To investigate the associations between exercise habit changes following an incident cardiovascular event and mortality in older adults.
We analysed the relationship between exercise habit change and ...all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular deaths in adults aged ≥60 years between 2003 and 2012 who underwent two consecutive health examinations within 2 years before and after diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). They were categorised into four groups according to exercise habit changes: persistent non-exercisers, exercise dropouts, new exercisers and exercise maintainers. Differences in baseline characteristics were adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting.
Of 6076 participants, the median age was 72 (IQR 69-76) years and men accounted for 50.6%. Compared with persistent non-exercisers (incidence rate (IR) 4.8 per 100 person-years), new exercisers (IR 3.5, HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.91) and exercise maintainers (IR 2.9, HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.73) were associated with reduced risk of all-cause death. The rate of non-cardiovascular death was significantly lower in new exercisers (IR 2.3, HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95) and exercise maintainers (IR 2.3, HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.90) than in persistent non-exercisers (IR 3.2). Also, trends towards reduced cardiovascular death in new exercisers and exercise maintainers were observed (p value for trend <0.001).
More virtuous exercise trajectories in older adults with CVD are associated with lower mortality rates. Our results support public health recommendations for older adults with CVD to perform physical activity.
In surgeries where general anesthesia is required, the auscultation of heart and lung sounds is essential to provide information on the patient’s cardiorespiratory system. Heart and lung sounds can ...be recorded using an esophageal stethoscope; however, there is huge background noise when this device is used in an operating room. In this study, a digital esophageal stethoscope system was designed. A 3D-printed case filled with Polydimethylsiloxane material was designed to hold two electret-type microphones. One of the microphones was placed inside the printed case to collect the heart and lung sound signals coming out from the patient through the esophageal catheter, the other was mounted on the surface of the case to collect the operating room sounds. A developed adaptive noise canceling algorithm was implemented to remove the operating room noise corrupted with the main heart and lung sound signals and the output signal was displayed on software application developed especially for this study. Using the designed case, the noise level of the signal was reduced to some extent, and by adding the adaptive filter, further noise reduction was achieved. The designed system is lightweight and can provide noise-free heart and lung sound signals.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Recent research has increasingly focused on the potential applications of carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid composites in wearable sensor technologies. Piezoresistivity, which is characterized by the ...ability to detect alterations in electrical resistance in response to external forces, is a pivotal attribute of resistive sensors. Numerous studies have attempted to improve this performance by incorporating secondary fillers. Despite extensive efforts to comprehend the influence of the dimensions of secondary fillers on electrical conductivity under static and dynamic conditions, notable confusion persists in the literature regarding the comparative analysis of the effects of nano- and microscale secondary fillers. In this study, two distinct sizes of silica particles were introduced as secondary fillers in CNT/polymer composites, followed by a rigorous comparative analysis of their mechanical and electrical properties under static conditions. Furthermore, this study assessed the influence of the silica particle size on the electrical resistance under dynamic tensile conditions, elucidating its impact on the conductive network.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
ABSTRACT
Hypoxia and limited vascularization inhibit bone growth and recovery after surgical debridement to treat osteomyelitis. Similarly, despite significant efforts to create functional ...tissue‐engineered organs, clinical success is often hindered by insufficient oxygen diffusion and poor vascularization. To overcome these shortcomings, we previously used the oxygen carrier perfluorooctane (PFO) to develop PFO emulsion‐loaded hollow microparticles (PFO‐HPs). PFO‐HPs act as a local oxygen source that increase cell viability and maintains the osteogenic differentiation potency of human periosteum‐derived cells (hPDCs) under hypoxic conditions. In the present study, we used a miniature pig model of mandibular osteomyelitis to investigate bone regeneration using hPDCs seeded on PFO‐HPs (hPDCs/PFO‐HP) or hPDCs seeded on phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS)‐HPs (hPDCs/PBS‐HP). Osteomyelitis is characterized by a series of microbial invasion, vascular disruption, bony necrosis, and sequestrum formation due to impaired host defense response. Sequential plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and 3D reconstructed CT images revealed new bone formation was more advanced in defects that had been implanted with the hPDCs/PFO‐HPs than in defects implanted with the hPDCs/PBS‐HP. Thus, PFO‐HPs are a promising tissue engineering approach to repair challenging bone defects and regenerate structurally organized bone tissue with 3D architecture.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Although minimally invasive techniques for distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy have been regarded as a feasible and safe treatment option for benign and borderline malignant ...lesions of the pancreas, the management of left-sided pancreatic cancer remains controversial.
Methods
From June 2007 to November 2010, 12 patients underwent laparoscopic or robotic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) for well-selected left-sided pancreatic cancer. The Yonsei criteria for patient selection included the following conditions: (1) tumor confined to the pancreas, (2) intact fascial layer between the distal pancreas and the left adrenal gland and kidney, and (3) tumor located more than 1–2 cm from the celiac axis. We compared the clinicopathologic factors and oncologic outcomes of the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and the conventional open surgery groups for treating left-sided pancreatic cancer.
Results
In the MIS group, the mean tumor size was 2.75 ± 1.32 cm, and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 10.5 ± 7.14. The resection margins were confirmed to be negative for malignancy in all patients. The MIS group and open group (
n
= 78) were statistically different in terms of tumor size (2.8 ± 1.3 vs. 3.5 ± 1.9 cm,
p
= 0.05) and length of hospital stay (12.3 ± 6.8 vs. 22.4 ± 21.6 days,
p
= 0.002). On survival analysis, the MIS group had longer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than the open group (DFS: 47.6 vs. 24.7 months,
p
= 0.027; OS: 60.0 vs. 30.7 months,
p
= 0.046). In order to overcome the heterogeneity of subjects between the MIS and the open group, we performed statically matched comparisons using the propensity score analysis and then divided the open group into two subgroups according to the Yonsei criteria. There were no significant differences in median overall survival between the MIS group and the open group that met the Yonsei criteria (60.00 vs. 60.72 months,
p
= 0.616).
Conclusions
Minimally invasive RAMPS is not only technically feasible but also oncologically safe in cases of well-selected left-sided pancreatic cancer. Our selection criteria for minimally invasive RAMPS needs to be further validated based on additional large-volume studies.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
This study examines the mechanisms through which employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) facilitate their performances of extra-role behaviors (i.e., organizational ...citizenship behaviors (OCBs) and creative behaviors). Because we intended to explore employees’ extra-role behaviors in workplaces, we used the survey method and collected the data from 505 employees working in IT companies in South Korea. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a path analysis and a bootstrapping method using SPSS 27.0 and the PROCESS macro. Our results show that CSR perceptions are positively related to both OCBs and creative behaviors. In addition, compassion and positive psychological capital mediate positive relationships. By demonstrating the mechanism through which employees’ CSR perceptions lead to their two forms of extra-role behaviors at work via compassion and positive psychological capital, our results provide a more comprehensive view of their effects at work. Furthermore, in addition to the instrumental benefits of CSR activities, such as their positive effects on corporate performance, our results suggest that engaging in CSR activities is vital for organizations seeking corporate sustainability.
•Alkali-activated fly ash with pozzolanic reaction reached 60 MPa at ambient condition.•Silica fume enhanced reaction participation of Ca2+ in alkaline environment.•Significant contribution to ...strength development was induced from pozzolanic reaction.•Physical filling effect by addition of silica fume was negligible in tested mix proportions.
Despite considerable efforts focused on the utilization of industrial wastes, the application of low-calcium fly ash to the construction industry is limited to the partial substitution to ordinary Portland cement. High-temperature curing is a method via which fly ash can be completely utilized as an alkali-activated construction material; however, additional energy is required. In this study, the dual reaction of alkali activation and the pozzolanic reaction was proposed to manufacture ambient-condition-curable structural mortars. For this purpose, calcium hydroxide was used in fly ash activated by sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions. A series of experiments, including compressive strength tests, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, heat of reaction, and mercury intrusion porosimetry, were conducted. The continuous pozzolanic reaction on the pre-formulated geopolymeric skeleton was found to significantly enhance the material properties. By the addition of silica fume and a 7:3 mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions, the material strength increased to greater than 60 MPa at 56 days. The added silica fume as well as the reduced alkali content of the solution enhanced the reactions due to the active participation of the calcium ion supplied by the added hydrated lime in a high pH environment.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Although alkanolamine (AA) have been utilized in cement production for ages, its chemical impact on cement hydration has not been well understood. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, a comparative ...study was conducted using AA, including ethanol diisopropanolamine and diethanol isopropanolamine, either as a grinding agent (GA) or as a chemical admixture (CA). When AA was added as a CA, delayed tricalcium silicate (C3S) reaction was observed. Meanwhile, added AA during grinding enhanced C3S reaction both in the early and later stages. In both stages, the hydration of tetracalcium aluminoferrite was also enhanced, leading to the decomposition of the AFt phase into hemicarboaluminate and monosulfoaluminate phases. However, these effects were less activated in CA samples, resulting in lower production of C–S–H and AFm phases as well as reduced strength. It is suggested that the favorable hydration effect of GA can be significantly underestimated when it is tested as a form of CA.
•Three different types of alkanolamine (AA)-based grinding agents have been compared.•C3S reaction was delayed when AA was applied as chemical admixture.•C3S reaction was enhanced in early and later stages if it was used during grinding process.•Reaction of C4AF was also facilitated to lead more production of hydration products.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Chronic compression or ischemia of the spinal cord in the cervical spine causes a clinical syndrome known as cervical myelopathy. Recently, a new term “degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM)” was ...introduced. DCM encompasses spondylosis, intervertebral disk herniation, facet arthrosis, ligamentous hypertrophy, calcification, and ossification. The pathophysiology of DCM includes structural and functional abnormalities of the spinal cord caused by static and dynamic factors. In nonoperative patients, cervical myelopathy has a poor prognosis. Surgical treatments, such as anterior or posterior decompression accompanying arthrodesis, arthroplasty, or laminoplasty, should be considered for patients with chronic progressive cervical myelopathy. Surgical decompression can prevent the progression of myelopathy and improve the neurologic status, functional outcomes, and quality of life, irrespective of differences in medical systems and sociocultural determinants of health. The anterior surgical approach to the cervical spine has the advantage of removing or floating the intervertebral disk, osteophytes, and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament that compress the spinal cord directly. The posterior surgical approach to the cervical spine is mainly used for multisegment spinal cord compression in patients with cervical lordosis. In this review article, we addressed the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for DCM.
Knowledge regarding the genetic risk loci for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still limited. In this study, we performed a two-stage genome-wide association analysis in Korean women. In the ...stage 1 genome scan, 468 women with GDM and 1,242 nondiabetic control women were compared using 2.19 million genotyped or imputed markers. We selected 11 loci for further genotyping in stage 2 samples of 931 case and 783 control subjects. The joint effect of stage 1 plus stage 2 studies was analyzed by meta-analysis. We also investigated the effect of known type 2 diabetes variants in GDM. Two loci known to be associated with type 2 diabetes had a genome-wide significant association with GDM in the joint analysis. rs7754840, a variant in CDKAL1, had the strongest association with GDM (odds ratio 1.518; P=6.65×10(-16)). A variant near MTNR1B, rs10830962, was also significantly associated with the risk of GDM (1.454; P=2.49×10(-13)). We found that there is an excess of association between known type 2 diabetes variants and GDM above what is expected under the null hypothesis. In conclusion, we have confirmed that genetic variants in CDKAL1 and near MTNR1B are strongly associated with GDM in Korean women. There seems to be a shared genetic basis between GDM and type 2 diabetes.
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