An Improved EMG-Driven Neuromusculoskeletal Model for Elbow Joint Muscle Torque Estimation

The accurate measurement of human joint torque is one of the research hotspots in the field of biomechanics. However, due to the complexity of human structure and muscle coordination in the process of movement, it is difficult to measure the torque of human joints in vivo directly. Based on the traditional elbow double-muscle musculoskeletal model, an improved elbow neuromusculoskeletal model is proposed to predict elbow muscle torque in this paper. The number of muscles in the improved model is more complete, and the geometric model is more in line with the physiological structure of the elbow. The simulation results show that the prediction results of the model are more accurate than those of the traditional double-muscle model. Compared with the elbow muscle torque simulated by OpenSim software, the Pearson correlation coefficient of the two shows a very strong correlation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference, indicating that the improved elbow neuromusculoskeletal model established in this paper can well predict elbow muscle torque.

Circulating skeletal muscle related microRNAs profile in Piedmontese cattle during different age

Piedmontese cattle is known for double-muscle phenotype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important role as regulators in skeletal muscle physiological processes, and we hypothesize that plasma miRNAs expression profiles could be affected by skeletal muscle growth status related to age. Plasma samples of cattle were collected during four different ages from first week of life until the time of commercial end of the fattening period before slaughter. Small-RNA sequencing data analysis revealed the presence of 40% of muscle-related miRNAs among the top 25 highly expressed miRNAs and, 19 miRNAs showed differential expression too. Using qRT-PCR, we validated in a larger bovine population, miRNAs involved in skeletal muscle physiology pathways. Comparing new-born with the other age groups, miR-10b, miR-126-5p, miR-143 and miR-146b were significantly up-regulated, whereas miR-21-5p, miR-221, miR-223 and miR-30b-5p were significantly down-regulated. High expression levels of miR-23a in all the groups were found. Myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, was predicted as the target gene for miR-23a and miR-126-5p and we demonstrated their direct binding. Correlation analysis revealed association between miRNAs expression profiles and animals’ weights along the age. Circulating miRNAs could be promising for future studies on their biomarker potentialities to beef cattle selection.

Possible Mutations Expressed in Double Musculature Phenotype

Since the 19th century, the presentation of bovines with disproportionate muscle development have been associated with mutations that inhibit the action of the myostatin gene, it is referred to as double muscle mutation, which is common in some European Bos taurus breeds but it is not reported in buffaloes Bubalus bubalis. This study aims to evaluate if the phenotype observed in 6 young buffaloes with disproportionate muscle development has the same myostatin mutation reported in cattle. DNA was obtained from the blood of the animals of the Murrah breed. First, second and third exon was amplified end point PCR; the fragments were sequenced using capillary electrophoresis. Holstein cattle (Bos taurus) was used As control for normal phenotype. The results obtained from the comparison of the sequence of the myostatin gene show that the observed double-muscled phenotype did not show differences from normal controls. Interspecific variation was demonstrated by comparing exons two and three of the gene, finding 12 variations between the Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis species in the evaluated fragments. It is necessary to study physiology, and the animals to explain the phenotype observed in buffaloes.

Dual-innervated multivector muscle transfer using two superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle for long-standing facial paralysis

Recent reports have described several cases of double muscle transfers to restore natural, symmetrical smiles in patients with long-standing facial paralysis. However, these complex procedures sometimes result in cheek bulkiness owing to the double muscle transfer. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with long-standing facial paralysis, who underwent two-stage facial reanimation using two superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle innervated by the masseteric and contralateral facial nerves via a sural nerve graft. Each muscle subslip was transferred to the upper lip and oral commissures, which were oriented in different directions. Furthermore, a horizontal fascia lata graft was added at the lower lip to prevent deformities such as lower lip elongation and deviation. Voluntary contraction was noted at roughly 4 months, and a spontaneous smile without biting was noted 8 months postoperatively. At 18 months after surgery, the patient demonstrated a spontaneous symmetrical smile with adequate excursion of the lower lip, upper lip, and oral commissure, without cheek bulkiness. Dual-innervated muscle transfer using two multivector superficial subslips of the serratus anterior muscle may be a good option for long-standing facial paralysis, as it can achieve a symmetrical smile that can be performed voluntarily and spontaneously.

Generation of heritable double muscle buttocks rabbits via myostatin mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 system

Background Myostatin (MSTN) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) superfamily and is considered to be a negative regulator that inhibits muscle development and regeneration, inactivity of MSTN gene may affect the development and regeneration of muscle in a few of animals. Results In the present study, the muscle mass negative regulator gene myostatin (MSTN) was knocked out at two novel sits in exon3, and the function of these mutation was determined in the offspring rabbits. The typical double muscle phenotype with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fiber was observed in the MSTN KO rabbits, and similar phenotype was confirmed in the F1 generation rabbits. The body weight of MSTN-KO+/− rabbits 3708 ± 43.06 g were significant heavier at 180 days than that of control WT rabbit 3224 ± 48.64 g (P < 0.001). Fourteen litters of F1 generation rabbits were produced, and the mutation of MSTN could be stably inherited in the MSTN KO rabbits. Conclusions Heritable double muscle buttocks rabbits via myostatin mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 system were generated, which will be valuable in meat rabbits breeding and a useful animal model for the study of human muscle development related diseases.

Clinical Significance of a Duplicated Palmaris Longus Muscle with One Reversed Muscle: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Multiple variations of the palmaris longus (PL) muscle are reported throughout literature and include variations such as double muscle bellies, inversion of muscle belly and tendon, and the absence of the muscle. The muscle functions as a weak flexor of the wrist. It originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, projects as a superficial muscle of the anterior compartment of the forearm, lies over the transverse carpal ligament, and inserts into the palmar aponeurosis. CASE REPORT: Routine dissection of the right forearm of a 70-year-old Caucasian male revealed a rare duplicated PL muscle with the medial PL muscle being reversed. The left forearm appeared normal, with no such variations. The cadaver showed no significant pathological findings due to this variation. Innervation and vasculature of the variant muscle appeared normal. CONCLUSION: The PL muscle is highly variable, and clinicians need to be aware of its many possible presentations due to its involvement in surgery, symptomatic clinical presentations, and as an anatomical landmark.

Keragaman Sifat Kualitatif pada Sapi Silangan PO dan Belgian Blue Menggunakan Analisis Komponen Utama

The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of qualitative traits in PO, Belgian Blue and PO-Belgian Blue crosses using principal component analysis. The total samples of cattle used were 36 consisting of 8 heads Belgian Blue (4 males and 4 females), 17 heads Belgian PO-Belgian cross-breed (11 males and 6 females) and 11 PO heads (all females)). The diversity of qualitative traits observed were 17 characteristics namely plain body-color (WTP), combination body-color (WTK), horned (MT), humped (MP), sagging (MG), black tail tip color (WUEH), white tail tip color (WUEH), black eyelash color (WBMH), white eyelash color (WBMP), circle hair head (PRK), circle hair back (PRP), circle hair bracket (PRB), black nail color (WKH), nail color white (WKP), double muscle (PG), black muzzle (WMH) and white muzzle (WMP). Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively by calculating the proportion value, while the determinant variables of each breed were analyzed using the principal component analysis method (AKU) with the Minitab version 7 program. The results showed that the characteristics of qualitative traits in PO, Belgian Blue, and PO-Belgian Blue cross-breed cattle have a high diversity. PO and Belgian Blue cattle breeds can be clearly distinguished based on the characteristics of qualitative traits, whereas PO-Belgian Blue crossbred cattle have clusters that are close to PO cattle clusters. Found character traits for each cattle breed in both PO, Belgian Blue, and PO-Belgian Blue cross-breed. There are three characteristics of qualitative traits possessed in each cow nation, namely the variable circle hair head (PRK), circle hair back (PRP) and horned characters (MT). Based on the results obtained that the qualitative traits in cattle can be used as a distinguishing character between PO, Belgian Blue, and PO-Blue Belgian cross cattle breeds.