeletal muscle atrophy commonly occurs in critically ill patients, and decreased muscle mass is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Muscle mass can be assessed using various tools, including ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). However, the effectiveness of muscle mass monitoring is unclear in critically ill patients. This study was conducted to compare ultrasound and BIA for the monitoring of muscle mass in critically ill patients.MethodsWe recruited adult patients who were expected to undergo mechanical ventilation for > 48 h and to remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for > 5 days. On days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10, muscle mass was evaluated using an ultrasound and two BIA devices (Bioscan: Malton International, England; Physion: Nippon Shooter, Japan). The influence of fluid balance was also evaluated between each measurement day.ResultsWe analyzed 93 images in 21 patients. The age of the patients was 69 (interquartile range, IQR, 59-74) years, with 16 men and 5 women. The length of ICU stay was 11 days (IQR, 9-25 days). The muscle mass, monitored by ultrasound, decreased progressively by 9.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.9-12.5%), 12.7% (95% CI, 9.3-16.1%), 18.2% (95% CI, 14.7-21.6%), and 21.8% (95% CI, 17.9-25.7%) on days 3, 5, 7, and 10 (p < 0.01), respectively, with no influence of fluid balance (r = 0.04, p = 0.74). The muscle mass did not decrease significantly in both the BIA devices (Bioscan, p = 0.14; Physion, p = 0.60), and an influence of fluid balance was observed (Bioscan, r = 0.37, p < 0.01; Physion, r = 0.51, p < 0.01). The muscle mass assessment at one point between ultrasound and BIA was moderately correlated (Bioscan, r = 0.51, p < 0.01; Physion, r = 0.37, p < 0.01), but the change of muscle mass in the same patient did not correlate between these two devices (Bioscan, r = - 0.05, p = 0.69; Physion, r = 0.23, p = 0.07).ConclusionsUltrasound is suitable for sequential monitoring of muscle atrophy in critically ill patients. Monitoring by BIA should be carefully interpreted owing to the influence of fluid change.Trial registrationUMIN000031316. Retrospectively registered on 15 February 2018.
| S-EPMC6916000 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Among the physiological consequences of extended spaceflight are loss of skeletal muscle and bone mass. One signaling pathway that plays an important role in maintaining muscle and bone homeostasis is that regulated by the secreted signaling proteins, myostatin (MSTN) and activin A. Here, we used both genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate the effect of targeting MSTN/activin A signaling in mice that were sent to the International Space Station. Wild type mice lost significant muscle and bone mass during the 33 d spent in microgravity. Muscle weights of Mstn -/- mice, which are about twice those of wild type mice, were largely maintained during spaceflight. Systemic inhibition of MSTN/activin A signaling using a soluble form of the activin type IIB receptor (ACVR2B), which can bind each of these ligands, led to dramatic increases in both muscle and bone mass, with effects being comparable in ground and flight mice. Exposure to microgravity and treatment with the soluble receptor each led to alterations in numerous signaling pathways, which were reflected in changes in levels of key signaling components in the blood as well as their RNA expression levels in muscle and bone. These findings have implications for therapeutic strategies to combat the concomitant muscle and bone loss occurring in people afflicted with disuse atrophy on Earth as well as in astronauts in space, especially during prolonged missions.
| S-EPMC7519220 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo assess the acceptability of intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS) labor monitoring in unselected Romanian women attending a tertiary maternity unit and the patients' experience of the examination (i.e. the perceived difficulty regarding the evaluation protocol).MethodsThe research was a prospective longitudinal observational study on unselected low-risk women that delivered in our unit. IPUS monitoring of active labor was proposed for observational purposes in low-risk population. Transabdominal and transperineal scans were performed hourly in the first stage of labor and at every 15 minutes in the second stage. The second day after birth, consenting women were invited to take part in a questionnaire survey with features regarding the patient's impression about the ultrasound monitoring scans during labor, and the acceptability of having an IPUS protocol for labor monitoring in the future.ResultsFrom 200 parturient women questioned, 98% of them agreed to IPUS investigation protocol. The demographic characteristics did not influence the acceptance. However, due to the small number of women declining IPUS we were not able to compare the characteristics and perceptions of women who declined the scan with those who accepted it. Most of the women (93% of accepters and 75% of decliners) had little difficulty deciding whether or not to have the scan protocol. All laboring women who had the IPUS scan found it an acceptable experience; 21% of women without epidural anesthesia rated the perceived difficulty as "mild" or "discomforting". Women rated having the IPUS scan as being significantly less difficult than having a cervical smear, transvaginal scan or having a digital clinical evaluation. 67% of the studied patients expressed increased confidence while being able to follow along the medical personnel the progression of the labor on the ultrasound screen. 97% of the consenting women who had the IPUS scans and all the 4 decliners said they would definitely or probably agree such ultrasound monitoring in a future labor, if this technique is proven useful for the labor outcome.ConclusionsIPUS protocol for labor monitoring was overwhelmingly acceptable in our population of women, despite the fact that they were learning about the procedure for the first time. The demographic characteristics did not influence acceptance, but due to the high rate of acceptance, predictors of acceptance could not be analyzed. More than two thirds of the patients expressed increased confidence while being able to follow along the medical personnel the progression of the labor on the ultrasound screen and almost all the participants were willing to have the procedure again in future, further reinforcing their favorable attitude to the procedure.
| S-EPMC6243519 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Muscle parameters are recommended as diagnostic criteria for malnutrition and sarcopenia in various guidelines. However, little is known about the application of muscle parameters in daily practice of nutritional care. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of the application of muscle parameters, along with its promoting factors and barriers by dietitians in Switzerland. A 29-item literature-based online survey was developed and distributed via the Swiss professional association of dietitians. The data were analyzed descriptively, and relationships between demographic data and usage were examined. Dietitians (n = 117) from all three language regions completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Musculature was classified as important for the assessment of nutritional status. Body weight (89.7%), handgrip strength (87.2%), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (87.1%) and Body Mass Index (66.7%) were considered as most significant for evaluation of nutritional status. Seventy-point nine percent (70.9%) of dietitians include at least one muscle parameter in their assessment; BIA was the parameter most often included (73.5%). However, the frequency of use of muscle parameter in daily practice was rather low. Only 23.1% applied BIA on a weekly basis. Lack of knowledge (78.6%), practical experience (71.8%) and lack of equipment (77.8%) were most frequently stated as barriers for usage. The general application of muscle parameters in nutritional care is still lacking. There is an opportunity to further strengthen diagnosis and patient monitoring via a stronger application of muscle parameters in daily practice. Practical training and education could help promote their application.
| S-EPMC9103861 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo establish longitudinal validation of a new tool, the Asthma Symptom Tracker (AST). AST combines weekly use of the Asthma Control Test with a color-coded graph for visual trending.MethodsProspective cohort study of children age 2 to 18 years admitted for asthma. Parents or children (n = 210) completed baseline AST assessments during hospitalization, then over 6 months after discharge. Concurrent with the first 5 AST assessments, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) was administered for comparison.ResultsTest-retest reliability (intraclass correlation) was moderate, with a small longitudinal variation of AST measurements within subjects during follow-ups. Internal consistency was strong at baseline (Cronbach's α 0.70) and during follow-ups (Cronbach's α 0.82-0.90). Criterion validity demonstrated a significant correlation between AST and ACQ scores at baseline (r = -0.80, P < .01) and during follow-ups (r = -0.64, -0.72, -0.63, and -0.69). The AST was responsive to change over time; an increased ACQ score by 1 point was associated with a decreased AST score by 2.65 points (P < .01) at baseline and 3.11 points (P < .01) during follow-ups. Discriminant validity demonstrated a strong association between decreased AST scores and increased oral corticosteroid use (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.16, P < .01) and increased unscheduled acute asthma visits (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.28, P < .01).ConclusionsThe AST is reliable, valid, and responsive to change over time, and can facilitate ongoing monitoring of asthma control and proactive medical decision-making in children.
| S-EPMC4074668 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Quantitative assessment of muscle mass is a critical step in sarcopenia disease management. Expanding upon the use of ultrasound in foetal growth assessment, we established and validated an ultrasound-derived muscle assessment system for older adults at a risk of sarcopenia. A total of 669 older adults were recruited in three cohorts in this cross-sectional study. In cohort 1(n = 103), the most valuable sites for skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) estimation were located among 11 ultrasound scanning sites. An ultrasound-derived SMI estimating algorithm based on muscle thickness (MT) was obtained in the modelling group composed of cohorts 1 and 2 (n = 309). The reliability of the muscle mass estimation equation and the validity of the obtained cut-off values were verified in cohort 3 (n = 257), which was selected as the verification group. In the modelling group, the cut-off values of ultrasound-derived e-SMI for low SMI were 7.13 kg/m2 for men and 5.81 kg/m2 for women. In the verification group, the intraclass correlation between e-SMI and SMI was 0.885. The sensitivity of the e-SMI in detecting low SMI was 93.6% for men and 89.7% for women, and the negative predictive value was 94.9% for men and 94.7% for women. Combined with the handgrip strength and gait speed, the e-SMI had an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 92.7% and a specificity of 91.0% for sarcopenia. The ultrasound-derived muscle assessment system can be a promising muscle mass estimation tool and a potential disease classification tool.
| S-EPMC9799249 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Malnutrition and low muscle mass (sarcopenia) are common problems in patients with cancer. However, a low muscle mass is associated with negative clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. Therefore, it is very important to maintain muscle mass in this population. This study aims to investigate the effect of an oral nutritional supplement on skeletal muscle mass during anti-cancer treatment.
| 2256 | ecrin-mdr-crc
Project description:INTRODUCTION:Age-related changes in muscle mass and muscle tissue composition contribute to diminished strength in older adults. The objectives of this study are to examine if an assessment method using mobile diagnostic ultrasound augments well-known determinants of lean body mass (LBM) to aid sarcopenia staging, and if a sonographic measure of muscle quality is associated with muscle performance. METHODS:Twenty community-dwelling female subjects participated in the study (age = 43.4 ± 20.9 years; BMI: 23.8, interquartile range: 8.5). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and diagnostic ultrasound morphometry were used to estimate LBM. Muscle tissue quality was estimated via the echogenicity using grayscale histogram analysis. Peak force was measured with grip dynamometry and scaled for body size. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the association of the predictor variables with appendicular lean mass (aLM/ht(2)), and examine the relationship between scaled peak force values and muscle echogenicity. The sarcopenia LBM cut point value of 6.75 kg/m(2) determined participant assignment into the Normal LBM and Low LBM subgroups. RESULTS:The selected LBM predictor variables were body mass index (BMI), ultrasound morphometry, and age. Although BMI exhibited a significant positive relationship with aLM/ht(2) (adj. R (2) = 0.61, p < 0.001), the strength of association improved with the addition of ultrasound morphometry and age as predictor variables (adj. R (2) = 0.85, p < 0.001). Scaled peak force was associated with age and echogenicity (adj. R (2) = 0.53, p < 0.001), but not LBM. The Low LBM subgroup of women (n = 10) had higher scaled peak force, lower BMI, and lower echogenicity values in comparison to the Normal LBM subgroup (n = 10; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Diagnostic ultrasound morphometry values are associated with LBM, and improve the BMI predictive model for aLM/ht(2) in women. In addition, ultrasound proxy measures of muscle quality are more strongly associated with strength than muscle mass within the study sample.
| S-EPMC4625057 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background/objectivesSarcopenia is defined as the gradual age-associated loss of both muscle quantity and strength in older adults, and is associated with increased mortality, falls, fractures and hospitalisations. Current sarcopenia criteria use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures of muscle mass, a test that cannot be performed at the bedside, unlike point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). We examined the association between ultrasonic measures of muscle thickness (MT, vastus medialis muscle thickness) and measures of muscle quantity and strength in older adults.MethodsA total of 150 older adults (age ≥ 65; mean age 80.0 ± 0.5 years, 66 women, 84 men) were recruited sequentially from geriatric medicine clinics. Each subject had lean body mass (LBM, by bioimpedance assay), grip strength, mid-arm biceps circumference (MABC), gait speed and MT measured. All initial models were adjusted for biological sex.ResultsIn our final parsimonious models, MT showed a strong significant correlation with all measures of muscle mass, including LBM (Standardised β = 0.204 ± 0.058, R2 = 0.577, P < 0.001) and MABC (Standardised β = 0.141 ± 0.067, R2 = 0.417, P = 0.038). With respect to measures of muscle quality, there was a strong significant correlation with grip strength (Standardised β = 0.118 ± 0.115, R2 = 0.511, P < 0.001) but not with subject performance (gait speed).ConclusionsMT showed strong correlations with both measures of muscle mass (LBM and MABC) and with muscle strength (grip strength). Although more work needs to be done, PoCUS shows potential as a screening tool for sarcopenia in older adults.
| S-EPMC7936023 | biostudies-literature