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Objective: Many scientists have investigated solutions to reduce microbiological risks in dry-aged meat after the dry-aging technology was revived for high quality and value-added premium meat product in the market. This study aimed to investigate the effect of scoria powder in onggi (Korean earthenware) on the meat quality of pork loins during 21 days of dry aging and to elucidate its mechanism of action.Methods: The pork loins were randomly divided into three groups: aged in vacuum-packaging, onggi containing red clay only (OR), and onggi containing 30% red clay and 70% scoria powder (OS). Microbial analyses (total plate count and Lactobacillus spp.) and physicochemical analyses (pH, shear force, volatile basic nitrogen [VBN], water activity, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, water content, water holding capacity, cooking loss, and color analysis) of aged meat were conducted. Far-infrared ray emission, quantification of immobilized L. sakei and microstructure of onggi were investigated to understand the mechanism.Results: On day 21, the meat aged in OS exhibited lower pH, shear force, VBN, and water activity than those aged in OR, along with an increase in the number of Lactobacillus spp. OS had a smaller pore diameter than OR, implying lower gas permeability, which could promote the growth of L. sakei.Conclusion: OS improved the microbiological safety and storage stability of pork loin during dry aging by increasing number of Lactobacillus spp. possibly due to low permeability of OS.

Objectives: To examine risk and protective factors predicting physical functioning and physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods: This study analyzed longitudinal data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study with a sub-sample of 855 SGM older adults who reported difficulties in cognitive performance. Results: Physical functioning and HRQOL linearly declined over time, and the decline of physical functioning was steeper for those with low levels of physical and outdoor leisure activities. The overall levels of physical functioning and HRQOL over time were associated with physical and outdoor leisure activities, optimal sleep, and sufficient food intake. HRQOL was negatively associated with lifetime discrimination and victimization, identity stigma, and smaller social network. Discussion: These findings can be used to develop interventions to improve physical functioning and HRQOL of SGM older adults living with cognitive impairment.

The lives of transgender older adults are rarely examined, and little is known about the critical life events and experiences of this population. Informed by the Iridescent Life Course, this study investigates how intersectionality, fluidity, context and power impact the life events and experiences of trans older adults by generation and gender. Utilising 2014 data from the National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study: Aging with Pride (National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging funded), a national sample of LGBTQ+ individuals 50 years and older, living in the United States of America, were analysed to examine life events of 205 transgender older adults, including identity development, work, bias, kin relationships, social and community engagement, health and wellbeing. Ordinary least-squares regressions and logistics regressions are used to compare the life events between the generations then test the interaction effect of gender. Pride Generation more openly disclose their identities and are more likely to be employed and married compared to the Silenced Generation, who have more military service, higher rates of retirement, fewer same-sex marriages and more different-sex marriages. Invisible Generation, the oldest group, are more likely retired, have more children and are more likely engaged in the community compared to the Silenced Generation, who experienced more discrimination. Applying the Iridescent Life Course is instrumental in understanding older trans adults' lives through intersecting identities of both generation and gender. These insights have the potential to create a greater appreciation of how historical events shape differing generations of transgender people, creating an opportunity to link generations together.

A residual fracture gap after intramedullary nailing is a known risk factor for delayed union and non-union. This study aimed to report the outcomes of a forward-striking technique to reduce fracture gaps during long cephalomedullary nailing in subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs).A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with SFFs treated in a single institution between February 2013 and October 2018. A total of 58 patients treated via long cephalomedullary nailing with a forward-striking technique were included. The width of the fracture gap, location of the cephalic screw, tip-apex distance (TAD), and time to bone union were evaluated using intraoperative and postoperative radiographs. Complication rates, including fixation failure, non-union, implant breakage, and infection, were assessed. The mean follow-up duration was 4 (range, 2‒8) years.Of the 58 patients (mean age, 67.9 years), 38 (65.5%) were female. Thirty-two cases (55.2%) were classified as atypical femoral fractures. The mean fracture gap reduced from 5.1 mm to 1.6 mm by forward striking (P0.001). The reduced fracture gap was significantly greater in atypical SFFs (mean, 4.9 mm vs. 1.7 mm; P0.001). The lag screw was located in the center-center or center-inferior zones of the femoral head in 54 patients (93.1%). The mean TAD was 14.2 mm and was under 25 mm in 55 patients (94.8%). Bone union was achieved in all cases without reoperation at a mean of 5.4 months. One incident of lag screw breakage was noted at 5 months, but bone union was achieved at 7 months.The forward-striking technique with a long cephalomedullary nail demonstrated a 100% bone union rate in a consecutive series of 58 SFFs. This technique is effective in reducing the fracture gap as well as placing the cephalic screw into the optimal position. The forward-striking technique was particularly effective in reducing atypical SFFs with a transverse or short oblique configuration.

Objectives Utilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920–1934), Silenced (born 1935–1949), and Pride (born 1950–1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample ( n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). Demographic characteristics, life events, and gender and generational interactions were compared. Results: Compared to other generations, the Invisible Generation disclosed their identity at older ages, were more likely to be retired, served in the military, and survived a partner’s death. Compared to the other generations, the Pride Generation was more likely to have disclosed their identities earlier and experienced higher levels of victimization/discrimination. Discussion: This paper is the first to examine the lived experiences of the oldest lesbians and gay men and compare them to other generations. The findings illustrate the heteronormative nature of most life course research.

Background and Objectives Prior research has shown informal caregiving among older adults can negatively affect the caregiver’s physical and psychological health. However, little is known about protective and risk factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) caregivers. Research Design and Methods Informed by the Health Equity Promotion Model and Caregiver Stress Process Model and utilizing longitudinal data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study, this analysis examined modifiable risk and protective factors associated with psychological and physical HRQOL over time among 754 LGBTQ caregivers aged 50–98. Results Psychological and physical HRQOL declined over a 3-year period. After controlling for background characteristics, mastery, social support, socialization, LGBTQ community engagement, and physical activity were positively associated with psychological HRQOL while day-to-day discrimination, identity stigma, and insufficient food intake were negatively associated. Steeper declines were observed for older and with no physical activity. Mastery, social support, socialization, and physical activity were positively associated with physical HRQOL while day-to-day discrimination and insufficient food intake were negatively associated. Steeper declines were found for those with high mastery and no physical activity. Discussion and Implications Although generalized factors including mastery, socialization, and social support are protective for HRQOL among LGBTQ caregivers, factors including day-to-day discrimination and identity stigma are more unique to historically disadvantaged populations and should be considered in future research and practice. Caregiving interventions incorporating physical activity are promising given its buffering effect for decreased physical and psychological HRQOL over time.

Background and Objective From the past, several researchers have studied and measured the partial pressure of carbon dioxide during sleep in normal children to establish diagnostic criteria for hypoventilation in children. Here we tried to verify the existing definition of sleep-related hypoventilation in Asian by evaluating and analyzing the carbon dioxide partial pressure in pediatric subjects who underwent polysomnography.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical information of 196 children who underwent polysomnography at our hospital from Feb 2011 to Apr 2021. Among Asian pediatric subjects, those with serious chronic or genetic diseases, craniofacial deformities, and hypoventilation confirmed by polysomnography were excluded. We evaluated partial pressure of carbon dioxide in target group by end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) measured with a stream capnometer through nasal cannula. The target group was classified by apnea-hypopnea index and analyzed.Results The mean value of the time with EtCO2 ≥ 45 mm Hg in total sleep time was 47.00% which is higher than previous studies. The mean value of the time with EtCO2 ≥ 50 mm Hg in total sleep time was 2.77% which is similar to previous studies. Also, our subjects showed the highest mean EtCO2 value in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage and lowest mean EtCO2 value when wake.Conclusions In this study, the diagnostic criteria for sleep-related hypoventilation at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in 2017 established by measuring the EtCO2 in western children seems appropriate to apply to Asian children to define hypoventilation.

Context Labile soil carbon and nitrogen are important indicators for evaluating carbon sequestration and nutrient availability under forest management such as thinning. Aims This study assessed the effects of thinning on labile soil carbon and nitrogen indices in a naturally regenerated oak forest. Methods Un-thinned control, 15% thinning, and 30% thinning were set up, and labile soil carbon and nitrogen (microbial biomass, permanganate oxidisable carbon, dissolved carbon and nitrogen, and inorganic nitrogen) and C:N balance indices (C:N ratio and threshold element ratio) were measured after 6 years. Key results Thinning generally increased labile soil carbon and nitrogen concentrations (P

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a hereditary muscular disease involving degeneration (i.e. atrophy and loss of muscle fibres) of skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm, and progressively severe functional decline. A previous study shows Polycan, a type of β-glucan derived from the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans (SM-2001), promotes osteogenicity and bone loss, and possesses anti-inflammatory activity to induce inflammatory cytokines in human immune and cancer cells. Objective In this study, we evaluated changes in exercise load behaviour measurements and changes in muscle-related physiological indicators following oral administration of Polycan in mdx mice, an experimental animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Result In mdx mice, Polycan prevented weight loss and thickness of skeletal muscle. In addition, by monitoring increases in running time of mice on treadmills and performing a grip strength test, we confirmed reduced muscle function was recovered to some extent after administering Polycan to mdx mice. In addition, we confirmed that Polycan significantly altered mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby myogenic transcription factors (MyoD, Myf5 and Myogenin) increased and FoxO3α, MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 decreased. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of action in Polycan on energy metabolism of p-AMPK, SIRT1 and PGC1α with apoptosis expression levels as factors related to signalling pathways. Expression ratios of cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 in the Polycan extract-administered group increased compared with the control group. Conclusion These results demonstrate that Polycan can improve and protect muscle atrophy by preventing apoptosis via pathway regulation related to myogenic transcription factors and energy metabolism in mdx mice.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising imaging modality for sinonasal evaluation, with advantages of relatively low radiation dose, low cost, and quick outpatient imaging. Our study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and image quality of CBCT with those of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) with different slice thickness.We retrospectively reviewed 60 consecutive patients who had undergone both CBCT and MDCT. MDCT images was reconstructed with 1 and 3 mm slice thickness. The quantitative image quality parameters (image noise, signal-to-noise ratio [SNR], and contrast-to noise ratio [CNR] were calculated and compared between the two imaging modalities. Two observers (ENT surgeon and neuroradiologist) evaluated the presence of seven sinonasal anatomic variations in each patient and interobserver agreements were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) and MDCT (3 mm) was assessed and compared with that of high resolution MDCT (1 mm), which is considered as the gold standard.The image noise was significantly higher and SNR and CNR values were lower in the CBCT (0.3 mm) group than in the MDCT groups (1 and 3 mm). The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) was similar to that of MDCT (1 mm) and superior to that of MDCT (3 mm). The highest interobserver agreement was for high resolution MDCT (1 mm), followed by CBCT (0.3 mm), and MDCT (3 mm).Considering its low radiation dose, low cost, and ease of clinical access, CBCT may be a useful imaging modality for as first line sinonasal evaluation and repeated follow up.Study design: Retrospective study in a tertiary referral university center.Level of evidence: NA.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of temperature abuse prior to cold storage on changes in quality and metabolites of frozen/thawed beef loin. The aerobic packaged samples were assigned to three groups: refrigeration (4°C) (CR); freezing (-18°C for 6 d) and thawing (20±1°C for 1 d), followed by refrigeration (4°C) (FT); temperature abuse (20°C for 6 h) prior to freezing (-18°C for 6 d) and thawing (20±1°C for 1 d), followed by refrigeration (4°C) (AFT). FT and AFT resulted in higher volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) values than CR (p0.05), and these values rapidly increased in the final 15 d. Cooking loss decreased significantly with an increase in the storage period (p0.05). In addition, cooking loss was lower in the FT and AFT groups than in the CR owing to water loss after storage (p0.05). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that frozen/thawed beef samples were influenced by temperature abuse in the structure of the fiber at 15 d. Metabolomic analysis showed differences among CR, FT, and AFT from partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance (

Objectives Transgender older adults are among the most health disparate populations in the United States; they also face some of the most significant barriers in accessing high quality, affordable, preventive healthcare services. We compare utilization rates of eight recommended preventive health screenings for adults aged 50 and older, by gender identity. Methods: We analyzed data from 2514 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults aged 50 and older, testing associations between gender identities and screening service utilizations by applying a series of multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for sociodemographics. Results: Compared to cisgender LGB participants, transgender participants had significantly lower odds to have met four of the recommended screenings. Transgender men had significantly lower odds than transgender women to have met two of the recommended screenings. Discussion: Increasing transgender older adults’ access to preventative health screening tests is critical to reduce the health burden in this aging population.

Machilus thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc., commonly known as Japanese bay tree, is a large evergreen tree belonging to the Lauraceae family and is widely distributed in Asia, including Korea in subtropical and tropical forest areas (Wu et al., 2006). In April 2021, a root rot disease of 2-year-old Japanese bay trees was observed in a nursery on Wando Island in Korea. Tree roots exhibited brown to black discoloration, root rot, and deterioration, and leaves were severely wilted followed by plant death, with a disease incidence of approximately 30%. Symptomatic roots were surface sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 5 min and washed three times with distilled water. The root tissues were dried and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and vegetable juice agar (V8) media. After 3-4 days of incubation at 25 ˚C, brown Rhizoctonia fungal-like colonies grew on both culture media. Hyphae of two representative isolates (CMML21-35 and CMML21-36) exhibited typical characteristics of Rhizoctonia, including a constriction of branching hyphae (Alvarez et al., 2013). In addition, two nuclei in each mycelial cell were observed after staining of mycelia with 0.1% Safranin O. The two isolates were identified as binucleate Rhizoctonia based on the microscopic observation. To confirm identification of the isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions were sequenced using two primer sets, ITS1/ITS4 and LROR/LR5 (White et al., 1990; Vilgalys and Hester 1990). BLASTn search analysis revealed that the ITS sequence of isolates had 99.66% (582 base pair matched of 584) sequence similarity with the sequences of binucleate Rhizoctonia (accession numbers JF519837 and AY927327, respectively) and the LSU sequence matched well with the sequence of Rhizoctonia sp. AG-G (accession number MN977413; similarity 99.56% and 910 base pair matched of 914). The sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OM049427 and OM049428 for ITS, OM679289 and OM679290 for LSU. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS and LSU regions revealed that the isolates grouped with binucleate Rhizoctonia anastomosis group AG-G (Teleomorph: Ceratobasidium sp.) with a high bootstrap value. Accordingly, the morphological and molecular characteristics confirmed the causal pathogen as binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-G (Jiang et al., 2016; Gonzalez et al. 2016). To test pathogenicity, a 2-year-old Japanese bay tree was inoculated by creating a hole in the soil near the root rhizosphere and placing 1.5g of ground mycelia obtained from a 5 day-old broth culture at two time points one week apart (Bartz et al., 2010). The control pot was inoculated with sterilized ddH2O. Inoculated and control plant pots were incubated in plastic boxes with 100% relative humidity at 25 ℃ for five days. After that, the pots were placed in the greenhouse at 23-25 ℃. One month post inoculation, initial disease symptoms were observed, and after two months, severe foliar wilting and eventual plant death occurred. The non-inoculated control remained healthy. The pathogen was re-isolated from infected roots, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. The experiment was conducted three times with three replications. This is the first report of root rot of Japanese bay tree caused by binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-G in Korea and in the world. Previously, a pathogenic binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-G was isolated from colonized apple tree roots in orchards in Italy (Kelderer et al., 2012). The present study implies that this pathogen potentially causes a negative impact on the nursery and forest industries, thus further research on the screening for pathogenicity in other tropical and subtropical trees and also apple, which is an important crop in Korea, is needed.

We developed and validated an optimized method for quantifying lignans using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and performs correlation analysis of growth characteristics and contents of lignans. The methods for determining lignans were validated by measuring the linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, and precision using UPLC. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9998) within the tested ranges. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.003–0.02 µg/mL and 0.01–0.07 µg/mL, respectively. The precision of analysis was less than 3%. The recoveries of quantified compounds ranged from 98.4 to 101.68%. Growth characteristics of fruits were negatively correlated with content of total marker compounds. The results of this study can be used to quality-control of S. chinensis fruits used as medicinal raw materials.

Semiconducting ink based on two-dimensional (2D) single-crystal flakes with dangling-bond-free surfaces enables the implementation of high-performance devices on form-free substrates by cost-effective and scalable printing processes. However, the lack of solution-processed p-type 2D semiconducting inks with high mobility is an obstacle to the development of complementary integrated circuits. Here, we report a versatile strategy of doping with Br

Hybrid nanostructures are promising for ultrasound-triggered drug delivery and treatment, called sonotheranostics. Structures based on plasmonic nanoparticles for photothermal-induced microbubble inflation for ultrasound imaging exist. However, they have limited therapeutic applications because of short microbubble lifetimes and limited contrast. Photochemistry-based sonotheranostics is an attractive alternative, but building near-infrared (NIR)-responsive echogenic nanostructures for deep tissue applications is challenging because photolysis requires high-energy (UV-visible) photons. Here, we report a photochemistry-based echogenic nanoparticle for in situ NIR-controlled ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery. Our nanoparticle has an upconversion nanoparticle core and an organic shell carrying gas generator molecules and drugs. The core converts low-energy NIR photons into ultraviolet emission for photolysis of the gas generator. Carbon dioxide gases generated in the tumor-penetrated nanoparticle inflate into microbubbles for sonotheranostics. Using different NIR laser power allows dual-modal upconversion luminescence planar imaging and cross-sectional ultrasonography. Low-frequency (10 MHz) ultrasound stimulated microbubble collapse, releasing drugs deep inside the tumor through cavitation-induced transport. We believe that the photoechogenic inflatable hierarchical nanostructure approach introduced here can have broad applications for image-guided multimodal theranostics.

A ZnMgO and ZnO double-layered structure was prepared to create a stepwise interfacial electronic structure to improve the electron-injection and electron-transport behaviors in quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). The current density of the electron-only device (EOD) with ZnMgO/ZnO was higher than that of the EOD with only ZnMgO. The detailed QLED interfacial electronic structure was measured using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. A stepwise interfacial electronic structure for electron injection and electron transport was observed connecting the aluminum cathode to the ZnMgO conduction band minimum (CBM) via the ZnO CBM. The QLEDs with the ZnMgO/ZnO double electron transport layer showed an improved performance, with a maximum luminance and current efficiency of 90,892 cd m−2 and 19.2 cd A−1, respectively. Moreover, the turn-on voltage of the device was significantly reduced to 2.6 V due to the stepwise interfacial electronic structure between the aluminum cathode and ZnMgO CBM. This research provides a useful method for developing highly efficient and low turn-on voltage QLEDs using a ZnMgO/ZnO double ETL for next-generation display.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of cefetamet pivoxil for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in Korean patients compared to treatment with cefdinir. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, randomized double-blind, comparative study was conducted by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at 17 hospitals or universities in the Republic of Korea from March 2017 to April 2019. A total of 309 patients were screened and 249 patients participated in the study. Results: Treatment with cefetamet pivoxil for 2 weeks showed 82.4% clinical cure and improvement rates in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis compared to 84.68% in those taking cefdinir for 2 weeks, showing that cefetamet pivoxil administered twice a day for 2 weeks was as effective as cefdinir 3 times a day for 2 weeks for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. The overall adverse reaction rates of both drugs were 10.56% in the cefetamet pivoxil group and 15.49% in the cefdinir group, without serious adverse events or drug reactions. Conclusions: Cefetamet pivoxil twice a day was as efficacious and safe as cefdinir 3 times a day for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, which suggested that cefetamet pivoxil may be a suitable alternative to cefdinir.

A new level-set algorithm is developed that distinguishes the interior from the exterior of complex geometry by parameterizing the correlation between the stereolithography (STL) information and grid points in order to embody three-dimensional boundary interfaces in the Cartesian coordinate system. The method is applied to the flame and shock wave interactions in hydrocarbon fuel blends including the transition to a detonation in various three-dimensional geometric complexities for predicting the maximum chamber pressure. The locations of the strong shock-flame interactions and the onset of the hot spot initiation in the regions of the strongest interaction are investigated. Moreover, the study is intended for providing safety assessments of the pressure confinements that include bends, steps, and narrow channels connecting cavities by utilizing the present algorithm that can identify the triggering effects of the transition to detonation.

This study analyzes the change in working memory capacity between parous and nulliparous groups by studying the changes in event-related potential (ERP) patterns during 1- and 2-back tasks. A total of 50 women participated in the study: 27 belonging to the parous group (mean age: 33.1 ± 3.0 years) and 23 belonging to the nulliparous group (mean age: 30.8 ± 2.3 years). The parous group included women who had given birth within three years, while the nulliparous group included women who had not given birth. To compare the working memory capacity of the two groups, 1- and 2-back tasks were presented and the accuracy rate (%) and reaction times (ms) were extracted. While the subjects were performing their tasks, electroencephalograms were used to measure ERP patterns. The ERP patterns from Fz (midline frontal), Cz (midline central) and Pz (midline posterior), which are highly associated with working memory tasks, were analyzed. From the ERP patterns, N100, P300, P300 peak-to-peak (P300 p_p), P600 and P600 peak-to-peak (P600 p_p) components were extracted. The results showed no significant differences in working memory capacity (accuracy rate and reaction time) and ERP components between the two groups. These findings indicated that childbirth experience has no significant effect on working memory capacity.

In this study, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on Ti–xNb–2Ag–2Pt alloys for nano- and micro-pore formation in electrolyte with Ca and P ions for dental implant use was studied using various experimental equipment. The Ti–xNb–2Ag–2Pt alloys were fabricated using a vacuum arc melting furnace, and micro-pores were created through PEO-treatment in an electrolyte containing Ca and P ions. The PEO-treated surface was observed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The microstructure of Ti– xNb–2Ag–2Pt alloys showed the transformation of needle-like structure to equiaxed structure, as Nb content increased. Adding small amounts of Ag and Pt to Ti–xNb alloys, microstructure was not observed the significantly difference compared to Ti–xNb. The nano- and micro-pore sizes increased as the Nb content increased after PEO-treatment of Ti-xNb. In the case of Ti–50Nb–2Ag–2Pt, groove structure was observed, also the Ca/P ratio increased as the Nb content increased. The oxide layer thickness of Ti–xNb–2Ag–2Pt alloys was increased, as the Nb content increased.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are at greater risk for dementia and social isolation compared to their heterosexual peers. Lack of an available caregiver is of major concern. Yet, most dementia interventions to date have been designed primarily for caregiver-care recipient dyads or solely caregivers. A pilot study evaluated a 9-session virtual program designed to address social isolation, physical functioning and quality of life among SGM older adults living with dementia without a caregiver. Participants in the experimental group (n = 14) showed high attendance (75%) and retention rates. Social support was associated with intervention adherence. Compared to controls, the experimental group showed a significant increase in physical functioning and quality of life and decrease in depressive symptomatology and perceived stress. To meet the needs of this population without adequate social resources, research must address the different configurations of resources to better serve socially isolated SGM older adults.

Aim This study aimed to examine the inactivation efficacy of plasma-activated acetic acid (PAAA) against Salmonella Typhimurium cells and biofilm and elucidate underlying chemical inactivation pathway. Methods and Results PAAA was prepared by discharging plasma to 20 ml of 0.2% (v/v) acetic acid (AA) for 20 min (2.2 kHz and 8.4 kVpp). The count of cells and biofilms decreased by 5.71 log CFU ml−1 and 4 log CFU/cm2 after 10 min of treatment with 0.2% PAAA and 0.4% PAAA compared with control group (without any treatment), respectively. In 0.2% PAAA, the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrate anions were directly proportional to the plasma discharge time, whilst nitrite anion (NO2−) was not detected. However, the pH values of both 0.2% PAAA and plasma-activated water were inversely proportional to the plasma discharge time. Treatment with catalase, L-histidine, D-mannitol and sodium azide inhibited the antibacterial activity of PAAA. Conclusion H2O2, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical and NO2− are involved in the generation and decomposition of peroxynitrous acid generated from PAAA functioned as intermediate agent, which could diffuse through cell membranes of bacteria and induce cell injury. Significance and Impact of Study This study provides the understanding of efficacy and selectivity of PAAA which could be a novel decontamination agent.

BackgroundSkeletal muscle atrophy can occur in response to numerous factors, such as aging and certain medications, and produces a major socioeconomic burden. At present, there are no approved drugs for treating skeletal muscle atrophy. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (Aox5) is a drug target for a number of diseases. However, pharmacological targeting of Alox5, and its role in skeletal muscle atrophy, is unclear.MethodsThe potential effects of gene knockdown and pharmacological targeting of Alox5 on skeletal muscle atrophy was investigated using cell-based models, animal models, and human skeletal muscle tissue cultures. Malotilate, a clinically safe drug developed for enhancing liver regeneration and Alox5 inhibitor, was investigated as a repurposing candidate. Mechanism(s) of action in skeletal muscle atrophy were assessed by measuring the expression level or activation status of key regulatory pathways, and validated using gene knockdown and RNA sequencing.ResultsMyotubes treated with the atrophy-inducing glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, were protected from catabolic responses by treatment with malotilate (+41.29%, P < 0.01). Similar anti-atrophy effects were achieved by gene knockdown of Alox5 (+30.4%, P < 0.05). Malotilate produced anti-atrophy effects without affecting the myogenic differentiation program. In an in vivo model of skeletal muscle atrophy, malotilate treatment enhanced muscle performance (Grip strength: +35.72%, Latency to fall: +553.1%, P < 0.05), increased mass and fiber cross sectional area (Quadriceps: +23.72%, Soleus: +33.3%, P < 0.01), and down-regulated atrogene expression (Atrogin-1: -61.58%, Murf-1: -66.06%, P < 0.01). Similar, beneficial effects of malotilate treatment were observed in an aging muscle, which also showed the preservation of fast twitch fibers (Type 2a: +56.48%, Type 2b: +37.32%, P < 0.01). Leukotrine B4, a product of Alox5 activity with inflammatory and catabolic functions, was found to be elevated in skeletal muscle undergoing atrophy (Quadriceps: +224.4%, P < 0.001). Cellular transcriptome analysis showed that targeting Alox5 upregulated biological processes regulating organogenesis and increased the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, a key anti-atrophy hormone (+226.5%, P < 0.05). Interestingly, these effects were restricted to the atrophy condition and not observed in normal skeletal muscle cultures with Alox5 inhibition. Human skeletal muscle tissue was also protected from atrophy by pharmacological targeting of Alox5 (+23.68%, P < 0.05).ConclusionThese results shed new light on novel drug targets and mechanisms underpinning skeletal muscle atrophy. Alox5 is a regulator and drug target for muscle atrophy, and malotilate is an attractive compound for repurposing studies to treat this disease.

Objectives: Sexual minority older adults are a health disparate group with disproportionate rates of subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and psychological distress. This study estimated risks of SCI by sexual orientation and gender, accounting for variations in psychological distress. Methods: We aggregated National Health Interview Survey data (2013–2018) of adults aged 45 and older and implemented logistic regressions of SCI indicators on sexual orientation and psychological distress, adjusting for covariates. Results: Sexual minority adults showed higher likelihoods of SCI in terms of status, severity, frequency, extent, and activity limitations than heterosexuals, even after controlling for psychological distress. SCI risk was significantly higher among sexual minority vs. heterosexual women, with no significant difference among men. Conclusions: Public health initiatives should address this health disparity in SCI and support informal care networks for sexual minorities. Future research is needed that further investigates SCI at-risk groups, with attention to sexual minority women.

An object can be gripped firmly through power grasping, in which the gripper fingers and palm are wrapped around the object. However, it is difficult to power-grasp an object if it is placed on a support surface and the grasping point is near the support surface. Because there is no gap between the object and the support surface, the gripper fingers and the support surface will collide when the gripper attempts to power-grasp the object. To address this, we propose a pre-grasp manipulation planning method that uses two robot arms, whereby space can be secured for power grasping by rotating the object while being supported against the support surface. The objects considered in this study are appropriately shaped for a power grasp, but power grasping cannot be performed directly because the desired power-grasping location is close to the support surface on which the object is placed. First, to power-grasp the object, candidate rotation axes on the object and in contact with the support surface are derived based on a mesh model of the object. Then, for each such axis, the object pose that allows power grasping is obtained. Finally, according to the obtained object pose, the paths for rotating and power-grasping the object are planned. We evaluate the proposed approach through simulations and experiments using two UR5e robot arms with a 2F-85 gripper. This work was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), South Korea, under the Fostering Global Talents for Innovative Growth Program through the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) under Grant P0008745.

Purpose Little is known about the life course of bisexual older adults. This study examines life events and experiences of bisexuals by generation: Pride Generation, born 1950–1964; Silenced Generation, born 1935–1949; and Invisible Generation, born 1934 or earlier, as well as by gender among women, men, and gender diverse older adults. Methods Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study is the first national longitudinal study of LGBTQ older adults in the US. We utilize the Iridescent Life Course to examine the life events and life course experiences of bisexual older adults ( N = 216) using 2014 survey data. The Iridescent Life Course frames this study for comparing generational and gender differences in five key areas: identity development; work; kin and social relationships; bias-related experiences; and physical and mental health. Findings The Invisible Generation, the oldest generation, compared to the two younger generations, reports significant risks related to social relationships, the lowest levels of openly disclosing, and fewer bias-related experiences. They also demonstrate important signs of resilience and better mental health. Bisexual men and gender diverse older adults report higher rates of bias-related experiences and fewer social resources than bisexual women. Conclusion Based on the Iridescent Life Course, we document important differences in the heterogeneity and intersectionality in bisexual lives, particularly for those in late life and those gender diverse. It is essential to document the distinct nature of bisexuals’ life course, as it provides both historical and contemporary insights into aging and the reframing of future research.

We identified key metabolites reflecting microbial spoilage and differentiated unfrozen meat from frozen/thawed (FT) using 2D qNMR analysis. Unfrozen and FT chicken breasts were prepared, individually aerobically packaged, and stored for 16 days at 2 °C. Only volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) was significantly changed after 6 log CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria (p r = 0.97). Unfrozen and FT breast meat can be differentiated by uniform concentration of carnosine, β-alanine, and histidine levels, consistent changes in nucleotides by storage time, and changes in microbial metabolism patterns that are reflected by some free amino acids. Thus, NMR-based metabolomics can be used to evaluate chicken breast meat freshness and distinguish between unfrozen and FT meat.

Full-night polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, PSG requires several sensors to be attached to the patient’s body, which can interfere with sleep. Moreover, non-contact devices that utilize impulse radio ultra-wideband radar have limitations as they cannot directly measure respiratory airflow. This study aimed to detect respiratory events through infrared optical gas imaging and verify its feasibility for the diagnosis of OSA. Data collection through PSG and infrared optical gas imaging was simultaneously conducted on 50 volunteers. Respiratory airflow signal was extracted from the infrared optical gas images using an automated algorithm. We compared the respiratory parameters obtained from infrared optical gas imaging with those from PSG. All respiratory events scored from the infrared optical gas imaging were strongly correlated with those identified with standard PSG sensors. Based on a receiver operating characteristic curve, infrared optical gas imaging was deemed appropriate for the diagnosis of OSA. Infrared optical gas imaging accurately detected respiratory events during sleep; therefore, it may be employed as a screening tool for OSA.

본 연구에서는 재배 환경에 따른 산수유나무의 지표성분인 loganin 및 morroniside을 함량 분석을 통한 상관관계 구명하고자 하였다. Loganin 및 morroniside 함량은 UPLC에 의해 동시 분석되었다. 토양 데이터의 Mg2+ 함량과 pH가 loganin 함량에 가장 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났으며 Mg2+, Na+ 함량, pH, 염도, silt 비율, 점토 비율이 morroniside 함량에 가장 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 Mg2+ 함량, pH, 점토비율은 산수유 지표성분인 morroniside 및 loganin 함량에 높은 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과들은 산수유나무의 최적의 재배환경요건에 대한 기초자료로 이용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.