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Objective : Many pieces of research have focused on pain within individuals, but little attention has been paid to whether pain can change an individual's empathic ability and affect social relationships. The purpose of this study is to explore how chronic low back pain changes empathy. Methods : Twenty-four chronic low back pain patients and 22 healthy controls were recruited. We set up an experimental pain-exposed model for each healthy subject. All subjects received a painful-empathic magnetic resonance scan. After the scan, all subjects rated the pain intensity and multiple empathy-related indicators. The clinical assessment scale was the 20-item Basic Empathy Scale in Adults. Result : The chronic low back pain patients reported lower scores on the total scores of BES-A, the subscale scores of emotional disconnection and cognitive empathy, and the discomfort rating. The fMRI results in the chronic low back pain patients showed that there were multiple abnormal brain pathways centered on the anterior insula. The DTI results in the chronic low back pain patients showed that there were reduced fractional anisotropy values in the corpus callosum, bilateral anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), right posterior thalamic radiation (PTR), right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and left anterior corona radiate (ACR). Conclusion : Our study found that patients with chronic low back pain have impaired empathy ability. The abnormal functional connectivity of multiple brain networks, multiple damaged white matter tracts, and the lower behavioral scores in chronic low back pain patients supported our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate the coupling between a single Ag nanoparticle and chiral molecular J-aggregates (TDBC). The element of the structure is composed of a Ag nanoparticle entirely surrounded by chiral TDBC. The results show that the coupling between the Ag nanoparticle and TDBC can be tuned by the size of the Ag nanoparticle. By changing the size of the Ag nanoparticle, both the strong coupling effect and the weak coupling effect between the Ag nanoparticle and TDBC are achieved. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the hybridized structures in both the strong and the weak coupling regimes present a Fano line-shape, which can be represented in the form of. We also find that the CD spectrum in the strong coupling regime is less than that in the weak coupling regime. The maximum of the CD spectrum of the hybridized structure in the scattering spectrum is amplified 130 times compared to that of chiral TDBC in the strong coupling regime, and 490 times compared to that in the weak coupling regime, respectively. Much more energy is used to change the resonant wavelength of the hybridized structure in the strong coupling regime. The radiative efficiency of the system is suppressed. In the weak coupling regime, the energy is mainly used to enhance the CD spectrum. Our research has great potential for molecule detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of zerovalent nickel compounds with white phosphorus (P4) is a barely explored route to binary nickel phosphide clusters. Here, we show that coordinatively and electronically unsaturated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) nickel(0) complexes afford unusual cluster compounds with P1, P3, P5 and P8 units. Using [Ni(IMes)2] [IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene], electron‐deficient Ni3P4 and Ni3P6 clusters have been isolated, which can be described as superhypercloso and hypercloso clusters according to the Wade–Mingos rules. Use of the bulkier NHC complexes [Ni(IPr)2] or [(IPr)Ni(η6‐toluene)] [IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] affords a closo‐Ni3P8 cluster. Inverse‐sandwich complexes [(NHC)2Ni2P5] (NHC=IMes, IPr) with an aromatic cyclo‐P5− ligand were identified as additional products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: This study evaluated the effect of a community-wide walking intervention (involving walking maps and events) on older residents' walking and environmental perceptions. Method: In this nonrandomized quasi-panel study, older adults living in an intervention and control site were recruited at baseline and follow-up. All households in the intervention site received maps and were invited to participate in a walking event monthly. The intervention lasted for 21 months. The outcomes were walking frequency, duration, and perceptions of local environments. Results: We did not find a significant improvement in walking frequency or duration in the intervention site relative to the control site. However, there was a significant increase in the awareness of others being active and a marginal increase in the perception of aesthetics in the intervention site. Discussion: The increased awareness of others being active may be a positive step in the stages of change toward engagement in physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the enhanced chirality of chiral molecular J-aggregates (TDBC) by the propagating surface plasmons (PSPs) in the metallic hole array structure filled with TDBC. The two ends of the hole in the metal film form a low quality factor Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity, and this cavity confines PSPs. The resonant wavelength of the metallic hole array is tuned by the lattice constant and the size of the hole. Both the resonant wavelength of Ag hole array and the volume ratio of TDBC in the hybridized structure influence on the enhancement of the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The curve of CD spectrum shows Fano-like line-shape, due to the interaction between the non-radiative field in the FP cavity and the radiative field in chiral TDBC. The maximum of the CD spectrum of the hybridized structure is 0.025 times as the one of the extinction spectrum in a certain structure, while the maximum of the CD spectrum of TDBC is 1/3000 times as the one of the extinction spectrum. The enhanced factor is about 75. The resonant wavelength of the metallic hole array can be tuned in a large wavelength regime, and the chirality of a series of molecular J-aggregates with different resonant wavelengths can be enhanced. Our structure provides a new method to amplify the chirality of molecular J-aggregates in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being active is vital and a source of well-being. However, 18 months after hip fracture (HF), progress seems to have come to a halt. Aged adults may feel vulnerable, experiencing ongoing dependency and limited possibilities for socializing. How they experience the meaningfulness of being active during these circumstances is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the meaningfulness of being active for aged adults 18 months after HF.Methods: A phenomenological-hermeneutic methodology based on the philosophies of Heidegger and Gadamer was applied. Data were collected using individual interviews conducted in participants' homes. The study was part of a longitudinal study, and three former interviews helped build trusting relationships with participants and focus the semi-structured interview guide. An existential theory of well-being and suffering considering health to be a balancing of mobility and dwelling was applied. Participants were nine aged adults 65 years or older with pre-fracture dependency included in the study 18 months earlier while still in hospital after HF. The interpretation was a process of analyzing data by moving between the parts and the whole as a means of gaining a deeper understanding and continuously testing pre-understandings. The analysis followed five steps: a) getting a sense of the whole b) delineating and condensing meaning units, c) interpreting meaning units, d) relating to study purpose, and e) developing themes and sub-themes.Results: Two main themes emerged. The main-theme "Feeling the continuity of life "had four sub-themes: "Gratitude for present possibilities, ""Connected with earlier life-experience, ""Thoughtfully managing vulnerability, "and "Belonging with other people. "The main-theme "Feeling vulnerable "had two sub-themes: "Thwarted "and "Sad and regretting lost continuity in life.".Conclusions: Eighteen months after HF, aged adults seem to be struggling on their own to be active in meaningful ways. To maintain hope, relieve the strain in everyday life, and maintain a sense of safety and self-confidence, they may need help. However, to avoid suffering, there is a need to balance additional training and a struggle for progress with well-being experiences in terms of feeling gratitude, restoring a sense of normality, and feeling kinship with other people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, useful in situ synthesis for NHC nickel allyl halide complexes [Ni(NHC)(η3‐allyl)(X)] starting from [Ni(CO)4], NHC and allyl halides is presented. The reaction of [Ni(CO)4] with (i) one equivalent of the corresponding NHC and (ii) with an excess of the corresponding allyl chloride at room temperature leads with elimination of carbon monoxide to complexes of the type [Ni(NHC)(η3‐allyl)(X)]. This approach was used to synthesize the complexes [Ni(tBu2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Cl)] (2), [Ni(iPr2ImMe)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Cl)] (3), [Ni(iPr2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Cl)] (4), [Ni(iPr2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(H)‐C(Me)2)(Br)] (5), [Ni(Me2ImMe)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Cl)] (6), and [Ni(EtiPrImMe)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Cl)] (7). The complexes 1 to 7 were characterized using NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and the molecular structures are provided for 2 and 7. The allyl nickel complexes 1–7 are stereochemically non‐rigid in solution due to (i) NHC rotation about the nickel‐carbon bond, (ii) allyl rotation about the Ni–η3‐allyl axis and (iii) π–σ–π allyl isomerization processes. The allyl halide complexes can be methylated as was demonstrated by the methylation of a number of the complexes [Ni(NHC)(η3‐allyl)(X)] with methylmagnesium chloride or methyllithium, which led to isolation of the complexes [Ni(Me2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Me)] (8), [Ni(tBu2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Me)] (9), [Ni(iPr2ImMe)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Me)] (10), [Ni(iPr2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Me)] (11), [Ni(iPr2Im)(η3‐H2C‐C(H)‐C(Me)2)(Me)] (12), and [Ni(EtiPrImMe)(η3‐H2C‐C(Me)‐CH2)(Me)] (13). These complexes were fully characterized including X‐ray molecular structures for 10 and 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recently demonstrated that yeast cells are able to partially regress chromosome segregation in telophase as a response to DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), likely to find a donor sequence for homology‐directed repair (HDR). This regression challenges the traditional concept that establishes anaphase events as irreversible, hence opening a new field of research in cell biology. Here, the nature of this new behavior in yeast is summarized and the underlying mechanisms are speculated about. It is also discussed whether it can be reproduced in other eukaryotes. Overall, this work brings forwards the need of understanding how cells attempt to repair DSBs when transiting the latest stages of mitosis, i.e., anaphase and telophase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The head‐to‐tail autocondensation of 4‐fluoroacetophenone in the KOH/DMSO superbase suspension stops on dimerization step affording 4‐acetylbenzyl‐4'‐fluorophenylketone in 96 % yield. Further condensation of the diketone formed is prevented by a weaker electron‐withdrawing effect of enolate spacer, –CH=C(OK)–. 2‐Fluoro‐ and 3‐fluoroacetophenones are inactive in this reaction. Other superbases of the type MOR/DMSO (M = Na, K; R = H, OBut) are inferior in promotion of this reaction providing 71–76 % yields of the dimeric ketone. Other weak acids like non‐fluorinated acylbenzenes prove to be also capable of forming Csp2–Csp3 bond with 4‐fluoroacetophenone under similar conditions. This new group of fluorine substitution (SNAr) reaction opens a short and simple route to so far inaccessible aromatic diketones via the nucleophilic substitution of fluorine atom in 4‐fluoroacetophenone by available acylbenzenes. The quantum‐chemical rationale of the observed substitution process as competing with aldol condensation is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have examined neighbourhood environmental correlates of older adults' physical activity (PA) but only a few focused on sedentary time (ST). Only a small proportion of these studies used objective measures of PA/ST, such as accelerometer-assessed PA/ST, and only a couple employed accelerometer cut-points appropriate for older adults. Furthermore, although older adults experience declines in physical function as they age, there is a dearth of information on the impact of the neighbourhood environment on PA/ST in individuals with different levels of physical function. Methods: We used data from two extant cross-sectional studies conducted in Hong Kong (China) and Ghent (Belgium) (N = 829). Participants were recruited from pre-selected administrative units stratified by socio-economic status and walkability. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST were assessed for 7 days using accelerometers and cut-points developed for older adults. Objective neighbourhood environmental attributes within 400 m and 1 km buffers surrounding participants' homes were quantified using Geographic Information Systems data. Lower extremity physical function was objectively assessed. Socio-demographic information was collected via interviews. Total, direct and indirect (mediated) effects of environmental attributes on MVPA and ST were estimated using generalised additive mixed models and the joint-significant test. Results: Commercial/civic destination density and number of parks within 1 km from home showed positive total and direct effects on MVPA, and public transport density showed negative total and direct effects on ST, which were consistent across cities and physical function levels. The total and direct effects of residential density on MVPA depended on physical function, and those of residential density on ST differed by city. A complex network of potential inconsistent pathways linking all environmental attributes to MVPA and ST in the whole sample or in subgroups of participants was revealed. Discussion: Access to parks and commercial/civic destinations appear to support older adults' MVPA in different geographical and cultural contexts and irrespective of their physical function level. By supporting MVPA, these characteristics also contribute to a reduction in ST. The potential effects of public transport, recreational facilities and residential density are less straightforward and point at inconsistent effects that may depend on the geographical context and level of physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the antidepressant-like effects of environmental enrichment (EE) and physical exercise (PE) compared with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine against the depression-related neurobehavioral alterations induced by postweaning social isolation (SI) in rats. After 1 month of SI, rats were submitted to PE (treadmill), EE, or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), which were compared with naïve SI and group-housed rats. After 1 month, behavior was analyzed in the open field (OFT), the sucrose preference (SPT), and the forced swimming (FST) tests. Afterward, the hippocampal serotonin contents, its metabolite, and turnover were measured. SI induced a depression-related phenotype characterized by a marginal bodyweight gain, anxiety, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and alterations of serotonin metabolism. EE produced the widest and largest antidepressive-like effect, followed by PE and fluoxetine, which were almost equivalent. The treatments, however, affected differentially the neurobehavioral domains investigated. EE exerted its largest effect on anhedonia and was the only treatment inducing anxiolytic-like effects. Fluoxetine, in contrast, produced its largest effect on serotonin metabolism, followed by its anti-behavioral despair action. PE was a middle-ground treatment with broader behavioral outcomes than fluoxetine, but ineffective to reverse the serotonergic alterations induced by SI. The most responsive test to the treatments was the FST, followed closely by the SPT. Although OFT locomotion and body weight varied considerably between groups, they were barely responsive to PE and fluoxetine. From a translational standpoint, our data suggest that exercise and recreational activities may have broader health benefits than antidepressants to overcome confinement and the consequences of chronic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic properties of ordered hole nanostructures in very thin metal films are characterized using CdSe/CdS nanocrystals (NCs) as nanoprobes. The characterization of the local density of optical states (LDOS) on the nanostructure is possible by the measurement of their photoluminescence decay rate. Statistical measurements are performed in the far field to show the average increase of optical modes. A determinist approach using an active single NC nanoprobe in the near field gives access to a more precise characterization of the LDOS. The optical properties of the structure come from the coupling between localized surface plasmons created by the holes and surface plasmon polaritons. A strong concentration of optical modes is observed around the holes thanks to the active near-field nanoprobe. With different NC orientations, the strong influence of the component perpendicular to the surface in the very near field of the LDOS is observed. Finite differential time domain simulations of the different components of the electric field in the very near field of the structure confirm that the localization of the electric field around the holes is only due to the normal component as observed with the nanoprobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older people living with HIV (OPLWH) are expected to live longer in the era of antiretroviral treatment, but at the same time, they are at risk for developing various health complications as a consequence of a life with the infection, exposure to medications that carry their own toxicity and side effects, and the natural effects of aging on the immune system. Because senescence is an inherent process that can be accelerated by HIV, it is important to identify strategies that can modify this phenomenon. Emerging data suggests that while physical activity and exercise may not have a positive impact on viral replication and on the immune system of people living with HIV, it can elicit improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, body composition, and overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to map out empirical evidence on the effects of physical activity and exercise in OPLWH. Methods: The scoping review methods will be guided by the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Literature searches will be conducted in the following electronic databases (from inception onwards): PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed journal papers will be included if they are written in English, involved human participants aged 50 years, and older with HIV and described a measure for physical, mental, or functional status of physical activity/exercise and/or the recommendations in OPLWH. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies will be included in order to consider different aspects of measuring the effects of physical activity and exercise (e.g., quality of life, functional status, activities of daily living). Two reviewers will screen all citations and full-text articles. We will abstract data, organize them into themes and sub-themes, summarize them, and report the results using a narrative synthesis. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using a Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Discussion: The evidence gathered from the selected studies will be discussed in relation to the research questions using a narrative to identify and explore emergent themes. The review will provide a baseline of evidence on exercise and physical activity interventions for OPLWH. It will highlight gaps regarding the use of exercise and physical activity and contribute to the design of an effective intervention approach to the rehabilitation of OPLWH. Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/728kp/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to advances in captive nonhuman primate (NHP) medical care, the number of geriatric chimpanzees (≥35‐years old) is growing. With old age comes a variety of physical conditions, including arthritis, stroke, and mobility impairments. Programs aimed at enhancing the welfare of geriatric chimpanzees are now quite common, but there are few published empirical evaluations of the efficacy of such programs. The current study aimed to create, implement, and evaluate the effects of participation in a physical therapy (PT) program on physical health, mobility, welfare, and behavior. Nine chimpanzees with mobility impairments participated in personalized PT routines (using positive reinforcement training) twice per week for 5 months. Additionally, nine control chimpanzees (non‐mobility‐impaired, matched with PT chimpanzees on age and gender) participated in body exam behavior sessions (also using positive reinforcement training) twice per week. All chimpanzees were rated on 14 health, well‐being, and behavior items, as well as level of mobility throughout the PT program. Chimpanzees that participated in the PT program showed significant increases in ratings of physical health, well‐being, and activity levels across phases of the program. Furthermore, compared to control chimpanzees, PT chimpanzees showed significant increases in ratings of ease of movement. Because raters were not blind to physical therapy treatment, our results represent an initial evaluation of the program that may suggest that participation in the PT program has physical, behavioral, and welfare benefits. Assessments of novel geriatric‐focused care strategies and programs are essential to further enhance the welfare of the captive chimpanzee population, which is currently comprised of many geriatric animals, whose proportion of the captive population will only increase. Research Highlights: Twice per week, nine mobility‐impaired chimpanzees participated in physical therapy sessions, including squats, weight shifts, standing, and stretching exercises, and nine control chimpanzees participated in positive reinforcement training sessions.Among chimpanzees that participated in physical therapy, results showed significant increases in physical health, well‐being, ease of movement, and activity levels across successive phases of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current longitudinal study examined factors (sex, physical function, response to novelty, ability to adapt to a shift in light/dark cycle, brain connectivity), which might predict the emergence of impaired memory during aging. Male and female Fisher 344 rats were tested at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. Impaired spatial memory developed in middle-age (12 months), particularly in males, and the propensity for impairment increased with advanced age. A reduced response to novelty was observed over the course of aging, which is inconsistent with cross-sectional studies. This divergence likely resulted from differences in the history of environmental enrichment/impoverishment for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Animals that exhibited lower level exploration of the inner region on the open field test exhibited better memory at 12 months. Furthermore, males that exhibited a longer latency to enter a novel environment at 6 months, exhibited better memory at 12 months. For females, memory at 12 months was correlated with the ability to behaviorally adapt to a shift in light/dark cycle. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, conducted at 12 months, indicated that the decline in memory was associated with altered functional connectivity within different memory systems, most notably between the hippocampus and multiple regions such as the retrosplenial cortex, thalamus, striatum, and amygdala. Overall, some factors, specifically response to novelty at an early age and the capacity to adapt to shifts in light cycle, predicted spatial memory in middle-age, and spatial memory is associated with corresponding changes in brain connectivity. We discuss similarities and differences related to previous longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, as well as the role of sex differences in providing a theoretical framework to guide future longitudinal research on the trajectory of cognitive decline. In addition to demonstrating the power of longitudinal studies, these data highlight the importance of middle-age for identifying potential predictive indicators of sexual dimorphism in the trajectory in brain and cognitive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic, highly selective barrier primarily formed by endothelial cells connected by tight junctions that separate the circulating blood from the brain extracellular fluid. The endothelial cells lining the brain microvessels are under the inductive influence of neighboring cell types, including astrocytes and pericytes. In addition to the anatomical characteristics of the BBB, various specific transport systems, enzymes and receptors regulate molecular and cellular traffic across the BBB. While the intact BBB prevents many macromolecules and immune cells from entering the brain, following epileptogenic brain insults the BBB changes its properties. Among BBB alterations, albumin extravasation and diapedesis of leucocytes from blood into brain parenchyma occur, inducing or contributing to epileptogenesis. Furthermore, seizures themselves may modulate BBB functions, permitting albumin extravasation, leading to activation of astrocytes and the innate immune system, and eventually modifications of neuronal networks. BBB alterations following seizures are not necessarily associated with enhanced drug penetration into the brain. Increased expression of multidrug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein likely act as a ‘second line defense’ mechanism to protect the brain from toxins. A better understanding of the complex alterations in BBB structure and function following seizures and in epilepsy may lead to novel therapeutic interventions allowing the prevention and treatment of epilepsy as well as other detrimental neuro-psychiatric sequelae of brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the elderly is challenging. Clipping as the definitive treatment is less well tolerated by the elderly population. The outcome is anticipated to be more glimmer in poor grade SAH and in a setup which lacks modern neurovascular gadgets. We present our experience of surgical clipping in elderly patients in such a basic neurovascular unit.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of elderly patients between 70 and 79 of age who underwent surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2017 was done. The patients' characteristics, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were studied to determine the factors influencing an unfavorable outcome. All information was entered into a database (Microsoft Excel) and analyzed using SPSS trial version 16. Outcomes were grouped into a favorable outomce which included Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 and 5, whereas an unfavorable outcome which included Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 1, 2, and 3.Results: There were 21 patients with aneurysms located either in the anterior or posterior circulation or both. All underwent standard craniotomy and clipping pertaining to that particular type of aneurysm. A favorable outcome was achieved in 48% of the patients and 52% had an unfavorable outcome. The duration of surgery, number of days on ventilator, and presence of hydrocephalus were the factors found to be statistically significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes.Conclusion: A team approach consisting of a neuroanaesthetist, neurosurgeons, and critical care personnel can have a huge impact on the postoperative outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between social and physical activities in older adulthood deserve further attention. This study explores the relationship of social leisure activity (SLA) and the psychological construct, valuation of life (VOL), to physical activity among the young, middle, and oldest old. Significant differences and relationships were observed. Oldest old showed significant drops in ability and activity, both physical and leisure activity. VOL is connected to SLA and physical activities specific to improving flexibility. The study findings suggest SLA and VOL are important points of leverage for helping older adults forestall decreases in physical activity, especially for the oldest old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neighborhood walkability shows significant positive relationship with residents' walking for transport in cross-sectional studies. We examined prospective relationships of neighborhood walkability with the change in walking behaviors over 4 years among middle-to-older aged adults (50-65 years) residing in Adelaide, Australia. Methods: A baseline survey was conducted during 2003-2004, and a follow-up survey during 2007-2008. Walking for transport and walking for recreation were assessed at both times among 504 adults aged 50-65 years living in objectively determined high- and low-walkable neighborhoods. Multilevel linear regression analyses examined the associations of neighborhood walkability with changes over 4 years in walking for transport and walking for recreation. Results: On average, participants decreased their time spent in walking for transport (-4.1 min/day) and for recreation (-3.7 min/day) between the baseline and 4-year follow-up. However, those living in high-walkable neighborhoods showed significantly smaller reduction (adjusted mean change: -1.1 min/day) in their time spent in walking for transport than did those living in low-walkable neighborhoods (-6.7 min/day). No such statistically-significant differences were found with the changes in walking for recreation. Conclusions: High-walkable neighborhoods may help middle-to-older aged adults to maintain their walking for transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present herein investigations concerning the reactivity of B2pin2 and FBpin (pin = pinacolato) with respect to fluoride ions and NHCs (NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene) in order to understand better the role of added fluoride in our recently reported Ni-catalyzed C–F borylation process, to confirm the nature of the NHC-adducts of FBpin, and to explain the formation of the species detected as side products of the defluoroborylation reaction. We report the calculated gas phase fluoride ion affinities (FIA) of relevant boron species and demonstrate that the presence of one equivalent of added F− in solution will bind and activate B2pin2 (FIA = +247 kJ mol−1), but it will also bind even more effectively to FBpin (FIA = +287 kJ mol−1) formed in the reaction. We prepared the NHC-adducts of FBpin by two different methods and isolated and characterized several examples of the type FBpin·NHC (NHC = iPr2Im, 1; Me2Im, 2; MeiPrIm, 3; nPr2Im, 4; Mes2Im 5). The salts [pinBF2][NMe4] 6, as well as the significantly more soluble analogue [pinBF2][NnBu4] 7, were also isolated and characterized, providing confirmation of the presence of the pinBF2 anion in various stoichiometric and catalytic borylation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of sym‐dimethyltetraphenyl carbodiphosphorane (CDPMe) with [Ni(CO)4] under standard conditions yields the CDPMe‐ and carbon monoxide‐bridged dinickel pentacarbonyl complex [Ni2(CO)4(µ2‐CO)(µ2‐CDPMe)] (2). However, under an atmosphere of CO(g), reaction of [Ni(CO)4] with CDPMe gives the primal target complex [CDPMe‐Ni(CO)3] (3). The complexes were examined in solution (ESI‐MS, NMR) and in the solid state (IR, X‐ray diffraction analysis). The resulting Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) and percentage buried volume value (%Vbur) of CDPMe are presented and compared with hexaphenyl carbodiphosphorane (CDPPh). DFT calculations were performed to analyze the bonding situation in complexes 2 and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the beliefs, self-perceptions, and self-reported behaviors around physical activity among Barbadian women on the Caribbean island of Barbados, and among Barbadian migrant women in Atlanta, Georgia. It investigates their perceptions and practices of physical activity and its relationship to health, and how these ideas and practices differ between the two sites. Design/methodology/approach: Situated within long-term ethnographic research conducted in both study sites, this paper focuses on qualitative interview data and quantitative physical activity logs from 31 Barbadian women. Findings: Most study subjects expressed belief that physical activity is valuable to their health. Women in Barbados described their own lives as active, and documented this activity in their physical activity logs. However, women in Atlanta described patterns of limited activity that were evidenced in their logs. Qualitative interviews determined that the overarching reasons for this inactivity are the structural confines of wage labor and the built environment. Social implications: These findings indicate that rather than health promotions that emphasize individual responsibility, physical activity levels in US migrant populations may more likely be altered by addressing the structural limitations of the American work day or the ubiquitous urban commute time. Originality/value: This paper is unique in its contribution of dual-sited qualitative research that explores the motivations and limitations of physical activity in a migrant population. In addition, it enhances the existing literature by examining a native-English-speaking, middle-class population in migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe social engagement care (SEC) provided by live-in migrant caregivers for frail older adults compared with care recipients' and families' wishes for such care. Method Interviews with care recipients, family members, and migrant caregivers assessed preferences for and provision of five types of SEC activities: knowing the older person as a person, knowing their main concerns, having personal conversations, going for walks, and sharing social or leisure activities. Results Care recipients and family proxies reported a moderate desire for SEC from migrant caregivers, except for sharing leisure activities, for which there was only a slight preference. Migrant caregivers reported these practices at somewhat higher levels compared with the other respondents. Migrant caregivers' reports of practice show little relationship with care-recipients' preferences, but care recipients tended to perceive practice as agreeing with their own wishes. Discussion It is important to include SEC as part of the role of live-in migrant caregivers of older persons. However, there is a need to differentiate among types of SEC and subsequently optimize the match between the care-recipient's wishes and needs and the actual care provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An umpolung strategy for the cross-coupling of polyfluoroarenes with various substituted hydrazones to construct C(sp2)–C(sp3) bonds is developed. In this strategy, the C–F bond of polyfluoroarenes is cleaved and coupled with moisture- and air-stable hydrazones under mild conditions with good to excellent yields. This method provides a useful tool for synthesizing polyfluorinated pharmaceuticals and functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein demonstrate that the amide base generated in situ from CsF and N(TMS)3 catalyzes the deprotonative coupling reactions of terminal alkynes with polyfluoroarenes, wherein mono‐ and dialkynylations occur efficiently for penta‐ and hexafluorobenzenes, respectively. Tetraalkynylated products could also be synthesized from dialkynylated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering: 2008 to 2018 This review provides a comprehensive overview of newly discovered natural products containing a tropolonoid motif covering 2008 up to 2018 and depicts the ecological context in which they have been isolated. This review has a strong focus on describing the different analytical tools and molecular biological approaches used to identify the underlying biosynthetic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory processing disorder (SPD), a developmental regulatory condition characterized by marked under- or over-responsivity to non-noxious sensory stimulation, is a common but poorly understood disorder that can profoundly affect mood, cognition, social behavior and adaptive life skills. Little is known about the etiology and neural underpinnings. Clinical research indicates that children with SPD show greater prevalence of difficulties in complex cognitive behavior including working memory, behavioral flexibility, and regulation of sensory and affective functions, which are related to prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatal, and midbrain regions. Neuroimaging may provide insight into mechanisms underlying SPD, and animal experiments provide important evidence that is not available in human studies. Rhesus monkeys (N = 73) were followed over a 20-year period from birth into old age. We focused on a single sensory modality, the tactile system, measured at 5–7 years, because of its critical importance for nourishment, attachment, and social reward in development. Positron emission tomography imaging was conducted at ages 12–18 years to quantify the availability of the D1 and D2 subtypes of the DA receptor (D1R and D2R), and the DA transporter (DAT). Heightened tactile responsivity was related to (a) elevated D1R in PFC overall, including lateral, ventrolateral, medial, anterior cingulate (aCg), frontopolar, and orbitofrontal (OFC) subregions, as well as nucleus accumbens (Acb), (b) reduced D2R in aCg, OFC, and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, and (c) elevated DAT in putamen. These findings suggest a mechanism by which DA pathways may be altered in SPD. These pathways are associated with reward processing and pain regulation, providing top-down regulation of sensory and affective processes. The balance between top-down cognitive control in the PFC-Acb pathway and bottom-up motivational function of the VTA-Acb-PFC pathway is critical for successful adaptive function. An imbalance in these two systems might explain DA-related symptoms in children with SPD, including reduced top-down regulatory function and exaggerated responsivity to stimuli. These results provide more direct evidence that SPD may involve altered DA receptor and transporter function in PFC, striatal, and midbrain regions. More work is needed to extend these results to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying those people at increased risk of early functional decline in activities of daily living (ADL) is essential for initiating preventive interventions. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a clinical prediction model for onset of functional decline in ADL in three years of follow-up in older people of 65-75 years old.Methods: Four population-based cohort studies were pooled for the analysis: ActiFE-ULM (Germany), ELSA (United Kingdom), InCHIANTI (Italy), LASA (Netherlands). Included participants were 65-75 years old at baseline and reported no limitations in functional ability in ADL at baseline. Functional decline was assessed with two items on basic ADL and three items on instrumental ADL. Participants who reported at least some limitations at three-year follow-up on any of the five items were classified as experiencing functional decline. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model, with subsequent bootstrapping for optimism-correction. We applied internal-external cross-validation by alternating the data from the four cohort studies to assess the discrimination and calibration across the cohorts.Results: Two thousand five hundred sixty community-dwelling people were included in the analyses (mean age 69.7 ± 3.0 years old, 47.4% female) of whom 572 (22.3%) reported functional decline at three-year follow-up. The final prediction model included 10 out of 22 predictors: age, handgrip strength, gait speed, five-repeated chair stands time (non-linear association), body mass index, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, and depressive symptoms. The optimism-corrected model showed good discrimination with a C statistic of 0.72. The calibration intercept was 0.06 and the calibration slope was 1.05. Internal-external cross-validation showed consistent performance of the model across the four cohorts.Conclusions: Based on pooled cohort data analyses we were able to show that the onset of functional decline in ADL in three years in older people aged 65-75 years can be predicted by specific physical performance measures, age, body mass index, presence of depressive symptoms, and chronic conditions. The prediction model showed good discrimination and calibration, which remained stable across the four cohorts, supporting external validity of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used open source fused filament fabrication materials due to its ease of extrusion, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of PLA largely depends on the proper growth of its semi-crystalline structure, which can be severely impaired by a low rate of crystallization, particularly in open source printers. This can be further aggravated by the non-uniform thermal distribution of heat that causes improper curing among the extruded beads of the printing material. As a result, PLA printed on open source printers does not achieve the best mechanical properties. This research, for the first time, proposes an additive-free solution implemented through a detailed set of experimentation to improve the curing rate through in-process temperature variations to cure the joints among the beads. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to confirm the improvements in the bead joints. This work is conducted in two phases of experiments. In the first phase, a full factorial ANOVA is used to investigate various process parameters and the important variables are used in the second phase to print test specimens in four different sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psyllium and lactitol have been reported to increase fecal volume, moisture content and bowel movement frequency (BMF). However, the benefits of their combined use on constipation has not been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week intervention with lactitol and/or psyllium on bowel function in constipated volunteers. Adults (N = 172) who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were randomized to four treatment groups: 10 g lactitol, 3.5 g psyllium, a combination of 10 g lactitol and 3.5 g psyllium, or placebo. The primary endpoint was change in BMF from Day 0 to 28 as compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints were assessed by inventories, including stool consistency, patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, relief of constipation, 24-h food recall, physical activity, product satisfaction and adverse events (AE). BMF increased by 3.0 BMs with lactitol, by 2.9 with psyllium, and by 3.1 with the combination, but was not different from placebo (3.7 BMs). Other clinical endpoints were similar between treatments. No serious AEs were reported. In conclusion, this study showed a similar effect on relief of constipation in all treatment groups. The treatments that were administered to the volunteers were well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults spend most of their waking hours performing sedentary activities. The influence of these lifestyle patterns on the physical fitness (PF) levels of this population has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine whether sedentary behavior (SB) (h•d-1sitting) is associated with PF, and specifically to analyze whether sitting >4 h•d-1 is associated with higher risk of having lower levels of fitness in seniors. Design: EXERNET multi-center study. Participants and Settings: A representative sample of 3136 non-institutionalized elderly (aged 72.2+5.3 years), from 6 Regions of Spain were included in the study. Measurements: PF was assessed using 8 different tests from the EXERNET battery. Lifestyle patterns were collected using a validated questionnaire. ANOVA was used to compare the groups according to the hours of sitting. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the association between the SB and low levels of fitness. Results: For both genders, those who spent sitting >4 h•d-1 had lower levels of balance, agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.001). Sedentary men also had less strength of lower extremities (p<0.05), whereas, sedentary women were less flexible in the lower extremities (p<0.001). More than 4 h•d-1 sitting was associated, in men, to higher odds for having low strength (lower extremities), agility, flexibility (lower extremities) and aerobic endurance (p<0.05); and in women, to higher risk of low balance, strength (lower and upper extremities), flexibility (lower extremities), agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.05). Conclusions: Seniors that sit >4 h•d-1 have lower levels of fitness and this behavior is related with an increased risk of having low levels of PF in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity of [Ni(iPr2Im)4(µ‐COD)] 1 (iPr2Im = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, COD = 1,4‐cyclooctadiene) in Hiyama‐ and Negishi‐type cross‐coupling reactions as well as the synthesis of several novel nickel fluoroaryl alkyl complexes is reported. Hiyama coupling of 1.1 equiv. perfluoroaromatics and 1 equiv. PhSi(OR)3 (R = Me, Et) with 5 mol‐% of 1 as catalyst leads to the C–C coupling product ArF–Ph in good to fair yields. In presence of the additive NMe4F alkoxy transfer from PhSi(OR)3 to the perfluoroarene occurs to yield ArF–OR and PhSiF(OR)2. Negishi cross‐coupling between C6F6 or C7F8 (1 equiv.), diorganozinc reagents [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et) (2.1 equiv.) and 5 mol‐% 1 as the catalyst in toluene at 115 °C leads to ArF–R only in traces. However, NMR experiments revealed that nickel alkyl complexes are readily formed from the reaction of trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(ArF)] with [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et). In course of these investigations, a series of novel nickel alkyl complexes trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(R)(ArF)] (R = Me, ArF = C6F52, C7F73, C12F94; R = Et, ArF = C6F55, C7F76, C12F97) have been synthesized in stoichiometric reactions starting from trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(ArF)] (ArF = C6F5, C7F7, C12F9) and [ZnR2] (R = Me, Et) in thf at –78 °C. As these nickel alkyl complexes 2–7 are stable at room temperature in solution for several days with respect to reductive elimination, their thermal stability was investigated. Heating trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(Me)(C6F5)] 2 for 24 hours at 100 °C leads to 91 % unreacted complex 2 and only traces of reductive elimination product, i.e. C6F5Me, are formed. Furthermore, the nickel ethyl complex trans‐[Ni(iPr2Im)2(Et)(C6F5)] 5 is also very stable, even with respect to β‐hydride elimination. After heating this complex to 100 °C for 24 hours there is still 26 % unreacted 5 left. The reactivity of [Ni(iPr2Im)4(µ‐COD)] 1 (iPr2Im = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, COD = 1,4‐cyclooctadiene) in Hiyama‐ and Negishi‐type cross‐coupling reactions of perfluoroaromatics as well as the synthesis and investigations concerning the stability in solution of several novel nickel fluoroaryl alkyl complexes is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft robotics is an emerging field of research where the robot body is composed of flexible and soft materials. It allows the body to bend, twist, and deform to move or to adapt its shape to the environment for grasping, all of which are difficult for traditional hard robots with rigid bodies. However, the theoretical basis and design principles for soft robotics are not well-founded despite their recognized importance. For example, the control of soft robots is outsourced to morphological attributes and natural processes; thus, the coupled relations between a robot and its environment are particularly crucial. In this paper, we propose a mathematical foundation for soft robotics based on category theory, a branch of abstract mathematics where any notions can be described by objects and arrows. It allows for a rigorous description of the inherent characteristics of soft robots and their relation to the environment as well as the differences compared to conventional hard robots. We present a notion called the category of mobility to well describe the subject matter. The theory has been applied to a model system and analysis to highlight the adaptation behavior observed in universal grippers, which are a typical example of soft robotics. The aim of the present study is not to offer concrete engineering solutions to existing robotics but to provide clear mathematical description of soft robots by category theory and to imply its potential abilities by a simple soft gripper demonstration. This paper paves the way to developing a theoretical background and design principles for soft robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise is a well-known non-pharmacological intervention to improve brain functions, including cognition, memory, and motor coordination. Contraction of skeletal muscles during exercise releases humoral factors that regulate the whole-body metabolism via interaction with other non-muscle organs. Myokines are muscle-derived effectors that regulate body metabolism by autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine action and were reportedly suggested as "exercise factors" that can improve the brain function. However, several aspects remain to be elucidated, namely the specific activities of myokines related to the whole-body metabolism or brain function, the mechanisms of regulation of other organs or cells, the sources of "exercise factors" that regulate brain function, and their mechanisms of interaction with non-muscle organs. In this paper, we present the physiological functions of myokines secreted by exercise, including regulation of the whole-body metabolism by interaction with other organs and adaptation of skeletal muscles to exercise. In addition, we discuss the functions of myokines that possibly contribute to exercise-induced improvement of brain function. Among several myokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most studied myokine that regulates adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. However, the source of circulating BDNF and its upstream effector, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and irisin and the effect size of peripheral BDNF, irisin, and IGF-1 released after exercise should be further investigated. Recently, cathepsin B has been reported to be secreted from skeletal muscles and upregulate BDNF following exercise, which was associated with improved cognitive function. We reviewed the level of evidence for the effect of myokine on the brain function. Level of evidence for the association of the change in circulating myokine following exercise and improvement of neuropsychiatric function is lower than the level of evidence for the benefit of exercise on the brain. Therefore, more clinical evidences for the association of myokine release after exercise and their effect on the brain function are required. Finally, we discuss the effect size of the action of myokines on cognitive benefits of exercise, in addition to other contributors, such as improvement of the cardiovascular system or the effect of "exercise factors" released from non-muscle organs, particularly in patients with sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintentional fatal drowning among older people is an issue as lifespans lengthen and older people embrace active retirement. While pre-existing medical conditions are a known risk factor for drowning among this age group, less is known about the role of alcohol and drugs. This 15-year (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) Australian study used coronial data to investigate the impact on older people (aged 65 years and older) of the obtundent effects of prescribed drugs which had been ingested by those with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Of the closed coronial cases with toxicological information (N = 471), one quarter (24.6%; N = 116) had consumed alcohol prior to drowning (one in seven BAC ≥ 0.05%), of which a third also had obtundent drugs present (33.6%; N = 39). Rivers/creeks/streams and swimming pools were the locations with the highest number of drowning deaths. Bathtubs (36.8%) and rivers/creeks/streams (17.9%) recorded the highest proportion of cases with victims having a BAC ≥ 0.05%. Bathtubs (13.2%), lakes (7.0%), and rivers/creeks/streams (6.8%) recorded the highest proportion of drowning cases with obtundent drug involvement. Obtundent drug involvement was significantly more likely for activities where the person who drowned was alone (i.e., unknown activity) (X2 = 6.8; p = 0.009). Common obtundent drugs included Diazepam, Tempazepam, and Codeine. Advocacy to prevent drowning in older people is a complex challenge, due to the myriad of locations where drowning occurs, the consumption of alcohol, and polypharmacy required for treating illness and maintaining good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is becoming one of the most widespread health burning problems in the elderly. Worldwide prevalence of diabetes among subjects over 65 years was 123 million in 2017, a number that is expected to double in 2045. Old patients with diabetes have a higher risk of common geriatric syndromes, including frailty, cognitive impairment and dementia, urinary incontinence, traumatic falls and fractures, disability, side effects of polypharmacy, which have an important impact on quality of life and may interfere with anti-diabetic treatment. Because of all these factors, clinical management of type 2 diabetes in elderly patients currently represents a real challenge for the physician. Actually, the optimal glycemic target to achieve for elderly diabetic patients is still a matter of debate. The American Diabetes Association suggests a HbA1c goal <7.5% for older adults with intact cognitive and functional status, whereas, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends HbA1c levels of 6.5% or lower as long as it can be achieved safely, with a less stringent target (>6.5%) for patients with concurrent serious illness and at high risk of hypoglycemia. By contrast, the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests more conservative goals (HbA1c levels between 7 and 8%) for most older patients, and a less intense pharmacotherapy, when HbA1C levels are ≤6.5%. Management of glycemic goals and antihyperglycemic treatment has to be individualized in accordance to medical history and comorbidities, giving preference to drugs that are associated with low risk of hypoglycemia. Antihyperglycemic agents considered safe and effective for type 2 diabetic older patients include: metformin (the first-line agent), pioglitazone, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. Insulin secretagogue agents have to be used with caution because of their significant hypoglycemic risk; if used, short-acting sulfonylureas, as gliclazide, or glinides as repaglinide, should be preferred. When using complex insulin regimen in old people with diabetes, attention should be paid for the risk of hypoglycemia. In this paper we aim to review and discuss the best glycemic targets as well as the best treatment choices for older people with type 2 diabetes based on current international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) is widely recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in older populations. However, whether the beneficial effects of LTPA on bone accumulate across life and are maintained even after reduction or cessation of regular PA in later life is unknown. We examined whether LTPA across adulthood was cumulatively associated with volumetric and areal bone mineral density (vBMD, aBMD) at ages 60 to 64 and whether associations were mediated by lean mass. Up to 1498 participants from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development were included in analyses. LTPA was self‐reported at ages 36, 43, 53, and 60 to 64, and responses summed to generate a cumulative score (range 0 = inactive at all four ages to 8 = most active at all four ages). Total and trabecular vBMD were measured at the distal radius using pQCT and aBMD at the total hip and lumbar spine (L1 to L4) using DXA. Linear regression was used to test associations of the cumulative LTPA score with each bone outcome. After adjustment for height and weight, a 1‐unit increase in LTPA score (95% CI) in men was associated with differences of 1.55% (0.78% to 2.31%) in radial trabecular vBMD, 0.83% (0.41% to 1.25%) in total hip aBMD, and 0.97% (0.44% to 1.49%) in spine aBMD. Among women, positive associations were seen for radial trabecular vBMD and total hip aBMD, but only among those of greater weight (LTPA × weight interaction p ≤ 0.01). In men, there was evidence to suggest that lean mass index may partly mediate these associations. These findings suggest that there are cumulative benefits of LTPA across adulthood on BMD in early old age, especially among men. The finding of weaker associations among women suggests that promotion of specifıc types of LTPA may be needed to benefit bone health in women. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How housing and transport conditions may affect welfare in porcine production is a leading topic in livestock research. This study investigated whether pigs present a different neurological response to management conditions and to ascertain whether pigs living partially outdoors cope differently with road transport-associated stress. Twenty-four female pigs were divided in two groups: one living indoors (ID, n = 12) and the other housed combining indoor conditions with 4 hours per day of outdoor pasture (OD, n = 12). After one month, one set of animals from each housing condition were driven in a truck to the slaughterhouse in low-stress conditions (5 min drive, no mixing groups, soft management, LS group, n = 12) or high-stress conditions (2 hours drive, mixing groups, harsh management, HS group, n = 12). At the slaughterhouse, blood was collected, and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HC) dissected. OD pigs had lower serum haptoglobin and increased dopaminergic pathway (DA-system) in the PFC, suggesting that living outdoors increases their wellbeing. HS conditions increased serum creatine kinase (CK) and affected several brain pathways: activation of the noradrenergic (NA-system) and DA -system in the PFC and the activation of the DA-system and an increase in c-Fos as well as a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the HC. The serotonergic system (5-HT-system) was mildly altered in both areas. There was an interaction between housing and transport in serum NA and the DA-system in the HC, indicating that living conditions affected the response to stress. Multivariate analysis was able to discriminate the four animal groups. In conclusion, this work indicates that housing conditions and road transport markedly modifies the neurophysiology of pigs, and suggests that animals raised partially outdoors respond differently to transport-associated stress than animals raised indoors, indicating that they cope differently with unknown environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A β‐diketiminato‐based tridentate pincer‐type nickel(II) complex Ni‐NNP was prepared by the reaction of the nickel(II) precursor [NiCl2(2,4‐lutidine)2] with the lithiated NNP ligand, which was generated in situ by the reaction of the NNP pro‐ligand H‐NNP with nBuLi. H‐NNP was prepared by the condensation of 4‐[(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amino]pent‐3‐en‐2‐one with 2‐(diphenylphosphanyl)ethylamine. Ni‐NNP was characterized spectroscopically and by X‐ray diffraction, revealing a slightly distorted square‐planar geometry around the nickel center. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the highest occupied molecular orbital in Ni‐NNP is located at higher energy than those of three other homologous nickel(II) complexes, i.e., Ni‐ONN, Ni‐ONP, and Ni‐NNN, which contain β‐aminoketonato‐ or β‐diketiminato‐based pincer‐type ligands. The electronic and steric properties of Ni‐NNP effectively facilitated the cross‐coupling of aryl fluorides with aryl Grignard reagents. A β‐diketiminato‐based pincer‐type nickel(II) complex was synthesized, and its catalytic performance in the cross‐coupling of aryl fluorides with aryl Grignard reagents was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is experiencing a boom in the aging population; hence it has become a new challenge and there is a need to focus on this demographic shift. The wellbeing of the physically vulnerable segment of the population seeks much consideration as it sets general values of society. The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of wellbeing on quality of life among aging population in Karachi, Pakistan. A well-structured questionnaire is used to collect data from individuals working / nonworking in different setups and capacities. On wellbeing, four dimensions; Psychological, Social, Physical and Occupational are used to assess their impact on quality of life. The statistical results indicate a significant impact of Psychological Wellbeing, Social Wellbeing and Occupational Wellbeing on Quality of Life. However, the impact of Physical Wellbeing is statistically insignificant. This study is of value since it sets ground to devise suitable plans for management of the elderly population by the employers of the public health, and policy-making organizations. Effective policies and programs will not only promote healthy aging but also improve the quality of life of senior citizens by enabling them to remain productive and independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging was conducted using an electron tracking-Compton camera (ETCC), which measures γ-rays with energies in the range of 200–900 keV from 95mTc. 95mTc was produced by the 95Mo(p, n)95mTc reaction on a 95Mo-enriched target. A method for recycling 95Mo-enriched molybdenum trioxide was employed, and the recycled yield of 95Mo was 70%-90%. Images were obtained with the gate of three energies. The results showed that the spatial resolution increases with increasing γ-ray energy, and suggested that the ETCC with high-energy γ-ray emitters such as 95mTc is useful for the medical imaging of deep tissue and organs in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By 2030, the population of individuals living in the United States aged 65 or older is estimated to reach 71.88 million people. In turn, rehabilitation professionals will be tasked with meeting increased levels of need. One approach for promoting health and well-being is physical activity (PA) which holds potential for reducing secondary health conditions and disability. This article examined (a) student attitudes toward PA interventions for aging individuals living with functional limitations, and (b) how student attitudes toward PA interventions might change following a service learning activity. A pre-test/post-test design was utilized. Results indicated that students tended to hold favorable attitudes regarding PA as a health promoting intervention. As a class cohort, no significant changes in student attitudes were observed. However, when evaluated by major, evidence for the value of experiential learning was noted, in addition to interesting changes in the attitudes of non-rehabilitation and human services majors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (Mr 32 kDa, DARPP‐32) is an integrator of multiple neuronal signals and plays a crucial role particularly in mediating the dopaminergic component of the systems involved in the evaluation of stimuli and the ensuing elaboration of complex behavioral responses (e.g., responses to reinforcers and stressors). Dopamine neurons can fire tonically or phasically in distinct timescales and in specific brain regions to code different behaviorally relevant information. Dopamine signaling is mediated mainly through the regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, stimulated by D1‐like or inhibited by D2‐like receptors, respectively, that modulates cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) function. The activity of DARPP‐32 is finely regulated by its phosphorylation at multiple sites. Phosphorylation at the threonine (Thr) 34 residue by PKA converts DARPP‐32 into an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1, while the phosphorylation at the Thr75 residue turns it into an inhibitor of PKA. Thus, DARPP‐32 is critically implicated in regulating striatal output in response to the convergent pathways that influence signaling of the cAMP/PKA pathway. This review summarizes some of the landmark and recent studies of DARPP‐32‐mediated signaling in the attempt to clarify the role played by DARPP‐32 in the response to rewarding natural stimuli. Particularly, the review deals with data derived from rodents studies and discusses the involvement of the cAMP/PKA/DARPP‐32 pathway in: 1) appetitive food‐sustained motivated behaviors, 2) motivated behaviors sustained by social reward, 3) sexual behavior, and 4) responses to environmental enrichment. Dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (Mr 32 kDa, DARPP‐32) is an integrator of multiple neuronal signals, in particular of dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions, and its activity is finely regulated by phosphorylation at multiple sites [threonine (Thr) 34 and 75; serine (Ser) 97 and 130]. This review discusses the role of DARPP‐32 in mediating biochemical, electrophysiological, transcriptional, and behavioral effects of dopamine. The evidences available on rodents, and some indirect evidence in humans, on the role played by DARPP‐32 in the integration of the responses to rewarding natural stimuli such as food, social and sexual interactions, and environmental enrichment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]