Serum changes in sTWEAK and its scavenger receptor sCD163 in ultramarathon athletes running the 24-h race.

In the present investigation, the serum changes of sTWEAK levels, a multifunctional cytokine involved in tissue response to acute injury and inflammation, and of its scavenger receptor sCD163, were monitored for the first time in ultramarathon athletes running the 24-h competition, an extremely demanding race in terms of muscular and physiological exertion. To this aim, venous blood samples were collected from each participant (n = 22, M = 12, F = 10) both before and immediately after the 24-h running. Other than sTWEAK and sCD163, the common serum biomarkers of inflammation (namely CRP and IL-6) and tissue injury (such as CPK, LDH, CPK-MB, troponin-I, and NT-proBNP) were evaluated. All parameters were within the reference ranges at baseline, indicating no alterations of the normal physiological processes before the competition; on the contrary, most biomarkers of tissue damage and inflammation strongly increased after the ultramarathon race. Interestingly, a significant decrement of sTWEAK levels associated with an increment of its scavenger receptor sCD163 was observed at post-race. Positive relationships were evidenced between IL-6 and sCD163 levels and the markers of cardiac damage troponin-I and NT-proBNP. On the contrary, sTWEAK showed an inverse correlation with IL-6 and NT-proBNP. This study opens the way to further investigations aimed at clarifying the role of TWEAK pathway during the prolonged ultraendurance activity, paying particular attention to the link of IL-6, CD163 and TWEAK with the cardiac function.

Oxidation Driven Damage on SiC/BN/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite Aero-Engine Structures: An Iterative Computational Framework.

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) could be a game changer in the aero-engine industry. Their density is circa one-third of their metallic counterpart. CMCs, furthermore, offer increased strength and greater capability at very high temperatures. This would allow for a reduction in cooling and an increased engine performance. Some challenges, besides the complexity of the manufacturing process, however, remain for the structural integrity of this technology. CMCs are inherently brittle; furthermore, they tend to oxidise when attacked by water or oxygen, and their constituents become brittle and more prone to failure. There are two main points of novelty proposed by this work. The first one is to model and reproduce recent oxidation experimental data with a simple Fick's law implemented in Abaqus. The parameters of this modelling are a powerful tool for the design of such material systems. The second aspect consists in the development of a new computational framework for iteratively calculating oxygen diffusion and stiffness degradation of the material. Oxidation and stiffness degradation are in fact coupled phenomena. The crack (or microcracking) opening, the function of applied stress, accelerates oxygen diffusion whilst the oxidation diffusion itself contributes to embrittlement and then damage introduction in the material system.

Thermostructural Numerical Analysis of the Thrust Chamber of a Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine.

The numerical simulation of rocket engine thrust chambers is very challenging as several damaging phenomena, such as plasticity, low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) and creep occur during its service life. The possibility of simulating the thermostructural behavior of the engine, by means of non-linear finite element analyses, allows the engineers to guarantee the structural safety of the structure. This document reports the numerical simulations developed with the aim of predicting the thermostructural behaviour and the service life of the thrust chamber of a liquid-propellant rocket engine. The work represents a step ahead of previous researches by the authors, with particular reference to the addition of the Smith-Watson-Topper (SWT) fatigue criterion, and to the implementation of a sub-modelling technique, for a more accurate assessment of the most critical section of the component. It was found that the equivalent plastic strains in the most critical nodes obtained through the sub-modelling technique were about 20% lower than those calculated without sub-modelling. Consistently with experimental tests from literature conducted on similar geometries, the most critical areas resulted to be on the internal surface of the chamber. The analyses demonstrated that the LCF damaging contribution was significant, with a life prediction for the thrust chamber of about 3400 cycles.

Dynamic Stiffness Matrix Approach to Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Rotor Bearing System Subjected to Thermal Gradients.

The dynamic stiffness matrix (DSM) method, an analytical method that provides exact solutions, has been used for the first time for the free vibration analysis of a functionally graded (FG) rotor bearing system subjected to temperature gradients and to investigate its application to FG rotors. The material gradation occurs based on the power law between the inner metal core and the outer ceramic rich layer of the FG rotor. The temperature gradation follows the Fourier law of heat conduction which leads to non-linear temperature distribution (NLTD) in the radial direction of the FG rotor. The development of the DSM formulations for Timoshenko FG rotor elements using the governing equations derived from translational and rotational equilibrium conditions is the novelty of the present work. The DSM of the FG rotor elements, rigid disk and linear isotropic bearings are assembled to obtain the global dynamic stiffness matrix of the FG rotor bearing system. The natural whirl frequencies are computed from the global DSM using the Wittrick-William algorithm as a root searching technique. The natural and whirl frequencies are validated with the results available in the literature and the exactness of the DSM method has been exemplified.

Face Damage Growth of Sandwich Composites under Compressive Loading: Experiments, Analytical and Finite Element Modeling.

Sandwich panels with composite laminate skins having [(±45C)2,(0C,0G)4,(±45C)2] stacking sequence (subscript C for carbon fibers, G for glass) and containing barely visible impact damage (BVID) induced on the whole sandwich structure impacted at low energy, were tested in edge after-impact-compression with load direction parallel and transversal to the fibers direction (0-dir.). The morphology of impact damage on the sandwich structure was determined by using ultrasonic C-Scan and visual observation of laminate cross section. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system was used to measure the delamination evolution during the test. Two different failure behaviors were observed in two different impacted panels. Panel with fibers oriented transversally to the compressive load showed an opening (Mode-I) propagation of a delamination, while the panel with fibers parallel to the load showed shear (Mode-II) propagation. The static load such to determine local buckling of the composite face and failure was experimentally measured. An analytical model was implemented to predict the static strength of laminate with Mode-I opening. An FE model was instead built to predict the local buckling failure mode of the laminate with BVID, which is the first phenomenon to appear. The results of the analytical model and the numerical simulation correlate well with the test.

Association between dietary practice, body composition, training volume and sport performance in 100-Km elite ultramarathon runners.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Sport performance during competitions is a central goal for athletes, and several factors have been identified that appear to have an association with better performance in different sport disciplines. However, the data are still not conclusive in ultramarathon runners. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the potential associations between anthropometric, body composition, dietary and training factors and athletic performance in 100-Km elite ultramarathon runners. METHODS: Body mass index (BMI), body composition, training volume, Mediterranean dietary adequacy score (MDAS) and "100-Km race competition record" were assessed in 10 elite ultramarathon runners from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association (IUTA) of the Italian national team. RESULTS: The study sample had a mean age of 41.1 ± 7.59 years and BMI of 21.66 ± 1.11 kg/m2. Female athletes had a lower appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and 100-Km race competition record, and a higher trunk fat percentage and MDAS compared to males. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the 100-Km race competition record and age, gender, ASMI, training volume, total body and trunk fat percentages. However, after correcting for confounders, partial correlation analysis confirmed only the association between training volume and 100-Km race competition record (ρ = -0.891, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that a higher training volume expressed as Kilometers per week is an independent variable associated with better performance in 100-Km race competitions in elite ultramarathon runners. Future studies are needed to assess the usefulness of programs based on the increase of training volume as a strategy to improve athletic performance in 100-Km races in this specific population.

Clinical Management of Medial Patellar Plica Syndrome: Mini Review from Diagnosis to Treatment.

Synovial plicae are thickenings of the synovial knee membrane; they are very frequent and often asymptomatic. However, they can become symptomatic due to idiopathic or secondary causes, like trauma and inflammation of the synovial tissue. Currently, synovial plicae are classified as infrapatellar, mediopatellar and suprapatellar. The prevalence of the mediopatellar plica over the other forms of plicae varies between 18% and 60%. The most reported symptom of the mediopatellar plica is pain located medial to the patella above the joint line. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most useful examination to highlight the presence of the plica, its measurement and exact location. The treatment is initially conservative, i.e. medical treatment and physiotherapy, however when these fail, the plica should be removed surgically via arthroscopy. In the current paper, we aim to report our clinical experience in the management of medial patellar plica syndrome by describing the clinical presentation and diagnosis of this condition as well as its treatment.

Effect of Corrosion on the Natural and Whirl Frequencies of a Functionally Graded Rotor-Bearing System Subjected to Thermal Gradients.

Corrosion causes a loss of material resulting in the reduction of mass and stiffness of a component, which consequently affects the dynamic characteristics of any system. Fundamental frequency analysis of a corroded functionally graded (FG) rotor system, using the finite element method based on the Timoshenko beam theory, was investigated in the present paper. The functionally graded shaft consisting of an inner metallic core and an outer ceramic layer was considered with the radial gradation of material properties based on the power law. Nonlinear temperature distribution (NLTD) based on the Fourier law of heat conduction was used to simulate the thermal gradient through the cross-section of the FG rotor. The finite element formulation for a functionally graded shaft with a corrosion defect was developed and the dynamic characteristics were investigated, which is the novelty of the present work. The corrosion parameters such as length, depth and position of the corrosion defect in the shaft were varied and a parametric study was performed to investigate changes in the natural and whirl frequencies. An analysis was carried out for different power indexes and temperature gradients of the functionally graded shaft. The effects of corrosion were analysed and important conclusions are drawn from the investigations.

Nutritional Knowledge and Dietary Practice in Elite 24-Hour Ultramarathon Runners: A Brief Report.

Several factors contribute to athletes' sporting performance and diet is a key component. Higher levels of nutritional knowledge seem to correlate with a higher quality of diet, but this remains poorly explored and findings are still not conclusive. The aim of our study was to assess nutritional knowledge and dietary adequacy, detecting any potential association between these two factors in elite 24-hour ultramarathon runners, a sport which seems to have been increasing in popularity over the last decade. Nutritional knowledge and Mediterranean dietary adequacy scores were assessed by means of validated questionnaires given to 10 elite ultramarathon runners (six males and four females) from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association (IUTA). The overall nutritional knowledge in the entire sample of athletes seemed to be good, especially in terms of "dietary recommendations" and "nutrient sources" knowledge. However, females had higher total nutritional knowledge scores when compared to males. Finally, linear regression analysis showed that greater nutritional knowledge was positively associated with an increase in Mediterranean dietary adequacy scores (ß = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.039⁻2.494; p = 0.045) after adjusting for level of education. Our findings provide evidence that higher nutritional knowledge is associated with better dietary practice in elite 24-hour ultramarathon runners. Future studies are needed to assess the usefulness of educational programs as a strategy to improve the adequacy of dietary intake in this specific population.

Impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and paraoxonase 1 levels in professional runners.

The impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine (Hcy) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) levels, two well-recognized cardiovascular risk factors, has not been deeply investigated. Similarly, no information exists on paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins, which may detoxify oxLDL and Hcy-thiolactone, hence preventing their proatherogenic action. Taking this into account, a competitive 24-h ultramarathon race was organized in Reggio-Emilia (Italy) recruiting professional runners (n = 14) from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association. Blood samples were collected from each participant before, during (14 h), and immediately after (24 h) the competition, thus to monitor the serum changes in Hcy, oxLDL, and PON1 levels, as well as other oxidative stress-related parameters, namely reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and total antioxidant capacity (PAT). As a result, a significant PON1 increase was recorded after 14 h of racing that persisted until the end of the performance. The same trend was observed for PAT values, which positively correlated to PON1 levels (R = 0.643, P<0.001). Hcy, oxLDL, and ROM remained almost unchanged throughout the competition. In conclusion, the present study suggested a protective role of PON1 in sustaining the antioxidant defense system and contrasting lipoprotein oxidative modifications over the 24-h race, and did not specifically evidence either Hcy or oxLDL accumulation in such challenging sporting events.

Reduced Lean Body Mass and Cardiometabolic Diseases in Adult Males with Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Study.

Little is known about the reduction in lean body mass (LBM) and its health consequences in overweight and in obesity, especially in males. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of low LBM in treatment-seeking adult males with overweight and obesity and the association with cardiometabolic diseases, i.e., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia. A body composition assessment was conducted by a bio-impedance analyzer (InBody 170) among a total of 110 males, of whom 72 were overweight and obese and were referred to the Outpatient Clinic in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (BAU) in Lebanon, and 38 were normal-weight participants of similar ages. The participants with overweight and obesity were then categorized as being with or without low LBM. Of the sample of 72 participants, 50 (69.4%) met the criteria for reduced LBM and displayed a significantly higher prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases (i.e., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia) than those with normal LBM (36.0% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that low LBM increases the odds of having cardiometabolic diseases by nearly 550% (odds ratio (OR) = 5.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31⁻26.39, p < 0.05) after adjusting for total fat and central adiposity. Treatment-seeking adult males with overweight and obesity displayed a great prevalence of reduced LBM, which seems to be strongly associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Association between Sarcopenic Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Hypertension in Overweight and Obese Treatment-Seeking Adult Women.

The last decade has seen a new condition that describes the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, termed sarcopenic obesity (SO). We aimed to assess the prevalence of SO in overweight and obese treatment-seeking adult women and the association with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A body composition assessment was conducted with an InBody bioimpedance analyser in 154 overweight and obese women referred to the Outpatient Clinic in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (BAU) in Lebanon, and 30 normal-weight participants of similar age. The overweight and obese patients were then categorized as being with or without sarcopenia. Thirty-one out of the 154 overweight or obese participants met the criteria for SO and displayed a significantly higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension than those without SO. Logistic regression analysis showed that SO increases the odds of having type 2 diabetes and hypertension by nearly 550% (odds ratio = 5.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.37⁻21.40, p < 0.05) after adjusting for central fat, eating habits, level of physical activity, and smoking. SO affects nearly 20% of treatment-seeking overweight and obese adult women. Moreover, SO seems to be strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.