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• A nationwide national cohort of 23,941 acute geriatric patients. • DEMMI administered at admission predicts readmission, mortality, and discharge to a sub-acute care facility within a year. • DEMMI had a higher adherence, to testing compared to previously used tests of mobility. To examine the association between the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) score on admission in geriatric patients and readmission and mortality within 30, 180, and 365 days after discharge, and discharge to a post-acute care facility. A nationwide register-based cohort study including 23,941 geriatric in-patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a geriatric ward between 2014 and 2017 and included in the Danish National Database for Geriatrics. The DEMMI score was categorized into four subcategories: very low mobility (DEMMI=0–24), low mobility (DEMMI=27–39), moderately reduced mobility (DEMMI=41–57), and independent mobility (DEMMI=62–100). Patients were followed 30, 180 and 365 days after discharge for readmission and mortality. Their risk of being discharged to a post-acute care facility was examined. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. HRs for readmission within 30-days were 1.36 (1.24–1.48) for very low mobility, 1.30 (1.20–1.42) for low mobility and 1.17 (1.08–1.28) for moderately reduced compared with independent mobility. Similar results were seen for readmission within 180- and 365-days. For mortality, HR for 30-day mortality ranged from1.93 and 5.66, 180-day mortality between 1.62 and 3.19, and 365-day mortality between 1.54 and 2.81 compared with patients with independent mobility. OR for discharge to a post-acute care facility was 8.76 (7.29–10.53) for lowest compared with the highest DEMMI mobility subcategory. In geriatric in-patients, lower DEMMI scores on hospital admission are associated with increased rates of discharge to a post-acute care facility, and for readmission, and mortality within one year. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of ensuring compliant behavior in aerial manipulators during physical interactions is addressed in this study. This work presents a coordinated interactive framework for aerial manipulators, specifically designed to ensure compliant physical interactions during contact with the surroundings. Without the reliance on force sensors, an external force estimator is employed to recognize interaction intentions. The coordinated framework leverages a Model Predictive Control (MPC) planner equipped with adaptive weights, facilitating the coordination of movements for both the quadrotor and manipulator. The adaptive adjustment of weights in the cost function allows for the attainment of diverse interaction behaviors in response to unexpected external forces. Notably, the methodology stands out from current control strategies by incorporating autonomous stiffness adjustment in response to interaction forces, thereby optimizing the delicate balance between safety and precision. The passivity of the system is guaranteed by using a Lyapunov-like function during the physical interaction. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated by experiments for the scenario of human operator and aerial manipulator collaborative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active mobility, encompassing walking and cycling for transportation, is a potential solution to health issues arising from inadequate physical activity in modern society. However, the extent of active mobility's impact on individual physical activity levels, and its association with health as mediated by physical activities, is not fully quantified. This study aims to clarify the direct relationship between active mobility usage and individual health, as well as the indirect relationship mediated by physical activity, with a focus on varying levels of physical activity intensity. Utilizing data from the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), we employed Poisson regression to predict active mobility usage based on socio-demographic and household socio-economic characteristics. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was then used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of active mobility on individual health, mediated by physical activity. We further segmented individuals according to their intensity of physical activity to examine how such effect differs between different levels of physical activity. The study demonstrates that active mobility usage positively correlates with both the amount and intensity of physical activity. The effect of active mobility on individual health includes a direct positive effect (29% for intensity, 67.7% for amount) and an indirect effect mediated by physical activity (71% for intensity, 32.3% for amount). Notably, the mediation effect of active mobility on health is more substantial in the context of vigorous physical activities compared to light or moderate activities. Our findings reveal a significant positive influence of active mobility on individual health, encompassing both direct and indirect effects mediated by physical activities. These results quantitatively underscore the health benefits of active mobility and suggest the importance of promoting active mobility as a strategy to improve public health. • We study the triadic relation between active mobility, physical activity, and health. • Active mobility increases both the amount and intensity of physical activity. • Active mobility has direct, positive effect on individual health. • Active mobility also has indirect effect on health mediated by physical activity. • Vigorous activities have greater mediation effect than light/moderate activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture content (MC) is a crucial indicator used for assessing the degree of freeze-drying (FD) of Agaricus bisporus. This study illustrated a novel approach to quickly and visually detect MC in A. bisporus during FD using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system along with several spectral preprocessing methods and models. The proposed approach employs a support vector machine (SVM) to establish a quantitative function between the physical indicator and the spectra obtained from the acquired hyperspectral images in the full mean spectral range. In the study stability competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (SCARS) was also used to choose key wavelengths most relevant to MC. Multiplicative scattering correction (MSC) was used to improve the precision and robustness of models. Moreover, SCARS-MSC-SVM was selected as the most appropriate model whereby, the values of R C 2 , R C V 2 , R P 2 and RPD were 0.9281, 0.9025, 0.8026, and 2.08, respectively. Furthermore, pseudo-color maps were developed to illustrate color changes, and gradual MC decrease from the edge of the mushroom to the core during the FD process, enabling monitoring of the processing progress. Results demonstrated the potential of HSI to rapidly, accurately, non-destructively, and visually display the MC of A. bisporus during the FD process. • The change in moisture of A. bisporus during freeze drying (FD) was predicted. • The moisture content (MC) of A. bisporus was monitored by hyperspectral imaging. • The SCARS-MSC-SVM model was the best fit for MC prediction of A. bisporus during FD. • The visualization map can directly illustrate the change in MC of A. bisporus during FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are regarded as emerging hardware security primitives that can be used for generating secret keys for cryptographic algorithms. Unfortunately, the reliability issues greatly limit the applications of most PUFs since ambient noises and aging issues may alter the output responses of the PUFs. In this paper, a novel error calibration technique (ECT) based on average sampling circuit (ASC) and self-checking circuit (SCC) is proposed for significantly boosting the reliability of PUFs. The primary role of ASC is filtering the ambient noises that may affect the output responses of the PUFs. In contrast, SCC rehabilitates the PUFs once aging issues damage the process mismatches within the PUFs. As shown in the result, a PUF with the proposed ECT is able to achieve a 99% reliability with a 50 Mbps throughput. • Regular PUFs have poor reliability issues due to the effects of ambient noises and aging issues. • Error calibration technique (ECT) is able to the improve the corresponding reliability significantly by filtering critical noises. • An ECT-based PUF offers a high throughput without causing much area overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anodal tDCS over M1 reduces pain in people with chronic CHIKV arthralgia. • tDCS may provide functional benefits in chronic CHIKV arthralgia. • tDCS is an easy to use and low-cost intervention that could be used for arthralgia. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally prevalent pathogen, with outbreaks occurring in tropical regions. Chronic pain is the main symptom reported and is associated with decreased mobility and disability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a new therapeutic tool for chronic arthralgia. To evaluate the effectiveness of 10 consecutive sessions of anodal tDCS on pain (primary outcome) in participants with chronic CHIKV arthralgia. Secondary outcomes included functional status, quality of life, and mood. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 participants with chronic CHIKV arthralgia were randomly assigned to receive either active (n = 15) or sham (n = 15) tDCS. The active group received 10 consecutive sessions of tDCS over M1 using the C3/Fp2 montage (2 mA for 20 min). Visual analog scale of pain (VAS), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), short-form 36 health survey (SF-36), pain catastrophizing scale, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAS), timed up and go (TUG) test, lumbar dynamometry, 30-s arm curl and 2-min step test were assessed at baseline, day 10 and at 2 follow-up visits. There was a significant interaction between group and time on pain (p = 0.03; effect size 95 % CI 0.9 (-1.67 to -0.16), with a significant time interaction (p = 0.0001). There was no interaction between time and group for the 2-minute step test (p = 0.18), but the groups differed significantly at day 10 (p = 0.01), first follow-up (p = 0.01) and second follow-up (p = 0.03). HAQ and SF-36 improved but not significantly. There was no significant improvement in mental health, and physical tests. tDCS appears to be a promising intervention for reducing pain in participants with chronic CHIKV arthralgia, although further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential long-term benefits. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-245rh7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern lifestyles have boosted meal-kit subscriptions, yet little is known about how consumers' perceptions of benefits and risks affect their intentions. This study, grounded in prospect theory, aims to uncover the dimensions of perceived benefits and risks associated with meal-kit services. Using a rigorous scale development procedure, five benefits (convenience, environment, price, food quality, and health) and four risks (time-loss/convenience, financial risk, performance risk, and physical risk) were identified. The result of structural equation modeling revealed that convenience, price, and food quality were key benefits influencing consumer attitudes, subsequently impacting purchase intention. Meanwhile, performance and physical risks were identified as significant risk factors. Furthermore, older consumers exhibited greater concern for performance and physical risks than younger consumers. These findings offer practitioners guidelines for developing marketing tools that emphasize meal-kit benefits and strategies to mitigate risks associated with meal-kit delivery. • Convenience, environment, price, food quality, and health are meal kit benefits. • Time-loss, financial risk, performance risk, and physical risk are meal kit risks. • Convenience, price, and food quality impact on meal kit attitudes. • Performance risk and physical risk negatively impact on meal kit attitudes. • Performance/physical risks had stronger impact on older consumers' attitudes.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dispersion of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) in resin to prepare anti-corrosion coating has only a single physical shielding function, and does not inhibit the electrochemical reaction process, which significantly reduces the durability of anti-corrosion coating. In this paper, polyaniline with anodic passivating function was synthesized on the surface of h-BN by in-situ polymerization, and Ce3+ cation with corrosion inhibition was loaded into polyaniline/h-BN. Thus, a triple functional anti-corrosion filler Ce3+&PANI/h-BN with physical shielding - anode passivation - cathode corrosion inhibition was prepared. The microstructure, crystal form, element distribution, thermal stability and corrosion inhibition ability of the composite filler were characterized. The anti-corrosion, anti-friction and adhesion properties of EP/Ce3+&PANI/h-BN composite coating was investigated. EIS and Tafel test results show that the corrosion inhibition efficiency of Ce3+&PANI/h-BN is 55.5% and 89.67%, respectively. The low-frequency impedance modulus of the composite coating after 40 days of exposure is 13 times that of the pure EP coating, up to 9.79 × 109 ·cm2. The results of salt spray test also show that the barrier ability and anti-corrosion effect of the composite coating are significantly improved compared with the pure EP coating. The wear mass loss of the composite coating is reduced by 43.69% compared with the pure EP coating. This research provides a way to prepare multi-functional, high shielding, wear resistance anti-corrosion fillers to achieve long-term protection of coatings. [Display omitted] • A triple functional anti-corrosion filler was prepared by h-BN, PANI and Ce3+. • The corrosion inhibition capacity of the filler is as high as 55.5%. • Ce3+ ions in the filler are released, inhibiting the cathode reaction. • The triple functional composite coating showed excellent anti-corrosion effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-healing mechanism of SBS modified bitumen based on dynamic acylhydrazone bonds. [Display omitted] • A self-healing agent with acylhydrazone bond was synthesized. • The introduction of acylhydrazone bonds significantly improved the crack self-healing performance of SBS modified bitumen. • The effect of acylhydrazone self-healing agent on the properties of SBS modified bitumen was investigated. Styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) modified bitumen (SMB) with excellent self-healing performance not only saves resources, but is also important for the sustainable development of pavement and construction industry. In this paper, a self-healing agent (SHA) with acylhydrazone bond was synthesized, and the dynamic acylhydrazone bond was introduced into the SBS molecular chains to prepare the self-healing SMB (SHMB). The structure of SHA was characterized, and the physical properties, chemical structure, microstructure and self-healing performance of the SHMB were investigated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra demonstrated that SHA was successfully synthesized. The physical performances of SMB were significantly improved by SHA and its optimal dosage was 0.6 %. FTIR indicated that the dynamic acylhydrazone bond was introduced into the SBS molecular chains, and formed hydrogen bonds in SHMB. The fluorescence microscope showed that SHMB had a denser network structure than SMB. The crack healing observation indicated that the crack healing speed of SHMB was much higher than that of SMB. The break tensile performance recovery showed that the recovery rate of elongation at break (R ε) of SMB and SHMB were 14.38 % and 58.27 % after self-healing at 25℃ for 32 h, and the R ε of SMB and SHMB was elevated to 50.12 % and 92.58 % after self-healing at 40℃ for 4 h, which indicated that the introduction of dynamic acylhydrazone bonds greatly enhanced the self-healing ability of SHMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to develop soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) -carboxylated nanocellulose (CNC) blending films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties to be used as a tear-free and edible packaging materials. The films were formed by casting method, with CNC as the strengthening unit and glycerol as the plasticizer. The effect of CNC on structural and physical performances of the SSPS-CNC films were studied. SEM indicated that the film will stratify with excess CNC (10 %), but the film remains intact and compact. Incorporation of CNC into SSPS films did not change peak position in the XRD pattern significantly. Hydrogen bonds among SSPS, glycerol and CNC were indicated by the FTIR spectra. The compounding of CNC greatly lessened the light transmittance and hydrophilicity (CA increased from 55.42° to 70.67°), but perfected the barrier (WVP decreased from 3.595 × 10−10 to 2.593 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and mechanical properties (TS improved from 0.806 to 1.317 MPa). The results of packaging dehydrated vegetable indicated that the SSPS-8CNC film can effectively inhibit the packaged cabbage absorption water vapor. As a consequence, SSPS film perfected by CNC is hopeful to pack dehydrated vegetables in instant foods. [Display omitted] • The blending of CNC improved the film's mechanical and barrier properties. • The SSPS-CNC blending film possesses a weaker hydrophilicity. • The SSPS-CNC film can be used for packaging dehydrated vegetables in instant foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impacts of weather shocks on athlete performance, focusing on soccer players in the Chinese Soccer Super League over three consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2016. Utilizing daily meteorological data, we construct the temperature and precipitation bin variables to explore the marginal effects on the physical and cognitive performance of soccer players. The empirical findings document a sizeable impact of high temperatures and heavy precipitation on players' performance indicators, including physical performance and cognitive performance. Specifically, relative to conditions with temperatures below 15 °C, the total running distances, the number of passes, and the number of fouls for soccer players significantly decrease by 7.6%, 6.0%, and 23.1%, respectively, when temperatures exceed 30 °C. The results for precipitation bins show that relative to conditions with precipitation below 0.1 mm, the total running distances, the number of passes, and the number of fouls for soccer players significantly decrease by 1.2%, 8.2%, and 4.7%, respectively, when precipitation exceeds 50 mm. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the negative effects of high temperatures and heavy precipitation are more pronounced and significant for older players, for matches performed away from home, and for matches performed in areas with higher temperatures or more precipitation. Evidence of player adaptations suggests that players from regions with higher temperatures or more precipitation perform better in terms of physical and cognitive abilities when playing in areas with lower temperatures or less precipitation compared to players from regions with lower temperatures or less precipitation when they compete in areas with higher temperatures or more precipitation. Finally, policy suggestions are proposed to mitigate the impact of weather shocks on soccer players and to promote the sustainability of the soccer industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concrete industry has been responsible for significant depletion of natural resources and at end-of-life significantly contributes to global waste production. To date experimental studies have typically explored the use of single generation recycled aggregates (RA) in concrete production, however, to move towards a circular economy the concrete industry needs to embrace the use of multi-generation recycled aggregate concrete (MGRAC). In this paper the physical and mechanical performance of 45 concrete mix designs over 4 generations of concrete production is explored. At each generation a series of mixes are conducted at various water to cement ratios (w/c) and with a range of blends of virgin and recycled aggregates from differing generations to capture the impact on material properties. The physical and mechanical properties are quantified for both the aggregates and the concretes at each generation. The results show that the physical properties and some mechanical properties of the concrete and RA decrease with respect to virgin aggregate concrete and virgin aggregate but, implementing a 50% replacement of VA can slow down intergenerational degradation. Furthermore, the blending RA from a range of generations can also slow intergenerational degradation but to a lesser extent. Effective aggregate properties are determined, and direct relationships confirmed indicating potential for informed mix design based on an understanding of a few simple aggregate properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colored and high-saline effluents during the traditional dyeing process poses serious environmental challenge. In our study, an eco-friendly cationic cellulose nano-fiber/chitosan (CCNF/CS) binary versatile auxiliary was designed for the neutral salt-free dyeing and physical enhancement of paper by mixing with pulp simply. Profiting from the rich cationic binding sites of CCNF/CS (Charge density: 3749.67 μmol/g), under near neutral conditions (pH = 6.2), the maximum adsorption capacity of anionic GL (Direct fast turquoise blue GL) on paper with 0.5 % CCNF/CS reached 1865.06 mg/g with a desirable evenness (45.5 % and 92.1 % higher than that of CCNF and NaCl group, respectively), and the dye uptake was up to 97 %. The spontaneous adsorption behavior was aligned with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, with a primary physical mechanism enhanced by chemical forces. The combination of strong electronic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and n-π stacking effects granted CCNF/CS an enhanced proficiency in anionic dye adsorption. In addition, the tensile strength of the resulting paper yarn with 0.5 % CCNF/CS increased to 52.47 MPa under the optimal parameters, deriving from the CCNF/CS-induced inter-fiber cohesion. Overall, our research provided a green promising approach for the innovative neutral salt-free dyeing and mechanical enhancement of paper. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation is defined as frequency (measured by attendance and/or variety or diversity of activities) and involvement (participation experience including engagement, motivation, persistence, social connection and affection) in all life situations, and is seen as an essential condition for the development of the child. Children with myelomeningocele have several functional limitations that can lead to restriction of participation. Improving these children's participation requires knowledge about what factors may influence a child's ability to participate in activities of their choice. To verify whether factors such as age, mobility performance, access to assistive technology equipment and the presence of environmental facilitators are associated with the frequency and involvement of young children with myelomeningocele participation at home, daycare/preschool and in the community. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with children diagnosed with myelomeningocele, between 6 months and 5 years of age. The dependent variables were Frequency and involvement in participation at home, day care/preschool and in the community, as measured by The Young Children's Participation Environment Measure - YC-PEM. The independent variables were age and access to assistive technology equipment collected through interviews with parents and caregivers, mobility performance measured by the questionnaire: Pediatric Assessment of Disability Inventory – Computerized Adaptive Testing (PEDICAT), and environmental facilitators measured by YC-PEM. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. To verify the associations between age, mobility performance, access to assistive technology equipment and the presence of environmental facilitators with the frequency and involvement of participation, Spearman's correlation was performed, with a significance level of 5%. Sixty-five children and their families (mean age 27.91 (±17.36) months) participated in the study. The presence of environmental facilitators at home increased the child's involvement at home (r=0.30, p=0.01). In the daycare/preschool setting, a significant positive association was found between age (r=0.50, p<0.0001; r=0.55, p<0.0001), mobility performance (r= 0.35, p=0.003; r=0.37, p=0.002) and the presence of environmental facilitators in daycare/preschool (r=0.95, p<0.0001; r=0.98, p <0.0001), with frequency and involvement, respectively. However, there was a negative association between having access to assistive technology equipment and attendance (r=-0.32, p=0.008) and participation involvement (r=-0.36, p=0.03) in daycare/preschool. In relation to the community environment, factors such as age (r=0.40, p=0.001), mobility performance (r=0.26, p=0.03), and the presence of environmental facilitators (r=0, 35, p=0.003) correlated positively with community engagement. Preliminary results indicated that the presence of environmental facilitators increases the participation involvement of children with myelomeningocele in all environments. Older and more mobile children are more involved in daycare/preschool and in the community. However, having access to assistive technology equipment that facilitates mobility worsens the frequency and involvement of participation in the daycare/preschool environment. These findings highlight the role of the environment for the participation of children with myelomeningocele in different contexts, pointing to the need for more facilitators and environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powered mobility training with modified ride-on cars is an innovative intervention option that aims to improve the body functions and participation of children with severe disabilities. In addition to enabling self-initiated mobility, training can result in learning gains in ride-on car use and attainment of rehabilitation goals. Due to their severe motor and cognitive impairment, children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) may benefit from interventions with modified powered ride-on cars, as such devices are more cost-effective when compared to motorized wheelchairs. To describe the results of a powered mobility intervention with modified motorized ride-on cars for children with CZS, considering the outcomes of goal attainment and mobility learning. This is a pilot study with 12 weeks of intervention and 4 weeks of follow-up. The intervention was guided by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist and consisted of training sessions with modified ride-on cars, lasting 40 minutes, three times a week, at the Clínica Escola de Fisioterapia da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde do Trairi (FACISA), in Santa Cruz-RN. The outcomes of interest were mobility learning, assessed using the "Assessment of the Use of Motorized Mobility (ALP)-version 2.0" scale and the attainment of rehabilitation goals, assessed using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Assessments were performed by previously trained independent examiners at weeks 0, 8, 12 e 16. Four children with CZS participated, two males, aged between 3 and 6 years, three were classified as level V and one as level IV in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). All had moderate to severe intellectual disability, and two associated visual impairment. After the 12 weeks of intervention with powered ride-on cars, changes in mobility learning were observed, with an increment of one or two points in ALP, and clinically significant changes in GAS scores, when compared to week 0, in all participants. The intervention with modified powered ride-on cars was potentially capable of increasing learning in motorized mobility and contributing to the achievement of rehabilitation goals in children with CZS. We suggest the development of clinical trials to explore the effects of the intervention on functional gains and participation of children with CZS. The study presents a fun and low-cost intervention option, through powered mobility training with motorized ride-on cars for children with CZS and severe motor and cognitive impairment, which can be implemented in the child's natural context. In addition, the work contributes to fostering future intervention studies and contributing to evidence-based clinical practice for children with CZS in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical detraining is the partial or total interruption of a physical exercise program, and it results in partial or total loss of acquired benefits, generating physiological adaptations in older people. In the context of the social restrictions imposed by the covid-19 pandemic, physical detraining may have resulted in a decline in the functional mobility and mental health of this population. To verify the correlation between functional mobility and mental health of active older people after 18 months of physical detraining due to the covid-19 pandemic. This is a longitudinal study. The participants of the study were older people considered active for practicing a regular multicomponent physical exercise program (MPE) and in a group for at least one year, before being interrupted due to the covid-19 pandemic. The program had a weekly frequency of three times a week, with sessions of 50 minutes each. The physical assessments were carried out in three moments, being T1: before the pandemic (March 2020), T2: after 18 months of the beginning of the pandemic (August 2021) and T3: after 24 months of the pandemic and return to face-to-face activities (February 2022). The functional mobility assessment was done by "Timed Up and Go – TUG" test and it was carried out in the three moments, while the mental health assessment was done using two components: depressive symptoms from the "Geriatric Depression Scale - GDS" and perceived stress by the "Perceived Stress Scale - PSS", being performed only at T2. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20 software with a significance level of p < 0.05, after verifying the normality of the data, the Friedman test was performed to compare functional mobility and the correlation with mental health was performed using the test of Spearman with delta values ​​between the first 18 months of the pandemic (T2-T1). forty-six older people (74 ± 6.67 age and 87% female) participated in the three moments. There was a significant worsening of functional mobility performance between T1 and T2 (8.29 [7.57-9.38] and 9.34 [8.53-10.96]), reflecting the effect of 18 months of detraining. Regarding the correlation with mental health, a positive correlation was observed with GDS (p=0,015; r=0,414) and PSS (p=0,047; r=0,377). Thus, the longer time spent performing the TUG was associated with a higher presence of depressive symptoms and perceived stress in the 18 months of the pandemic. The pandemic had negative effects on functional mobility that lasted even after 18 months of its beginning, and worst functional mobility was correlated with worsening mental health. With the end of the pandemic, the resumption of physical exercise programs for the older people is important, so that there is a recovery of functional mobility, but it is also necessary that these programs also pay attention to mental health issues in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is part of the Family of International Classifications of the World Health Organization (WHO) and acts as a tool for describing and organizing information about the functioning and disability of people with and without disabilities, providing a language standard. Marajó is a region with infrastructure peculiarities and disabled people who face very specific and little-known challenges there. Classify the mobility of people with physical disabilities in the Marajó archipelago according to the ICF. Cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, referring to the activity profile of physical PCD residents in the municipalities of Marajó. The subjects were selected by convenience through the dissemination of the action in Basic Health Units visited by the group of the "Abrace o Marajó'' Project between August 2021 and January 2022. The participants underwent a structured interview where they answered an adapted checklist, based on the ICF biopsychosocial model, which provides a standardized language. The ICF data used are related to the "activity and participation" domains, with a focus on mobility. The study included 51 physically disabled persons, with a predominance of age between 40 and 59 years (39.22%), men (54.90%), browns/mulattoes (62.75%). Most respondents had mobility problems, with 88.24% having difficulty walking (d450), 84.31% having difficulty lifting and carrying objects (d430), 78.43% having difficulty using transportation (d470), 64.71% using some locomotion device (d465), and 41.18% with impaired fine use of the hands (d440). These data suggest that the mobility deficit combined with the lack of accessibility may be one of the factors that most interfere with the lives of these participants, as it limits and/or restricts their participation in daily activities. Disabled persons residing in Marajó have several limitations and/or restrictions on participation in day-to-day activities related to lack of mobility, the main limitations are those with the highest percentages, that is, walking, lifting, and carrying objects, and using means of transport. In this regard, it is vital to adopt public policies aimed at improving the infrastructure of streets and sidewalks in order to facilitate access for this population, thus promoting an increase in the level of activity and participation. This study can contribute to the visibility of the needs of disabled persons who live in Marajó and the implementation of public policies to assist this population, as well as to understand their main difficulties and what accessibility measures can bring more autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to a biopsychosocial approach to health and disability, participation at home and functional skills are important components of the functioning. Therefore, knowledge about interactions between these components allows targeting specific interventions. This study investigated whether participation opportunities (frequency and involvement) for children/adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) in a realistic environment at their own home are associated with the functional skills related to the domains of Daily Activities, Mobility, Social/Cognitive and Responsibility. This was an observational study. Forty-eight children/adolescents with DS participated (mean age: 10.73±3.43; n=27 female). They were evaluated using the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) home environment setting (raw frequency and engagement scores) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory speedy version (PEDI-CAT-SV) (continuous score). Significant and positive correlations were found between the frequency of participation at home with Daily Activities (ro =.320), Social/Cognitive (ro =.423) and Responsibility (ro =.455). For involvement, significant and positive correlations were found with Daily Activities (ro =.297), Social/Cognitive (ro =.380) and Responsibility (ro =.380). For the PEDI-CAT-SV Mobility , no significant correlation was found. Higher frequency and involvement of participation at home are associated with greater functional skills assessed, except for Mobility. This study provided pioneering insights about the relationships between the level of home participation and functional skills in DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially in the last decades in the elderly population and, consequently, it has been considered one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the world. Compared to general obesity, central obesity, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, has shown a greater association with diabetes and all-cause mortality, in addition to being considered a risk factor for disability in the elderly, regardless of BMI. Some studies suggest that the relationship between central obesity and disability differs according to gender, however, the results are still conflicting. To investigate the association between central obesity and mobility limitation in elderly Brazilians and to assess whether this association was modified by gender. This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and quantitative study that used data from the PNS. This is a household-based survey proposed by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). For the present study, those aged 60 years or older were considered (n=11,177). Central obesity was defined when waist circumference (WC) was greater than 84 cm in women and 88 cm in men. Participants reported the degree of difficulty to move, being classified as no difficulty versus some difficulty. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the association between central obesity and mobility limitation adjusted for sex, age, exercise, chronic diseases, self-reported health, and literacy. P<0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered. Women were the majority, representing 55.7% of the sample and the mean age was 66.9 ± 8.07 years. Central obesity was identified in 76.7% of the participants, being more prevalent among older women (60.4%) and 25.9% reported some difficulty with mobility, with a higher prevalence of females (64.8%). Elderly people with central obesity were 1.2 times more likely to have some difficulty with mobility (OR=1.21; 95%CI: 1.08-1.36) compared to elderly people who did not have any difficulty, even after adjusting the covariates. In the analysis stratified by gender, the association between central obesity and mobility limitation was significant among women (OR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.27-1.7; however, it, lost significance among men (OR =0.93;95%CI: 0.78-1.10). The results suggest that elderly women with central obesity are more likely to have some difficulty with mobility compared to men. The high prevalence of central obesity in the Brazilian elderly population, especially in the female public, represents a serious public health problem. Our findings identified a subgroup of the elderly population that is more vulnerable to limited mobility associated with abdominal obesity. Therefore, implementing health actions to prevent or reduce abdominal obesity should be strongly encouraged among elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age is possibly the strongest known individual-level socio-demographic determinant of participation in elections. Despite its substantial influence in shaping electoral outcomes, evidence-based understanding of the steep decline in turnout at older ages is scarce. We suggest that time-related proximity to death and the associated decline in cognitive and physical functioning may explain this relationship. With full population data on the participation of the 65+ year-old electorate in the 1999 parliamentary elections in Finland linked to a more than 21-year mortality follow-up, we demonstrate that the remaining lifetime is a more powerful predictor of voting than age, often by an order of magnitude. These results offer a novel theoretical principle into understanding the fundamental age-related decline in electoral participation at older ages: It is not the time from the cradle, but the time to the grave, that counts more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the effects of fructose on colonic function. Here, forty-eight 7-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups and given 0, 7.5%, 12.75%, and 35% fructose in diet for 8 weeks respectively to investigate the regulatory influence of fructose on colonic barrier function. The exact amount of fructose intake was tracked and recorded. We showed that fructose affects colonic barrier function in a dose-dependent manner. High-fructose at a dose of 1.69±0.23 g/kg/day could damage the physical barrier function of the colon by down-regulating expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and mucus layer biomarkers (MUC2 and TFF3). High fructose reduced sIgA and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), induced abdominal fat accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), leading to colon inflammation and immune barrier dysfunction. In addition, high-fructose altered the biological barrier of the colon by decreasing the abundance of Blautia, Ruminococcus, and Lactobacillius , and increasing the abundance of Allobaculum at the genus level, leading to a reduction in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids, and carbohydrates, etc. Low fructose at a dose of 0.31±0.05 g/kg/day showed no adverse effects on the colonic barrier. The ability of fructose to affect the colonic barrier through physical, immune, and biological pathways provides additional insight into the intestinal disorders caused by high-fructose diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The distribution-based MCID for PROMIS PF was 4.85 for operatively fixed tibial plateau fractures. • The anchor-based MCID for PROMIS PF was 3.93 for operatively fixed tibial plateau fractures. • An MCID of 3.93 to 4.85 can be used as a clinical and investigative standard for patients with operative tibial plateau fractures. Understanding minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in patient reported outcome measurement are important in improving patient care. The purpose of this study was to determine the MCID of Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) domain for patients who underwent operative fixation of a tibial plateau fracture. All patients with tibial plateau fractures that underwent operative fixation at a single level 1 trauma center were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients without PROMIS PF scores or an anchor question at two-time points postoperatively were excluded. Anchor-based and distribution-based MCIDs were calculated. The MCID for PROMIS PF scores was 4.85 in the distribution-based method and 3.93 (SD 14.01) in the anchor-based method. There was significantly more improvement in the score from the first postoperative score (<7 weeks) to the second postoperative time (<78 weeks) in the improvement group 10.95 (SD 9.95) compared to the no improvement group 7.02 (SD 9.87) in the anchor-based method (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients achieving MCID at 7 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were 37–42 %, 57–62 %, 80–84 %, and 95–87 %, respectively. This study identified MCID values for PROMIS PF scores in the tibial plateau fracture population. Both MCID scores were similar, resulting in a reliable value for future studies and clinical decision-making. An MCID of 3.93 to 4.85 can be used as a clinical and investigative standard for patients with operative tibial plateau fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are global concerns regarding heavy metals-induced pressure on soil ecosystem since past decades due to increasing urban, industrial and agricultural activities. Threat linked with heavy metals with respect to natural environment and humans is a function of their mobility and bioaccessibility. Zinc (Zn) is one of the most transportable and bioavailable heavy metals; hence, its excess levels in soil cause phytotoxicity and decrease yield and quality. Different physicochemical soil factors affect binding of Zn in soil. Moreover, phytoavailability of Zn is coupled with allocation of this element among various fractions of soil. Thus, comprehending the distribution of Zn among diverse soil fractions would assist in developing methods to safeguard human well-being and ecosystem against its lasting accumulation. Further, these soil fractions would impart comprehensive knowledge about chemical, biological and geological processes taking place in soil and in depth information regarding availability of Zn to plants. No doubt, Zn deficiency in plants is more widespread than Zn toxicity; still latter has been described in several regions of the world. Numerous strategies including use of beneficial microbes, mineral nutrients, phytohormones and other agents have been developed to alleviate Zn toxicity in plants. Present review focuses on different Zn forms present in soils and soil factors impacting its phytoavailability to explore a potential link between Zn and soil characteristics. Additionally, various Zn ameliorative approaches along with the prospects of genetic engineering in developing plants tolerant to Zn toxicity have been highlighted. • Zinc bioavailability in soil is influenced by several factors including pH and organic matter. • The toxicity of zinc to plants is dependent on its bioavailability in soil. • Phytohormones mitigate zinc toxicity by augmenting growth and antioxidant potential. • Microbes can ameliorate zinc toxicity plants through the improvement of elemental homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at identifying and modelling statistical dependencies between empirical amplification functions of sites in central Italy and the main geological and geophysical characteristics of the region, within a geostatistical analysis framework. The empirical functions, named δS2S, are estimated by decomposing the residuals of the median predictions of a non-ergodic ground motion model of elastic acceleration response spectra developed for the reference region. To select the model that best describes the spatial variability of the data, the performance of stationary and non-stationary spatial models is compared, the latter being able to constrain the prediction of the empirical functions to physical quantities available in the region and descriptive of the geology, topography and geographical location of the site. Finally, we obtain optimal models of δS2S, for each spectral ordinate, parameterised as a function of geographical coordinates and an input map of shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m (Vs30) constructed ad hoc by combining information gathered from two high-resolution maps available for the region. The methodology allows the development of a new practice-oriented framework for the empirical estimation of site amplification, which can be adopted for the generation of shaking scenarios in the context of regional hazard and seismic risk assessment. • We map the empirical site-to-site response δS2S derived from a nonergodic ground motion model for central Italy. • Predictions of δS2S are obtained by means of a geostatistical approach that allows dealing with spatial non-stationarity. • The best spatial model is obtained as a function of geographic coordinates and Vs30. • Lithologic maps do not show significant improvements in predictions compared with the corresponding stationary models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) has significantly enhanced the systemic analysis of the relationship between microstructure and material properties, paving the way for developing high-performance materials. However, analyzing microstructure-sensitive material behavior remains challenging due to the scarcity of three-dimensional (3D) microstructure datasets. Moreover, this challenge is intensified if the microstructure is anisotropic, as this also results in anisotropic material properties. This paper presents a framework for reconstructing anisotropic microstructures solely based on two-dimensional (2D) micrographs using conditional diffusion-based generative models (DGMs). The proposed framework involves the spatial connection of multiple 2D conditional DGMs, each trained to generate 2D microstructure samples for three orthogonal planes. The connected multiple reverse diffusion processes then enable effective modeling of a Markov chain for transforming noise into a 3D microstructure sample. Furthermore, a modified harmonized sampling enhances the sample quality while preserving the spatial connection between the slices of anisotropic microstructure samples in 3D space. The 2D-to-3D reconstructed anisotropic microstructure samples are evaluated regarding the spatial correlation function and the physical material behavior to validate the proposed framework. The results demonstrate that the framework can reproduce the statistical distribution of material phases and properties in 3D space. It highlights the potential application of the proposed 2D-to-3D reconstruction framework in establishing microstructure-property linkages, which could aid high-throughput material design for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tangential contact model is proposed to describe the tangential response of the joint interface. Firstly, a normal contact model considering elastic-plastic state is established. Secondly, the tangential contact behavior of asperities subjected to normal load is analogously represented through the configuration of parallel Jenkins elements within the IWAN model. A continuous function with well-defined physical significance is formulated to delineate the distribution of critical slip displacements among asperities. Finally, the precision of the tangential model is affirmed through a comparison with previously published experimental data. Through an investigation of the influences of normal load and surface topography parameters on the slip rate at the joint interface, an in-depth analysis of the contact state of the joint interface is conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive product (AP) aims to provide supplementary treatment for patients' physical function and daily activities to improve their functional status. One challenge in the AP design is prioritizing design requirements (DRs) based on patient requirements (PRs) involving diverse and variable interaction behaviors. This work developed and applied a quality function deployment method based on the spherical fuzzy bipartite graph (SFBG-QFD) to comprehensively consider the dependency relationship between PRs and DRs during AP design. Specifically, a spherical fuzzy bipartite graph is constructed in the PR-DR relationship matrix. The projection algorithm generates the one-mode spherical fuzzy graphs of PRs and DRs, reflecting the internal relationship of PR-PR and DR-DR pairs. Subsequently, the interaction influence of PRs and DRs is defined as an additional criterion for the QFD method. Through the SFBG-QFD method, designers can better consider the uncertainty of interaction between different types of requirements and make more reliable decisions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through the AP design for pneumoconiosis patients, and the stability and potential of the proposed method are emphasized through comparative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This systematic review investigates the association between adherence to the Nordic diet and frailty among older adults. • Three studies (2 prospective cohort, 1 cross-sectional) reported across 6 papers were identified. • Greater compliance with the Nordic diet was associated with reduced frailty risk in women (one study). • Greater adherence to Nordic diet was associated with improved muscle strength (one study) and physical performance (two studies) in women, but no significant results were observed in men (two studies). • Greater adherence to the Nordic diet was associated with better mobility and functioning (one study) The Nordic or Baltic Sea diet is a healthy plant-based dietary pattern composed of foods originating from Nordic countries, closely related to the Mediterranean diet. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been found to be associated with a reduced risk of frailty. Although adherence to the Nordic diet has been associated with health benefits, little is known about its association with frailty. To investigate the evidence from observational studies regarding the association between the Nordic/Baltic Sea diet and frailty among older adults. Systematic review. Three databases (Medline/Ovid, Embase/Ovid, and Scopus) were systematically searched in February 2023 for observational studies examining the association between adherence to the Nordic diet and frailty among adults ≥60 years. The two authors independently assessed the full text of the papers for eligibility of studies and risk of bias. Three studies (the results of which were reported across 6 papers) met the inclusion criteria, among which one study (2 papers) included only women. Greater adherence to the Nordic diet was associated with a reduced risk of frailty measured by modified Fried criteria in women (one study). Moreover, greater adherence to the Nordic diet was associated with improved muscle (handgrip/leg) strength (one study) and physical performance (two studies), but these differences were seen only in women, with no significant results in men in two studies. Greater adherence to the Nordic diet was also associated with a lower risk of mobility limitations and improved ability to carry out self-care tasks (one study) and a borderline non-significant difference in Activities of Daily Living (one study). A meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogenous outcomes. Although all studies were of good quality, the results should be carefully interpreted due to methodological limitations. Adherence to the Nordic diet could be promising in reducing frailty risk, but more robust studies with equal gender representation and frailty-specific outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigated impacts of flows among transport, population and facilities on resilience. • Measuring resilience by service availability provides spatially comparable results. • Direction and volume of flow changes create spatial disparity in urban resilience. • Over-strong connected networks with unbalanced service weaken resilience. • Polycentricity, hierarchical networks, and module collaboration enhance resilience. Failures of roads and critical facilities under disasters can result in public service disruptions. Studies quantifying disaster resilience commonly focus on evaluating physical performance of infrastructure systems, often cannot capture their capacity that maintain available service to meet citizens' demands. This paper proposes a flow-based framework for quantitively measuring resilience by regarding changes in service availability to critical facilities as a primary measurement outcome. Through the utilization of multilayer networks, we effectively incorporate diverse datasets pertaining to population demographics, residential areas, critical facilities, and the roadway network. This integration enables us to simulate the intricate dynamics of public service flows within dynamic urban systems, thereby evaluating resilience levels and accurately mapping the spatial distribution patterns. The methodology was validated in Shanghai by quantifying regional variations in healthcare services under pluvial flood scenarios. The research findings highlight the heterogeneous redistribution of service flows during extreme events, leading to spatial variations in resilience outcomes, irrespective of the proximity to hazard-prone areas. The spatial clustering of vulnerable communities demonstrates a close association with mobility correlation patterns, which are strongly influenced by the distribution of facilities and the connectivity of the road network. Thus, using the framework offers valuable insights into risk mitigation and planning of critical facilities in extreme situations. It enhances the understanding on how urban resilience to disaster is influenced by urban form and flow interactions, generating robust evidence for policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Isovolume maneuver (IVM) trial for regulating respiratory is effective in improving physical activity performance. • After IVM, the breathing rate, heart rate and the use of abdominal breathing during physical activity can be more stable. • The instantaneous phase difference of thoracoabdominal movement can identify breathing patterns during physical activity. (1) Objective: We performed a step test to investigate whether isovolume maneuver (IVM) trial is effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness; (2) Methods: The experiment involved two consecutive step tests in which the IVM was employed between the two tests. The heart rate (HR), breathing rate (BR), instantaneous phase difference (IPD) of thoracoabdominal movement, and physical fitness index (PFI) of the participants were analyzed. We also obtained data on the ascending rate of HR (HR asc), the rate relative to the baseline HR during recovery, and the scores for a modified PFI (mPFI) based on the baseline PFI; (3) Results: We recruited 27 sedentary and healthy college students as participants. The results from the second step-test were compared with the first step-test. The participants' mean HR asc decreased by 30.66 % ± 32.52 %, their mean BR decreased by 13.08 % ± 31.90 %, their mean mPFI increased by 30.78 % ± 38.94 %, and their mean IPD increased by 15.31 % ± 28.44 %; (4) Conclusions: IVM reduced the participants' BR and HR asc and increased their mPFI and IPD. These findings verify that IVM can effectively improve physical activity performance. Furthermore, an IPD of 39° for implementation of abdominal breathing during exercise is a key threshold that warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas separation membranes play a pivotal role in various industrial processes, demanding continuous improvement in their efficiency and durability. This study focuses on thin-film composite (TFC) membranes based on polyimide, utilizing a hydroxyl-containing polyimide selective layer for its processability and selectivity. A complete and smooth surface for the selective layer in the composite membranes was achieved by exclusively selecting a 10% concentration of the polyimide spin-coating solution. Subsequent thermal rearrangement at 430°C induced the formation of a rigid polybenzoxazole structure, enhancing gas permeance. Optimal separation performance was achieved through a two-hour rearrangement, resulting in a more than 30-fold increase in gas permeance while preserving selectivity. The study also delved into anti-physical aging performance. The thermally treated PI-10 wt%−2 h membrane exhibited a 10% reduction in CO 2 and O 2 permeance over 90 days, with O 2 /N 2 and CO 2 /N 2 selectivities nearly maintaining their initial levels. This research provides valuable insights for the development of efficient and durable gas separation membranes. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of TFC membranes with a polyimide selective layer containing hydroxyl groups. • Thermal rearrangement of the TFC membrane enhanced CO 2 permeance and stabilized selectivity. • The membrane, subjected to thermal treatment for two hours, demonstrated notable resistance against physical aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell ZrC/Ti 2 AlC reinforced intermetallic composite coatings were successfully prepared by laser cladding in-situ reaction using TiAl–TiC–Al powder preset on R60702 zirconium alloy surface. As-obtained coatings showed good metallurgical bonding with substrates. Composite coatings mainly contained dendritic ZrC/Ti 2 AlC reinforced phase with core-shell structure and intermetallic matrix of Ti x Al y and Zr x Al y , with small amounts of Ti 3 AlC. During laser pool solidification, TiC nucleated at boundary of primary precipitated ZrC dendrite. Al atoms then diffused into TiC outer layer during subsequent solidification process to finally form core-shell structure with ZrC as core and Ti 2 AlC as outer layer. Ti 2 AlC phase of shell structure improved physical performance between hard ZrC particles and matrix in terms of hardness and thermal expansion coefficient. The maximum hardness of cladding layer (848.8 HV) was 5-fold higher than that of zirconium alloy substrate. Also, no cracking was found inside the coatings or at the junction with substrates. In sum, these findings look promising for future applications of MAX phase composite coatings in nuclear power equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), satisfaction, and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion stratified by preoperative disability. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions were grouped by preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score: ODI <41 or ODI ≥41. PROMs administered pre/postoperatively included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS-PF), visual analog scale (VAS) back/leg, ODI, and 12-Item Short-Form Physical Composite Score (SF-12 PCS)/12-Item Short-Form Mental Composite Score (SF-12 MCS). Satisfaction scores were collected for VAS back/leg and ODI. Coarsened exact match controlled for differences between cohorts. T tests compared mean PROMs and postoperative improvement/satisfaction between cohorts. Simple logistic regression compared MCID achievement. After coarsened exact matching, there were 118 patients in the ODI ≤41 and 377 patients in the ODI >41 cohort. The ODI >41 cohort saw greater postoperative inpatient VAS pain score and narcotic consumption on days 0/1 (P < 0.018, all). PROMs differed between cohorts: PROMIS-PF, SF-12 PCS, ODI, VAS back/leg at all postoperative time points and SF-12 MCS at 6 weeks/12 weeks/6 months/1 year (P < 0.045, all). Patients in the ODI >41 cohort demonstrated greater proportion achieving MCID for ODI at all postoperative time points and for SF-12 MCS 6-week/12-week/6-month/1-year (P < 0.040, all). The ODI ≤41 cohort demonstrated greater MCID achievement for overall PROMIS-PF and SF-12 PCS 6 months (P < 0.047, all). Postoperative satisfaction was greater in the ODI ≤41 cohort for VAS leg 6 weeks/12 weeks, VAS back 6 weeks/12 weeks, and ODI all postoperative time points (P < 0.048, all). Preoperative disability associated with worse postoperative PROMs and patient satisfaction for disability, back/leg pain at multiple time points. MCID achievement rates across cohorts were similar for most PROMs at most postoperative time points. Patients with severe disability may have unrealistic expectations for surgical benefits, influencing corresponding postoperative satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The cardio-respiratory function is compromised in children recovering from burns, particularly, those who sustain a burn injury across the chest, which leads to further prejudicial effects on physical and psychosocial health. This study endeavored to explore the efficacy of 12 weeks of graded aerobic exercise (GAEx) on the cardiorespiratory capacity and physical and psychosocial functioning in children with burn sequelae of the chest.Methods: Thirty-six burn-injured children aged 10-18 years (%TBSA: 24.2 ± 4.9, and 38.8 ± 12.9 months since injury) were randomly assigned to GAEx group (n = 18; undergone a 12-week intensity- and time-graded aerobic exercise program plus standard rehabilitation) or control group (n = 18; received the standard rehabilitation only). The cardio-respiratory fitness [marked by the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), minute ventilation (VE), ventilatory equivalent of inhaled oxygen (VEq/VO2), oxygen pulse (O2P), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), maximum heart rate (HRmax), and the heart rate recovery at one minute (HRR1)] and physical and psychosocial functioning were assessed pre- and post-intervention.Results: Children in the GAEx group showed significant increases in VO2peak (P = 0.013), VE (P = 0.026), O2P (P = 0.034), HRmax (P = 0.035), and HRR1 (P = 0.04) and declines in VEq/VO2 (P = 0.009) and RER (P = 0.011) as compared to the control group. Additionally, the GAEx group reported higher physical (P = 0.029) and psychosocial (P = 0.012) functioning.Conclusion: Twelve weeks of GAEx has salutary effects on cardio-respiratory capacity and physical and psychosocial functioning in children with burn sequelae of the chest. These findings suggest that adding GAEx as a complementary therapy to the long-term rehabilitation protocol for this patient population is worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine phenotypic differences between Black and White patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).Design/methods: Patients with PD in a movement disorders clinic were approached to participate. After consent, a battery of tests was completed, including MDS-UPDRS Part III and the motor domains of the NIH Toolbox, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Single Digit Modality Test, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ39), Schwab and England, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, UPSIT smell test, and others.Results: Twenty-four Black PD and 25 White PD patients participated. There were no differences in demographics and MDS-UPDRS Part III scores. White PD participants performed better on the 4-m walk gait speed test (p < 0.0005), standing balance test (p < 0.001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p < 0.0005), and Single Digit Modality Test (p < 0.005). Black PD participants had lower scores on PROMIS Satisfaction with Participation (p = 0.023), PROMIS Physical Function Mobility (p = 0.007), total PDQ39 (p = 0.008), PDQ39 mobility (p = 0.012), PDQ39 ADL (p = 0.014), PDQ39 cognition (p = 0.023), and PDQ39 body discomfort (p = 0.041) scales.Conclusions: Significant differences were found in motor, non-motor and quality of life scales in Black and White PD participants with similar demographics. Further work will need to be done to identify the underlying reasons and ways to mitigate these disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no "gold standard" tool for the assessment of frailty in cirrhosis. This study compares Liver Frailty Index (LFI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Fried Frailty Criteria (FFC), and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for frailty assessment and ascertains its impact on predicting mortality and hospitalizations in a cohort of outpatients with cirrhosis. 116 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Frailty assessment was done using LFI, SPPB, FFC, and CFS. All patients were followed up for 6 months. The primary outcome was the first of either all-cause unplanned hospitalization or all-cause mortality occurring within 6 months of the study period. 100 (86.2%) males and 16 (13.8%) females with a mean age of 50.2 (48.4–51.9, 95% CI) years were included. The most common cause of cirrhosis was alcoholic liver disease (47.4%) followed by hepatitis C (12.9%) and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (10.3%). There was no significant difference in prevalence of frailty based on LFI (43.1%), FFC (36.2%), CFS (44%), and SPPB (47.4%) (P > 0.05). Frail patients had worse outcomes compared to the Not frail group. At 6 months, the mortality rate in Frail patients was 42% versus 1.5% for the Not frail; hospitalization in Frail patients occurred in 92% versus 6% in the Not frail. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of mortality were Frailty [OR 14 (1.4–54.2)], alcohol-related cirrhosis [OR 4.2 (1.1–16.3)], Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) [OR 2.1 (1.4–2.9)] and Chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) [OR 0.1 (0.1–0.4)] scores. LFI, SPPB, FFC, and CFS are comparable in frailty assessment in patients with cirrhosis. Importantly, comparability of the commonly used scores for frailty assessment and prediction of hospitalization and mortality allows flexibility for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We review Medical Microwave Radiometry (MWR) usage for brain internal temperature measurements and diagnostics. Brain temperature (BT) is a crucial physiological parameter used to monitor cerebral status. Physical activities and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can affect BT; therefore, non-invasive BT monitoring is an important way to gain insight into TBI, stroke, and wellbeing. The effects of BT on physical performance have been studied at length. When humans are under extreme conditions, most of the energy consumed is used to maintain the BT. In addition, measuring the BT is useful for early brain diagnostics. Passive microwave radiometry (MWR) measures the intrinsic radiation of tissues in the 1–4 GHz range. It was shown that non-invasive passive MWR technology can successfully measure BT and identify even small TBIs. Here, we review the potential applications of MWR for assessing BT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to open esophagectomy (OE), both totally minimally invasive (TMIE) and laparoscopy-assisted hybrid minimally invasive (HMIE) reduce postoperative morbidity and improve short-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to compare lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL in an international population-based setting between patients who underwent Ivor Lewis TMIE, HMIE or OE. Patients who were relapse-free at least one year after TMIE, HMIE or OE for esophageal or junctional carcinoma between January 2010 and June 2016 were included. Patients completed the LASER questionnaire to assess lasting symptoms after esophagectomy and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 questionnaires to assess HRQoL. Primary endpoint was chest pain and secondary endpoints were pain from chest scars or abdominal scars, abdominal pain, fatigue and physical functioning. Differences in lasting symptoms and HRQoL were assessed with multivariable logistic and ANCOVA regression, respectively. A total of 362 patients were included (TMIE n = 91, HMIE n = 85, OE n = 186). Median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 2.8–5.4). Chest pain was reported less after TMIE compared with HMIE (adjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.84), but was comparable between TMIE and OE (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.12–1.41) and between HMIE and OE (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.71–4.81). All secondary endpoints were comparable between TMIE, HMIE and OE. The impact of symptoms on taking medication, return to work, and performance status were comparable between groups. Surgical technique seems to have little effect on lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL after a median of four years after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. • Four years after totally minimally invasive, hybrid or open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, no relevant differences in lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL. • Surgical complications do not affect lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL. • The impact of lasting symptoms on return to work and functional ability are also comparable between these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal cancer surgery is associated with considerable morbidity in older patients. Assessment of preoperative physical status is therefore essential. The aim of this review was to describe and compare the objective physical tests that are currently used in abdominal cancer surgery in the older patient population with regard to postoperative outcomes. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched until 31 December 2020. Non-interventional cohort studies were eligible if they included patients ≥65 years undergoing abdominal cancer surgery, reported results on objective preoperative physical assessment such as Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), field walk tests or muscle strength, and on postoperative outcomes. 23 publications were included (10 CPET, 13 non-CPET including Timed Up & Go, grip strength, 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT)). Meta-analysis was precluded due to heterogeneity between study cohorts, different cut-off points, and inconsistent reporting of outcomes. In CPET studies, ventilatory anaerobic threshold and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production gradient were associated with adverse outcomes. ISWT and 6MWT predicted outcomes in two studies. Tests addressing muscle strength and function were of limited value. No study compared different physical tests. CPET has the ability to predict adverse postoperative outcomes, but it is time-consuming and requires expert assessment. ISWT or 6MWT might be a feasible alternative to estimate aerobic capacity. Muscle strength and function tests currently have limited value in risk prediction. Future research should compare the predictive value of different physical instruments with regard to postoperative outcomes in older surgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maintenance of non-depression had a protective effect on weak handgrip strength. • Improvement of depression had a protective effect on weak handgrip strength. • Managing depression to prevent poor physical function is important. Few studies have examined the associations between changes in depressive symptoms and handgrip strength in older people. This study aimed to examine the magnitude of the association between depressive symptoms over 2 years and weak handgrip strength on the 4 years of follow-up. We conducted a longitudinal study using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, a nationally representative panel survey of older adults in England. Data were derived from waves 4 (2008–2009), 5 (2010–2011), and 6 (2012–2013). A total of 5,080 participants were included in the analysis. Depressive symptoms were dichotomized using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in waves 4 and 5 and were regarded as the exposure. Handgrip strength measurements objectively measured in wave 6 were dichotomized according to the 25th percentile of the British norm and used as the outcome. The targeted maximum likelihood estimation model was utilized to assess time-variant depressive symptoms on handgrip strength, adjusted for time-variant and time-invariant covariates. The maintenance of non-depressive symptoms (relative risk [RR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–0.87) or improvement of depressive symptoms (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55–0.91) had a protective effect on weak handgrip strength compared with the persistence of depressive symptoms. This study is not a randomized control trial but a longitudinal observational study, indicating that our study finding may still have been affected by unknown confounders. Our findings suggest the importance of managing depressive symptoms to prevent poor physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we derive the time-fractional Cahn–Hilliard equation from continuum mixture theory with a modification of Fick's law of diffusion. This model describes the process of phase separation with nonlocal memory effects. We analyze the existence, uniqueness, and regularity of weak solutions of the time-fractional Cahn–Hilliard equation. In this regard, we consider degenerating mobility functions and free energies of Landau, Flory–Huggins and double-obstacle type. We apply the Faedo–Galerkin method to the system, derive energy estimates, and use compactness theorems to pass to the limit in the discrete form. In order to compensate for the missing chain rule of fractional derivatives, we prove a fractional chain inequality for semiconvex functions. The work concludes with numerical simulations and a sensitivity analysis showing the influence of the fractional power. Here, we consider a convolution quadrature scheme for the time-fractional component, and use a mixed finite element method for the space discretization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine preoperative 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary (MCS) influence on minimally important clinical difference (MCID) and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis receiving minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis undergoing primary, single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at L5-S1 were retrospectively identified and divided into preoperative SF-12 MCS <50 and SF-12 MCS ≥50 groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) back/leg, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-12 Physical Composite Score (PCS), and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS-PF) were assessed. Improvements from preoperative score were analyzed via paired samples t test. Patient-reported outcome measures and MCID attainment between groups were evaluated using linear regression and χ2, respectively. SF-12 MCS <50 and SF-12 MCS ≥50 groups included 35 and 26 patients, respectively. SF-12 MCS < 50 group had inferior scores for all VAS back time points except 6 weeks, all VAS leg time points except 6 weeks/1 year, all ODI time points, SF-12 PCS at 6 months/2 years, and PROMIS-PF at preoperative/6 months (all P ≤ 0.049). SF-12 MCS <50 group improved for VAS back/leg to 1 year, ODI and SF-12 PCS from 12 weeks to 1 year, and PROMIS-PF at 1 year only (all P ≤ 0.047). SF-12 MCS ≥50 group improved for VAS back from 12 weeks to 1 year, SF-12 PCS 6 months to 2 years, and VAS leg, ODI, and PROMIS-PF 12 weeks to 2 years (all P ≤ 0.018). MCID attainment differed for ODI at 6 weeks and PROMIS-PF at 12 weeks only (both P ≤ 0.035). Patients with SF-12 MCS <50 demonstrated fewer long-term improvements from preoperative to 2 years and inferior patient-reported outcome measures at most time points for pain and disability following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. MCID attainment largely did not differ by preoperative mental functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to assess differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between patients who do and do not follow up for 2 years after lumbar fusion. Primary, elective, single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion, lateral lumbar interbody fusion, or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures were identified. Patients were grouped by 2-year PROM follow-up completion. Mean and delta PROM scores for visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), short-form (SF)-12 Physical Composite Score (PCS), and Mental Composite Score (MCS) were computed for both groups preoperatively and postoperatively. Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement was determined for PROM scores using established threshold values. Linear and logistic regression assessed mean and ΔPROM scores as predictors of 2-year follow-up completion and compared MCID achievement between groups, respectively. We included 316 lumbar fusion patients. PROM scores were more favorable for complete follow-up patients for 6-month VAS back (P = 0.003), 6-month and 1-year ODI (P ≤ 0.027, both), and 6-week and 6-month SF-12 PCS (P ≤ 0.015, both). Six-month VAS back (P = 0.007); 6-month and 1-year ODI (P ≤ 0.028, both); 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year SF-12 PCS (P ≤ 0.041, all); and 6-week SF-12 MCS (P ≤ 0.028, both) significantly predicted 2-year follow-up. ΔPROMs significantly differed between groups at 1 year for ΔVAS leg (P = 0.029), ΔODI (P = 0.013), and ΔSF-12 MCS (P = 0.004). One-year ΔVAS leg (P = 0.035), ΔODI (P = 0.011), and ΔSF-12 MCS (P = 0.003) significantly predicted follow-up. MCID achievement for ΔPROMs significantly differed between groups for 6-week VAS leg (P = 0.035), overall ODI (P = 0.034), and SF-12 PCS from 12 weeks through 1 year (P ≤ 0.011, all) and overall (P < 0.001). Patients with full follow-up demonstrated significantly more favorable outcome scores and improvement in pain, disability, and physical function at several postoperative time points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether responses to Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v2.0 - Physical Function 8c (PROMIS PF8c) items differed when the use of a 7-day recall period was compared with no specified recall period.Methods: Using a within-subject design, we surveyed 1810 individuals from the US general population, administering PROMIS PF8c at survey beginning and end. The order of measure presentation was randomly assigned. We calculated recall difference scores (RDSs) as no recall score minus 7-day recall score using both item response theory-based T scores and raw summed scores. We examined the distribution and created Bland-Altman plots for both RDSTscore and RDSRaw. We also calculated correlations between no recall versus 7-day recall T score and raw scores. Finally, we determined whether differences in no recall versus 7-day recall scores were associated with patient-reported PF.Results: RDSTscore and RDSRaw had means (root mean square differences) of 0.00 (5.43) and -0.04 (3.79), respectively. The vast majority (%) of RDSTscore and RDSRaw values fell between the Bland-Altman limits of agreement (-10.65 to 10.66 and -7.46 to 7.38, respectively). Pearson's correlations between no recall and 7-day recall for T scores and raw scores were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. Effect sizes for mean RDSTscore and RDSRaw compared across level of Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group performance status, patient global impression of PF severity, and single PF items were near 0.Conclusions: We did not find any significant recall period effect on PF8c responses. Therefore, we recommend the use of the PROMIS physical function standard, with no specified recall time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]