TY - JOUR A1 - Neumaier, Felix A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Haeren, Roel Hubert Louis A1 - Temel, Yasin A1 - Lüke, Jan Niklas A1 - Seyam, Osama A1 - Lindauer, Ute A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander A1 - Schneider, Toni A1 - Albanna, Walid T1 - Retinal Vessel Responses to Flicker Stimulation Are Impaired in Ca v 2.3-Deficient Mice—An in- vivo Evaluation Using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA) JF - Frontiers in Neurology Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.659890 VL - 12 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Frontiers ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hackl, Michael A1 - Nacov, Julia A1 - Kammerlohr, Sandra A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Buess, Eduard A1 - Leschinger, Tim A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Intratendinous Strain Variations of the Supraspinatus Tendon Depending on Repair Technique: A Biomechanical Analysis Regarding the Cause of Medial Cuff Failure JF - The American Journal of Sports Medicine Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211006138 SN - 1552-3365 SN - 0363-5465 VL - 49 IS - 7 SP - 1847 EP - 1853 PB - Sage CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Waldvogel, Janice A1 - Ritzmann, Ramona A1 - Freyler, Kathrin A1 - Helm, Michael A1 - Monti, Elena A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Narici, Marco T1 - The Anticipation of Gravity in Human Ballistic Movement JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - Stretch-shortening type actions are characterized by lengthening of the pre-activated muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in the eccentric phase immediately followed by muscle shortening. Under 1 g, pre-activity before and muscle activity after ground contact, scale muscle stiffness, which is crucial for the recoil properties of the MTU in the subsequent push-off. This study aimed to examine the neuro-mechanical coupling of the stretch-shortening cycle in response to gravity levels ranging from 0.1 to 2 g. During parabolic flights, 17 subjects performed drop jumps while electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with ultrasound images of the gastrocnemius medialis, 2D kinematics and kinetics to depict changes in energy management and performance. Neuro-mechanical coupling in 1 g was characterized by high magnitudes of pre-activity and eccentric muscle activity allowing an isometric muscle behavior during ground contact. EMG during pre-activity and the concentric phase systematically increased from 0.1 to 1 g. Below 1 g the EMG in the eccentric phase was diminished, leading to muscle lengthening and reduced MTU stretches. Kinetic energy at take-off and performance were decreased compared to 1 g. Above 1 g, reduced EMG in the eccentric phase was accompanied by large MTU and muscle stretch, increased joint flexion amplitudes, energy loss and reduced performance. The energy outcome function established by linear mixed model reveals that the central nervous system regulates the extensor muscles phase- and load-specifically. In conclusion, neuro-mechanical coupling appears to be optimized in 1 g. Below 1 g, the energy outcome is compromised by reduced muscle stiffness. Above 1 g, loading progressively induces muscle lengthening, thus facilitating energy dissipation. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.614060 SN - 1664-042X PB - Frontiers CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Nguyen-Xuan, H. A1 - Rabczuk, T. A1 - Nguyen-Thoi, T. A1 - Tran, Thanh Ngoc A1 - Nguyen-Thanh, N. T1 - Computation of limit and shakedown loads using a node-based smoothed finite element method JF - International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering N2 - This paper presents a novel numerical procedure for computing limit and shakedown loads of structures using a node-based smoothed FEM in combination with a primal–dual algorithm. An associated primal–dual form based on the von Mises yield criterion is adopted. The primal-dual algorithm together with a Newton-like iteration are then used to solve this associated primal–dual form to determine simultaneously both approximate upper and quasi-lower bounds of the plastic collapse limit and the shakedown limit. The present formulation uses only linear approximations and its implementation into finite element programs is quite simple. Several numerical examples are given to show the reliability, accuracy, and generality of the present formulation compared with other available methods. Y1 - 2011 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.3317 SN - 1097-0207 VL - 90 IS - 3 SP - 287 EP - 310 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Morat, Mareike A1 - Faude, Oliver A1 - Hanssen, Henner A1 - Ludyga, Sebastian A1 - Zacher, Jonas A1 - Eibl, Angi A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Donath, Lars T1 - Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health N2 - Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations. KW - agility KW - prevention KW - healthy aging KW - community dwelling KW - psychosocial Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061853 SN - 1660-4601 VL - 17 IS - 6 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pogorelova, Natalia A1 - Rogachev, Evgeniy A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Chernigova, Svetlana A1 - Nardin, Dmitry T1 - Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites: Morphology and Mechanical Properties JF - Materials N2 - Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for biomedical applications due to its unique properties such as high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. This article describes the microbiological synthesis, modification, and characterization of the obtained BC-nanocomposites originating from symbiotic consortium Medusomyces gisevii. Two BC-modifications have been obtained: BC-Ag and BC-calcium phosphate (BC-Ca3(PO4)2). Structure and physicochemical properties of the BC and its modifications were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and infrared Fourier spectroscopy as well as by measurements of mechanical and water holding/absorbing capacities. Topographic analysis of the surface revealed multicomponent thick fibrils (150–160 nm in diameter and about 15 µm in length) constituted by 50–60 nm nanofibrils weaved into a left-hand helix. Distinctive features of Ca-phosphate-modified BC samples were (a) the presence of 500–700 nm entanglements and (b) inclusions of Ca3(PO4)2 crystals. The samples impregnated with Ag nanoparticles exhibited numerous roundish inclusions, about 110 nm in diameter. The boundaries between the organic and inorganic phases were very distinct in both cases. The Ag-modified samples also showed a prominent waving pattern in the packing of nanofibrils. The obtained BC gel films possessed water-holding capacity of about 62.35 g/g. However, the dried (to a constant mass) BC-films later exhibited a low water absorption capacity (3.82 g/g). It was found that decellularized BC samples had 2.4 times larger Young’s modulus and 2.2 times greater tensile strength as compared to dehydrated native BC films. We presume that this was caused by molecular compaction of the BC structure. Y1 - 2020 SN - 1996-1944 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13122849 VL - 13 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gossmann, Matthias A1 - Thomas, Ulrich A1 - Horváth, András A1 - Dragicevic, Elena A1 - Stoelzle-Feix, Sonja A1 - Jung, Alexander A1 - Raman, Aravind Hariharan A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Linder, Peter T1 - A higher-throughput approach to investigate cardiac contractility in vitro under physiological mechanical conditions JF - Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106843 VL - 105 IS - Article 106843 PB - Elsevier CY - New York, NY ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Quittmann, Oliver J. A1 - Meskemper, Joshua A1 - Abel, Thomas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Foitschik, Tina A1 - Rojas-Vega, Sandra A1 - Strüder, Heiko K. T1 - Kinematics and kinetics of handcycling propulsion at increasing workloads in able-bodied subjects JF - Sports Engineereing N2 - In Paralympic sports, biomechanical optimisation of movements and equipment seems to be promising for improving performance. In handcycling, information about the biomechanics of this sport is mainly provided by case studies. The aim of the current study was (1) to examine changes in handcycling propulsion kinematics and kinetics due to increasing workloads and (2) identify parameters that are associated with peak aerobic performance. Twelve non-disabled male competitive triathletes without handcycling experience voluntarily participated in the study. They performed an initial familiarisation protocol and incremental step test until exhaustion in a recumbent racing handcycle that was attached to an ergometer. During the incremental test, tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (local and global) were identified. As a performance criterion, the maximal power output during the step test (Pmax) was calculated and correlated with biomechanical parameters. For higher workloads, an increase in crank torque was observed that was even more pronounced in the pull phase than in the push phase. Furthermore, participants showed an increase in shoulder internal rotation and abduction and a decrease in elbow flexion and retroversion. These changes were negatively correlated with performance. At high workloads, it seems that power output is more limited by the transition from pull to push phase than at low workloads. It is suggested that successful athletes demonstrate small alterations of their kinematic profile due to increasing workloads. Future studies should replicate and expand the test spectrum (sprint and continuous loads) as well as use methods like surface electromyography (sEMG) with elite handcyclists. Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-018-0269-y SN - 1460-2687 VL - 21 IS - 21 SP - 283 EP - 294 PB - Springer Nature CY - Cham ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Conzen, Catharina A1 - Albanna, Walid A1 - Weiss, Miriam A1 - Kürten, David A1 - Vilser, Walthard A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Zäske, Charlotte A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander T1 - Vasoconstriction and Impairment of Neurovascular Coupling after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Descriptive Analysis of Retinal Changes JF - Translational Stroke Research N2 - Impaired cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling (NVC) contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive assessment of vessel dimension and NVC hereby demonstrating a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases. Using RVA as a translational approach, we aimed to assess the retinal vessels in patients with SAH. RVA was performed prospectively in 24 patients with acute SAH (group A: day 5–14), in 11 patients 3 months after ictus (group B: day 90 ± 35), and in 35 age-matched healthy controls (group C). Data was acquired using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and NVC using flicker-light excitation. Diameter of retinal vessels—central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent—was significantly reduced in the acute phase (p < 0.001) with gradual improvement in group B (p < 0.05). Arterial NVC of group A was significantly impaired with diminished dilatation (p < 0.001) and reduced area under the curve (p < 0.01) when compared to group C. Group B showed persistent prolonged latency of arterial dilation (p < 0.05). Venous NVC was significantly delayed after SAH compared to group C (A p < 0.001; B p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to document retinal vasoconstriction and impairment of NVC in patients with SAH. Using non-invasive RVA as a translational approach, characteristic patterns of compromise were detected for the arterial and venous compartment of the neurovascular unit in a time-dependent fashion. Recruitment will continue to facilitate a correlation analysis with clinical course and outcome. Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12975-017-0585-8 SN - 1868-601X IS - 9 SP - 284 EP - 293 PB - Springer Nature CY - Cham ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Malan, Leone A1 - Hamer, Mark A1 - Känel, Roland von A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Wyk, Roelof D. van A1 - Lambert, Gavin W. A1 - Vilser, Walthard A1 - Ziemssen, Tjalf A1 - Schlaich, Markus P. A1 - Smith, Wayne A1 - Magnusson, Martin A1 - Wentzel, Annemarie A1 - Myburgh, Carlien E. A1 - Steyn, Hendrik S. A1 - Malan, Nico T. T1 - Delayed retinal vein recovery responses indicate both non-adaptation to stress as well as increased risk for stroke: the SABPA study JF - Cardiovascular Journal of Africa Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2020-031 SN - 1680-0745 VL - 26 IS - 31 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Clinics Cardive Publishing CY - Durbanville ER -