Decline In Strength Research Articles

Global solar photospheric and coronal magnetic field over activity cycles 21–25

The evolution of the global solar magnetic field from the beginning of cycle 21 (mid-1970s) until the currently-ascending cycle 25 is described using photospheric full-disk and synoptic magnetograms from NSO Kitt Peak Vacuum Telescope (KPVT) 512-channel and Spectromagnetograph (SPMG) and the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigation of the Sun (SOLIS) Vector Spectro-Magnetograph (VSM) and Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), and Stanford University’s Wilcox Solar Observatory (WSO). The evolving strength and symmetry of the global coronal field are described by potential-field source-surface models decomposed into axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric, and even- and odd-ordered magnetic multipoles. The overall weakness of the global solar magnetic field since cycle 23 splits the 50-year observing window into the stronger, simpler, more hemispherically symmetric cycles 21 and 22 and the weaker, more complex cycles 23 and 24. An anomalously large decrease in the global solar field strength occurred during cycles 23, and an anomalously weak axial/polar field resulted from that cycle, accompanied by an anomalously weak radial interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) during cycle 23 activity minimum and a weakened radial IMF overall since cycle 23. The general long-term decline in solar field strength and the development during cycle 24 of strong swings of hemispheric and polar asymmetry are analyzed in detail, including their transfer through global coronal structural changes to dominate mean in situ interplanetary field measurements for several years. Although more symmetric than cycle 24, the rise phase of cycle 25 began with the southern leading the northern hemisphere, but the north has recovered to lead this cycle’s polar field reversal. The mean polar flux (poleward of ±60°) has reversed at each pole, so far more symmetrically than the cycle 23 and 24 polar reversals.

Effects of seawater and acidic environment on mechanical properties of iron powder-loaded glass-epoxy composite laminates: Experimental and analytical investigation

This study assesses the impact of seawater and acidity on a glass epoxy composite filled with pure iron powder. Plates with varying iron content (15%, 20%, and 25%) were created using contact molding, with 30% glass fiber content. After dividing the plates into samples, a three-point bending examination was conducted following ISO14125 standards. The samples were immersed in saltwater (Group A), an acidic solution (Group B), or kept dry for comparison (Group C). Each subgroup had 15 specimens (5 for each iron %), immersed for over 60 days before undergoing bending tests. Results showed a significant decline in flexural strength, with a maximum reduction of 29.7% in Group A and 37.9% in Group B, while Young's modulus decreased up to 34.8% in Group A and 45.6% in Group B. The two-way ANOVA approach confirmed these findings, and microscopic examinations and FTIR analysis after immersion elucidated physical alterations and chemical reactions. Despite certain advantages, such as specific applications, the composite's limitations in corrosion resistance, durability, and production cost may restrict its relevance in various industrial and real-world applications. Consideration of these factors is essential before choosing this material for a specific project.

Dynamic response and cumulative damage mechanism of simplified hull girders under repeated underwater explosions

The dynamic response and cumulative damage mechanism of simplified hull girders (SHGs) subjected to repeated underwater explosions were investigated in this research. Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between cumulative damage and explosive charge. Three series of experiments were carried out on SHGs, subjecting them to both single and repeated loading (up to five times). The analysis focused on the overall deflection values of the SHG and the local bottom plate deflection values, revealing a linear relationship with the cumulative number of occurrences. A validated finite element simulation model was employed to examine the response of the SHGs under repeated blast loading, utilizing experimental results for validation. An impact factor was established to quantify the magnitude of the explosive force, considering both the power of the explosive and the distance of detonation. The SHGs showed localized deformation at 10 impact factors, but experience pronounced cumulative effects at 14.4 and 20 impact factors. Furthermore, a consistent decline in the residual strength of the SHGs as the number of explosions increased. Following the first underwater explosion, the damaged SHG displayed an ultimate plastic bending moment of 3696.5 N m, reflecting a 16.3 % reduction compared to the unloaded SHGs. This reduction can primarily be attributed to the altered load distribution on the deformed SHGs. These findings contributed to the understanding of the cumulative damage behavior and response of SHGs exposed to repeated underwater explosions, providing valuable insights for the design and structural integrity assessment of naval vessels.

Biomarkers of Inflammation and Longitudinal Evaluation of Lung Function, Physical Activity, and Grip Strength: A Secondary Analysis in the CASCADE Study.

Physical activity, lung function, and grip strength are associated with exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We tested whether baseline inflammatory biomarkers were associated with longitudinal outcomes of these physiologic measurements. The COPD Activity: Serotonin Transporter, Cytokines, and Depression (CASCADE) study was a prospective observational study of individuals with COPD. A total of 14 inflammatory biomarkers were measured at baseline. Participants were followed for 2 years. We analyzed associations between baseline biomarkers and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), physical activity, and grip strength. We used a hierarchical hypothesis testing procedure to reduce type I error. We used Pearson correlations to test associations between baseline biomarkers and longitudinal changes in the outcomes of interest. We used Fisher's linear discriminant analysis to test if linear combinations of baseline biomarkers predict rapid FEV1 decline. Finally, we used linear mixed modeling to test associations between baseline biomarkers and outcomes of interest at baseline, year 1, and year 2; models were adjusted for age, smoking status, baseline biomarkers, and FEV1. A total of 302 participants (age 67.5 ± 8.5 years, 19.5% female, 28.5% currently smoking) were included. Baseline biomarkers were not associated with longitudinal changes in grip strength, physical activity, or rapid FEV1 decline. Higher interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were associated with lower physical activity at baseline and these relationships persisted at year 1 and year 2. Baseline inflammatory biomarkers did not predict changes in lung function or physical activity, but higher inflammatory biomarkers were associated with persistently low levels of physical activity.

Elinvar-Like Effect Induced by High Lattice Distortion in Zr 6 Ta 2 O 17 Ceramics

Super strength and toughness, excellent deformation resistance, and high-temperature service performance are the key factors to determine the practical application of new thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The limited mobility of dislocations and the internal inherent defects in ceramics will inevitably lead to the decline of strength–plasticity and the reduction of service performance. Introducing preexisting twin boundaries and stacking faults (SFs) or preparing ceramic materials with high configuration entropy has demonstrated to be an effective strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of ceramics. However, due to the positive thermal expansion coefficient of most ceramics and the remarkable increase of structural disorder at elevated temperature, the problem of elastic softening has become a bottleneck restricting the high-temperature service life of new TBCs. In this paper, the deformation behavior of high configuration entropy Zr 6 Ta 2 O 17 ceramics at 25 to 1,200 °C was in situ monitored via digital image correlation technique and three-point bending test platform in high-temperature environment. A remarkable Elinvar-like effect appears in the Zr 6 Ta 2 O 17 ceramic. More interestingly, mechanical deformation dominates the severe lattice distortion (deformation twins, SFs) and the disorder–order transition of chemical order at the atomic scale, while temperature can further enhance the degree of lattice distortion and ordering of Zr 6 Ta 2 O 17 ceramics. Furthermore, the atomic fluctuations at high temperature promotes the comprehensive improvement of mechanical properties in the Zr 6 Ta 2 O 17 ceramics.

Significantly Enhanced the Energy Density of Dielectric Composites by Sandwich Structure with Highly Insulating Mica Nanosheets.

Dielectric polymer composites exhibit great application prospects in advanced pulse power systems and electric systems. However, the decline of breakdown strength by loading of single high dielectric constant nanofiller hinders the sustained increase in energy density of the composites. Here, a sandwich-structured nanocomposite prepared with mica nanosheets as the second filler exhibits decoupled modulation of dielectric constant and breakdown strength. The traditional layered clay mineral mica is exfoliated into nanosheets and filled into polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), which shows a special depolarization effect in the polymer matrix. In Kelvin probe microscopy characterization and thermally stimulated depolarization current indicates that the mica nanosheets provided space charge traps for the polymer matrix and effectively suppressed the carrier motion. A sandwich structure composite material with mica nanosheets as the central layer has achieved a high energy density of 11.48 Jcm-3, 2.4 times higher than the pure PVDF film. This is due to the fact that randomly oriented distribution of nanosheets in a polymer matrix provide better current blocking. This work provides an effective method to improve the energy density of dielectric polymer composites by synergistically introducing insulating nanosheets and high dielectric constant nanofillers.

Effects of modified hybrid resistance training on dynamic control ratio of knee joint in untrained healthy subjects

Background: Increased physical inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to cause leg muscle strength decline due to the decrease in muscle mechanical loading. The hybrid training method uses the force generated by an electrically stimulated antagonist muscle to provide resistance to a voluntarily contracting agonist muscle. This exercise might be an effective choice for strengthening exercises during a pandemic because it does not require external resistance or stabilization devices. In addition, engaging the eccentric contraction of the antagonist muscle while the agonist is contracting concentrically may reduce agonist-antagonist muscle imbalance and reduce the risk of injury. Because the hybrid training system device was difficult to replicate, modifications were carried out using conventional stimulation tools. Methods: The research was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Installation of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya. The research subjects were 24 untrained healthy men aged 18-40 years divided into two groups: the treatment group who received modified hybrid strengthening exercises and the control group who received Russian protocol neuromuscular electrical stimulation (Russian NMES), 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Statistical tests were carried out on 12 treatment group subjects and 12 control group subjects who were able to complete the study. Results: There was a decrease in non-dominant 60o/sec DCR (p-value 0.002) and non-dominant 120o/sec DCR (p-value 0.019) in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in 60o/sec and 120o/sec DCR on both sides of the leg in the control group. There is a significant difference in ΔDCR between the two groups at non-dominant DCR 120o/sec (p-value 0.036). Conclusion: There was a greater reduction of knee joint DCR in the modified hybrid resistance training compared to the Russian NMES in untrained healthy subjects.

Betaine attenuates age-related suppression in autophagy via Mettl21c/p97/VCP axis to delay muscle loss

Age-related impairment of autophagy accelerates muscle loss and lead to sarcopenia. Betaine can delay muscle loss as a dietary methyl donor via increasing S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM, a crucial metabolite for autophagy regulation) in methionion cycle. However, whether betaine can regulate autophagy level to attenuate degeneration in aging muscle remains unclear. Herein, male C57BL/6J young mice (YOU, 2-month-old), old mice (OLD, 15-month-old), and 2%-betaine-treated old mice (BET, 15-month-old) were employed and raised for 12 weeks. All mice underwent body composition examination and grip strength test before being sacrificed. Betaine alleviated age-related decline in muscle mass and strength. Meanwhile, betaine preserved the expression autophagy markers (Atg5, Atg7, LC3-II, and Beclin1) both at transcriptional and translational level during the aging process. RNA-sequencing results generated from mice gastrocnemius muscle found Mettl21c, a SAM-dependent autophagy-regulating methyltransferase, was significantly higher expressed in BET and YOU group. Results were further validated by qPCR and western bloting. In vitro, C2C12 cells with or without Mettl21c RNA interference were treated different concentration of betaine (0 mM, 10 mM) under methionine-starved condition. Compared with control group, betaine upregulated autophagy markers expression and autophagy flux. By increasing the SAM level, betaine facilitated trimethylation of p97 (Mettl21c downstream effector) into valosin-containing protein (VCP). Increased VCP promoted autophagic turnover of cellular components, ATP production, and cell differentiation. Knock-down of Metthl21c dismissed improvements mentioned above. Collectively, betaine could enhance aged skeletal muscle autophagy level via Mettl21c/p97/VCP axis to delay muscle loss.

α-Tocopherol Depletion Exacerbates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Reduction of Grip Strength

Backgroundα-Tocopherol (αT) deficiency causes several neurologic disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and myopathy. Furthermore, decreased antibody production, impaired ex vivo T cell function, and elevated cytokine production are observed in humans and mice with αT deficiency. Although modeling αT deficiency in animals is challenging, αT depletion can be more readily achieved in α-tocopherol transfer protein-null (Ttpa-/-) mice than wild-type (WT) mice. Thus, the Ttpa-/- mouse model is a useful tool for studying metabolic consequences of low αT status. Optimizing this mouse model and selecting the reliable indicators/markers of deficiency are still needed. ObjectiveOur objective was to assess whether αT depletion alters lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in the brain and/or grip strength used as a proxy for fatigue. MethodsWT and Ttpa-/- weanling littermates (n = 37–40/genotype) were fed an αT deficient diet ad libitum for 9 wk. Mice were then injected with LPS (10 μg/mouse) or saline (control) intraperitoneally and killed 4 h later. Concentrations of αT in diet and tissues were measured via high-pressure liquid chromatography. Grip strength was evaluated via a grip strength meter apparatus 2 d before and 3.5 h after LPS injection. Cerebellar and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsαT concentrations in the liver, heart, and adipose tissue of WT mice were higher than Ttpa-/- mice. Although αT was detected in the brain, muscle, and serum of WT mice, it was undetectable in these tissues of Ttpa-/- mice. Cerebellar and serum concentrations of IL-6 were increased in LPS-treated groups but were not significantly affected by genotype. Grip strength was reduced in LPS-treated groups, an effect that was more pronounced in Ttpa-/- mice. ConclusionsSystemic LPS administration caused an acute inflammatory response with a concomitant decline in grip strength, especially in Ttpa-/- mice. αT depletion appears to exacerbate reductions in grip strength brought on by systemic inflammation.

Roofing Distributor Employee Perception: Workforce Attraction/Retention and Need

Workforce attractions and needs development are present at all levels of the construction industry, from general contractors down to trade contractors and their distributors. Specifically, the roofing industry faces a severe decline in workforce strength in all areas, including distribution. This study aims to collect and present workforce data that distributor companies can use to create an attractive company culture to strengthen their workforce. This study collected data via survey and analyzed current workforce satisfaction, attraction, retention factors, and demographics in the roofing industry. Findings yield that the overall work and the yearly compensation were key factors for attraction and retention. The study results illustrate the development of workforce needs in the affordability of benefits and career path. The importance of this study lies in the ability of distributor companies to understand areas they are doing well in and identify areas that need to be improved and incorporate the findings in developing recruitment material for new employees.

SOCIAL ISOLATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR GRIP STRENGTH DECLINE: FINDINGS FROM THE NHATS STUDY

Abstract Low grip strength is associated with negative health outcomes among older adults, including poor physical performance, sarcopenia, and all-cause mortality. Social isolation has been also linked with decreased physical function and mortality. Limited studies examined whether social isolation is a risk factor for grip strength decline among older adults and whether race differences exist in this association using population-based longitudinal data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between social isolation and grip strength among older adults and whether the relationship varies by race and over time. We analyzed National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data (2015 - 2018) and the sample included 4877 adults > 65 years old. Grip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. Social isolation was measured using six NHATS items from the literature and the composite score ranged from 0 to 6, with a higher score indicating more isolation. The sample mean age was 75 (SD = 22; 68 - 110 years). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant differences in grip strength across social isolation scores (p = .001) indicating that socially isolated older adults have significantly lower grip strength. We also found that grip strength significantly decreased by 2.046 kg over the four-year period (p = < .001). The findings showed no significant difference in grip strength across race and change in grip strength across time did not differ by race and social isolation. Interventions to improve muscle strength and reduce social isolation among older adults are needed.

Exploring the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of high-entropy alloy (CoCrFeNiAl0.1) based on molecular dynamics simulation

In order to further explore the influence of temperature on the face-centered cubic (FCC) single-phase crystal CoCrFeNiAl0.1, we conducted a series of Nano-indentation experiments on CoCrFeNiAl0.1 at different temperatures. At room temperature, the effects of indentation can convert a portion of CoCrFeNiAl0.1’s FCC phase into a funnel-shaped hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase, resulting less deformation on the sides of the indenter. What we analyzed shows that CoCrFeNiAl0.1’s HCP phase has excellent heat resistance and mechanics, allowing CoCrFeNiAl0.1 to maintain great properties in high-temperature environments. However, if T ⩾ 1500 K, high temperature will decrease the number of the HCP phases and dislocation density, leading to an accelerated decline in material strength. This research can provide a theoretical relationship between temperature and microstructural evolution for the research and application of CoCrFeNiAl0.1 in high-temperature environments.

Sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease: current information

With the appearance of the term "sarcopenia" and its definition, updated in 2010 and 2018, an active study of this phenomenon began. Sarcopenia is a generalized, progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and performance leading to reduced quality of life, increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Initially, loss of muscle mass was considered an age-associated condition. Today, there is growing interest in premature sarcopenia, which is seen in the setting of malignancy, malnutrition, and chronic inflammatory processes, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data regarding sarcopenia in patients with IBS are limited. However, published studies suggest a relationship between sarcopenia and unfavorable postoperative outcomes, need for surgical treatment, and disease activity. It is worth noting that sarcopenia is a fairly common phenomenon among patients with CKD, and is observed in 20-70% of cases. The nature of nutritional status disorders in patients suffering from CLC is undergoing changes due to the widespread epidemic of obesity. Sarcopenia in such patients may occur under the mask of obesity, remaining undiagnosed for a long time.
 The aim of the review was to analyze the current information on the incidence of sarcopenia in patients with IBS, its impact on the course of the disease and outcomes of surgical treatment. The following issues need to be addressed today: development of diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of sarcopenia in patients with ICD; inclusion of sarcopenia in the existing models of predicting surgical risks; conducting multicenter prospective studies confirming the influence of sarcopenia on the course and activity of ICD.
 Literature search containing information on relevant studies was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar by keywords: sarcopenia, inflammatory bowel disease, nutritional status, malnutrition, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.

Interaction between handgrip strength and vitamin D deficiency on all-cause mortality in community-dwelling older adults: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveMuscle strength decline and vitamin D deficiency are coexisting conditions associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. This prospective study aimed to investigate the multiplicative and additive interactions between handgrip strength (HS) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] on all-cause mortality in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Study designThis is a population-based cohort study. Methods2635 older adults (85.15 ± 12.01 years) were recruited from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2012–2018). Low HS was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 updated consensus (<28 kg for men and <18 kg for women). Serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L were defined as vitamin D deficiency. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of HS and 25(OH)D with all-cause mortality. Socio-demographics, health status, and clinical characteristics were included as covariates. Results1715 (65.09 %) and 1885 (71.54 %) participants had low HS and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. During a median follow-up of 3.52 years, 1107 older people died. After multivariable adjustment, both HS and 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with all-cause mortality risk (Ps < 0.001). The hazard ratios (HRs) of low HS and vitamin D deficiency for all-cause mortality were 1.73 (95 % CI: 1.41–2.13) and 1.61 (95 % CI: 1.32–1.93), respectively. Although significant multiplicative interactions were not found, the association between low HS and all-cause mortality was attenuated in the higher 25(OH)D subgroup than in the lower 25(OH)D subgroup (stratified by 50 nmol/L). The multiple-adjusted HR of mortality for combined low HS and vitamin D deficiency was 2.18 (95 % CI: 1.73–2.56), which was higher than that for these two conditions alone. Significant additive interactions between low HS and vitamin D deficiency on mortality were observed (relative excess risk due to interaction: 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.37–1.05). ConclusionsLow HS and low 25(OH)D levels synergistically increased the risk of all-cause mortality. Our results added new insights to the priority of early detection for older adults with comorbid muscle strength decline and vitamin D deficiency.

SARC-F Score: A Quick Bedside Tool to Screen Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis

Sarcopenia is often ignored in clinical practice despite being an important prognostic marker. SARC-F is a simple bedside score to assess muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis patients. However, there is limited Indian data on the validity of this score. Hence, we aimed to assess the validity of SARC-F score in a tertiary care center. A prospective observational study including consecutive 100 cirrhosis patients attending the gastroenterology outpatient department in Osmania Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, India, was conducted from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. The primary aim was to assess the mean muscle volume loss (MVL) by computed tomography and handgrip (HG) strength for muscle strength decline (MSD) and compare the SARC-F score with standard cut-off values. We included 100 cirrhosis patients (mean age: 45 years; males: 86%; child-pugh class B/C: 42/58). Sixty-nine percent of the patients had a SARC-F score of ≥4, whereas MVL and MSD were noted in 62% and 86% patients, respectively. Mid-arm circumference, skin-fold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and HG strength were significantly lower in patients with SARC-F score ≥4 than in those with SARC-F score <4 (P<0.05). The Pearson correlation plot suggested a significant inverse correlation between the SARC-F score and MSD and SARC-F score and MVL. A SARC-F score of ≥4 had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.7% and 50% for MVL and 75.6% and 71.4% for MSD, respectively, whereas it was 83.3% and 52.5% for MSD and MVL combined, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for SARC-F as a predictor of MVL was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.82; P=<0.001). On multivariate analysis, a high SARC-F score and low MAMC were predictive of MVL in cirrhosis patients. SARC-F score has good sensitivity as a bedside screening tool for sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. A high SARC-F score and low MAMC indicates the presence of MVL and warrants further evaluation for sarcopenia.

Effects of Polypropylene and Date Palm Fiber Reinforcements on High Performance Concrete at Elevated Temperatures and Their Impact on Spalling Phenomena

Concrete, a widely utilized construction material, faces challenges related to thermal instability when exposed to fire-induced temperature variations. To address the issue of explosive spalling, common concerns in concrete, polypropylene fibers, recommended by Eurocode 2, are added to the mix. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in physical and mechanical properties of high-performance concrete incorporating various fibers, including polypropylene and palm tree waste as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fibers. The incorporation of palm fibers aligns with the promotion of local materials for their potential affordability due to local abundance. The assessment involved four high-performance concrete formulations tested under high-temperature conditions: SF (silica fume without fibers), SFPP (silica fume with polypropylene fibers), SFDF (date palm fibers with silica fume), and SFPPQS (polypropylene fibers with quarry sand, siliceous sand, and silica fume). Destructive and non-destructive evaluations encompassed compressive strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and mass loss. Experimental tests were conducted at room temperature (20°C) and elevated temperatures (250°C, 450°C, and 650°C). Results revealed a decline in both compressive and flexural strength for samples exposed to temperatures above 450°C. Notably, the inclusion of date palm fibers mitigated mass losses while exhibiting a lower compressive strength.

Hand grip strength, anthropometrics and cognitive decline

AbstractBackgroundHand grip strength is a well validated measure of physical strength, while anthropometric measures such as weight, waist, hip and mid upper arm circumference, are well validated to determine physical health. The present analysis investigated the relationship between hand grip strength, anthropometric measures and dementia incidence in 70–90‐year‐old men residing in Northern Ireland (NI).MethodThe PRIME‐COG study is nested in PRIME (Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction), a cohort study of men in NI. In the most recent follow up for PRIME‐COG, men underwent a comprehensive cognitive assessment from which a consensus diagnosis of normal cognitive function, MCI or dementia was made by experienced clinical researchers. Hand grip strength and anthropometrics measures were also recorded. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between hand grip strength and anthropometric measures and cognitive endpoints.ResultThe analysis identified that low hand grip strength was associated with dementia and/or MCI, although this did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.39, p = 0.18). In the anthropometric measures, a significant relationship was observed between hip circumference and dementia and/or MCI at PRIME‐COG follow up (OR 0.93, p = 0.01), whereas BMI was non‐significantly associated (OR 1.22, p = 0.58). The remaining anthropometric measures investigated were not found to hold any significant relationships with the cognitive outcomes.ConclusionWithin a cohort of older men residing in NI, low hand grip strength was associated with a 39% increased risk of dementia or MCI, although this was not statistically significant. In anthropometric measures, hip circumference was found to be significantly negatively associated with a 7% reduced risk of dementia or MCI, while BMI was associated with a 22% increased risk, which again was not of statistical significance. The present study helps further contribute to the evidence base that physical well‐being is associated with cognitive function.

Nanoscale Insights into the Mechanical Behavior of Interfacial Composite Structures between Calcium Silicate Hydrate/Calcium Hydroxide and Silica

The failure of the interfacial transition zone has been identified as the primary cause of damage and deterioration in cement-based materials. To further understand the interfacial failure mechanism, interfacial composite structures between the main hydration products of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and silica (SiO2) were constructed while considering their anisotropy. Afterwards, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our results showed that the interfacial zones (IZs) of interfacial composite structures tended to have relatively lower densities than those of the bulk, and the anisotropy of the hydration products had almost no effect on the IZ being a low-density zone. Interfacial composite structures with different configurations exhibited diverse nanomechanical behaviors in terms of their ultimate strength, stress–strain relationship and fracture evaluation. A higher strain rate contributed to a higher ultimate strength and a more prolonged decline in the residual strength. In the interfacial composite structures, both CSH and Ca(OH)2 exhibited ruptures of the Ca-O bond as the primary atomic pair during the tensile process. The plastic damage characteristics of the interfacial composite structures during the tensile process were assessed by analyzing the normalized number of broken Ca-O bonds, which also aligned with the atomic chain break characteristics evident in the per-atom stress map.

Analyzing Pore Evolution Characteristics in Cementitious Materials Using a Plane Distribution Model

This research aims to analyze the distribution and evolution of pores within the planar structure of cement-based materials. Utilizing digital imaging methods, a model for pore plane distribution was established, and the evolutionary patterns of both total pore numbers and varying pore sizes in cement-based materials were investigated. The research introduced an innovative experimental method for analyzing pore distribution within cement-based planar structures. Additionally, a hybrid method was proposed, combining automated image binarization thresholding with manual comparative analysis, thereby enhancing the feasibility of comparative research. Pores were categorized into four distinct sizes: tiny pores (5–200 μm), small pores (200–500 μm), medium pores (500–1000 μm), and large pores (&gt;1000 μm). Areas with apertures &lt;5 μm were classified as dense areas. The findings indicated that the overall number of pores in cement-based materials increased due to the influence of styrene butadiene latex additives. However, at a 15% dosage, the rate of pore formation reached an inflection point, confirming that various factors, such as styrene butadiene latex, air bubbles, and the cement-based material itself, collectively influenced pore formation. The research also demonstrated that styrene butadiene latex affected the four categorized pore sizes differently. Importantly, a higher latex dosage did not necessarily lead to a proportional increase in pore content. Pore content was influenced by multiple factors and exhibited different distribution patterns. The number of micropores, although relatively small, gradually increased with higher latex dosages, while small and medium pores generally showed an upward trend. At a 10% latex dosage, both small and medium pores reached a turning point in their rate of increase. Large pores also exhibited a general increase, peaking at a latex dosage of 10%. It was confirmed that both the total pore volume and the content of micropores were critical factors in determining the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Higher porosity and micropore content generally weakened mechanical performance. However, at a small latex dosage, there was an improvement in flexural strength. When the latex dosage reached 15%, the total pore and micropore content declined, resulting in a balanced increase in flexural strength and a mitigated decline in compressive strength. This study offers valuable insights into the evolution of total pore volume and the content of pores of various sizes, providing a theoretical basis for the meticulous selection of additive types and dosages from a microscopic perspective.

Sarcopenia: no consensus, no diagnostic criteria, and no approved indication-How did we get here?

In addition to the role of skeletal muscle in movement and locomotion, muscle plays a critical role in a broad array of metabolic processes that can contribute to improved health or risk of disease. The age-associated loss of muscle has been termed sarcopenia. The muscle is the primary site of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and the largest component of basal metabolic rate, directly and indirectly affects bone density, produces myokines with pleiotropic effect on muscle and other tissues including the brain, and stores essential amino acids essential for the maintenance of protein synthesis during periods of reduced food intake and stress. As such, not surprisingly deterioration of skeletal muscle health, typically operationalized as decline of muscle mass and muscle strength is both a powerful risk factor and main consequence of chronic diseases, disability, and loss of independence, and it is one of the strongest risk factors for mortality. However, skeletal muscle remains one of the most plastic of all tissues, with rapid changes in rates of protein synthesis and degradation in response to physical activity and inactivity, inflammation, and nutritional and hormonal status. This has made the development of pharmacological therapies to increase muscle mass (or prevent loss), an important goal for decades. However, while remarkable advances in the understanding of molecular and cellular regulation of muscle protein metabolism have occurred recently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle affecting millions of older people. The goal of this paper is to describe the possible reasons for the lack of new and effective pharmacotherapies to treat one of the most important risk factors for age-associated disease and loss of independence.