The implication of serum HLA-G in angiogenesis of multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advances of therapies, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological cancer that most patients experience relapse. Tumor angiogenesis is strongly correlated with cancer relapse. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) has been known as a molecule to suppress angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate whether soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) was involved in the relapse of MM. METHODS: We first investigated the dynamics of serum sHLA-G, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in 57 successfully treated MM patients undergoing remission and relapse. The interactions among these angiogenesis-related targets (sHLA-G, VEGF and IL-6) were examined in vitro. Their expression at different oxygen concentrations was investigated using a xenograft animal model by intra-bone marrow and skin grafts with myeloma cells. RESULTS: We found that HLA-G protein degradation augmented angiogenesis. Soluble HLA-G directly inhibited vasculature formation in vitro. Mechanistically, HLA-G expression was regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in MM cells under hypoxia. We thus developed two mouse models of myeloma xenografts in intra-bone marrow (BM) and underneath the skin, and found a strong correlation between HLA-G and HIF-1α expressions in hypoxic BM, but not in oxygenated tissues. Yet when stimulated with IL-6, both HLA-G and HIF-1α could be targeted to ubiquitin-mediated degradation via PARKIN. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of sHLA-G in angiogenesis at different phases of multiple myeloma. The experimental evidence that sHLA-G as an angiogenesis suppressor in MM may be useful for future development of novel therapies to prevent relapse.

The Potential Neurological Impact of Intraoperative Hyponatremia Using Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Cardioplegia Infusion in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

Background and Objectives: The relationship between histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK)-induced hyponatremia and brain injury in adult cardiac surgery patients is unclear. This study analyzed postoperative neurological outcomes after intraoperative HTK cardioplegia infusion. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 60 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Of these patients, 13 and 47 received HTK infusion and conventional hyperkalemic cardioplegia, respectively. The patients' baseline characteristics, intraoperative data, brain injury markers, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) data were collected. Electrolyte changes during cardiopulmonary bypass, the degree of hyponatremia, and any associated brain insults were evaluated. Results: The HTK group presented with acute hyponatremia during cardiopulmonary bypass, which was intraoperatively corrected through ultrafiltration and normal saline administration. Postoperative sodium levels were higher in the HTK group than in the conventional cardioplegia group. The change in neuron-specific enolase levels after cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly higher in the HTK group (p = 0.043). The changes showed no significant differences using case-control matching. qEEG analysis revealed a significant increase in relative delta power in the HTK group on postoperative day (POD) 7 (p = 0.018); however, no significant changes were noted on POD 60. The MMSE scores were not significantly different between the two groups on POD 7 and POD 60. Conclusions: HTK-induced acute hyponatremia and rapid correction with normal saline during adult cardiac surgeries were associated with a potential short-term but not long-term neurological impact. Further studies are required to determine the necessity of correction for HTK-induced hyponatremia.

Comparisons of three different modes of digital mirror therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation: Preliminary results of randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Technologically adapted mirror therapy shows promising results in improving motor function for stroke survivors. The treatment effects of a newly developed multi-mode stroke rehabilitation system offering multiple training modes in digital mirror therapy remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of unilateral mirror visual feedback (MVF) with unimanual training (UM-UT), unilateral MVF with bimanual training (UM-BT), and bilateral MVF with bimanual training (BM-BT) on clinical outcomes in stroke survivors, compared to classical mirror therapy (CMT). Methods: Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups receiving fifteen 60-minute training sessions for 3-4 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and EQ-5D-5L were administered at pre- and post-intervention and at 1-month follow-up. Results: After intervention and follow-up, significant within-group treatment efficacies were found on most primary outcomes of the FMA-UE and CAHAI scores in all four groups. Significant within-group improvements in the secondary outcomes were found on the MAL and EQ-5D-5L index in the UM-BT group, and the rNSA tactile sensation and MAL quality of movement subscales in the BM-BT group. No significant between-group treatment efficacies were found. Conclusions: UM-UT, UM-BT, BM-BT, and CMT led to similar clinical effects on the FMA-UE and can be considered effective alternative interventions for post-stroke upper-limb motor rehabilitation. UM-BT and BM-BT showed within-group improvements in functional performance in the patients' affected upper limbs in real-life activities.

Predictors and Outcomes of Acute Brain Injury in Patients on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Background: Venoarterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after cardiac arrest often predisposes patients to acute brain injury (ABI), which affects survival and neurological performance. The investigation of the predictors of ABI will be beneficial for further management. Objectives: To explore the predictors and outcomes of ABI and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients experiencing cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with V-A ECMO support. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients who successfully weaned from V-A ECMO support after pre-ECMO CPR at our institution from January 2009 to December 2021. Short-term and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Characteristics before and during ECMO were analyzed for determining the predictors of ABI and ICH. Results: Of the 150 patients, 66 (44.0%) had ABI. ABI was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (62.1% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.0001) and poorer long-term survival after discharge (p = 0.002). Patients who survived to discharge with ABI had significantly more severe neurological deficits at discharge (84.0% vs. 42.4%, p < 0.0001) and improved little at one year after discharge (33.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.027). We found that CPR duration [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, p = 0.003] was the independent risk factor for ABI, whereas lower platelet counts was the independent risk factor for ICH (OR = 0.96, p = 0.019). Conclusions: After CPR, development of ABI during V-A ECMO support impacted survival and further neurological outcome. Longer CPR duration before ECMO set up significantly increases the occurrence of ABI. Besides, severe thrombocytopenia during ECMO support increases the possibility of ICH.

Continuous Myocardial Perfusion during Distal Anastomosis of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The effect of continuous myocardial perfusion (CMP) on the surgical results of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains unclear. METHODS: From January 2017 to March 2022, 141 patients who underwent ATAAD (90.8%) or intramural hematoma (9.2%) surgery were reviewed. Fifty-one patients (36.2%) received proximal-first aortic reconstruction and CMP during distal anastomosis. Ninety patients (63.8%) underwent distal-first aortic reconstruction and were placed in traditional cold blood cardioplegic arrest (CA; 4°C, 4:1 blood-to-Plegisol) throughout the procedure. The preoperative presentations and intraoperative details were balanced using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Their postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 60 years. The incidence of arch reconstruction in the unweighted data was higher in the CMP compared with the CA group (74.5 vs 52.2%, p = 0.017) but was balanced after IPTW (62.4 vs 58.9%, p = 0.932, standardized mean difference = 0.073). The median cardiac ischemic time was lower in the CMP group (60.0 vs 130.9 minutes, p < 0.001), but cerebral perfusion time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were similar. The CMP group did not demonstrate any benefit in the reduction of the postoperative maximum creatine kinase-MB ratio (4.4 vs 5.1% in CA, p = 0.437) or postoperative low cardiac output (36.6 vs 24.8%, p = 0.237). Surgical mortality was comparable between groups (15.5% in CMP vs 7.5% in the CA group, p = 0.265). CONCLUSION: Application of CMP during distal anastomosis in ATAAD surgery, irrespective of the extent of aortic reconstruction, reduced myocardial ischemic time but did not improve cardiac outcome or mortality.

The Predictors and Outcomes of Functional Mitral Stenosis following Surgical Mitral Valve Repair: A Retrospective Analysis.

To optimize mitral valve repair outcomes, it is crucial to comprehend the predictors of functional mitral valve stenosis (FMS), to enhance preoperative assessments, and to adapt intraoperative treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify FMS risk factors, contributing valuable insights for refining surgical techniques. Among 228 selected patients, 215 underwent postoperative echocardiography follow-ups, and 36 met the FMS criteria based on a mean trans-mitral pressure gradient of >5 mmHg. Patients with FMS exhibited higher pulmonary systolic arterial pressure and increased late mortality during the follow-up. Univariable logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for FMS, including end-stage renal disease, anterior leaflet lesion, concomitant aortic valve replacement, smaller ring size, ring type, and neochordae implantation. Conversely, resection alone and resection combined with neochordae implantation had protective effects against FMS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that smaller ring sizes and patch repair independently predicted FMS. When focusing on degenerative mitral regurgitation, the neochordae implantation without resection in leaflet repair, emerged as an independent predictor of FMS. Surgeons should weigh the substantial impact of surgical procedures on postoperative trans-mitral pressure gradients, emphasizing preoperative evaluation and techniques such as precise ring size assessment and effective leaflet management.

Aortic root remodeling after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection using different anastomosis techniques.

Background: After surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD), remodeling of the residual aortic segments is the key outcome parameter associated with late reoperation or aorta-related adverse events. In this study, we analyzed the surgical outcomes of aTAAD using either a telescopic or continuous anastomosis technique, focusing on their impact on aortic root remodeling during the longitudinal follow-up. Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, 112 surgical repairs of aTAAD with ascending aorta replacement and without aortic arch or aortic root replacement were performed. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and early and late outcomes were compared between the telescopic and continuous anastomosis techniques. The generalized estimating equation method was used to analyze the effects of different anastomosis techniques on serial aortic root remodeling. Results: The telescopic anastomosis technique was used in 46 cases (41.1%), and the conventional continuous anastomosis technique was used in 66 cases (58.9%). There were no differences in in-hospital mortality or the incidence of major complications between the groups. The telescopic anastomosis group demonstrated stable postoperative regression of the aortic root diameter during follow-up. In contrast, the continuous anastomosis group showed a progressive dilatation of the aortic root. There was a trend toward better aortic root adverse event-free survival rates in the telescopic anastomosis group (P = .081). Conclusions: The telescopic anastomosis technique is a safe alternative to the continuous anastomosis technique in the surgical repair of aTAAD, with comparable early results. In addition, telescopic anastomosis was associated with beneficial aortic root remodeling in the medium term compared with continuous anastomosis.

Grip strength differences in middle-aged and older adults and individuals with stroke.

BACKGROUND: How the natural deterioration of aging, sex difference, and pathological effect of stroke affect the prediction of hand strength is still unknown. AIM: This study aimed to compare and predict grip strength in both hands between normal controls (NCs) and stroke patients. DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two urban hospitals and the community. POPULATION: A total of 160 participants aged from 40 to 80 (80 NCs and stroke patients) were recruited. METHODS: The Jamar® Plus+ Digital Hand Dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength. Stroke participants were additionally assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Modified Ashworth Scale. RESULTS: The linear regression models of the grip strength in both right and left hands were good fits (the adjusted R2 of 0.680-0.751) between NCs and stroke patients with either the right dominant or left non-dominant hand affected. Group (NCs versus stroke), sex, and age were sequentially the first three statistically significant predictors in the grip strength of both hands between NCs and stroke patients with either the right dominant or left non-dominant hand affected. CONCLUSIONS: The pathological, sex, and age effects play complementary roles in predicting the grip strength in middle-aged and older adults between NCs and stroke patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: In clinical practice, the recovery of the grip strength in stroke patients should take pathological, sex, and age effects together with the right dominant or left non-dominant hand affected into consideration, rather than merely comparing the differences in the grip strength of both right and left hands as a reference.

Cognitive Function Deterioration After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Can Intraoperative Optimal Cerebral Regional Tissue Oxygen Saturation Predict Postoperative Cognitive Function?

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment is a common neurologic complication after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study evaluated postoperative cognitive function to determine predictors of cognitive dysfunction, including intraoperative cerebral regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2). DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: At a single academic tertiary-care center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 adults undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB from January to August 2021. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients underwent Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and quantified electroencephalography (qEEG) 1 day before cardiac surgery, 7 days postoperatively (POD7), and POD60. Intraoperative cerebral rSO2 was monitored continuously. For MMSE, no significant decrease in MMSE score was found on POD7 versus preoperatively (p = 0.09), but POD60 scores showed significant improvement compared with both preoperative (p = 0.02) and POD7 scores (p < 0.001). On qEEG, relative theta power on POD7 was increased versus preoperatively (p < 0.001), but it was decreased on POD60 (POD7 versus POD60, p < 0.001), and was close to preoperative data (p > 0.99). Baseline rSO2 was an independent factor for postoperative MMSE. Both baseline and mean rSO2 showed a significant influence in postoperative relative theta activity, whereas mean rSO2 was the only predictor for the theta-gamma ratio (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The MMSE in patients undergoing CPB declined at POD7 and recovered by POD60. Lower baseline rSO2 indicated a higher potential for MMSE decline at POD60. Inferior intraoperative mean rSO2 was related to higher postoperative relative theta activity and theta-gamma ratio, implying subclinical or further cognitive impairment.

Influence of confirmed viral infection on adult acute fulminant myocarditis supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of etiologies of acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM), which requires extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), on clinical outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for ECMO weaning and mortality among patients with AFM due to viral etiologies in a tertiary referral medical center. METHODS: We included 33 adults with AFM who received ECMO and were admitted between January 2002 and January 2021. General demographics, laboratory data, echocardiography findings, and long-term outcomes were analyzed for confirmed viral etiology and unconfirmed etiology groups. RESULTS: The overall hospital survival rate was 54.5%. The age, sex, severity of the hemodynamic condition, and cardiac rhythm were similar between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a confirmed viral etiology (HR 4.201, 95% CI 1.061-16.666), peri-ECMO renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HR 9.804, 1.140-83.333) and a high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the ventilator settings at 24 h after ECMO (HR 1.479, 1.020-2.143) were significant prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality. Peri-ECMO RRT was also a significant negative prognostic factor for successful ECMO weaning (OR 0.061, 0.006-0.600) in the multivariate logistic model. CONCLUSIONS: Among AFM patients receiving ECMO support, RRT use was associated with a decreased chance of survival to ECMO weaning. Multiple organ dysfunction and a high PEEP were also predictive of a lower chance of hospital survival. Those with a confirmed diagnosis of viral myocarditis may require more medical attention due to the higher risk of hospital mortality than those without a definite diagnosis.

Prophylactic antibiotic treatment for preventing nosocomial infection in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-resuscitated circulatory arrest patients.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the characteristics of nosocomial infections (NIs) and the impact of prophylactic antibiotic administration on NI outcomes in patients who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the rate, type, pathogens, outcomes, and risk factors of NIs that developed in adult patients who underwent ECPR at our institution between January 2002 and January 2022. Results: Among 105 patients (median age, 58.59 [interquartile range, 46.53-67.32] years), 57 (54.29%) patients developed NIs during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation courses. The incidence rates per 1000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days were 135.91 for overall infections and 40.06 for multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the most common type of NI (73.68%), followed by bloodstream infections (17.89%). Prophylactic antibiotics with Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage were protective factors against NI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.518; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.281-0.953; P = .034). High dynamic driving pressure of the ventilator (cmH2O) was a prognostic factor for hospital mortality (HR, 1.096; 95% CI, 1.008-1.192; P = .032). An Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of ≥24 (HR, 6.443; 95% CI, 1.380-30.088; P = .018) was a risk factor for developing MDR infections. Conclusions: In patients who undergo ECPR, prophylactic antibiotic treatment with P aeruginosa coverage is associated with a lower incidence of NIs, whereas an Aeruginosa Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of ≥24 is a risk factor for MDR infections. In the modern era of antibiotic therapy, the development of NIs does not increase hospital mortality among patients undergoing ECPR.

Corrigendum: Compassionate use of ripretinib for patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Taiwan and Hong Kong experience.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.883399.].

Compassionate Use of Ripretinib for Patients With Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Taiwan and Hong Kong Experience.

Background: Ripretinib was recently approved for the fourth-line targeted therapy for advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) refractory to imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib based on the pivotal INVICTUS phase III study. The INVICTUS study demonstrated significantly improved median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.3 months and an overall survival (OS) insignificant benefit of ripretinib of 15.1 months as compared with placebo in 85 patients with advanced metastatic GIST. However, treatment outcome for the Chinese population, including in Taiwan and Hong Kong, was lacking. Material and Method: A compassionate study regarding ripretinib use for patients with advanced/metastatic GIST was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021 to assess the treatment efficacy and safety in Taiwan and Hong Kong patients. Result: Twenty evaluable patients (16 men and 4 women) with heavily pretreated metastatic GIST receiving ripretinib from March 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled to evaluate the treatment outcome. The response and clinical benefit rates to ripretinib were 25% (5/20) and 60% (12/20), respectively. The median PFS and OS in this compassionate cohort receiving ripretinib were 6.1 months and not reachable, respectively. Albumin less than 3.5 and disease progression after ripretinib use were the two independent unfavorable factors for PFS. There were 14 out of 20 (70%) experiencing any grade adverse event (AE). Loss of hair is the most common grade I to II AE with an incidence of 55%. Grade III AEs included diarrhea, skin rash, and anemia with one patient (5%) for each AE. Conclusions: Late-line ripretinib use in pretreated Taiwan and Hong Kong patients with advanced GIST showed efficacy consistent with the INVICTUS study. Albumin less than 3.5 and disease progression after ripretinib use were the two independent unfavorable factors for PFS. Ripretinib is generally tolerable, with loss of hair being the most common AE.

Open the Technical Black Box of Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB): Factors Affecting Harmonization and Standardization of Panel-Based TMB.

As tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been approved as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), next-generation sequencing (NGS) TMB panels are being increasingly used clinically. However, only a few of them have been validated in clinical trials or authorized by administration. The harmonization and standardization of TMB panels are thus essential for clinical implementation. In this review, preanalytic, sequencing, bioinformatics and interpretative factors are summarized to provide a comprehensive picture of how the different factors affect the estimation of panel-based TMB. Among the factors, poor DNA quality, improper formalin fixation and residual germline variants after filtration may overestimate TMB, while low tumor purity may decrease the sensitivity of the TMB panel. In addition, a small panel size leads to more variability when comparing with true TMB values detected by whole-exome sequencing (WES). A panel covering a genomic region of more than 1Mb is more stable for harmonization and standardization. Because the TMB estimate reflects the sum of effects from multiple factors, deliberation based on laboratory and specimen quality, as well as clinical information, is essential for decision making.

Three-stage approach for aortoesophageal fistula after Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy.

Surgical management of post-esophagojejunostomy aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) has been scarcely reported, but is universally fatal. This report described a case of AEF after total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for gastric cardiac cancer. A three-stage hybrid approach was used to successfully manage this complication. First, thoracic endovascular aortic repair curbed bleeding. Second, radical fistula resection eradicated infected areas and adjacent structures. Third, esophageal reconstruction using an ileocolonic conduit restored gastrointestinal continuity. This strategy could be safely feasible for managing post-esophagojejunostomy AEF.

Safety Time and Optimal Temperature of Unilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center 15-Year Experience.

Background: The optimal level of hypothermia and safe time of unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (uACP) in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair remain controversial. Objectives: To analyze the association of uACP time and circulatory arrest temperature with surgical outcomes of ATAAD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 263 patients who had undergone ATAAD repair between 2006 and 2020 using uACP. The patients were stratified by three chronologically equivalent periods (period 1, 2006 to 2010; period 2, 2011 to 2015; period 3, 2016 to 2020) to demonstrate the decade-long evolution of surgical strategy and outcomes. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.4 ± 12.5 years, and 68.8% were male. The hospital mortality rates were 15.1%, 12.9%, and 11.0% from period 1 to 3 (p = 0.740). The median circulatory arrest temperatures were 20, 23, and 25 °C (p < 0.001), respectively, and the median uACP times were 72, 59, and 41 minutes (p < 0.001). The incidence rates of postoperative permanent neurologic deficits were 13.2%, 10.9%, and 18.3% (p = 0.312), and those of transient neurologic deficits were 9.4%, 10.9%, and 11.9% (p = 0.936), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that uACP time ≥ 60 minutes was an independent predictor of hospital mortality rather than postoperative stroke. ROC curve analysis estimated an optimal cutoff value of 52 minutes of uACP time when the circulatory arrest temperature was ≥ 25 °C to predict hospital mortality (area under the curve: 0.72). Conclusions: Unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion time was associated with hospital mortality after ATAAD surgery. A safe threshold of 50 to 60 minutes of uACP should be considered.

Age and sex differences in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of upper limb muscles in middle-aged and older adults: A pilot study.

Whether muscle properties gradually change with age and how muscle properties are affected by sex remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of age and sex on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of arm muscles in middle-aged and older adults. In this cross-sectional study, 80 healthy participants were divided by sex (male and female), and each sex group, by 10-year age ranges (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years). Muscle properties, including tone, stiffness, elasticity, and mechanical stress relaxation time, were measured with the MyotonPRO. Our results showed that the muscle tone and elasticity of the deltoid and flexor carpi radialis, and the muscle tone of the flexor carpi ulnaris, were significantly greater in men than in women, whereas the stress relaxation time of the triceps was significantly greater in women than in men. Significantly greater muscle stiffness in the biceps brachii was found in the participants over 50 years old. Less muscle elasticity was found in the deltoid, triceps, and flexor carpi ulnaris in those over 70 years old. In conclusion, age and sex have considerable impacts on upper-limb muscle properties in middle-aged and older adults, which should be taken into consideration when planning health promotion projects.