Age Period Research Articles

Клиновидно-лобный шов: Возрастные, половые особенности и корреляция с краниометрическими параметрами

The purpose of the study was to study the length of the sphenofrontal suture in age and gender aspects, as well as its correlation with craniometric parameters.Methods. The research material consisted of 200 skulls. There were 20 skulls of adolescence age, I adulthood age 68, II adulthood age 72, and elderly age 40. In total, there were 86 male skulls and 114 female skulls. The statistical significance of the difference between the groups' indicators was assessed by the Student-Bonferroni t-test, F-Fisher tests, nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test, and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H-test. A non-parametric ρ-Spearman's rank correlation was used in the study.Results. Analysis of male skulls by age did not reveal a statistically significant difference for the length of the left sphenofrontal suture (PF = 0.177; PH = 0.142). Also, on male skulls, the length of the right sphenofrontal suture values did not have a statistically significant difference (PF = 0.916; PH = 0.936). On female skulls, the value of the studied parameter also did not differ statistically across age periods: for the left sphenofrontal suture (PF = 0.643; PH = 0.688) and for the right sphenofrontal suture (PF = 0.956; PH = 0.880). The left sphenofrontal suture’s length differed statistically significantly between male and female skulls only in adulthood age II (PF < 0.001; PU < 0.001). The length of the left sphenofrontal suture had a statistically significant direct correlation with a large number of craniometric parameters (maximum cranial length, nasio-occipital length, maximum cranial breadth, basion-bregma height, cranial base length, maxilla-alveolar breadth, minimum frontal breadth, upper facial breadth, nasal height, nasal breadth, left orbital height, right orbital height, parietal chord, mastoid height and biasterionic breadth). The length of the right sphenofrontal suture was statistically significantly directly correlated with cranial base length, left orbital height, right orbital height, parietal chord, and biasterionic breadth.Conclusion. Considering that isolated premature synostosis of the sphenofrontal suture has been increasingly identified in clinical practice in recent years, study is of not only theoretical but also practical interest.Key words: sphenofrontal suture, a non-parametric ρ-Spearman's rank correlation, male skulls, female skulls, craniometric parameters

Electro-optical and thermal characterization of cadmium doped copper tartrate crystals grown in silica gel

Cadmium doped copper tartrate crystals were grown by Gel Growth technique by single diffusion. Silica gel of optimum specific gravity was set with tartaric acid at optimum pH and aging period for crystal growth. Band gap of cadmium doped copper tartrate crystal is determined using Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy is 5.780 eV. Blue Color of cadmium Copper tartrate crystal and transparency is confirmed using Photoluminescence spectroscopy. Emission originates from Cu2+ vacancy-related defects or their complexes. Dimensions of crystals are found from Powder X-Ray Diffraction data. The edge lengths of unit cell calculated from indexing of PXRD data are, a = 5.47 Å, b =11.76 Å, c =9.20Å and volume of unit cell is, 621.02208 Å3.

Study of the features of the skin condition of the back in healthy children at different age periods

INTRODUCTION: Study of age-specific and topographic features of the skin cover of the back in children and adolescents is an important aspect for understanding physiological processes of this period. Identifying the features of the skin condition will improve the diagnosis and prevention of skin diseases in pediatric practice. AIM: To study the distinctive features of the condition of various skin areas of the back in children at different age periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 46 healthy children and adolescents (27 children, 19 adolescents) aged 7 to 17 years: 25 boys and 21 girls. The following research methods were used: anthropometry, visual clinical examination of the skin of the back, photofixation of the skin, Adams’s test, thermometry, laser Doppler flowmetry, elastometry. RESULTS: Visual clinical examination of the skin of the back showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of signs of connective tissue dysplasia (р 0.05). In children aged 7–11 years, temperature and microcirculation parameters were mostly stably the same in all areas of examination of the back skin. In adolescents, differences in the temperature and blood flow parameters were observed depending on the examination area: decreased skin perfusion in the lower back along the scapular lines on the left by 7.0% (р = 0.0001) and on the right by 6.4% (р = 0.0002), along the paravertebral line on the right by 4.0% (р = 0.02); a mild increase in temperature in the projection of the paravertebral lines in the middle parts of the back (by 0.1°С, р 0.05). The elasticity index had a statistically significant decrease in the lower part relative to the upper one in the projection of the paravertebral lines both in children (by 10%, р = 0.001) and in adolescents (by 10.0%, р = 0.01). In adolescents, the temperature of the skin of the back, capillary blood flow and elasticity were statistically significantly lower than in children (р 0.0001, р = 0.006, р 0.0001, respectively). The skin temperature and elasticity index in all the examination areas correlated with age and had an inverse relationship. The blood flow of the skin of the back had a reliable inverse relationship with age only in the projection of the paravertebral lines at the level of the upper and lower parts. CONCLUSION: In healthy children and adolescents aged 7–17 years, age has a pronounced effect on the condition of the skin of the back (temperature, blood flow, elasticity, visual picture). The features of the topography of the study of the blood flow and temperature are important for the adolescent age. Differentiation of elasticity figures depending on the level of study are characteristic of both children and adolescents.

От игры к игривости: к вопросу о психологическом благополучии ребенка

<p><strong>The relevance.</strong> The play in Russia is most often considered in connection with the mental and volitional development of a child. At the same time, according to the classics of psychology, specific affect lies at the center of the child play. It is characterized by the presence of positive emotions related to the structure of the play. It is important that a positive emotional state is crucial for the psychological well-being of a child. At the same time, there remains a significant shortage of research in Russia devoted to the study of the influence of play on the psychological well-being of a child. <strong>Goals.</strong> Analyze the importance of the play for the psychological well-being of children and adults. <strong>Results.</strong> The play has a special device — ambiguity — which leads to the splitting of affect: part of it is related to the content, and the other part is related to the form of the play. The emotions associated with the structure of the play are always positive. Such a device of the play explains its positive effect on the emotional state of the player. In the process of a child's development, play contributes to the appearance of a specific personality trait — playfulness. Playfulness is measured using special scales, also at any age period. <strong>Conclusions. </strong>Play is extremely important for maintaining the psychological well-being of the child. Due to the fact that the culture of the play is transmitted from adults to children, it is important that adults know how and love to play. The tendency to play can be considered as a personal trait of children and adults. Playful adults have higher rates of psychological well-being, but also they create the necessary conditions to maintain the psychological well-being of the child.</p>

Preparing Russians for Retirement from the Perspective of the Active Longevity Concept (Based on the Yaroslavl Region)

The article describes attitudes towards the choice of labour, financial, and health-preserving trajectories of Russians in preparation for retirement based on the results of the author's sociological study conducted using the method of personal interviews (n = 650). It is shown that in the context of demographic aging in Russia, there is a gradual shift away from understanding aging as a mutual alienation of an elderly person and society, and the elderly - exclusively as objects of care, towards considering the elderly as active participants in public life, in relation to whom the policy of active longevity is implemented. It involves a system of measures to promote employment of the elderly, maintain material well-being, improve health and quality of life, and learning throughout life. However, the index of active longevity in Russia remains low. The assertion is substantiated that the system of measures in line with the concept of active longevity policy has a proactive nature, that is, it is aimed at future generations of elderly people, rather than the current ones, and involves preparation for the period of aging, marked by retirement. Based on the data of the conducted sociological study, it is shown that the labour, financial and health-preserving trajectories of respondents who have not reached retirement age, regarding the preparation for the retirement in some ways are in line with the principles of active longevity, and in some ways, contradict them. At the same time, the main differences are observed between respondents under 46 years of age and pre-retirees. The respondents' orientation towards long-term employment, readiness for lifelong professional training, mastering non-traditional forms of employment (for example, readiness to work on Internet platforms), awareness of responsibility for ensuring their economic well-being in old age and the use of various strategies for this (professional-labour, savings, investment), the attitude towards giving up bad habits and maintaining physical activity (sports, physical education) create the basis for living out their aging by future pensioners in accordance with the principles of active longevity. There are also barriers that hinder the transformation of the aging model in the direction of following the principles of active longevity: the influence of objective factors of economic instability, a low level of financial literacy of the population, the lack of special financial planning skills in preparation for retirement, the lack of a culture of health care.

Чанка и чанка-беки: социальное положение и правовой статус (XVIII – первая половина XIX века)

The purpose of this article is to determine the legal status and social status of two social categories of Dagestan society of the New Age period: chanca and chanca-beks. For this, a historical and legal analysis of their legal status in various Dagestan possessions and a comparative analysis were carried out to determine differences in social status. The historical method made it possible to consider the difference in the statuses of the chanca and chanca-beks with similar estate groups of other peoples. Both estate groups came from unequal marriages. The difference between them was that the mothers of the chanca-beks came from wealthy, but not owner-owned surnames, while the mothers of the chanca were from simple uzden (peasant) families. In almost all state entities of Dagestan from the 18th to the 19th centuries, the chanca-beks and the chanca enjoyed a number of privileges but were significantly limited in inheritance rights compared to their siblings born by mothers from beks (noble) families. Despite the existing restrictions, in the history of Dagestan possessions there are known cases of the throne passing to chanca.

Proposal of a Novel Standard for Determining the Aging Period of High-Temperature Daqu Based on the Species-Level Bacterial Composition Through PacBio Sequencing

Proposal of a Novel Standard for Determining the Aging Period of High-Temperature Daqu Based on the Species-Level Bacterial Composition Through PacBio Sequencing

Contributions to the Archaeological Repertoire of Olt County, Dobrosloveni Commune

As a result of the diagnostic researches, a number of 12 archaeological sites were identified and delimited, of which 5 on the territory of the village of Dobrosloveni, 4 on the territory of the village of Frăsinet, 2 on the territory of the village of Potopin, and one on the territory of the village of Reşca. They are located on the terraces of the three streams that cross these localities: Teslui, Frăsinet and Potopin. They belong to the Neolithic, the period of transition to the Bronze Age, the Bronze Age, the late period of the Iron Age, the Roman era, the post-Roman era and to the 6th–7th centuries.

Incidence and Clinical Course of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Patients Admitted to University Hospitals: 1-year Prospective Follow-up Study.

Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that arise following an episode of infectious enteritis. The incidence rates vary, ranging from 5% to 32% and the risk factors are not well known. We aim to investigate the incidence and risk factors of PI-IBS in enteritis patients admitted to university hospitals in Korea. This multi-center prospective study was conducted in patients hospitalized for infectious enteritis. Each patient underwent 1 outpatient visit and 3 telephone surveys during the first year after discharge to determine if PI-IBS occurred within the follow-up period. In the 3-month survey, 7 out of 354 patients (2%) were diagnosed with PI-IBS, and after 1 year, only 1 patient met the criteria for IBS. No statistically significant difference was found between the PI-IBS group and the non-PI-IBS group in terms of age, sex, underlying diseases, medication history, gastrointestinal symptoms, enteritis location, causative strain, hospitalization and treatment periods, and laboratory findings. Female sex (P = 0.003), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection (P = 0.044), and a longer total treatment period (P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for diarrhea lasting ≥ 3 months after enteritis. The incidence of PI-IBS in Korea was relatively low, and most cases improved over time. No risk factors associated with the development of PI-IBS were found. However, persistent diarrhea after enteritis was associated with female sex, EPEC infection, and severe or long-lasting enteritis. IBS symptoms may persist after severe enteritis but usually improve with time.

Synthesis and Morphology of Slag-based Alkali-Activated Materials

The present study focuses on the optimization of alkali activation of ferronickel (FeNi) slag for the production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The effect of the main factors including molarity and SiO2/Na2O molar ratio in the activating solution, pre-curing and curing time, curing temperature, and aging period on the compressive strength and other properties of the final products is assessed. Emphasis is paid to the study of the effect of low curing temperature to decrease the overall footprint of alkali activation. Several analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used for the identification of the mineralogy and the morphology of the precursor and the final products. The experimental results indicate that the produced AAMs achieve a maximum compressive strength of 99 MPa using NaOH molarity 8 mol/L (M), SiO2/Na2O molar ratio 1, curing temperature 80 °C, curing time 24 h, and aging period 7 days. SEM/EDS–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicates that alkali activation results in a homogeneous binding phase, characteristic of the expected iron-rich matrix, while the microstructure of the AAMs is characterized by a glassy and smooth surface without the presence of any visible cracks or defects. The produced AAMs may be used as alternative binders for the replacement of cement in the production of concrete or as construction elements.

Gravfeltet på Mølen i Larvik – en saga i stein

The field is located on the large moraine at the mouth of the Langesund Fjord in Vestfold County. It comprises 26 large cairns up to 30 m in diameter and 45 m in length, and approximately 183 small cairns 1–2 m in diameter, all 6,5–20 m above sea-level. The great cairn D27 is 6,5 m above sea-level. Fifteen of the cairns have been excavated. The finds are few including remnants of a burnt ship burial in boat-shaped grave D100 C-14 dated to Roman Iron Age and Migration Period. The author suggests the crates in the large cairns represent either looting pits or a burial custom, and the small cairns are rests of trapping facilities for birds. The beach grave-field dates to early Iron Age and Viking Age and has its closest analogues in the grave-fields on the Jærkysten in Rogaland.

Породата Ил дьо Франс в Молдова – проява на основни продуктивни признаци

The aim of the study is to analyze the manifestation of the main selection traits of Ile de France sheep, introduced for the first time in 2023, in the Republic of Moldova. The object of the study is 180 female animals and their offspring, raised on two farms in the geographical and economic conditions of Moldova. The manifestation of the main selection traits at the first birth of the ewes was monitored - live weight and average daily gain of lambs, fertility and fecundity of the ewes. The growth intensity of the lambs was analyzed in two age periods. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that Ile de France sheep breed adapt well to the geographical and economic conditions in the Republic of Moldova, maintain excellent physiological status and realize their potential for high productivity. The monitored animals have an excellent expression of two of the main productive traits – live weight and average daily gain. The established average daily gain of lambs in the period from birth to 30 days is from 250 to 280 g/day for singletons; from 210 to 220 g/day for twins and from 170 to 180 g/day for triplets and more born lambs. The results obtained are below the average for the population in Bulgaria. The results for the average daily gain in the next age category – from 30 to 70 days of age, respectively, 295 to 305 g/ day for singletons; from 301 to 309 g/day for twins and from 288 to 315 g/day for triplets and more lambs. The average fertility of ewes at first birth is 1.5 lambs per ewe, and the fertility rate for a total of 180 ewes is 91%.

An analysis of the global burden of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer attributable to high BMI in 204 countries and territories: 1990-2021.

Gallbladder and biliary tract cancers (GBTCs) are aggressive with poor prognosis, often undetected until advanced stages. High Body Mass Index (BMI) is a significant risk factor, contributing substantially to GBTC mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). This study aimed to quantify the global burdens of GBTCs attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2021, thereby developing more rational prevention and treatment strategies for GBTC. Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. Age-standardized rates of mortality (ASMR), and DALYs (ASDR) for GBTCs due to high BMI were calculated by years, genders, ages, geographical locations, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to evaluate the temporal trends from 1990 to 2021. Decomposition and frontier analyses were conducted to understand the driving forces behind burden changes and to identify top-performing countries. Inequality analysis was conducted to assess burden disparities across different SDI levels. The disease burden was forecasted through 2035 using the Bayesian age period cohort (BAPC) model. Globally, ASMR and ASDR for GBTCs related to high BMI decreased from 1990 to 2021; however, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs cases more than doubled, and similar patterns are projected to continue over the next 14 years in the absence of intervention. High SDI regions showed higher burdens due to higher obesity rates, population growth, and aging, while low SDI regions faced higher EAPCs due to limited resources. Moreover, this inequality has become more significant. Females were more susceptible across all age groups. Notable variations in burden management were observed among countries, with some low SDI nations demonstrating superior performance to high SDI countries. Despite the decline in rates, the burden of GBTCs attributable to high BMI remains substantial, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies for high BMI, particularly in high SDI regions. Gender and age disparities necessitate tailored health interventions.

Evaluation of the spectrum of sensitization in children with bronchial asthma in Moscow and Moscow region

Introduction. Chronic allergic respiratory inflammation triggered by contact with cause-significant allergens is the pathogenetic characteristic of atopic bronchial asthma. Identification of sensitization is essential for successful therapy of bronchial asthma.Aim. To study age-related changes in the spectrum of sensitization to allergens in children with bronchial asthma followed up in healthcare facilities of Moscow and Moscow region.Materials and methods. A total of 970 children aged 0 to 17 years 11 months residing in Moscow and Moscow region were include in the retrospective, cross-sectional, population-based study of the spectrum of allergic sensitization of bronchial asthma based on their medical records.Results. Total IgE was only assessed in 37.11% (n = 360) of patients from the study cohort of children with bronchial asthma, of which an elevated IgE level was identified in 81% of cases (292 children), suggesting the prevalence of the atopic bronchial asthma phenotype over non-atopic asthma phenotype. The analysis showed the changing patterns of allergen sensitization by age group. Most of the patients, irrespective of their age, showed sensitization to household allergens. In addition to household allergen sensitization, food sensitization was also reported in 36% in children under 4 years of age, which was the highest rate as compared to other age periods. Sensitization to household and pollen allergens was found to increase significantly as children age (p < 0.05). Cross-sensitization (to pollens produced from wind-pollinated plants) to food allergens was low, but increased from an early age up to 15-18 years. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common comorbidity of asthma and accounts for 18% with a gradual increase in indicators by the age of 18. Children with concurrent asthma have almost the same incidence of developing atopic dermatitis up to age 18.Conclusions. The prevalence of sensitization to food allergens has been established in children with asthma residing in Moscow and Moscow region under 4 years old, and the prevalence of sensitization to household, pollen and epidermal allergens — over 5 years old, which should be taken into account when managing these patients.

Response of mucinous breast carcinoma to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Mucinous breast carcinoma (MBC) is thought to be a favorable-differentiated form of invasive breast cancer and is rarely preferred for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The study aimed to define the response of MBCs to NAC. A review was made of the demographic, clinicopathologic characteristics, management and follow-up data of 70 patients diagnosed with MBC between May 2010 and December 2020 by examining the patients' historical files and oncology records. The median age, tumor size, and follow-up period of patients were 52.9 (range: 32-87) years, 25.8 (range: 8-88) mm, and 61.5 (range: 18-143) months, respectively. Of the 70 patients, 45 had conservative surgery, 25 had a mastectomy, and 22 had axillary clearance due to a positive sentinel node biopsy or clinical axilla. Eight patients (11.4%) received NAC. Twenty-one patients (30.0%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, whereas almost all the patients received hormone therapy. The preoperative core biopsy diagnosis of four of eight patients receiving NAC was unspecified invasive breast carcinoma. NAC was used as treatment in patients who were younger, had tumors larger in diameter, had tumors with an initial higher T-stage, and especially those with clinically positive axilla, and tumors with a higher Ki-67 index. Despite these preference criteria, both the overall mastectomy and axillary clearance rates were significantly higher in these patients. Two local and five systemic recurrences were observed in the follow-up period. NAC had no significant contribution to survival. It may be concluded that NAC is not sufficiently effective in either helping to diminish the need for mastectomy by downsizing the tumor, or in preventing axillary clearance in MBCs, and no significant benefit on survival could be observed. In addition, the results may emphasize the importance of identifying the MBC subtype, and the significant association between the degree of response to NAC and the subtype.

Impact of French Oak Chip Maturation on the Volatile Composition and Sensory Profile of Agiorgitiko Wine

The traditional practice of aging wines in oak barrels has long been associated with the evolution of wine aromas. However, due to rising costs, alternative approaches like aging with oak chips have gained popularity. The aging time, addition dose, and type of toasting of the oak chips are critical parameters affecting the quality of the wine’s aroma. In this study, we focus on wines from Agiorgitiko variety and explore the impact of oak chip maturation on both volatile composition and sensory profile. By analyzing volatile compounds of wine aroma using GC-MS/MS and conducting descriptive sensory analysis, we investigate the effects of three different oak chip toasting levels, three dosages, and three aging periods. Our findings reveal that almost all wines aged with oak chips exhibit higher ester concentrations compared to the control. Notably, heavily toasted oak chips contribute to the sensory attribute of smoky aroma, while medium oak chips are associated with the sensory attribute of barrel aroma. This study provides valuable data for winemakers to determine the most suitable application for their product.

Effect of Temperature Conditions on the Physicochemical Quality of Aged Black Garlic.

This study investigates the effects of different temperature conditions on the quality of black garlic (BG) during the aging process. Two temperature protocols were employed: gradual heating and cooling (GHC), where the temperature was slowly raised from 45 °C to 77 °C and then lowered to 59 °C at a rate of 1 °C per hour, and rapid heating and cooling (RHC), where the temperature was quickly raised from 45 °C to 85 °C and then lowered to 56 °C at a rate of 1 °C every 30 min. Changes in surface color, hardness, moisture, pH, fructose, total polyphenol content (TPC), and key sulfur compounds such as alliin, S-allylcysteine (SAC), and γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine (γ-GSAC) were analyzed. Our findings showed that GHC led to a higher increase in TPC and fructose content by the 15th day compared to RHC. In contrast, RHC retained significantly higher SAC concentrations, approximately 1.7 times that of GHC, by the end of the aging period. Surface color changes, particularly in lightness and redness, were more pronounced under GHC, while RHC demonstrated superior moisture retention. These findings indicate that GHC is better suited for products prioritizing polyphenols and sugars, while RHC is more optimal for SAC-enriched BG. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing BG production for diverse food and medicinal applications through precise temperature modulation.

Can the Suspension Method (Tenderstretch vs. Achilles Tendon) Enhance Horsemeat Quality?

This study investigated whether the suspension method (tenderstretch, TS or Achilles tendon, AT) can improve the quality of horsemeat by analyzing longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. A total of 25 horse carcasses were considered experimental units and split longitudinally, with one half suspended using the TS method and the other half using the AT method, which enabled a direct comparison within the carcass. After 7 days of aging under commercial processing conditions, the LD and ST muscles were analyzed for pH, color (L*, a*, b*), water-holding capacity (drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss), tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force), and sarcomere length. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS, with Bonferroni correction applied for post hoc comparisons. Significant differences were found between the muscles: LD had higher tenderness (39.28 N vs. 49.77 N, p = 0.0011), lower cooking loss (23.56% vs. 27.04%, p = 0.0002), and higher thawing loss (12.38% vs. 9.72%, p = 0.0021) compared to ST muscle, which had a lighter color (L* = 41.90 vs. 37.73, p < 0.0001) and longer sarcomeres (2.22 μm vs. 1.74 μm, p < 0.0001). While the TS suspension method significantly increased sarcomere length (2.05 μm vs. 1.92 μm, p = 0.0020), it did not lead to significant improvements in other quality attributes such as pH, water-holding capacity, or tenderness. The results indicate that although the TS method affects muscle structure by elongating sarcomeres (with an average difference of 0.13 μm), it does not significantly improve the overall quality of the horsemeat compared to the AT method after 7 days of aging. A combination of factors beyond suspension methods, such as optimizing aging periods or considering additional processing techniques, may therefore be required to improve horsemeat quality. This study provides insights into the specific attributes of LD and ST muscles and their response to suspension methods and contributes to a better understanding of optimizing horsemeat quality for commercial purposes.

Investigation of Temperature-Step Aging of Beef Sirloin on Techno-Functional and Microbiological Attributes

In today’s increasingly demanding market, there is a growing need for high-quality beef products that offer exceptional sensory attributes and provide a premium gastronomic experience. The aim of this research was to develop a beef aging technology that is food-safe (validated by microbiological measurement), produces meat with a desirable color and texture as well as techno-functional properties (drip loss, pH), and also minimizes aging time. The experiments included a temperature-stepped, anaerobic process carried out in vacuum packaging. According to the temperature steps, SAMPLE GROUP I remained at 5 °C throughout the four-week aging period. SAMPLE GROUP II transitioned to a 1 °C environment after the first week, while SAMPLE GROUP III moved from a 5 °C to a 1 °C environment after the second week, and SAMPLE GROUP IV moved after the third week. Instrumentally measured parameters, such as the drip loss, pH, color, texture, and microbiological characteristics of the fresh meat, and at each week of aging for each group, were examined and evaluated by ANOVA or MANOVA. The study found that the drip loss decreased during the first week of aging, then increased, with no strong correlation to temperature. The pH increased in the first week, then decreased, which is linked to microbiological processes, though the changes were not statistically significant. Anaerobic microbial counts rose across all groups but remained within safe limits. Texture analysis showed that meat tenderness peaked after the first week due to proteolytic activity, with Fmax showing significant group differences. Using the technology presented in this paper, optimal aging was achieved after one week, but trend-like results suggested further changes and furthering the aging process will develop a harder texture.

Study on the age-period-cohort effects of cognitive abilities among older Chinese adults based on the cognitive reserve hypothesis

BackgroundCognitive abilities serves as a critical indicator of healthy aging. As China progresses into a stage of advanced population aging, there has been a significant increase in the number of elderly individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline. Despite this demographic shift, there is a paucity of longitudinal research examining cognitive abilities among older Chinese adults over extended time periods. This study aims to investigate changes in cognitive abilities and explore group differences among older Chinese adults aged 65 to 110 years, employing a multidimensional temporal approach that encompasses age, period, and birth cohort effects.MethodsThis study utilizes data from eight waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), spanning from 1998 to 2018. The dataset comprises 94,116 observations from 36,157 unique participants. Cognitive abilities are assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores as a proxy measure. To address the issue of perfect collinearity in the temporal dimension, the study employs the Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort Cross-Classified Random Effects Model (HAPC-CCREM). This model allows for the examination of age effects, period effects, and cohort effects on cognitive abilities among older Chinese adults. In the model specification, age is treated as a fixed effect, while period and birth cohort are incorporated as random effects. Drawing upon the cognitive reserve hypothesis, the study investigates significant factors influencing cognitive abilities in this population.ResultsAt the fixed-effect level, demographic factors, health behaviors, self-rated health, subjective well-being, and childhood adversity significantly influence cognitive abilities among older Chinese adults. The age effects are significant, with cognitive abilities exhibiting an inverted U-shaped curve across the lifespan. At the random-effect level, period effects are significant, revealing a gradual annual increase in overall cognitive levels among older Chinese adults since 2008. Cohort effects are also significant, demonstrating an increasing trend in overall cognitive levels for the earlier-born cohorts in the first six groups. Conversely, later-born cohorts in the latter five groups show a declining trend in overall cognitive levels. Notably, period effects significantly enhance cohort effects.ConclusionsThe cognitive reserve hypothesis supports the significance of the majority of identified influencing factors. Cognitive abilities demonstrate an accelerating decline with increasing age, following an evolutionary trajectory consistent with physiological principles among older Chinese adults. Since 2008, cognitive abilities have shown a monotonic increasing trend annually, further validating the Flynn effect in this population. The cognitive abilities of the six earlier-born cohorts exhibit an increasing trend, supporting the compression of morbidity hypothesis. Conversely, the cognitive abilities of the five later-born cohorts show a declining trend, supporting the expansion of morbidity hypothesis. These findings collectively contribute to our understanding of cognitive aging patterns and their underlying mechanisms among older Chinese adults.